Seed Planting

Haha … I have not blogged for quite some time :)

Well, today something happened that made me realise that I need to write it down … blog about it. A “seed” I planted almost 10 years ago has finally grown into a tree, flowered and bore fruits :)

Well, it was a surprise for me and of course I am extremely delighted. So many years ago, I planted the seed and put much effort into it. Then when all things and efforts necessary have been done, I have left it all alone and almost forgotten about it. Haha, recently, suddenly it sprouted, and grown into a huge and strong tree that bore many beautiful flowers and bore lots of sweet & juicy fruits :)

Well, life is like this isn’t it? Everyday we are planting “seeds” … many many “seeds”.

Some good, some bad. Some will grow, many will just disappear without a trace. Somehow, we must consciously plan more good and positive seeds to off-set that negative seeds we might have intentionally or unintentionally planted.

Be persistent determined to plant as many good seeds as possible and give them adequate attention, watering, trimming of rotten leaves, fertilization, sun, etc.

One day, many of these “seeds” will bear fruit … eventhough we often might not be sure which ones. :)

Happy seeds planting …. remember to care for them *wink* :p

cheers

hanyi

How To Be A Successful Teacher And To Teach Effectively

Hehe, as a “Laoshi” (Teacher), many people like to ask me how I have managed to teach so well and what is my “secret of success”. Well, let me share with you a simple story and you shall see:

I believe everyone knows Confucius (Kongzi or Kung Tzu). As the greatest “laoshi” (teacher) China ever has, Confucius (Kongzi or Kung Tzu) used to have more than 3000 students with him at any one time and among them 72 favourite and top disciples that he taught much. One day, one of his 72 favourite disciples, Anthony, came to see confucius.

Anthony: Laoshi, if I want so be successful in life, what is the secret.
Confucius: Anthony, whatever you do, you must think and ponder for 3 times before you make any decision.
Anthony: Think 3 times?
Confucius: Yes, 3 times. Never make any decision hastily. Make sure you think 1 time, 2 times and finally 3 times … then only make a decision, and you will not fail.
Anthony: Oh, thank you, Laoshi. I understand now.

(Anthony left happily, having now been enlightened on the secret to success).

Btw, while Anthony was consulting Confucius on the secret to Success, Brandon was also there and he was also much enlightened.

After some time, another top disciple, Dianne, also came to see Confucius.

Dianne: Laoshi, if I want so be successful in life, what is the secret.
Confucius: Dianne dear, whatever you do, do not think too much. Just do it.
Dianne: Just do it?
Confucius: Yes, just do it. Don’t waste time thinking. Do it immediately without haste … and you will not fail.
Dianne: Okie dokey Laoshi. I know what to do now.

(Dianne left happily, having now been enlightened on the secret to success).

Btw, while Dianne was consulting Confucius on the secret to Success, AGAIN Brandon was also there and he was also much enlightened … AGAIN.

As Brandon was there BOTH times (he is damn kaypoh one) when either Anthony or Dianne was being counselled on the secret to success, he was now baffled by the opposite and conflicting advice that the laoshi has given to 2 students who asked the SAME question.

As a very wise laoshi, Confucius can feel it when one of his students is baffled by something. So, eventhough Brandon (the kaypoh) didn’t say anything, Confucius invite him for a private chat in his thatched hut office.

While sitting down over a cup of tea (presumed to be chinese tea since they don’t have ceylonese tea in china 2500 years ago) and some peanuts (menglembu), Confucius encourage Brandon to talk.

Brandon apologised to the Laoshi for eavedropping on his conversations with Anthony & Dianne. Confucius says he is forgiven.

Then Brandon mentioned his bafflement with Confucius’ opposite answers to the SAME question by BOTH Anthony and Dianne.

Confucius smile … and then let out a hearty laughter while stretching his right arm over the low table and pat Brandon’s shoulder.

Confucius then suddenly composed himself, adjust his teacher’s official garment and his headress, and then speak carefully and clearly to Brandon.

Confucius: Anthony and Dianne BOTH asked the SAME question to the SAME laoshi on the SAME subject, correct?
Brandon: Yes, laoshi.
Confucius: I repeat, same question, same subject, same laoshi.
Brandon: Yes, all same.
Confucius: Haha … no, no, no.
Brandon: ????????? Huh??????????

Why? Any idea?
Well … the conversation continues …

Confucius: Same question, right! Same subject, right! Same laoshi, right! But DIFFERENT students asking.

Brandon: Different students ….

Confucius: Yes, one is Anthony, and the other one is Dianne.

Brandon: Ohhhhhh … eerrh, Laoshi, can you kindly elaborate.

Confucius: Haha … ok. Listen carefully.

Brandon: Ok, Laoshi, I am all ears.

Confucius: Anthony is a very impatient and reckless person who always make mistakes because he never spend enough time thinking about what he should or should not do. Lack of sufficient thoughts and analysis, can result in wrong moves that can be costly. If only he could slow down a bit and think before he act, then he would definitely become accomplished in life.

Brandon: I see …. That’s why Laoshi remind him to think 3 times!!!!

Confucius: Yes, now you get it. Ok, on the other hand, Dianne is a person who thinks too much. Her hesitations and procrastinations have resulted in many missed opportunities. If only she learns to act instead of just think … then she would be very successful in life.

Brandon: I SEE!!!!!!!!!! That’s why Laoshi told her to “just do it”! Now I know already!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU laoshi :)

Confucius: Hahahaha ……. go now. :)

See?

Yes, everyone has different abilities to learn and master knowledge. As an effective teacher, one must be able to analyse what are the strengths, weaknesses, talents, abilities and general needs of each and everyone of one’s students. Teach your students according to what is best for him / her and you will never go wrong. In Mandarin Chinese we say “Yin Cai2 Shi Jiao4″ :)

Btw, as this is the first post to my blog for the year 2008, I would like to wish everyone a wonderful new year and may you be blessed with abundance of happiness, good health, prosperity and success :)

cheers
Hanyi

Technorati Tags: Teacher, Teaching, Confucius, Kongzi, Kung Fu Tzu, Teaching Effectively, Effective Teacher, Successful Teacher, JustNice.Org

MPH, Popular, Harris And Times Boycott Sales Of “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows” At Their 100 Outlets Malaysia Nationwide

Yep, the launching of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” (the 7th and FINAL instalment of the Harry Potter series of bestsellers by J. K. Rowling) on the 21st of July 2007 worldwide, is an event that millions of children (and their parents) all over the world have been eagerly waiting and looking forward to.

But unfortunately for Malaysia, this “magical” event that many have been waiting with much excitement and anticipation, has been badly ruined by very poor business judgment. Here, read it for yourself:

POTTER PRICE WAR: Penguin, Hypermarts Respond (3rd update)

Friday July 20, 2007 TheStar Online

PETALING JAYA: The distributor of Harry Potter books said that local bookstore chains should not be overly concerned by hypermarkets’ cut-throat pricing of the seventh and final instalment in J.K. Rowling bestselling series.

The hypermarkets would incur losses by selling the novel at a cheaper price, as their purchase price is higher, said Penguin Singapore and Malaysia managing director Eddy Teo.

He said there would be no replenishment on top of the opening order due to unavailable stock, and the British publisher of the novel, Bloomsbury, had no plans at the moment for reprints.

“We are confident that readers will choose to buy their books from other retailers across the country.

“Avid fans are looking for a magical atmosphere rather than just cheap price,” he said when contacted in Singapore Friday.

MPH, Popular, Harris and Times at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur at 4pm announced that they would not sell Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in protest against Carrefour and Tesco selling the book at a hefty discount.

The recommended retail price of RM109.90 is being violated by hypermarkets advertising and selling it at RM69.90, the bookstores said.

The four chains, with a total of 100 outlets nationwide, said they were protesting the indiscriminate discount and wanted to show customers that they were not “blatantly profiteering” from them.

However, they said they would honour all pre-orders.

“This means the book will no longer be available for sale at these stores nationwide from tomorrow (Saturday) following the worldwide release,” MPH Bookstores chief operating officer Patricia Chen said.

“All events related to Harry Potter will be cancelled,” she said.

When asked if the move was to pressure sole distributor Penguin Books to remove the book from the hypermarkets, she said that it was not fair to allow hypermarkets to sell such a popular book when they were not in the book business.

When contacted, Carrefour Malaysia corporate communications and public relations manager Yuswanis Yusof said they wanted to provide the best for their customers.

She said besides selling groceries and other essential products, the hypermarket wanted to provide a chance for their customers to purchase the book at a lower price.

“It all depends on how one markets and promote its products,” she added.

Tesco Malaysia division manager Janice Chan when contacted said they wanted to make sure their customers could read the book at a cheaper price.

“We are popular for selling products at a lower price, and books are no exception.

“The other retailers have their own marketing strategies by providing freebies and other promotions, this is our way of pleasing our customers,” she added.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows goes on sale nationwide — well, except for the four bookstore chains above — from 7.01am tomorrow.

Unbelievable isn’t it? *sigh*

Just like what a fellow blogger said, a phenomenon cannot be discounted. Yep, there is a price to pay for a phenomenon like Harry Potter. Either you are for it or against it. But definitely not in between. Somehow, the “magic” seems to be vanishing …..

regards

hanyi

ps. If I want to get a copy of this worldwide phenomenon … if I want some of the “magic”, I will definitely buy it from MPH, Popular, Harris or Times. :)

ps. btw, today happens to be 20072007 hehe, yep, 20th of July 2007 (20.07.2007). interesting date :)

Technorati Tags: Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K.Rowling, J K Rowling, Final Harry Potter, Seventh Harry Potter, MPH Bookstores Malaysia, Popular Bookstores Malaysia, Times Bookstores Malaysia, Harris Bookstores Malaysia, JustNice.Org

Your Attitude Can Make Or Break Your Career

Hehe … sometime back, I blogged about the importance of having the right attitude in order to succeed in life.

Recently, I have read a very good book on how to deliver “world-class customer service” and in the book, it mentioned the importance of having the right attitude in order to give really good customer service and to succeed in Sales & Marketing. The title of the book is: “The Nordstrom Way To Customer Service Excellence : A Handbook For Implementing Great Service In Your Organization” by Robert Spector and Patrick McCarthy.

In the 1920s and 1930s, when they began to expand their business, John W. Nordstrom’s three sons — Everett, Elmer, and Lloyd — created a sales-driven entrepreneurial culture by recruiting “fiery producers, tough guys, men who had to work hard to put bread on the table,” Elmer once said. ….”

… Even though Elmer (the last-surviving second generation Nordstrom, who died in 1993 at the age of 89) was describing the Nordstrom philosophy of more than eight decades ago, that philosophy still holds true today. A can-do attitude, a positive personality, and a strong work ethic are still the primary ingredients for success at Nordstrom. Some things will never change.

“The qualities that Nordstrom looks for in its employees couldn’t be more basic. First of all, the company wants its sales-people to be nice.”

“We can hire nice people and teach them to sell,” current chairman Bruce Nordstrom likes to say, “but we can’t hire salespeople and teach them to be nice.”

The Nordstrom corollary to that philosophy is “hire the smile, train the skill.”

Yes, at the end of the day, eventhough you might have the necessary qualification, skill, educational level, or experience, you might still not succeed if you do not have the right attitude.

cheers
hanyi

Technorati Tags: Attitude, Work Attitude, Success, JustNice.Org

What Is The One Most Important Factor That Contributes To One’s Success In Life?

Haha … a million dollar question isn’t it?

Well, while having coffee with Goondo, he threw me this question. And since we “eat full nothing to do”, might as well discuss it

Well, my answer is: ATTITUDE. Right attitude.

Yes, your attitude can make or break you.

Of course, other factors are very important too:

• Education (IQ)
• Experience (TQ)
• Efforts (SQ)
• Interpersonal Skill (EQ)
• Ability to Handle Crisis & Adversities (AQ)

But without the right attitude, what ever you have means nothing … no value. Heck, if your attitude sucks, whatever you know will be a liability to you instead of an asset.

cheers,
hanyi

Technorati Tags: Degree, Work Attitude, Success

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