Rule 40 - Know What You Are Actually Doing

So, what are you doing? Important but overlooked rule, this one. Go on, answer the question, what are you doing?

To answer this you need to have long- and short-term plans formulated. If you haven't got a plan, you don't have a map. If you don't have a map, you'll never find the treasure.

There are no right and wrong answers. Well, actually a wrong answer would be, I haven't a clue. You have to know what it is you are actually doing. Not just what you're supposed to be doing. Not what you want to be doing. Once you know that, you can work miracles because you have secret knowledge. Perhaps everyone else also knows; perhaps no one else knows. But you know and that is the important thing.

What Is Marketing?

By marketing your product or service you will alert potential clients of its existence and, through the right marketing tactics, induce them to buy.

Marketing represents the core activity of every business and entails selling the products or services of the company.

Marketing involves developing plans that address:

product and positioning,
pricing,
promotions,
distribution,
publicity,
markets,
competition,
design and packaging.

Good marketing represents your key to success both in local and foreign markets. You will be hard pressed if you do not expose your product or service to others. And even when you have grown into new markets, you will still have to keep marketing to grow your business further.

Paypal Solution For Malaysian

PayPal is an account-based system that lets anyone with an email address securely send and receive online payments using their credit card or bank account. It is the most popular way to electronically pay for eBay auctions and it is becoming a cheap way for merchants to accept credit cards on their on-line storefronts instead of using a traditional payment gateway.

MalaysiaPal is an alternative method of withdrawing money from your Paypal account. As we all know, Paypal need a US account to withdraw money, ie Paypal will transfer money from an account via TT (telegraphic transfer) to that US account. Since Malaysia is not included in Paypal enabled country, Malaysia's web merchant found it is very difficult to use Paypal.

A few suggested to use Singapore's bank account but it will cost quite a lot. And now, there's a Malaysian who will expose how to withdraw money, without leaving Malaysia and without opening any Singapore bank account. Lets hope this new technic won't severely cost us.

Rule 39 - Know What You Are Supposed To Be Doing

What are you supposed to be doing? What's your priority? What's the end point? What's the goal? Has anything changes recently?

Let us read a story from Richard;

"I once worked for a senior manager who, to all outward appearances, wanted my team to be successful and productive but who seemed to be hampering my every move....and on and on...

...Eventually I discovered that another department - run by a relative of his - was supposed to be the winning team. I wasn't allowed to be the golden boy because that was the role of his young nephew. He wanted me to fail so young Sam could look good. I was supposed to be useless. Once I had that info - what I was supposed to be doing - I could work effectively with it. You've got to know what you're supposed to be doing."

notes: Do you got it? You have to be doing the real thing. Not what your boss asked you to do but what he need. Your boss may sound like wanting you to write a sales quotation, but the real thing was he wanted you to sale that things. Got it? The sales quotation was nothing anymore if you had sold the things.

Mawi & Ina Bertemu Di Astro / RTM

Menonton temu bual Mawi dan Ina di Astro membuatkan aku yang selama ini berkecuali dalam pertikaian Mawi dan Ina hanya boleh berkata begini : Mawi Seorang Lelaki Yang Tiada Kote Tuut!

Soalan-soalan yang ditanya banyak tidak dijawab dan hanya Ina yang berani meluahkan perasaan hatinya, serta cintanya yang masih utuh kepada Mawi. Tapi Mawi di satu sudut lain hanya tertawa dan tidak mempunyai perasaan.

Maaf kepada peminat fanatik Mawi. Tapi kalau anda seorang gentleman, adakah anda akan meninggalkan, tanpa menghubungi kekasih selama berbulan hanya dengan alasan sibuk, tapi sempat pula pergi memancing?

Kalau anda seorang gentleman adakah anda akan memutuskan tali pertunangan hanya di telefon dan tidak pernah bersemuka untuk menyelesaikan perselisihan yang timbul? Jangan hanya berselindung di sebalik kesedihan kematian bapa. Hidup mesti diteruskan! Yang pergi biarlah pergi! Dan ayat merayu simpati Mawi memang berkesan : Dalam hati siapa yang tahu...

Kenapa tidak pernah bersemuka dengan Ina dan meluahkan apa yang terbuku di hati? Saya ada jawapannya : Mawi tiada kote tuut dan takut Ina terperasan yang dia tiada kote tuut !!

~leLabu~

nota : Di akhir rancangan Mawi bersetuju bersua dengan Ina. Tapi itu ajakan di depan seluruh rakyat Malaysia, takkan lah Mawi hendak menunjukkan di depan rakyat Malaysia bahawa dia tiada kote tuut!

Kadang Kala Terkurang Ajar

Kisah ni dah lebih dua minggu, tapi kena ceritakan jugak sebab itulah kali pertama seorang warganegara Malaysia kena halau dipersilakan keluar dari ofis aku.

Ada seorang lelaki dan isterinya datang jumpa aku, sebab nak mintak kebenaran untuk jual rumah dia kepada bukan bumiputera. Di Penang, kalau nak jual rumah, orang Melayu khususnya kepada bukan Melayu, kena dapatkan kebenaran daripada ofis aku. Kalau ofis aku tak bagi nanti tak bleh pindah milik, jual pakai S&P bleh la, tapi pejabat tanah tak kan proses, title rumah tu tetap tak tukar.

Kisahnya, lelaki ni dah pernah minta dulu, dalam tahun 2002 tapi ditolak. Disuruh jugak jual kepada bumiputra/Melayu. Tapi tak jumpa jugak bumiputera. Maklumlah di Penang ni, rumah mahal, gaji orang-orang Melayu pulak tak seberapa. Jadi, datanglah lelaki tadi nak buat permohonan baru.

Kerani aku pun suruhlah dia isi borang, dah bagi borang blahlah baliklah, sepatutnya. Sebab borang tuh kena hantar dengan supporting documents sekali, tapi dia degil, nak tahu keputusan permohonan dia masa tu jugak (mana bleh, aku kena verify dia punya permohonan dulu). Dah lah tu, tak nak dengar cakap kerani aku, nak kena aku jugak cakap ngan dia, macam lah kalau cakap ngan aku bleh lulus masa tu jugak (sama jer cakap ngan sapa pun - prosedur tetap prosedur).

Dah dia masuk bilik aku, aku terangkanlah elok-elok, kena isi borang dulu, nak dokumen-dokumen terkini, sebab permohonan dia yang lepas dah berapa tahun, kena ada maklumat terkini. Dah dia marah-marah, cakap menyusahkan dia nak sediakan dokumen lain pulak. Banyak pulak cekadak mamat nih, dah la nak minta tolong orang, siap marah-marah orang pulak. Aku terangkan elok-elok langsung tak nak dengar, nak ikut cakap dia jer. Yang buat aku menyampah, siap berlagak pulak tu dia manager syarikat. Aku peduli apa kau manager ker apa?

Manager apa macam nih kalau prosedur senang, isi borang pun tak nak ikut. Masa tu jugak aku halau mempersilakan mamat ni keluar. Dengan bini dia sekali terkedu kena halau dipersilakan keluar dengan aku. Dah la masuk ofis aku, siap berlagak dengan aku, kan dah kena halau dipersilakan keluar.

Esoknya, pagi-pagi lagi dia datang ofis nak mintak maaf ngan aku. Tahu pulak takut permohonan dia kena tolak. Tapi aku tak jumpa pun dia, sampai pukul 10 pagi dia tunggu tapi aku tak nak jumpa, aku tengah marah lagi, nanti lagi teruk jadinya. Dia balik macam tu jer. Dan hari ni, permohonan dia dah diluluskan. Buat sakit hati aku pun, aku sokong untuk diluluskan jugak (sebab memang patut disokong). Amanah tetap amanah walaupun orang sakitkan hati kita.

~leLabu~

Rule 38 - Don't Let It Get To You

If it all gets too much, remember it's just a job. Sure, one we care about and try to do to the very best of our ability. One we worry about and think about when we're not at work. One we would like to make better and improve and be more effective at.

But it is only a job when all is said and done.

Look around you. You'll see the ones who think that what they do is central to the earth movement or vital to the well-being of the entire planet. Nothing could be further from the truth. Enjoy it by all means. Take it seriously and give it all you've got, but remember it is just a job and it can be replaced, you can be replaced, the world will go on.

Business Plan

The Business Plan is your last chance to examine your intended business in organised detail and make your final decision as to whether you should go ahead with it or not. Read through everything you have written and examine the figures and your expectations carefully. If it confirms your predictions, go for it! Otherwise pull out before you end up regretting ever getting involved.

The size of a business plan depends on the type and size of business, and of course the amount of funding you require. A RM25,000 loan to open a shoe repair shop would suffice with a seven-page business plan and basic financial documents. A loan of RM150,000 to establish an ICT enterprise would need extensive notes and detailed financials that may need the use of an accountant to achieve 100% balanced projected accounts.

At the same time, a long and detailed business plan could serve as an excellent guide for you and your team to mark out the progress of the company's growth."

What Should a Business Plan Cover?

A good business plan should contain all the elements essential to the success of your enterprise. These would cover:

A Summary of your Business Plan
This will give your investor a first impression of whether your business is worth further scrutiny.

A description of Your Company-Its Business, Goals And Objectives
Include an explanation of the business that you are in and your company history, current business conditions, industry trends, and what makes you unique.

An analysis of Your Market And Your Marketing Strategy
This is one of the more important sections of your business plan. Your market analysis therefore, should be as specific as possible, focusing on credible and achievable projections.

A description of Your Products/Services
Describe your product/service simply and list down its competitive advantage.

Your Organization Set-up
Offer details of your business structure, listing down officers and/or principal owner/managers. Remember to include your management team's responsibilities and qualifications.

Describe Your Operations
State how you operate your business, giving details about location, facilities, equipment, raw materials and suppliers, workforce, hours of operation, and methods of record keeping.

Include Your Financial Forecast
This is another important part of your Business Plan as it demonstrates not only your need for funds but also the potential future value of equity investments or debt repayment. It will reflect the viability of your company.

Include a Financial Forecast
A financial forecast will show your company's most likely results of operations and financial position within a particular period in future. It should be realistic and achievable.

Determine Your Proposed Financing
This section only applies if you are looking for funds. Based on your need, state your requirements, when you will need the money, how you will use it and your pay back plans.

Future Plans
It is important to show that you have the potential for continued profitability. Include a short term and a long term-plan.

Other Considerations
Table of Contents;
Supporting Documents e.g quality accreditations, awards, product warranties, testimonials etc;
Resume's of key people;
Evidence of credit;
Current leases for facilities, equipment, cars, etc;
Letters of reference;
Completed and current contracts including loan agreements, purchase agreements, service contracts, etc; and
Legal documents of the business including articles of incorporation, titles, insurance policies, partnership agreements, patents, etc.

Rule 37 - Enjoy Yourself

"The more I want to get something done, the less I call it work." - Richard Bach

Enjoying work is about seeing your job, your role, in much bigger context. You can be hardworking and you can enjoy yourself - you can do both. You can be productive, effective, efficient, industrious, sober & reliable and responsible - and yet still having fun.No one told you that you had to be grave and uptight. All you were hired to do was your job.

The best bit is that if you learn when to be serious and when to let up and find humour in a situation it will have a magical effect on those around you. And if you work in a place where serious and uptight is the norm, here is a secret just for you : no one knows what is going on inside your head. Just so long as the exterior is what they want, the inside can be whatever you want.

Malaysia National Day - Revisited

Pilihan raya umum yang pertama ditandingkan pada tahun 1955. Parti-parti seperti PAS, Parti Negara di bawah pimpinan Dato' Onn bin Jaafar, Parti Buruh, Parti Progresif Perak, Parti Perikatan UMNO-MCA-MIC dan sebagainya bertanding dalam pilihan raya umum tersebut.Parti Perikatan UMNO-MCA-MIC memenangi 51 kerusi daripada 52 kerusi yang dipertandingkan. 1 kerusi lagi dimenangi oleh PAS. Dengan kemenangan dalam pilihan raya, kabinet kerajaan telah dibentuk. Tunku Abdul Rahman menjadi Ketua Menteri yang pertama.

Pada tahun 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman mengetuai suatu rombongan ke London untuk membincangkan perkara-perkara mengenai kemerdekaan. Rundingan ini mengambil masa tiga minggu di London. Perjanjian London 1956 ditandatangani pada 8 Februari 1956 yang menyatakan persetujuan memberi kemerdekaan kepada Tanah Melayu. Sekembali ke Tanah Melayu, Tunku Abdul Rahman mengumumkan tarikh kemerdekaan di Melaka.

Pada tahun 1956, suatu Suruhanjaya Perlembagaan Komanwel ditubuhkan untuk menggubal perlembagaan. Suruhanjaya Perlembagaan Komanwel atau lebih dikenali sebagai Suruhanjaya Reid yang dipengerusi oleh Lord Reid dari Britian terdiri daripada pakar-pakar undang dari negara Komanwel. Laporan yang dikeluarkan oleh Suruhanjaya Reid dipinda oleh Jawatankuasa Kerja dan diluluskan oleh Majlis Undangan Persekutuan.

Bendera Union Jack iaitu bendera British diturunkan di hadapan Bangunan Sultan Abdul Samad, Kuala Lumpur pada tepat pukul 12 malam 31 Ogos 1957. Kemudian, Perdana Menteri Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, Tunku Abdul Rahman mengisytiharkan kemerdekaan di Stadium Merdeka. Jemaah Menteri diumumkan juga pada hari pengisytiharan kemerdekaan.

Pengistiharan Kemerdekaan

Apabila tarikh Kemerdekaan telah ditentukan, Tunku telah mengarah Jabatan Kerja Raya untuk membina sebuah stadium terbuka yang akan dijadikan tempat pengistiharan Kemerdekaan. Tunku memilih sendiri lokasinya, di sebuah bukit yang rendah berdekatan Jalan Birch dan stadium itu dinamakan 'Stadium Merdeka'.

Stadium Merdeka 5.00 pagi, 31 Ogos 1957, hujan turun dengan lebatnya. Dato' Abdul Razak yang melawat Stadium pada pagi itu gelisah dengan takungan air di tengah-tengah padang di mana Askar Melayu akan mengadakan perbarisan kehormat. Dato' Razak adalah Timbalan Pengerusi, Jawatankuasa Persiapan Kemerdekaan dengan Tunku sendiri adalah Pengerusinya.

7.00 pagi, hujan mulai reda. Dato' Razak menalipon Tunku dan melaporkan keadaan di stadium. Beliau mencadangkan agar ketibaan Raja-raja Melayu, Duke serta isteri dan Pesuruhjaya Tinggi dilewatkan satu jam.

9.00 pagi, langit mulai cerah, rintik-rintik hujan semakin mengecil dan hilang dari pandangan. Perabut dan perhiasan mula dibawa keluar dengan kadar segera. Tunku telah bersiap sedia di rumahnya. Berbaju Melayu hitam, berkain samping, berselitkan keris bersarong gading dipinggang serta bertengkolok songket, Tunku menantikan saat untuk bertolak.

Di Stadium Merdeka, Tunku berdiri gagah menerima ketibaan Duke of Gloucester yang memakai pakaian istiadat ketenteraan British berpangkat Field Marshall. 'God Save The Queen' berkumandang ketika Duke of Gloucester yang merupakan pakcik Queen Elizabeth II masuk dan mengambil tempat. Duke telah diiringi oleh Pesuruhjaya Tinggi British, Sir Donald MacGillivray.

Raja-raja Melayu pula duduk dipayungi oleh sembilan payung kuning, Yang DiPertuan Agong pula duduk di tengah-tengah, di kirinya Tunku dan di kanannya Duke.

Duke kemudiannya menyerah 'Instrumen Kemerdekaan' yang mana merupakan suatu pengakuan British bahawa ia menyerahkan kedaulatan Pulau Pinang dan Melaka kepada negara baru ini dan seterusnya menarik balik 'perlindungan' yang diberikan kepada negeri-negeri Melayu.

Tunku kemudiannya membacakan pengistiharan Kemerdekaan yang antara lainnya menyebut "Dengan nama Allah, Persekutuan Tanah Melayu untuk selamanya sebuah negara yang demokratik dan Merdeka". Acapkali suaranya tenggelam dan pekikan Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka! oleh rakyat sebuah negara baru yang lahir dari suatu perjuangan yang suci.

Seorang anak bangsa yang menyaksikan segalanya di depan mata, menghuraikan pengalamannya. Hujan renyai-renyai menghiasi pagi. Tanpa disedari linangan air mata membasahi pipi. Stadium Merdeka dibanjiri oleh anak-anak bangsa yang datang dari setiap pelusuk negeri. Masing-masing hadir dengan harapan yang tinggi. Menjadi saksi, satu peristiwa yang penuh bererti, yang tidak akan dilupai tersemat disanubari sampai mati. Merdeka telah kita miliki, Merdeka! Merdeka! Merdeka!

Article from "Memperingati Detik Sejarah Kemerdekaan Malaysia"

ps: terima kasih  kepada rakyat Malaysia yang sayangkan negara. 

 

Why Do You Need A Business Plan?

A business plan is an essential tool for any start-up entrepreneur. It is like a map or guide that shows you where you are at the moment and where you are going. Its unique feature, however, is the fact that you chart the course yourself.

A good business plan includes:

a description of products and services;
a competitive analysis, a marketing plan;
a management plan, and a financial plan.

It will provide you-and potential investors or lenders-with a clear understanding of your objectives, strategies, and financial viability and could mark a difference between survival and failure.

In planning your journey to success, you can anticipate the environment that you will face, the hurdles along the way, how much money you will need at each stage of the journey, the measures you will take to overcome the challenges and the contingency plans you will need.

Altogether it should save you time and money, enable you to react more swiftly to the unexpected, help you solve problems and take advantage of new opportunities.

In a nutshell, a business plan charts your course of action towards the establishment and growth of your company. It is a document that maps out all crucial areas of your business and how you would address the concerns within each area. It serves more purposes than you may realize. You will need a business plan to:

present to a lender to raise funding for a new business;
raise funding for an existing business; or
plan for the future of your business.

Rule 36 - Set An Example/Standard

Everyone needs someone to look up to, someone they can respect and want to emulate and that someone is you (me, us, fuad, akirasuri etc). If you think heroes are so out of date, old-fashioned and redundant, then think again. Everyone in your team has a special relationship with you. You are their leader, their inspiration, their boss, their mentor, guide, teacher, hero, role model, champion, defender, guardian. To be all these things means you have to set an example. You have to play the part. You have to set standards. You have to be that role model!

You've got to look the part, act the part, do the part - method acting here: feel the manager, think the manager, be the manager.

"You've got to give your staff something to aspire to." - Richard Templar

Rules Of Management

The Rules of Management - a definitive code for managerial success, was written by Richard Templar. At the back of this 208 pages book, there's price tag from MPH, RM56.50. And I decided to share with you, bloggers - if you don't have it now. Naah,...just go to MPH and buy, read for your self, I bet you'll like it.
I will not able to write word by word here, but at least I will put the juice here. One rule to other, day by day - a rule a day. So, enjoy the 35th Rule (The book has 2 parts; Part I - managing your team & Part II - managing yourself)...

Oppss..I forgot to tell that these rules are for managers, and I thought, beside sharing information on starting business, it's also essential to bring out the managerial soul of you. Hey,..you're going to manage your business, your company.

Rule 35 - Get It Done / Work Hard

This isn't the place to go into lengthy training sessions on time management and the like, but basically, you will have to be organized, dedicated, ruthlessly efficient and focused. Management isn't swanning around issuing orders and looking cool. It's actually about what goes on in the background - the work being done where no one sees it.

"Genius is 1% inspiration, and 99% perspiration." - Thomas Edison.

Kambing Pun Bleh Masuk Universiti

Terkenang sebenarnya semasa belajar dahulu, banyak kata-kata semangat dari cikgu2 nak pastikan anak2 murid berjaya, rajin berusaha. Hari ini Dr Irfan memperkatakan tentang 'quote of the day'. Quote yang paling aku ingat adalah "Kalau belajar tu senang, KAMBING pun boleh masuk universiti!!". Aku masih ingat kata-kata nih, tapi aku dah lupa sapa yang cakap nih kat aku (rasa2 mcm cikgu) - maknanya, dalam ingatan aku, tak kenal rupa, tapi kenal ilmu, kata-kata. Aku pun tak tahu baik ker tak ada ingatan macam nih.

Sama jugak bila kawan-kawan lama tegur, aku mesti tak ingat muka diorang, nama pun aku tak ingat, tapi bila dia cerita sikit jumpa kat mana, apa yang dia buat, macam mana bleh kenal,...baru la ingat,..ooo kau yang buat itu ini, kau yang kata gitu gini...

Memori aku tak tersusun agaknya...

~leLabu~

Request For Financing

What documents will you need to support your request for financing?

Apart from certified copies of the basic company registration forms and the Memorandum and Articles of Association, the following will be required by the potential financiers:

1. A detailed Business Plan

2. Cash flow analysis

It is important for you to gain the confidence of your potential financiers. They have to feel confident in your business, your management team, your business concept and its potential.

Preparing a Business Plan and Cash Flow Projection

A business plan describes the market in which your business operates, identifies and evaluates the risks, shows the impact of new investment and provides credible cash flow and profit forecast. For more information about what to include in a business plan see the section on creating a Business Plan or visit www.bplans.com/ or www.bizplanit.com/vplan.htm.

The extent of detail in any business plan depends on the amount and type of finance sought. As a general rule, the more finance required in relation to the value of the company's assets, the greater the risk and the greater the need for a detailed analysis.

A cash flow projection is a forecast of actual cash inflow or outflow from your business. It is key diagnostic tool for measuring your company's health.

A good cash flow projection will:-

tell you when and by how much, your available cash will rise and fall
where your cash is coming from and what it will be spent on
your ability to sustain the business
tell you whether you can plan for growth.

To produce a cash flow projection you must forecast sales and expenditures and identify the actual dates of revenue collection and payments.

Tambang Domestik MAS Naik

*refer to Berita Harian, 22.08.2006, front page.

I'm wondering; if getting profit just increasing price and forcing passengers to pay more, then anybody & everybody could be good manager. What made me say it's forcing passenger? Simple, passengers have to pay more for that same services and they don't have any other options!

And I think most of domestic passengers for MAS are government servants (government servants if must travel by flight have to use MAS - ie no Air Asia etc or you pay for yourself and then claim). Indirectly, to increase their profit, MAS is charging the government, and indirectly also, MAS is charging the citizens of Malaysia.

MAS also introduces Websaver, with discount up to 60% and MUST buy online! Sound like Air Asia! How many seats MAS offer for discount? One seat per flight?
In this industry, I just wondered why can't MAS reduce the catering cost for domestic flight rather than increase fare?

~leLabu~

Hadapi Stress Dan Tekanan

Pelik jgk kalo dipikirkan, org yg seblum ni mcm terer jer dlm selesaikan masalah, yg selama ni aku nampak macam kuat jer, tp skrg dah masuk wad. Mungkin sebab terlalu stress dgn study dia atau stress dgn family. Kawan sorang ni masuk wad sebab stress. Tak tahu la tuh, aku tak pegi melawat lagi.

Hari ni aku baru masuk kerja balik. Hujung minggu aku drive sorang2 dari penang ke kota bharu ke kuantan ke kota bharu ke penang balik (kira drive sorang2 la sbb ada wife kat sebelah pun aku tak bagi dia bawak - terlampau syg bini le ni..) Sekarang rasa penat semacam. Rasa macam nak tido je atas meja nih.

Nasib baik aku stress badan jer, tak stress mental.

Kalo ikutkan hati, rasanya mental aku pun bleh stress nih. Dah lama benar aku dok tanggung keja org nih. Bayangkanlah kat ofis ni aku dok buat kerja 6 org. Bayangkan sepatutnya ofis aku nih ada 6 org penolong pengarah, tapi sekarang ada aku sorang jer. Ini pun kontrak aku dah nak habis. Nak kutuk gov pun tak best jgk. Tapi yg penah keja ngan gov bleh tahu la mcm mana.

Stress tak stress kena keja jgk - sbb tak der bukit aku nak panjat. (dulu kalo stress gi panjat bukit pastu termenung lama2 sampai rasa nak terjun - ini semasa di kuantan; masa di jb kalo stress jer pegi makan pizza..)

~leLabu~

How Will Different Finance Options Affect Profitability Or Cash Flow?

With equity financing, there are no interest payments so there is no impact on your profitability or cash flow. However, your investors may require distribution of profits in the form of dividend payments after a certain period of time. They may also have an exit strategy that requires you to buy them out at a future point in time. Both scenarios can affect your cash flow significantly.

Equity providers will become part owners in your company and will therefore be part of the decision making process. They may also insist on legal agreements that give them extensive powers such as the right to place restrictions on the business if performance does not match projections.

There may also be safeguards built into an equity finance deal to reduce the chances of failure and give the investor the right to intervene in your business if things go wrong.

With loan or asset based financing, the interest payments you make will affect both your profitability and cash flow. However, you may be able to structure the loan so that interest payments are deferred until your revenue can support the repayments.

Capital providers will want to protect their investment. Banks may require security in the form of a fixed charge against your personal or company assets that restricts your ability to dispose of those assets. They may also impose clauses that limit the scope of some of your actions.

With loan financing, you will need to meet interest payments and repayments of the principal. If your business doesn't meet these obligations, there is a risk that the bank may foreclose on you. With equity financing the capital providers share the risk and rewards but they may remove or restrict you if the business does not perform adequately.

The cost of financing depends on how much risk the lender associates with your business. The interest you pay compensates the lender for risks taken in lending. With equity financing, funding is unsecured which means a high level of risk for the equity investor. This means your capital provider must believe you have a good chance of earning a high return, usually in the form of an increase in the company's valuation.

Equity Financing		Loan Financing
Advantages	Disadvantages	Advantages	Disadvantages
Can provide a large injection of capital No interest payments No obligation to repay capital	Capital is usually only available in very large amounts It means 'selling' a part of your business Venture capitalists expect high returns on their investments (at least 25% pa) Investors may require you to buy them out at a future point	Amount borrowed can vary according to your needs As long as it is repaid it will not affect your ownership of the company	It creates a debt obligation Interest will be charge - affecting profitability Collateral is usually required & banks will value your assets conservatively If you borrow from friends or relatives it can sour relations if the business fails

Decide How Much You Need and For How Long

If your financing needs are greater than your asset base or profitability, you may need to consider equity finance (financing the value of the shares of your company) instead of term lending, especially if you need finance over a long period. However, these alternatives are not mutually exclusive and you may end up with financing from a combination of sources. Ask your advisers to help you decide what types of finance are most suitable for your business.

You must work out how much you need to borrow. That's why preparing a cash flow projection is important. For example, if you spread the payments for your investment over a period of time by taking out a bank loan, a cash flow projection will help you decide how big a capital injection is needed to cover any anticipated cash shortfall.
Forecasting is not an exact science so you should aim to raise finance slightly in excess of your projected needs to allow for a margin of error.

For more on planning your cash flow visit:

www.empowermentzone.com

www.cashflow-solutions.com

www.cashflowindustry.com

Sources Of Fund

Capital can be acquired from a multitude of sources that include:

	Family & relatives - if they are willing to invest in your venture
	Banks - you most often have to put down some collateral
	Government Grants & Loans - pay attention to the eligibility criteria
	Angels, Venture capitalists & individual investors - refer to INVESTORS

Malaysian VCs & Grants

Securing Your Idea / Invention

An idea or invention must be protected, especially if it is original and has great potential. If it were not secured, it would become public domain and can be used by anybody who sees its potential. There are 3 ways in which ideas and products can be protected, namely, through patents, copyrights and trademarks.

	Patents - There are Patent Lawyers who can help you patent an invention. Patents, like copyrights, will expire.
	Copyrights - A copyright gives you the rights to expression or form. A copyright is only effective when the word "copyright" is used together with the year and name of the copyright owner.
	Trademarks - Unlike Patents and Copyrights, trademarks do not expire, especially if you continue to keep them in the public eye. Trademarks like patents, should be registered in every country that you wish to use it in.

For more information, visit: www.sirim.my/ip

Company Registration

Basic company registration forms

Following are some of the basic registration forms for incorporating a company in Malaysia. Whilst your Company Secretary would handle its submission, you would have to be aware of its details and your obligations.

Form 9 - Certificate of Incorporation of Private Company
Form 24 - Return of Allotment of Shares
Form 44 - Notice of Situation of registered Office and Office Hours and particulars of Change
Form 49 - Returns giving particulars in register of directors, managers and secretaries and changes of particulars

Requirements of a Locally Incorporated Company A locally incorporated company should comply with some standard requirements. Make sure your company: Has a registered office in Malaysia, where all books and documents required under the provisions of the Act are kept. Does not hold shares in its holding company. Has at least two directors who reside in Malaysia. The director does not have to be a shareholder. Your Company Secretary should be resident in Malaysia. Your Company Auditor should also be resident and operating in Malaysia.

Government incentives

The Government offers a number of incentives for companies involved in high technology, information and communication technology (ICT) and for the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC).

Incentives for High Technology companies

These are defined as companies that are involved in promoting activities or products in areas of new or emerging technologies. They are eligible for:

	Pioneer Status with full tax exemption for a period of 5 years and
	Investment tax allowance of 60% on qualifying capital expenditure incurred within a 5-year period.

Incentives for ICT

Incentive for software development - Companies that develop both original and/or undertake to modify existing software are eligible to apply for Pioneer Status.

Incentives for the use of Information Technology (IT) - Computers and IT assets are given an initial allowance of 20% and an annual allowance of 40%. Other incentives include single deduction on operating expenditure, purchase of new computers and contributions in cash or kind for ICT projects at community level.

Incentives for MSC

Companies with MSC Status are allowed to operate tax-free for 10 years or enjoy a 100% investment tax allowance, apart from other benefits and incentives backed by the Malaysian Government's Bill of Guarantees.

More information at: www.mida.gov.my

Steps Towards Incorporating A Company In Malaysia

Business Formats

Before setting up your business, you should consider whether it is going to be a sole proprietorship or a partnership. There are advantages and limitations in both that you would have to consider.

	A sole proprietorship established by an individual. You choose to run the business on your own.
	A partnership by two or more (but not more than 20) persons;
	A company established by a local or foreign company that is registered under the Companies Act 1965.

Company Structure

Once you have decided on your business format you could choose to operate one of four types of companies are provided for under the Companies Act, 1965:

i. Limited by shares - the personal liability of its members is limited to the
par value of their shares;

ii. Limited by guarantee - members guarantee to meet liability up to a
specific amount if the company ceases operations;

iii. Unlimited company - no limit to the members' liability; and

iv. Company limited both by guarantee and shares.

How to register your Company?

	Apply for the Name
	Obtain a Declaration -- of Directors, Subscribers and Secretary(ies)
	Complete and lodge the Incorporation Documents

Visit: www.ssm.gov.my

Steps To Incorporate A Company

The key players in an application to incorporate a company are the entrepreneur and the Company Secretary. The following will help you navigate through the process.

1. Application for a name search to the Registrar of Companies (ROC)
2. Name Accepted
3. Lodge the following documents with the ROC together with relevant fees
within three months from the date of approval:

	Memorandum of Association
	Articles of Association
	Statutory Declaration of Compliance,
	Statutory Declaration by a person before appointment as a director, or by a promoter before incorporation of a company.

Evaluate Your Business Idea

Have I Evaluated My Idea?

The right idea properly exploited and marketed can launch your enterprise successfully. But take the time to think your idea through and discuss it with people you can trust and count on? Ask yourself these questions:

	Does it fills a niche in the market?
	Is the idea practical?
	What competition would you be up against and what edge would you have over your competitors?

When you bounce your idea off a friend or relative or consultant, aim to get honest feedback NOT a "feel good" response! If flaws have become apparent, go back to the drawing board before taking the next step.

By evaluating your idea, you get a better grasp of what you are aiming for. At the same time, people whom you trust can help you build the idea further and grow your company.

Other Considerations

	Think about how you're going to advertise or promote yourself and your product / service?
	Have you taken into consideration all the costs involved in establishing a business?
	What sort of a business structure are you going to put in place - sole proprietorship / partnership?
	Have you chosen the name of your company? Think about the purpose of the name and how it identifies with what you're doing.
	What about your corporate image? Think about a logo, colours, typeface etc. The manner in which the image of your company is presented to the public via business cards and letterheads is important. The impression people make of your company is often based on your stationery ie. good, bad or indifferent. Exploit the potential of your company's image and make sure you convey a good impression.

Starting A Business

Starting a business is an exciting but demanding task. Below you will find some important questions to ask yourself before you start. Also included are some personal qualities shared by many successful entrepreneurs. Measure yourself. Find out if you are a budding entrepreneur. To get you going, we have included some ground rules for establishing a business.

Am I ready for the challenge and ready to take the risk?

Do some soul-searching and ask yourself whether you are absolutely sure that you are well suited to running a company. How much are you willing to stake and what are the potential risks you will face?

Starting a business and nurturing it takes a lot of time and effort. Ask yourself these question:

Will I be dedicated to this venture?
How much of my time and myself can I commit?
Can I manage the stress on myself and my family and friends at the start-up stage?
How can I manage my time effectively?

You could be looking at long hours that will test your character in many ways. Can you handle that? Does your venture motivate you enough to make you go for it?

A good way to get started is to think about how you would organise yourself. What would your goals and targets towards set-up be? This could be your greatest source of motivation. List them down in order of priority and give yourself a timeframe for completion. Reward yourself for every bridge you've crossed.

A successful entrepreneur is one who:

is motivated and who is able to motivate those around him / her
is able to manage time effectively.
has the ability to leverage off strengths and overcome weaknesses.
manages resources well.
considers health as well as wealth.
is flexible and able to adapt well to change.
is willing to learn from others.

There are lots of points to ponder before deciding to become an entrepreneur & you may need help in coming to that decision. Invest in some thinking time before you swing into the venture. Prepare yourself mentally. Prepare others around you for the set-up of this venture - the emotional stress will be lesser in the long run.

Welcome to leLabu.Com

hi there,

In this small chance let me greet you a warm welcome to my leLabu.Com blog. We could share thoughts here as no one will argue our opinions. There's a small world out there if we covered all knowledges lay there but there will be a very, very big world if we just sit on our soft chairs and doing absolutely nothing.

Frankly, I just knew this internet world a few years ago. Letting myself excited with it for a couple of years and then I didn't have enough time to sit by my PC. To be honest, I don't have my own PC now, as my PC already outdated. I'm using my office laptop, currently.

That's it for now, an intro for myself.