THINK

Spent some quality time with my family last Sunday at the China Square Flea Market. Yup, we rented a stall to sell our new, un-used stuff, as well as PRE-LOVED (a more pleasant word for "garang guni a.k.a 2nd hand") items. Also a chance to hone our sales techniques and marketing skills... not to mention the sense of satisfaction at the end of the day (the same feeling of closing a sale). We attracted quite a bit of crowd and browsers, more so than our neighbours, and even bumped into Danny and Evon. Danny bought me this poster titled "THINK" which I've put up in the office. Here's what it says:

THINK
If you think you are beaten, you are,

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you like to win, but you think you can't,

It is almost certain you won't.

If you think you'll lose, you're lost,

For out in the world we find,

Success begins with a fellow's will.

It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,

You've got to think high to rise,

You've got to be sure of yourself

before You can ever win a prize.

Life's battles don't always go

To the stronger or faster man.

But soon or late the man who wins,

Is the man who thinks he can.

~ C. W. Longenecker ~

Thanks, Danny. I hope it serves as great an inspirational purpose for you as it has for me... and probably for the rest of the family who is reading this.

La Famille in Seoul

All these years, I've been thankful for the incessant holiday incentives and cash rewards that Prudential dishes out to its sales force ever so generously. Kudos to the remarkable planning and strategizing that goes behind the issuance of these challenges. Throughout the entire year, we are spoilt with choice.. so many different kinds of awards and challenges up for grabs, each paying handsomely in its own way. During "the mad rush for A&H", as Esther puts it, I caught a glimpse of myself as a young FC back in those days, going after Fast Track, QC, QC Elite, Star Club, MDRT... often all by myself. Well, alone, yet not lonely, those were the days I used to quip that SFA was my favourite website. Oh well, it still IS now! I saw it in John, I saw it in Wing, I saw it in Danny and... of course I saw it in my own FATHER! The frantic calling, back-to-back appts, checking SFA updates, chasing New Biz for underwriting and approval, signing of CALs... those who are running for this challenge will know EXACTLY what I'm talkng about, right? All for that unambiguous objective alone. The crystal clear focus and direction. That hungry pursuit... that never-say-die attitude. PROUD of you guys, I AM. That's what you call the true spirit of FIGHTING. For those who are still in the league, I'm here to remind you that all's not lost yet. Make no mistake, the battle is still on and the verdict is in YOUR hands.

Happy Birthday, SINGAPORE

I was reading the Sunday Times this morning. On this significant day of the year, page after page, the papers, English and Chinese alike, were filled with greetings and salutations , from corporations and individuals, wishing the nation "Happy Birthday". Amidst other news and articles, this article written by Janadas Devan , Review Editor, evoked some thoughts:

"Singapore's National Day is an anti-anniversary. Unlike the independence day celebrations of other nations, Singapore's can never be a remembrance of its founding."

"History, usually generous and colourful in celebrating births, has bequeathed to us only one memorable event to mark our origin: Mr Lee Kuan Yew cried that day. He did not cry with joy."

"For me,", he said, "it is a moment of anguish." The SEPARATION "broke everything we stood for".

Many a times, it is tough decisions like this that pushes us out of our comfort zone in pursuit of greater achievements. As an agency, we have been faced with different threats, both internal and external. The decision to detach ourselves from our extended "family" gives us only ONE option alone -that is, to SUCCEED.

A brief history: In 1963, Singapore became part of the Federation of Malaysia. However, the union was short-lived. The Malaysian Central Government, ruled by the UMNO, became worried by the inclusion of Singapore's Chinese majority and the political challenge of the PAP in Malaysia. After a chain of events like racial riots, transport disruption etc, Lee Kuan Yew signed a separation agreement on 9 August 1965, declaring Singapore's independence. MM Lee was not without his fears. Singapore's lack of natural resources, a water supply that was beholden primarily to Malaysia and a very limited defensive capability were the major challenges staring at him in the face.

It is by no coincidence that National Day has always held a special place in my heart. Just to share some Kodak moments of the day:

"I love Singapore!!!"

The Fly Past

The nation recites the pledge in one voice at 8.22pm.

The Singapore Flyer -our nation's pride, dazzled in an illuminating RED.

Bother NOT with what others say. Fear NOT of tomorrow, for Together, WE can scale ALL heights.

1/3 of High School Graduates NEVER read ANOTHER book for the rest of their lives

According to statistics, in the US...

only 85% of the population makes it through high school

50% goes on to do "some college",

but only 27% get their Bachelor's degree.

So, from the total number of high school graduates, roughly the top third of them earn a four-year degree. The bottom third (who, arguably, shouldn't have bothered with college in the first place) drop out. These folks probably NEVER read another book for the rest of their lives.

AND, as some of you would have heard before, the most-read book in the world is the Bible and the most-read book in the US, is the TV Guide!

Why is that most people can't FINISH, or worse still, even bring themselves (or shall we say, have the courage?) to PICK UP a book?

We may be entangled in the hustle and bustle of this busy metropolitan city like ours, but I do believe BOOKS (selected) are a form of enrichment that should not be compromised on. To complete a book from the very first page to the last may not seem like a great deal to some people, but it does reflect, to a very great extent, the discipline to acquire NEW knowledge.. and the willingness to LEARN.

With the exception of those who drive (please don't try this stunt...), make use of your bus/train/cab journeys to catch up on your reading. New knowledge/ ideas ALWAYS has the power of making one feel more COMPETENT, ADEQUATE, CONFIDENT, especially during conversations.

I've been building a little library in the office in preparation for the team since a year or two ago, and there will constantly be new additions. SO... please don't feel shy to borrow (must sign in sign out one hor...). For those who are interested, some recommended authors for sales tehniques... Zig Ziglar! Brian Tracy! Joe Girard!

Guys, it's time for a good read! So pick up THAT book today!