Last night, my family and I were at The Hiding Place's Chinese New Year Bazaar @ Jalan Kayu. It's been an annual affair for the past few years - stocking up on New Year goodies and doing a bit of "shan4 shi4" (charitable works) at the same time, as the proceeds go to The Hiding Place, a halfway house for recovering drug addicts.
This year, I was in a less-than-joyous mood as I was battling a bad skin problem. My scalp was irritable and flaky, my eczema rashes had flared up again after appearing to be healing, and the humid weather was making me grumpy and feeling uncharitable towards mankind.
That was until we ran into Pastor Edmund.
We last saw PE and his family at our church retreat in June 05. He inspired as well as rebuked us because his lifestyle was completely opposite of everything we were striving for. He and his family live in a 4-room HDB flat, travel around by public transport (except when kind church members volunteer to ferry them around), and spend the school holidays doing missions work in Kolkatta, India.
I watched the kids (a 17-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy) closely throughout the retreat, and discovered to my amazement that they had a solid camaraderie as brother and sister, and a close bond with their parents. I eagerly looked for signs of resentment or bitterness at being forced to live such a minimalistic, materially deprived (to me) lifestyle, and found none. Unless they were extraordinarily good actors, they appeared genuinely content and happy with their lot. To me, that was incredible.
Last night, they were again knee-deep in good works, manning the cashiers' counter (the kids), helping to pack and sell pineapple tarts (Mrs PE), walking around to see that everything was ok (PE). PE and wife were delighted to see us. We, on the other hand, squirmed with discomfort.
As I confided to my husband, coming face to face with PE is an uncomfortable experience for me. I feel as if I have done something wrong and need to hide. Whenever I look him in the eye, his direct gaze seems to pierce through my self-centredness, my vain ambition, my endless seeking for financial and material security. His very lifestyle is a direct rebuke to me. I have more than enough, yet it is never enough. I spend anxious nights thinking of how to get more customers for my writing business, how to invite visitors to BNI, but not enough time spreading the Good News. If I applied myself to the spreading of God's Word with as much enthusiasm as I do my other ventures, perhaps God would be pleased.
As a dear sister reminded me in church on Sunday, who are we comparing ourselves with - our peers in private practice with their fancy children's birthday parties and bling bling-flashing spouses, or the Legal Aid applicants with no options, no money and no resources for their daily needs?
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
Am I In Business Or What?
Just moments after that last post, I had the most amazing phone call.
A lady with an East European accent called to say she is a freelance translator and would like to discuss the possibility of collaborating!
I have a hunch she got my number from the latest eguide listing (www.eguide.com.sg), which shows advertising does pay off.
While my sleep-fogged mind tried to process what she was saying, another idea struck me. I tried it out, and it worked like a charm. Basically, I told my caller about BNI and what it could do for her, and she agreed to come for our next breakfast meeting!
Now how is that for a mousy introvert who never believed she could sell anything to anyone?
A lady with an East European accent called to say she is a freelance translator and would like to discuss the possibility of collaborating!
I have a hunch she got my number from the latest eguide listing (www.eguide.com.sg), which shows advertising does pay off.
While my sleep-fogged mind tried to process what she was saying, another idea struck me. I tried it out, and it worked like a charm. Basically, I told my caller about BNI and what it could do for her, and she agreed to come for our next breakfast meeting!
Now how is that for a mousy introvert who never believed she could sell anything to anyone?
Drowning in Too Much Info
From time to time, I step back and ask myself what the heck I'm doing. These are just a couple of things I'm exploring, with no idea if any of them are worth the time, $ and effort invested in researching them.
- Affiliate marketing (How do you know which ones are real and which ones are a scam, without putting in some $ to try out the products?)
- Network marketing (It sounds so good, buying quality products to try out and then encouraging your friends and family to try them out too and profiting from the difference between the retail and wholesale price, but what if I'm lousy at sales?)
- Internet marketing (Setting up a website to buy and sell stuff on eBay or your own platform. How do I know what to buy/sell?)
- Barter exchange trading (The latest one I've heard is Ozone, which started in NZ and now has a presence in S'pore. I like the idea of trading without cash.)
- Business networking through a system of structured giving and receiving of referrals (This one definitely works. Or at least, the system that I know as BNI works.)
If only there was a totally independent, reliable source of info on all these ventures...
Sunday, January 15, 2006
High Hopes
God has been really gracious and generous this week.
In the space of 4 days, 1 met up with 3 different prospects to discuss ways I could meet their writing needs.
1st up on Monday morning was the CEO of an IT solutions company that offers graphic design, web design and photography services. Over a one-hour chat, the CEO mooted the possibility of outsourcing to me all the copywriting and business proposal writing needs of the company, subject to his partners' agreement.
On Thu morning, I met with the lady whose department has been tasked to roll out an ambitious PR campaign for occupational health and safety. She needs someone to translate the legalese in the new statute to language accessible to the layman. In addition, she needs powerful taglines for the collaterals that will convey the department's message to the world. The project is expected to run for a year.
On Wed evening, I met up with the financial adviser and her partners to discuss a writing project. It turned out they were recruiting writers for a series of educational books. Each writer would be an expert in their respective fields of practice. The ultimate objective was to release the books for publication throughout the year and to hold a conference in Dec, where the writers would speak at workshops during the conference.
I was asked what I would like to write on, bearing in mind that someone in the team had already started on a Creative Writing book. I thought hard, and finally suggested Career Counseling.
Career Counseling, I explained, is a subject that individuals of all ages need to know about, especially students faced with tough decisions about subject combinations, whether to go into the Arts/Science/Commerce stream, whether to follow the orthodox educational path or to take the road less travelled. Students need to be guided on the impact tomorrow of the choices they make today, and to be educated about their options. Most of all, they need objective knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses so that they can make informed decisions, and not rely solely on what their parents want or what their peers think is best for them.
I must have been quite convincing (it's easy if you're passionate about something), because the interviewers seemed satisfied and welcomed me on the team.
I was asked to submit a mindmap/outline of the proposed book(I'm gonna write a book!) asap, plus start writing the book proper.
Last night, I shot off an email to the coordinator with my proposed outline. Today, she replied with some suggestions, and asked me to send her the chapters as I write them! At the same time, the marketing i/c asked for my bio and photo, which are to go on the publicity website, and one of the interviewers gave his views on issues which he felt I should address in my book.
The whole thing has become so unreal. I can't believe I'm going to write a book, have someone publish it for me FOC, and have my name out there as an expert on career counseling.
I mean, I don't exactly have 20 years' experience in the field. How can I claim to be any kind of expert?
After a good deal of freaking out, here's my plan:
First off, this project has to be dedicated to the LORD. Only He has the wisdom I need to successfully execute this project. If I pull it off, it will be a testimony to all who know me of what He can accomplish through a willing follower.
Secondly, as my family may relocate to Melbourne later this year, I will use my time there to concentrate on obtaining certification in Career Counseling.
I already have my eye on a particular school that's affiliated with the career coaching institute that I underwent training with last July. The cost is reasonable, and it's accredited as on par with a degree course in Australia.
As I study, I will also look for opportunities to coach part-time in Melbourne, using anyone I know as a starting point to practise what I'm learning.
Hopefully, by Dec, I'll have enough material and enough credibility to go on stage and share with my audience what I've learnt through my own career journey.
So here I am, possibly on the brink of some really great things, and terrified!
How do I move from newbie to expert, from the steep end of the learning curve to a point where things are in control?
How do I build up my expertise and reputation so that no one will doubt my credibility and ability to deliver?
Being a starving writer is something I can do with my eyes closed.
Being a bestselling writer and career planning expert?
That's something I've never even thought about, and here I am in the unique position of having these things being practically offered to me.
No wonder they say "Be careful what you ask for; it might come true."
In the space of 4 days, 1 met up with 3 different prospects to discuss ways I could meet their writing needs.
1st up on Monday morning was the CEO of an IT solutions company that offers graphic design, web design and photography services. Over a one-hour chat, the CEO mooted the possibility of outsourcing to me all the copywriting and business proposal writing needs of the company, subject to his partners' agreement.
On Thu morning, I met with the lady whose department has been tasked to roll out an ambitious PR campaign for occupational health and safety. She needs someone to translate the legalese in the new statute to language accessible to the layman. In addition, she needs powerful taglines for the collaterals that will convey the department's message to the world. The project is expected to run for a year.
On Wed evening, I met up with the financial adviser and her partners to discuss a writing project. It turned out they were recruiting writers for a series of educational books. Each writer would be an expert in their respective fields of practice. The ultimate objective was to release the books for publication throughout the year and to hold a conference in Dec, where the writers would speak at workshops during the conference.
I was asked what I would like to write on, bearing in mind that someone in the team had already started on a Creative Writing book. I thought hard, and finally suggested Career Counseling.
Career Counseling, I explained, is a subject that individuals of all ages need to know about, especially students faced with tough decisions about subject combinations, whether to go into the Arts/Science/Commerce stream, whether to follow the orthodox educational path or to take the road less travelled. Students need to be guided on the impact tomorrow of the choices they make today, and to be educated about their options. Most of all, they need objective knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses so that they can make informed decisions, and not rely solely on what their parents want or what their peers think is best for them.
I must have been quite convincing (it's easy if you're passionate about something), because the interviewers seemed satisfied and welcomed me on the team.
I was asked to submit a mindmap/outline of the proposed book(I'm gonna write a book!) asap, plus start writing the book proper.
Last night, I shot off an email to the coordinator with my proposed outline. Today, she replied with some suggestions, and asked me to send her the chapters as I write them! At the same time, the marketing i/c asked for my bio and photo, which are to go on the publicity website, and one of the interviewers gave his views on issues which he felt I should address in my book.
The whole thing has become so unreal. I can't believe I'm going to write a book, have someone publish it for me FOC, and have my name out there as an expert on career counseling.
I mean, I don't exactly have 20 years' experience in the field. How can I claim to be any kind of expert?
After a good deal of freaking out, here's my plan:
First off, this project has to be dedicated to the LORD. Only He has the wisdom I need to successfully execute this project. If I pull it off, it will be a testimony to all who know me of what He can accomplish through a willing follower.
Secondly, as my family may relocate to Melbourne later this year, I will use my time there to concentrate on obtaining certification in Career Counseling.
I already have my eye on a particular school that's affiliated with the career coaching institute that I underwent training with last July. The cost is reasonable, and it's accredited as on par with a degree course in Australia.
As I study, I will also look for opportunities to coach part-time in Melbourne, using anyone I know as a starting point to practise what I'm learning.
Hopefully, by Dec, I'll have enough material and enough credibility to go on stage and share with my audience what I've learnt through my own career journey.
So here I am, possibly on the brink of some really great things, and terrified!
How do I move from newbie to expert, from the steep end of the learning curve to a point where things are in control?
How do I build up my expertise and reputation so that no one will doubt my credibility and ability to deliver?
Being a starving writer is something I can do with my eyes closed.
Being a bestselling writer and career planning expert?
That's something I've never even thought about, and here I am in the unique position of having these things being practically offered to me.
No wonder they say "Be careful what you ask for; it might come true."
Saturday, January 14, 2006
MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology)
I got my first pair of MBT's!
I first heard about them through the media. All I knew was that the shoes were inspired by the Masai warriors' ability to run barefoot across the plains in Africa.
What got my attention was when a dear friend excitedly shared with me over the phone about how her MBT's were just the most wonderful things ever invented. Not only could she walk and walk in them without any discomfort, she found her posture improving and her backache reduced.
The only note of caution she sounded was the cost.
"But since you're already a Kumfs fan, I don't think that's a problem," she cheekily added.
She has a point.
Aside from Kumfs, I've tried Arcopedico (handmade Portugese shoes that are as light as socks), Ecco, Birkenstocks, and Crocs (super-lightweight shoes that are really funky, or ugly, depending on who you ask). I've also worn custom-made orthotics for the past 18 months. In fact, I'm pretty game for anything that promises to be gentle with my super-sensitive, over-pronated, calloused, flat feet. And oh, did I mention I also have really painful bunions?
So I was thrilled today when my family and I stepped into the Red Wing shoe store at Suntec City. The MBT collection is disappointingly tiny though, with mostly casual/sporty designs. I saw nothing that was suitable for wearing with a power suit. Somehow, comfy shoes just aren't designed for boardroom wear.
I was impressed by the foot measurement machine at the entrance of the store. You place your foot in the rectangular slot, the calipers move inwards to position themselves snugly around your foot, and the size and width of your foot are immediately displayed. This reduces the possibility of you choosing the wrong shoe size for your foot shape.
The salesperson shook his head when he saw my feet.
"You have to be really careful not to put additional pressure on those bunions," he advised. "I've seen worse cases than yours though," he added by way of consolation.
I ended up choosing a white pair of sandals that look halfway decent paired with light-coloured bottoms. Best of all, my hubby offered to pay for them, and I graciously accepted.
The purchase came with a training VCD (apparently, you have to wear MBT's the prescribed way or they won't be effective) and a $20 free voucher entitling me to an MBT training workshop.
If the shoes deliver on their promise, it would be $380 well spent.
I first heard about them through the media. All I knew was that the shoes were inspired by the Masai warriors' ability to run barefoot across the plains in Africa.
What got my attention was when a dear friend excitedly shared with me over the phone about how her MBT's were just the most wonderful things ever invented. Not only could she walk and walk in them without any discomfort, she found her posture improving and her backache reduced.
The only note of caution she sounded was the cost.
"But since you're already a Kumfs fan, I don't think that's a problem," she cheekily added.
She has a point.
Aside from Kumfs, I've tried Arcopedico (handmade Portugese shoes that are as light as socks), Ecco, Birkenstocks, and Crocs (super-lightweight shoes that are really funky, or ugly, depending on who you ask). I've also worn custom-made orthotics for the past 18 months. In fact, I'm pretty game for anything that promises to be gentle with my super-sensitive, over-pronated, calloused, flat feet. And oh, did I mention I also have really painful bunions?
So I was thrilled today when my family and I stepped into the Red Wing shoe store at Suntec City. The MBT collection is disappointingly tiny though, with mostly casual/sporty designs. I saw nothing that was suitable for wearing with a power suit. Somehow, comfy shoes just aren't designed for boardroom wear.
I was impressed by the foot measurement machine at the entrance of the store. You place your foot in the rectangular slot, the calipers move inwards to position themselves snugly around your foot, and the size and width of your foot are immediately displayed. This reduces the possibility of you choosing the wrong shoe size for your foot shape.
The salesperson shook his head when he saw my feet.
"You have to be really careful not to put additional pressure on those bunions," he advised. "I've seen worse cases than yours though," he added by way of consolation.
I ended up choosing a white pair of sandals that look halfway decent paired with light-coloured bottoms. Best of all, my hubby offered to pay for them, and I graciously accepted.
The purchase came with a training VCD (apparently, you have to wear MBT's the prescribed way or they won't be effective) and a $20 free voucher entitling me to an MBT training workshop.
If the shoes deliver on their promise, it would be $380 well spent.
Sunday, January 08, 2006
If You Never Try, You'll Never Know
Some amazing events happened recently, which only serves to show: Life is like a box of chocolates!
- One day, while trawling through the SENT box in my email account, I noticed I'd sent an email to a prospect but hadn't heard from him for more than a month. Ordinarily, I would've dismissed it as a 'not interested' case and moved on, but something made me persist. I looked up his business card, called him and tried to jolt his memory regarding my email. To my pleasant surprise, he didn't sound confused or annoyed, but explained that he might have missed my email and requested that I resend it. I promptly did, and have high hopes of turning this cold call into a warm lead.
- A financial planner I briefly met at a networking session called to say she was really impressed at how quickly I emailed her after we met. (I did so within the day.) She went on to outline a project she might need my help in, and we scheduled an appointment for the following week.
- A lady whose name I'd heard another contact mention, called to say she was checking me out despite not knowing a thing about my portfolio! She was working on an awareness campaign for a statutory board, and needed help conceptualizing and writing the content of the releases. We have also scheduled an appointment.
- A contact I know has just invested in a spa business and wants to recoup his 6-figure investment within a year. He proposed paying me on a commission basis as he is on a tight budget. If he hit his sales target, and it could be proven that this was due to my writing, I would get x%. Otherwise, I wouldn't get paid for my work. After much agonizing about whether this was a real deal or a scam, I declined.
Who says being a freelancer is boring?
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