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Learning from the expert

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Nov 17, 2009
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Be hated but not defeated
by: Benjamin Koh

Interesting point about being hated. I hope that you have realised that an entrepreneur's journey is a lonely one and do not be defeated but it!

May 26, 2009
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Well done
by: Van

Hi,

I have learned some valuable insights reading your story. It's very important to emphasize the power of teamwork, in the sense that trust is a foundation for successfully reaching our goals. Not only that, learning to be independent at the same time is also of vital importance.

It doesn't matter how you started, it's how you finished.

Apr 07, 2009
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Don't lose hope!
by: David Lin

On your notion of being hated, I too had this experience last month when I spoke to a friend's father that was owns a huge business. He told me that it was extremely difficult to do business, especially during a recession.
Initally I felt discouraged, I thought I would receive some form of approval considering the man was hugely successful.
The I realized that I should not be emotionally affected. If I truly believe in my business, done my research to understand the customer needs and the competitive environment, I should not be disheartened just because others do not believe.

Concerning failure, I feel it is a calculated risk that one has to take to be an entrepreneur. Just like how risk is balanced by returns in the financial markets, I feel it applies somewhat to entrepreneurship too. Considering we are just graduating and have not much burdens, it is a opportune time to take the entrepreneurship path.

Dont lose hope, I'm sure you'll find success!

Apr 06, 2009
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The Road Less Taken
by: Rachel Ma

You're right about being scared when it comes to being an entrepreneur and I share the same sentiments! Really good feedback for the course too! Thanks for sharing your lessons learnt!

Apr 06, 2009
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Good Job~!
by: Sam

I totally agree that this course is at the crux about the human; not about business plans, or models, or even the product. It is about a human need, a human passion, and a human touch. Great statements and I will remember them as I continue with my entrepreneur journey

Apr 05, 2009
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Human Touch
by: Shanglin

Very very true . Businesses are about making money , but more important, it's about connecting with people and addressing their needs in the most personal way possible .

Apr 05, 2009
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Be Hated; Salemanship
by: Winston

Hi Ben,

I really like the short poem that you shared at the end of your journal. Short, sweet but insightful.

To add on to your third lesson, 'be hated' and rejections are common reactions that entrepreneurs get during their journey. I prefer to see the rejections as part and parcel of salemanship. We just have to become more and more thick-skin to get used to it.

Hi Rachael,

Honestly, I have never thought of an online business as I am not a very IT kind of person.

But looking at your lessons, I am reminded that even without the knowledge, we just need the courage to seek that knowledge.

Good luck for your future endeavors!

Cheers
Winston



Apr 05, 2009
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Now i HATE you
by: Ben Pua

For making me read through all the experiences all over again and making me remember how many times we actually failed. Made me feel just like a gem.

Yea I think with this little time spent as a entrepreneur, we took one step closer to how your dad actually felt: being emotionally attached to the baby you created and breathed life into. It really takes a special kind of person to commit himself/herself down this path.

It has thoroughly been an exciting many miles to share with yourself and the COOL before we actually sleep.

Apr 05, 2009
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A little story...
by: Elizabeth

Hi,

In response to what you've written, do let me share a story I heard the other day :)

"Many tiny frogs were in a race to jump up a very tall tower. A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer the contestants on. But honestly, no one in the crowd believed that the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower... All around, you could hear statements of, 'Oh, WAY too difficult', or 'It's impossible, it's too tall.'

It was a long way up the tower. Soon, many tiny frogs had dropped out of the race, but a few continued to hop determinedly on.

The crowd continued to shake their heads. 'It is too difficult! No one will make it.'

More tiny frogs got tired and gave up. But one continued, higher and higher and higher...

And finally, it reached the top.

Naturally, the crowd went wild, and wanted to know how the tiny victor had found the strength to reach the goal. It turned out that the winner was...

DEAF!"

***

So, instead of preparing to "be hated" (which somehow has negative connotations to me ^^), do be deaf to all that is negative around you. Don't let others' pessimism drag you down. Always think of the power that words have, because everything you read and hear about will affect your actions. Be deaf when people tell you that you cannot fulfil your dreams! And best of luck in all you do from now on :)

Apr 04, 2009
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Thanks for sharing =D
by: yuet ching

Hi Ben

from what your group shared in class, think u guys put in alot of effort into the biz, going to schools, persuading parents, contacting coaches etc. I think Talentsport's purpose is quite useful..all the best for Talentsport!! =D

Yuet Ching

Apr 04, 2009
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Keep it up
by: Andy

A very nice write up. Keep it up.

Andy

Apr 04, 2009
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Press on!
by: Claire

Hi Ben,

thanks for opening up and sharing about your family business. It's truly encouraging to see that you are making a brave step to start a business despite the background you come from.

Press on!

Apr 03, 2009
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Good Job!
by: Feng Yi

Hi Ben, I can definitely tell that you are passionate about your business and I'm sure that this will see you far in making your business a success!

Apr 03, 2009
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You're the MAN!
by: Alan Ng

Hey Ben,

Thanks for your courage sharing your candid views on starting a business. The risks are definitely as high as the rewards can be, and I agree, sometimes, it's overlooked.

I think it really goes down to whether one would risk the lost opportunity of a life-changing career or risk the potential failure.

Whichever path you choose, make sure u do it with no regrets!

You're the MAN!

Apr 02, 2009
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hAng on therE!
by: Daniel

Enjoy the jouRney to SuCcess ya!

:) d

Mar 31, 2009
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Keep trying
by: Terence

Everyone else makes some mistakes and we all learn along the way.

LEt's put our experience to gain in this class for our future start ups.

Mar 31, 2009
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Comment.
by: Dawn

Thank you for sharing your story, Ben. It gives a bit more background and perspective to what you and your group achieved.

I think I made a lot of mistakes in this course, too, so I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who feels that they did!

Cheers,
Dawn

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