Roystance's Point Of View

• Advertising is just a tactic. Marketing is about far more than that.

• Marketing is the way your people answer the phone, the typesetting on your bills and your returns policy.

• If you are marketing from a fairly static annual budget, you’re viewing marketing as an expense. Good marketers realize that it is an investment.

• Traditional ways of interrupting consumers (TV ads, trade show booths, junk mail)

• New ways of spreading ideas (blogs, social networks, permission-based RSS information, consumer fan clubs)

• People don’t buy what they need. They buy what they want.

• Believe in your brand.

• a good reputation will assure continued sales, while a bad reputation will kill it faster than you can claim bankruptcy.

• Long-term marketing strategies are the ultimate goal of competent marketing firms; assuring reliable and sustainable profits from a brand name that will be trusted by consumers all over the city.

Middle( Mayor James Wong)

Well, well, well. I came across an interesting article yesterday inside the Borneo post which is about the Kuching City South Mayor James Chan (MBKS) telling the press he will not involve in any political party in the coming state election. It is interesting for me because nowadays, it is quite rare to find a big rank person to NOT involve with any political ideology. To be honest, I want to give  two thumbs up to Mayor Chan because he  created a unique level which proven that  not all people need to be involve in politic to stabilize them self either in term of career or financially. As long as you love your job, and give your 100 % into it, you will definitely can reach the best opportunity and maximum feeling of perfection. And besides that, Until now, MBKS deliver the best service to the people and if you want proof, go to any MBKS area and see for your self.

The Dragon personality 

The Dragon is a creature of myth and legend. A symbol of good fortune and sign of intense power, the Oriental Dragon is regarded as a divine beast - the reverse of the malicious monster that Westerners felt necessary to find and slay. In Eastern philosophy, the Dragon is said to be a deliverer of good fortune and a master of authority. Therefore, those people born in Dragon years are to be honored and respected.

Years of the Dragon

Fifth in the cycle, Dragon Years follow the Rabbit and recur every twelfth year. The Chinese New Year does not fall on a specific date, so it is essential to check the calendar to find the exact date on which each Dragon Year actually begins
1904 * 1916 * 1928 * 1940 * 1952 * 1964 * 1976 * 1988 * 2000


THE SIGN OF THE DRAGON

The key to the Dragon personality is that Dragons are the free spirits of the Zodiac. Conformation is a Dragon's curse. Rules and regulations are made for other people. Restrictions blow out the creative spark that is ready to flame into life. Dragons must be free and uninhibited. The Dragon is a beautiful creature, colorful and flamboyant. An extroverted bundle of energy, gifted and utterly irrepressible, everything Dragons do is on a grand scale - big ideas, ornate gestures, extreme ambitions. However, this behavior is natural and isn't meant for show. Because they are confident, fearless in the face of challenge, they are almost inevitably successful. Dragons usually make it to the top. However, Dragon people be aware of their natures. Too much enthusiasm can leave them tired and unfulfilled. Even though they are willing to aid when necessary, their pride can often impede them from accepting the same kind of help from others. Dragons' generous personalities give them the ability to attract friends, but they can be rather solitary people at heart. A Dragon's self-sufficiency can mean that he or she has no need for close bonds with other people.

DRAGON FACTS:

People born in the Year of the Dragon share certain characteristics. The Dragon sign is an abbreviated way of characterizing that individual's personality. Following are features associated with the sign of the Dragon.
Fifth in order, Chinese name-LONG, sign of luck
Hour-7am-8:59 a.m. Month-April
Western Counterpart-Aries

CHARACTERISTICS
• Innovative
• Enterprising
• Flexible
• Self-assured
• Brave
• Passionate
• Conceited
• Tactless
• Scrutinizing
• Unanticipated
• Quick-tempered

IN YOUR ELEMENT

The characteristics of the Dragon Sign are tempered by one of the five Chinese elements of Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth overlaying a 5-year cycle of characteristics on the original 12-year cycle.

THE METAL DRAGON 1940 AND 2000 

Truthful but extreme, courageous but unyielding, Metal Dragons have a strength similar to the Dragon fire. Metal Dragons succeed through determination. They are mighty and respect people who stand up to them. In troubled times, these Dragons make great allies, but become ferocious challengers. Metal Dragons can often calm others through their forceful personalities. They seek action, and things are never better than when they are defending a thought or belief about which they have complete faith. Metal Dragons like to lead, and have an affect that makes others want to follow them. Yet even if they attract no support they will fight alone.

THE WATER DRAGON 1952 AND 2012

Water has a calming effect on the Dragon's fearless temperament. Water allows the Dragon to re-direct its enthusiasm, and makes him more perceptive of others. These Dragons are better equipped to take a step back to re-evaluate a situation because they understand the art of patience and do not desire the spotlight like other Dragons. Therefore, they make smart decisions and are able to see eye-to-eye with other people. However, their actions can go wrong if they do not research or if they do not finish one project before starting another.

THE WOOD DRAGON 1904 AND 1964

Wood has a modifying influence and brings creativity to this sign. Questioning and liberal, Wood Dragons enjoy talking about original ideas and are open to other points of view. They are innovative, imaginative practical and appreciate art in each of its forms. Generally less pretentious than other Dragons, Wood Dragons have an ability to get along with other people. They have the essentials to build a prosperous and happy life for themselves. Still, Wood Dragons are outspoken and at times a bit pushy to quell everyone, even in the most friendly quarrel.

THE FIRE DRAGON 1916 AND 1976

The Fire Dragon is a powerful force to be reckoned with. This is a Dragon doubled! The Fire Dragon can move from calm and collected to combustible in a matter of seconds. In some ways the Fire Dragon is his or her own worst enemy. These Dragons cannot help feeling they are valuable and all-knowing. When they are right their vehemence and vigor is an asset to the cause, and though they value objectivity, they do not always employ the best decision-making measures, and sometimes jump to the wrong conclusion. They also suffer from recklessness and quick tempers. Yet, when they do keep their temper, emotions, and rivaling spirit under control, they emanate a commanding influence on other people.

THE EARTH DRAGON 1928 AND 1988

Earth Dragons make great managers because they are practical, levelheaded and demonstrate a knack for organizing. They still have the need to dictate and be admired, but they are affable, congenial and supportive. Compared to other Dragons, Earth Dragons are less likely to breathe fire at the least irritation. They will work diligently to complete their life goals. The Earth element adds a greater portion of self-control to the Dragon's personality and usually the Earth Dragon is deserving of the respect he or she desires. These Dragons take their life and romantic responsibilities quite seriously.

HEALTH AND HOME

HEALTH

Dragons take thrilling risks and burn the candle at both ends so they are fortunate to be blessed with good health. Among the most hearty of the Animal signs, they can suffer bad health as a result of stress. Symptoms of their personalities often stem from emotional outbursts and can range from tension headaches to depression to hypertension. Dragons can remedy these problems by maintaining their cool, implementing a routine in their daily lives, and utilizing exercises such as yoga or tai kwon do that soothe the mind and spirit as well as tone the body.

AT HOME WITH THE DRAGON

Not the most domesticated of the Animal signs, Dragons and may be more content out and about rather than at home. Nevertheless, with their imagination and artistic sense, they can enjoy decorating their home or anywhere else where their extravagance can be expressed.. A Dragon's home should be as large and majestic as his personality, providing space for the fiery temperament or emotional eruptions that accompany their character.

CAREER AND FINANCE

THE DRAGON AT WORK

The Dragon's originality is the most impressive and outstanding of all his characteristics. The Dragon is quite imaginative and always able to see new paths where others may run into brick walls. Dragons are very adaptable and are fit for various occupations, especially if those occupations allow him to take the limelight. In any of these occupational situations, the Dragons will take a radical approach. Dragons work hard, but would rather give orders than receive them. They should avoid jobs that encompass too much routine, and should move toward jobs in which their self-reliance can be an asset.

FINANCE AND THE DRAGON

Dragons like to spend money and are charitable themselves as well as with others. They do not know the meaning of the word "accumulate," and making money does not intrigue them as it may others. Many Dragons will take big chances with their finances, sometimes betting on their shirt and losing it right off of their backs. Yet, they were born with the Midas Touch, and it very rare that a Dragon remains poor for long. Dragons will always be straightforward in financial dealings and can always be trusted.

DRAGON CAREERS

Those born in the Year of the Dragon also share the same kinds of goals and objectives in life. The occupations best suited for the Dragon are listed below:

DRAGONS MAKE EXCELLENT:

• Computer analysts
• Inventors
• Engineers
• Architects
• Lawyers
• Philosophers
• Psychoanalysts
• Brokers
• Managers
• Salespeople
• PR People
• Advertising agents
• Officers in the armed forces
• Campaigners
• Politicians

CONGENIAL BUSINESS PARTNERS

Whether Dragons are compatible with their business partners depends on whether their signs are harmonious or antagonistic to each that of their partners. Considering the congruity of the components of their own characters and the characters of their business colleagues can also be very useful.

Dogs Ruled by: Benefit from: Are Antagonistic to:
Metal Earth Snakes Fire Tigers
Water Metal Monkeys Earth Sheep
Wood Water Roosters Metal Oxen
Fire Wood Rats Water Rabbits
Earth Fire Dragons Wood Horses
Leisurely activities and pleasures

LIKES AND DISLIKES

Since Dragons are born under the same Animal sign, they often share likes and dislikes. Following are similar likes and dislikes of the Dragon personality:
Color Preference: Greenish-Blue
Gems and Stones: Opal, Sapphire, Amber
Suitable Gifts: Tarot cards, camera, a copy of the I Ching, mirror, a family crest, mobile phone
Hobbies and Pastimes: Computer programming, public speaking, fossil hunting, astrology
Dragons Dislike: Taking orders, unnecessary bureaucracy, discounted ideas, people who don't give 100%


THE DRAGON ON VACATION

Dragons are attracted by the bizarre. No self-respecting Dragon desires to walk in a tourist's footsteps. Instead, they take a lot of gratification in finding hidden destinations, or, closer to home, locations off the beaten track. But Dragons also need thrills, which they might find by taking an unplanned winter break to go skiing or a spontaneous rock climbing trip in the spring. They may even test their bravery by daring to ride the highest roller coaster in the world. Dragons are also sentimental at heart, so conquering their childhood haunts, or taking a second honeymoon would bring immense pleasure too.

FRIENDS AND ENEMIES

Dragons are usually popular people, but because of their personalities, they seem to gather as much criticism as they do esteem. Due to their tumultuous temperaments, Dragons are not the most sensitive friends to those in need of a shoulder to cry on. Those who truly know the Dragon know he is a loving soul who will become your best ally in times of need. Once the dynamic Dragon has given his friendship, he will not let his friends down and will never falter in his allegiance to his companions. To a Dragon, a friend is a friend for a lifetime. Incredibly honest, Dragons are known for sincerity and are trusting souls. Because of this honesty, Dragons don't realize others may not demonstrate or uphold the same codes of ethics. Making the discovery that they placed their trust in someone who is dishonest makes the Dragon person quite sad, yet much more perceptive for future encounters.

Compatible Friends
Best Friends: Rats and Monkeys
Mortal Enemy: Dogs

DRAGON PARENTS AND BABIES 

Because people born in the year of the Dragon are so working on furthering their careers, they usually Put off having and raising children until later than many of the other Chinese horoscope signs. Parenting doesn't come very naturally easily to the Dragon. However, when Dragons do become parents, they approach it with the same enthusiasm as other endeavors. They are proud parents and tend to boast about the accomplishments and good looks of their children.

DRAGON INFANT AND CHILD

Dragon children are creative, able to entertain themselves for hours on end. They don’t mind playing by themselves, often inventing games and puzzles while doing so. They are responsible children who love to take on and complete as many tasks as possible for it gives them a sense of accomplishment.

Dragons, noted for their benevolence, tend to shower their children with toys and spending money. It has been remarked that they substitute material things for quality time with their children. Even so, Dragons take parenting seriously and are quite protective of their children welfare. Should anything upset them, or should anyone wrong them, the Dragon will prepare to fight and avenge the people who have hurt or belittled their offspring.

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD KINSHIP'S


Like their adult counterparts, children born in the Year of the Dragon have vivid personalities and are independent from birth. Noisy and active, parents should stimulate their imaginations as soon as possible. Their imagination and inquisitive natures can be troublesome for the Dragon child and can often land them in a heap of trouble at school which can cause teachers and other parents to deem them troublemakers or naughty. Sometimes Dragon children are loners who daydream and drift to into their own world of make-believe. Either way, Dragon children demand careful attention and special handling in order to bring out the best in them. Their creativity and talents must be encouraged, even if it means spending extra time in certain school subjects in order to help them master the subject. .

DRAGON PARENT/CHILD RELATIONSHIPS

Some parents immediately click with their children and others find they will never have a close relationship, no matter how hard they try to make it happen. Following are the compatibility ratings between Dragon parents and their children.
Dragons with Under the same roof Compatibility Rating

LOVERS AND SPOUSES

Negatively, Dragons are egotistical and love to be the center of attention. Modesty is not one of his assets. Add to that the Dragon temper and you have a bossy, dominating and authoritative being. They hate solicited advice and can be hopelessly tactless and insensitive to their lovers.

THE DRAGON IN LOVE

IRRESISTIBLE ATTRACTION

People love Dragons so much because they are generous, charismatic, irresistible, and so brave that standing beside them banishes fear. They generate excitement and turn heads anywhere they go. They are free-spirited and impulsive and can help others achieve their dreams. Others love to be around Dragons because they have a way of making people feel better. Dragons are quick to fall in love, but do not surrender their independence easily leaving most of them to live life by themselves. Yet, an smart, witty, and funny companion may intrigue the Dragon long enough to make him want to get married. And once the Dragon becomes committed, he is unlikely to ever leave.

THE DRAGON LOVE PARTNER

It takes someone with thick skin who is easygoing to be a Dragon's partner, because, despite their sentimental characters, they can be moody, and insensitive. Many people will want to run when the Dragon's temper is provoked. Chinese horoscopes are very specific about which partnerships have the potential to be successful in love and in business. Yet, though destiny can point us in the right direction, we must still make all efforts to maintain loving relationships. Following is a brief description of how a Dragon will affect a relationship with other Animal signs.

PARTNERS IN LOVE

Dragon*Rat
A brilliant relationship-plenty of love, mental sensitivity and understanding. Tipped for happiness.

Dragon*Ox
When it comes to being obstinate, Dragons have met their match in the Ox. The give and take essential for a happy marriage is lacking in this partnership

Dragon*Tiger
A gutsy combination full of gusto to fuel passions

Dragon*Rabbit
Your obstacles will either unite or divide you

Dragon*Dragon
If you learn to share the spotlight, you can accomplish anything together

Dragon*Snake
Clever, crafty and quick-witted-you fit together like pieces of a puzzle.

Dragon*Horse
You share a powerful sexual chemistry.

Dragon*Sheep
Despite the sexual attraction, eventually you'll find too many differences to overcome.

Dragon*Monkey
You share opinions and goals that destine you for happiness.

Dragon*Dog
A truly tumultuous affair-not recommended for peace of mind.

Dragon*Pig
A caring and deeply affectionate relationship.

Dragon*Rooster
You make a beautiful couple, but your egotism blinds you.

EAST MEETS WEST


ARIES DRAGON
Aries Dragons tend to have good luck. With a passionate drive they fill their days to the brim with activity. They are upwardly mobile people so they usually get what they want.

LIBRAN DRAGON
The Libran Dragon is a chic creature, quite cultured and cultivated. Charm is this Dragon's greatest asset and is a magnetic force that causes people to flock to him. The Libran Dragon fair person and is a champion of the people.

TAURUS DRAGON
Taurus brings the Dragon back down from the clouds and adds a purposeful strength to his character. Taurus Dragons will work consistently to achieve material comforts and high standards of living essential to their well-being.

SCORPIO DRAGON
Eccentric and exotic, Scorpio Dragons are mighty people with legendary zest and enthusiasm, and incredibly passionate emotions. They throw themselves into everything they do. When they fall in love it is completely and exclusively and they expect the same treatment of their partners.

GEMINI DRAGON
These are life's performers, taking pleasure in the company of others. Gemini Dragons can accomplish several tasks at once and are able to juggle many conversations successfully. However, taking on anything in depth is not really their style.

SAGITTARIUS DRAGON
Open and straightforward, the Sagittarian Dragon's honor is well-intentioned, although it can sometimes be insensitive. Extemporaneous and careless, this Dragon's abundant fervor sweeps everyone along. They have a charming outlook on life.

CANCERIAN DRAGON
Cancer Dragons have polished tastes and are generally an artist of some sort. Their homes act as show- cases of these artistic talents. These are less self-indulged characters and are caring, tender, individuals. For them a tight-knit relationship and established home are necessary for happiness.

CAPRICORN DRAGON
These Dragons are pragmatic, determined and modest, with a driving craving for achievement. They will work long hours to make a slow climb to the top. For them, passion and romance come second, but once committed, they are responsible partners.

LEONINE DRAGON
The Lion is King of the Western zodiac and the Dragon is the sign of the Emperor. Leo Dragons have an innate sense of royalty; thus they are born leaders. They are flashy and like to show-off, but their kindness and zest for life make them fascinating.

AQUARIUS DRAGON
Impractical and atypical, these Dragons are intrigued by the shock of the new. Most importantly, they are intellectuals, very individualistic and original, born ahead of their time. Receptive and open-minded, they are held in high regard by all.

VIRGO DRAGON
Status and title matter a lot to the Virgo Dragon, and he is prepared to work diligently to achieve them. These organized and productive people carefully plan each aspect of their lives and leave nothing to chance. The Dragon's capricious characteristics are calmed and the Virgo Dragon has a streamlined, efficient outlook on life.

PISCES DRAGON
With Pisces tenderness added to Dragon brashness, these individuals are still vivid and impassioned, but. less self-involved and more responsive to the needs of others. However, the Dragon motivation is still there, hidden underneath that seemingly tranquil surface.

Markets and channels are not static. Changes in channel marketing strategies are often driven by

• new technology
• product life cycles
• improvements in logistics
• changes in customer expectations
• competitive dynamics.

Boulevard Mall
Located at Mile 4 Kuching-Serian Road (not far from Regional Bus Terminal). Opened in late December 2007. It offers a Boulevard Hypermarket and Department Store plus a variety of shopping outlets like Sony Centre, Popular Book store and fast foods outlets such as Sushi King, Kenny Rogers Roasters and KFC. The management is currently expanding the mall.



The Spring
Located at Jalan Simpang Tiga (between the city centre and airport). Opened to the public in January 2008, The Spring is Kuching's largest and 1st true lifestyle shopping mall. Shiny and new, it offers many international brands like Esprit, Elle, Mango, Charles & Keith, Starbucks, MAC and Quiksilver etc. The mall is spread over 4 stories including a carpark basement. The main tenants are Parkson @ tHe Spring, Ta Kiong Supermarket, Padini Concept Store, and MBO Cinemas.


Green Heights Mall
located at Jalan Lapangan Terbang, it is Kuching's first suburban neighbourhood small mall, with an international Cold Storage Supermarket as the anchor tenant, over some 4,000 m² of leasable space. It opened on the 13th June 2008.


Sarawak Plaza
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (next to Grand Margherita Hotel). One of Kuching's older malls. Lea Center is the anchor tenant, selling a wide variety of shoes from sportswear to fashion. Recently, the mall was renovated hoping to provide a better shopping environment for both locals and foreigners.


Tun Jugah
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (opposite Sarawak Plaza). Named after the first Sarawakian politician in Malaysian Parliament, the mall stands majestically twelve storeys tall at the commercial and financial hub of Kuching City. It comprises three levels of retail space, nine levels of office space, and two levels of basement car park. It also has one of the major local bookstores, Popular, as one of its main tenant.


Wisma Saberkas
Located at the junction of Jln. Tun Abang Haji Openg and Jln. Rock, is a older cylindrical building on the outskirts of Kuching (approximately 15 minutes from the Waterfront) that offers a feast of hi-tech products based around mobile phones and computers.


Riverside Shopping Complex
Jln. Tunku Abdul Rahman (opposite Sarawak Plaza). One of the older malls in the city, it is home to the first Parkson in Kuching. Other anchor tenants include LFS Cineplex and Giant Supermarket. It is also home to Riverside Bowling - one of the two bowling centres in Kuching.


Kenyalang Park
Kenyalang Suburb. A very old place that consists of a cluster of shophouses and one enclosed area. It is the place to go if you want to find cheap items like clothes, accessories and especially DVDs/VCDs. When Chinese New Year approaches, many stores are set up here to cater to the event. Kenyalang would usually be crowded with people during these times.


Crown Square
Towards Pending, opposite Hock Lee Centre. A medium-sized, newly refurbished shopping mall. The tenants include Mr. Ho's Fine Foods - which serves authentic fusion cuisine. The largest Mummycare and Kiddycare in the city is located here.


Hock Lee Centre
Jln. Abang Abdul Rahim. The place to find and buy cheap clothes and fashion accessories for the young females. There are electronics and a supermarket in the basement and Home & Living on the ground and 1st floor. One of the major bookstores in Kuching, Smart Bookshop is under the same roof. A Hock Lee Music Centre is also available on the 3rd floor(previously was on the 2nd floor) which sells a wide variety of musical instruments(be warned that these are not traditional instruments).


Wisma Satok
Off Jln Satok, just a pedestrian bridge away from the location of the Sunday Market. One of the older malls in Kuching. Cheap items can be found here. There's a departmental store and supermarket. A high concentration of mediocre cyber cafe is at the fourth floor. CIMB Bank is located beside Wisma Satok.


Wisma Hopoh
Jalan P. Ramlee, near Syaria Court. Just a walk away from Sarawak Museum. A small and old shopping centre yet still frequented by shoppers. Its tenant includes Lea Sports Centre, Jee Kwong Optics and the fast food restaurant franchise, Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).


The Hills
This new shopping complex is newly built last year and slowly gaining its reputation as a place for leisure and brands. Another attraction to the complex is New Avenue, a place that consists of 36 mini fashion outlets catering for the needs of trendy youths, while an ICT section having around 32 outlets offering a wide range of high tech gadgets is also on the cards. 610 basement car park lots are available and  the basement car park is spacious as well with lit conditions.

p/s : This list will be edit from time to time according with the development of Kuching

Having waste in a company is never a good thing. When you have waste it will only decrease the value of your products and it will cause your customers to pay more money for the products. When you have to hike up your prices in order to pay for wasteful design, you will start to lose customers. Since the revolution era, manufacturing companies are constantly worried about waste and looking for different waste to reduce or eliminate waste. Firstly, try to understand it and ‘befriend’ with the source of waste because by understanding the wastes, it will help you to easily figure out a better way to strengthen your company and to ensure that you aren't going to be stuck with excess inventory and other problems. A proper identification of the wastes will come down to learning the 7 wastes:

1. Transportation issues
2. Inventory control
3. Unnecessary movement
4. Faults in time
5. Overproduction or underproduction
6. Excess processing
7. Production defects

Some companies are adopting simple waste reduction habits such as reducing paper consumption through the use of e-mail and duplex printing. Other businesses are reviewing their entire operation to identify and implement as many opportunities for reducing waste as possible. Whether simple alterations or large-scale initiatives, companies are finding that waste reduction offers impressive rewards.

Example of a supply chain management

Supply chain management is defined as the management of the network of processes that are involved in manufacturing. Supply chain managers  follows the production process, from where it begins with the acquisition of raw materials through the work-in-process inventory, and finished goods, and then from point-of-origin to the point-of-consumption by the customer. This entire chain of events is appropriately named the supply chain. Efficient supply chain management is crucial, especially for the long-term success of the manufacturing organization. When manufacturers have a clear understanding of the supply chain process, they are much more likely to produce a cost-effective and successful, product.

Your marketing plan should be more than just a way to advertise to your customers, it is a great way to educate the public about your business, your products, and your services. Marketing is all about communicating with your customers and building lasting relationships with them. You need to establish your business in your particular market sector and focus on building trust with your customers. Here are some simple steps you need to follow in order to create a cool marketing plan:

Step # 1 - Define your target market
Who is your target market? What customers are searching for your products and services? How can you reach your customers? A great place to start is to do some market research. You can do this by getting on social media sites and getting in touch with your customers. Try to understand their buying patterns and to find a way to reach them. Get involved in the discussion boards so you can talk to your customers about your company and products. This is a great way to find out what your online reputation looks like and to see what public opinion is about your company so you can change it with good publicity if you need to.

Step # 2 - What products are you selling
When it comes to finding your customers, why do they want to buy your products? Take a good look at your products and figure out who your niche market is and why they would to purchase your products. How does your product fulfill a need for your customers? Put yourself in your customer's shoes so you can figure out what they are looking for. Take a look at your industry and learn about your competition. What types of trends are going on in the industry and what type of message are your customers getting from your business? In addition to defining your products, you also need to take a look at your pricing strategy. Are you pricing yourself out of the market? Can your customers actually afford your products or services?

Step # 3 - What can you afford
Of course on one of the most important things you need to consider is the cost of marketing. What can you afford to spend on marketing? This is where your website and the internet will come into play and provide you with some great help. Your website is a marketing tool and it is much cheaper from pay-per-click ads and other marketing promotions. Design your website in a manner that is content rich and friendly to your customers as well as the search engines. Make your website user friendly and easy to navigate. Do you do a lot of e-commerce on your website? Set up an e-commerce page to provide your customers with additional buying options. Consider creating social media pages where you can interact with your customers and promote your products. Twitter, and blog is a great place to offer new information about your products or services to your customers. It's also a great way to strengthen your relationships with your customers as you can provide valuable information to them.

All businesses are clear and conscience that advertising is very important to attract customers to your business. You want to create a name for yourself by making a statement with your products and services and without advertising; there will be no way to let your target audience know what you have. So, if you want to advertise, you should think about:

What do you like?
As you start an advertising campaign, sit back and look at some of the ads already out there. What attracts you to some and not to others? You need to put yourself in your customer's shoes and find a way to connect with them through advertising. As you create a good ad, ask yourself why it would inspire your target audience to act. Does it instantly grab their attention? Are you generating interest? Did you leave them with a desire for your products? Did you use action words that will inspire them to do something now?

Research
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to research your market. Find out what your competitors are doing. Listen to your customers needs. Get out there and soak up all the information you can so you can take it back to your office and look for a way to bring it altogether in an effective advertising campaign. Getting to know your target audience is one of the most important things you can do. In order to get to know them, you need to go out where they are. Send out customer satisfaction surveys to encourage them to provide you with feedback. It's a great way to get to know what your customers buying patterns are, their income limitations, along with their motivations for shopping.

Keep it simple
when it comes to advertising, less is more. Keep your ads simple and use basic words. You don't want to overwhelm your audience with text; this will become too complicated and confusing to your audience. The average person will spent less than 1 second on an ad so use words that immediately grab their attention and suck them into the ad. Provide your web site or phone number so they know where to go if they do want more information.

Establish a clear pattern
after you spend time among your customers, you will have a better idea as to what they really want. This can help you create a clear pattern for your advertising campaign. You will be able to include some of their desires in your campaign and generate an immediate response to your ads. Be clear in your advertising so your customers know what you want them to do. Do you want them to call you, go online, or come into your store? Using smart action words will inspire your customers to do what you want them to do without any confusion.

P/S: Don't be too pushy when you are making the sale and if they seem on the fence, do a quick follow-up while your company is still fresh on their mind.

We meet again and now I would like to share ways on how to promote your business to the consumer. After spent 2 years and a half in the marketing course, I decided that there are several ways to market your product or services to the consumer and in the same time maybe you can gain their reaction and feedback. It is important to realize that marketing is multi-faceted function that is just about more than getting your name out there. You must be able to put together a marketing strategy that not only get your recognized, but respected by your target market. You want to position yourself as the leading expert in the field. You must be able to inspire trust and credibility. It is only after doing this that your target market will turn to you, for the answer to their need or want. Here are some ways to market your business. Remember, there are more than the listed ways but I will only enlist those I interested with.

Trade shows and conferences-Another effective way to get your business noticed is by attending industry specific trade shows and conference. It is here that you make key contacts that help you grow your business. The networking possibilities here are nearly endless. These types of gatherings give you the opportunity to interact with others in your industry, find out what they are doing, and see what they have to offer your business. You can not only get some valuable insight, you can begin to establish your business among your competition.

Social media and blogging-This just might be the new frontier of business marketing. Businesses are beginning to realize that they must go where their customers are, and for many businesses that means going online to social media sites. These social media sites are attracting customers, from many different demographics. It is important, however, to take your time before placing your business on these social networking sites. You must make sure that your target market frequents whatever site you choose, or it can simply be a waste of time and effort. You can begin by going to the forum and discussion boards, and checking out what the site visitors are saying. This will give you an idea if your target customer is on that particular site. An offshoot of the social media sites is blogging. Many companies are finding that if they develop a quality blog, that many of their followers, become customers. Best of all you can link everything together online. Your social media site visitors can be directed to your blog, where they can also be directed to your company website. The possibilities are nearly endless! Best of all using social media and blogging for marketing, cost little except for the time and effort needed in order to maintain it. It is important to stress, however that any online marketing effort, needs to be one that provides value and quality to the consumer, or they will quickly tire of your sites, tweets, blogs, etc and move on.

Special events and charity work-You can partner up with a charity that your customers might be interested in. Whether it is letting your employees volunteer to help build homes, or offering a discount for every can of food brought in, you can let your customers know about your business and where your priorities really are. Keep in mind however, that you efforts should be genuine and honest, or your customers will quickly catch on and move on from your business.

Newsletters-This can be an effective way to let your customers know what is happening in your business. If a printed newsletter is too much money, consider an online newsletter that will inform your customers about new products and services, promotions and even invite them to special events. Remember that marketing is about establishing a relationship and newsletters can be a valuable tool in doing just that. Sending out a newsletter can also be a way to bond with your customers, or even launch a marketing campaign online.

For this semester, me and my group have been given the responsibility to analyze a brand name Miele. Miele is a manufacturer of high-end domestic appliances, commercial equipment and fitted kitchens, based in Gütersloh, Germany. Miele operates through approximately 10 factories which include eight in Germany, one in Austria and one in Czech Republic.

The Miele should be pronouncing as MEE-luh - rhymes with Sheila. Miele currently produce dishwashers; rotary irons; built-in convection, laundry appliances; vacuum cleaners, freezers, commercial wet cleaning machines, and coffee systems. The brand can be seen in 37 countries or in other words, it could be found globally. In terms of quality, Miele appliances were considerably better than those of the competition. Until now, Miele continues to grow around the globe. Miele strives to fulfill the high requirements of their customers and provide them with appliances of the highest quality and tested durability to make their lives more comfortable.
Miele is a family-owned company, founded in 1899 by Carl Miele andReinhard Zinkann. They supervised manufacturing personally, and Reinhard Zinkann apprenticed and handled finances and sales. They first produced a cream separator, butter churn, and tub washing machine. For more than 107 years, Miele stands for highest product quality , otherwise they would not have been able to compete successfully on such a fiercely competitive market.

According to their website, Miele stands for durability, reliability, security and peace of mind. Now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of over 16000 with two-thirds in Germany. Below are several successful achievements of Miele based on the information from its web site.
1. 1st ever electric dishwasher.
2. 1st ever fully automatic Washing Machine.
3. 1st ever Washing Machine and Dishwasher to be controlled by Microprocessors.



MIELE’S SLOGAN
Miele's motto is Immer Besser, German for "Forever Better" . Forever better is Miele's company philosophy from the onset and represents an absolute and uncompromising commitment to quality and innovation. This motto was conceived over 100 years ago by the founders and remains as the company motto til today, permeating through every aspect of their business.

MIELE’S PHILOSOPHY
1. Independent, self-contained and family-run company with traditional values committed to their workforce, customers and the general public alike.
2. Manufacture high-quality appliances and equipment for domestic use as well as for different branches in the commercial sector.
3. Aim to be a reliable partner for their customers.
4. They also have a responsibility towards their suppliers and the general public. The relationship should be performance-oriented, reliable and longstanding.
5. Furthermore, they are committed to strengthening public awareness of their positive company image.

PERFORMANCE
• Miele is consistently independently tested in many product categories and consistently comes out on top.
• Whether its washing dishes, clothes or cooking a meal, Miele products deliver optimal results no matter how big or small the task.
• What's more, optimal results are married with gentle performance, which is vital for good fabric care and glassware.


COMPETITORS IN MALAYSIA
1. Khind- Khind is a malaysian based brand and started since 1961, Cheng King Fa started a modest business in Sekinchan trading electrical goods. Driven by his clear vision, the business flourished and in the late seventies, developed to include the manufacture of electrical appliances such as washing machine, vacuum cleaner, audio visual, water heater and water pump. This prove that Khind will be one of our competitors in Malaysia.

2. Pensonic- This is another competitor for Miele in Malaysia. Pensonic was planted in 1965 when Keat Radio Co. Sdn Bhd was setup by Dato' Chew to sell electrical appliances. Since then, there was no turning back for Pensonic as the first Malaysian brandname in household appliances.

3. Singer- Singer is another popular brand among house hold in Malaysia. They also produce washing machine, television, and a lot more variety of electrical appliances. Its origin is from U.S.A.

POSITIONING

For their market in Malaysia, they could pride themselves on having the best products with high quality and it could be use to 20 years with the guarantee by our R and D team( research and developement). We admit that their products are quite expensive in term of the price but we promise that it will give benefit for their consumer especially if they need it for daily usage for example their laundry and their dishes. Their product could give maximum performance for consumers. Besides that, we have already identify Miele's strength if to compare with other competitors, for example, their product lifespan is longer than any of the product that could be found in Malaysia. Therefore, we can conclude that their main positioning is based on
1. Attributes
2. Quality
3. Application

TARGET MARKET

Miele target market can be categorized in two segments which are household users and industries such as hotel, laundry shop, hospital, and medical laboratories.

(a) Psychographic
Miele target market is household that live a luxury lifestyle that wants electrical appliances that suits their needs. These types of customer live a upper class lifestyle wants product that is high quality, durable, high tech, fashionable, and user friendly.
Base on industrial, the main reason for Miele wanted to serve these customer because Miele’s product is durable and sustainability. Customer in this segment use machine daily and consider a heavy user and Miele’s product can provide a lot of benefits such as energy efficiency and high quality.

(b) Geographic
Miele target market base on geographic is more to household that live in peninsular Malaysia. most of the household there are willing to try new product and invest in product that is consider high quality. Also, household in peninsular Malaysia adapt faster to changes around compare to west Malaysia.
Miele’s target market for industrial are also focus in peninsular Malaysia because it is a fast moving city that have a lot of technologies changes in a short period of time. Industrial consumer needed high tech equipment that can operate in heavy duty to server their customer. In that case, Miele can provide that kind of equipment.

(c) Demographic
Household that Miele focus on is their income. Premium segment are consumer that have a high income (above RM 3,500) are willing to pay more for electrical appliances for a better living. With a higher income they will not hesitate to buy Miele’s product because it have a good history and well known in the west.
In the context of industrial, they are not afraid to invest more for product that match with their needs. Even though, Miele’s product is expensive but if it can help the industry generate even higher profit then it will consider a good investment.

Previously, we heard that the government wants to abolish UPSR and PMR from the life of Malaysian student. Well, let me tell you folks something. It is not a bright idea!!! Those that wants the exam to be abolish sure are not thinking straight and maybe they are keeping a grudge to either one of the exam because they failed it. For your information, by having the examination life of Malaysian student, it could keep them aware with the future challenge. We do not need to seek for majority vote because it is obvious that the exam hold a very big responsibility for our nation.The consequence of scrapping exams for the whole country at one go is a highly risky move.

Hello guys, its been quite some time since I last updated my blog because I'm busy with my assignment. This time I want to share something interesting with you guys out there. well, I found the above chart and seriously, its damn true for MOST of guys.lol

Well, as you can see, he is the vocalist and one of the guitarist for Trivium. Heafy is also the vocalist for the band Capharnaum, along with Trivium's former producer Jason Suecof. Matt also decided to experiment with "Post-hardcore music, and made a joke band called "Tomorrow Is Monday". They have released 1 song, called "Head on Collision with a Rosebush Catching Fire" which recorded and was edited in one hour.Heafy used Gibson guitars until Rita Haney, partner of 20 years to Dimebag Darrell, gave him and Corey Beaulieu each one of Dimebag's signature Washburn guitars in the same year, later spawning a three year long endorsment with Dean Guitars (as Dime was working on a new signature model with Dean prior to his death in December 2004).As of January 2009, Matt and Corey's contract with Dean had expired and returned to using Gibson and Jackson respectively, first seen in the music video for Throes of Perdition. Matt is now officially signing with Gibson guitars. For your information, matt Heafy is one of my favorite guitarist and among all of Trivium's album, I enjoyed listening to ascendancy the most. So, I hope that their upcoming album will sounds like ascendancy because sincerely, I prefer to have Trivium to create a metalcore album instead of musics that sounds like metallica. I want them to be JUST Trivium. Below are some of their album..
Shogun
Crusade
Ascendancy

Charlotte was an extraordinary literary talent and a woman whose vivid imagination and sheer determination allowed her to defy Victorian convention.

However, she was also arguably a wild fantasist who lived a dangerous double life, obsessively intent on destroying the marriage of the man she fell in lust with and a hopeless romantic who was taken to the very edge of a nervous breakdown.

Those seeds of destruction were sown during her childhood in Haworth parsonage. Charlotte desperately wanted to believe that brains were more important than beauty yet whenever she looked in the mirror she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

She was short. Her lips were too small. Her head was far too big for her thin body. As for her hair, when curled it looked dry and frizzy, when left to its own devices it sat limply around her bony shoulders.

Charlotte felt her heart beat more ferociously than anyone else’s but her appearance was a constant reminder of the unfairness of real life. From the earliest age, it helped to draw Charlotte into imaginary worlds where those who loved passionately almost always triumphed. These were worlds unpolluted by industrial chimneys belching out smoke and noxious gases, worlds where beauty wasn’t a prerequisite for success.

Most of those who found themselves invited into the Haworth parsonage with its bare sandstone floors and grey painted walls would have found little to hold their interest for long. It was to all but the most careful observer the kind of existence where each day was the same as the next and where life brought few surprises.
Visitors may have caught a glimpse of the art tutor hired to instruct the Brontë children in painting and drawing. They may have heard musical scales being practised on the small piano or seen Patrick Brontë, a man whose own humble beginnings had shown him the value of education, teaching his children the basics of maths and geography.

When formal lessons were over however, Charlotte, her two younger sisters, Emily and Anne, and brother, Branwell, reached for one of the many books which lined the shelves on either side of the dining room fireplace. Almost immediately their otherwise grey world was transformed. It was perhaps little wonder Charlotte craved a world of exciting possibilities where happy endings could be delivered at a stroke of a pen and where old enemies could be dispatched with similar efficiency.

While her father was occupied in his study, the only sign of his presence being the tobacco smoke wafting across the hallway, Charlotte, Emily, Branwell and Anne found an outlet for their smouldering imaginations.

Away from the prying eyes of the practical and the pragmatic, together they wrote countless adventures about the exploits of great soldiers and Charlotte sketched out the rules of romance which would govern much of the rest of her life.

Scribbled in the tiniest of handwriting and read by no one but her siblings, her torrid romances delivered a freedom which real life was unlikely to offer a 4ft 9in, short-sighted daughter of a humble cleric.

To her father, the hours Charlotte spent crouched over her journals were nothing more than a sign of a creative mind occupying itself. Had he ever bothered to decipher the miniature script, he would have discovered a hopeless romantic who refused to let reality temper her idealism.

By her 23rd birthday she had rejected two proposals of marriage, one from a man she had met for only a couple of hours, because they failed to meet her high standards. Charlotte wanted to be swept off her feet and if true love wasn’t a possibility she would rather have nothing at all.

Resigned to being single she concentrated instead on achieving financial independence. She, Emily and Anne, hatched a plan to start their own school. If the scheme was to be a success they would need to offer lessons in French and German so what better way to improve their skills than by living on the Continent?

It was agreed. Anne, who was already working as a teacher, would stay in Yorkshire while Charlotte and Emily would head across the Channel.

The Pensionnat Heger in Brussels came recommended. It was an unremarkable building but within it 25-year-old Charlotte finally found a target for her all-consuming passion.

M ONSIEUR Heger was not blessed with good looks. He was also 10 years her senior, happily married with a growing family. None of that mattered to Charlotte. What she saw was a man who burned with a ferocious appetite for knowledge, who wanted to nurture her talent and challenge her intellectually.

Within a few months Charlotte had fallen hopelessly in love, hanging on his every word. what started as a schoolgirl crush quickly developed into something much more dangerous and, when she returned to Haworth after a death in the family, the absence merely made her heart grow fonder.

Back in Brussels, her obsession deepened and when Monsieur Heger, who always maintained Charlotte’s love was unrequited, tried to put some distance between them, it tipped her into a depression.

Charlotte spent hours wandering the school’s corridors hoping for even a briefest glimpse of the man she was now convinced was her one true love.

Every hour that went by without seeing him was agony and, unable to cope with the thought that they might never be together, Charlotte left Brussels.

Back home she wrote Monsieur Heger countless letters begging for even the tiniest hint he might feel the same way.

It never came and Charlotte eventually filled the gaping chasm by writing. Jane Eyre was part of that mourning process and allowed her to pen the happy ending she felt she and Monsieur Heger had been denied.

The book was an immediate success but the acclaim brought her little satisfaction and her desire to love and be loved soon became fixated on her publisher.

Young and good-looking, George Smith mixed easily in London’s literary circles and as Charlotte watched his effortless charm at work, she too fell under his spell. When her brother and sisters died within nine months of each other, all from tuberculosis, the promise of a relationship with George was her only escape from the misery of home.

Charlotte’s romantic childhood dreams had been reignited but her own feelings of inferiority now prevented her from grasping a chance of happiness.

Always feeling somehow unworthy of George and knowing she could not risk another broken heart, Charlotte pushed him away and retreated to the only place she ever truly felt herself: her father’s parsonage.

Charlotte’s brief flirtation with the capital and her publisher was over and, after rejecting a third proposal from one of George’s colleagues, it seemed she was destined to remain single.

However, life has a habit of upsetting even the best-laid plans and there was one final twist to Charlotte’s story.

On June 29, 1854, at the age of 38, she walked into her father’s church in Haworth and of her own free will married a man she didn’t love.

Arthur Nicholls was neither dashing, nor ruggedly handsome but the curate cared deeply for her and she finally realised that companionship was more important than the idealistic passion she had spent her life seeking.

She had at last found contentment but tragedy was never far from her door.

Within nine months Charlotte was dead, probably killed by severe morning sickness, and it would be left to Elizabeth Gaskell to rewrite the story of one of literature’s most remarkable, if miscast, heroines. FYI, Elizabeth Gaskellis Charlotte’s friend and fellow novelist.

p/s: Thanks to U.K Daily Express for the information

Get lost you bloody bastard

I found a very interesting comment regarding Gallas , and here it is:

Former Arsenal manager George Graham admits he is surprised that his old club didn't try harder to keep William Gallas.

The defender recently made the move from the Gunners to arch rivals Tottenham on a free transfer, after failing to agree a new deal at the Emirates.

Gallas, 33, is desperate to be playing first-team football, something he may not have been guaranteed under Arsène Wenger, but Graham believes age is not going to be an issue for the French centre-back.

He said: "Arsenal in the past won trophies with a back four of 34, 35, 36 – the likes of Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn, Steve Bould and Tony Adams. They were winning trophies in their mid-30s, so I can only see this as a very good signing for Tottenham.

"He loves defending, he is very aggressive and I think he is just what Tottenham need, because they have got problems at the back with the injury situation to both Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate.

"They are getting someone for nothing who arguably could be playing every week in the team. I am surprised Arsenal let him go so easily."

The former Gunners boss, who also managed Spurs, believes Harry Redknapp could be the right manager for Gallas in the latter stages of his career.

He added: "Harry has got a gift of getting players who other clubs think are finished and getting another two seasons out of them.

"If he has a good season and Tottenham again finish in the top four or have a great Cup run or a Champions League run he'll be welcome."

And I found a reply for the comment which really made sense and I agreed 100% with it. :

the thing graham is missing here is that ,adams keown, dixon and winterburn,not to mention o'leary and bould, is this.... they loved arsenal as well as playing football for us.
gallas is a good defender but up sets players at every club he plays for.
i not saying this don't happen at every club ,but when you see ur captain sulking and not bothering when things go wrong ,then blaming others around him its not good.
adams would roll up his sleeves and shout at and fight players on his side to get arsenal back on caurse,(ask dixon)but he had the players backing, including dixon, adams would walk through walls for arsenal and theplayers respected that.
thats what gallas doen't have, gallas plays for gallas and only gallas.
yes he could of stayed at arsenal, but he wanted to much money, even the great bergkemp took a wage cut because again he believed and loved arsenal.
gallas went looking all round europe and no one wanted his disruptive behavier,or want to pay his wage demands.
spurs do have a good player yes, but will he be the one they looking to when things go wrong,will he be rolling up his sleeves and encouraging the players around him to fight? i doubt it,I DO WISH GALLAS LUCK, i'm not a spud? so i won't be calling him judas when he plays against us, but clap him thank him for his years at arsenal, but he won't be missed !! 

So, there go. I agreed on the reply because in reality, Gallas got a very bad discipline issue and it is not a loss to kick him out of the club. Get lost Gallas, Arsenal don't need you.

uuuuu yummyyyy

Ayam pansuh is a typical dish among Sarawakian. It is prepared by cooking chicken in a bamboo and stuffed with water( which later will be the soup for the dish) seasonings and covered with tapioca leaves( later could be eaten with the chicken). This dish is very famous for the Bidayuhs and Ibans. It is a 'must' to enjoy this dish if you visits Sarawak

 Below are several cook books that could be interesting for those of you that loves to cook!!
The Power of Ancient Foods
Perfect Vegetables: Part of "The Best Recipe" Series RECIPES)
Twenty-Four Little French Dinners (OLD FRENCH RECIPES)

Pork soup is a soup made by boiling and then simmering pork inner parts and/or bones in water, with various vegetables and flavorings. pork soup has also acquired the reputation of a folk remedy as their favorite dish during drinking session.

In Kuching, Sarawak, there's a place that could serve you with the most delicious pork soup. I sometimes went there whenever I got the chance. The place is located in Siburan . The stall also provides other kind of dish for example chicken rice and mix rice. But for this time I want to stress about their specialty which is the pork soup. Most of the customer are satisfied because the taste is good and the price is reasonable. For tourist out there, go and search for the stall in Siburan. Its your quest =) Enjoy!!

We can't hardly wait to eat the delicious pork soup!!

Hello guys! Lets talk about food again.This time, I'll bring you along to a cafe named Dragon cafe located in Kuching Sarawak. Its not far from the Batu Kawa's old town.Actually, it was in the late evening when suddenly my mom told us that she was too lazy to cook, and therefore she recommended that we go out and eat. So, off we go to search for a place to dine. That's the time when my dad suggested the so called 'Dragon cafe', and I am deeply interested with name so we all agreed with our destination. When we arrived there, we found out that it was packed with people that just came back from work. Okay, we arrived, and as usual, we called the waiter for the menu. After viewing the menu, we ordered seaweed soup, crispy chicken, Ginger wild boar and  white rice.
  The service was slow, maybe due to a lot of customer. To be honest, I dislike slow service and it really pisses me of. after FIFTEEN MINUTES, our food arrive.

Hmmm, I can only said that the taste is okay ,just average and not impressive enough. However, I love the gravy texture.

 Owh, btw, not to mention that their soup could cause you to get high blood due to overdose of salt!! hahaha.Well, their cook need more experience about that.hehehehe

I 'tapao' the soup and the next day I just warm it up and add more water to balance the taste. I'm a genius.lol

Ahhh, and we also got the crispy chicken. Among all the dishes , I will vote the crispy chicken as a finalist =p It is because it was prepared better than the others.As soon you bite the chicken chunk, you can hear the sound of its crispiness fills the air. I love it!!

My favorite

Well guys, if you're planning on eating somewhere new and you like to experience new things, I think its fair enough if you give Dragon Cafe a chance. Its located near Moyan. Just drive pass the Batu Kawa old township and you could see it on your left side of the road.