Lessons from Kodak, Beepers and Continuous Change

Using the Easy Call paging service wasn't as easy as you would think. Telling an operator to say sorry for you is humiliating. (Dyahe!) Not only that it is hard to dictate an apology to someone you don’t know, the agent seems to always take on a sleepy (bedroom) voice every time you call.


Operator: Easy call Pager Number 141-14344. Your name please? (male bedroom voice)

You: Jhun.

Operator: Is that Juliet, Uniform, November? (confirming)

You: No, Ju-hun, with an 'H'.

Operator: Message please.

You: Ummmm... I'm sorry na...

Operator: [typing sound] Is there anything else?

You: Ummm...Yes. Umm... I won't do it again? (hesitant, but you continue anyway) Ikaw kasi eh, kung di mo lang ginawa yun...

After dictating your insincere apology, you still end up with the four words you should've only said in the first place – “please call me now” or "Turn on your cell phone, I will call you." (During that era, to conserve the 2-hour battery life of cell phones, people only turn it on when someone beeped them.)

In the mid-90s, Globe introduced a better way to communicate – via text messages. (Post star-tac era) The idea that you can send messages without calling an operator was a big relief.

Today, try to design a beeper with state-of-the-art features, sell it at the cheapest price possible, then add extra functionality, still, no one will buy it.

It's simply obsolete.

Somehow, there's a tendency for us to think that if we offer something that's cheaper, bigger, better or with more features of the same-old-boring-product, we will succeed. (Big–Sameness)

Take Kodak for example. They filed their bankruptcy just today. (1/20/12) Even though they were an early pioneer of digital photography, (they had the patents and expertise) they chose to hold on (too long) to their film business. (old success) Obviously, that didn't do them well.  

To succeed in business today requires three things : 

1. The willingness to let go of what worked yesterday.

2. The ability to make quick decisions.

3. The courage to embrace change. 

Get rid of the old ideas that you've heard from your non-practicing professors. (Or the systems in the book you've read ten years ago.)


The world has changed. 

Keep your core values and principles, but when it comes to doing things, consider new ways. Adapt to new technologies. Better yet, create it. 

Don't wait for someone to kill your product. Instead, make your own product obsolete by building the next big thing.

They say 'Productive Pinoy' is a book that's 'hard to find'.

"Sir, your book is hard to find!"

I've heard this statement a couple of times. I'm not sure if I should be smiling or frowning! It could mean two things depending on the tone.

1. The Good
A lot of people may have bought the book. The nearby bookstore probably ran out-of-stock – making the book hard to find. (it was featured @ Entrepreneur Philippines early this year)

2. The Not-so-good
...Or the book is literally 'hard to find' inside the bookstore! You can find it in the 'Success & Career' section. Please don't hesitate to ask the bookstore rep.

You can also buy a copy online and have it delivered for free – here.

Simply scroll down for the reviews.

REVIEWS

HeaRty's Haven 

"It’s like enrolling in trainings like time management, productivity and 7 habits of highly effective people rolled into one. The book is truly a gem and I’m NOT exaggerating." [read] 

– Rochelle Sy Chua is the author of the top-ranked blog HeaRty's Haven and a contributor for the Manila Bulletin. Visit her blog, you will enjoy her stories. Follow her on Twitter @rochellesychua.

I am Ariel Lalisan

"It’s a breath of fresh air in this world where everyone seems to put down each other."  

"In Productive Pinoy, Yeng tells you, like a real friend, those little lessons he learned from his dealings with people as an entrepreneur, a father, and as a person — a Productive Pinoy, that is." [read]

– Ariel Lalisan. Influential Blogger, Teacher, Artist & Adventurer • After reading Ariel's blog, I realized that you can make a difference in your profession and still live your life as an adventure. Here's my favorite post from Ariel – Life is Too Short.

Entrepreneur Philippines   

"What makes a Filipino entrepreneur different from other entrepreneurs? It's what Yeng Remulla answers in this book."

"As an entrepreneur himself, Remulla talks about some of the Filipino traits and values that shapes how business is done here in the country. From the infamous Filipino time to takaw-mata the book takes you through wit and humor about the Filipino entrepreneur." [read]  

– Carlo P. Mallo. Entrepreneur Philippines. Visit Entrepreneur.com.ph and like their Facebook page!

Joy's Flair 

"Productive Pinoy, one of the BEST Filipino penned book that I highly recommend!" [read] 

– Joy Blanca, Blogger. Winner – Top 10 Emerging Influential Blogs for 2011,  Stay-at-home mom, with a loving and supportive husband and two sons. A homebody and a blogger. Get very useful and practical tips from her blogs – Joy's Flair & Notepad Corner.

Randell Tiongson 

"I’m enjoying Productive Pinoy book and it is teaching me so much on how to improve things I normally do. A highly recommended book not just for entrepreneurs but for everyone." [read] 

– Randell Tiongson. Named as one of the 12 most influential people in Personal Finance in the Philippines. He is also a Columnist for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and Money Sense Magazine. Learn financial stewardship, read his blog and 'like' Randell's FB page.

Ms. Michelle-Orosa Ople 

"Productive Pinoy is one of those books you'll need a highlighter beside you to enjoy. There are just so many bright insights to take home and chew on--the type of lessons so simple, and yet can change lives and inspire."

"We at Oplan Asenso are truly honored to have met Yeng and co-labor with him to help Pinoys realize their true potential for excellence, productivity and greatness. This book is key to that vision. More power! 

– Ms. Michelle-Orosa Ople. Co-host of the Radio TV Show 'Oplan Asenso' with Mr. Gerard Dela Pena. Tune in to 92.3 News FM RadyoSingko Aksyon TV5 every Saturday, 12pm – 2pm. Like their page –facebook.com/oplanasenso. 

Every Peso Counts Blog 

"While the book makes straightforward suggestions, it doesn't fail to mix statements with humor. As I said, I always brought the book with me and read on public transport vehicles such as a Jeepney. It will spontaneously make you laugh and can literally make you look crazy."  [read]    

Tim Samaniego is the writer of Every Peso Counts. The blog is a useful resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals. Like the Page! 

Pinay Mommy Online

"I have been an avid reader of self-help books and most of them were written by foreign authors. This one has a different impact on me because it was written having my own culture and feelings in mind." [read] 

Ruby Ricafrente is the blogger behind the vibrant blog Pinay Mommy Online. She's a hands-on mom, full-time wife and an online blogger/entrepreneur. Like her page!

School Librarian in Action

"What I like about his book is the way he tells these real life experiences in bits of stories, like vignettes that pinches the heart and punches the gut." [read] 

Zarah Grace C. Gagatiga. School Librarian, Teacher, Storyteller, Writer and Reading & Literacy Advocate. She co-authors the upcoming book "Tales From the 7,000 Isles: Filipino Folk Stories" with Dianne de Las Casas who is in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is one Filipino book I will definitely buy.

Hon. Ruffy Biazon

"Simple, but witty. Humorous, but life-changing. Entertaining, but convincing. Productive Pinoy serves as a roadmap towards achieving maximum productivity, tapping into a person's full potential in a distinctly Pinoy context. 

– Hon. Ruffy Biazon. Three-term Congressman of Muntinlupa City, 2001-2010, Bureau of Customs Commissioner 2011. Find out how Ruffy is serving your country with integrity. Visit his blog.

Pastor Ariel Marquez

"An enriching book that is full of nuggets of wisdom to live by. This little book can impact its readers in a big positive way. Yeng has taken some of life's important lessons and put it in a simple, interesting yet convicting package. I highly recommend this book!” 

Ariel Marquez is the Senior Pastor of Victory Christian Fellowship – Alabang. He is one of my mentors – helping me grow in my walk with Christ. Visit Victory Alabang – Festival Mall (Sundays, 10:00am and 4:00pm) to hear how God wants to move in your life.

Ardy Abello

"A practical guide to making proper use of your time and resources without losing your Pinoy identity. Yeng is able to flip the coin and present the positive side of a negative Pinoy mindset. Productive Pinoy is packed with nuggets of valuable truth and practical applications." 

– Ardy Abello. Top-ranked Motivational Speaker, Productivity Coach and President of Business Works,Inc. He is the only Filipino among the 51 distinguished speakers in the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) Meeting held in Atlanta, Georgia earlier this year. He is one of the best speakers today in the Philippines. Like his FB page!

The Accidental Musician

"...this book is filled with positive traits about Filipinos. As you read them, you'll feel a revolution inside of you and make you more proud of being a Filipino." [read] 

– Malvin Dinlasan is a marketing professional, a serious event organizer and a ministry leader. He is also the blogger behind The Accidental Musician Blog.

Dennis Sy

"Yeng’s writing reminds me of Seth Godin, my favorite author. Every page of the book is filled with lessons you can apply practically in everyday living and working."[read]

– Dennis Sy is the blogger of Clueless Church Planterand Clueless Daddy and the Senior Pastor of Victory Greenhills. Husband to Thammie Sy, and father to two beautiful girls. A clueless church planter, a frustrated sociologist and an aspiring missiologist. You can follow his tweets @DennisSy or add him in Facebook.

 

Pinay Ads

"Inspiring. This book has certainly awakened my benevolent consciousness, especially towards life." [read]

– Iris Acosta is a graduate of Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Arts in Miriam College and a Digital Media Specialist by profession. She blogs about latest events, media coverage, press release, shows and more at pinayads.com.

Buy the book online and have it delivered for free – here.

          

Practice something daily.

Habits are formed when we do something repeatedly.

Early last year, I tried to go to the gym for 21 days – straight. It worked.

For more than six months, I formed the discipline to go to the gym everyday. (My wife called it a miracle.)

Here's the thing...

When I decided to do it three times a week instead... guess what happened?

You bet.

There's something about 'daily practice' that makes it sustainable.

[Photo Credit]

Be a good finisher.

Progress is good.

Looking back to see what you've accomplished so far can be a useful motivation.

However, that isn't true for everyone. For some, it's become a permission to slack off – "Anyways, we're halfway there" the mind justifies.

You're allowed to feel good about your ‘progress’, but let's hold off the victory party until you are 100% done!

Finishers don’t let their small victories get in the way. Their mission is clear. They know what they came for – to finish what they started.

[Photo Credit : jayneandd]

Manage your technology. It can be freedom or dilemma.

Technology intended to give you more freedom.

But when you opted to answer every ring, pop every email and stalk the Facebook news feed in real time...You've just forfeited it.

Be present where you are. Pay attention to your loved ones. Listen intently.

Take your time. LIVE your life 'offline'.

Changing You.

You did the very thing you didn't want to do.

You ask yourself, "What's wrong with me?" Even the mirror won't give you a straight answer. You've been striving to change, but got stuck in a pattern.

Pause. Hands in the air. Surrender. Allow God to change you.

He knows exactly what to do.

"It's more fun in the Philippines" – Your part as a business owner, a professional and as a Filipino.

DOT has released a new campaign called "It's more fun in the Philippines." The slogan may not be an original, (Switzerland used it in 1951) but it's simple, catchy and true for us – today. (Try to ask a foreigner or a Balikbayan)


Besides, if you're one of those folks who saw the Swiss ad in your mid 20's, that means you're already in your mid 60s today… Seriously, what's fun today has changed!

"It's More Fun in the Philippines" became an online hit – a twitter trending topic worldwide. Pinoys we're able to identify with it.

You will also see awesome studies in Facebook that include photos of breathtaking places and what you can do in the Philippines. Simply "Put your catchy line in here. More fun in the Philippines."

Credit: Roland Benzon, Mon Corpuz

You can't deny the potential. If implemented right, yes, it can boost tourism spending from both locals and foreigners.

But the challenging part is where to go from here. 

It may be a 'fun' campaign, but definitley it will also take a lot of work to make it really work. (Not just for the DOT, but also for the rest of us.)

How can we contribute to 'More Fun' ?

As a business owner or a professional who caters to tourist, (both local and foreign) consider 'fun' as a part of how you do business.

Whether you are operating a restaurant, a travel agency or a small shop, make the "whole experience" fun for your customers. (from booking, to shopping, to waving good-bye)

What you can do :

1. Customer Service Training.
Whether you own a small business or work in a big enterprise, you can empower your employees to 'make it fun' for your customers.

Don't let administrative "policies" hinder you from serving your clients well. Make it fun!

2. Make your website (or online correspondence) easy to understand or easy to use. Be easy to do business with.

It's funny how booking a flight can be difficult at times. Technology was supposed to make it easier for people. Yet, there are times it has become a hindrance instead.

Eliminate the unneeded steps. (read 'hassles') Make it simple, easy to use and straight-forward.

3. Don't just design products, design 'experiences' as well.

My friend Hans Co and his partners own a bike shop called Gran Trail Cycles. Yes, they sell cool bikes, but not just that – they also offer or design biking 'experiences'. 

"How about a bike tour to Sagada?" they asked. 

Re-examine the business you are in.

4. Be an ambassador of your own country.

Speak well of your country. Your words has the power of life and death. What you say will count. As a Filipino, you can help boost tourism by participating in this campaign. (even in your own small way)

Here's why I think the slogan is true:

"What differentiates the Philippines from every [other place] in the world, as we said from the start, is the Filipino. [It's] his special gift for transforming what is already a beautiful place into an unforgettable special place. You take two identical islands, put Filipinos in one, it’s going to be more fun there." 

– Ramon Jimenez, DOT Chief

Meetings can be fun, funny or amusing.

Meetings are fun. Especially when you are working with enthusiastic and creative people. The management made new plans and you were thrilled to hear about it. You leave excited for what's about to happen.

However, the fun becomes funny when you attend the next meeting and find out that nothing has been done. (yet)

In spite of the lack of progress, the funny becomes amusing, when the leader starts to introduce 'new plans' in the same meeting!

Sabi nga nila "Di pa tapos yung sa isa, may ibang plano na!"

Realize that 'meetings' should allow you to work effectively, not distract you from real work. 

~ 

*To learn how to conduct an effective meeting, get a copy of the book, Productive Pinoy. Available in 90+ bookstores nationwide. Better yet, order it online via this link.

[Photo Credit]

Killer ideas or idea killers?

One of the fastest way to kill a good idea is to have a "Not invented here" mentality/culture.

While we should strive to implement original or killer ideas, we must also keep an open mind and a humble spirit. 


There is much to learn from others.

Create your 'personal' mission statement.

Like a small rudder of a big ship, our tongue sets our direction. How we describe or verbalize our work will influence our decision, action and direction.

I like what my friend Malvin Dinlasan wrote in his blog.

"Our common mistake is we designed ourselves in what we think we are and not what we should be. For example, someone says "I am a teacher." Why not say "My passion is to help young individuals think more analytically so they can face the challenges of life."

"See the difference? The first statement is your profession – the uniform you wear that clearly professes what you do. The latter speaks about the purpose why you teach. Which is better?" [link]

Choose your words. Look at your work differently.

What's for 2012? Ask yourself the two questions found in this inspiring two-minute video. As soon as you figure it out, leave a comment please! (here or Facebook page)


Two questions that can change your life from Daniel Pink on Vimeo.

Lakas Chamba? Work effectively, don't just push harder.

"Lakas chamba" I'm sure you know people who win this way. Whether it's in billiards or in bowling, pushing harder may win you a game.

But to win consistently? That's another story.

New year is here. Resolution lists are longer than ever. You will find in people's list the following words ...

…to do more _______
...to be more _______

…to have more _______

…more, more, more.

Yes, productivity is about maximizing the output, but necessarily laboring more.

For a sales entrepreneur, it could mean talking to less people by selling to the right people.

For an office manager, it could mean implementing effective and efficient systems to get all the work done within the 9–5 window. (instead of just asking the workers for an overtime – all the time) 

For a leader, it could mean giving up control and allowing others to make wise decisions for the organization.

To win consistently, squeezing for 'more' isn't the answer.

Work effectively, don't just push harder.

Don't write down everything. (Unless you are a journalist or a researcher)

I know. You already tried this. You even attempted to organize your notes by color, by topic or by date. But sad to say, you didn't get things done much this way as well.

Write with a purpose. 

Write to get things done. Write to bring clarity to your ideas. Write to communicate. Write to remind yourself. 

Write because you will read it later, not just for the sake of writing. 

The world wouldn't end if you miss writing something that's forgettable. 


What to write?

1. Your commitments. (to others and to yourself) 

2. Lists. (to do list, grocery list, etc.) Not only will you save time, but also free your mind for creative or analytical work.

3. Information you'll probably need in the next three months. 

4. Rare ideas.  Implement it soon or sell the idea to someone who can make it happen.

5. Your expenses. This will help you become aware of your spending habits.

6. Your goals. What are your goals and what are you willing to do to attain them?

One of the best approach is to do a mind map. I got this one from one of our mentors, Ms. Ivy Marquez. 

Happy writing!

Get rid of the "Bahala Na" attitude. #Jumpstart2012

Sometimes we adopt a "come what may" attitude because of a bad memory.

You tried to reach for something, but somehow ended up disappointed. So you go on with your life telling yourself "Hope for the best, expect the worst." But the truth is – you don't even expect or hope for anything at all. 

To avoid disappointment, you skip planning. You put off things, even though you're good for it. Without a clue, you've been living aimlessly.

God has a plan for your life. 

There’s a twist in your story you haven’t seen. In advance, He has prepared good things for you to see, to experience and to do.

He wants the best for you this year. His will for your life is good, pleasing and perfect.

Seek Him. Pray resolutely.

Because the wise move for you is to 'plan' according to His plan. 


[Photo Credit: qisur]

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 Credit

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 son, Trey, outsmarts me from time to time. Russel uses his charm to get what he wants. Jaden is the playful one. (Kanino nagmana? Don't ask!)

This year we've built a stronger connection. I'm blessed to be their father.

3. New & Old Friendships.

You didn't expect to be friends with them. Why would you? You guys have nothing in common. But you meet new people and somehow, you enjoy their company.

You're surprised to discover you have more things to share than you think.

My wife and I apreciate our newfound friends as much as we treasure our lifelong friendships.

4. Friday men's group.
'Hungarian Sausage Breakfast set' - that's what we order week in and week out.

Every Friday, I go to a men's meeting called Victory Group in Bo's Coffee Alabang. We learn from the bible how it is to be a disciple of Christ. We share, discuss and encourage one another. To witness what God has done in the lives of these men builds up my faith in God. Thank you Pastor Ariel Marquez for leading this group.

5. Our new home.
Technically, we acquired our new place late last year. Though, after a year, I'm still thankful to God for allowing us to have this place. (So far so good with my monthly payments!)

6. Our business.
In case you're wondering what I do for a living, I'm in the real estate business. (I write for a different reason)

2011 came out as a productive year for us. Curious about my business? Click here.

7. Productive Pinoy Book
It's been an awesome three months. The book has received fifteen (15) fine reviews. It's been featured in several radio-tv shows. Recently shown in the "12 Gift Ideas for the Start-up Entrepreneur" by Entrepreneur magazine online.

But the best part is meeting the interesting people I would not have met otherwise.

We thank our friends who helped us promote the book!

8. For being a Finalist at the Philippine Blogger Awards 2011

Believe me. There are days when you feel there's no one reading your blog. But I'm glad I continued writing anyway.

Hundreds of blogs were nominated at the 2011 PBA Awards. To be considered as a 'finalist' in one of the categories is truly an honor in itself.

9. For God's work in our lives.

Life may have its ups and downs, but God's grace is constant. It is sufficient. We thank God for the life that we have today and we look forward to what he has prepared in advance for us. Our prayer is that our lives will bring honor and glory to the LORD.

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.

~  

                                                                            
Jesus didn't have to do it. Yet, he came. He lived, he taught, he gave us hope. Then he died for us so that we can be free – and truly live.

It was out of His love. A gift, freely given. Nothing required in return. All you have to do is to receive it, be thankful with it, and share it to others.

We thank you Jesus.

Merry Christmas Everyone!


[Photo Credit – Shimelle]

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 Credit]