On one hand, I'm so excited. On the other hand, I just don't know exactly how I'm gonna enjoy watching a good flick in the theaters when I'm currently having my exam woes. *hums the Black Sabbath song*
The Cashflow Quadrant represents the different methods by which income and money is generated. This theory is designed by Mr Robert Kiyosaki from his famous book, 'Rich Dad Poor Dad'. The Cashflow Quadrant consists of 4 quadrants which represents the different types of career or situation you are in that dictates how you earn money.
On the top left quadrant is the E quadrant. The E quadrant stands for Employee. It means that you are employed in a company or organization, or in other words, you get a job. You work. And in return, you get paid from what you do by your boss. People who work in the government sector or a private company fall in this category, wether you are a waiter in a restaurant, a mechanic in a plant, or a manager in a corporation. The drawback of being in the E quadrant is that you greatly depend on your salary. Should you lose your job, you will not earn anything until you find another job.
Below the E quadrant is the S quadrant, which stands for Self-employed. Self-employed means that you work for yourself. Now these people differ from the top quadrant because they are entirely independent. They prefer to do things on their own. Good examples of a self-employed are mechanics who open their own workshop, plumbers who takes calls from customers through newspaper ads, doctors opening their own clinic, and lawyers in their own firm. These people are so good in what they do that they start their own business and look for their own customers rather than working for someone else. They are specialists. Obviously, he gets to keep all the profits. But the problem of being in the S quadrant is that the business depend on you greatly. If you get sick or are unavailable in your office, than there will be no business for the day.
On the top right quadrant is the B quadrant which stands for Business Owner. The term business owner means that the person owns a business or a corporation. Unlike the Self-employed who still have to work, business owners own a system, meaning to say that business owners have people working for them. They don't have to do all the hard work as they are the decision makers for the long-term goals of the business and signs the paychecks for their employees. They have accountants to handle the financial matters, they have the sales and marketing staff to sell their products, they have secretaries to take care of all the paperwork, and so on. A good example of a local business owner is Pehin Lau Ah Kok who owns Hua Ho Department Stores.
Finally, below quadrant B is the I quadrant. This is what Robert Kiyosaki calls it 'the playground of the rich'. The I quadrant stands for Investor. People in this quadrant do something not many other people do, which is making more money out of the money they give away. They invest their money. Instead of working for money, they let the money work for them. They buy stocks, they invest on property, and they do foreign exchange trading. Overall, they're playing with the numbers.
As you can see, when you compare the left quadrants E and S with the right quadrants B and I, you can surely tell where the rich people lie in. Obviously, the Business Owners and the Investors are the money generating quadrants, and that's where we should be if we want to be financially successful. But some of you might say "How is it possible for me as an employee to get to be in the Right side of the quadrant when I don't even have the skills, knowledge and a lot of money?" There's even a saying that you have to inherit a family fortune if you wish to be in the right quadrants. Problem is, you are not one of the Hiltons.
Well, turns out, nothing is impossible. People have been doing this for years. There are self-made millionnaires and billionnaires who started from the left quadrant. Employees can be investors if they know how to spend their money right, and the self-employed can become business owners over time should the business continue to grow. In short, everyone can start a business, and everyone can invest. It's all a matter of choice whether we want to do it or not. But if you wish to stick to being in the left quadrants for the rest of your lives, well, good luck climbing to the top.
Happy Birthday to Zarah. She just turned 21 today. Wish her a lifetime of happiness, and stay adorable! ;)
Before my collegues and I step out of the business school for our 6 month attachment in a couple of months time, I'd like to take this opportunity to apologize to the juniors if there are any wrongdoings I've made throughout the years in The Business School. I'd also wish to say thank you to all of you for all the moments we've shared together under one roof. And as a thank you gift, I'd like to share with my fellow juniors some friendly advice for your success in your future endeavours.
Study Hard, Study Smart
Aim for the best. The faith of your future is entirely in your hands. Work hard to achieve great results now and you will have a better career and a more meaningful life. For a better performance in your studies, be with those who are smart, dedicated and hardworking. And more importantly, whenever you're in doubt, don't be afraid to ask questions.
Be Proactive, Be Creative
As much as you study hard to achieve excellent results, don't neglect the practicals and activities that will be assigned to you. Be active in all aspects of tasks given, as it will reflect your quality of work in the future. Be active and unleash the creativeness in you. You all got it; you just need to get it out. Do not underestimate the power of your common skills.
Adapt The Right Mindset
As a business student, you should know what your objectives are. Start adapting a business mindset. Be aware of current issues, read newspapers, learn from the successful entrepreneurs, buy business and motivational books, put an interest in market trends, try running your own small businesses (that don't necessarily require a business registration). These are great investments in your life. Who knows, you might discover your talents in the process.
Respect
Respect your tutors and they will support you. Respect your seniors and they will help you. Respect your juniors and they will follow you. Respect your classmates and they will love you.
Make Friends, Not Enemies
Your fellow classmates and colleagues of your level are your greatest assets. Socialize with those you still have yet to get to know each other. It will benefit you during the Business Project. You'll never know who you'll end up with. Don't lose your friends and make enemies because it will only jeopardize everything (I'm not kidding!). Jangantah kan berpuak-puak.
Don't Procrastinate
Last minute work is pretty common, but if you're able to break that barrier, you'll go even further ahead. The best thing about organizing your schedule is that you will have quality in your assignments and enough time to rest (or have fun if you wish). Avoid procrastination and start using that organizer.
Give Something Back To The School
Should an opportunity arise, do what's best that will bring up The Business School, and the school will thank you for your dedication... and much much more!
Other advices I could think of:
Lucky gamers who own a PS3! They'll get to play as Darth Vader for the upcoming Soul Calibur 4! Oh, and Yoda will be in it too...
Green, my lightsaber is, hmmm?
Exams are only in a couple of weeks, but that doesn't stop us from taking the opportunity to release tension with a treat of Karaoke with my friends a few days ago. Marriz is an excellent singer, and its really fun to sing Otai Rock with him. I look forward for another duet after the exams are over.
Photos by CyberCanon
Ji, udah ko revision?
I'm gonna start saving up for a dSLR soon. Hopefully by the middle of the year I'll get myself a Nikon D80, if budget's not gonna be a problem. Otherwise I'll get the entry-level Nikon D60 or the Nikon D40x. Only then will the circle of Havoc Bloggers be complete.
The Business Project final report presentations are finally over, closing yesterday with the remaining companies Brilliant Souffle, 743 Masterpiece, Prosperous Reds and Fa'izun. Marriz has complete coverage and photos of yesterday's event. We're sure gonna miss the business project moments throughout the second year. It has been an exhilarating experience working together from the beginning during the launch, to the gerai ramadhan, the social responsibilities and the wrapping up with the presentations.
United we stand
The Business Project Group Aura
The coverage of our Social Responsibility event in Borneo Bulletin on the 17th of February 2008
We'll miss you Ms Eton. You're the greatest!
And now, some helpful tips on how to avoid from falling into the MLM trap. If you are highly intellectual in the business and/or marketing field, chances are you are the main target of those dumbass MLM agents of a multinational company. I do not wish to mention the business name because I assume that you all know which company I'm referring to. If not, well just read on anyway.
As I mentioned earlier, you are the main target because you can be an asset and an advantage for these people. You'll be used and you're only making these idiots richer. Yes, idiots who think they're smartbrains in business and marketing (which apparently they are not, from my point of view. Dumbasses!).
If you happen to receive a text message or a call from a 'friend' asking for your time because he/she has a business opportunity or an excellent product, its no doubt an MLM recruitment tactic, so hang up the phone, or reply by saying that you're not interested. If you're still curious, well that's because you obviously are, since your 'friend' didn't mention the true nature and the name of the business. The worst scenario, should you comply, is that you'll end up sitting in a business seminar with the other suckers listening to hours of marketing plan conducted by your friend's 'business partner'. (Dumbass!)
If you are having dinner outside or just chilling at your favorite cafe at night, you are totally in the open. That's when a total stranger started to greet you as if you both know each other for a very long time, treating you like a king. If you noticed he's being too nice, GET OUT OF THERE IMMEDIATELY!!! In fact, don't even think of going to that same place ever again, just disappear. Otherwise you'll be treated with an hour long of marketing plan and he/she will endlessly preach about how awesome their business is compared to anything else out there. Even worse, he/she'll get back-up to fill your table; usually his/her family members or friends who are apparently his/her committed downlines or team members... with a dream. Hahahahah! (dumbass!)
Even if you don't consider yourself as highly intellectual, they'll still get you anyway, because what the heck, if they can't get the intellectuals, they'll get you. Don't be a dumbass! By the way, I've been saying the word 'dumbass' a lot these past few days since I the night I was cornered by those freaks, especially in the morning when I drove my car to school, cursing on the road from the top of my lungs while listening to Megadeth. DUMBASS! DUMBASS! DUMBASS! DUMBASS! DUMBASS! DUMBASS! x 1,000,000.
Dumbass...
To whom it may concern,
Dumbasses! Just because I'm taking a business course doesn't mean that you could recruit me into your Multi-level Marketing business for your advantage! And don't think that that by joining an MLM makes you a marketing expert! I think your marketing plan is bull-crap!
You're all a bunch of idiots! I can't believe that my entire night was spent listening to your bloody marketing plan last weekend! Well that's it! I'm not gonna hang out there again! Thanks for ruining everything, dumbasses!
After spending 2 and a half hours on the Marketing Test this afternoon, the havoc bloggers and I (featuring birthday boy Wali) headed straight to the movies to release tension. We were so excited to get to watch The Forbidden Kingdom. It's been getting a lot of good reviews lately and we were dying to watch it.
The Forbidden Kingdom is not to be missed. Who wouldn't want to see two of the most fantabulous Hong Kong / kung fu stars on the planet? The fight scenes were beautifully choreographed, and the set locations were arguably one of the most beautiful sights I've ever seen in a kung fu adventure film. On top of that, the story's excellently written. We really enjoyed the pace of the adventure throughout the length of this action-packed movie. The ending was sweet!
It's been a while since I watched a good kung fu flick at the movies, and unexpectedly, The Forbidden Kingdom is purely worth to watch indeed. So don't just stare at the posters, go watch it now!
Marketing test is tomorrow, and I'm not at all satisfied with the notes given for revision. There's just so much reading. So here I am having dragged my ass all the way to MyNest Cafe to do a last-minute extended research on the topics that's gonna come out for tomorrow. Right now I'm searching for information on The Marketing Mix. This is what I've found on the internet so far:
...and this is what's in my head right now:
Where to go, Where to go? That's a really tough question that I've been facing for the past month. School's almost over and by now we should already be thinking of where to go for the 6 month attachment. Marriz is looking forward to work at BAG Networks while Herman is interested to be in the MOF. I still haven't decide yet.
Attachment's just on the horizon and today we've already been given the forms to fill in. We've only got a couple of days to decide where we wanna work for 6 months and beyond. I definitely look forward to work in a private company where they could offer a more challenging work environment and excellent pay. I just do not know exactly which company or organization I wanna go for. It's not that I haven't done my career research. I do have a pretty long list in my hand, but its a tough decision to make when there are only 3 options that I could fill in the forms, so my opportunities are narrow and limited.
My choice needs to be finalized before submission on Saturday. I have to make the right choice if I want a good long-term career ahead. After that, there's no turning back easily. 6 Months is indeed quite a long time. Oh dear.
Ready to put on executive suits and join the workforceI love Guitar Hero. I guess that's the only PS2 game I've been playing for the past year (I took a break from being a gaming L33T 2 years ago). Though I only play less than occasionally unlike my brother who is a freakin' hardcore, I would consider hammering on a portable rather than just playing solitaire on my iPod all day.
The good news is, they're working on it for the Nintendo DS. A clip on controller for the portable console is being built which slides in to the cartridge slot. The bad news is, I have to invest on a Nintendo DS first. Crap!
The clock is ticking. By next week, wave after wave of tests will come pouring into our already busy schedule. I don't really know how much I can endure. Sometimes its hard for me to believe that I'm already in my final years (maybe its the damn uniform that makes us indistinguishable among the juniors).
Time sure flies fast. Just a year ago, I witnessed how the seniors had to go through this pressure. And not long ago, the super seniors went through the same thing. I watched the stressed look on their faces, their tired look from the sleepless nights. Now its our turn, and we all wanna get through this. We have to. We chose to be here in the first place.
Getting to Business School was one of the toughest decisions I've ever made. It was an opportunity cost for me to sacrifice 3 years of my life not working and earning a salary. 3 years of just earning an allowance of only $210 a month, and I only depend on that amount throughout the years. But all this will be over soon. I'm almost close to passing by 3 years now. I just need to endure for the next 30 days or so.
Goo Goo Gaa Gaa!
Marie Digby
Buang STRESS!!!!!!!
The weeks of practice and sleepless nights have finally paid off. But I'm not really satisfied. I think I'll participate in another one.
Tomorrow's the big day. I'll be at MTSSR in the morning to present in front of the technical students and judges. Tonight I'm practicing on my presentation with Marriz and giving my slides some final touches. He'll be assisting me with the slides tomorrow, so we need to be in sync.
Its pretty tough now because I was informed about getting an assistant at the last minute, but I'll put an effort to get this perfected before tomorrow's showdown. I'm also preparing cue cards, just in case. Normally, I don't rely on cue cards, I just enjoy blabbering it all out. But just in case, I might need them. I can be forgetful at times. So I'm just gonna highlight some points and draw little sketches to indicate the points which I need to emphasize.
I've had a rough day today. I had to go through a lot of adjustments with my presentation slides because of the limited time they give us. 10 minutes is just too damn short. I never thought making presentations shorter than it was is that hard. Hopefully everything goes smoothly tomorrow. Confidence, that's exactly what I need, really strong confidence.
Finally, the presentation script is done. I'm all set for Wednesday. But first I need some shut eye. *yawn*
I'm at Fizzie's right now, just about finishing our marketing report and presentation slides for tomorrow. So far so good. After all this is done tonight, I've got another task to do; my presentation script for the upcoming Language Presentation Skills Competition. My language tutor needs to see them and I'll have to do a trial run on my presentation by tomorrow afternoon. And I've only got 2 days before the big day.
Clearly I'm not enjoying my Sunday, and I don't think I'll have another perfect Sunday for the next few weeks prior to the final exams. Yep, this is gonna be fun.
Ever wondered why you don't see much promotion going on for new Batman sequel? Well, ever since Heath Ledger's death last January 22nd, the producers decided to pull down all marketing activities to promote The Dark Knight to pay respect to the late young Australian actor, who will be playing as The Joker in the film. In fact, the movie was almost this close in getting canned altogether from being released this year.
But nevertheless, the show must go on, thanks to the encouragement of Morgan Freeman, who will also be in the film, as a tribute to Heath Ledger for portraying his best role in his career. Everyone's expecting to see Ledger as the new Joker since the beginning of of his announcement to play Gotham's most sadistic villain.
So rest assured, The Dark Knight will hit the theaters this July 17th, and they will premiere it first in Australia to honor the late actor.
Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, for your eyes to see. The first ever iPod. Doesn't it look fat? This is the great, great, great grandfather of all iPods.
The 1st generation iPod was released on the market on October 23rd, 2001 and became an instant hit. Apple called it a revolution in the music industry. Back then hard drive mp3 players were hard to come by, and when Apple introduced the iPod to the masses, it revolutionized how we all listen to music.
This iPod used the FireWire connection to upload songs from the computer, which was considered faster compared to a USB connection. Back then the iPod could only synced to a Mac. It only carried 5 gigabytes of hard disk space to store digital music, capable of storing 1,000 songs. But 5 gig was considered a lot back in the day (Apple released a 10 gigabyte iPod the following year). It was the size of a deck of cards and it only came in white. The screen was entirely monochrome, but so were mobile phones at that time. And no, it couldn't display photos and play videos.
One of the best features of the original iPod was the mechanical scroll wheel. The wheel eventually evolved into a much more convenient click-wheel, which became a signature for all iPods of today (except the Touch and the Shuffle). And yes, it's patented, so you can't find the same interface on any other portable media device, and that's what makes the iPod stand out from the rest.
April 30th is almost upon us. Another marvel superhero movie will hit the theaters and everyone's gonna storm the cineplexes. Get the tickets early. I know I will. Who would wanna miss Iron Man anyway? Just hope the film's worth to watch.
Synopsis: Weapons designer Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jr) is in Afghanistan to introduce his new missile design to the Air Force when the unit he is traveling with is attacked and Stark is taken hostage. Injured by shrapnel embedded near his heart, he is ordered by his captors to assemble a missile for them, and they give him access to a workshop. He puts his creativity to use by assembling a bulletproof suit of power armor, complete with pacemaker and flamethrowers, and uses it to free himself. Back in the United States, he becomes Iron Man, developing a flying suit with a red and gold color scheme and advanced weapon capabilities.
I'd love to carry around this baby one day when I finally get to wear an executive suit and tie. I'm putting the RIM Blackberry Pearl 8130 in my wish-list.
Ever since Apple's iPhone entered the market, Research In Motion (RIM) benefit from the competition. Apple intended to grab a huge chunk of Blackberry's market share but ironically the Blackberry gained even more popularity. Thanks to the iPhone, smartphones are cool again. More and more people are buying smartphones. Plus, the Blackberry is cheaper than the iPhone and its much easier to type text-messages on a full keypad rather than on a touch-screen, as experienced by most users.
Can't hardly wait for the new release of Ubuntu (version 8.04). Only 19 days left, and I'm expecting Ejam to download it as soon as its available. From what I have seen so far, it's got almost all of the stuff I need on an applications software. I'm so excited. If it works better than Windows XP, I'd probably consider making a switch to Linux.
Ubuntu is a community developed, Linux-based operating system that is perfect for laptops, desktops and servers. It contains all the applications you need - a web browser, presentation, document and spreadsheet software, instant messaging and much more. (source: Ubuntu.com)
Ubuntu Desktop
