The Star Global Malaysians Forum - Posted: 08 September 2006 at 8:59pm

Awareness must come from people like us. We must keep educating in any way we can even it may take ages. The order and chaos are co-existing but the choice is always ours. Our effort even a small contribution but in good faith would definitely help somewhere..to a certain extent - Every little bit helps.

The idea of having people who still care is the best we could do for now (I wish there's a better solution) in common scenarios like :

a) 'you're on your own' -> it's you who will make the change or it's a dirty job but someone has to do it. I view these as you can't do anything by just sitting and watching or hoping everything will be OK. To me, participating in this forum would reflect at a minimum level - your intention to help out even merely by talking or giving opinion/views.

b) 'ask not what the government can do for you but what you can do for the government' -> yes, it sounds a bit rhetoric again but if you think carefully after reading this phrase (It's a call for help) - > how do you define government? Can it exist without people, can it exist without votes. Again, it's our hands that are causing the government to exist. It takes two to tango!

c) 'If you can't get to the government, let the government comes to you' - we must not give up hope, keep trying. Someone somewhere will see your good intentions. But if you fail to gain attention even how hard you tried, there will be predecessors if not your own children.

In my past, my management plans have been nicknamed 'poison' by one ex-employer. But of course, I don't easily throw what seemed/claimed to be 'poisonous' to them because I believe that 'People reject to what they don't understand" or "People are scared of change" and most importantly I believe that 'the poison' they were referring to are actually 'a cure' to their 'illness' or perhaps other people's illness somewhere else. It's very sad that I have to resign from that organization just to prove myself right - lucky me - I don't easily give up. I joined another company (bigger than the previous) and miraculously, against all odds; ironically, what seemed to be the 'poisonous' plans were actually 'cures' to the new organization. Would I have thrown the plans away, I would not have reached this far. And you know what? The previous employer had the guts to come back to me and expressed how 'stupid' he was to not stop my resignation. But I; in good faith; calmly/sportingly replied to him that his company was not the 'chosen one'...what to do..it's fated I guess. But I did want to help his company back but the employer chose not to accept because he felt a little bit 'shame'.

c) 'nobody is wrong, everyone is right', 'nobody is right or wrong' -> which one are you?

Someone once asked me : "Can you do a better job Nik if you're chosen to lead the Government?" I said : "It's not an easy job" - "The chances are, I could be doing worse " BUT "I do know that I don't have to be a politician or authority to uphold good/best practices and principles"

Nobody thought that the Walls of Berlin can be finally crushed down. Nobody thought that Malaysia can have their own cars. Nobody thought that the speed of sound can be broken. Nobody thought that we can go to the moon. Nobody thought that ICT/information/knowledge will become one of the most important asset in our lives...

But in the course of history, negativities have prevailed in 'burning Joan of Arc', 'murdering Mahatma Gandhi and Lincoln', 'branding inventors/scientists as magicians' etc. etc. I'm sad to think of the fact that there must be casualties/martyrs in order to help humanity reaching what we define today as 'civilisation' or 'peace' or whatever you want to call it. In a way, I'm beginning to understand why we can't tamper with nature - for eg. In the jungle, tigers/wolves have to eat smaller animals in order to survive, seagulls have to eat fish or newly born turtles to live - it's the survival of the fittest. It's the way you perceive it or see it. If you see tigers as 'bad animals', then you will shoot the tiger not knowing (or ignoring) of what would happen to their cubs.

Well, I believe - if we keep frequently seeing things negatively (not that we cannot have 'benefits of the doubt' at all) - they will stay negative in our hearts and worse - these negativities will dictate our actions. But if we try to turn 'weaknesses' into 'strengths', it will definitely be positive to us so long as you have faith and confidence - whatever happens.

Being a normal human being - despite God is so powerful and can 'bring' food to your doorstep without putting any effort - we still have to find or have a job; even if it's small one as this is what we are and being created for (with brains, limbs and senses) I don't deny the fact that miracles exist (or at least 'luck') but hoping for too much miracles (luck) may lead us nowhere. On the other hand, I've seen miracles/lucks happening when I put some good effort on certain things.

There must be a point whereby we must learn to give credit to ourselves, being satisfied or feel the thrill of victory in our lives (in our very own ways) - even how small these can be. Give hope to yourself if you fail to give hope to others.

The one question that came to me during my 40th birthday :

"Have I made the difference?"

I don't believe that people will always resort to dissatisfaction all the time. Pain and bad memories are something you can't erase, you have to bring them with you but how you're going to deal with them later that matters most - anger? fear? vengeance? or not letting us to be 'beaten' again.

There will always be 'pros' and 'contras' in everything and it will stay that way till the end of the world. But best thing is that it's these pros/contras that help nation building - believe it or not. Just like having catalyst in chemical. But if there's too much of pros or too much of contras...then our world will never go anywhere.

Don't be sad if you have to do mistakes or making the 'wrong' choices in our lives. After all, we are only human. After all, to err is human.
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Response by adie/ghost001 - Posted: 15 September 2006

A very good comments indeed Nik. Yes, we can never know what's prepared for us in the future. We only know the remnants of the past and try to improve the present and the future with it. But there's no point of trying to improve the future so much if we haven't learn from our past mistakes.

I agree with you on becoming 'independent' as today's world is like, nobody knows you and you don't know anyone. But if you strive hard enough you will succeed but one thing requires explanation - although I understand what you mean by predecessors but how to let the government come to you? (Perhaps I'm not as smart you are..can you please enlighten?)

I'm sad reading the part when people thought you're bringing 'arsenic' whereas in actual fact, you're bringing 'antedote'...I remember reading your pal's opinion almerica that clearly indicated you as a guy who don't like 'craps' and getting straight to the point. Well you did prove to the old management about the new management you later joined did you not?(almerica, I noticed that you've met Nik, is he the kind of the same person?)

I have no comments on the rest of your views as they are 'self-explanatory' but I think, having seeing your web and the forum here, you have made the difference.
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Response from Almerica - Posted: 18 September 2006 at 2:13am

Hi ghost001, yes, I've met up with Nik albeit it was just a very short hello and get to know session. A very active fella I might add (hehe). The most important thing is that this forum provides every one of us the opportunity to make our voices heard (well at the least, it is heard by those who share a strong belief in doing the right things and doing things right!), so keep it up with your postings.
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Posted: 19 September 2006 at 7:11pm

Hi ghost001/adie, glad to know that you've quoted my names here and there in many threads. But a piece of advice - be yourself and not be me.

I see great potentials in you (quite a good judgement of character myself) even you're not one of my 'apprentice'. (Yes, I do have so many 'apprentices' that have succesfully 'go places' under my strict supervision & guides) I'm sorry if this statement may appear 'arrogant' to you but I mean well. I do not want people to say that you're some sort of my crony..please...

Happy Foruming
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Response from adie/ghost001 - Posted: 19 September 2006 at 7:21pm

Thank you for the good advise and I'm really sorry if I have gone overboard although I thought that's part of being a fan is all about. Sometimes I didn't realize that I'm doing something that might attract your unnecessary attention. Yes, I know your PMs and emails are full becoz of me and sometimes I admit that people do get irritated on my persistence.

I understand perfectly what you mean as you're the kind of person who likes to say things 'straight to the face' and I really admire you for that. But - If I have the opportunity, I would like to register myself to become your apprentice - seeing your principles and beliefs are good enough for me and I won't be turned off by your last comments but on the other hand, I will treat them as constructive criticisms.

Kudos to you my friend!
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Nik Zafri's Response - Posted: 19 September 2006 at 7:27pm

THAT'S THE SPIRIT GHOST!!!

But please understand, not that I don't want you to use my name at all in your threads (for e.g. using 'quote' button..that's ok with me - interactive/comments) - but not too much like 'Nik says this and Nik says that or because of Nik etc.'...I don't like it. I can take praise & admiration but not fanatism or obsession.

I may consider you to become my apprentice..one day. You are one of a kind - ghost (kinda remind me of myself when I was your age) Alas, please remember in one of my last thread - I did say "We must learn to give credits to ourselves". I'm a humble man, ghost but not too humble as this attitude may potentially turns into 'inferiority complex'. A lot of people tend to take opportunity when you're being 'too low' (Take this as one of the lesson if you want to become a good businessman)

Withdrawal doesn't always mean that you're loosing..but you're actually restrategising.

Cheers...
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Response by Almerica - Posted: 20 September 2006 at 12:39am

Hi ghost,

The best judge is yourself. You can gauge your own level of daily performance and personal expectations every night when the day is done. Just ask yourself these questions before you knock off to bed.

- Did I really do things that were of value today?
- What did I do right? What did I do wrong (or what haven't I done that I should have)...and Why?
- What did I learn today? How can I use what I learnt today to be applied to what I can do in the future?
- What happened today that made me feel good/bad and why?

Then remember them and rectify what you think you did wrong (or do what you didn't do which you could have done) OR practice and try to inculcate the good things you have discovered or learnt.

Imagine if you can rid yourself of 1 bad habit in just a week and adopt 1 good thing you have leant in a week...in just one year you would have eradicated 52 negative habits of yours and adopted 52 positive traits. Tell me then that you need a mentor when in fact you would have been qualified to be a mentor to others.

But the key is that when you analyse yourself and the situations everyday, don't let the devil on your shoulder try to give you excuses on why you had to do something this way or that way...just be honest with yourself because you can't afford to lie to yourself just to make yourself feel better. Simple right?
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Response from adie/ghost001 - 20 September 2006 at 2:07pm

Thank you for the good advise almerica. I'll try to remember them. It's a sign of care from GMN members and I really appreciate it.

The Star Global Malaysians Forum - Posted: 02 June 2007 at 3:21pm

I always ponder on this subject since I was a kid – perhaps influence from sci-fi stories. Will we be seeing building designs of the future be different or with the sophisticated looks? Or perhaps getting taller and taller?

As I entered the 90s, yes, I have seen some futuristic developments as I expected when I was a child. But do you think, the building will be taller and taller in the future?

I don’t think so. Of course, once people become really economic-conscious, this skyscrapers would no longer be built as you don’t have proper justifications in terms of economy. Just visit any skyscraper in the world today - look at the ‘small’ office spaces as you go further up? And look at the rental price?

But if you all ask me, will digital age encounter higher evolution as time goes by? My answer would be a big ‘YES” and to evolutionize the digital age, you do not need to build high buildings, right?

You can just ‘go anywhere’ to find :

a) ‘wi-fi’ and ‘wi-max’ – a very rapid evolution of broadband which started from leased line which started from ‘dial-up’

b) ‘3G’ facilities – a very rapid evolution of GPRS, Bluetooth which started from WAP.

then you’ll get connected to the world - and these technologies are getting better and better as I speak now!

Now why would people build tall buildings on the first place? If you study carefully, the typical claims would be :

a. to denote some kind of success and glory via ‘monuments’,

b. plus (ironically) also an indication of the lifestyle of rich and famous, the taller the penthouse or CEO’s office suite be, the ‘taller’ the ‘success level’ would be

So, do you think, this philosophy will still be valid in the future? (Maybe now) I think what we’re facing now is part of the new industrial revolution (we’re still in the learning stage) and soon when quality genuinely takes its place, we would be concentrating to building a more secured, stronger + environmental friendly superstructures – green buildings (not necessarily high)

Now how would I know this? I see ‘signs are happening now’. I noticed that some true rich men coincidentally related to the digital business – surprisingly prefers lower buildings with good surroundings - just look at Google, Yahoo offices and even Microsoft building in Richmond. Now these firms are more into evolutionizing digital technology rather than making skyscrapers to denote their success.

Now the following are what I foresee (not Nostradamaus-oriented) :

a) The current skyscrapers will stay the way they are but new ones will no longer be built,

b) Even if there are new buildings to be built, the focus would be on reliability, strength, longer life-cycle and especially environmental friendly elements – in simple terms – GENUINE sustainable development,

c) Digital technology race and evolution will come to a total halt one day (but not as soon as skyscrapers) and we would still be maintaining what we have – possibly try to go back to the basics as much as we can.
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Response from flick068-Posted: 02 June 2007 at 4:34pm

I think you're not very far off in your Nostradamaus-oriented predictions. The current movement is towards green and sustainable buildings rather than glorified monuments. Although glorified monuments seems to be de rigueur in developing nations eg India & China. For eg, just read in today's paper a billionaire in India building a 60-storey palace with helipad, health club, etc for his business/office and home, just 'coz he can! If you've got it, flaunt it type of mentality I suppose. And look at all the one-upman-ship happening around in Shanghai, Taiwan, Malaysia included on who builds the tallest, longest, biggest building... (how about a building that works and not crack or leak would be better don't you think?)

Once people realise about scarcity of resources and the need for sustainability then the buildings will follow. In some ways the developed nations are getting there because they are the first to feel the effect, in a way.

Also, with the digital movement, it will change the way people work. Perhaps more people will work from home and there won't be need for massive office buildings - although i think this is much further away in the future.... i don't think human bosses have the necessary skills to manage staff remotely (another whole different discussion on human bosses' skills....)
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Nik Zafri's Response : Posted: 08 June 2007 at 2:46pm

Hi flick, thanks for seconding. The more I look into this matter, the more I see few things :

a. We have to learn the hard way - that is when the environmental factors started to deteriorate profusely, only then, people will understand that how important to safeguard nature in order not to destroy the future of their very own future generation. (many countries started out where we started. Some realized fast and drew the line to block the 'madness of unsustainable development' plus restarted trees planting but some countries were left very far behind and awaiting destruction - as a result of their own past guilts)

b. The (a) factor is very much related to serious need for attitude change - ignorance, talking hypotheses/dissertation (talk the walk), no follow-up action taken, waiting for something to happen first (reactive and corrective or firefighting attitudes) etc.etc.

Indeed ICT evolution should be channelled towards educating the people proactively!

Having 'too much' experience in various business, especially in the fields of sales and marketing, I would say that MLM is still the BEST way of doing business provided that you follow the rules/regulations and not break it or trying to amend it.

It's not about the business plan that contributes to the MLM success, but it's the responsibility and commitment by the members in order to reach the sales/marketing target.

Another reason is the effective communcation with uplines and downlines. (short notices on changes are not acceptable)

Another common reason with MLM is again, human...We tend to be too much obsessed with the Business Plan rather than the product we sell. Thus, the product knowledge is still lacking behind due to thinking of how to get so much money based on the business plan. (again I'm not blaming the system, but people)

Unfortunately also, the original purpose of a business plan that promotes the conventional hardwork, patience, long term and reap profits later - is now loosing its popoularity with the :

a) drastic changes made in the original businessplan flow or strategy,

(you know..the rhetoric, hybrid system (either approved by the authorities or self-approved or self-modified by the 'super top uplines')

Please note that, binary is still binary, MLM is still MLM and single level is still single level. It just the choice that suits you that counts!

b) competition from the rhetoric/so-called e-commerce,

c) competition from the Get Rich Quick Scheme,

But the above (a)-(c) are really related to "How to take a shortcut to become rich" and this will make so many people attracted to 'money' (who wouldn't?) and tend to forget other good business/sales/marketing practices.

I'm not denying the fact of GENUINE ones but there are too much 'fakes' or 'doubtful' ones.

I'm sorry, some people might find my statement a bit offensive but I have taken almost 2 decades researching and involving myself in too many programmes and business plans to find out that the good ol' MLM (even single-level) is still the best.

Here's one of them (in Bahasa Malaysia)

http://www.geocities.com/nikzafri/qsale.htm (See Below)

As the saying goes "The old school is still the best school"

My experience dictates my belief in working both hard and smart = busy!
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14 Tonggak Kualiti Diri dan sumbangannya terhadap kejayaan Sistem Jualan Langsung dan Pemasaran Bertingkat

1.0 Kepimpinan dan Pengurusan

Tema : Menentukan Matlamat dan Komitmen Diri

§ Mematuhi nilai-nilai murni perniagaan termasuk aspek undang-undang dan etika (seperti Akta Jualan Langsung untuk pelan perniagaan yang betul, Akta Insitusi Kewangan dan Perbankan (BAFIA) bagi perniagaan membabitkan pelaburan wang/tukaran mata wang asing, pengambilan deposit yang bersabit dengan Suruhanjaya Sekuriti, KPDNHEP/SSM, Akta Siber/Telekomunikasi & Multimedia bagi perniagaan menerusi internet/e-dagang - tertakluk pada syarat-syarat yang generik dsb)

§ Melaksanakannya pada keseluruhan aspek kerja

§ Mengetahui tugas masing-masing

§ Menangani amsalah secara bijaksana

§ Memiliki ilmu pengetahuan yang mencukupi

§ Mewakili ‘organisasi yang ditubuhkan sendiri’

§ Sentiasa belajar dan mengajar

§ Rasa bertanggungjawab dan akauntabiliti

§ Rasa pemilikan

2.0 Sistem Kualiti Diri

Tema : Sistem yang memastikan kepatuhan terhadap nilai-nilai murni perniagaan

§ Mempelajari sistem dari rakan yang telah berjaya

§ Mempunyai segala sumber yang mencukupi

§ Kaedah yang kena pada tempat dan masa

§ Membuat kajian yang mencukupi

§ Pelan Perniagaan yang paling sesuai dengan kemampuan diri

3.0 Semak Semula

Tema : Sebelum, Semasa dan Selepas Menjalankan Transaksi

§ Segala keperluan dipenuhi

§ Berpuas hati sebelum, semasa dan setelah transaksi

§ Penyelesaian bermasalah sebelum berlaku (introspective/collective brainstorming)

§ Keupayaan untuk mencapai dan meningkatkan sasaran secara berterusan

RANCANG - BUAT - PERIKSA - BERTINDAK (Plan-Do-Check-Act - PDCA)

4.0 Pelan Rekabentuk Perniagaan

Tema : Kawalan dan Rekabentuk Pelan Perniagaan

§ Menyalurkan maklumat secara konsisten sehingga ke peringkat yang paling bawah dan telus.

§ Mengukur keberkesanan pelan perniagaan

§ Memahami dan mempraktikkan pelan perniagaan

§ Mengukur tahap pencapaian pelan perniagaan dengan betul dan tepat

§ Sebaran perubahan/kelainan adalah hasil perbincangan bersama

§ Membandingkan keberkesanan sebarang perubahan dengan yang terdahulu.

5.0 Kawalan Dokumen, Data dan Rekod

Tema : Dokumen, Data dan Rekod

§ Contoh Dokumen – segala jenis borang termasuk sistem pemantauan penajaan, pendapatan dan jualan, baucar, kupon, risalah/katalog produk, dokumen akaun (spt. pesanan belian dsb) yang berkaitan

§ Contoh Data – Maklumat mengenai pelanggan/ahli/rakan kongsi, jumlah sasaran dsb.

§ Contoh Rekod – Produk yang paling laris (hi-traffic), Aduan, Komen dsb. yang berkaitan.

§ Mempunyai dokumen, data dan rekod terkini

§ Dokumen lama diasingkan (jika perlu dimusnah/dipulangkan kembali dsb.)

§ Penyimpanan yang bersistematik – indeks, no rujukan, kronologi mudah dicari, yang disah dan diluluskan dsb.

6.0 Pembelian

Tema : Kecukupan Spesifikasi dan Persediaan Diri

§ Mengetahui spesifikasi produk yang bakal dipromosi

§ Mengenali ahli/rakan kongsi dan pelanggan/pengguna

§ Membuka ruang interaksi antara satu sama lain seperti dialog dan pertanyaan

§ Mengelak sebarang ketidakpuasan hati

7.0 Pengenalan dan Kemudahan Carian

Tema : Mengenali Kawasan Anda

§ Mengetahui kawasan yang akan dibekalkan perkhidmatan – Contohnya kawasan A=Outlet A

§ Memastikan kecukupan produk yang dipesan

§ Mengenali dan mampu mencari produk yang dikehendaki dalam masa yang pantas, cekap dan ekonomik.

8.0 Kawalan Proses

Tema : Bekerja Mengikut Proses Yang Telah Ditentukan

§ Mengetahui cara dan kaedah yang sistematik – dimana perlu bermula dan dimana perlu diakhiri

§ Sentiasa merujuk kembali kepada dokumen, data dan rekod serta rakan kongsi/ahli yang lebih arif jika kurang memahami sesuatu perkara – jangan bertindak sendiri

9.0 Kawalan Masalah

Tema : Penyelesaian masalah secara bijaksana

§ Bertanggungjawab dan akauntabiliti ke atas sebarang masalah yang timbul.

§ Sebarang masalah yang timbul perlu diselesaikan dengan seberapa segera – tanpa bertangguh- bincang sesama ahli/rakan kongsi jika perlu.

§ Jika masalah dalaman selesai – masalah luar pasti selesai

LAGI