Chicken And Egg

I've noticed that this saying 'Which came first - the chicken or the egg?' is rather apparent in the business world, or in fact in our everyday lives too.

One example in business is that without any experience/ previous projects (or credits), this may limit the potential for future businesses or sales. This is one of the barriers of entry for new companies, and is one of the most challenging one.

Another example is when business associates take a wait & see approach, basically waiting for other associates to do the same. And this 'chicken & egg' process is repeated, which may cause lots of delayed time.

In our daily lives, one of the most apparent place where the 'chicken & egg' scenario may appear is during job applications, where past experiences are good for the resume. The 'chicken & egg' here would be, without securing a decent/ good job, how is the applicant to prove himself & get the experiences he/ she needs?

Well, here is a 'one catch all' solution for situations like these. The idea is to continue doing what we do best, and slowly, but surely move forward. This may require us to take longer routes, or more difficult & challenging paths. But the idea is to continue moving forward and improving ourselves, even though our march forward could sometimes just be an inch. And though it may take time to build up the reputation & credentials, but it will be well worth it.

I've realised this by reading the biographies of successful businessmen or even star personalities. We may think that the huge MNCs are built overnight, but in fact, the people behind them have had hard times prior, especially in selling their ideas. Just read the success stories of Bill Gates, Google, and the rest, and you will see how perseverance & continuous building of good works/ products see them through.

In the entertainment world, some singers have entered numerous singing competitions while they were young kids, and are spotted only later when they are teenagers or some even in their 20s. And now, they are huge big global stars. Take a look at Hollywood - the stars have mainly dabbled in TV kids programs before being signed as recording artistes later on. And though many no longer become hosts, but their singing career has taken off.

So, when faced with such scenario, let's not care which comes first, but to continue striving, and success will come eventually :)

Staying With The Dream

I had a conversation with a friend last night. In fact, it was more like a friendly debate.

I would like to share some part of it.

Briefly, there is a mention that books are hard to sell. Speak to industry players in this region and they will tell you the same stories. To one extend, I agree.

When I published my book, I didn't know anything about the industry. All I had was this dream of seeing a beautiful coffee-table book, with outstanding photographs taken in beautiful backdrops. I had this dream for 1 year before the published book.

Hence, later, the book was published. It met all of my criteria from beautiful photography to the design & layout. I fell in love with it, literally.

Then came the wakening call. What am I to do with the printed copies?

Hence, started my rounds of promoting the book from participating in events, trade fairs, liasing with bookstores & distributors and making this book a high-end corporate gift to those companies that can afford and look the value into it.

I must mention, there were many times when I felt like giving up. At times, the mention of the book scared me, as I just couldn't figure a way to get the books to sell. This especially so when as an independent publisher, funds were limited.

Add that with friends & relatives who just seem to not understand the passion I have behind my works. Some were skeptical and at times their words do seem to give a blow, especially when the going already seems tough. It was like going into a battle alone.

However, the good thing was, I followed my heart to stay on promoting the book. And finally, I managed to see some light now. I couldn't imagine if I've given up on this hope & dream of sharing the beauty of batik, Malaysian lifestyle & interior, plus beautiful photography to the world.

It was that little voice in me that said to continue staying with the dream, and I'm glad I followed it as now, we can share this book with our overseas customers.

I'm inspired by writers like J.K.Rowling from Harry Potter series who was a struggling mum who lived on state benefits writing in cafes, and whose first Harry Potter was rejected by 12 publishers, before it was first seen to print.

Similar to that, Paulo Coelho, whom I've mentioned in one of my previous post, too only had 900 copies for his first run of his book, The Alchemist. But now, it's a worldwide bestseller with over 60 languages translated and over 40 million copies sold internationally.

These people believed in their dreams and though some may call it luck, I call it perseverence. And as you can see, these people have succeeded despite all the obstacles they faced.

You and I can too, simply if we continue to stay with the dream.

My Dream Book - Batik Inspirations

The book I mentioned by Paulo: