AlwaysWoW! For a Great Great WoW in Life

« July 2005 | Main | September 2005 »

August 31, 2005

The wooden plank

Back in April, I wrote about the training that I would take. The training helped me a lot in understanding how my mind works. It helps me to develop the mindset that I need to get through times in a way that others would see as challenging.

My current situation, after losing my job, and the way how I carried it through, is the best proof that it works. The basic message is that you can shape your mind and when you shape your mind, you can shape your reality and your destiny.

At the time of the original writing, I included a picture of the wooden plank that we would have to break. Solid wood, nothing to joke about.

When the course was completed, our trainer demonstrated how the board can be broken. We, the trainees, modelled his behaviour and his mindset. And, we all made it. We all broke the board.

Here is mine. It also highlights my own destiny. Sooner or later, I am going to run my own company. And it will be about helping people to change their mindset - to celebrate the great times and to help them to get through tough times, and to see the opportunities that lie ahead and within us.

Posted by Andreas at 04:27 PM | Comments (2)

August 30, 2005

Happy Birthday, Malaysia - a view from a foreigner

Happy Birthday, Malaysia. Tomorrow, you turn 48. Not too long to go and you reach half a century of independence from the British Colonial Rule. Time to reflect, isn't it, especially, since the mid-life crises is in full swing?

There are a lot of things that you have done well, considering all that could have gone wrong.

Actually, you achieved quite a lot. The time you were born, a lot of other countries reached their independence too. Some sooner, some later, but it was this wave after the Second World War, that "freed" (if I may say so) a lot of countries. Often, it was because the ruled realised that the rulers are not that great at all. And the ruler were pretty weak at that time, after the Second World War.

Many countries failed over the years after their independence. Many countries, especially in my beloved Africa. I say beloved, because Africa is, where my first dreams belonged to, after my graduation from university and even before.

Many other countries succeeded, especially those in Asia, that frequently went straight up economically from economically backward countries to economic powerhouses. I think of Korea, when I say this, because about 50 or 60 years back, they were one poor country with annual per-capita income of about US$60. Compare this with what they have reached today.

You, Malaysia, did well as well. You started your journey pretty poor with high level of poverty. A pure agricultural country. But you had a dream, and managed to put in achievable goals. And slowly, but steadily, you moved up the ranks. Okay, there were setbacks - May 1969 was one, but this is nothing compared to the major setback that hit Indonesia at the same time, when 100s of thousands of people were slaughtered.

You managed well to get through a civil war, and started to build up an industrial basis. Proton, with all the criticism that is blasted against the country, is one on those companies that hold your spirit high. And despite all those critics that booh Proton nowadays, I believe there was a great sense of pride the day, Proton was born. But there are other examples. What about the Perodua's, the Sime Darby's, the Ranhill's, Air Asia and so on. Sure, there was corruption and a lot of failure - think of the Renong saga, and the ongoing discussion about MAS. But so what. This is the growing up pain, isn't it?

You managed to float through the economic crisis of the end-1990s, against the will of international forces and advise - I have IMF and Worldbank in my mind.

A recent wind of change is blowing through the land as well. There are voices and noises that, again, argue and criticise. Some more rational, some less. They - whoever they are - act to what they know, and how they see it.

But listen carefully - Malaysia, you have come a long way. Looking around at the rest of the world, you and many other countries in Asia have shown, that the way out from poverty to becoming a global player is possible. Against many prophecies and many doomsday advocates, you always focused on your goal.

Keep on going. It is great, as a foreigner, to be part of this success. To be able to build the nation. To contribute, share, cry and enjoy, when things go well or not so well. Thank you, Malaysia, for allowing me to be part of you.

Posted by Andreas at 07:52 PM | Comments (2)

Done - I have the offer

I had a third meeting with the company. They called me, while I was in Singapore (I went there over the weekend), and I met them today.

The team that I would lead is pretty happy with what I showed and is looking forward to working with me. The other applicant that was in the race was internal what means, he or she works there already. The company wants to offer him/ her another opportunity - which, I think, is important.

There is the trend to promote from inside a company, which is important. The one from the insight knows "how things are done here", understands the value and is in sync with the culture. However, if an external candidate is favoured, there is the danger that the internal candidate leaves. It happens often enough and is understandable. It is important that companies try everything to keep the person - communication is everything in such situation.

Two factors were mentioned as very much in favour of me. One is my experience in a variety of industries and sectors, that will flow into my work, and the next is was my passion shown during the presentation. Coming from an HR background, the company looks already forward to improving their internal processes.

Important lesson, nevertheless. The HR person and the Managing Director was meeting up with me today, and I guess they would have been happy if I would have said "YES" on the spot. Don't do it. If a company wants to have you, than this is your strongest time. You can state your decision and your demands. It is your life and your career. So, after the offer, I go back and think through the offer. Is this really what I want? What else is important for me that I can ask them to add on. It is really, really impossible to go back to them after you signed a contract and say - "oh yes, I forgot, can we add this one on". Too late. You signed. So, think, before you speak!

Posted by Andreas at 07:22 PM | Comments (1)

August 25, 2005

The Interview

Okay - for those who are interested. The interview this morning was great - I would actually describe it as conversation. Interview sounds so one dimensional. I had a lot of fun, the company is fun, the client is fun. The job would be amazing, challenging and stretch me to the limit, but well, this also means that I learn.

I never had an interview where I had so much to laugh. The meeting took off with their 5 main people and me. At a later stage, their current project team joined. All guys!!! I have to change that. In my current company, there is a dire need for guys, and they are all crowded in my new potential employer.

What were the questions asked?

- What would be my first actions that I would undertake?
- How do I describe my leadership style?
- What drives me, how would I describe me?
- How would I react to someone who is challenging me?

Actually, easy questions - however, it was also easy because I was prepared. This aside from talking about myself, the challenges that I faced in my current job, and how I solved those,

We started off with the meeting early in the morning with a breakfast meeting. I came in a bit early and this was the time when I could relate to them, build rapport. I did this by helping them to set the table. In addition, I had one more advantage. I knew some of the people. Honestly, I know the chairman for Asia Pacific, and the Tea lady. Both from my time when I worked with the company about 8 years back. This helped to make up for a lot as well, but honestly, I hope it is more the demonstration of my capacity that they would hire me for.

Posted by Andreas at 03:30 PM | Comments (4)

August 22, 2005

Preparation time

I am, again, preparing for the interview. This time, it is for the face-to-face session with the company.

A variety of people will be present, I guess about 10 people. First, I will have a discussion with the Managing Director, with the HR person, and their external client. The one, whose account I would have to handle.

The position in question apparently requires a lot of presentations to different external groups. Something that I enjoy tremendously, and that I actually missed in my current job. Wow, it really gets better. So in order to estimate my capabilities better, I am required to prepare a presentation of about 15 minutes. This should be easy, and all I need to do is to maintain my inner calm, understand the audience, and breeze through my material.

It is completed already - I have done it over the weekend.

Following the presentation, there will be a discussion with the existing team. Naturally, they want to size me up, understand where I am coming from and what I can contribute. Basically, can they understand my German accent or not. This is also important for me. I need to get a feeling for them, and have to see, how I get along with them.

If all goes well - the presentation, client likes me, the team gets along with me - well, I have the job.

Posted by Andreas at 04:10 PM | Comments (6)

August 20, 2005

Gossip is good for you

Okay, I said that I don't like gossip or water cooler discussions. But may be gossip serves a purpose.

"There has been a tendency to denigrate gossip as sloppy and unreliable" and unworthy of serious study, said David Sloan Wilson, a professor of biology and anthropology at the State University of New York at Binghamton and the author of "Darwin's Cathedral," a book on evolution and group behavior. "But gossip appears to be a very sophisticated, multifunctional interaction which is important in policing behaviors in a group and defining group membership."

When two or more people huddle to share inside information about another person who is absent, they are often spreading important news, and enacting a mutually protective ritual that may have evolved from early grooming behaviors, some biologists argue."

Sneaking, lying and cheating among friends or acquaintances make for the most savory material, of course, and most people pass on their best nuggets to at least two other people. This grapevine branches out through almost every social group and it functions, in part, to keep people from straying too far outside the group's rules, written and unwritten.

(From the New York Times)

After all, we are just social animals, aren't we? So keep on spreading rumors, gossiping, through all channels, from blogs, to SMS, to face-to-face.

But then, I still believe that gossiping is not the way to go, and just because others are doing it, I don't need to follow. and who would trust me if I gossip, cheat and ly?

Posted by Andreas at 12:46 PM | Comments (4)

August 19, 2005

Nicky has been found

This morning, I asked about the whereabouts of Nicky, the tiger cub and just learnt that she has been found. Good news that needs to travel fast.

Posted by Andreas at 01:43 PM | Comments (3)

Nicky is missing

Tigers are great creatures. I always loved them, their style, their beauty.

This one, called Nicky, was saved from the cooking pot. It looked so scared when I posted first about her, and improved every day.

Now she is gone missing again. May be kidnapped, by whoever. There are not that many tigers left in the world, and I would love my kid to be able to see one real one. Not only on TV. But when people think first of their stomach and may be feel excited to eat or own one of the last of those majestic animals, what will happen to the world?

Posted by Andreas at 09:48 AM | Comments (4)

August 18, 2005

It's stupid to be afraid

This is what you expect from Lee Kuan Yew and this is a great interview with the German magazine Der Spiegel about his view world of the world and what is going to happen in the next few years of decade, with the rise of China and India.

I am providing an excerpt of the main part only (so it is long), but the rest is worthwhile a read as well.

All in all, the "old man" did it again - a great pointer for the rest of us!

"SPIEGEL: But how afraid should the West be?

Mr. Lee: It's stupid to be afraid. It's going to happen. I console myself this way. Suppose, China had never gone communist in 1949, suppose the Nationalist government had worked with the Americans -- China would be the great power in Asia -- not Japan, not Korea, not Hong Kong, not Singapore. Because China isolated itself, development took place on the periphery of Asia first.

SPIEGEL: Such a consolation won't be enough for the future.

Mr. Lee: Right. In 50 years I see China, Korea and Japan at the high-tech end of the value chain. Look at the numbers and quality of the engineers and scientists they produce and you know that this is where the R&D will be done. The Chinese have a space programme, they're going to put a man on the Moon and nobody sold them that technology. We have to face that. But you should not be afraid of that. You are leading in many fields which they cannot catch up with for many years, many decades. In pharmaceuticals, I don't see them catching up with the Germans for a long time.

SPIEGEL: That wouldn't feed anybody who works for Opel, would it?

Mr. Lee: A motor car is a commodity -- four wheels, a chassis, a motor. You can have modifications up and down, but it remains a commodity, and the Chinese can do commodities.

SPIEGEL: When you look to Western Europe, do you see a possible collapse of the society because of the overwhelming forces of globalization?

Mr. Lee: No. I see ten bitter years. In the end, the workers, whether they like it or not, will realize, that the cosy European world which they created after the war has come to an end.

SPIEGEL: How so?

Mr. Lee: The social contract that led to workers sitting on the boards of companies and everybody being happy rested on this condition: I work hard, I restore Germany's prosperity, and you, the state, you have to look after me. I'm entitled to go to Baden Baden for spa recuperation one month every year. This old system was gone in the blink of an eye when two to three billion people joined the race -- one billion in China, one billion in India and over half-a-billion in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.

SPIEGEL: The question is: How do you answer that challenge?

Mr. Lee: Chancellor Kohl tried to do it. He did it halfway then he had to pause. Schroeder tried to do it, now he's in a jam and has called an election. Merkel will go in and push, then she will get hammered before she can finish the job, but each time, they will push the restructuring a bit forward.

SPIEGEL: You think it's too slow?

Mr. Lee: It is painful because it is so slow. If your workers were rational they would say, yes, this is going to happen anyway, let's do the necessary things in one go. Instead of one month at the spa, take one week at the spa, work harder and longer for the same pay, compete with the East Europeans, invent in new technology, put more money into your R&D, keep ahead of the Chinese and the Indians.

SPIEGEL: You have seen yourself how hard it is to implement such strategies.

Mr. Lee: I faced this problem myself. Every year, our unions and the Labour Department subsidize trips to China and India. We tell the participants: Don't just look at the Great Wall but go to the factories and ask, "What are you paid?" What hours do you work?" And they come back shell-shocked. The Chinese had perestroika first, then glasnost. That's where the Russians made their mistake."

Posted by Andreas at 06:10 PM | Comments (5)

Customer service - it is that easy to make money

It is so easy to make money. Just satisfy your customers. The sad part is that a study is needed, once again, to proof this point.

The study that I am quoting here has been conducted by "The University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index, or ACSI" - the do this every quarter or so.

And it concludes that companies that concentrate on meeting customers' needs are the ones most Google and Yahoo, both companies that do not only do a great job at satisfying their customers but are also both financial successes (even so there was this row between Google and CNet).

There are more famous names.

The main thing that I actually want to point out is that it is easy to make money, once you understand your customer. And that is the challenge, because every customer is different.

VERY different. Never treat one customer the same as you treat the one before. One might prefer your smile on the face and is happy if the service takes longer, while the next customer might want to have a fast turnaround of his request.

So big question is, how to train customer service to be in tune with the customers? The main challenge is that customer service assistants must be in total rapport with the customer. Absolute, 100%. Most training programmes focus on techniques - one size fit all, a smile is enough - , and not on empathy or understanding of the customer. And this is what is lacking.

Posted by Andreas at 02:25 PM | Comments (0)

August 17, 2005

Reaching the next stage in the interview process

Okay - it is official. I have been selected for the face-to-face interview session. This will take place in the morning of August 25. I had a good feeling after the telephone interview. A friend of mine works for the company in Indonesia, and he told me that the company is pretty impressed with me, and so is the client. Similar signals were sent from the headhunter.

I am okay with it. The job sounds great, even so it would require a lot of traveling, to the US and across the region. This would impact my family life (and my blogging habits).

I have some doubts so - but the word doubt is too strong. Is it okay for me to enter another employment contract? Be at the mercy of another employer and to make myself valuable to them? I am ready to jump into self-employment, open my own company. In fact, I am actually talking to another company about a potential project! When I take that job, will I still be ready in another 2, 3 or 4 years (more two than four) to do my own thing?

Many questions are going through my mind and I want clarification before I would commit to anything. It is the fear to go it alone, but then, the corporate world only provides perceived security. They kick you when you don't deliver value.

Posted by Andreas at 01:50 PM | Comments (7)

August 14, 2005

Here goes to hugging

Earlier this year, there was the discussion about kissing and that it shouldn't be done. Even so kissing initiates puberty.

Now, here goes hugging.

Hugging is not sexual sensation, but it might lead to it, dependent on the intention. But 999 out of 1,000, it is a sign of empathy.

Here the definition from Wikipedia that says that "hugging is gently enclosing the arms around the trunk of each other." It continues with "A man and a woman who are friends may avoid physical intimacy to avoid associations with sexuality (for example if one or both have a relationship with someone else)."

Here we go.

By the way, is this hugging?

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Sculpture_Lea_Vivot_LAC_BAC.jpg)

What about this one?

http://www.fotosearch.com/DEX127/ph018_010/

Posted by Andreas at 10:47 AM | Comments (0)

The tiger and the haze

It was last week - Malaysia was shrouded in haze, everybody was complaining and hoping that the authorities would do something, in Malaysia, in Indonesia, anywhere.

In the newspapers, choking from reports about the haze, was another article that shows, why nothing is happening. Not after 1997, 1998 and not now, currently.

There was this tiger cub, whose destiny was a cooking pot in a restaurant in Malaysia. Someone heard about it, and bought the tiger. The animal was clearly suffering, sick, stressed and all.

The buyer wanted to inform the Wildlife Department in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur. He was told "to go to its office and fill up forms instead."

This is what is the problem in Malaysia. There is no empowerment of the individual. Everything must be clarified via forms. Everything is being studied first. If all else fails, the Prime Minister must make an Executive Decision, and only then, things move. Before, forms need to be filled out and everything gets delayed.

This is the relation between the tiger cub and the haze. Indecision, lack of empowerment, don't care attitude, indecisiveness. Pointint fingers at each other, not taking responsibility. It wasn't me, it is the other one. Who cares, if it was Indonesia or Malaysia or a Malaysian company in Indonesia. We are all in the same boat. Where are the ethics of the company that did it? Where is the government action? What about those that burn in Malaysia? What about those who let the engine of their car running and running and running - it does pollute as well. All those little things! But it is easier to point a finger, put in some redtape, and don't do anything, until the next time!

Posted by Andreas at 09:47 AM | Comments (2)

August 13, 2005

The interview

I had the interview yesterday. It was conducted via the phone and lasted for about 90 minutes.

When the interview started, I was sitting in front of my sofa, which was packed with piles of paper. Material about the company, their recent strategic moves, background to their industry. In addition, little note pages that outlined my answers to possible critical areas that they would like to know from me. Around 5 or 6, about leadership, revenue generation possibilities, weaknesses in my former jobs and what I learnt from it, situational description about challenges that I faced in my earlier jobs as well. All the things that one can read up on the web.

I like the client. He gave a quick 10,000 feet overview of the whole requirements and than described the microdetails. Very clear in the structure, easy to understand. This made it also more challenging for me to ask relevant questions in the end, something, that is frequently seen as crucial in an interview. I would probably take the job. It is a very challenging job, requires frequent travelling across the Asian region and to the US, training and supervision of managers and executives. Basically something that would make me feel important. But I would take it not because of that. I would take it because it stretches me to so far unknown limits. It is a huge account that I would head and have to manage. I would have frequent presentations and workshops, to all kinds of executives. It would provide me with tremendous growth opportunities, personal ones, but probably also professional ones.

The client and I had quite a good discussion. I frequently backtracked and summarised - this would assure the client (or any person), that I am on the same page.

He only ask about my professional development in Asia, and also inquired about my knowledge regarding trends in consumer behaviours. Relatively easy to answer, and I hope that I responded convincingly.

I didn't use much of the material that I prepared - however, it is better to be prepared than to be caught off guard.

I have the feeling the interview went well. The next round is in two weeks. The main danger for me is that I might be complacent. That I think, I have enough fallback plans so I actually don't need the job. I will know soon. While I have a good feeling, this is only on my side, of course, my perception. It might be totally different on the client's side, because "the meaning of the communication is the result I get, regardless of my intention". I can think that I was great, but if it doesn't work out, I have to think through what went wrong on my side! I am longing to have my own company - and this might have transpired in the conversation, without my conscious knowing! Anyway - let's see.

Posted by Andreas at 04:01 PM | Comments (3)

August 12, 2005

Love yourself, whatever the inner voice tells you

It is amazing how often I hear people talk bad about themselves. Either when I eavesdrop - accidentally or purposely -, when I talk to people about something, or when I communicate with people via the net, IM, on the phone or SMS.

Amazing.

There are statements like, I am not smart, I am too stupid to do this, what can I do, I was always clumsy - blablabla.

I think I wrote something similar earlier.

I just want to say - stop talking bullshit. There is always something positive about you! There is always something that you can do.

Shut the voice in your mind up!

It is telling you that you cannot do this, and cannot do that! It has a function, for sure, it will protect you. But too much is too much. Train it to appreciate what you are doing. Give yourself a pad on the shoulder. Don't say - ah, this was nothing - when people point out to you, that you did a great job.

This voice is with you for all your life - 24/7 or even longer. It is your friend, and should be your best friend, not just nagging.

Posted by Andreas at 03:45 PM | Comments (2)

August 11, 2005

Interview in the haze

I am preparing for an interview. The one opportunity that the headhunter provides looks really good. I won't tell much currenly, cannot say much, but it is a client servicing position. Basically, I would have to take care of a major account, working with the client, and "supervising" managers and executives. Just writing this makes me feel important.

So what do I do? I am preparing for an interview tomorrow, in which the client, the potential employer and I participate.

I am tapping into the Internet, to download material about the company. Checking my current company's databases to identify additional articles. Studied the company's financials. Read about their recent developments.

Thinking about the value add that I can contribute. What are my strength and my weaknesses. Be clear about the strength of my weaknesses.

Visualising, how the interview could go. And just do it!

And feeling good about it. There is everything to win for me. I am also preparing to establish and run my own company, have plenty of conversations around its potential and simply have fun.

Posted by Andreas at 09:25 PM | Comments (3)

August 09, 2005

This is actually fun

Since I am transitioning out from my job, I am busy. I am really, really busy. Meetings, calls, diners, lunch. WoW.

I am positive about what is happening to me and that forms my experience, and attracts positive vibes.

I am thinking positive, see positive and generally feel greatly excited. Thus, I am not behaving like a cheese and wonder, why rats follow me.

So my status is pretty good. My company proposes to work with me on a contract basis, and similar goes the thinking of a friend in a research agency.

I am talking to a training provider and there is the great chance that we develop trainings with him. Yesterday evening, I received a call from a very friendly headhunter from Australia - she works with a friend of mine in Malaysia, and we have a conversation later today about an opportunity in Malaysia. There is also the conference organiser with whom I explore opportunities.

Then there is the opportunity to go it alone.

I mean, come on, I have the experience, and I am good (great!!) in what I am doing.

My experience ranges from "basic or normal market research, knowledge management, corporate change management and internal and external communication - speak: employee opinion surveys -, customer orientation and how to make a company more customer friendly. In addition, I have quite an experience in business development and customer relationships (or, traditionally speaking: account management)

In between, I have the tingling inclination that I would like to help the "so-called" fresh graduates in finding a job (any takers?), by training them in communication and "improving" their resume.

This is getting too much, but it is incredible fun. And, honestly, I have not even started to seriously think about my future. The emphasis is on seriously. Of course, I weigh ideas, and opportunities, meet with friends, have chats on the phone, draw plans, mindmaps and all. Run those ideas through my blog and all, and all in all - I am feeling great. It is an AlwaysWoW time.

Posted by Andreas at 11:31 AM | Comments (4)

August 08, 2005

Reactions of colleagues - simple observations

Besides cleaning up the table, I can make more interesting observations.

The company frequently gets visitors from other countries and offices. All of them should know by now, that I am leaving the organisation.

On Friday, one executive from Singapore came to me, hugged me, and said that she felt very sorry for what is happening and that she is going to miss me.

Today, we have a visitor from Thailand. I thought he is a friend or that we are close to each other, understand each other.

He might not know how to express his feelings, but what shall I think if he doesn't indicate anything regarding the situation - neither pro nor con?

I believe and I have to mention it again, that everybody reacts to what they believe is best in the current situation.

It is like a program that we are running in our minds. I did react like this before and it worked. So I am reacting in the same way, the next time, something like this happens. And the next time, and the next. Until our mind is programmed to always react in the same way (what, by the way, makes change challenging and exciting).

Thus, how I see a situation, and how I react to it is a program in our mind. How he reacts to my situation is a program in his mind.

Lucky for me, I understand the way people react to my situation. Fully understand it. Otherwise, my mind could start to rattle along: "he doesn't like me, he never liked me, rarararara" - and so on. Simple interpretations, simple but far-reaching reactions.

But it is interesting to observe who is coming and expressing, saying, something, anything, and who doesn't.

Posted by Andreas at 10:19 AM | Comments (1)

August 04, 2005

Cleaning up

Since I am leaving the company I am currently working for, I need to clean up my desk, my shelves, my computer.

I am here since 5 years and wow, it is a lot that has been accummulated.

But may be this is a way forward? Normally, when I cleant up, I thought I want to keep this, and keep that. And stuff kept growing.

Now, in the end I realise, I don't need that stuff, never needed it. What about the banking report, that is 3 years old, the telco report, that I wrote way back? The newspaper article that is aged now, the magazines that are totally outdated.

It is only us who is addicted to the stuff. Next time, you clean up your desk, look at the papers. Think, if you would keep it if you would leave the company tomorrow. If you think that it is important for your successor to keep, leave it where it is. Otherwise, just throw it away.

I am getting sentimental, so. It is hard, now, sometimes, to see all that stuff laying around, my own memories attached to it, the work that I have done, my legacy. Well, there will always be the spirit of Andreas in the company. I changed the way that they look at things, and hope, that a piece of the spirit of AlwaysWoW will remain here.

Posted by Andreas at 03:44 PM | Comments (4)

Challenging clients - an overheard conversation

It is interesting to hear bits and pieces of what people say in the elevator, but it also reveals a lot about their thinking and attitutes. May be the speed of an elevator pressures us to reveal deeply hidden secrets, such as the one below:

Last week, I was in an elevator with a group of consultants and overheard their conversation.

The female consultant talked to another person, obviously a colleague.

She told him that clients should just leave her alone. She just wants to get down to work and do what she is suppose to do and what she believes is right. Further, she stated that she is happy to be in business development. Here, she can move on after a project has been won. She wouldn't like to be on projects because the project team is the one that faces the music for several months when working with the client.

Does this sound right? Not to me - to me, this is absolutely rubbish!

This is what I believe:
As a consultant, you need clients who challenge you and it is your damn duty as a consultant to stand your ground, to work together, to get the input from your client, to share knowledge, to gain knowledge, and to transfer knowledge.

It is wrong to think that just because you are a consultant, clients should leave you alone.

Again - we need clients who constantly challenge consultants, stretch them to the limit because without this, how can a client grow and a consultant stay in business?

Okay - there are clients that you need to fire as a company. Not all clients are nice clients. But, damn it, if you work with clients, work with them to the best. Or leave your line of employment and do something, where you are left alone.

Posted by Andreas at 03:36 PM | Comments (0)

August 03, 2005

Brand U

It was the battle cry of the 1990s, created (created?) by Tom Peters. The concept of branding yourself as a person, to develop the Brand Called You.

It has been criticised as selfish, egoistic, self-centered and destructive.

Branding was seen as no longer only applicable for products, services and corporations, but was suppose to influence the individual on the road, next to you, your neighbour, and even your dog.

Branding yourself was seen as the helpful weapon, to survive the fast growth and heavy change environment of the 1990s. If anything, it helps to focus yourself on what you are really good at. No, not good alone. Focus on what you are great at, where you differentiate yourself from the one next door. Just as everybody is different, it helps you to clearly identify yourself where you are, what you want to do and where you want to go.

May be it can be described as a pathway into your future.

It is amazing, how many people don't know what their own brand is. How people see them. What is their strength and their weakness. What are their chances, and opportunities. The personal areas where one should get better.

It is also amazing, how many people live their life on a day-to-day basis, without knowing where they want to go. Suddenly, one day, they wake up, it is 5 years later, and they feel a deep sense of being lost, having a mid-life crisis, looking for the young girl next door, or are frustrated with their achievement.

If I only... Does this sound familiar?

Well, it is an advertisement from Parkson that I saw last week in 1 Utama, and I actually quite liked it. I am glad that I had my PDA camera with me, so I could take the pic to share with you. Sorry if it is not that clear, but I hope you get the message.

In case you cannot read it, the sign says:

"Who r u? U r unique. Ur personality; ur looks, ur style... The ultimate brand is U."

I loved it!

Posted by Andreas at 04:56 PM | Comments (2)

August 02, 2005

This is AlwaysWoW!

AlwaysWoW is about the Great Wows in Life for companies and for individuals;

In business, it is about WoWing the customer and the employee. This is more than a simple satisfaction statement, more than creating delight, more than engagement.

In personal life, it is about stretching yourself, throwing out old beliefs and discovering new, and getting to a new and better WoW every single day of your life;

AlwaysWoW is about the belief and the value system of employees or you, personally;

It is about the way a company treats its employees and its customers in every aspect and in every interaction;

It is about turning simple projects into a WoW that blows you away;

AlwaysWoW is more than working from 9AM to 5PM, and another 3 hours to complete a project, but to do it because of true beliefs and values in what is been done;

AlwaysWoW is about the way a customer sees, feels, tastes, hears, uses and touches the products, and servics in their daily life, with friends or alone, in their personal or professional life and how they often change the product and service to suit their real needs;

It is about the aspiration and dreams, the belief and values that it is possible to change the world;

AlwaysWoW is about creativity and innovation, fun and involvement;

It is the WoW that I get when I find a new way of doing things after 5, 10, 20 or 30 attempts;

It is the energy to embark on a new journey and to enjoy every single step that ultimately brings me closer to my goals;

It is about the pleasure to know that it all starts with a single step;

AlwaysWoW is about making boring little steps to discover the universe new, every single day;

AlwaysWoW is about knowing that the universe is not big enough for my dreams and aspirations;

It is to know that competitors, customers, clients, employees, suppliers, retailers, distributors, men and women, old and young, You and you and YOU are human who always act to the best of their knowledge and the resources they have at any point of time;

AlwaysWoW is about my aspirations, your aspirations, to create something new, something better;

It is about AlwaysWoW as a WoWing mindset;

AlwaysWoW is about challenging and changing mental models and mindsets that hold us back;

AlwaysWoW is about discovering the strength in you and accelerating professional and personal growth;

It is about creating a new language that is AlwaysWoW!!

This is what AlwaysWoW stands for. For a true WoW in life!

If you want to live in an AlwaysWoW State of Life, feel free to contact me and let's link up.

nlp
mind
coaching
personal change
malaysia

Posted by Andreas at 06:35 PM | Comments (5)

My executive Part 2

I wrote here that I was a bit worried about my executive. Well, I am worried no more, lol.

A longer time back, she informed me that she would like to further her studies. Her first attempt didn't work out - the University of Hawaii didn't accept her.

She tried it again, just before I went on my leave to Germany, I wrote another recommendation for an Univeristy in the UK. Last week, the emotional rollercoaster went up. She received a letter that she has been accepted.

Wonderful!

Posted by Andreas at 07:30 AM | Comments (2)