Spend some brass, make some gold!

Yesterday I had a conversation with my colleague from down south in Johor Bahru and we conversed about various matters.

In that 45-minute conversation over the phone I shared with her how I was able to secure renewals from my clients in the networking groups that I lead.

I explained to my colleague that sometime in April and May this year, there were 18 members who were due for renewal of their memberships. And by any standards, this is a high number of those due for renewal.

I recall that I had made the decision in February itself that I will invest in an incentive program to ensure that these renewals come in and on time as well, and if possible come in even earlier than the due date. Therefore, for those who renew their memberships at least 1 full calendar month ahead, I decided to present them with a gift worth RM60, which was a book published in the subject of business networking.

I ended up giving out 17 books, which worked out to RM1,020. Which meant that 17 members renewed their memberships, not only on time but at least a month earlier.

Good business? You be the judge. I definitely think so.

Yes, spend some brass, make some gold!

It's that time of the month again

And it's my favourite time of the month.

My clients normally pay me mid-month, so sometime this week I will be cutting up my pizza again. Ching-ching!!

Today was also a special day as I had the opportunity to spend some time with my family and explain to my brother, after our lunch together on the 6 different holding accounts that are required to effectively manage our finances. For details, I refer you to the article I wrote a few months ago.

Smallest things make the biggest difference? You bet.

I have started and have continued this habit, and I am on my way to economic prosperity.

I invite you to join me. Examine the article, implement it and you will find your finances in harmony before long.

In the meantime, this week is 'ching-ching' week!

Kindness goes a long way

Over this past calendar month, there is certain person who is a member of a referral generation group I am leading, who is always absent.

Being absent from a networking group is a big thing. By no means something to be taken lightly.

The other team members keep giving me news about this absent member and I can see their frustration and in some cases, even down right pissed at this person.

And what do you think happens to me as I receive the news from my trusted colleagues in the group. Yes, you are right, equally pissed!

So I had made a decision, that if this person still is not present in the meeting today, then that should be that, and that we should let this person go and move on. Yes you guessed right, this person didn't show. A text message to the group leader indicated that a sore-throat had incapacitated this person.

Luckily on my way out, while waiting for the elevator, another member whom I solicited his opinion suggested that I speak to this person again, out of courtesy, and still give an opportunity to this person, albeit the last time being given the chance to do so.

So I sent her a text message: 'Hi, understand that u haven't been well. Once recovered, do gv me a ring so we can converse about your membership. Let's discuss options moving ahead, as it would be shame to lose a member with a sound business like u. Aim to ring me before Friday? Thanks, Riyaz'

To which I received a reply an hour later that owing to no voice, I will be contacted upon later in the week.

Yes, it was easy to lose it and simply move on. But I think at times, we need to know when to push and when to pull.

Right now, as this group consolidates and regroups, I will pull.

And with a little kindness.

Coming a long way

This morning, I attended a management meeting of a networking group where the purpose of this meeting was to oversee the administration of the group.

I was very impressed that amidst the pouring rain since 5.30am this morning, all those involved in the management team were present by 7.30am. The hot breakfast certainly helped keep everyone warm and comfortable although all would have been even more comfortable in their warm beds under a warm blanket. And yours truly included.

The team were well prepared for this meeting in all areas: review of performance, growth goals, membership issues, cash-flow and petty cash matters, education plans and goals as well as planning of events to foster greater unity among members.

It was great to note that the Membership Committee from this group are indeed red-hot to borderline white-hot in being firm with the issues surrounding memberships in the group. They were objective in their assessment of each membership in their group. All personalities were put aside. All decisions were made in the interest of the group first.

A good leadership from the group's chairperson has indeed helped the group very much.

Reflecting on this, I think it was a simple seed that was planted months ago: treat people with the respect they deserve while being affirmative on overall mission of the organization.

Today, as I myself am thriving from a series of setbacks in recent times, the energy from this team here has given me hope. They will do very well in their determination to succeed.

Yes folks, you have all come a long way. I am so proud of all you, and you know who you are!

It's bigger than you think

I was having a conversation with a team leader from a group where currently things are not going well for them.

The main reasons are the undercurrents of dissatisfaction and issues among the members on both personal and their business levels.

I helped the team leader zoom in and identify the personalities who we see as the contributors to the undercurrent.

We identified 3 individuals.

Of the 3, one has an unresolved issue which needs addressing. Another has a personal-work issue which crept up in the team, and is undergoing an 'attitude-attack' so to speak. And still the last one has an ailing business in which the vibes (negative vibes) are being brought into the team.

We are in the midst of resolving these issues and on the crunch of it, both the team leader and I are so perplexed at how people can get so muddled up with their lives that they do not see beyond them.

Folks, a system or everything in life is bigger than you think. We must think with an attitude of solving issues and moving on as there always will be issues, rather than being muddled with pity-parties. Pity parties serve a purpose for a period if time and space however, in a team environment, it doesn't help one bit.

As I was winding down after a very hectic year, this thing has come up and it appears that it needs my immediate and undivided attention!