My Journey

We are drawing near to the conclusion of 2014 and commencement of 2015. Many in facebook are posting their Memories of 2015. Seeing the pics of the many has triggered my personal memories….but not of 2014 alone, rather it’s about my entrepreneurial journey.

The entrepreneurial journey I am referring to is my forklift parts distribution business. Of all the businesses I have dabbled with, this business is the most challenging and fearsome. Never have I felt this helpless and fearful. The biggest contributing factor was the fact that the nature and culture of the business and industry as a whole was a complete stranger to me and opposite of all that I know or experienced.

To step into this business is truly a step of faith. I had tried my utmost best to flee from this business/industry but as hard as I tried, I didn’t go far. After 2 years of struggle, I received an impression in my heart. It was the little voice of my Lord Jesus. He asked me why is it that I flee? I had always been interested in businesses at a young age but this business and industry struck so much fear in me that it was overwhelming. To summarise my experience with my Lord’s question, he showed me the other side of the coin and that opened my heart to be more receptive.

Acceptance is easier said than done considering the amount of fear I had. The night before I stepped into the business, I was blessed with a vision. The vision showed me standing in a valley surrounded above by my many competitors. These “competitors” are seasoned industry peers who would take the path “by hook or crook” for business sake. Then Jesus spoke…. “See the people above there? I tell you now that you are to never harm them, not even a strand of hair”. I woke up with a WOW! Logic says that in such a dream, the most probable message is not to be afraid for I will be protected. However the message I received was completely different and much more powerful. Me, standing in a valley surrounded by the many aggressive peers are told not to harm them. The entire message is telling me:

1. I will not only survive in the business but prosper and grow in strength
2. No harm will come upon me whatever my peers attempt
3. In my strength and victory in coming future, I am to exercise grace and mercy. Retaliation is not an option

Today, after years of being in the business, I have encountered countless number of challenges, sometimes almost overwhelmed and yet I continue to grow. I have even received entrepreneurial awards and being interviewed by media such as:

1. Prestige Top40 Under40 Young Achievers Award
2. Prestige Top40 Under40 People’s Choice Award
3. Full feature in MillionaireAsia Magazine under Rising Star segment. This magazine is a very exclusive magazine catering only to the super high net worth market
4. Interviewed by a TV business media in FaceTime with CEO

I take not for granted my journey especially my Lord Jesus’s favor, teaching, encouragement and blessings. To Him I give all the glory.

The Good Stubborn

According to people, there are some characteristics that an entrepreneur must have. Let me add on to the list — #stubborness, in a good way.

Look around you. There are those we label as super entrepreneurs, entrepreneurs and wannabe entrepreneurs. Super entrepreneurs always seem invincible. They seem to make everything look easy and having the Midas touch. To some they even seem a Hybrid of Avengers.

But ask any entrepreneurs, whatever category they may be. I bet each one of them will tell you that somewhere and some time in their journey, they have experienced pain, fear, rejection, doubts, fatigue, etc. You see, sometimes people forget that entrepreneurs are only human. The success and glory people see are the fruits. Back track on their journey and soon you will discover that they are no different from everyone else.

The negatives we cannot avoid but it should not be allowed to stumble us. The difference is the successful ones are those who see the negatives as a passing phase and not a destination. It is an opportunity to learn and grow.

So guys and gals, remember that you are only human. Don’t despair in times of difficulty. People before you have experienced and prevailed. Press on!

LIAR’s DICE

Interesting name ain’t it. Was very privileged to receive the invite from acclaimed entrepreneur and friend, Datuk Eric Chong & Dato Vinod to the special screening of Liar’s Dice.

For your info, both Datuk(s) are making their first foray into the entertainment industry and already their movie are being selected to contest in the Oscars. The entire movie was produced in India, everything from site to cast, crew, etc. These gentlemen are already huge successful businessmen and yet they continue to surprise and inspire us.

So how was the movie? Well, Dato Vinod was right when he told us not to expect a fast paced movie. Then again, a good movie does not need to be action-packed right? Most important is the story that it tells and this movie does exactly that. Was a story about family, love, etc. and the nameless (people who society takes for granted because they are not famous or rich).

We wish the entire team of producers, directors, casts, crews the very best of luck as they travel to the US for the Oscars.

Hungry Me

For the next few days I am going to be confining myself in a class to crunch numbers and figures. Most folks will tell me that I am wasting my time and money. Well, maybe but in my opinion, this is a time and money well spent.

Am thankful that I’ve always held closely the belief that learning is a lifetime thingy. One should never become too comfortable, lazy or proud to learn. As a matter a fact, there is nothing to be ashamed of to admit that am feeling lack in certain areas and needing to improve.

On that note, I had a splurge of interest and passion a few weeks ago to learn about numbers in relation to business. Immediately I went searching for the best place to learn. Without hesitation, I registered as soon as I found one.

So folks, if you are unable to contact me or do not hear from me for the next few days, I will be in a class somewhere upgrading myself 🙂

Silent Success

Being an entrepreneurs all these years has made me realise that us, as human beings, covet attention and praises. Admittedly or not, it is the truth. The only difference is the degree of our covetousness.

Peers have told me that it is good to be known and admired. It is good for business, supposedly. I guess that’s why so many people are hunting down media representatives, from paper media to online media, etc.

There is indeed some truth in this claim. After all, some exposure and recognition may help us with our business. My question is , what is it doing for our #character? Is it building our character in the process? As I believe, gaining success is easy, having the character to own and keep it is even more important.

Okay, let’s not stray too far. My personal journey is such that I’ve always stayed below the radar but late 2013, God saw it fit that I am given some recognition. Was an awardee of the Prestige Top40 Under40 Young Achievers Award and special award, People’s Choice Award. Was also featured in the prestigious MillionaireAsia Magazine. My experience thru this made me desire for more awards and recognition. It is not a bad desire but looking deeper into it, it seems to be distracting me. I seem to be doing it to merely satisfy my ego.

I thank God that not long ago, I was brought back to my senses. He asked me of having the award were that important. How different would my life be with and without them? Who’s receiving all the glory?

Awakening for me, you may say. At the end of the day or rather my life, the only and most important recognition I should covet is my Lord Jesus’s compliment. If He says “good and well done my faithful servant”, that would surpassed all the world’s awards and recognition combined.

Feet is now back on earth. If ever I am to receive anymore awards or recognition, it will be a gift from Him, in His time and place. I am now perfectly contented to continue my journey with my Heavenly Father, where a whisper and pat on the back from Him is more than sufficient.

Thank you Father.

Stepping Stone – Floor Mat or Elevator?

This morning as I was driving, it crossed my mind that often in our life, we have intentionally or sub-consciously being made someone’s stepping stone or made someone our stepping stone.

Often, being a stepping stone is associated to the negative. Kinda a floor mat. Hi & Bye. We serve our purpose for a brief moment only. When that person finds someone or something better, it is aside with old and in with the new. Let’s not shoot those people for we may be guilty of doing so ourselves.

So what is the point of writing this today?

Well, we all have a purpose to serve or live out in this life. Whatever we do, we do it unto the Lord. If someone made us a stepping stone, it is only because we have something important that the other person needs. Ain’t it better than not being needed at all? At least we have being a blessing, amidst moments only. If we are the “culprits”, then it is within our control to stop! We need to incorporate a culture of “gratefulness” into our character. Forget not those who helped us along the way. This is what society is lacking these days.

If we have being made a stepping stone, here’s a positive perspective…

1. Be thankful you have blessed someone
2. If that person made you feel as if you are only a tool, then let us not do the same unto others
3. Learn from the lesson as a stepping stone

If you have made others your stepping stone, here’s what you may need to do…

1. Stop! Be grateful to all who has helped and blessed you in your journey
2. Show appreciation to them

Now, being a stepping stone does not sound that bad right? It’s a process of life. It’s unavoidable. Make the most of it. Stay positive.