Mi Choza De Nipa: 07/08/2007

Friday, July 13, 2007

Money and Dividend; Big or Small?

When do you consider an amount big, or when do you consider an amount small?

What size of dividend would you want? To what scale can your investments range?

Given also the situation that your investments are all successful, what do you do

with the money after that? Engage more and more in other investments, to gain

more and more money? And then, when you have more and more money, you

engage more and more and more in other investments, so you gain more and more

and more and more money? Whew! The cycle never stops? Well, there is one thing

that is sure to stop. Your life. And here comes the big question: what will happen next?

When you have so much money, and you die, what happens to your money? What will

happen to all your pursuits of making huge money? What will your investments

amount to after all? For sure, in your pursuit of money, you would have missed

doing other things. What if the things you missed to do in your pursuit of money

are very important things, things that would give meaning to your life, and death,

and even after you are gone?

There is this investment that I know will never fail, and it doesn’t depend on the

size or scale of investment you do. Big or small, singular or varied, the investment

of helping other people with your money is one sure investment to make. Money is

manmade, and although in one way or the other ‘can help to make a man/woman’,

it does not permanently do so. The right perspective of what money is and the proper

use of it will ensure that money is never made as the master of our fate, and is never

our goal in life. It is a tool, and if a tool is an extension of the hands to make us even more

efficient and effective in our jobs, then so be it with money. It should be used to facilitate

our extending of hands. And by the way, it is no use extending our hands when it is

clenched so tightly. When our fist is closed, it is no sign of a willing assistance.

I remember the story of how hunters trap monkeys. The hunters would get a coconut,

bore a hole on it, the size of which is just to let the open hands of a monkey go in. Then,

a banana would be put inside. Of course, the coconut would be puched on the other side

so that a rope can be secured to it. Then the coconut is hanged, or simply left in the open.

When the scent of the banana is caught by an unsuspecting ape or chimp, it would come

and look for the source. Once it knows that the banana is inside, it would slip its hand,

then grab the banana. Now, since the closed fist is bigger than the hole, the monkey is

trapped. And mind you, it would never let go of the banana, even if the trapped limb

gets cut and wounded. Whoa! How’s that?

Sometimes, the same situation we see in humans. Even with the so-called superior

intellect and cognition that homo sapiens possess, many people still get trapped with

money. Whe else would somebody quote: ‘money is not everything; it is the only thing’?

Yesterday, I was faced with this question of what amount is big, what amount is small.

Of course, it would depend on what the usage or purpose is. At any rate, it is still so much

dependent on the person concerned. What others may deem small, others already say big.

There are also people who have no concept or size or amount. They would readily dispense

or let go of an amount asked for, so long as they have it.

What am I talking about? Since I am not a rich man (I wish I were, not just rich, but

very, very, very rich), I’ve had many, many occasions of needing to borrow money

from friends and acquaintances. And from these, many, many experiences I’ve had.

There are those who you are close to, and when you ask them for financial help, knowing

that they are able to help you, you get turned down. There are also close, close friends

who are able to help you, and they say they will, but only give you hope – for nothing.

And then, there are those whom you think can’t help you, or won’t help you, but they do!

Indeed, some have really opened up their hearts and hands, and would welcome you.

Their reason is that you won’t ask for help if you don’t need it. There are those who

help, and part of their reason is that now, they can. If they will come to the same need

one day, then somebody would return the kindness they now show. Isn’t that exemplary?

I’ve had the chance of being on the other side of this dealing, and the joy it gives is profound.

And since I’m the type of person who don’t know if an amount is big or small, since I have it,

I didn’t think twice. The fulfilment is indescribable. The inward gladness is immense.

And no, it is not because the other person is in a bad situation. But it is the joy of sharing

what you have, to those who are in need. And it is not money lost! And the dividend is such

that the profit is manifold. That is why I wish I were a very, very, very rich man. If money

can make me happy this way, then I will definitely use this tool to make me happy. I won’t

withhold money. If I do, I don’t only withhold to others the help they need; I hurt myself as well.

And it makes me ask the same question whenever I hear or read or a person accummulating

vast amount of wealth, striking it rich by making the right investments, ‘what does it lead to’?

When their earthly life is over, what is next? Christ asked the very same question, driving

the point right home:

Mark 8:36

“For what shall it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and suffer the loss of his soul?”

What is the purpose of your investment? What is your ultimate goal? Is your end to gain

as much money as you can, and become a financial giant, or you aim to invest in people,

building friendships, helping lives? Have you closed your hands and clenched them tightly

so your money won’t escape? Or is money holding you? What legacy do you want to leave?

It’s your choice after all.

Thursday, July 12, 2007

More quotes...

Some more quotes to record, before they are forgotten…

“Situations don’t make or break a man; they show what’s inside of him.”

“The worst situations can bring out the best in a man.”

Steam Control Surgical Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware

The Surgical Stainless Steel Waterless Cookware fever has not stopped.

After a demo on one particular brand of cookware at our place, I was

receiving a number of comments and feedbacks, not to mention the ample info

found in the net. Here goes:

1. Those who have purchased the SM set (at a very high price!) attest to the excellence of the product.

2. A colleague who did a cooking demo at our place happened to run a demo at another house, the owner of which already owned a SM cookware set. Having seen the capability of the cookware brand currently on demo, she didn’t hesitate to try out the recipe of a home-made pizza on the set she already had. The verdict? NOT MUCH DIFFERENCE. She just bought the ‘laba board’ from TW, which is used for marinating, or as a doughboard when making dough.

3. One person who was trying to be a consultant for SM managed to sell to 2 households, 1 set each. That’s 2 sets of very high-priced cookwares. What’s more, the items were paid COD! That’s a whooping thousand dollars at one go! But guess what? The poor lady didn’t get even a single dime of commission. Why? Because she did not purchase her own set of the SM cookwares. And to think, they were saying that you didn’t need to buy in order to earn. Now that the money’s in, it’s not coming out and getting distributed… it’s a shame! The dealer actually tried to sell to her an old cookware set, for less. That’s even more a shame (on the dealer!) Seems like that person has no more delicadeza, adding insult to injury. The husband finally told the wife to stop engaging in SM, whether or not they buy their own set. Stop! Stop! Stop!

4. A couple who bought a small set was given 3 big pieces for free. Of course, with a price that high, it’s like you actually paid even for the free items. Ain’t that right, mate?

5. Another couple who bought a set of the SM wares was surprised to know that there is a similar cookware from TW, and at a big price difference! Otherwise, what would you call a 1/10 price difference? Peanuts?

6. Finally, in my continued search for this seemingly magical cookware over the net, I came across several sites of reviews, and the SM brand keeps on popping up. Not only that, the other brands, like WB, or the sister companies of SM were also mentioned. And the common complain is this: HIGH PRICE! There were 2 reviews that I liked much. Once came from a couple who have 2 daughters going to college, and the other one was from a mother who home-school her kids. No, these are not from Singapore, they are from US! For both reviews, the origin is the same. Both saw a state fair demo, saw how good the cookware is, how healthy the food is, how much energy you save, how short the cooking time becomes, etc., etc. Then the price. US $1000 to $3000+. Rip off! The couples were turned off from that time onwards, but the demo lingered on in their minds. The older couple went straight away to surfing and searching the internet. They found one, a very good set, they bought it, and were very much satisfied. It is free shipping some more, what! The price? Less than 1/10 of the set at the state fair. The younger couple had a longer processing time. The husband and wife thought and talked, and thought and talked some more. The husband who was working, happened to bring up the matter to a colleague, who said, ‘Have you checked the internet on your items?’ And that was what they did. They also found the same cookware set as the older couple. Price is very close, 1/10 of the state fair cookware set, with the difference only in the shipping. The older couple bought 2 sets of the cookware, one for each daughter. The younger couple settled with one; that’s all they needed.

7. Here’s the link. I’m actually considering buying the set that can be used on induction cooktops. www.realcook.com

C'est tout!

Pinoys; earning and spending analysis

Yesterday, I was watching the news back in the Phils. They were showing how Juan dela Cruz spends his hard-earned money. The reportes took several individuals, and profiled their earning and spending. They also interviewed a professor from UP, a financial consultant, and a sociologist. The results are very true, and very educational.

1. Pinoys are having the culture of ‘earn-so-you-have-something-to-spend’ mentality, and this is passed down from one generation to another.

2. When it comes to money, Pinoys tend to value people more than utilities. Those closest to them get the most benefits, but this also includes the circle of friends within their community. The ‘utang’ is extended outside of the family.

3. In general, Pinoys don’t have savings. The situation simply does not allow that to happen.

4. The media and advertisements are focused more on spending, rather than saving and investing.

5. The Pinoy is not ‘tamad’ because of the government. The Pinoy is not ‘tamad’ because there is no job. The Pinoy is not ‘tamad’ because life if hard. The Pinoy is ‘tamad’ because he chooses to be.

Some employees who used to work in the offices with a good-paying job and left their jobs to start their own business was featured. There is also the ‘magbobote’ who started out so hard and so small, but with diligence, patience and hard word, were able to make a living, and an even better living afterwards. The kids were schooled and graduated. They were able to erect a concrete house. And they remain to be ‘magbobote’ until now.

The financial consultant gave some advise about savings, which were in the form of questions. He simply asked that, if you were to saved, you must know what you are saving for. If you were to invest, you must know which one to invest on, and how much. Similar to starting a business, he gave 3 questions that we need to answer before investing:

1. How much should I invest? How much will be the return?

2. If the business/investment fails, how much can I lose that I can bear (without a heart attack)?

3. If I get out of the business/investment, what will I do next (to continue living)?

It is also a sad fact the Pinoys, up to this time, are still very much under the ‘colonial mentality’, that the best commodities are the imported ones, and simply, that the best items are those made by other people from some other place, and not those from the Philippines. If only the Pinoys knew that Phil-made items and Phil produce are very much sought-after in many parts of the world.

The Philippines still has a long way to go… maybe backwards. CS Lewis did say that there is nothing in going backwards, especially when you knew that the way you are going is wrong…

Coincidence, or God's Timing

Today is another opportunity for me, and a confirmation,

that God is still in control of history, and the times of our lives.

This morning, there was a very peculiar event that asserts this to be true.

He really knows all about us (Ps 139).

He directs our steps (Ps 37:23).

His plans for us are good (Jer 29:11).

He is God from everlasting to everlasting (Ps 90:2)

Most Useful When Already Useless

Today I started training a number of colleagues in the same group.

From the management side, this is just the way to stabilize our processes.

If anybody will go on leave, somebody else can cover that person’s job.

Or in the worst cases, even with half of the team out, the work goes on.

I would always remember that a person is most useful when he is useless.

What does this mean?

It means that in a group, if only one person is able to do something, and

he doesn’t impart the skills and knowledge that he has, so that the rest

are made able and capable, that person is useless. Although he can do the job,

in a way he is not much help to the organization. Things work when he is

around, and things stop to function when he is not. This is disastrous.

There are a number of reasons why a person would keep their skills and

knowledge to themselves. One primary reason is job security. But this

so-called ‘job-security securing’ is actually a sign of insecurity or anxiety.

The person thinks and doubts that if he were to leave his present job,

he won’t find a new one. With that notion, he will be bound to ‘protect’

his interests at all costs, even to the detriment of the group he belongs,

and ultimately, to the company. There is also the reason of pride.

There is pride in knowing that you are needed, and that you can do the job.

This pride also gives the impression that you will not be replaced, since

only you can do the job. But is this so?

We all know that each person in an organization has a unique and peculiar

ability and capability. Each person possesses some skills and knowledge

that is purely his. And this will always remain true, even if we impart

to others what we know, even if we learn to do what others do. So what

do we need to fear if this is true?

Furthermore, a person is deemed to be very useful when he is already useless.

When a person has gone past the insecurities and arrogance, he is open to

educate and mentor other employees. He begins to see the need of others to

learn, so he expend his time and energy, consciously, to equip his fellow

workers, so that they also will be able to become better and excel more

in their jobs. He will always be on the lookout for opportunities to be of help.

There will always be the element of sacrifice: he will put as priority the

need of others to be assisted and taught, than for his own need to further

his learning and earning. He may be aware that you also learn when you

teach, but that is no longer his motivation. A person completely focused

on developing others, is, in the process, equally developed, but unknowingly.

The example he sets will be followed, and this, without his forcing others.

Having emptied himself of his own concerns and preoccupations, he is full

of the goodness and grace of being the person that he is, and even more,

he no longer worries if he will be replaced, or retrenched, or moved to a

different job. His in no longer an attitude of pride, so that he can always learn

and adapt to different jobs and situations, and can easily take the function

of a teacher, or a student.

Such is the person who is most useful: when he is already useless.

Having emptied himself of himself, he is full of others.

Having equipped others, he is fully equipped himself.

Having benefitted others, he also is equally benefitted.

Having imparted his skills and talents, he remains skilled and talented.

Having helped others, he remains the helpful person, ready when needed.

Ang oh, the joy of being that person: most useful when already useless!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Leaders and the Pictures They See

Contrary to popular belief that leaders, especially those at the top, should be looking mostly at the big pictures, it would benefit much if these top leaders are also knowledgeable and aware of the small pictures and their details. We are surprised now and then when we hear management guys who can list down the steps of a certain process and enumerate the sequence with complete details, and we would appreciate what they would be talking about, albeit their focus is already different.

While it is true that top management folks are focused mainly on keeping the cost down, and hitting a short cycle time, and ensuring a good, if not the best, quality products, it is not an excuse, as it definitely is a plus factor if they also know what is happening at the bottom of the organization. We’ve seen cases of companies failing because top management people simply cannot make the right decision as the data provided to them by their subordinates are incorrect, and even if presented to them, they don’t have the knowledge to spot the error. This is such a pity.

Of course, we know that top management leaders know a lot more and are preoccupied with many things more than we can ever imagine, but that is the price to pay for being at the top. Or is it?

At the most, the good top management people are those who see the big picture, and yet can go down to zoom in to the details. They have the flexibility to zoom in and zoom out, as and when necessary. They are not inhibited by their position, but rather, their position gives them the authority and opportunity to do the necessary checks, view the situation from different angles, consider the issue from different perspectives, then make the best decision for the company.

But then again, this is easier said than done, ins’t it?

A Leader and His Words

Last night, I am reminded of one very important thing:

As you move up the ladder of leadership, there are a number of things

that you do less, and, on the other hand, some things that you do more.

To name a few, here goes:

1. You do less of the actual work; you do more of managing your people and resources.

2. You do less of thinking only about yourself; you do more on managing leaves, MCs, holidays, shutdowns, and the like.

3. You do less of planning only for yourself; you do more of planning for your team.

4. You do less of thinking only of your own improvement; you do more of thinking how to develop your team.

5. You do less of thinking how you can be recognized; you do more of recommending your people for recognition.

6. You do less of excusing yourself over some mistakes; you get more of having to explain, arrest, lock and prevent recurrence of your subordinates’ mistakes, and also for your own.

7. You do less of upward-only communication; you do more of communication on both upward and downward directions.

8. You do less of skills development only; you do more of work skills and interpersonal skills development.

9. You do less of the actual work; you get to attend meetings, and more of it as you progress along.

10. You are no longer in the limelight of breakthroughs; 95% of recognition goes to your subordinate, and only 5% to you.

11. On fiascos, your subordinate gets 5% of the blame, and you get the remaining 95%.

12. At the bottom of the ladder, you can talk as much, and your words don’t carry much weight. At the top of the ladder, every word you say has its weight that can change the company’s direction, as well as the shareholders’ decision.

Some managers are born, while others are made. Also, some managers are purely skills developer, dealing only with enhancing workers’ skills and knowledge necessary for the trade, while others are people developer, dealing with skills and knowledge and adding to that interpersonal skills, and identifying potentials of the subordinate that will otherwise remain hidden and untapped. This hidden potential, in most cases, is the slumbering ability to be a leader and people developer as well.

For point #12, I believe that didn’t change much for Christ. His words carried much and meant much before he became a man. When he created the universe, one word is enough. The visible was created out of the invisible. When he was born of a virgin, and became a man, and lived with men, his words still carried much and meant much. Even though he said, ‘talk is cheap’, he proved what he said by healing the leper and forgiving his sins (Mark 2:1-12). Finally, as his earthly mission was at the crux, he said, ‘It is finished!’ and that changed the world.

Today, this is what Our Daily Bread devotional is saying:

The miracles of Jesus identified Him as the Son of God, the Savior who had come to give His life for the sins of the world. His works and resurrection were not magic tricks, but miracles of love and grace.

A song by Peterson is fitly chosen to recap the text:

It took a miracle to put the stars in place;

It took a miracle to hang the world in space.

But when He saved my soul, cleansed and made me whole,

It took a miracle of love and grace!

To end, here’s the challenge, also lifted from Today’s ODB devotional:

Believe in God and you’ll believe in miracles; believe in His Son and you’ll experience one!

Tuesday, July 10, 2007

No e-mail?

I read of a story about a billionaire who didn’t own a laptop, and so…

I remember a story about an applicant for a low-level job: as a janitor.

There were a few people before him, but then, he was selected to fill that

post. Came the final interview, then the HR manager asked him for his

e-mail, so they can send him the outcome, as well as all other details.

To this he replied, ‘I don’t have one.’ The HR manager was surprised,

told him that this is required if he were to work in their company, and so,

due to this small matter, he wasn’t taken.

The man was sad, but vowed to do his best to make what he can to make it big.

He did. He did tomato business. He started small, from the least level,

juggling things here and there, bringing boxes from one store to the other.

And because of his perseverance, he was soon rising to a level recognizable.

Soon, he was managing the network himself. From footwork, he had lorries,

then trucks and trucks of tomatoes. He was soon simply sitting down at his

office, doing all the schedules of the deliveries, the picking up from the

suppliers, the leaves and holidays, etc.

Not long after that, his business was recognized by one particular insurance

company. The rep called in for a meeting with him. The day came, the talk

was done, and since he didn’t immediately decide, the rep asked if they can

send him some more brochures or pamphlets for his reading, and also, if they

can send him some other valuable info through e-mail, to which the man said,

‘I don’t have one.’ The insurance rep was astonished, and said in return,

‘No e-mail? Where would you be if you don’t have one? What would you be

if you had one?’ and the man said, ‘A janitor.’

Don't look the devil in the eye

Interestingly, I’ve had encounters with the devil so much that I’ve recognized some of his tactics.

Since he is the father of lies, and nothing he says is true, it would be very easy ro recognize when

he is around, and starts to pick on you. He can’t keep to himself his wiles anymore. Here are some

of his subtle ways, and you have to watch out for them, or you’ll be in grave danger.

Always remember, ‘Don’t look the devil in the eye.’

1. Dreams are said to be involuntary and they project what you have been thinking about. Satan has invaded even our dreams. So when you dream of sensual things, dream as if you are awake. Run from the temptation! Pray for the Lord’s help as if it were really happening. Look the other way. Don’t look the devil in the eye!

2. When your eyes wander, and you glance upon some things that makes you covet them, and you become obsessed by them, look the other way. Remember, don’t look the devil in the eye!

3. If you are married, or even if you are single, and by chance you see a person who attracts you, never have the slightest idea of flirting. Don’t even think of it. Not even in your mind. The devil will surely know it. Banish that thought right away. Don’t look the devil in the eye!

4. If you have all the opportunities to commit a crime, and no one seems to be around, remember, the Father is everywhere, and He knows your every move and every thought. Tell the devil to go behind, go out and not come back. Thank the Father and look to him. Don’t ever believe the devil’s lie that you won’t get caught. Shut your ears to him. Don’t look the devil in the eye.

5. When you do something and nobody knows, and you know that it is a sin, be immediately rebuked! Confess to the Father, and ask for his forgiveness. Don’t ever, ever believe that ‘what they don’t know won’t hurt them.’ Your family will be the first peoples to suffer the consequences of the wrong that you are doing. Don’t compromise your life. Don’t negotiate with the devil. Don’t look the devil in the eye!

6. When there is something that you think you need to do, and it is legal, but the outcome is not beneficial, stop! In hurting other people, you hurt yourself – though indirectly. Build your community; don’t destroy it. Especially the church. A united church is a powerful church. The devil doesn’t want that. So before you do something, ask the Father. Pray for His guidance. Never lend the devil an ear. He will want more than that. Don’t look the devil in the eye!

When Jesus was brought into the wilderness and was tempted, the devil wasn’t testing Him if he has the power. He is not questioning Him of His authority. He wasn’t showing who the greatest is. The devil knows that he isn’t. It is God. It is Christ. What the devil was trying to do is to make Jesus lose His focus, and remove His eyes from His Father. The devil tried to distract Jesus with the lure of the world, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life. Jesus saw through that deception, and he overcame it. He didn’t look the devil in the eye – His eyes were focused on His Father.

Let us all do the same. Don’t look the devil in the eye.

Let us fix our eyes on the Lord Jesus Christ, and on the Father. Amen!