Accept rejections and move on, quickly

I’m becoming more thick-skinned lately

I pursue passionately and get rejected flatly, but it’s ok

I find my next target and get on with life

Target, shoot and reload. It’s easy.

That’s how we do business.

Cold calls, endless emails, frequent follow-ups.

When they say no, try harder. If they still say no, clench your teeth, try doubly harder

And if they’re still bent on saying no, move over.

Learn to mend your 'broken heart' quickly cuz there's no time to waste!

Don’t let it hurt your confidence. (I was so distressed at our initial rejection over days, I swear)

After all, if your product offers real and unparalleled benefits, the dollar will come

Just keep looking, calling, talking and knocking

It’s a perseverance game

Don’t start scratching your head

It’s a simple formula

Motivating with Mcdonalds Breakfast and Häagen-Dazs Ice Cream

If you were a boss, how would you structure a fair pay structure to motivate your employees?

And if you were a boss of a start-up, wouldn’t it be tougher?

Today, Shannon and I met a programmer whom we fancy over dinner. Clearly he was attracted to our company. The people (that’s us), flexible working hours, enhanced work-life balance (we promise) and better career prospects. All these benefits couldn’t offset an average pay. We offered an ok amount, but the carrot just wasn’t juicy enough.

So we discussed and agreed to a gradual pay increase.  The maximum amount however, could not match his expected wage. This is the best we could offer and now, we’re waiting for a reply. If our offer is rejected, there’s always plan B.

Shannon and I also had a casual conversation on employee benefits. We propose offering Mcdonald’s breakfast or Häagen-Dazs ice cream as fortnight treats. Who’s in?? Or do you have suggestions? Tell us!

Who can resist this sweet treat? I have a weak spot for its green tea flavour. Give me a pint and I'll work through the night. haha!

Meanwhile, we’re expecting a talented Norwegian intern soon. There was a recommended allowance (which was really low at $200), but we chose to pay what we thought was a fair amount. In addition, we’ve prepared a cool name tent and a decent working environment for her as it’s important to make her feel welcomed. This is how we value our people.

I’m a firm believer that people are assets because the company can only become as great as the people running it. No lip service. I mean what I say.

Perhaps employee motivation isn’t rocket science. Just treat them how you’ll like to be treated.

I’m a crazy humpty dumpty

Holidays are relaxing, fun and rejuvenating

There’s wonderful sun, cheap massage and superlicious food

I thought I’ll be back, recharged and ready to earn my first million!

Sipping cocktail enjoying the beautiful sunset

Wrong wrong wrong…

For the past five days, I’ve been drinking porridge

Gulping panadols that never seem to work its magic (maybe it’s overdue?)

Worst, I’m becoming a dangerous road hazard

Whenever I check for traffic on my right,

I would clumsily turn my entire upper torso.

That’ll take about two seconds

Blame my sprained neck and don’t ask how I injured it

By the time I’ve ensure all roads are clear, getting ready to cross

I will attempt to turn my body back and that’s another 2 seconds

A lot can happen within those precious seconds

A flashy Ferrari would have drove at its legendary speed of 325km/h!

2 seconds before, it would be about 180m away that’s why I can’t see it!

Naturally, it would have rolled me over like a Humpty Dumpty – he doesn’t have a neck, and mine’s as good as gone too…

I'm as good as a humpty dumpty, without a functional neck...

My neck is sprained so badly that I have uneven shoulders

One up and another down, like a screwed up see-saw that cannot turn

And my head is always tilted sideways

Truth to be told

I’m fine with falling sick

It rarely happens

Even when it does

It lends me a perfect excuse to drop down all work and REST

I call this ‘Cai Lin’s Timeout!’

Afterall, everyone is always telling me how much I deserve it

Now, today, right at this terrible moment

It’s different

I just returned from a 5 day holiday (i.e. do nothing but play eat and sleep)

I cannot take another few days of idling

It’s driving me crazy

Great, now I’m a crazy humpty dumpty

So I went against my sinseh’s advice and worked half day through my condition

‘Good job Cai Lin’ I thought to myself

‘I’m so proud of you!’ I continue showering myself with praises

It’s been 4 days of half working and half not working

And guess what

My damn fever just

got worst.. last check was 38.8^oC

And my GP directed me to CGH for blood test

He think it’s dengue

Oh damn…

I swear I’ll listen to my sinseh forever

My sinseh told me to relax and be happy, will try will try!