Business Management Made Easy

Sometimes I couldn't help but envy my brother who has landed a very great job with a fat salary (and other perks to boot) as a Computer Programmer in one of the top emerging Call Center Stations in the city of Manila, Philippines.

He shares that though the work is much challenging and time-consuming, he enjoys doing Custom Application Development for their company, especially when he and his co-programmers are able to come up with good and simple solutions to complex business process problems that the company is experiencing.

Application Development Defined-

Application Development, or software development, pertains to a development of software product (involving the creation of computer programs), in a planned and structured process.

Due to the fast-paced introduction of various new technologies in computer programming, Computer Programmers now have lots of resources and means to create better applications. In fact, there are even ready-made application development programs that are available for use by business entities.

However, it is much better to have to hire (or employ) computer programmers that will customize applications suitable for the need of the company.

As a fine example, I used to work in a company that owns a chain of stores that offers Sporting Goods such as rubber shoes, jerseys, basketballs, volleyballs, apparels, etc. We purchase the items directly from big sports suppliers (like Adidas, Nike, Reebok) and store them in a warehouse located near the Main Office. Periodically, these sporting goods are transported to the various stores all over the country.

Due to the large volume of inventory movement, it is thus necessary that a good inventory process (or system) is in place. The management has decided to do away with the basic inventory system where we only use excel spreadsheet to track inventories. An employee was tasked to browse through the internet to check where to purchase a good inventory database system. He also joined in an application development forum and made discussions with members in order to get additional ideas.

After much research, it was determined that it is much better to hire computers programmers to customize the application /program that the company needs. This is because the program is custom-fit with the specific requirements that the we need.

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Custom Application Development, indeed, has become a necessary partner in making businesses easier to manage.

Bakflip: A Good Partner In Business

During the year 2009, my brother and I have started to conceptualize on putting up a resale business (delivery) of school and office supplies. And as we have already had a good number of prospective clients, it seems that we will be in for a good run.

The thoughts and the ideas are sometimes easy to come by. However, the hard part comes with the actual setting up of the business, including the equipments that we need to purchase.

One good example is the plan to buy a delivery service vehicle. I wanted us to buy a delivery truck, but my brother is encouraging me that a pick up truck is much better. He advised me that we really don't need a big truck just at the moment since we are just starting out with the business. But then, purchasing a pick up truck would mean that we still have to modify it by purchasing a durable tonneau cover. Tonneaou covers are more popularly known as truck bed or pickup bed covers.

Tonneau covers are extremely useful on our planned business because we are delivering goods that require extra care from rain, dust, etc. We have asked some friends, and they recommend a Bakflip pickup cover. Sure enough, when I tried browsing in the internet, I read that there are a lot of good, positive comments about bakflip covers.

Well, there are still a lot more to do and prepare for our business. It is our hope that everything will work out just fine for it.

Are You Insured Yet?

One of the best things that you can get when you are regularly employed with a good company is that the company gives you better benefits than when you are just a casual or contractual employee.

In our company for instance, we started to receive clothing allowance, rice allowance last year. These are in addition to the basic 13th month pay that we regularly receive yearly as mandated by law.

This year, talks have it that our company might provide Life Insurance benefit to all regular employees who have been with the company for at least 5 years. This is actually a very good benefit considering that some of sectors in our company are having a bit of high risk jobs because they are working outside of the office in the streets most of the time. In the unlikely event that something happens to an employee, the Life Insurance will be there to ensure that the surviving immediate family gets some financial aid and benefits.

Employees do have high hopes that the company will push this thru, especially now that the Administration Group and the Human Resource Group who are in-charge of this issue are now starting to ask for Life Insurance Quotes from different insurance companies. We all hope that before the end of the year, this plan will finally materialize.

A co-employee who used to work in Australia even commented that in there, their company even gives Funeral Insurance to all regular employees. I haven't yet heard of any local company here in our country, but if ours will offer one, then that will surely give all of us a great boost!

After all, we, the employees, are the lifeblood of the business.

Make That First (Good) Impression

In the year 2000, I was a fresh graduate struggling to find my place in the corporate world. Having studied in one of those colleges in the Philippines that specialize in Accountancy and Business Administration, we were taught that the one of the most important factors in getting yourself a job or a business deal is by making a good first impression with potential employers and potential business partners.

To my surprise, I found out that a small piece of paper can do wonders in making a good first impression- that is, by handing out nicely written business cards during interviews, business deals, or even mere acquaintances.

Looking back, I always admire people who have their own personal business cards ready to be given to potential employers and business partners. That is because to me, a person that has his/her own business card appears to be very professional and has had actually reached a certain milestone in their careers. Even in my first corporate office, only those who are in managerial positions have their own business cards.

These papers may be small, but business cards actually tells a lot about you on first acquaintance. This is because business cards inform other people about the nature of your work or the nature of the business you are into. In the future, people may use the business cards for reference, whenever they need your service.

As a fine example, my brother, who is a contractor of buildings and houses, makes it a habit of not leaving the house without at least five business cards in his wallet. During social gatherings and meetings, he would hand-out these business cards to other people. The results? He has already constructed at least three (3) residential houses in posh villages out of those to whom he had given business cards.

You need not worry about what you should put into your business cards. There are wonderful companies that specialize in creating the cards that will suit your need. There are loads of layouts to choose from, but of course, you can customize by giving your company logo, or your own personalized design.

So remember, when you mean business, always make sure you have a handy business card in your pocket. Hand them out, and make a good first impression among your business acquaintances.

The Law of Average

Have you ever wondered why companies resort to giving flyers as a way of promotion even if people do not seem to take interest about what they offer?

The answer is, because they are practicing the Law of Average.

Thesaurus.com defines the Law of Average as the theory of probability, or, a probable future.

To further explain, business companies anticipate that for every variable, there is an equal or opposite ratio. Say for example, out of 10 flyers given to 10 customers, there is a probability that 1 customer will take notice and be interested about the product.

So if you are able to give 100 flyers, there is a probability that 10 persons will be interested in your product; thus, more sales.

It really doesn't matter whether some people just seem to ignore your flyier or your advertisement. As business analysts say, the Law of Average is sure to take effect in one way or another.

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I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life, therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action.

-Napoleon Hill

Silicone Bracelets: More Than A Fashion Statement

Perhaps the use of Silicone Bracelets became most popular when various NBA superstars have started wearing them during their games. Immediately, other players from different leagues, both in the US and in other foreign countries, also wore, and even personalized their own bracelets, or more popularly known as Baller IDs.

After a while, people from all walks of life can be seen wearing silicone bracelets. Thus, from just a mere sports accessory, these bracelets have become a fashion statement to many people, especially the younger generations. And apart from other fads, the use of Silicone Bracelets did not cease immediately, but rather, various companies and organizations have decided to put them for other uses.

As a fine example, when our church conducted its yearly Summer Family Camp, the organizers of the event endorsed each camper with one silicone bracelet which serves as each one's ID.

Even big companies found use of silicone bracelets as a form of giveaway and promotional item during various corporate events. This prove to be a very good advertising material because people tend to see company names and logos printed on the bracelets.

I also witnessed a candidate for a national election in the Philippines who distributed silicone bracelets during his campaigns.

What made Silicone Bracelets click in the market?

First, because they are hip and trendy, so people can create fashion out of them. People can mix and match with the various colors available.

Second, silicone bracelets are a good advertising medium. Companies can put their corporate statements. Sports advertisers can include sports players' numbers. Civic organizations use them to advertise their battlecry.

Third, silicone bracelets are not that expensive.

No wonder why people love them. No wonder why silicone bracelets has become more than a fashion statement.

Is Your Computer Secured?

People like me who consume at least six hours a day using the computer and browsing the internet always desire for maximum computer protection from virus.

I am always reminded of an incident that occured about 4 months ago, when I had a very important transaction to accomplish in the internet, my computer suddenly malfunctioned and I am notified by our systems operator that a trojan virus has invaded my desktop computer.

The systems operator did a quick diagnose and advised me that he will need to pull out my computer for virus removal and further check up in order to ensure that computer protection will be put in place so that such occurence will be minimized, if not stopped.

I was endorsed with a temporary workstation computer so I was able to complete my transaction at 10 minutes before the 6 pm deadline from the client. It's a good thing that my client, to whom I have already built a worthwhile business acument, is merciful enough to wait for the deadline period.

Lesson learned: always ensure that your computer has been installed a virus protection or anti virus software. Computer protection now becomes easier to manage because there are suppliers like ZSecurity which caters online service for your internet security protection.

In times when the use of internet technology matters much on our business transactions, it pays to be secured.

The Power of e-commerce

Is there really money in e-commerce?

The answer is yes.

From now, i'll do on a series of posts on my continued quest for money in the internet. Right now I am still a newbie, as they say, in making money from the net, but I am confident enough that I will be able to make it. As the others have become successful, So will I be.

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I stumbled upon this article from the Inquirer about the 28-year old Filipino who made millions (and continues to make them) thru e-commerce.

It tells of a story about Ian Del Carmen, a college dropout, who, learned the trade of e-commerce and made his first Million at the age of 28.

Today at 30, Del Carmen is the CEO of Fireball Planet, a corporation that sells e-books, software, and music and instructional videos to the world via the Internet.

You've got to learn a lot from his story, so I encourage you to read the rest of the article and visit his site.

We might be the next millionaires, so we better get ready!

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related post: the e-commerce summit 2009

Disney Buys Marvel

Make way for the newest and coolest Superhero in Town:

Spidermouse!

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In a surprising move, The Walt Disney Company has finally acquired Comics Giant Marvel Entertainment Incorporated for about 4 Billion US Dollars.

The Walt Disney Company (which owns the famous Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, etc. characters) has further increased its portfolio with the purchase of Marvel (which brought to life Spiderman, Ironman, Captain America, X-Men, etc.).

In 2006, Disney has purchased another giant entertainment company, Pixar, which produces such movie hits as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and A Bug's Life.

Chuck Pierce: Cascading Fall in the Banking Industry

As if the economic downfall that happened in the United States in the last quarter of 2008 is not yet enough, renowned prophet Chuck Pierce has prophesied that there will once again be an economic shift that would happen between August 24 to October 17 of this year that will effect changes in the financial system.

Chuck Pierce prophesies:

Between August 24 and October 17, there will be great changes in the financial system. Be aware that the banking system has not finished making its changes. We will start into an accelerated shift in structure.

But for the believers, the promise is this:

I, the Lord, AM going to start amassing and gathering you in a
new way, and you must move forward with Me. Do not resist this
rearrangement. Now I must draw you up higher, for you are looking with the
world's eye. I have needed to gather you as eagles so you go forth with
new strength and vision.

I must draw you high above the rivers because the rivers are now
beginning to fill in such a way that unless you draw up higher and move into a
new view of the earth, you will find yourself in a boundary you are not to be
in.

There is going to be a rain coming in where you are which will lift you
up in the present so you can see the changing boundaries for your future.
I am going to draw you up above the Cascading Fall. The
washing of the water of the WORD is coming from higher than you know.

On the general picture, it might be that again, the world is on the verge of entering into a new level of economic change that will definitely affect everyone of us. However, we also have to understand that prophesies such as this are given not to bring gloom and doom unto us, but for us to prepare ourselves and be ready for the great things that the Lord is about to do to all who believe in Him.


We can choose to be worried and feel bad about it. But we can also choose to be still and know that He is God.

The choice, as always, is ours.

Customer Is King

Quick Thought for the Day:



We see our customers as invited guests to a party, and we are the hosts. It's our job every day to make every important aspect of the customer experience a little bit better.


-Jeff Bezos

Mobile Phones Still On Demand

The number of Filipinos who purchase/own Mobile Phones continue to increase, according to a research conducted by the Synovate Media Atlas.

As per the research mobile phone ownership went up by 69% from May 2008 to May 2009, which is probably due to newer and more affordable models being continuously released in the market- a news that must mean good news to the industry suppliers Nokia, Samsung, Sony-Ericsson, Motorola, among others.

Clearly, we can see almost everybody (young and old, students, professionals, housewives, and even housekeepers) using his/her own mobile phone unit to send text messages or call. Owning a mobile phone nowadays, must be really a necessity.

What's other good thing about having mobile phones are the embedded features in it. Besides calling and texting, mobile phones are also used for taking pictures, games, and even internet surfing.

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Get a view of my related post here.

Breaking Even

It's a pity when your 15th and 30th salaries just come and go at the top of your palm. Better than broke, I daresay.

However, the thought of "just breaking even", without having to save for the future, should make every person uncomfortable, especially at a time when we hear that the economic recession is finally affecting the Philippines.

I am reposting a good article c/o Inquirer and Citibank, which gives us good practical points on how to save some out of our salaries:


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Q: I just turned 30 years old and realized I have been working for almost a decade and have little to show for it. I'm ashamed to say that I don't have much savings. Although I work, there doesn't seem to be enough left to set aside. What should I do?

A: Instead of waiting until there is money left after paying your bills and other expenses, do it the other way: Save first before spending a single peso from your take-home pay. This is what financial experts mean when they say “Pay yourself first.” It means treating savings as a bill which you have to prioritize over any other bill or expense. By doing this, you will be able to stash away money for your savings which would otherwise have been spent on something you think you need but actually can live without.

You may think it's easy to say but hard to do. The truth is, saving can be done by anyone. Here are five easy steps on how to build up your savings easily:

1. As soon as you receive your salary, take out a certain percentage, start with 5%, and put this in an envelope you will mark “Savings.” Live on what is left of your salary.

2. Do not touch your savings if funds are running low a few days before your next payday. Instead, adjust your spending so that your funds will be enough until payday.

3. Open a separate savings account in the bank and deposit the funds you have set aside in your “Savings” envelope.

4. Deposit to your savings account every payday to ensure that the money earmarked for your savings will not be spent.

5. Once you have built up your savings a little bit, transfer some of it to a time deposit so it can earn a higher rate of interest. Later on, you can also move some of your funds to a mutual fund or unit investment trust fund so it can possibly earn even more interest. These investments have a risk attached to them, so discuss first with the bank or financial advisor if these are right for you.

One other important thing to do is to make a budget or spending plan. Write your projected income and expenses and see where you can cut down on spending. For instance, look at how you spend for your lunch every day. If you regularly buy food, think of bringing baon lunch to work. The excess funds freed (maybe about P500 a month) may then be added to your savings.

What can you use your savings for? It can be money for your retirement. You might think that at 30, retirement is so far away. However, saving for it now can make your money grow faster for you even if you put in only a small amount of money regularly. It is due to compound interest, which lets your money earn interest on top of money that has already earned interest.

Your savings can also be your emergency fund. This should be equal to three to six months' (even more) worth of expenses, which should be helpful when sudden unforeseen events occur: a job loss, an illness, etcetera.

Savings is doable. Start today and keep at it for a long long time.

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Worthy Investments

Having studied Finance and Accounting, I used to hear from our college professor that lands are a good investment, as the land value does not depreciate. However, as lands normally are of very high cost of investment, our good Finance professor introduced a nice "lower cost of investing" and that is to buy gold.

It was also from her that the word "bullion" was introduced to most of us. Bullion, as defined by yourdictionary.com pertains to
gold or silver in the form of ingots, bars, or sometimes coins.

I totally forgot about these theoretic investment ideas until one time when my wife and I were scouting for our wedding ring that our ring supplier introduced to us the prospect to try and buy gold coins and/or gold bullions if we have extra money to spare. She totally agrees that buying these is a very good and worthwhile investment.

A good advice, she went on, is to look for a good company who can help you with the technical expertise and know-how when investing in gold and bullions- and that's how I came to know about Gold Coins Gain, a company who specializes in assisting investors on how to properly buy gold and gold coins.


I still have got to find out more of this stuff and hopefully, in the future, I could even suggest the best and sure way in getting a return on investment on these.

More next time!

Convenience At Your Fingertips

You could just imagine how hard it is hopping from store to store trying to source out your necessities. You could just imagine the amount of hours consumed to look for them. You could just imagine being crammed on traffice with your heavy loads of items stuffed with you on a cab.




People of similar situtations might have thought, 'could there be any other convenient means than these'?. And the answer to that is a resounding, "Yes, there is indeed a better way. And it is right in your fingertips".

This is actually new to me because I am used to getting the hassle of going out to buy my stuffs. Apart from the heavy traffic, another key problem I normally encounter is that it is so hard to travel back home, especially if you carry loads of goodies.

My friend, who is a techie-gal advised me that the in-thing these days is the quick and almost-stress free online shopping. A few tips in your laptop is all you need, and the purchase will be delivered.

Whether you are looking for Home Furnishings and Decors, Lamps, Desklamps, or Indoor Light Fixtures, (my! even bed linens may be bought on-line!) this new of shopping online site will definitely give you the great convenience you need and want, exactly at you fingertips.



Shopwiki gives you a wide array of choices from Food, Clothing, and even Sports and Recreation needs. Why, even pets would love to shop online!



In these busy times, you cannot help but consider that shopping need not consume much of your time. Just a little browse and search, and a few tip on the keyboards and you're done.



Happy shopping!

Pinoys in the List of World's Billionaires 2009

Famous Forbes Magazine has issued the World's Billionaires 2009.

William "Bill" Gates III of Microsoft is back on top of the World's Richest with a net worth of 40 Billion US Dollars.

Second on the list is Warren Buffett, America's most beloved investor and last year's richest man. His net worth is 37 Billion US Dollars.



Others who made the top 10 are:


3. Carlos Slim Helu & family of Mexico- 35 Billion

4. Lawrence Ellison of the United States- 22.5 Billion

5. Ingvar Kamprad & family of Switzerland- 22 Billion

6. Karl Albrecht of Germany- 21.5 Billion

7. Mukesh Ambani of India- 19.5 Billion

8. Lakshmi Mittal of India/United Kingdom- 19.3 Billion

9. Theo Albrecht of Germany- 18.8 Billion

10. Amancio Ortega of Spain- 18.3 Billion



Fellow Filipinos are also in the list.

At #234 is Henry Sy & Family, owner of various SM Mall chains, Banco de Oro Unibank, among others, with a net worth of 2.7 Billion USD.


Forbes.com writes of Henry Sy:

The richest man in the Philippines arrived there at age 13 from China to help out at father's small convenience store. Saved to start a small shoe store in Manila and built it into one of the country's largest retailers. Now controls the Philippines' largest shopping mall developer, SM Prime Holdings, which opened its 31st mall last year, run by son Hans Sy; country's largest bank, Banco de Oro Unibank, run by daughter Teresita Sy-Coson. Shares fortune, which includes stakes in a dozen companies with wife and children. Last year bought a 60% stake in Manila's National University for an undisclosed sum. In December family's SM Investment Corp. announced plans to start building casinos in Manila.

At #522 is Lucio Tan & Family. They own the Philippine Airlines, Fortune Tobacco, Asia Brewery, etc. Tan and his family has a net worth 1.4 Billion USD.

According to Forbes.com:

Lucio Tan is a former chemical engineer from China who mopped floors to pay for school. Now owns the Philippines' largest cigarette maker, Fortune Tobacco; Philippine Airlines; Asia Brewery; mining operations; banks; property developments in Hong Kong. Cigarettes and alcohol continue to do well during the downturn, but his property company, Eton, has been hit by lower property values and rents in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. Being prosecuted by the Presidential Commission on Good Governance, which claims that much of Tan's wealth belonged to former president Ferdinand Marcos and should be returned to the country. Hobbies include flying helicopters.