Being safe in your business is a sure way to mediocrity and perhaps even bankruptcy. The big deal about Johnny cupcakes is not because they are making millions selling t-shirts, it's because they turned reason upside down to create a following. And that means doing things that are unexpected and beyond logic (selling t-shirts in stores that look and smells like a bakery?) because they can.
They probably did not require a business case to put a Ninja turtle trading card along with the t-shirt.
Be different, be bold and make a big deal.
Showing posts with label IMD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IMD. Show all posts
Monday, November 5, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Single minded benefit
I have been consulting with a fellow student with a startup on the topic of marketing and branding, and it reminded me of the realities of making the decision to target a specific segment and delivering a single minded benefit. Why is it so difficult?
1. Companies feel that if you target one segment, you are leaving money on the table
2. Business cases do not take into consideration the positive effect on other segments if you are single minded in your message
3. Companies feel that it is less risky to broadly target a $1 bn market than to specifically target a $100 million market
But what is the reality?
1. If you target more than 1 segment, you are confusing the customer
2. Business cases should not be the end all be all
3. It is more risky if you are ambiguous. If you are broad and general, you don't stand for anything.
Stop compromising and pick a segment your product or service can best deliver the benefit! You may then find out that your final plan may in reality impact more than 1segment!!! Actually I am positive that will happen. A crisp clear message appeals to many more than you think.
1. Companies feel that if you target one segment, you are leaving money on the table
2. Business cases do not take into consideration the positive effect on other segments if you are single minded in your message
3. Companies feel that it is less risky to broadly target a $1 bn market than to specifically target a $100 million market
But what is the reality?
1. If you target more than 1 segment, you are confusing the customer
2. Business cases should not be the end all be all
3. It is more risky if you are ambiguous. If you are broad and general, you don't stand for anything.
Stop compromising and pick a segment your product or service can best deliver the benefit! You may then find out that your final plan may in reality impact more than 1segment!!! Actually I am positive that will happen. A crisp clear message appeals to many more than you think.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Prepare for effectiveness
Every meeting that is planned requires what? Planning! The more number of people you have in the meeting, the more time it takes to prepare for effectiveness. A face to face may require jotting down some notes and questions, perhaps thinking how to phrase them to elicit the required information. But once you get into larger numbers... Think about how much preparation went into a keynote by Steve Jobs or perhaps a convention for housands of people by Tony Robbins in order to be absolutely effective!
How much time have you put in to preparation lately? Are you being effective?
How much time have you put in to preparation lately? Are you being effective?
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Staying the course
After the MBA, you start to get back into the "real" world. What does that really mean? It really means that our convictions will constantly be tested and we will face the temptation to go back to our old self before the IMD experience. But hopefully with the training of being more self aware, we can deflect un-inspiring encounters and detect our natural inclination to avoid discomfort.
Stay the course, fellow MBAs and know that we must change the world, inspire the people we come in contact with and have as much fun as we can.
Stay the course, fellow MBAs and know that we must change the world, inspire the people we come in contact with and have as much fun as we can.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Last MBA Journal Entry...
Here it is! My last contribution to Bloomberg BusinessWeek. I must say, they are really easy to work with and the since the IMD timelines are different from traditional business schools, I also enjoy some flexibility in submissions. Thanks again for the opportunity, it has been tough at times to crank out an entry, but fun nevertheless. Enjoy!
Last Entry
Last Entry
Transition period
Between graduation and starting my new gig is a time to relax and spend some time with the family. Alison and I were lucky to ham it up with Grandma Millie, our old neighbor Sonja, Uncle Steve, Aunt Ruth and of course Toby and Dorothy. And on the Asia side, we spent time with my niece and nephew, cousins from Ipoh and Kuantan, and my parents.
Our belongings were finally moved from the Roseville residence and on its way to the Netherlands last Friday. We are next! Wish us luck as we will aim to step foot into our new country sometime in February!
Our belongings were finally moved from the Roseville residence and on its way to the Netherlands last Friday. We are next! Wish us luck as we will aim to step foot into our new country sometime in February!
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| At the MIA with Grandma! |
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| Christmas time with the family |
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| At the BOH tea plantation, Cameron Highlands with Mum, Dad and Ipoh crew |
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| Aunty Alison with Nephew Jo Jo |
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| Some relaxing time at NIKOI island (more to come on this!) |
Friday, December 23, 2011
The best spa... ever!
I admit, I am not the guru of spas and I am not one that frequents them either. But this particular bath that is found in the middle of no where in Vals is simply phenomenal. Anyone that visits Switzerland NEEDS to pay a visit to this sanctuary of relaxation and pruney skin. Welcome to the Thermal Baths by Peter Zumthor.
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| The outdoor bath combines breath taking scenery and warm blue waters. |
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| Smooth as silk |
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| Vals |
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| Breathing in peace |
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| Good bye luxurious relaxing weekend... till next time! |
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A journey ends and a new one begins
Last Friday was our graduation and we had a blast. I had an absolutely fantastic time delivering our graduation speech on behalf of the class and the party at the Beau Rivage was such a good time. It ended at about 5.30 in the morning. Alison and I ducked out at about 3.45am, thinking it was over as the lights came on.
In the last month, we had our electives and a last week that consisted of learning about the first 90 days in our next job, painting and learning about team work from a string quartet. It was a perfect way to end the year as we reflected and start to process the intense experience of the year. Good byes were said over the next few days during dinners and getting together at the White Horse for some pints. There were lots of hugs and lots of kisses as we part and move to different regions to start a new chapter in our lives.
I will miss the camaraderie with my class. We were really close and the intense experience really brought us closer together as a group, which is evident by the tears after it hit us that the year is over. For me, I look forward to the visits and laughing about the hard and fun times throughout the year. It is the thought of reminiscing that will help us all move on. Alison and I also look forward to building a home together, this time hopefully in a better living space!
As I start to catch up on the pictures, emails and closing out the year, I will post more pictures and videos.
Cheers,
Howie Chan, IMD MBA Graduate
In the last month, we had our electives and a last week that consisted of learning about the first 90 days in our next job, painting and learning about team work from a string quartet. It was a perfect way to end the year as we reflected and start to process the intense experience of the year. Good byes were said over the next few days during dinners and getting together at the White Horse for some pints. There were lots of hugs and lots of kisses as we part and move to different regions to start a new chapter in our lives.
I will miss the camaraderie with my class. We were really close and the intense experience really brought us closer together as a group, which is evident by the tears after it hit us that the year is over. For me, I look forward to the visits and laughing about the hard and fun times throughout the year. It is the thought of reminiscing that will help us all move on. Alison and I also look forward to building a home together, this time hopefully in a better living space!
As I start to catch up on the pictures, emails and closing out the year, I will post more pictures and videos.
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| Graduation Ball at the Beau Rivage Hotel, Lausanne, Switzerland |
Cheers,
Howie Chan, IMD MBA Graduate
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Sowing the seeds...
... of a career! It is an apt metaphor as I continue to navigate the world of jobs and find one that fits. I must say it continues to be an amazing experience of connecting and talking to people. It IS true when Forrest Gump says, "you never know what you are going to get"!
So in line with building an online presence, here are qualities that exemplify me:
- Marketing excellence
- Customer focused
- Leadership & influence
- Innovative drive
- Curiosity & learning agility
- Breadth in communication
- Global awareness
- Adaptability
There you have it, a little teaser about me and find me on LinkedIn!
So in line with building an online presence, here are qualities that exemplify me:
- Marketing excellence
- Customer focused
- Leadership & influence
- Innovative drive
- Curiosity & learning agility
- Breadth in communication
- Global awareness
- Adaptability
There you have it, a little teaser about me and find me on LinkedIn!
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| International Consulting Project Final Presentation |
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Nespresso & Career Search
The International Consulting Projects (ICPs) are well under way. I am working with Nespresso, which is a 5 min walk west of campus. Pretty sweet huh! Being close has its perks, since we can get together with our client as often as we want and we can meet with pretty much anyone in the building. Don't forget about the endless cups of Nespresso we can enjoy!
We are halfway in and have completed Phase 2 last week. We are gearing up for an exciting Phase 3. It will be intense, but I think it will be great fun. At the same time, we are also in the midst of our job hunt. It will definitely be a trying period as we try to stay true to what we want. The pressure from friends, family and a "deadline" of December 2nd will continue to brew and I think this is where persistence and optimism will play a great part to stay above water.
For me, I know my long term targets and being sure about them gives me a certain calm that everything is going to be alright. A great quote (more of a paraphrase) from an Alum this past week:
"All of you are already one of the best in your field, and you have all been thrown here together to experience something very unique. Your system is continuing to digest the changes and becoming slowly aware of what has changed within you. Take your time and figure out exactly what you want and do not worry, it will work out."
I believe I HAVE changed and I look at the world a little differently than before. My system is still adjusting, I am certain of that. I will continue to reach for what sends a tingle in my spine and excites me, for our lives are very short and I want to spend my time doing what is worth doing.
We are halfway in and have completed Phase 2 last week. We are gearing up for an exciting Phase 3. It will be intense, but I think it will be great fun. At the same time, we are also in the midst of our job hunt. It will definitely be a trying period as we try to stay true to what we want. The pressure from friends, family and a "deadline" of December 2nd will continue to brew and I think this is where persistence and optimism will play a great part to stay above water.
For me, I know my long term targets and being sure about them gives me a certain calm that everything is going to be alright. A great quote (more of a paraphrase) from an Alum this past week:
"All of you are already one of the best in your field, and you have all been thrown here together to experience something very unique. Your system is continuing to digest the changes and becoming slowly aware of what has changed within you. Take your time and figure out exactly what you want and do not worry, it will work out."
I believe I HAVE changed and I look at the world a little differently than before. My system is still adjusting, I am certain of that. I will continue to reach for what sends a tingle in my spine and excites me, for our lives are very short and I want to spend my time doing what is worth doing.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
In the alps - Rochers De Naye
One of my wishes is to be in the mountains more often and so Alison will always hear me suggest - "how about going to the mountains?" So while we were planning for this sunday, we tried to figure out where the closest mountain adventure would be and we ended up with Rochers De Naye. It is a really short trip from Lausanne; short train ride to Montreux and then a 45min cog wheel train up the mountains. I must say, the train ride was magnificent and well worth the money. We went all the way to the top, above the clouds.
We then proceeded to hike down... this was the tougher part. It was really steep and not exactly a leisure hike like we planned. Kudos to my in-laws for toughing it out! Nonetheless an excellent adventure we walked away with some wonderful memories, pictures, a great story and some sore quads.
We then proceeded to hike down... this was the tougher part. It was really steep and not exactly a leisure hike like we planned. Kudos to my in-laws for toughing it out! Nonetheless an excellent adventure we walked away with some wonderful memories, pictures, a great story and some sore quads.
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| Cog wheel train (Toby & Dorothy) |
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| Less than 2 hours later, we are above the clouds |
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| Signs? |
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| The great steep descent |
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| Reminiscing the journey |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Alp horn cheese aliens!
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| Alison, Dorothy & Toby in Gruyere |
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| Raclette - melted cheese... mmmm |
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| Gruyere cheese metropolis |
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| The alp horn masters |
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| The Giger bar where aliens dwell |
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| Alien watching over Gruyere |
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| The Giger museum! |
Monday, May 30, 2011
The magic number 3
One
Remember the video submission to GBSN? We actually won 2nd place! The news article by IMD was actually featured on the homepage for a couple of days, maybe weeks? Nevertheless, this again proves that you will never know what happens when you give gifts (thanks Seth Godin for Linchpin). I never did expect anything to come from it and being in second place, we actually do not receive a prize. Our program director, however was kind enough to sponsor one of us to Mexico city for the conference in June. So guess what, I will be heading to Mexico for the GBSN conference in a few weeks. Thanks again for all that participated!
Two
The MBAT concluded several weeks ago and I must say, the IMD crew was the ones that made the entire event fun. The logistics at HEC was nothing short of disastrous, and not at all family friendly. The meals I heard were really bad and the parties were equally frustrating. IMD should have their own party! It is no wonder that we are a great crew, since we have close to 100% attendance from the entire class, whereas the other schools only send their athletes and they usually just stay in Paris anyway. Alison and I were lucky we rented a car, since on campus transport was limited to buses that did not run on schedule and were prone to getting lost. However, we spent so much money on the trip that if I were to do it over, it would have been much different.
Negatives aside, this trip showed me how united our class has become, and it is a great feeling to feel the sense of camaraderie. This IS unique to IMD, and when we face outside competition, you can be sure we have each other's back. Thanks guys for a fantastic time!
Three
The start-up projects have concluded! It has been a great learning experience. We learned first hand what it means to work in a start-up and to feel his frustrations and struggles. Although I am glad we are done with another milestone of the program, I also feel that after everything we learned about this company, I want it to succeed. Secretly, I wish that I can help them take it to another level.
Remember the video submission to GBSN? We actually won 2nd place! The news article by IMD was actually featured on the homepage for a couple of days, maybe weeks? Nevertheless, this again proves that you will never know what happens when you give gifts (thanks Seth Godin for Linchpin). I never did expect anything to come from it and being in second place, we actually do not receive a prize. Our program director, however was kind enough to sponsor one of us to Mexico city for the conference in June. So guess what, I will be heading to Mexico for the GBSN conference in a few weeks. Thanks again for all that participated!
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| the creative director at work! |
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| the smile on Alison's face says it all |
The MBAT concluded several weeks ago and I must say, the IMD crew was the ones that made the entire event fun. The logistics at HEC was nothing short of disastrous, and not at all family friendly. The meals I heard were really bad and the parties were equally frustrating. IMD should have their own party! It is no wonder that we are a great crew, since we have close to 100% attendance from the entire class, whereas the other schools only send their athletes and they usually just stay in Paris anyway. Alison and I were lucky we rented a car, since on campus transport was limited to buses that did not run on schedule and were prone to getting lost. However, we spent so much money on the trip that if I were to do it over, it would have been much different.
Negatives aside, this trip showed me how united our class has become, and it is a great feeling to feel the sense of camaraderie. This IS unique to IMD, and when we face outside competition, you can be sure we have each other's back. Thanks guys for a fantastic time!
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| the cheerleaders! |
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| handling the rock |
The start-up projects have concluded! It has been a great learning experience. We learned first hand what it means to work in a start-up and to feel his frustrations and struggles. Although I am glad we are done with another milestone of the program, I also feel that after everything we learned about this company, I want it to succeed. Secretly, I wish that I can help them take it to another level.
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| Raphael serving us some pasta |
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| champagne! (Raphael, Christian, Kamini, Kemi, Veronika, Saskia, Me) |
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Integrative Exercise 2
In our second integrative exercise, the 90 of us were split into four different universes that consists of three groups each. In each cluster of three, there was Egypt Telecom and two other telecom consortiums. Our team was Egypt Telecom and we were to run the negotiations starting at 8am the next day. In the mean time, we had to figure out a strategy, role play the Egyptian culture and figure out how much we are willing to sell a subsidiary for!
Our team started reading the pile of papers at 5.30pm and started discussions during dinner at 7pm. We then discussed the structure and how we want to split up the team. By 10pm, we split up to do the work. At midnight, we gathered to discuss what had been done so far and we decided to send out a memo to the groups the criteria - we had a board covered with the different items we were going to look at! At ~4.45am, I walked home and slept at about 5am. I woke up at 6.30am, well, not really waking up since I didn't really go into deep sleep. Anyway the team met up, some of them stayed in school to sleep in the nap room. We took the floor at 8am...
The discussions throughout the day was fun, but also frustrating as it was hard to keep the entire team on one strategy as there was a lot of improvisation on the spot. All in all, we learned that building trust in negotiations is definitely key! We ended the day with a happy hour which I hear lasted past 1am in the foyer! I left stumbling home at about 9.30pm.
Cheers to Team Fortynine!
Our team started reading the pile of papers at 5.30pm and started discussions during dinner at 7pm. We then discussed the structure and how we want to split up the team. By 10pm, we split up to do the work. At midnight, we gathered to discuss what had been done so far and we decided to send out a memo to the groups the criteria - we had a board covered with the different items we were going to look at! At ~4.45am, I walked home and slept at about 5am. I woke up at 6.30am, well, not really waking up since I didn't really go into deep sleep. Anyway the team met up, some of them stayed in school to sleep in the nap room. We took the floor at 8am...
The discussions throughout the day was fun, but also frustrating as it was hard to keep the entire team on one strategy as there was a lot of improvisation on the spot. All in all, we learned that building trust in negotiations is definitely key! We ended the day with a happy hour which I hear lasted past 1am in the foyer! I left stumbling home at about 9.30pm.
Cheers to Team Fortynine!
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| brain dump |
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| morning cheer after minimum sleep |
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| bright and early 8am in the boardroom |
Monday, April 25, 2011
There and back again...
I have been nominated for Best of Blogging by ClearAdmit! Vote for my blog here.
In the past few weeks, there has been a frenzy of activities in the program. We completed our first round of exams at the beginning of April and had a real weekend! It ended all too quickly and when we came back to class, we had the innovation bag challenge, in which the MBAs and EMBAs were pit against each other to come up with the best bag for students/executives. I must say, the innovation class was great; I thoroughly enjoyed myself and am pretty confident to lead an innovation exercise wherever I may end up. Next, we also had to pick our International Consulting Projects in one hour. That was a tough exercise, as we struggled to find the “right” project that will define the rest of the program. And in the midst of all these activities, we find ourselves having to finish the strategy mid-term, in which most of the class stayed up through the night to complete it and then go to class… class attendance was at its lowest at ~70 the day after! Following this intense week, we raced into the Easter break.
A few of us escaped to the vineyards for a picnic that Thursday. It was beautiful and we had a fantastic time. Alison and I then fled to Lugano and Como to enjoy the rest of the long weekend. All I have to say is: Wine, Pizza, Pasta, Sunshine and Gelato…
Next up, integrative exercise number two, finishing up our startup projects and never ending accounting and finance!
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| Lugano, Switzerland |
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| what it's like in Gelato heaven |
Friday, April 8, 2011
IMD Video Contest
Video editing, interviews, photos for the stop motion segment probably took more than 40 hours of work! Thank you Alison for providing some editing help when school got really crazy and being the creative director for the stop motion segment. We did have to cut it by 30sec to fit into the final video. Thanks to all who helped and pitched in!
Global Business School Network competition
Global Business School Network competition
Monday, March 7, 2011
Goodbye Economy
Our last economy class... the whirlwind tour of economics has ended, and we are now facing a test to wrap it all up. The last class culminated last Friday, where all 11 groups presented their work. Class lasted 7 hours, but I have never had so much fun in class before. It was filled with wit, charm, intensity, passion, conflict and even alcohol!
Each group presented on the micro and macroeconomics of a country or region and introduced challenges and potential solutions. It was extremely interesting to hear the issues of economic growth and if it is the only solution and how might change come about. In the end, for every single country or region, it came down to changing the mindset of the people, which means it will take years and would require strong leaders. A coincidence that IMD focuses on leadership? Maybe not.
I will miss Prof. Boscheck and I will miss this class. Cheers to economy!
Each group presented on the micro and macroeconomics of a country or region and introduced challenges and potential solutions. It was extremely interesting to hear the issues of economic growth and if it is the only solution and how might change come about. In the end, for every single country or region, it came down to changing the mindset of the people, which means it will take years and would require strong leaders. A coincidence that IMD focuses on leadership? Maybe not.
I will miss Prof. Boscheck and I will miss this class. Cheers to economy!
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| We discussed gender discrimination and this created some tension in class |
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| The India group came with costumes and all! |
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| Prof. Boscheck in all his glory |
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| A beer in class - priceless! |
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Team Gruyere
As part of the MBA program, we work extensively in groups. Since we will be exercising leadership all our lives in small groups throughout any organization, we put a lot of time in our groups. The great part about IMD MBA group work is that in addition to case discussions and completing assignments, we also study our own behavior in these groups. We use video, group observation techniques and various psychological assessments to really dig deep into who each of us really are and how we can view the world from another person's perspective, at the same time taking note of what our initial reactions were.
This may sound very "touchy feely"... well it is! But it is so important! Effective leaders must understand themselves, both the dark and light side, the conscious and the subconscious. Throughout our short time together, I came to realize the power of active listening and self reflection as well as how better decisions can result from the conflict and differences in the team. Cheers team, our roller coaster ride is just beginning!
This may sound very "touchy feely"... well it is! But it is so important! Effective leaders must understand themselves, both the dark and light side, the conscious and the subconscious. Throughout our short time together, I came to realize the power of active listening and self reflection as well as how better decisions can result from the conflict and differences in the team. Cheers team, our roller coaster ride is just beginning!
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| Team Gruyere - From left: Ayman, Hannes, Constanza, Elisa, Nicole, Sanjar |
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Half a week
The first weekend of the program! After a packed couple of days, we finally have a short break to catch up on some sleep, readings, life and some homework. Our Saturday class ended at ~12pm today and after a short group huddle, we left IMD and greeted the sunshine and balmy 43F weather!
So far, the experience has been simply amazing.
Starting with a team building activity (scavenger hunt) in Lausanne, in which our group spent the longest time running around town (since we love each others company so much!), 90 minutes and 90 people to build an arch (talk about too many cooks in the kitchen! We completed the project nonetheless) and lastly a group homework in the evening and into the night (we left IMD ~12.30am). This was our kickoff to the program.
I loved our classes. Although each class was 4 hours long, I loved the fact that philosophy and history was a strong part of them. (I wrote a post on Leadership on the IMD blog). Here's to a great start and a wonderful experience. Cheers!
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| Economy Class |
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| Team 4 aka Team "Gruyere" in our study room |
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