Dear Diary,
It is only 4 months away from the end of 2013. It appears that the wings of time have grown stronger, larger and faster... I wish for a moment that I could stop time, somewhat, somehow...
Lately, I have moved away from my brunch craze to high-tea craze. So, attended a handful within the short span of a month, at 4-5 star hotels with various girlfriends who share the same affinity. So relaxing, to chill out at nice ambience and catch up over beautiful, tasty pastries.
I have decided to commit more efforts into the new job, since the rewards are good. So work will be busy and more varied; but I love busy-ness. Of course I love my leisure as well, which is why dinners, drinks and high teas are in the schedule with friends. But other than having fun and enjoying myself, I need to keep myself busy in more meaningful and constructive ways too.
Hence, what have I been to lately? Working on my 2nd / 3rd book? Nope, these have been put on hold temporarily.
I have been working on two business projects. The first one is an online business, and I will be doing it with a partner who is one of the besties for decades. Have finished the research, suppliers sourcing, products sourcing, negotiations and finalized the business plan between the two of us. After a couple of meetings, we are ready to launch and get in business finally. I am so excited. The entire process of thinking up of a suitable name (sounds easy, but trust me, it really is not), deciding and agreeing on products to launch, looking for best price and competitors, liaising with suppliers halfway across the globe, seeking platforms to embark on for the business, and of course seeking advice from other friends already in business - is tedious but definitely rewarding.
Did not want any partners initially, because knowing my own personality and temper, am very afraid that working together may turn the relationships sour. But oh well, *Pris has known me, battled with me since young, and I know her. We are both obstinate, direct and very practical people, so I reckon that with all the rules set in black and white, all should be fine.
The second business plan will also be mainly online for now (with long term goals for a physical outlet) and is related in a field I always had an interest in. Did a long business proposal on it, and presented to a couple of potential venture capitalists. Now at the fine-tuning stage based on their advice / guidance / requirements. Have offers from my own friends to invest into this humble business, but I had to decline. For the same reasons of not wanting partners - don't want relationships to turn sour, or for any other factors to affect my business operations; and also, I cannot guarantee breakeven or turnover at this point in time as the project is very novel, very fresh and coming up with a ballpark figure is not practical. So I need investors who will work with me on a very strictly business reason.
I have more research and trial-and-errors to do for the second business plan, but it will keep me busy enough for now.
Am very fortunate to have many friends whom I can turn to for advice and guidance and hand-holding as these two will be my very first business ventures. Either that I have made the right friends or I am blessed. Will not forget them of course, when businesses flourish.
A favour for a friend has made me take a step back to re-establish contacts with friends in the media / journalism sector. Good to touch base with them again, and to know that when I need to send my own press releases out, I know who are the ones I can connect with directly. To boast a little, I am glad I have all these network contacts in place; some friends, some acquaintances. And that I am thick-skinned / arrogant enough to forge deeper bond beyond the original tier of acquaintanceship / friendship.
Other fronts, an addition has slowly become an addiction... and it is getting perilously close to danger. But should be manageable, by my standards.
No other updates at this point in time. Stay tuned.
Kisses and roses.
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