2011 | PRODUCTIVE PINOY

TWO WAYS TO LOOK AT 2012

To dread it or to look forward to it. You can say "I'm still not where I am supposed to be." Or hope and say, "This is the year I've been waiting for." The words that we choose can make or break the 'good things' in our lives. From the fruit of his lips a man is filled with good things as surely as the work of his hands rewards him. – Proverbs 12:14 Awesome Photo by – Photo Cred...

The Top 9 – What we are thankful for this 2011

1. My wife's good health. "Health is wealth" is a sales pitch I used to avoid. The saying became real to me when my wife went in and out of the hospital for several years. (gall stones, appendectomy, severe migraine, etc) This 2011, I thank God for a hospital-free year. I don't miss sleeping in the 'transformer' sofa bed. 2. Stronger relationship with the kids. I make time for each one. My eldest...

What makes it a gift? (30 sec read)

What makes it a gift? A gift is freely given. If I'd require one from you, it's no longer a gift. It becomes a demand. A gift isn't a transaction. It's delivered without expecting something in return. A gift is freely received and appreciated. You shouldn't send it back to the gift-giver. A gift may be given out of love, appreciation or obligation. You are wise enough to do it for the first two reasons. ~ ...

You can make it work. (note to self)

"It might not work." "They might not like it." "Nobody might show up." Do you only try when you're most likely to succeed? Or do you apply faith to create your chances? Take wise risks. Take a stand. Be willing to do what others aren't willing to do. "Will this ever work?" isn't the question to ask. It's "How quickly can I make this work?" [Photo Credi...

"Yes, but..." : How to use the word 'BUT' (20sec read)

'BUT' is a word we use to contrast something. "That's good, but..." (reason why it's not) "Yes, but..." (no) "I believe, but..." (I doubt it) Many times when a period would suffice, we can't help it, we still say 'but'. Leave out the negative 'buts'. Mainly the ones that pull down good ideas, zealous spirits or 'aha' moments. Instead, put it to good use. "It's a stretch, but it's possible" "I'm tired, but it's going to be worth...

MOST EMBARRASSING MOMENT OR 5-SECONDS OF FAME?

In a crowded Starbucks, I nudged a tray and accidentally dropped a plate off my table. Just like in the movies, I saw the plate fell in slow motion. As soon as it crashed the floor, silence entered the room and all eyes zoomed at me. I can still hear the sound of the espresso machine hiccuped. I froze for a second – quickly thinking how to react. I smiled, made an 'Ooops!' facial expression, and pretended as if it wasn't me. Then...

Think Less. Thank More.

A small peek into your "I-don't-have-list" can instantly ruin your day. It doesn't take much effort to be anxious. While to live with thankfulness is a decision, a wiser alternative. Even the little things deserve an appreciation. We can avoid too much thinking, when we ought to be 'living'. [Photo Credi...

SHOULD I DO MY BEST TO PLEASE MY BOSS? (30sec read)

No, don't do it for him, you won't last long. 'Approval' is a flimsy motivator. Put out your best work not to impress people. Do it as if you were doing it for the Lord. (Col 3:7) He gave you your abilities in the first place. You have his approval – even before you asked. As you do this, watch how your work add value to your organization. And if you do well, your boss might become happy as an end result. Photo Cred...

DON'T AMBUSH. CONNECT INSTEAD. #smartselling

Entrepreneurship, Sales, Success Ideas

You were walking around the mall on a Sunday to unwind, relax or take a break. From afar, you see a booth, but you don't have a clue what it's about. "Sir, my name is Bobby. I'd just like to take two minutes of your time" a well-dressed rep respectfully asks you. You have three options – look sideways and turn a blind ear, say yes and endure what he has to say, or offer a sincere "I'm sorry, I need to be somewhere" excuse. Two minutes...

MAKE SOMEONE HAPPY.

Making one person smile is big. Yet, they chose to make three people happy. After watching this Coke Video, you'll realize that even an organization as big as Coca-cola can possibly have a heart. For sure, they've touched their families. They've inspired us many. Kudos to you– Coke Philippines. ...

Say Thank You.

Gift giving. To some, it's a pleasure. For most, it's a pressure. "What could I get for him that isn't too cheap?" "What does she really need?" "Every year we receive gifts from them, we should give 'em too." You can worry... Or you can just show gratitude and say a sincere "THANK YOU." ...

WHERE TO PUT YOUR TIME THIS DECEMBER

1. Take the time to Thank God... ...not just for the 13th month pay! Yey. Thank Him for the life that you have. It may not be perfect, but I'm sure you are thankful for many things. "Thank you Jesus night" is a Christmas tradition that we do every December. My wife and I along with our kids, block off a night to count our blessings. We write it down. It's a simple activity. Cut the paper into small pieces. On each piece, write...

KAYA MO!

Entrepreneurship, Filipino Culture, Start a business, Success Ideas

Are you thinking of doing something that's very ambitious? Wait for a few seconds. You'll hear a voice in your head saying... "Hindi mo kaya yan." Four ordinary words, but when you put it together, it's deadly. It will instantly kill your idea. Negativity will follow. "You don't have enough experience." "Nobody will back you up." "No one will like your work." "Hindi ka marunong mag-english." "Wala ka namang kilala." "Baka...

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS

business, Money, secret, Success

Walk into a bookstore aisle, you'll see hundreds of books with a title that reads something like "The Secret to Success." It comes in different forms, sizes, colors – written by different authors from diverse industries. Every book attempts to unfold 'the secret' to building wealth. From attracting good 'vibes' to 'no money down' deals, you won't know which book to pick up first. You'll end up more confused. There are many techniques,...

10 WAYS TO IMPROVE NAIA 1 – RENEWING THE AIRPORT EXPERIENCE

Traveled abroad during the long weekend? You may have seen the real condition of NAIA Terminal–1. Witnessing it being labeled as "the worst airport in the world" has led me to write this blog post. 10 WAYS TO IMPROVE NAIA TERMINAL–1 1. Renovate and Improve. Instead of just watching from the sidelines, Kenneth Cobonque, Budji Layug and Royal Pineda took the initiative. They made a pro-bono design proposal on how we can renovate NAIA...

HOW TO SELL YOUR IDEAS

communication, Entrepreneurship, how to, ideas, sell

There are many good ideas out there. But not all ideas will go into implementation, practice or production. Even the really good ones won't get enough attention it deserves. The ideas that get noticed, discussed and put into action are not the "logical ones" but the ones that create an "emotional" connection. Ideas that resonate with people. Joe Rohde is a veteran executive who worked for Disney as an Imagineer. He told the management...

6 Things Pinoys Can Learn From Steve Jobs

1. Make things that are simple, fun and useful If it wasn't for Steve, every gadget today would have more buttons, more wires or more menus – giving us more complications. Make things simpler. The complex isn't impressive. 2. Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. It's not about coming up with something that is 'mas mura' or 'mas maganda'. It's not just about building a better mousetrap....

Productive Things To Do When You're Stuck at Home

1. Read – It's the perfect excuse to finish what you started reading months ago. 2. Finish the report – You can't run. You can't hide. Face it, you have no where to go. 3. Skype Meeting – The bad, you still have to wear business clothes. The good, you get to wear shorts and slippers with it without looking unprofessional! 4. Plan with Spouse – Sit down, serve coffee, play serene music then plan or set goals. You can ... Plan family...

BE AN EXTRAORDINARY PINOY

Leadership, Quotes, Simple Tips, Success Ideas

Pinoys are masters when it comes to blending in or pakikibagay. We can easily conform and go with the flow. We are careful not to make a scene. To be called as 'one of the guys' will always be counted as a compliment. If needed, we will even exert an extra effort not to be seen as 'different'. We try not to stand out because we are afraid to be misunderstood. You will notice this in simple conversations. When someone compliments...

ADVICE FOR JOBSEEKERS

Filipino Culture, Simple Tips

If you're wondering... "Bakit kaya wala pa ring tumatawag? Fleasing fersonality naman ako! Namumuti na buhok ko kakahintay for a job interview!" Here are some things that you may want to consider: (1) How many résumés did you send? Jobseekers tend to send résumés to one or two companies and expect something to happen immediately. That's a common mistake. First, most companies put out hiring announcements months before they...

WHERE TO PUT YOUR PRECIOUS TIME

Getting Things Done, Success Ideas, Time Management

This is going to be a short post. You have 24 hours a day. You need at least 8 hours to sleep. You'll probably spend a couple of hours on the road commuting. If your priorities are well-defined, I'm sure you've set ample time for family and friends. Now because you don't want a boring week, you'll probably spend some time for recreation or leisure. Life is without meaning without spending time with your Maker. That's...

From Cagayan Valley to Silicon Valley : A Story of a Pinoy Billionaire

Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Management, Success Ideas

"A member of the technical staff" – a humble job title Mr. Banatao owned the first time he worked as a young man. Not as glamorous as he is known today – a technology tycoon. Diosdado "Dado" Banatao is a Pinoy billionaire who made a mark in the US tech industry. He developed computer-related technologies that the typical person (like you and me – not engineers) won't probably comprehend. You can find the technicalities of his work in here. He is so good in what he does, that in the past, Intel wanted to compete...

"STEADY KA LANG"

Get Rich, Simple Tips, Success Ideas, Time Management

We live in an accelerated world. Everything is moving fast. Today, even the pizza gets to your home faster than the police. To get an answer, it only takes a second for Google to answer. With a few clicks, you can plan your travel anywhere around the world, no need to fall-in line to consult a travel agency. What we used to do for hours or days, we do it now almost instantly. That's why...

YOU CAN CARVE YOUR DESTINY!

Filipino Culture, Success Ideas

Here's a young man diagnosed with something that's suppose to limit him. Even so, he decided to carve his own destiny. 21-year old Franco Cagayat was diagnosed with autism when he was 9 years old. But with his parents' loving care and his strong passion and love for what he does, he now excels in what he does. Not just an ordinary sculptor, but an artist, with a promising future. A True Productive Pinoy. [videocredit/sourc...

Magaling ang Pinoy makisama.

Entrepreneurship, Filipino Culture, Simple Tips

Survey says that the number one success factor of distinguished Entrepreneurs are credited to their ability to get along with people. That's an advantage for us Pinoys in the world of business. We are known to be easy to get along with. “Pakikisama” is a positive trait we are known for. Maybe it's also one of the many reasons our OFWs succeed in foreign countries. Majority of Pinoys are easy to get along with, easy to please and easy to talk to. We can use this pakikisama trait to productive use. Not for others...

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER

Filipino Culture, Getting Things Done, Leadership, Success Ideas, Time Management

A boxing match doesn't start in the ring, it starts in a press conference. For some reason, boxers 'bad mouth' their opponent as if the points were counted. As a boxer, no matter how tough you sounded while holding the mic, if your opponent in the ring gets the chance to punch you really hard in the chin first, most likely you'll be knocked out. You can keep on telling people you're a champ,...