YOU CAN BECOME AN EXPERT BY...

You can become an expert by finding out ...

1. How to do it. 

2. How NOT to do it.

And to be able to do that, it will take a lot of willingness on your part to make mistakes. Many times, you need to be lost to stumble on a "great discovery."

Take note and appreciate whatever you learn today. Because tomorrow it will all make sense.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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WHAT I'VE LEARNED OFFSTAGE FROM FRANCIS KONG, ALEX LACSON & LOIS YASAY

A few days ago, I spoke at the "iCHANGE: Winning Disciplines for Change" event in Bacolod featuring Francis Kong with Alex Lacson, Lois Yasay and Me. 

It's inspiring to hear Francis, Alex and Lois speak on stage, but to be in the same room or to share a meal with them is another learning experience I'd remember.

THREE LESSONS I'VE LEARNED OFFSTAGE

Francis Kong is the most sought-after speaker in the country. He has authored 10 books. He has a newspaper column and a radio show. He has received numerous awards. He has been invited to speak in the US, in Europe and all over Asia. On top of that, he is also a business owner. 

And yet, Francis would open the door for us, would take the back seat in the car, (even though we insisted that he take the front seat) order the same food, or even laugh and tolerate our (not-so-funny) jokes. Francis doesn't expect any kind of special treatment.

Me and Francis Kong

It's his 232nd time to speak this year. Over Inasal, I asked him "Do you still get intimidated as a public speaker?" He replied with "Oh, yes" and told me stories. You have no idea how comforting it feels to hear that. 

My Takeaway:  No matter how successful you are – remain humble and be of service to others. The purpose of "Success" is not entitlement or personal gratification, but it's to serve more people.

Us eating at Nena's – Manukan Country

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Just like Francis, Atty. Alex Lacson is also down-to-earth. (a bit surprising for a lawyer) He is the author of the best-selling book "12 Little Things You Can Do For Your Country." 

Atty. Alex sees the good in the Filipino. Listening to him has increased my appreciation for our country. 

Lei Patalinghog of One Awesome Company, Alex Lacson & Me

What most people don't know –– the income from his books is used to fund the schooling of 38 scholars. 

On stage or off-stage, Alex would say the same thing, even when nobody else is listening – there's something you can do for your country – even a small change can make a big difference.

My Takeaway: Instead of complaining, do something... even if it's a small thing. 

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Lois Yasay is the co-founder of the award-winning travel blog "We are Sole Sisters." She's into traveling, surfing, and speaking. And while working, she's able to do all three. [see here]

Lois Yasay danced the "Americano" with 3,000 people 

We were already on the plane going to Bacolod when we first met Lois. My wife and I immediately felt comfortable with her. Somehow, she has a way of asking the right questions. (She's like Oprah stationed on a plane)

By disembarkation, she already knew the story behind my book, how I became a speaker, or even my wife's future travel plans.

While we were in Bacolod, Lois randomly met Jose Mari Chan, and somehow was able to chat with him (interview) about his passion as well. (See here)

Six months, six cities, three countries. Lois was passionate enough to quit her day job to travel the world – something people won't even dare do.  

Now I understand why Lois travels a lot. Lois is curious. She's a passionate learner. And I believe that makes her not only an effective speaker, but also an interesting one. 

My Takeaway: Learn from the people you meet, the place you are in, or the experiences that you go through. Live Curious. 

iCHANGE Speakers and Organizers

Alex Lacson, Francis Kong, Lois Yasay, David & Emily Go Villanueva (awesome organizers!)  Mimi Chua & Me. 

Me speaking to at least 2,500 people. "Start Something!"

Special Thanks to Lei & Russel Patalinghog of One Awesome Company (They are really awesome)

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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Beating the Competition!

Many business leaders today equate "winning" to beating the competition. The focus shifts from the customer to dominating the market. The most important person (the customer) becomes a number or a statistic. While employees get exhausted for chasing after unreasonable quotas.

Don't confuse 'winning' with getting ahead of the competition. Instead, look at your customers one by one. Think of ways how to make them happier, satisfied or fanatic. Do this, they'll be the one to help you capture the rest of the market.

The purpose of a business is not to beat the competition. It's to fill a need, solve a problem or make things better for someone.

That's what your customers are paying you to do, not to compete with anybody.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

 

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"IT CAN'T BE DONE."

"It can't be done" can be received in two ways. You can accept it as it is – or you can take it as a challenge and make it into the most motivating statement you've ever heard. 

When you reach for the skies, the impossible can become possible.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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WALANG IMPOSIBLE! | QUEST | OPM IS ALIVE

I met Jose Villanueva III a.k.a "Quest" about almost a decade ago. We used to belong in the same music group in Church. We were both young then.

Even before, Quest was already passionate in what he does – making positive music. And even back then, I've seen 'Jose' encourage both young and old thru his music in a big way.

Today, his song "Sige lang" is the official fight song/anthem of Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Basketball Team who recently won the 2012 Williams Jones Cup.

"Sige lang" is also #1 in the MYXph.com charts.

His success is an inspiration for all of us. As the lyrics of the song goes, "Kasangga natin si Bathala. Walang imposible!"



Sige lang, laban pa at bumoto for Quest's "SIGE LANG" which is #1 on the MYX Daily Top Ten!

Just type: Sige Lang - Quest on the MYXph.com Voting Box!

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ROADBLOCKS

There are hundreds of reasons why your project or venture won't work once you start. Many things can (and will) probably go wrong. Rarely will it go according to plan.

But that's not the real problem...

The real problem is 'expecting' it to work the first time you try. 

People tend to quit the first roadblock they see. If you're facing one right now, don't quit. It simply means that you need an alternate route. Even a simple 'trial and error' can help you find a better way.  

As you progress, expect detours.

Remain faithful. You'll get there.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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iCHANGE: Winning Disciplines for Change (Bacolod)

It is a privilege and an honor for me to be a part of this learning event in Bacolod happening on September 22, 2012.

I wrote Productive Pinoy as a way to inspire, encourage and equip Pinoys on how they can maximize their talents, showcase their art, or even start the work or business they've been dreaming of. (Start Something!)

In this event, I get to have that opportunity again. We are expecting around 7,000 participants to attend this conference.

The best part is that I get to do it with the people I respect and admire.  (…to be on the same stage with them is a humbling invitation)

Francis Kong is the author of 10 books, a sought-after speaker, and an entrepreneur. The first time I've heard him speak was about 11 years ago. Since then, I've admired his work. Sir Francis has a unique way of bringing out the best in people.

I've met Alex Lacson last year. Sir Alex is a lawyer by profession, but what impressed me was his down to earth personality! His love for our country propelled him to write the national bestseller, '12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do for his Country.' 

Ms. Lois Yasay is one of the authors of the Travel Blog – wearesolesisters.com. Together with her Travel Sister Chichi, they left their jobs to travel for six months in Southeast Asia and India. (Now, that's passion!) I'm sure that's an interesting story to hear!

So if you're from Bacolod, or anywhere nearby, I hope you could join us. Please see the contact details by checking out the poster above. 

– YENG REMULLA

Entrepreneur & Author of Productive Pinoy

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EVERY NEW DAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY

For some people, it's a day to start all over. For others, it's a day to continue building. For a few, it's a day to seize a challenge. 

So, what day is it for you today?

Every new day is an opportunity to start, to build or to conquer.

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LIST OF PLACES/ORGANIZATIONS WHERE YOU CAN DONATE

3 things YOU can do to help...

1. Pray for the safety & comfort of those who are affected by the heavy rains and flooding.

2. Share or retweet any useful information.

3. Donate or share however you can.

I've compiled a short list where you can send your donations. To get the complete information, please click the link that is provided. Hope this will help.

1. Gawad Kalinga http://gk1world.com/ncr-monsoon-flooding

2. CCT & Right Start Foundation

https://www.facebook.com/RightStartInc

3. Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org.ph/donate

4. Ateneo de Manila – See details here. 

5. Dela Salle Greenhills, Zobel & Dasmarinas Cavite – donate here.

6. DLSU USG "SAGIP METRO 3" – See details here. 

7. GMA Kapuso Network Foundation – donate here.

8. CCF Alabang – See details here.

9. Cha Dao Tea Place/Reach (Relief Effort) – details in the poster and here.

10. Enderun College – located at 1100 Campus Ave, McKinley Hill, Taguig City) See details here.

11. Victory Fort Bonifacio (Every Nation Building) – see details here.

12. Victory Ortigas (4th level Robinsons Galleria Mall) – details here.

13. Victory Alabang (4th Level Festival Mall) – details here.

14. LBC stores will serve as a drop-off centers. (for Philippine Red Cross) See details here.

15. McDonalds stores will also serve as drop-off centers.  (Link to store/branch locator)

16. The Office of Congressman Rodolfo G. Biazon will start accepting donations tomorrow Aug. 8. Items for donation: bottled drinking water, blankets, mats, food and medicine.

Drop off center – Office of Cong. Biazon, GF, South Center Tower, Madrigal Business Park, Alabang, telephone number 809-3132.

17. University of Asia and the Pacific – See details here.

The list will be updated. You may also email productivepinoy@gmail.com

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SERVICE LESSON I LEARNED FROM KRISPY KREME

I ordered two blended drinks from the counter. One for me and one for my son. We sat down and started doing our work. (I was working on something and my son was doing his school work)

We waited for our drinks and noticed that it was taking a bit longer than the usual. So, I stood up and politely asked the crew if the orders were ready. They told me they'll make sure to deliver it to my table as soon as it's ready.

After a few minutes, the drinks came along with two donuts.

Me: "I didn't order donuts."

Crew: "I'm sorry sir, your drink came in longer than the usual, the blender malfunctioned a bit. The donuts are for you. Thank you, sir, for waiting."

Me: "Ohhh… Thanks!"

I wasn't complaining. I wasn't even disappointed in any way. And yet, they gave me something to make up for this 'slight delay'. A simple "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting" would've been enough, but they chose to 'delight' me instead.

The typical service business would say, "Ok lang yan, di naman sila nag complain, sabihin mo pasensya na" but Krispy Kreme built generosity into their culture.  

The Takeaway for Businesses – Service excellence should be dictated by YOU (the service provider) and not just by your customers. You don't need to wait for a complaint to do something nice for the customer. 

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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8 LESSONS I'VE LEARNED AS AN ENTREPRENEUR

I was invited by the UP Alliance of Economics and Management Students to give a talk on the subject of 'Entrepreneurship'. Among the speakers were Ms. Janina Saspa (a young entrepreneur) and bestselling author, Mr. Chinkee Tan.

We had an awesome time interacting with the students. That's why I thought I'd share the key points of what I talked about to you.


Here are the 8 Lessons That I've Learned as an Entrepreneur:

1. Entrepreneurship is fun. 
I didn't dream to become an entrepreneur. I grew up thinking it was something only serious people do.

I was surprised to find out later on that it's really fun to be an entrepreneur. It has changed the way I view "work."

It's fun to help your customers. It's fun to provide jobs. It's fun to be able to use your creativity. It's fun to watch your competitors panic when you've come up with something different.


2. You're never too young to start a business. 
I was only 18 when I started my first business. It was a tiny video shop (Remember VHS tapes?) in one corner. I've learned a lot by running that small business. It has played a big part on how I became an entrepreneur.


3. It's not just business, it's personal. 
Did you know that Yahoo offered Mark Zuckerburg to buy Facebook for $1 Billion last 2008? Why didn't he sell?

Here's my guess... For Mark Zuckerburg, it's not just business, it's personal.

Putting up a business requires some (if not, a lot of) money. Not only that, it also takes a lot of time and effort to build a business. (you'll come up with creative ideas you wouldn't have thought of if it wasn't your business)

When you consider all of these, "Business isn't just business." It's personal.


4. Dream Big.
As an entrepreneur, you will realize that the 'opportunities' are limitless. The possibilities are endless.

But you shouldn't grab every opportunity that goes your way. Here's how to find out what to pursue – 7 Steps to a Simple Business Plan.


5. Start Small.
The danger with "dreaming big" is the assumption that you need to "start big" as well. This is why only a few people become entrepreneurs. Throughout history, you will find out that many successful entrepreneurs started small.

Did you know that Steve Jobs started Apple in his own garage? While Michael Dell (15th richest man in America) started assembling and selling computers in his college dorm room?

6. It's not just about you or your product, it's about your customers. Change is happening fast. There are products or services that will become outdated. (Like my VHS tapes rental) Businesses will come and go.

At the end of the day, it's not just about you or your product, it's about your customers. You only have a business as long as you have customers who are willing to pay you.

An entrepreneur should always be in tune with what people 'will' want or need.


7. Think differently.
The best time to do "marketing" is not after launching your product, it's before creating it. You can't compete just by reacting to what your competitors are doing. Instead of just competing with price or with more features, find a way to be interesting.


8. Entrepreneurs can contribute to positive change. 
By creating jobs, by supporting community projects or causes, or by other means, as an entrepreneur, I'm given the chance to give back to my community.

Entrepreneurship is not just about making money, it's also about making a contribution.

–

I'll be giving a talk on Entrepreneurship or "Starting a Business" this August 3, Saturday in Ortigas. If you want to put up or grow your business, this will be an interesting learning session for you.

By the way, the first 30 to register will get a free START SOMETHING Book! 

To register, go to: www.startlearningph.com or email startlearningph@gmail.com

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YOUnique Book – Learn How to Succeed with Others

After reading several chapters of Jayson Lo's new book, YOUnique, I took the liberty to post an excerpt and a good take away.

Jayson writes …

Even though man can live alone, eat alone or survive alone, he was created to function in a community. Human beings are designed to be with other human beings. We are meant to be together with other people.

I like to think that "different" isn't spelled "B-A-D." I spell it, "G-O-O-D." Someone can be different and not be wrong. If everyone were like one person, then this planet would be a whole lot depressing to live in because we would do the same stuff again and again.

Jayson continues and takes it further…

When you look for team members, make sure you pick people who are different from you.

I couldn't agree more. Don't look for duplicates, or people who will think like you. It's good to be with people who sees the world differently. Not only will you find their insights valuable, but they will also most likely complement the work that you do.

The challenge is for YOU to know how to work with them and that's what Jayson answers in his book, YOUnique. 

Here's your chance to hear Jayson Lo talk about the four YOUnique personalities. Attend the YOUnique Conference on July 27, Friday. See the event details here. See you there.

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HAAGEN DAZS, MAGNUM or DIRTY ICE CREAM

PRICEY?
Häagen-Dazs is closing shop in the Philippines. They used to have a branch here in Alabang Town Center. I may have bought once or twice, but I can't really remember when. I can't deny though, it's always a treat when your friends bring Haagen Dazs to parties. (Mas masarap 'pag libre!)

After 12 years of operation, Häagen-Dazs probably decided to cut their losses. They found Manila to be a "challenging business environment", according to a company statement.

Too pricey? Maybe. Or maybe it's not really about the price. For the same amount of money, you'll see people copiously buy a Frappuccino in Starbucks or a Smoothie in Jamba Juice; and these businesses are doing remarkably well! (Sometimes, the competition is not necessarily the same product)

THE INTERESTING

Recently, RFM launched Magnum, a premium ice cream. It was interesting enough to create a buzz, an impression, or to get the early adopters curious. Even though it's twice the price of (my favorite) Cornetto Java, that didn't stop Magnum from becoming a bestseller. 

What do people really want? 

Yes, they want something new, but they want more than that... they want something interesting. Interesting enough to tweet. Interesting enough for your friends to debate on Facebook. Interesting enough for them to 'forget the price' and to give it a try. 

With Magnum, RFM has increased its profits by 40% (240M) for the first 5 months of 2012.  [source]

THE NOVELTY

The Sorbetero Ice Cream is a novelty. It has become a part of our culture. The mere sound of the Mamang Sortbero's bell brings back childhood memories. It compels you to tell your side of the story. 

For 'The Novelty', it's not so much about the commercial success or how big the business is. It's about making that meaningful connection. (Side note: Remember Hap Chan in Malate when it was still a novelty?)

The Takeaway: For your business, pick one or two ...

1. Keep it fresh.

2. Keep it interesting.

3. Keep it a novelty.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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3 WAYS TO BE POSITIVELY UNFORGETTABLE

1. Do something epic.

Whether the result is an epic fail or an epic win, those who are willing to take risks are the ones that will realize their full "potential." They become unforgettable by maximizing their talents or abilities to benefit others. 

Put out your best work. Go for an epic win. 

2. Make other people feel good about themselves.

An insecure leader will make the people around him... insecure.

An unforgettable leader will do the opposite, he makes himself relatable. Through his work, he makes the people around him feel good about themselves. 

3. Inspire laughter.

Laughter is the same in any language. Regardless of where you're from, laughter connects people. Unforgettable leaders know that people should laugh more often than needed. Progress almost always happens when it's interesting and fun!

Thank you Dolphy, the King of Comedy, (a.k.a Mang Kevin Cosme) for modeling the above three. 

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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WHY FAILING CAN BE A GOOD REMINDER

After one success after another, failing the next one can be a good reminder.


1. You're not Superman. 
You're probably multi-talented. But hey, we all have our limits. The sooner you find out where your boundary lines lie, the earlier you can focus on the work where you can excel or contribute well.


2. There's still so much to learn. 
The problem with success is that it tricks you into thinking that you already know everything. "Been there, done that. Now, I can also do that" is an expressway to failure. Guard your heart, remain humble.


3. Success or Failure isn't final. 
A failed attempt is just what it is, a failed attempt. You can leave it behind as long as you don't quit. Don't get stuck, move on or try again.

Now, when you succeed again...remember #1 and #2.

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Get P50 off when you buy a PRODUCTIVE PINOY book online. Free delivery nationwide via LBC. To order, simply click HERE.

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