Tag Archives: mindset

Start Showing Up

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If you knew me well, you would know that I love running (other than playing badminton, of course). While I can’t say I am a good runner, I do enjoy the process of just going out and about, letting the mind wander whilst breaking out good sweat. Going for a short run in the morning also helps me stay focused throughout the day (but I will leave this for another post).

Through this little hobby of mind, I have participated in a few long distance races and it usually go something like this:

Gets very excited to sign up for it > Stays motivated while training > Show up during race day > Start strong > And half way through the race, I start asking the question…

“Why did I put myself this torture?”

Did that sound a little like you, too?

The truth is, it is very easy to start something, but it is never easy to see it through. Be it starting up a new business, going to the gym, breaking a habit, or just sticking to the new year’s resolution you’ve written.

We give ourselves really good excuses like having a busy schedule, commitments, circumstances… but the one that takes the cake has to be – luck.

“I’m just not as lucky”

Yes, that is an excuse. I believe that this thing called ‘luck’ is merely a result of hard work, perseverance, relentlessness… and you being present. Most people ‘miss’ out on opportunities to be ‘lucky’ simply because they are unequipped, unprepared or simply not present to take up what it takes.

Our definition of luck is warped. We want to enjoy the final outcome without having to go through any of the process, expecting for it to literally just present itself at your doorstep – but it does not.

Imagine completing a full marathon without training, preparation, conditioning or actually showing up for the race – you will never complete it, let alone receiving the finishing medal. Luck will not auto-magically teleport you to the finishing line of the race! You will need to show up, run, and create possibilities for yourself. Maybe the weather will be great, maybe you’ll find a buddy to cheer you on, maybe there’ll be some special drink that will boost your energy along the way, and heck, maybe they’ll even give you a ride to a finish line and still award you anyway.

The thing is, you won’t get to experience the ‘luck’ or opportunity if you’re not even there to begin with!

So if you’ve been wondering why you haven’t got that physique you’ve been aiming for, or that dream career; you haven’t been exhausting your options to be in a position for that opportunity or ‘luck’ to happen.

Opportunity only comes to those who knock.

Start showing up!

How Words in Your Company Builds Culture

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Words are powerful. The right words used can motivate, inspire, build and encourage; but also to tear down, hurt and crush.

While that sounds like common sense, the words we use tend to roll out a little too freely and we justify that by calling it a freedom of speech or as a form of expression. And this freedom contributes to the culture you are building in your company, be it a startup or corporate organisation.

Culture is not something where you frame up in your board room nor is it a string of (vague) fancy words to sound cool. It starts and sticks with the smallest detail – like the conversations that happens surrounding work.

A negative complaint, a passing remark, a jab toward your superiors, clients or vendors, sarcastic responses, a common curse word or phrase when faced with an unfavourable situation may all seem very normal in a social context but can very well be contributing factors to productivity, morale and growth both individually and collectively within the company, and here’s why:

#1: Words stick

If you recall a random not-so-nice remark made by someone towards you, or just a simple compliment about your hair, that already shows that words do stick – and they do, no matter whether you like it or not. And for many, these words stay with you consciously or unconsciously for the rest of your career / life; and the negative ones haunt you at your lowest.

#2: Words affect your team

Words said in in jest are the worst! You may not have meant it literally when you said “Yea, the dude has always been lazy and useless to the team.” but this sentence alone can spark off many political sidelining within the team.

#3: Words affect yourself

“Crap! I’m an idiot!”. Say that often enough in every mistake you make and you’ll successfully crush your self worth, esteem and confidence over time.

Don’t get me wrong here, I’m not saying we should all be constantly positive with rainbows and unicorns in the sky, or that we should always be hyper-sensitive with what people may feel when we speak – that’s self limiting and frankly, will drive you crazy.

Instead, remember that the words we use are a choice. It’s easier said than done but if we remind ourselves of the bigger picture of what we want to achieve in our workplace and as a career, we can redefine and switch the words we choose to say to create a better workplace culture.

Culture starts with people, and that’s you.

Read: How to build company culture

My One Big Lesson Learnt in 2017

jan wong blog - lesson learnt in 2017
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The year was a train wreck, an avalanche, a catastrophe. I started the year with so much hope, aspirations and dreams. In fact, it was a year I felt that it will be the best yet; only to end the year with everything that can go wrong. Everything collided, went up in flames and caused much distraught from all aspects including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual. I hated the days, the nights, the celebrations – Christmas, now the new year, and practically everyday.

2017 became the longest year in my life

I never knew time could pass so slowly. As I struggled daily, I was still required to a strong front with friends, colleagues and at home. At other times, I’ll need to be the positive, motivational and entrepreneurial person I’m expected to be. People told me to “talk to someone”, “take things easy”, “chill”, “the darker it is, the brighter the light will be”, “pray”, and the list goes on but really, it’s easier said than done. Not forgetting those that gives “advice” but what they are really doing is to judge.

It has been a really dark year and when the K-Pop celebrity Jonghyun left his final note, I could relate. The words he wrote perfectly described how I felt – the emptiness, loneliness, the people around, their expectations vs mine, and why things aren’t exactly working out despite “encouragements”.

Nonetheless, here I am, typing this post 4 hours before 2017 ends, still alive and breathing despite still at my lows.

Through the many months of thinking, pondering, debating, evaluating, analysing and questioning, I came to realise the cause of all of it was a fundamental one.

I let my guard down

You see, I’ve spent my entire life building my career, trying to achieve what is expected of me as a business partner, an entrepreneur, the oldest son in the family, a leader in church, and a partner in my relationship. Does that sound okay to you? If you answered yes, that’s exactly where the problem was for me.

In my pursuit of career, I allowed other areas that are more important to slip, thinking that they could be compensated when the time comes and that I am capable to do that. I continued to pursue “success” over the years, having grown OpenMinds to where it is today with a growing valuation y-o-y in the millions with regional presence, having the privilege to coach and mentor startups, having the opportunities to share my knowledge across different media channels including TV, radio, printed and online media, and of course, the prestigious recognition given by Forbes on the 30 Under 30 Asia list.

I thought I was careful enough and that I could manage all of it – and that’s where I let my guard down. To be honest, I didn’t even know that happened. I allowed myself to be swept away by all that is happening thinking I am fully aware and capable.. only to realise that I am not in the end.

Because of that, I made a ton of mistakes, huge unforgivable ones that has caused many to hurt and severed relationships that I worked so hard to protect.. both knowingly and unknowingly. The guilt combined with the realisation, created months of dark, suffocating days.

What I’ve learnt (the extremely hard way) is that you should never, ever, let your guard down. It’s great to have big dreams and aspirations but in your journey of achieving them, never let your guard down. Never allow yourself to say “It’s okay, I’m bigger than the situation” no matter how capable you think you are.

The higher you go, the higher and greater the guard you need.

That’s my take on 2017 going into 2018. I’ll need to pick up whatever pieces I can find, rebuild my fundamentals, and put up my guards again. There’s no sugar coating it – it’s going to be an extremely tough one, but I’ll do it to the best I can.

Stop Starting Up

jan wong blog - stop starting up
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Yes, you heard that right – stop starting up!

This may come off as a rant, but hear me out on this one. It’s always a great and exciting thing to hear about startups; their adventures, their pain and gains, but that’s not enough. It’s not enough to run a business.

And that’s the difference right there; between starting up and creating a business. The truth is, it is a lot easier to start something than to sustain and grow it into something greater. That’s the difference between a one-year old company versus one that has been around for a hundred years. Sure, the latter doesn’t sound as cool today but think about it, building a business that lasts a century? That’s beyond startup weekends, community meet ups, business canvases, participating in pitching competitions and raising funds. In fact, it’s about the ‘boring’ stuff – management, operational workflow, processes, SOPs, public relations, customer retention, branding, product innovation, finance planning and more.

But having that said, I don’t blame startups.

Young founders today focus on the desired ending and has subconsciously replaced that with “business”; no thanks to constant focus on the glam on huge fund raising rounds, celebrity entrepreneurs and acquisitions. And to achieve this “exit”, many founders focus on building pitch decks, business plans, canvases, networking opportunities, whatever – but does that matter?

Here’s what I think a startup should really be like:

#1: It should fulfil a cause

No, it doesn’t need to be world peace or to eradicate hunger, but it should be something positive worth hustling for. All these talks about disrupting traditional businesses and industries shouldn’t even be the primary purpose anyway. You don’t disrupt just because you want to, or to sound cool; you disrupt because you believe you have a better solution that fulfils a cause and brings more benefits than its former self.

#2: It should create job opportunities

Isn’t this what businesses are all about? It’s a high calling to build a team and to ensure that not only they have enough to live by, but also to have an environment where people can be at their best, thriving, and finding fulfilment in what they do. People makes businesses, not otherwise. So instead of focusing solely on product fit and scale, pay attention to your people too!

#3: It should make money and stimulates the economy

By that I mean profits! Not through fund raising, glorified exits, winning pitching competitions or at the expense of your team. I’m talking about hard cash that you can actually see and spend without the expense of your business or others. It doesn’t make sense to raise millions but only to squander them all away because of ‘market acquisition’. That just means poor execution, and the only disruption you are making is to yourself.

Want to build something cool and sexy? Stop starting up and build a business.

11 Things I Learnt in my 11th Year of Startups and Entrepreneurship

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How time flies! About 10 years ago today, I took the first step into a whole new world – the world of startups and entrepreneurship.

I still remember the day I started my first venture as a college student back in 2004. I didn’t know what entrepreneurship was about and what building a startup meant.

There was no elaborate business plan, lean canvas analysis, marketing blueprint or exit strategy. The thought of becoming the next Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook was in its infancy years then) was also non-existent; I was just fueled with pure curiosity and passion to do what I started off with.

Today, startups and entrepreneurship seems to be the latest trend in town and perhaps, even a norm for some. Almost everyone, both young and old, are wanting to start something of their own for various reasons and that’s cool – but, what does it really mean to start something of your own?

It’s far beyond being your own boss, having flexible hours or even getting rich (ha!). 

What is it then, really? Here are 11 things I’ve learnt (out of the many others) throughout the past decade that will help you at your crossroads, or if you are facing similar situations and lessons, or even if you are just curious and interested about start-ups and entrepreneurship.

#1: Overnight success does not happen to everyone

Running a startup is really unlike how the media tells it – huge overnight acquisitions, closing massive funding rounds and other seemingly quick successes. In fact, a majority of the startups do not experience such situations. Often times you may question your capabilities but don’t waste time salivating and thinking about their success. Be zealous over what you have and build your own success story!

#2: Get used to sacrificing yourself (quite literally)

Many tend to oversee the amount of sacrifice that’s needed for a startup. I’m talking about months and perhaps, even years without a “proper” income, having one too many sleepless nights thinking about how to make things work, taking the heat from your team and for your team, get pushed around by clients or investors, catching up with friends and sometimes, even family time. Honestly, it does not get easier and better over time. In fact, the sacrifice becomes greater and you’re forced to rethink your priorities.

#3: Others will look down on you

Unfortunately, throughout your journey you will meet people who would not believe in what you’re doing, treat you lesser than others, and of course, those who would only come to you when you have accomplished something. Truth is, people will always talk about you despite your successes and failures. Instead of mopping around, pick yourself up and learn how to deal with it. Easier said than done, but it can be pretty tough at times, especially when you’re facing a dry spell.

#4: You cannot do it alone

Your ideas are nothing if there is no team to share it with. I am blessed to have met some really awesome people in the past years. Sure, there were times when our ideas and ideals clashed, and times when the venture didn’t work out. But that does not change the fact that a strong team effort is needed. You would also need a personal support system of your own; be it your loved one, family, friends, or even a bunch of like-minded people. When you’re bursting with ideas or stuck in a rut, you’d want to share it with these people.

#5: It is not all fame and glory

Others tend to put entrepreneurs on a pedestal because of their courage to step out and do something on their own. But truth be told, it’s nowhere near that glamorous at all. You need to be prepared to get your hands dirty to work on every aspect of the business because no one else will. While my name card states that I’m the founder, I am actually the janitor, data entry personnel, human resource executive and basically, anything else that comes to mind. Of course, some of these roles will and can eventually be delegated in the future. But first, it starts with you.

#6: Learn to let go

It is always difficult to let go of something that you’ve invested a lot in. The past 10 years has taught me to identify signs or situations to let go of people and ventures. Personally, I have never liked letting go of things but I’ve learnt that letting go is a critical factor of growth. In fact, keeping things for its sentimental value will only pull you back.

#7: Multitasking is not for you

Startup founders are scatterbrained, but not in a bad way. Most founders I know are always overflowing with ideas; maybe you too! The challenge here is to focus on one idea at a time. Diving head first into multiple ideas will most likely do more harm than good, even when they all seem equally attractive and appealing. Doing multiple things at one time will jam you up. Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!

#8: Don’t limit ideas and opportunities

This is a tough one to balance. On one hand, you should always be exploring new ideas and on the other, you need to focus on one thing at a time. The art of balancing here is to keep an open mind and never shut off ideas despite how silly they seem. You may not want to work on them now, but it may certainly become useful in the future. What really helps is having a notebook (digitally and physically) to jot these ideas when they come.

#9: Speed beats completeness

I started off thinking that it is better to launch a complete product even if it takes a longer time. I was wrong, simply because the product will never be complete. You’ll find yourself building and enhancing for the umpteenth time and you’ll never be satisfied because there’s just too many ideas to execute! Seeing how fast paced the industry and technology is, what you have in mind would have already been implemented by someone else. You need to be quick and agile to put it out there while it’s hot.

#10: Discipline is key

I’m always intrigued by the daily life of every entrepreneur. Everyone has a unique lifestyle that works for them. But if there’s one thing that’s similar, it has got to be the level of discipline – it ranges from their sleeping behavior, morning routines and right up to their task management; they keep it tight! And they leaving little or no room for procrastination and “doing nothing”.

#11: It’s a faith-building process

I wish I could say that I have perfected the formula to startups and entrepreneurship over the years but I’m nowhere near that. Every day, a new challenge comes and every decision made is a new and an untraveled path. It’s an on-going process that will never be perfected, which is why I rely on God to lead the way. He’s the one that has brought and sustained me thus far and the source of what I have and who I am today.

What is your biggest challenge in starting up or getting into entrepreneurship?

My Top 3 Entrepreneurship Lessons from 2014

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The year came and went by so quickly this time around. I still remember how 2014 started but eventually lost track of time somewhere from June, and only being able to feel the year again during Christmas.

Much has happened, both good and bad. Instead of putting together a long list of things, here are my top 3 entrepreneurship lessons from 2014:

#1: Not everyone is built for startups

Many people are fascinated with startups but that does not qualify them to join one, let alone start one. I say this not only because a startup environment is harsh and challenging to keep up, it also requires one to have different qualities to remain in it. Individuals that prefer stability over uncertainty, structure over flexibility and consistency over adaptability may want to reconsider being a part of a startup; simply because it is always the latter in a startup, especially in its early years (first 3-5 years).

#2: There will be no time unless you make time

I suffered from this greatly in 2014. I’ve always considered myself with pretty good time management skills but the year has proved me wrong, resulting in severe lack of sleep on many occasions that caused a negative domino effect to productivity and relationships in general. You need to make time by purposefully setting aside dedicated time for things that matter – stick to it and throw or delegate the rest. Prioritize! If it’s not working for you, you’re doing it wrong.

#3: The power of saying “no”

Many times we try to play the good guy a little overboard, leaving you overwhelmed, causing you to under perform, compromise and leave you frustrated. No, I’m not suggesting for you to be ruthless and unhelpful, but to pick your fights in your capacity. Saying “no” when you’re already stretched is not only fair to person (since you many not be able to deliver to your fullest anyway), but also to yourself as you won’t be burning yourself out. Evaluate opportunities and requests and weigh them against your time and priorities. If you can’t put your best to it, say “no”.

Apart from those above, I believe that God has a big part in my life this year too! Some calls it an instinct, a gut feel, universal power or just luck; but I believe it’s beyond that.

What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in 2014? Do share them with me too :)

Social Media for Entrepreneurs: The 5 Realities of Social Media

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Note: This is Part 3 to the Social Media for Entrepreneurs series.

With the many benefits social networking platforms have, it is no wonder many that are new imagined being ‘social’ is easier than it actually is. After all, you probably already have a personal Facebook or Twitter account in which you’re up-keeping well.

Unfortunately, having your business on social media isn’t something (as) easy.

The difference is this – on your personal page you’re free to share and talk about anything you want and let’s be honest, the main reason you’re spending so much time on these platforms is because it has been, and continues to be all about yourself; and you keep track (or stalk) your friends’ latest happenings.

And that does not happen with your business. Watch the video below on the reality of social media.

The 5 Realities of Social Media An Entrepreneur Should Know Of

Note: this is an extension of the video above

#1: You’re not connected as you think you are

It is always a good idea to first reach out to your existing networks (friends or followers) when putting together your business page. However, the friends you have may not be fans of your business. Even if they are, they may not necessarily be your potential customers. And you’re certainly not connected to all 800 million people on Facebook. Which also means that your business is hardly global.

#2: It won’t be a case of increasing sales

At least not so soon. Social media platforms should never be seen as an answer to low sales simply because it never is a sales platform to begin with. It says ‘social’ for a reason. Don’t get me wrong – sales CAN happen but it will be a result of communication and relationship building, not through blatant advertising.

#3: It is not easy. At all.

Just like starting up a business or a new website, it isn’t easy at all and there are many reasons to it. Whether it is marketing strategy, customer acquisition or retention, they are also valid (and prevailing) challenges on social media platforms so much so that if you think that getting started is tough, you’re wrong. It’s tougher ahead.

The frequent changes and updates in technology, the fact that you’re dealing with consumers that continuously demand, and the time required to be seen as ‘present’ on these platforms for people to take notice of your business is sufficient enough to get you going for as long your business is running.

#4: It isn’t free either

Speaking of time (in #3 above), time isn’t free, and by now you should have noticed the heavy involvement / requirement of time on social media. You need time to build connections, to create conversations and the dedication to make it happen for you.

This also means that you may have lesser time to do (actual) business thus losing out on potential sales elsewhere. If you choose to hire, there are costs involved as well. Sure, the platforms such as Facebook and Twitter are free, but the calculation does not stop there.

#5: And it isn’t a numbers game

Many have said this and I’ll say it again – don’t ever get caught in the numbers game. In other words, don’t spend all your time accumulating the number of followers or fans! Unless your only goal is to look better than your competitor and not get anything out of it, never compete in numbers.

In fact, you can even purchase fans and followers from as low as $5 USD. That’s how ‘cheap’ they are.

Additional read: 8 Grave Misconceptions about Social Media

“Okay, what to do then?”

what to do on social media+ Keep your head in the game and focus on what’s most important for your business.
+ Strive to provide value and provide them consistently.
+ Create conversations that is about them, not about you.
+ At appropriate opportunities, give them a reason to share about you and tell them how to.
+ Get them involved in your business through discussions. Hear them out!
+ Encourage them to share their thoughts or ideas.
+ Take a step further to get to know them better, for example, their interests.
+ Don’t be all suited up. Have fun! Run promotions, giveaways or share lighthearted resources (don’t go overboard though!).
+ Don’t automate replies. Being genuine is key.
+ And ultimately, stay committed.

Next up in Part 4: Friend or Foe?

This is Part 3 to the Social Media for Entrepreneurs series. Quick access to the series below:
[ Introduction | Part 1: The Basics | Part 2: Why It’s Made for You | Part 3: The Reality | Part 4 ]

Disclaimer: The video was recorded as part of the RU Ready series targeted to entrepreneurs in Malaysia by Prudential which I was involved in. This also happen to be my first ever video series :)

Photo credit: BizOrigin

Social Media for Entrepreneurs: The Basics

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Note: This is Part 1 to the Social Media for Entrepreneurs series.

“With power comes great responsibility”

I’ve always found that quote from Spiderman to be so very true. The thing is, social media networks over the years have become a checklist item for entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals alike, so much so that people are just doing it because it is THE thing to do.

They forget that social media is a force to be reckon with and cannot be taken lightly. It is not something where you setup and forget or a tool to make you money in your pyjamas.

Have that said, here are 4 responsibilities entrepreneurs should take note of on social media:

#1: Stay dedicated

It is easy to give up especially when you’re lacking in followers / fans or when no one seems to be reading your articles, replying to your posts or retweeting your content. But instead of throwing in the towel saying “It does not work”, ask yourself, “Why isn’t it working?” instead and do something about it.

Could it be your approach? Could it be your timing? Or could it even be your profile description? Remember that you’re dealing with people on social networks behind those pretty avatars therefore it can take some time before you catch their attention. Again it is a game of trial and error. Never give up!

However, be aware that social media can be a major time suck. Something as simple as replying to a comment can lead on to many other activities and distractions so set a time for yourself to be ‘at work’ on social networks and turn it off when you’re done so you won’t miss out on ‘real work’ in your business.

#2: Learn, and never stop learning

You need to be in the know as an entrepreneur, especially if you’re on social media and having not enough time is NOT an excuse. Technology and business today are moving so quickly that it might cost you if you are oblivious to what’s happening. Besides, it is just unforgivable if you’re not taking time off to learn especially with the abundant of resources online today.

Reading 3 articles a day can take you very far and that will probably just take you less than 10 minutes. I have personally subscribed to a number of feeds on my Google Reader so that I won’t miss out on what I deem as important such as technology news, social statistics / infographics and marketing insights. You should, too!

#3: Ignore the glitter

Do you really need a pair of 3d glasses

It is extremely easy to get caught in the glitter as an entrepreneur. Yes, like a magpie.  It can be the iPhone 7 (new gadgets), Mega Hootsuite (new apps) or whatever that is supposedly made to help ease the workload on social networks.

Sure, there are tools or gadgets that WILL help (and I use a number of them) but do you need the latest of them or even at all? Choose your tools wisely and work with them. Remember, it is quality engagement you need on social networks so complete automation is not necessarily a good thing. And if you’re thinking about auto DMs on Twitter, forget it. It ain’t cool!

Disclaimer: the gadgets and apps mentioned in this section are all made up and is not to be represented as a rumor, leaked information or marketing attempt for any kind.

#4: Don’t abuse the usage of social media networks

Now before you go trigger happy with social media networks, you should be mindful that there are certain social media manners and rules to adhere to. Take Facebook for example, tagging your followers / friends on a promotional flyer, posting on their walls to promote your product, and pestering them to “Like” your page are seen as spam. A rule of thumb is to not do to others what you don’t like others doing to you.

As for rules, know that the Facebook rules and guidelines forbids you using Facebook as a promotional platform. This includes contests of any kind. Sounds familiar? Yes, this means a contest of “Likes” or “Tagging” or “Sharing” are all prohibited on Facebook.

I wrote this article some time back on this and though much has changed, the gist of it still remains. Check it out if you’re unsure about the Facebook promotional guidelines.

What’s your experience or advice to entrepreneurs on social media? Do leave your thoughts at the comment section below.

This is Part 1 to the Social Media for Entrepreneurs series. Quick access to the series below:
[ Introduction | Part 1: The Basics | Part 2: Why It’s Made for You | Part 3: The Reality | Part 4 ]

Next up in Part 2: Why Social Media for Entrepreneurs?

3D glasses image credit: CoolGadgetConcepts.com

Social Media for Entrepreneurs: An Introduction

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About two weeks ago I was invited to speak to 120 aspiring entrepreneurs at a workshop hosted by Prudential Malaysia under the RU Ready campaign, specifically targeted towards college / university students and young adults. It was an exciting opportunity as I always enjoy sharing with young people but yet a humbling experience to be speaking alongside two well established entrepreneurs, Candice Lee (Sales Director of Capital Asia Group) and Timothy Tiah (Co-founder of Nuffnang).

Speaking to young entrepreneurs always reminds me of the excitement of being an entrepreneur, especially when you’ve a new idea in mind. You just can’t stop thinking and talking about it with the intention to grow the idea and eventually commercializing it. However, any entrepreneur would tell you that the journey won’t be easy. It’ll be tough. That’s because…

Entrepreneurship isn’t science

One of the key attributes of an entrepreneur is to not fear failure, so much so that if you’re afraid of failing, you won’t cut it as an entrepreneur. It is a never ending journey of trial and error and what worked for Mark Zuckerberg or Steve Jobs may not work for you, simply because there’s no one fixed formula to success in entrepreneurship.

Similarly, there is no fixed formula to social media success

In the excitement of establishing a new business as an entrepreneur, many approach social media as if it is the cure to business problems or the formula to a successful business. The thing is, entrepreneurs must remember that building your social media presence is similar to building a business. It takes time, commitment and dedication that grows through time.

Social media can be part of the cure or formula, but never THE cure or formula

Social networks are a gift to entrepreneurs. It is only until the introduction of social networks that entrepreneurs are able to start at a faster pace. Think about it – you’ve resources on blogs, video content on YouTube, and a whole world to explore and to be in contact with potential investors, partners or buyers via Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Is there more?

This is the introduction to a 4-part series on social media for entrepreneurs so stay tuned for more!

[ Introduction | Part 1: The Basics | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 ]

Here are the slides to my sharing session at the workshop if you’re interested:

Social Media for Entrepreneurs

Quick access to the series:
[ Introduction | Part 1: The Basics | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 ]

What Would You Do If All Odds Are Against You?

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You’ve probably heard that one of the main attributes of an entrepreneur is the ability to take risks. However, what an entrepreneur actually does is to take CALCULATED risks. That’s right, they don’t take risks for the sake of taking it. They take risks because there’s something worth fighting for and have considered all options before taking the risk.

But what happens if all odds are against you?

Recently I stumbled upon a particular comic strip in Chinese which resonated quite a bit with me that I thought it’ll be great to share with you (I’ve translated the text to English for your viewing pleasure):

what would you do if all odds are against you? - english

click for larger image

Original comic (in Chinese)

The comic strip got me thinking – which citizen would I be in the comic strip? Would I be watching the live telecast in front of the television screen waiting for it to happen? Take the opportunity to rob the stores to get that 60-inch plasma television that I always wanted? Or would I try with whatever I have (or can) to face the problem (in this case, a meteor) head on?

While it may sound silly to face a meteor with a baseball bat…

Many ideas started off silly too. Let’s warp back in time for a bit, what would you say to Mark Zuckerberg when he was working on Facebook, during the prime time of Friendster? Or Apple when they were working on the iPad? Remember how everyone claimed that it was an oversized iPhone and that it’ll never sell?

The thing is, your ideas will constantly be challenged as you talk to people, or as technology advances and sometimes the odds really are against you. Maybe investors are not buying into your idea, your business partner disappeared, you’re losing money, loved ones aren’t being supportive or maybe you’re feeling that you can’t cope with the expectations of the shareholders anymore.

I’ve personally lost count on how many times I’ve went against the odds myself. There were smaller odds but definitely big ones with much at stake. If there’s one thing I’ve learnt from them is that if they (challenges) did not happen, I wouldn’t be who and where I am at today.

The really question is – Are you ready to face the odds?