Be, Do and Have More

“If you work hard and smart you may finally reach the top - #1! And then what? If you want to stay there, you've got to work even harder and smarter! Give it your all. Give it your best. Give it 120%,” says Ron Kaufman, an internationally acclaimed customer service training educator and motivator, author of bestselling series ‘UP Your Service!’ and founder of Up Your Service! College.

Ron coaches business-oriented individuals as he relates his experience at the Singapore Airlines Cabin Crew Training Centre…

A visitor asked Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President Sim Kay Wee, “How does Singapore Airlines stay on top all these years? And how do you plan to keep the lead while other airlines work so hard to beat you?”

Sim Kay Wee answered clearly, “100% is not enough. When you reach #1, you need 120%. Here's why… if you fly on a mediocre airline, your service expectation may be only 50%. If the cabin crew is in a better mood, they may actually deliver 65%. Then what is your opinion of the service? It's up 15%!”

“Now if you know Singapore Airlines is #1, what is your expectation of the service? 110%! And if our cabin crew delivers service only at the 100% level, what is your opinion of the service? It's down 10%! This is the challenge of being #1. If you are in the lead and want to stay there, 100% is not enough. You need every member of the team to give 120%!”

The lesson of the story is simple. Do not be afraid to aim further and exceed the projected mark. Never underestimate your strengths and capabilities. You can always be, do and have more!

To receive more motivational stories and valuable lessons, attend Ariva!’s seminar-workshops from September to December 2009. VIEW AD

How to be a successful freelancer

Check your Finances
Going freelance is risky especially when it comes to financial security. You must keep in mind that with freelance status comes the elonquently worded risk, “No work, No pay.” Therefore, the flow of money is irregular. Remember to self-evaluate and review your current financial standing and support system before making any major shifts in your career. It may also be wise to discuss your career choices with family, friends, or even business experts to determine if they agree and if they’re willing to assist you until you’re at a comfortable pace. Also make sure you have “savings” to serve as a head start. You may want to consult a banking and finance professional to guide you in planning your finances.

Treat your work like a business
If you treat your work like a hobby, something just for sheer personal enjoyment, you might overlook some serious plans for the future. So if you want to make a living out of your craft or passion, treat your work like a CEO would treat his company.

Self-promotion is key
Advertise yourself like the freshest product in the market. Promote yourself online and offline in a very professional manner. You can put together a portfolio or a personal website to showcase who you are. If you have a budget, you can hire a web designer or go to a web service company to set up your own site. There are also free web hosts to accommodate such functions. 88DB.com is a service portal offering free ad posting to freelancers. Register as a member and create your own advertising profile. Email your portfolios to your prospective clients. Include the services you offer, your strengths, rates, references, and skill level. Portfolios in CD or DVD format may also be a good choice.

Build a huge network
Be a social animal. Socialize online and offline to promote yourself and to land more projects. This also includes participating in various online forums, knowledge Q & A, groups, business and social networking websites. The important thing is to be able to interact with other people working in the same industry as you are while making new associations and exchanging tips with them.

Practice good time management
As a freelancer, you have chosen to opt out of the 9-6 culture and so, time is in your hands. Not being able to manage your time wisely will be your downfall. Organize your work in an efficient manner. Make sure to systematize your time even for the simplest of work such as checking e-mails and finalizing paperwork. This will allow you to efficiently accommodate the much bigger tasks at hand.

Promise consistency and deliver consistency
Do not overcommit and underperform. Be reasonable with what you can and cannot do. Analyze the deliverables, set realistic expectations, and do your best.

Suggest other projects
A consistent amount of work load or a repeat business is your best friend. That means more work and more money. Don’t be afraid to request for more. There is no harm in asking.

Think positive and expect to succeed
Freelancing is not just about flexibility and adaptability. It is investing on your own skills to help you achieve a balance in your life, and if you let it, it will open the possibility of steering your career to a direction that truly fits your lifestyle. It’s about having self-belief and taking responsibility for your own future. Set your goals, put it in writing, work hard, and keep your eye on the prize. Romina Tobias

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