If Sh** Comes your Way

Today a terrible piece of news reminded me this
Serverity of situation doesn’t matter
What does is how you face the music and overcome it

Imagine receiving a call from your event venue partner saying that they cannot support you

WHY NOT?
For one minute, my mind raced, desperately searching for answers
Then I took an extremely deep breathe, count to three, and mentally took notes of my alternatives

In life, there’re always alternatives
Never forget that
If things don’t turn out as you wish
Gather all your energy and resources to create a second route
Do it quickly, failure to do so will only lead you deeper into your own mess

The Question My Idol Asked

Today I met my idol
Am I sounding to immature?
How about role model? That’s more grown-up talk.

Yes, I met my role model today
As an intern, I used to cycle past his place at Lijiang China, wishing that I would one day be a guest at this luxurious resort.
Now, I look forward to the day I can hold my company retreat there
And today I spoke with the man himself

Mr Ho Kwon Ping

As an intern, I used to cycle past Lijiang's Banyan Tree resort and dream that I can be a guest there some day!

This was how we met
Shannon and I were at the wrong venue for a seminar
Late and rushing blindly to the right destination,
We almost ran past him if not for the media crew surrounding him

Ready to do a self introduction, we realised that we ran out of namecards!
Shannon sprint to the office to grab some cards while I stayed on to shadow his movements

It was a quick 3 min chat.
He asked,”Who are your competitors?”
A likely question, given that he believes every entrepreneur should be paranoid about their business.
Never rest on your laurels

To our great delight, he said we may collaborate (can’t say what it is, since nothing is confirmed)

Our encounter was a pure coincidence
We took action to engage him and that’s how we try, try and try

Seize every opportunity, heck failure
Unfortunately, they don’t teach this in school

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.