March 4, 2010

  • Bye Bye Taiwan, Hello Malaysia

    So I'm finally back in Malaysia, it's been 4 months since I left. Haven't really done much during my stay in Taiwan, truth is, I am simply not at the level to deal with the Taiwanese market; I lack the social skill and network to blend into the hive.

    In Taiwan, as well as in most part of Asia, it's important to "buddy buddy" your prospecting clients, during my stay in Taiwan I have observed that as a result of prevalent phone and mail scams, most companies have grown to be impurvious to the traditional cold-callings and emails. It almost seems that you must know someone who knows someone inside the purchasing department - or you really must walk door to door to ask for a sit-in opportunity for a presentation - both too difficult for me.

    Alas, I still gotta do what I gotta do if I ever want to accomplish something; sales don't just occur out of blue. But if I am going to devote my time one way or another, I'd go for Malaysia where more I see more opportunities, despite the fact that I do enjoy my off-work life in Taiwan.

    Another plus is that Malaysia connects with multipule South Eastern Asian countries: Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam...etc., so there is more possibility to expand the business. So, with all these said, pretty much makes up the past few months of my life - doing nothing in Taiwan and then flew back to Malaysia.

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    Two newly hired sales girls quit; one just before CNY and the other just after CNY - after receiving year-end bonuses and red envelopes - which kind of pisses me off, I mean I can understand it: Why quit before CNY when you can receive two fat checks for staying a month longer, on top of a 9-day paid vacation right?

    Well, nothing wrong with it, just low and lack integrity to me, worst yet it felt kind of like an insult, because she KNOWS that she's being shady, and she DON'T CARE if we think she's shady.

    But then, I am even more pissed at myself for I could not get people motivated to get up and do something, I lack the ability and I lack the EQ; when I see people coming to work everyday, sit around, wait for my command, tasks of the day, lecture of the day or what have you, wait for shit to happen, wait for lunch, wait for 5:30 pm  - I don't want to talk to them - especially when the job you've applied for is SALES.

    All good though, at least the company doesn't have to pay them anymore. I'd rather use those money to place an ad or attend an expo or something - anything else would have been more productive.
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    Work aside, it was definitely awesome to see old buddies from the States in Taipei. I was particularly surprised that my childhood friend Minghan came to visit Taipei for business from Japan. This guy is phenomenal, it's been almost 8 years since we haven't met or spoken, yet we still click.


    15 years and going...

    Minghan is the man. I remember when we were in middle school, he'd tell me that he will one day go to Japan and live there - he did. And he did it well, he had almost zero support from his parents and he'd work his ass off while studying in Japan, now he's been staying in Japan for about 7 years and will apply for Japanese citizenship next year. He's truly one of those guys that walk the walk, and I appreciate him for believing in me with what I do; even though I am that kid with a daddy setting my future up for me.


    Me, Russell & His brother Stanley

    It was great seeing Russell also; it's my first time really hanging out with his brother Stanley, the guy is warm and welcoming, really took care of us when we were in Taipei. It's funny for me to still not know Taipei well enough to show people around where the goodies are.

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    Friends are important, they really are a reflection of who you are; they are the ones who can really "get" you, and in turn you can also really "get" them - these are life keepers and I'm glad I've got a few.

    Everyone's got his own problems and agendas, and a night out with the bros can really help forgetting about the problems temporarily, recharge, and move on. Of course, as we grow older, sometimes even the closest friends or even family can grow to become so unfamiliar, but I am glad to have a bunch of friends who I can still connect very well even though we haven't talked for a long time.

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    So, that's the end of the chapter, and moving on to the next...

    Cheers!