Market Trends

While waiting for a friend in national bookstore, I was browsing every book I could hold of and I would usually got stuck with books that entails self help and getting rich! Once again, I felt like I am in a dilemma of what I really want!

Then, it occurred to me that I really want almost everything especially when it comes to new trends. The moment I see something that is new I would more often than not try it and that's the time that I would realize if I'd want it forever or not. Usually, I would want to keep that way but then it's either I found another new trend or I could not afford it. But yeah, I usually cannot afford it. But since I learned about positive thinking and focusing on what you want, I would shove off the thought that I will never afford it instead I feed my mind that I could soon afford it. But the question is, how badly do I want it? or need it? If it's bad enough, then I go for it. However, there is a thin line between a want and a need so the practical side of me would sink in and think about it.

Now on the practical side, I stumbled upon the 2011's 10 trends that could help boost the business. According to the Business Insider, it could change our business. I know this is quite passe' since it's already the middle of the year now but I am writing this for my sake as well to remind me of these changes. I 've got businesses on the side and who knows it might actually help my career path too! Also, I believe it is also applicable in the Philippine business setting. So here they are and not according order:

1.  Creativity and Innovation is the Key - I believe we are not just creative imitators but great innovators as well. But when it comes to inventions and innovations, we just have to shop around for those businesses who are willing to go for creative minds because almost all of them will be favorable for these people!

2.. Opportunity Blossoms Again for Baby Boomers as they Age - I have heard about baby boomers back in my college textbooks but I just realized now that they are those with the same age as my mom's (yeah she's already a senior citizen but she doesn't look like one). Based on my observation, most business establishments make sure that they are senior friendly. And yes, there are gadget innovations as well that are already senior citizens-friendly! Way to go!

3. Travel and Tourism - I should say that there is a love-hate relationship between travel and tourism in the Philippines because the current events would somehow make a big impact especially if it deals with foreigners being taken as hostage,or a major calamity, etc. On a larger scale, Philippine tourism still spells big money as Filipinos get innovative on to attract more visitors!   

4. Online Shopping - more and more Filipinos are getting sales leads online or what they call as online traffic. Although majority still prefer shopping physically but for people on the go and for those who want to buy their favorite foreign brands and even those who want to buy overseas anywhere in the Philippines, this is the answer! 

5. Home Renovations and other establishments- our house is under repair and so were other houses in the neighborhood and of some friends. So, I reckon hardware stores are feasting as well as carpenters! Everywhere I see, condominiums and buildings are on the rise ready to be occupied as soon as they are done.

6. Healthcare - "What course are you taking?" a freshman would answer, "Nursing". It's still everybody's course in this country despite the rumors that its demand particularly in the US has declined. Since it is the number 1 high paying job outside the country. But people should open their eyes that there's more to healthcare than nursing. Peace!

7.Age of Man - as a member of a religious youth organization before, male headship was highly encouraged and I will not be surprised if men will dominate still in the corporate world despite the girl power thing.

8. Small and Green - I have been using organic products way back in 2009 and I haven't stop since then. I got my inspiration from fellow dealers of Human Heart Nature as well. It even inspired me to write a blog about it. Aside from going green as one of the trends today, it is somehow helping small farmers in planting healthier produce for environment's sake.

9. Luxuries at an affordable price - who wouldn't want that? We, Filipinos think practical more than ever. So a few renovations and value-added services in a business won't hurt but attract more clienteles and customers.

10. Physical Fitness - Zumba is one of the newest workout I've heard while I was in Australia and was amazed at how fast the traveled in the Philippines (I was only in Oz for a month). As people want to eat  healthier and become environmental advocates, they might as well include fitness in the package!

There's a lot more of trends and it is still changing even as I write it 'coz as I've said earlier this was from an old article. We just have to look around and surf so we will get a cutting edge in the market! 

First Sales Call

Today was our first day of Sales Call. Though it was not already my first time to dial such call, I still feel nervous the moment the customer answers our call. It felt fun yet nerve-wracking because it seemed all the things I´ve learned during training blanked out as if I was not trained at all! Before leaving for work, I had the chance to attend mass earlier this morning and was really asking God´s presence to guide me for this day. Only one got a real sale but almost everyone was about to get one if not for the downtime. I should say that I still need to get the hang of it especially in pitching the sale. I already got the hang of the Australian accent yet , I should admit that I still cannot pitch on what the customer wants.

Not bad for a first though..I was tempted of the idea of starting for a job hunt again. HowevermI just bear in mind of my goal which is to get 10sales per day..or 10k/day.. How about that? I am gonna make it because I will just do it! :-)

Awesome Kids Event!

The day was once again awesome as I attended the first GK Cebu SAGIP Conference where children ages 7-13 years old from the different GK sites of Cebu attended the momentous event! The kids showcased their talents through the SAGIP Got Talent followed by a version of Amazing Race after lunch. The started with a story telling type wherein the only child of a King and Queen got sick, in order for the princess to get well, some things are needed. So, the Royal Couple asked the help of the townspeople (the contenders) and whoever finds all of them first, shall be given a reward. The kids excitedly ran with their Ate´s and Kuya´s (Big Sisters and Brothers/Guardians) to find what they need. 

As one of the station managers, my task was to ask them to recite the Panatang Makabayan (Swear of allegiance to the Philippines recited during flag ceremonies before start of classes) before I could give them the item.

Anyway, it was followed by an inspirational talk by Kuya Jerdie and a sharing thereafter. The event ended with a Kids Praise which made the kids taught how to praise and worship before they leave.

I was once again touched by the kids whom I have never seen for such a long time yet still remembered me. It made my heart leap for joy and got excited again to visit the sites they live in just to bond with them (crossing my fingers that it will happen soon). Some of the GK sites missed the event but the good news is, we will bring the event to them! Yay! I hope to be able to join the group with these happenings (if the schedule permits, of course!). I will be posting pictures soon!

Feeling blessed and Happy!

Major Realization after the Truly Rich Seminar

I just came from the Truly Rich Club Seminar by Bo Sanchez and although I have read some of the topics he talked about in his articles, it still is a refresher for me and it makes me want to take action more. You see, I have been an avid subscriber of his Soulfood website and in fact, the mentors I chose now were endorsed by him. Yet, I admit, I have not fully invested due to lack of funds and with my financial status now, I have to prioritize my bad debts (long overdue). I don´t want to borrow money anymore even if it´s for a good investment. 

But the good news is I have an ongoing training in a company and I am just excited to start and earn commissions! Yes, I just got a job (praise God!) the other week! It would be quite a challenge since the nature of work is Telemarketing but I believe I can do it because I will make it work! Uh, I think that was from T. Harv Eker or Bo himself..I´m not sure..

One thing´s for sure now is that I will do my best to be one of the best employees and of course, I will be investing and saving while earning. my ultimate goal is to have at least 7 streams of income as a start! So, maybe next year it will triple! We´ll see...I´ll just do it! 

Take Bias for Action! --->this is one thing that I have to do and learned from the seminar!

Choosing To Stay Home

This weekend I missed two activities (I still would choose one of these if I did not give up both): Gawad Kalinga Leaders Conference in Bacolod and our SFC chapters's activity today. Yesterday was supposed to be my late Papa's birthday also. Of course, I chose to latter. I knew my Mama would have plans even if it's not a grand celebration or meal treat but there were some plans. Indeed, the whole family including cousins and other household members went to the Simala Shrine in Sibonga yesterday to visit and pay homage to the Miraculous Mama Mary. It is also our way of commemorating Papa's birthday since he loves to visit the shrine when he was still alive. 

If the activities have fallen on a different date (Papa's birthday), I would have gone to either of the two activities. Indeed it was a blessing in disguise that I could not afford at this time to travel or attend activities with fees (I sure can soon!). I love to travel or go out but sometimes I just want to stay home and do nothing or do something else worthwhile like writing this blog. No regrets...I chose to stay home this weekend. :-)

A Thousand Reasons to Smile!

I looked at the mirror today inside the Ayala Mall and got frustrated seeing some red blemishes/rashes on my face. I got conscious as I went back from a toilet break. I hope they did not care though. On my way home, I already thought of putting in my Facebook status: "have 100 reasons to fret..." But I thought, "hmmm..hey I also have a thousand reasons to smile! Let me count the ways:

- had a blast during training

-a good confession

-catching up with friends

-business opportunities 

-bonding with family

-getting hired

-loved by people

-I got talent!

-cozy home,etc...

These are just a few of the countless reasons for me to smile. Ah, it feels so good indeed to count your blessings! Guess this will be a beginning of an endless chatter of  "What's Right With Me?" theme in this blog!

Choose to count your blessings! :-)

Call Center Magic

It's been a long while since I have written on this dust collecting blog. The other night, I wrote on my tumblr blog that I should stop from thinking about what's wrong with me and just write on anything that has gone right or the positive things in life.

I am happy because I just started training in another BPO company which we were hired on a day shift! It's our second day today and it went well. It would be awesome especially when we meet old school mates or even friends from our previous jobs. The awkwardness was just for a few hours yesterday and then everyone was acting like we have been friends since babies. What I like about call centers is the magic of building relationships among the team. We grow together even with a slight competition. Even the times when the trainees are already distributed in different teams, the bond remains and you're lucky (which happens more often than not), the bond extends with the new team you have. Probably the major factor is the compensation you get as a BPO worker which gives the opportunity to bond more during payday (hehehe).

Whatever the factor is for such relationships to develop, I could say that such friendship is one of the best thing in any workplace. :-)