Biz tips

WHY MOST PEOPLE DON'T DO WELL IN THE OFFICE OR WORK ENVIRONMENT...

(A) Working in any office setting or environment requires more than just certificate in our complex world today. The best that the certificate can do for you is just to open doors. 

Working life is not easy any more. There are more threats, as well as opportunity too.

In today's complex world of work, the rules of working had changed. We can all counts number of people that get promoted that do not deserve to be. Come to think of it, we also know a lot that deserve to get promoted, but haven't been. But however, there is a good news. The good news is on the need for all working people to embrace the principles and applications of emotional intelligence, if they want to move ahead.

Emotional intelligence is the single highest contributor to making success out of oneself.

There are plenty of educated people who never make it. Some of them have great ideas but don't have the motivation. And then there are the ones who have not succeeded because they lack social skills.

Managing your own emotions and those of others play a huge part in who succeed.

 What is emotional intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify, understand and manage feelings and moods in both ourselves and others around us or that we work or associate with.

Traditional intelligence or IQ has never been adequate for success. We all know some people who excelled at school examination and are not doing well in the practical world.

(B) OFFICE POLITICS. IF YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO PLAY THE GAME, YOU MIGHT LOOSE YOUR JOB..

There was a time that all that you need in order to get ahead on the job is simply to work hard and be promoted and also receive award, but sadly that era is dead.

Today, backstabbing colleague, people pleasing, sexual seduction and self- serving are the order of the day and the culture that we see around in most organizations.

The workplace had become a battle ground like what we see in most political cabinet or forum.

Bad stuff now happen to sincere people. Undoubtedly, you can readily think of one or more people that you know that use such tactics to further their careers. WELCOME TO OFFICE POLITICS.

But the first obvious question would be, why do they do it. The answer is simple, all workplaces are really about competition, much of it is unspoken. But the very fact that people do plot and scheme at work clearly shows that this truth is real and that politics delivers results whether we like it or not.

Office politics happens whether you like it or not, some people try to be noble and refuse to play the game; they focus on their jobs and work hard in the hope of being noticed and rewarded, and sadly they end up being overlooked or ignored.

The question is, do you want to be overlooked or ignored?

(C) THE PRINCIPLES. OF PROFESSIONALISM..

A professional person whether male or female must look, act and dress like a professional.

How do a professional person looks like, act like and also dress like?

 A professional person must neatly dress like the industry that he or she belong to. A professional lawyer cannot and must not dress like a mechanic or Taylor, it is unprofessional.

5 Things You Never Should Say to a Client

world of business can be tricky to navigate. Sure, you have a great product, but now you must procure and retain clients. And that can be like navigating a minefield. Each customer brings a different personality and expectations to manage.
Because so many companies are vying for business, the slightest misstep can sink an enterprise. Here some basics to keep in mind, including what to never say to clients, no matter how well you think you know them.  
1. Can I give you a lift in my new Bentley? You want clients to think you're the best at what you do and successful. But you don’t want them to think that they are overpaying to support your extravagances.
Some of this involves jealousy. If the client is not driving a fancy car, he or she doesn’t want to know that you do. The customer might imagine that maybe the reason you can afford such expensive toys is that you overcharge for services.
2. Your current supplier or vendor is terrible. Never ever badmouth the competition no matter what you know or think about that firm because you won’t come off well. It can look like sour grapes.
3. You don’t want that. You want this other thing. Always give clients what they want. No matter what they say, people generally think what they want is right. Saying that they're wrong may only offend them -- and make them want to take their business to a salesperson who will give them what they seek. You can always propose an additional option to consider, but present it with a light touch. Ultimately, it’s the clients' choice and you can live with the outcome if they can.
4. Did I ever tell you about my crazy, drunken weekend in Las Vegas? There’s bonding and then there’s sharing too much information (or TMI). Sure, the client will laugh heartily at how you became so drunk that you forgot which hotel room to return to.
But then the customer will question your discretion and professionalism. Even when you have quasi-social relationship with a customer, don’t make the conversation too personal too soon. It's fine to ask about a client's family or a vacation, but don't delve too deeply. And don’t discuss sex, politics or religion right off the bat.
5. I heard your co-worker is seeking a divorce. Don’t gossip. Period. This shows a lack of discretion and if you talk freely about another person, a client might assume that you also talk about him or her. (Think about it: What's your reaction when you hear someone whom you don’t know very well make a negative remark about another person?) If you must discuss people you both know, find something positive to say. You will come across as upbeat, friendly and professional -- someone a customer wants to be around.
The bottom line is really pretty simple: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Or more simply: Keep your mouth shut and a smile on your face.

5 Key Things To Know Before Doing Business In Brazil

For Major League Gaming (MLG), the reasons for expanding into Brazil were obvious. After 11 years in the U.S. and several successful partnerships in Europe and Asia, the eSports league—yes, that means competitive video gaming—and network announced its first South American expansion in February.
“We’ve been watching the market for a couple of years now and have seen the growing economy and the growing middle class.,” said MLG co-founder and president Mike Sepso. “It’s one of the fastest growing markets for video game sales. There are a number of gamers who compete there, but there wasn’t anything established in terms of an actual league. ”

 

(photo source: istock)

MLG is just one of many U.S. businesses entering the Brazilian market, but doing so is often harder than it looks.
Prepare for Legal and Regulatory Challenges
Brazil is famous for a lot of things: beaches, nightlife, a booming economy—and some very complex business regulations. It has high import tariffs, a policy designed to encourage international businesses to manufacture their goods within Brazil, rather than shipping them in. This policy has been a deterrent for many international businesses, but others have found in-country manufacturing to be a very worthy investment.
Microsoft is one such business. To capitalize on the country’s growing gaming market, the tech giant opted to manufacture its XBox 360 consoles in Brazil rather than importing them. Doing so allows them to avoid the import tariff and sell the consoles at a substantially lower price to Brazilians.
“For businesses like our partners who are manufacturing gaming equipment, it’s difficult for them to import without getting priced out of the market,” said Sepso. “When you’re a developing country, you want to develop a domestic manufacturing base, but at some point we need to see that tariff structure loosen a little bit.”
A Local Partner is Critical
Like its import tariffs, Brazil’s legal system can deter unprepared businesses from expanding within the country. But rather than abandon one of the globe’s fastest-growing economies, MLG decided to get help.
“The first thing we did was find the right local partner to work with, and I think that’s a really key part of the puzzle for expansion,” Sepso said. “It’s really critical because of the political and tax environment in Brazil.”
That partner came in the form of Grupo Águia, Brazil’s largest sports entertainment and hospitality firm, best known for providing food, hospitality, and transportation services for the 2014 World Cup. This partnership may seem like an odd pairing, but it soon paid off. Together, MLG and Grupo Águia launched MLG Brasil to plenty of media fanfare early this year.
Learn the Culture
Even with a local Brazilian partner to help with legal and regulatory issues, it’s worthwhile for a business to get to know the local culture. Sepso said that most of the Brazilian businesspeople he’s worked with are very familiar with American culture, and being able to reciprocate is a definite benefit.
“I think it’s important to understand the culture and understand the challenges Brazilian people face. On one hand, it’s a fast-growing economy. On the other, it can be difficult to navigate.” Knowing Brazil’s culture and customs can, as Sepso noted, help smooth challenging interactions and earn U.S. businesses substantial good will, both of which will go a long way toward closing deals.

10 Tips for the First-Time Business Owner

 I write Entrepreneur.com 's Young Entrepreneur column because I believe there are far too few resources directly addressing the nonacademic trials and tribulations young entrepreneurs face along their journey. Whenever possible, I encourage up-and-comers and established entrepreneurs to mentor the next generation of dream-seekers; for it is this insight and insider education that will provide the foundation for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. With that, here are 10 pieces of advice that I wish someone had given to me before I launched my first venture.

1. Focus. Focus. Focus.
   Many first-time entrepreneurs feel the need to jump at every "opportunity" they come across. Opportunities are often wolves in sheep's clothing. Avoid getting side-tracked. Juggling multiple ventures will spread you thin and limit both your effectiveness and productivity. Do one thing perfectly, not 10 things poorly. If you feel the need to jump onto another project, that might mean something about your original concept.
2. Know what you do. Do what you know.
   Don't start a business simply because it seems sexy or boasts large hypothetical profit margins and returns. Do what you love. Businesses built around your strengths and talents will have a greater chance of success. It's not only important to create a profitable business, it's also important that you're happy managing and growing it day in and day out. If your heart isn't in it, you will not be successful.
3. Say it in 30 seconds or don't say it at all.
   From a chance encounter with an investor to a curious customer, always be ready to pitch your business. State your mission, service and goals in a clear and concise manner. Fit the pitch to the person. Less is always more.
4. Know what you know, what you don't know and who knows what you don't.
   No one knows everything, so don't come off as a know-it-all. Surround yourself with advisors and mentors who will nurture you to become a better leader and businessman. Find successful, knowledgeable individuals with whom you share common interests and mutual business goals that see value in working with you for the long-term.
5. Act like a startup.
   Forget about fancy offices, fast cars and fat expense accounts. Your wallet is your company's life-blood. Practice and perfect the art of being frugal. Watch every dollar and triple-check every expense. Maintain a low overhead and manage your cash flow effectively.
6. Learn under fire.
   No business book or business plan can predict the future or fully prepare you to become a successful entrepreneur. There is no such thing as the perfect plan. There is no perfect road or one less traveled. Never jump right into a new business without any thought or planning, but don't spend months or years waiting to execute. You will become a well-rounded entrepreneur when tested under fire. The most important thing you can do is learn from your mistakes--and never make the same mistake twice.
7. No one will give you money.
   There, I said it. No one will invest in you. If you need large sums of capital to launch your venture, go back to the drawing board. Find a starting point instead of an end point. Scale down pricey plans and grandiose expenditures. Simplify the idea until it's manageable as an early stage venture. Find ways to prove your business model on a shoestring budget. Demonstrate your worth before seeking investment. If your concept is successful, your chances of raising capital from investors will dramatically improve.
8. Be healthy.
   No, I'm not your mother. However, I promise that you will be much more productive when you take better care of yourself. Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, not a 9-to-5 profession. Working to the point of exhaustion will burn you out and make you less productive. Don't make excuses. Eat right, exercise and find time for yourself.
9. Don't fall victim to your own B.S.
   Don't talk the talk unless you can walk the walk. Impress with action not conversation. Endorse your business enthusiastically, yet tastefully. Avoid exaggerating truths and touting far reaching goals as certainties. In short, put up or shut up.
10. Know when to call it quits.
    Contrary to popular belief, a smart captain does not go down with the ship. Don't go on a fool's errand for the sake of ego. Know when it's time to walk away. If your idea doesn't pan out, reflect on what went wrong and the mistakes that were made. Assess what you would have done differently. Determine how you will utilize these hard-learned lessons to better yourself and your future entrepreneurial endeavors. Failure is inevitable, but a true entrepreneur will prevail over adversity.

 

Top 10 Tips for Starting a Business That Will Succeed

1) Do what you love.
You're going to devote a lot of time and energy to starting a business and building it into a successful enterprise, so it's really important that you truly deeply enjoy what you do, whether it be running fishing charters, creating pottery or providing financial advice.
2) Start your business while you're still employed.
How long can most people live without money? Not long. And it may be a long time before your new business actually makes any profits. Being employed while you're starting a business means money in your pocket while you're going through the starting a business process.
3) Don't do it alone.
You need a support system while you're starting a business (and afterwards). A family member or friend that you can bounce ideas off and who will listen sympathetically to the latest business start up crisis is invaluable. Even better, find a mentor or, if you qualify, apply for a business start up program such as The Self-Employment Program. When you're starting a business experienced guidance is the best support system of all.
4) Get clients or customers first.
Don't wait until you've officially started your business to line these up, because your business can't survive without them. Do the networking. Make the contacts. Sell or even give away your products or services. You can't start marketing too soon. (See Attracting New Business on a Shoestring Budget and The 7 Best Places to Find Clients for tips.)
5) Write a business plan.The main reason for doing a business plan first when you're thinking of starting a business is that it can help you avoid sinking your time and money into starting a business that will not succeed. (See Why You Need a Business Plan for other good reasons.)
Remember, you don't have to work through a full scale business plan for each new business idea you come up with; my Quick-Start Business Plan, for instance, will let you test the potential of your business idea much more quickly.

6) Do the research.
You'll do a lot of research writing a business plan, but that's just a start. When you're starting a business, you need to become an expert on your industry, products and services if you're not already. Joining related industry or professional associations before you start your business is a great idea.
7) Get professional help.
On the other hand, just because you're starting a business, doesn't mean you have to be an expert on everything. If you're not an accountant or bookkeeper, hire one (or both).(These Tips for Finding a Good Accountant may be useful.) If you need to write up a contract, and you're not a lawyer, hire one. You will waste more time and possibly money in the long run trying to do things yourself that you are not qualified to do.
8) Get the money lined up.
Save up if you have to. Approach potential investors and lenders. Figure our your financial fall-back plan. Don't expect to start a business and then walk into a bank and get money. Traditional lenders don't like new ideas and don't like businesses without proven track records.
9) Be professional from the get-go.
Everything about you and the way you do business needs to let people know that you are a professional running a serious business. That means getting all the accoutrements such as professional business cards, a business phone and a business email address, and treating people in a professional, courteous manner.
10) Get the legal and tax issues right the first time.
It's much more difficult and expensive to unsnarl a mess afterwards. Does your business need to be registered? Will you have to charge GST or PST? Will you have to have Workers' Compensation Insurance or deal with payroll taxes? How will the form of business you choose affect your income tax situation? Learn what your legal and tax responsibilities are before you start your business and operate accordingly.
Following the advice on starting a business above will make starting a business both a smoother, less stressful process and go a long way towards ensuring the business you start lasts and thrives.