All Marketers are Liars!

Here’s another interesting presentation by Seth Godin at Googleplex. He talks about how marketing has evolved in recent years. He talks about permission marketing and why it’s instrumental in today’s world as compared to the traditional interruption marketing. This is definately an insightful presentation and I truly believe that permission based marketing is the new marketing as today’s customers are a lot smarter, more inquisitive and have easier access to information than ever before.

Should have learn Mandarin better

This morning, I came across an article written by Xandria Ooi which reminds me of one of my biggest regrets in life: Not learning Mandarin. I remember the days when my mom diligently speaks in Mandarin to me and put me in Mandarin classes. And although I  followed my mom’s advice, my heart and mind was never really there to learn the language. And today, with China becoming the next global economy and thus, much opportunities will exists, it would be an added advantage if I have mastered the language. Never saw it coming. After all, I was only 7 then. Haha.

I’m writing this post specially for Caitlin because I have this feeling that when she grows up, she will have very little affinity with the Mandarin language and will go thru the same experience as I have. Coupled with the fact that both her parents are English educated and chances are she will be expose to the Western culture significantly, there will come a time when this post will be put into good use.

And when the time comes, here’s a message for you, baby:

请学习普通话。这是一个好为你的未来。我爱你

Read this article: rediscovering-mandarin

8 steps in making yourself an MVP

I came across an audio file by Jeevan Sahadevan in a BFM podcast. The title is

How do you make yourself different and valuable in the eyes of your customers (internally & externally) whether you’re  self employed and an employee?

In summary, the 8 steps in making yourself more valuable to your business or organization are;

1. Establishing goal clarity.
2. Be pro-active.
3. Rise early, work harder and stay longer.
4. Give your 100% participation.
5. Eliminate the “Blame/Excuse/Denial” attitude.
6. Develop Integrity.
7. Master Your Craft.
8. Complete your job fast and accurate.

It’s worth listening.

The story of the Internet

Here’s an inspiring presentation by Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com on how the internet story is similar to the great American gold rush in the 1800’s. Gives you insights on the Internet evolution and the vast amount of opportunities it brings to connect people.

Getting inspiration for your ideas

You don’t get inspiration by sitting around a four walled room, enclosed from the world and pondering on your own. That’s more like meditation. You get inspiration by

• Reading books
• Watching movies
• Listen to BFM radio station
• Listen to how influential people talk or interviews of business leaders.
• Go for a holiday.
• Setup a brain storming session. Only invite those who can contribute. Thrash talkers are a no no.
• Go to  public places like  shopping malls and observe consumer behavior
• Talk to people related to matters that inspires you
• Hang out with your 6 month old baby. They can’t speak yet but they sure hell inspire you to a higher level of consciousness
• Do something humbling. Humility, I believe is the gateway of getting inspired. You can never be inspired if you’re filled with pride and confidence. That’s how Napoleon lost the war to the Duke of Wellington.
• Inspire people. Inspiration is a two way “virus”. By inspiring people, they will inspire you as well. The science of Tao, so to speak.

So, the next time you sit at office trying to figure out the next big campaign, leave the office. Free yourself. Go to the nearest park and seek your inspiration. Don’t worry about what your colleagues/boss think. After all, this is part of your job.