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!

Networking education goals for 2010

I was reflecting over the happenings these past few month and have come out with a networking education goals for all the members in the Referral Generation group I lead.

In 2008, a heavy emphasis was given in Open Networking, where we taught all members to engage in effective open-ended questions to generate more business for each other.

While we have kept on revising that, I have this year, 2009, brushed up Visitor Hosting skills for all groups I lead. I believe this has generated effective results for all. Further, this has added a touch of professionalism and polish to the groups.

To ensure continued economic prosperity for all, in 2010, I am going to be focused on empowering all members with the ability of conducting effective 1-2-1 interview meetings with their colleagues in their groups so as to be able to gain deeper understanding, as well as commit to goals in giving referrals to each other.

I believe this will go a long way.

And while I come out with a written plan on this, I am certainly verbalizing it wherever I can.

Neither here nor there

Alright, this is a heavy discussion, and you will need to be up for it:

I was having a conversation with some partners about why I ended up being in their circle.

Sometime in 1997, I read a book titled: Boom, Bust, Echo, written by a Canadian researcher on human demographics and that book discussed how generations are formed and explained why the demographics existing today existed.

The book asserts that those born post World-War II are the Boomers, basically from the soldiers who returned from duty who were having a jolly time re-populating the earth. The babies from this party are called the Boom generation. In other words, those born from 1946 to 1962.

If you look at those born in this generation, you will see them as owners of large and successful businesses, CEOs of large corporations, politicians sitting in high offices.

Then, comes the Bust generation, and these are those born from 1963 up to about 1969, though those born up to 1971 can also be pooled up in the same pond.

The Boom generation started re-producing from about 1971 onwards up to mid 90s. The offsprings from them are the Echo generation.

Okay, got the framework of the discussion? Summary as follows:

Born from 1946 to 1962 are known as Boom generation.

Born from 1963 to 1971 are the Bust generation.

Born from 1972 to mid 90s are the Echo generation.

Now comes the analysis:

I am born in 1969, and am in the Bust generation.

The Boom generation sitting in high offices are still there, albeit some now planning their retirement. And when they retire, who will succeed them? Bear in mind that many have been enjoying this position for a good 10 - 15 years now in senior positions, as their careers progressed.

So now, the succession. Who will succeed these generation? Is it my generation? The Bust generation?

According to the book the answer is a sound No!

Because by that time comes to succeed the Boomers who are retiring, our age groups will be circa 41 - 49, which according to norms, are merely 10 years from our own retirement, and therefore, it is better to prepare someone who is currently below 40 years, age wise and work them up.

Therefore, the Bust generation are by-passed. Of course, there will be exceptions, in certain places and situations.

You see, I feel it in my bones that I am a talented, highly skilled individual. And I am among the best in the industry that I am in.

But will a company succession plan have me in their plans?

If your answer to this is 'Yes' then you need to re-think. Because it was a No!

During my years as a Systems Integrator in some IT firms, I was not just a mere sales-executive writing up proposals and entertaining clients in karaoke parlours in cajoling them to confirm their purchases. I was also offering to them expertise in systems, processes, and enhancements of their company operations.

I was also often providing feedback to my own company management on various elements of business such as operations, warehousing, even cash flow and vendor management. And was my input as good as those in management? You bet your bottom dollar it was!

Now, the management consisted of those in the Boom generation, whereas I was a knuckle-scrubber doing the work, and this is where the problem started: they saw me as a threat.

Because I offered input just as good, if not better, and cost the company a third in terms of the pay-package, I quickly was brought into the inner-circle by the boss. But the senior management didn't see it that way, as they saw me as a direct threat to their existence, and lifestyle of business class travels, higher company car allowances, etc etc etc...

So I was put in the chiller and drowned in projects that were doomed for failure. Partly to discredit.

It worked, as the projects I was assigned to were non-starters in the first place.

That's why, I ended up working on my own, and pulled myself up.

Still I feel, I am neither here nor there.

I am in between. And right now, that's not a fun place to be.

But in the meantime, to friends reading this, I am very much part of your lives... for now at least, so let's enjoy it till it lasts!

Separating the cream from the milk... Part 2

I have been doing some reflection, as the year draws to an end.

On conducting some mental CRM, I came across a trend in my business and teams within my business.

I was analyzing the reasons why some people leave their networking groups, albeit their groups are generating referrals for them. The problem was not their groups, it was always the person. Surprised? I wasn't. Because...

The person who has a strong business, established with systems and operating smoothly, are all very much part of their networking groups. These are in fact, individuals who have been there for more than 5-years on the average. And often, these are also the movers and shakers of their groups, and are always seen behind the scenes in the leadership of their respective groups.

The problem comes from individuals whose business and operations are not in place.

I have seen this as a common denominator from the individuals who have resigned or left their networking groups prematurely. From 48 cases which I analyzed over the past week, as many as 41 fell in this category. This formed a staggering 85% of cases.

On the remaining 7 (about 15%) of those who left, left for sound reasons, such as: ill-health, change in business focus, or personal reasons.

I find these numbers both perplexing as well as alarming. I am alarmed at the number of business people who are not up to speed in the unforgiving world of business.

A business out of passion will work, however, only to a certain level, and to sustain and succeed beyond that, a serious re-look needs to be given. A proper business model needs to be designed and structured and systems need to be in place. And then comes the challenging bit of maintaining the system for consistency of operation.

I am now finding the inner-strength and inner-circle of team members who will be in a Forum to resolve this, for the benefit of the people in their networking groups.

I have done piece-meal programs in the past such as The Mastery Program, but now it is clear that a comprehensive program is needed.

And this is my own curtain call, as I myself move on to different levels and areas within my business and my career.

I hope to find solid answers in this quest.

Comments and feedback and participation is welcomed!

The best text message I sent...

I am bringing a group of people to watch This is It.

Yesterday I was at the blood bank, and struck up a conversation with an officer there, and we started talking about this movie, and to which I invited her to come along, and bring her family as well.

I was hoping she would take up the offer, and she did! She rang me this morning, and asked if the offer was still on. 'Yes, it sure is', I boomed!

And that she would like to come with her spouse and their daughter.

I said that I will book the tickets online for her and be happy to have them come along.

Once I got back, I quickly logged in the cinema webpage and made the booking, and yes, it's all confirmed.

Then I sent her an sms text as follows: 'Your ticket is confirmed for the 9pm show tonight! I will be happy to host you and your family this evening. See you real soon!'

You see, the mind is enriched by what it receives but the heart is enriched by what it gives.

I look forward sending many more such messages!

The sperm which got distracted

Sometime last week, I was having a conversation with my spouse and this topic came up: the sperm.

Our conversation was about some matters which we needed to attend to, as well as some issues from the school where she taught. Both however, were fun conversations!

On the domestic scene, my wife concluded that (in view of the current circumstance) she wasn't the cleverest sperm, however just the fastest sperm that made it to conception. Of course I agreed wholeheartedly!

'I think the cleverest sperm almost made it to conception but got distracted half-way, hence the fastest sperm regained the lead and made it'!

How we laughed!

The same sentiment was shared when we spoke about some kids from the school she teaches: that the cleverest sperms almost made it, but may have been distracted to play a Nintendo game, or something.

At times, when the going gets tough, we gotta have some sense of humour to help deal with it.

This is it!

Last Saturday, I watched this show, the much anticipated This Is It, a movie on Michael Jackson's last concert rehearsal.

It took my breathe away as I absorbed it minute by minute, appreciating every moment, and learning everything possible.

Respect, admiration and love, are among the words that come to mind.

How our Michael prepares for every element in all of his shows. How hands on he is, and how he is the real master, and how he knows everything he wants.

I learnt so much from the master. 

I am still absorbing the lessons, and will watch this show another couple of times. 

Oh Michael, indeed, you have gone too soon.

God bless you. With love,

From your humble fan, brother, admirer, student.

The Taiping and Taipei connection

What's the connection between Taiping (a small industrial town in Northern Malaysia) and Taipei?

Actually, none that I know of.

Only that this morning, I attended a networking meeting where we received a guest who came from Taiping (he drove down this morning itself, and must have started his journey at 3 in the morning).

Shortly after, we received another 3 guests from Taipei, Taiwan and I believe they have been here for a few days.

The person who invited the guests from Taipei was a certain Mr. Tai from Hello Holidays, a member in this networking group.

During when the bit when guests were introduced, our Taiping guest explained that he was from Taiping.

This is when Mr. Tai got up to proclaim that his guests are from Taipei.

What's the connection?

Actually nothing.

Just that this is where the element of fun was injected into the meeting, and all present had a light moment to 'chill out' so to speak from the routines of a meeting.

It's important to have fun in the fundamentals, however, it's essential that the fun is 'powerful' fun rather than just fun for the sake of having fun.

Well done to the team. This created energies!

You can do it, mate!

I was speaking to my nephew on-line via a Facebook chat line the other day.

Now, this is a 21 year-old young man, albeit a bit confused due to various levels of family issues.

As a typical teenager with peers who smoke cigarettes, he developed a fond liking for fags earlier on. At the divine age of nineteen, he upgraded himself to 2 full packs a day.

And this has been on going till now.

So, the other day, over a casual conversation, we spoke about various things where the smoking issue came up.

He said that he is cutting down and is down to 1.5 full packs a day.

Now bear in mind that I am in the midst of reading Scott Peck's The Road Less Travelled, which discusses at the fundamental level the behaviourism patterns of people and the role of parenting in upbringing children.

We will not go to that as it will be too deep, but suffice to say at this moment that this kid needs clear guidance on certain aspects of life disciplines, among them delayed gratification.

When he started to understand in his heart the benefits of being a non-smoker (I asserted that smoking is dead-old fashioned, and is no longer cool, in fact, many frown and are in disdain with smokers) he confessed that he really wanted to stop.

It was comforting to know that he was considering nicotine patches as part of the cessation plan.

As our conversation progressed, it appeared that he was dead serious in this, and I figured that other than professional help such as a good physician, a reliable pharmacist and parental guidance (I am thinking of enrolling his grandparents) in the team, he needed to hear the word: 'You can do it, mate!'

He needed someone to believe in him.

I will keep you posted on our progress.

Trip down memory lane: The cough, phlegm, cold and the snake oil salesman

My spouse is recovering from a bad bout of a cough, phlegm and cold. No it's swine flu. Just something triggered by an allergy and went out of control.

Which made me recall: in 2003, I too had a bad-ass cough (the type that you cough your lungs out), massive phlegm and blocked-nose from cold.

It was bad!

What made it worse was the numerous snake-oil salesmen or saleswoman.

Everyone of them had a remedy for me.

Some would come and suggest that I get myself an aromateraphy set with combination of essential oils that would miracously heal me. 'You gotta trust me on this, Riyaz' they would plead.

Still some would suggest this elixir and that supplement. 'This really works, Riyaz, and it's good for you'.

Yet, another would suggest that I invest in a brand-new water and air filtration system that would cost me 3-months of wages in total to get! 'We have easy payment plans via credit cards, y'know, Riyaz and we think it's good for you'. Of course, I thought it was a very good idea to tell them to go to hell.

The problem was that this would set me back a good couple of hundred ringgit. Almost eight-hundred for the aromatheraphy set and at least three hundred for the elixirs. Never mind about the air and water filtration systems.

I would cough harder and harder so that they would go off. And take long bathroom breaks to wear them off.

Finally, I made a trip to the local chinese medicine shop and shared my predicament with the ah-chai there.

He listened intently, and then suggested the following:

1. Menthol inhalation - by dissolving a few small menthol crystals in a bowl of boiling water, and inhaling the fumes, while covering my head using a towel.
2. A drink brewed using Loh-Hon-Ko (a dried chinese fruit), and this would get rid of the phlegm, and hence, the cough will disappear within time.

Total cost: RM5.50 for the small bottle of menthol crystals, and RM2.50 for 3 pieces of Loh-Hon-Ko. Total RM8.

And I was cured in 2-days.

Snake-oil sales wo(men), shame on you, trying to profit from a sick man!

The 2 Envelopes

Within my teams, I have a position of a group Treasurer who has official and unofficial duties.

Among the unofficial duties include the management of the group monies and petty cash for the purpose of payment to meeting venues for meals and meeting facilities.

Every member will settle his meeting dues, on a monthly basis to the Treasurer. The Treasurer will keep a master record as a paper trail.

Now when it comes to payment, the venue will prepare one bill at the end of the function/event and the Treasurer will settle this on the day itself.

Now there could be balance from this as some members may be absent, and therefore, beyond the minimum pax required to be paid for, there is no need to pay for any members not present.

Therefore this extra monies will go into another account known as the Petty Cash.

So, all in all, the SilverOcean Accounting System is the simplest in the world. You only need 2 envelopes!

Envelope 1: to keep all dues collected from the current month from members and settle the weekly bills for the current month. No one is allowed to be in arrears. If any member doesn't settle by the 2nd week of the current month, must be denied entry into the meeting. Period. No need to debate, discuss, chat, anymore. No money, no honey and in that regard, no money, no entry, literally.

Therefore, any balance from this Envelope 1 is then transferred to Envelope 2: where we hold the Petty Cash.

Simple? Very!! None of this debit, credit mumbo-jumbo!

All you need is 2 envelopes. I will provide them for you!

On the last day of the month, I will request to all Treasurers to report what is the new balance inside the Petty Cash, which is the Envelope 2. I don't want to know anything else. Hey, life is complicated enough as it is, so why complicate it further with yet another statement of account with them debit and credit shit!

And yet, I receive spreadsheets with accounting jargon of debit and credit and I cringe!

Why do I cringe? Because the bloody statement would fail to tell me the only thing I am interested in. Which is: what the hell is the balance in the Petty Cash as of the last day of the month after all weekly bills are paid.

So, I am now in the process of buying some good quality envelopes which will last at least 6-months, to co-incide with the term the Treasurers serve the team.