COUNT DOWN TO YEAR END

Have all of you started counting down to the new year? In previous years, it had always been exciting time for me because I usually feel a brand new year means a brand new start. However, it has not been so.

I'm happy that work is coming in and this means there is money to be earned. One bad news really made me think about life's meaning; is it worthwhile to work so hard and find oneself inflicted with a disease which you hope you will not be a victim off?

I questioned this because someone I revered a lot had been contracted with stage 3 colon cancer. He is so wise, good and charitable. How come disease still fine him? Doesn't it know he is a good person? I feel some times, even eating healthily (eating organic food, multi-vites, etc.) is it a good thing after all? I have been told organic foods are good sources for it is produced naturally and no insecticide or pesticide is used on them. I wonder how true and can I trust the labels since we cannot varify the source.

Apart from this bad/sad news, I would say, work is going along fine and I am enjoying every moment of it.

Remember I was telling all of you about the new card game 'Guo Nian Match-ups' that I am marketing? I am happy that it is quite well received. Moreover, it's so affordable that families can play during 'shou shui' during the Lunar New Year's eve, traditionally we normally don't get to sleep.

It's good for children to pick up the Chinese Language as well, in our very simple way in contribution to the society.

Till next time, here's wishing one and all a happy holiday and may this Christmas bring you joy and love.

A YEAR OF VICTORY

Every year, on the first Sunday, our Senior Pastor would outline the theme for the church. This year, the theme is 'YEAR OF VICTORY' and we were encouraged to be a Blessing to others and to Go Deepl, Look Far and Ask Big.

For the first half of the year, life had been a brisk, having a job which paid me a salary, although not much. I was quite contented, hoping that my contract could be renewed.

However, things did not tturned out as expected and I have been going through a period of uncertainty. Though having spoken to a couple of employers, the prospect of employment had not been forthcoming. I doubted if the authorities was sincere when they said publicly that our Nation will adopt a policy of an 'Inclusive Society' where PWDs would be accorded equal opportunities.

Fortunately, I have been an optimistic person and 'never say die'. I persevered and soon had assignments.

I have a prayer partner whereby we would pray every night without fail, believing that a breakthrough would come in December since our church and many of our pals have been experiencing good things in their lives.

Just as I clinched my small assignment two weeks ago, I received a bigger assignment that will last till just before Lunar New Year 08.

At the same time, my partner also have new business opportunity and we will continue to pray for bigger breakthroughs.

Let me share a little more about my new venture. I shall be marketing 'Guo Nian Matchups' cards with the objectives of:

1. To encourage children to take an interest in the Chinese language via fun in our own small ways by matching auspicious Lunar New Year greetings,

2. To educate and inform children that gambling can be an addiction, starting from a very young age and

3. To allow parents to engage with their children in the festive occasion without the tool of placing bets or play 'bun luck' with their ang-pao money.

In our small way, we want to inculcate good values into the young of today so they will not become society's burden when they grow up.

If this venture prove successful, then, we will roll out other games in the pipeline. If you're keen and interested to know more or to purchase a set, please leave your details or email me at leelee.lim07@gmail.com and I'll do my utmost to deliver to you.

You are welcome to visit my website at your own convenience.

WEEK OF LITTLE FRUIT

Hello everyone,
Have not been updating for about a week. Well, This week, learned a lot of things. I've always been active in church, especially with the Special People Ministry and the vocal cum choir. I've not been serving in the choir for about 6 months now and was comtemplating of going back. However, I learned from my pals that the choreography have been more extensive and rigorous. One of my mates asked me to not return to serve for fear that I may fall off the platform. I'm still considering and should know where to go by beginning of 08. However, I enjoy serving with the Special People Ministry, especially reading lyrics to them so they can follow the worship and can engage God too.

I finally got a small assignment after some calling. I hope this could branch to something more lucrative, while I explore other ideas of bringing in business. I have been quite busy this week, a good sign I hope.

If any of your friends or even yourself or your organisation need copy writing or editting service, do leave your contact details and I'll be in touch with you. If you are living in Singapore, do visit my company website at at http://www.s3communications.com.sg and see how we can collaborate with you.

That's all for the time being. Have a blessed week ahead.

A DAY THAT HASN'T BEEN RIGHT TILL NOW

Since Monday, I'd been calling on prospects to see if they'd be ready to commence work, having done the necessary on my end. It's now end of the week, and guess what, a week of fruitlessness. I hadn't been this frustrated for a long time. I've been editting a fiction, however, the author did not seem to want to mention the amount of compensation. I'd been told to stop work on this particular project as it's not paying. However, I feel obligated to finish the whole thing. I guess, I have to be forthright and see where it goes from here.

Went to a client's office on tuesday. During our discussion via tel conversation, , she indicated her boss was not keen on producing hard copy catalogue. Instead, she informed us that her boss was more keen on setting up a website and e-catalogue, besides, the project will not take off for another 12 months. Hopefully, It's not a case of gathering quotations and then NATO.

Sometimes, I wonder if i'd been taken for a ride. Well, it's a numbers game and I believe, the more people I get to see, more opportunities will come my way.

Besides dropping by my business sites listed below, you can visit here too.

http://blissjoy.1236659.hop.clickbank.net


Do leave me your comments with your name and email address.

AN UNUSUAL ENCOUNTER

A friend informed me a job fare would be organised for People With Disabilities on 17 November at SengKang CC. Out of curiosity, I decided to go take a look. I went there knowing that I'd get nothing from it. True to my belief, the tour was over within 45 minutes. According to the organisers, They were members from the Singapore National Employers Federation.

Out of the 20s over exhibitors, most were introducing training skills for PWDs, for example, Society for the Physically Disabled, Bizlink, SAVH, and other VWOs. Though IBM and FairPrice were the two biggest corporations there, they were there to fact find, so they say. FairPrice indicated available jobs are for lower skilled personnel like retail assistance and troley pushers. I wonder why should large Corporations like these have to stereotype what PWDs are capable of doing? Don't they also know there are some of us who possess tertiary education and are as capable as our able-bodied counterparts?

I met Mayor of the NorthEast CDC, Mr Zainul Abidin Rasheed, who happened to drop by during that moment. I told him my impression and he encouraged me to give them some time allowance as this has been their first attempt. I Gave him my company business cards, hopefully, to be able to work with NECDC on projects. Mayor knew me and he graciously accepted my opinion.

After a meal at KFC, We happen to come across a financial advisor from Income, setting up a booth at Compass point. My friend wanted to find out about the financial plan he was promoting and asked me to listen with her and help ask questions.

When we sat down, he said, 'ask me your question'. I asked what he was promoting and he said, 'NTUC Flexy safe'. I then follow up with another question to which he said, 'let me talk'. So my friend and I allowed him do his presentation. At some point, he paused to take a call, lasting 5 minutes, calculating his client's earnings before us.

He then proceeded, 'How much do you have?' I said, 'suppose we would like to save $100.00 per month, what is the interest earn, what is the minimum period and will there be penalties upon withdrawals to meet emergencies?' He replied, we can save a minimum period and then can temporary stop the plan should the need arise and to resume when we are ready. He proceeded that part of our money would be used to cover protection fee. I asked, 'since the sum we placed with Income is a savings plans, what is protection fee?' he said, 'to pay the company's bills like my salary, staff to process your policy, etc.' I asked, 'Since the bulk of the sum is to purchase units, what is the risk?'You can get double the return, is it not enough?'

My friend continued, 'If i want to invest, can I use CPF funds?' he indicated it is possible. My friend then followed-up, 'What is the minimum amount?' he said, 'you tell me how much you want to invest, then, I help you to invest. Don't ask me what is the minimum. My client don't come to me with minimum amount. They always come with $20,000.00 or more'.

I then asked, 'if we don't know what is the minimum amount and don't know where the money is invested into, how can we check?' He said, My client don't talk like this. If you want to know more you can call 67881111'. At this, we left, put off by this financial advisor.

Having being in this industry not too long ago, I was being thought to be transparent with prospects and never to misrepresent the company. I'd always been transparent with my prospect, hence, did quite well in this industry.

I'm not implying this Financial advisor (or whatever his title is) is misrepresenting his organisation, I believe to turn suspects into clients, he has a lot to learn. Sir, I urge you, please adopt good practice and you will get many referrals.

General Issues

Wow! as the saying goes, 'time and tide waits for no man'. How true! It felt like yesterday that We just ushered in year 2007 and in 7 weeks time, we enter into 2008. I am one who does not make any resolutions 'cause I fear I fail myself again and again.

At the beginning of this year, I am a happy employee, working for others, putting more money into bosses' pockets. As I decided to leap into the world of being an entrepreneur in July, it's a testing ground everyday, for instance, after submitting quotations to 'potential clients', following-up becomes a constant motivation. Whatever I learnt in previous employments become assets now. I am now learning about the 'Law of Attraction', a very exciting course. This course teaches one to be positive, no matter what the day may offer us; for instance, how we should program our minds to attract positivity though we may not get the business after doing the necessary.

Perhaps, in reality, one cannot be a winner everyday. As the saying goes, 'you win some, you lose some'. After all, It's to have more friends than enemies, even in the world of business. Intelligent business people will leverage on others, for instance, to work with powerful people with different expertise, so, we can assist one another, resulting in a win-win situation. Afterall, there is plenty of money to be earned and one can never profit from a business if the focus is only on oneself.

Do visit my websites on my company's profile and to see how our company can help you realise your business goals. Do leave your comment.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Wow! How time flies. It's already almost the end of 2007. Upon recollection, I believed wholeheartedly that this year will be a year of Breakthrough and Victory for me. Well, 'breakthrough' perhaps, decided to be my own boss! a great step forward. Though not easy, yet challenging. There is so much to learn, from applying a debit card account to soliciting genuine clients. Sometimes, I envy friends who receive constant pay packages, but am happy that I need not have to trade my time for money. One friend told me she had to work till 3-4 am and return to office just a few hours later.

Well, I am looking for business partners, especially in the area of internet marketing. There is so much to explore that everyday I always feel the excitement. Although not there yet, believe will get there soon.

Winners don't quit, quitters don't win!

UNEVENTFUL TWO DAYS

Since Monday, I'd have uneventful two days. I went for a part-time based job interview but learnt I'd know if I would be employed with the school only by mid November. Though business's slow in coming, I am still not calling quits yet.

However, two happenings really annoyed me. I have been volunteering my service at a GROs but discovered someone I respected had disappointed me. To add on to the injury, my old lady at home, because of the immatured behaviour of her youngest son took her fury on our FDW who had been serving her faithfully. I sympathised with her and advised my old lady to not pick a bone with her, while, asked patience from my FDW who imdicated not angry with her bug just couldn't understand why everytime misunderstandings must arise from this fellow. I should say she's been serving our family very well and I don't know why my old lady cannot differentiate right from wrong.

I also face a lot of difficulty in trying to apply for a debit card with POSB-ank. They gave me 3 reasons which I felt the bank should be responsible because they were proactively promoting the particular facility some years ago, which is hindering my application now. In my view, banks should be more responsible in implementing services and not let customers bear the brunt of their policy. I had been fighting with the bank for two weeks and don't know how long this will dread or perhaps, considering to switch bank.

Hopefully, as the week draws nearer to a close, it will get better.

The Power of Networking

I was invited to a networking event by a cousin yesterday. It was held at Raffles Town Club. Though I love meeting people, I realised the network marketing has blossomed a lot the last 7 years. Since I was introduced to the concept by a friend in 2000 about an american MLM company establishing its presence in Singapore and then only a handful bought the idea, I discovered even companies originated from asia also soon followed suit. Though there were about 200 strong, the hype that went on was remarkable. I recently did some work for another american networking company who encouraged its american independent business owners (designation), to make their presence felt in Singapore. I was amazed by the dedication demonstrated by one group. They moved together. Though most in his group returned to USA after two weeks, Fred actually impressed me with his willingness to return to Singapore for another 4 weeks to build his business. Like many networkers, my cousin also encouraged me to joined her. However, I do not foresee myself doing a lot cuz I only used products that benefit me in strengthening my health. I don't buy the idea of spending lots of money to beautify my external self. I believe so long as one is presentable, it is good enough.

Perhaps, since I do not see very much, I prefer to be my natural self. My niece has been putting a lot of effort in designing the site. Hope you like it and please do enjoy your stay.

INEXPERIENCED STAFF AT A RESTAURANT CHAIN

I Was out with a visually challenged friend at a restaurant at Hougang Mall for lunch yesterday afternoon. As we were in queue waiting our turn to place our orders he overheard someone order 'hainanese pork chop'. He asked me if it was a new dish on the menu. I told I wasn't sure but if he'd like to try, he can order. He proceeded to order the hainanese pork chop while I order my egg sandwich.

After waiting for a while His food finally arrived. I was aware two plates were being put on the table, but he wasn't. Just as he was about to eat, I told him the plate of rice was on his left while the plate of pork chop was to his right. He remarked, 'how to eat?' I waved and a waiter came to our table. I asked for a bigger plate and requested him to combine the two plates into the bigger plate we requested for. To my amazement, he came with the plate and walked away. I tried to get the attention of the staff for a few minutes but was in vain. I do recognise that it was lunch hour and the restaurant may had been busy. However, it wasn't very crowded during that time. I finally told him that I'd transfer his rice into the other plate before the food turned cold.

A staff then approached and asked what we needed after he started eating and I told him we didn't need anything any longer.

The reason for wanting to put this down was I too am a person who is visually challenged. I had to take a lot of caution that I did not make a mess during the whole process and that I realised unless I helped him, the food will turn cold quickly because the aircon was very cold. I been to restaurants where staff are at hand to assist diner. I believe if a restaurant wants to retain their customers, staff should be more proactive. My friend loves the food there and we had visited the restaurant several occasion at different time of the day. While I acknowledge some staff have been very helpful, paying attention to minor details may help bring more diners to the restaurants as word-of-mouth is the most powerful way of attracting people to visit the outlet.

Please leave a message for me if you have one.

A DIFFERENT YESTERDAY

Since I left my former employment at the beginning of July this year, I was busy searching for directions before I decided to become self-employed. The hope of being successful is the main motivation to go ahead to be my own boss, instead of working for others, putting more dollars into their pockets. Well, I must admit business has been slow but I believe perseverance and persistence are two main keys for success.

Well, I met with three ex-colleagues at Junction 8 last evening. After a meal, we went shopping and I was amazed at the many shops selling ladies clothes and accessories. The result of affluence in our society means that we are spoiled for choices? We walked a few shops and they managed to pick up somethings appealing to their eyes. We completely did not talk about work but wild the time away talking all kinds of things, from fire hazards to land sales. I came home very refreshed.

General issues

I have to admit that though minimal improvements have been made in that to employ PWDs for certain industries, jobs have also been lost due to automation. For example, in the 60-70s, when we were a young nation, the Ministry of Labour then had been actively promoting and training bisually challenged individuals with relevant qualifications with telephone operator skills. However, in the 90s, when MNC began to establish themselves in Singapore and semi-automated or automated telephone devices were being introduced, many visually challenged persons began losing their rice bowls.

Visually challenged individuals with minimal qualifications were being trained as production operators in factories then. Their jobs were also taken away when companies relocated elsewhere due to cheaper labour cost.

I really dread what the future holds for PWDs especially, when employers fail to recognise that PWDs can be an asset, for example, to foster a more cohesive working environment, to integrate PWDs with the society at large, to help them understand the world at large, and, most of all, to allay the fears of parents and care-givers that their love ones can be someone useful in society.

General Issues

Hey All,

To carry on from where I left off, It is a true phenomenon in Singapore. Of course, there are a minority who left their jobs due to various reasons. However, people with disabilities are conscientious workers and will give their all for their bosses working within their limitations.

Parents, on the other hand, hope for the best for their children and are frustrated when the children with disabilities are not motivated or are at a lost to find a fit for them. When these children arrive, parents will take months, if not years to accept the truth. Many parents even go extra miles to find a 'cure' for their children. They will financial resources if any, in the hope for a better future for their children.

Leave here for now.

GENERAL ISSUES

Hey all,

I am back to continue where I left off yesterday. I am glad that our nation progressed at such a rapid pace. During my childhood days, Singapore was then an infant nation. We were establishing ourselves in the international arena. As life goes on, (so they say), the plight of people with disabilities is still not been adequately addressed though we have attained the status of a developed nation.

Hey, don't get me wrong! I am not suggesting that we must be given charity all the time. I am talking about employment opportunities here. Many of my friends, though having attained an adequate level of education often realised they would be the last to be hired during economic boom and the first to be fired during economic recession.

Yes, I do acknowledge being physically challenged is not a choice. Parents did not intend to bring children into the world for them to suffer.

Well, continue next time.

General issues

Hey all,

This is my first blog and I'll like to focus on general issues pertaining to people with disabilities living in Singapore. Though I have to acknowledge some improvements have been made in the infrastructure, there must be a change in the mindset of the society at large, especially, in the employment sector.

I'll elaborate at my next blog.

first post

first post