Mengambil semangat

Semalam saya berkesempatan berkunjung ke Majlis Mesra Aidilfitri Galeri Ilmu. Alhamdulillah, satu pengalaman yang cukup mengujakan! Saya bertemu ramai penulis, ustaz, dan kakitangan Galeri Ilmu termasuklah kak Suraiya yang dikenali di alam maya namun kali pertama bertemu muka di alam nyata. Malah ada pula kawan kepada ibu mertua saya (seorang calon penulis) yang cam wajah saya dan menegur saya - kecilnya dunia. Pada mulanya saya berasa segan memperkenalkan diri apabila ditanya siapa, tetapi semakin lama saya berasa semakin yakin diri.

Saya ini, selalunya lama contemplate atau menimbangkan sebelum publish sesuatu di blog ini, memandangkan tempat ini terbuka (sesiapa pun boleh baca). Dan saya ini, lebih suka berkongsi setelah sesuatu itu berstatus pasti. Walaupun saya tahu berkongsi matlamat atau gol/target dengan orang lain dikatakan boleh menjadi motivasi bagi diri, namun saya lebih kepada 'segan'. Takut rasa 'malu' kalau tidak berhasil.

Namun, hari ini berbeza. Mengambil semangat daripada pengalaman saya di pejabat Galeri Ilmu semalam, saya berazam untuk melebihkan tindakan (just do it!) dan mengehadkan 'angan-angan' (I've not been good with executing my plans before). Tambahan pula, pagi semalam saya mengambil dua tindakan 'spontan' dan hasilnya menyenangkan hati, jadi pengalaman positif itu pun membantu.

So, what am I working on?

1. Sebuah cerpen telah dihantar sebagai penyertaan Sayembara Menulis Cerpen Majalah Asuh, namun belum disiarkan atau ada jawapan.

2. Sebuah lagi cerpen sedang ditulis bagi menyertai Sayembara Menulis Cerpen Majalah Anis. Saya perlu disiplinkan diri untuk siapkan tulisan ini!

3. Satu proposal buku telah ditolak dengan lembut (jawapannya, belum lagi buat masa sekarang). Saya rasa agak kecewa sebab saya memang betul-betul teruja dan tidak sabar mahu memulakan projek ini. Saya ada terfikir hendak menghantar proposal ini kepada penerbit lain pula, tapi ada rasa 'kesetiaan' kepada Galeri Ilmu yang menghalang saya.

4. Satu proposal novel (yang tidak lengkap sebab tiada bab contoh) telah dihantar, dan setakat ini saya terima maklum balas positif daripada Editor Karya Kreatif Galeri Ilmu. Saya tidak menganggapnya sebagai 'greenlight' atau sebetul-betul "ya, kami akan terbitkan", sebaliknya saya harus disiplinkan diri untuk siapkan bab contoh supaya surat tawaran betul-betul boleh diberikan. Saya hampir tergelak apabila Encik Amir kata semalam "Cubalah tulis satu bab setiap minggu." Kalau dapat satu bab setiap bulan pun sudah dikira pencapaian yang tinggi berbanding kadar sekarang. Saya baru menitipkan lebih kurang tiga ribu patah perkataan (hanya sepanjang sebuah cerpen) setelah berbulan-bulan bermula sedangkan sebuah novel memerlukan sekurang-kurangnya 30 ribu patah perkataan!

5. Saya bekerjasama dengan seorang rakan (seorang freelance illustrator) untuk menghantar sebuah manuskrip buku kanak-kanak ke sebuah pertandingan (tarikh tutupnya hujung bulan ini). Bahagian saya adalah konsep dan teks, dan rakan saya pula menyiapkan ilustrasi dan layoutnya. Saya suka projek ini sebab ada tarikh akhir untuk dikejar dan rakan kolaborasi membuatkan saya tidak dapat berlengah-lengah (seperti item 2 & 4 di atas). Doakan kami menang! Jika tidak memang, kami mahu cuba hantar kepada mana-mana penerbit yang berminat hendak terbitkan.

6. Setelah terjemahan Daddy-Long-Legs terbit, saya telah bertanya kepada Editor Terjemahan PTS One sama ada berminat untuk buku berikutnya (saya telah terjemahkan 10 daripada 33 bab buku Anne of Green Gables), namun setakat ini beliau menyatakan bahawa mereka akan nilai dahulu prestasi jualan buku Daddy-Long-Legs untuk melihat sama ada pasaran untuk karya klasik terjemahan cukup besar atau pun tidak. Perlu follow-up dengan beliau dalam seminggu dua ini.

7. Saya bekerjasama dengan seorang rakan yang lain pula (seorang programmer) untuk membangunkan satu idea perniagaan internet. Masih di peringkat perancangan. Saya mengharapkan dapat bermula tanggal 1 Januari 2013, tapi ada kemungkinan tarikh launch terpaksa ditangguhkan.

8. Saya mahu revive perniagaan t-shirt kanak-kanak yang saya mulakan pada tahun 2008 lepas tapi telah terbengkalai. Saya perlu update blog berkenaan dan mula membuat promosi sedikit sebanyak, termasuklah melalui FB. Stok masih banyak - kalau tidak jual, saya yang rugi.

Ada lagi perkara-perkara lain yang sedang saya usahakan (I'm working on them and excited about them!) tapi bukan temasuk di bawah usaha-usaha untuk mencapai cita-cita saya. Saya belum kongsikan cita-cita saya? Ya, pada usia saya 32 tahun, saya bercita-cita mahu menjadi 'A combo of entrepreneur, writer and inventor'. Langkah-langkah (kecil) ke arah dua yang pertama itu sudah ada, namun yang ketiga itu masih agak obscure, sangat samar-samar. Apa yang hendak saya invent? Hahahah :)

There you go. Tiada berpatah balik. Maka saya kena juga buat!

Introducing my new blog – Mesra Niaga

I’ve been wanting to write this other blog since about the same time as I started my book blog Mesra Buku, which was more than a year ago (that's why I gave the title to the link section on the right ‘My Other BlogS’ rather than ‘My Other Blog’). I haven’t, because I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to commit writing something in it regularly. But lately, I thought that I should just go ahead, never mind if I won’t be able to update often. Afterall, just like my existing blogs, it’s going to be a ‘syok sendiri’ blogs hahaha ;p

My reason to just start/write: The things that pop up in my head disappear soon enough, and perhaps jotting them down is a way to retain some of them. Similar to my book blog, I write in this other blog as 'Siti' :) And similarly too, there's no link from there to Everyday Ice Cubes, my personal blog.

So, do visit Mesra Niaga! The sub-title ‘Business. Entrepreneurship. Products. Design. Ideas.’ will give you some ideas of the theme of the blog.

A post for Wajihah

When I was (much) younger, I used to imagine that I’m a bit artsy and creative. Now, I realize that being interested in something does not mean I would have the talent or that I’m good at it (haha). My siblings and I (so far, I still have 2 brothers in school yet to decide their paths) have taken very much ‘conventional’ courses like engineering and economics.

So I was very impressed when my husband’s sister, Wajihah took the different path – she did Arts & Design (I can’t remember the exact course title). This post is dedicated to her, perhaps she can get some ideas to fill up her time (and earn some pocket money along the way) while waiting for the next semester to begin (which is in September, a long time away).

In the internet age, tools are plentiful for anyone to look for opportunities and to advertise one’s products and services, which can be provided from the comfort of one’s own home.

The following are some examples of activities that can be done (from home) if one has the inclination, passion and talent. Photos (except for An-Najjah batik)are ‘borrowed’ from the respective blogs being mentioned as examples, I hope the owners don’t mind. The blogs featured are mere ‘starting points’, because most link to many other similar blogs – a wonder to explore.

Artwork can be produced and sold online (rather than go through art galleries, maybe), for example like this established artist, Mustafa Yahya.


It could also be commissioned, like this stay-at-home mother-of-two who ‘went artsy’ whenever she has the time.


These artworks would be great to decorate walls. I myself have bought a batik painting done by one of the kids in Rumah Kebajikan An-Najjah (for only RM90, without frame).

Those are physical artwork, and the following are some options for digital graphics. There’s so much services that can be offered, for example:
-For physical materials such as banner, brochure, card, even things like t-shirt and mugs
-For virtual use for example logo, blog/website design/banner, dolly (I’ve just discovered this term)

Emila Yusof is an established artist who has written and illustrated quite a few children books.

I just discovered ET’s blog. Very nice drawings, paintings and caricature.

And Mimi here was in the same primary school as me. Her ‘stoodles’ (doodles) has adorned magazine and music album cover before, and she recently made a series of 10cm by 10cm acrylic on canvas and sold them individually.


AcuRose's dollies are so cute.

In the publications industry, illustrations can be provided on freelance/project basis. Some companies even offer royalty terms for illustrators. Other services: designing book covers and drawing comics.

One can go into crafts if inclined – there’s so many types: felt, quilling, gubahan hantaran, cross-stitch, jewellery making, crocheting and so much more. This blog Craft Zone Malaysia has quite a good compilation of links to local craft blogs. Surf for ideas and inspirations.

Creativity also comes in handy for tasks such as decorating cakes/cupcakes, beading, and photo editing.

Mengejar deadline

Dua minggu ini, saya cukup kalut mengejar deadline satu tugasan menyunting manuskrip sebuah novel. Dan puncaknya adalah malam semalam, di mana saya terpaksa berjaga lewat malam untuk menyudahkan amanah saya dalam tempoh yang dipersetujui. Terima kasih MHH kerana memahami dan memberi sokongan. Permintaan dan keperluan anak-anak, hampir semua saya alihkan (divert) kepada Abi mereka. Sebenarnya, saya telah mendapat assignment ini sudah lama, sewaktu bulan Ramadan lagi. Waktu itu, saya amat yakin dapat menyiapkannya dalam tempoh sebulan yang diberi. Rupa-rupanya, Ramadan dan Syawal adalah bulan-bulan yang amat sibuk, dan saya tidak sempat meluangkan banyak masa membuat kerja-kerja penyuntingan. Bila hampir ke tempoh sebulan yang dipersetujui pada awalnya, saya terpaksa meminta tempoh tambahan sebanyak seminggu. Fuh, seriknya rasa! Harap-harap selepas ini, saya dapat menguruskan masa dan tangggungjawab saya dengan lebih bijak.

Kerana terdesak, saya mengambil cuti satu hari khas untuk fokus kepada aktiviti menyunting. Kakak (#1) menyindir, “Hai, sampai ambil cuti nak buat side income …”. Saya menjelaskan, “Saya bukan suka-suka nak ambil cuti, tapi sebab dah minta tempoh lanjutan sekali, takkan nak minta tangguh kali kedua. My credibility is at risk.” Adik (#4) pula bertanya, “Kenapa Kakngah buat benda ni? Untuk pendapatan tambahan ke?” Maksud tersiratnya, “Kan gaji awak dah lebih daripada cukup?” Saya menjelaskan, “Saya buat ni bukan sebab nak dapatkan pendapatan tambahan, tapi nak nilai feasibility dia sebagai pendapatan alternatif.” Adik (#3) pula bertanya, “So, feasible tak?” Penilaian saya setakat ini, “Tak boleh buat benda ni saja. Kalau nak berhenti kerja, kena buat a few things.” Tapi dari segi seronok, memang saya suka buat kerja ini. Maklumlah, saya kan pembaca buku tegar. Bila menyunting, cuma perlu membaca dengan lebih kritis, beri cadangan penambahbaikan dan membuat pembetulan-pembetulan yang perlu.

Lega. Sekarang saya boleh buat benda-benda lain yang telah saya abaikan dua tiga minggu ini, termasuklah membaca buku cerita (cuma 1 buku sempat dibaca sepanjang September, sangat corot!), membaca blog orang lain dan menulis di blog sendiri (termasuklah blog buku saya telah lama bersawang), dan lain-lain.

Dan barangkali, dalam sebulan dua lagi, saya akan menulis emel kepada saudara Editor Perolehan, “Assalamualaikum Tuan, saya agak lapang sekarang. Ada sebarang manuskrip untuk saya sunting?” :)

Kenangan manis di PBAKL 2010

Wah, tajuk memang skema, harap maaf lah ye :)

Jika tahun 2008, saya pergi berempat dan tahun 2009 pula berdua, Khamis lepas saya pergi ke PBAKL 2010 berseorangan sahaja. Asalnya nak pergi dengan adik saya dan isterinya tapi tak jadi pula. Sebenarnya seronok juga pergi sendiri, sebab bebas nak pergi gerai mana dan berapa lama. Saya cuma berada di sana selama satu jam setengah sahaja, sebab bajet dah habis. Kalau ronda-ronda lagi pun, tak dapat beli juga. There’s nothing like sticking to a budget like bringing just enough cash and leaving the ATM and credit card behind (well, I didn’t actually leave my cards because I know not to use them).

Jadi, apa kenangan yang manis tu agaknya? Yang pertama, bila saya singgah di gerai Galeri Ilmu, saya terpandang sebuah buku dengan cover gambar seorang gadis tomboy berambut pendek dengan motosikalnya. Mungkinkah… Saya lihat nama penulisnya, ya memang betul! Mereka tidak pilih tajuk yang saya cadangkan (memang tajuk cadangan saya kurang menarik pun, tiada idea). Bukan, saya tak tulis buku tu, saya cuma sunting sahaja. Gembiranya melihat buku suntingan saya yang pertama, sudah berada di pasaran! Encik Sakaria Sungib menghadiahi saya senaskhah buku tersebut (terima kasih!).

Bilalah agaknya nama nak ‘melompat’ ke depan pula ye? Hehe…

Kenangan manis kedua pula, bila berkunjung ke gerai PTS. Lebih kurang 2 minggu lepas, saya mendapat satu panggilan telefon dari seseorang yang ingin mencetak t-shirt muslimah sebagai barang merchandising untuk Pesta Buku. Terkejut saya bila disebutkan emelnya, sehingga saya bertanya “PTS? As in the publisher?” Tempoh menyiapkan tempahan kurang daripada seminggu ketika itu, saya risau juga takut tak sempat, tapi Alhamdulillah sempat (separuh dihantar hari pertama, separuh lagi hari kedua). Walaupun margin keuntungan tidaklah sebesar mana, tapi saya gembira dan teruja dapat berurusan dengan PTS (menerusi stafnya) sebab saya seorang pembaca dan peminat setia PTS.

Buy Telaga Biru books online

Telaga Biru has recently launched its marketing arm Stormreaders using the multi-level marketing system. I usually shy away from MLMs. But this one got me thinking twice (only) before joining, because the products involved are books! Something that gets me excited :)

So, if you plan to buy any Telaga Biru books, do use my link below:

Why buy online?
- You can get access to all the books published by Telaga Biru. If you go to shops, there might be titles that is out of stock or that the shop chose not to carry.
- Save time and less hassle (as with most online shopping)

Their shipping cost is very reasonable. Two weeks ago, I bought 7 books and got charged only RM12 for postal (they used Pos Malaysia’s Parcel service). I purchased on Monday and the books arrived on Thursday!

Why Telaga Biru?
- They have a wide array of books covering many topics including Islam, self-help/motivational, parenting, and even fiction.
- The books are very well-presented, most with full colour and useful illustrations. For example, the book Formula Solat Sempurna by Ustaz Zaharuddin Abd Rahman have photos of people illustrating the steps of the rukun solat etc

These are some of Telaga Biru books that I have bought.






Happy reading!

P/S: If you are interested to be a distributor, do email me at emel.siti@ gmail.com for details :)

Vertical banner:

New strollers for sale!

Not by me, but by a friend, Faizah.

These cool new strollers (joggers style) go for only RM400. Brand: SKEP Baby (New Zealand).
If you are interested or want to get more details/specs or find out what colours are available, do contact Faizah directly at 013-3597595 or by email fa_izzah@yahoo.co.uk. The FB link is here.

Soalan baek

Semalam, seorang pembeli baju renang dari Simplisiti ingin beramah-mesra pula dengan saya setelah membuat pesanan.
Dia bertanya, "Buat bisnes ni side income ke, fulltime?"
Dan saya jawab, "Part time je, kecil-kecilan. Saya bekerja tetap."
Dan dia berkata, "Dah kaya, nak makin kaya lagi?"

-.-'

Soalan apakah itu?

P/S: By the way, kalau belum pasti di mana boleh sumbangkan derma untuk mangsa gempabumi Haiti, boleh cuba Islamic Relief Malaysia atau Mercy Malaysia.

Cross-sell

I was thinking of where the most convenient place to find some balloons sometime last week, when I thought about the party packs rack in the local bakery supply shop. Balloons are not part of baking supplies, but the shop owner sells balloons because people who buy baking supplies to bake cakes for parties are likely to want balloons too, so they are seizing this opportunity to do cross-selling, which is to sell additional products or services to an existing customer.

Similarly, a kakak cooking various lauk for her gerai nasi campur would do better to add more side dishes (for example eggs and potato-based dishes) rather than to add more variety of main dish (for example chicken and fish) because customers are likely to choose one main dish and one side dish rather than take two main dish. Having a sizable number of side dish options to choose from would probably increase the likelihood of the customer deciding to add a side dish to the otherwise standard rice-meat-vege combo.

Simplisiti's affiliate program

I used to think that being an affiliate (in the context of internet marketing) is where you have a unique link to a particular online shop, such that if a customer clicks through your link and purchased the product, you will get a commission from that sale. But later I learnt, from Baiti that affiliate could also mean an arrangement where an affilliate gets a commission for securing any sales (not through directing link) through him/her, where, unlike an agent or distributor, an affiliate doesn’t need to keep their own stock (and hence without forking out any capital). Despite her telling that to me some one year ago, it’s only recently that I manage to set up Simplisiti affiliate program. Anyone interested, please visit Simplisiti blog to find out more or to download the terms and conditions.

If you are a seller, and you are interested to have people marketing your products for you as affiliates, one of the requirements (in my opinion at least) is that you are certain that you have all the products you are offering. For example, I offer affiliate program only for the t-shirts for kids, because I got loads of stock for that (since I’m the producer). For the t-shirt muslimah (which I take from other suppliers), for example, I might have certain designs or sizes stocked out, so I don't offer those products to my affiliates. Affiliates should be able to take orders immediately without having to consult you first on the availability. Of course, it is possible to have the affiliate check with you first on the product availability, but I think that would not be very efficient.


After procrastinating for awhile (hoping I’d be able to do it myself at some point), I've decided to get outside help and hired Yanor via her business Pramera Media to make me a better banner. (I like the name Pramera, by the way). I know to some people, doing this (banner) is a piece of cake, but unfortunately I’m not one of them. Not only do I lack a photo/graphic editing software, the thought of using a mouse to cut the edges of the product image alone makes me cringe! So, thanks Yanor for the help. I’m using this banner to advertise in Saifulislam.com.

I’ve also managed to photograph the t-shirts for kids a bit more properly by borrowing the mannequins of my muslimah swimsuit supplier (in the old photo, I just laid the t-shirts on the floor!), something that I could have done a long time ago as well, but again, I procrastinated. And finally, I’ve signed up for a Paypal account, so Simplisiti can now receive payments via credit cards or Paypal. Previously, when a US customer wants to pay, I seek help from CY3.5 to ‘borrow’ her Paypal account (thanks CY3.5!) But I haven’t put up the information on Simplisiti blog yet. Woops. An item to be added to my to-do list.

Problem solvers

I was in a rush to post a customer’s order one day, so I left for the post office with the goods unpacked, hoping the post office would have the appropriate packaging. Surprise surprise, the Pos Malaysia packaging for the size that I wanted was out of stock. So I left to look for alternatives. The shop two doors from the post office was a stationery shop. I asked for a box and wrapper. They had no box at all, not even the used boxes of the products they were selling, those have been thrown away. I went to the next shop; it was a hardware store. They had the service I was looking for. I left my goods in a plastic bag, and I got back a nicely wrapped package, for RM3, which I was more than glad to pay for. This reminds me of something I read somewhere: entrepreneurs solve problems, at a margin.

I waited for 16 days

The best part of shopping online is when the goodies arrive. This time, I waited for 16 days. I was still excited when the parcel arrived though. But I remembered to drop a note (below) via the ‘Hubungi’ form, as a constructive feedback.

Assalamualaikum,

Saya telah membeli beberapa buah buku daripada Bookcafe.com.my pada 23 Jun 2009 lepas dan baru menerima parcel tersebut hari ini, 9 Julai 2009 (16 hari). Pada Nota Konsainan Bungkusan Pos Malaysia tarikh bungkusan dipos ialah 3 Julai 2009. Saya berpendapat 16 hari adalah tempoh menunggu yang agak lama. Saya bertujuan menghadiahi seorang rakan sekerja yang baru bersara beberapa buah buku yang dibeli itu, dan hampir-hampir sahaja tidak sempat berbuat demikian 'by person' (mungkin terpaksa pos) kerana hari ini hari terakhir beliau di tempat kerja.

Apa-apa pun, saya seorang pembaca dan peminat setia PTS.

Terima kasih.

Anyway, the retired colleague (now ex-colleague) mentioned above cooked lunch for us that day, and it wasn’t just a simple lunch. There were at least 10 delicious dishes! The department administrative executive (also known as the secretary) already indicated interest that she would like to order food from her for future department events. As had several other colleagues, for personal events. And I told her, “Saya dah kata dari dulu kak, akak memang boleh buat bisnes catering ni!” All the best to her :)

Bahulu strawberry dan blueberry

Saya ingin membantu mempromosikan produk keluaran Mama Bahulu Enterprise, hasil usaha kakak kepada seorang rakan sekerja, iaitu bahulu strawberry dan blueberry. Memang sedap. Lembut, dan ada jem strawberry dan blueberry di dalam. Sesuai sebagai doorgift untuk majlis-majlis contohnya majlis perkahwinan, aqiqah, dan sebagainya.


Harganya 25 sen sebiji, boleh kurang jika pesanan banyak. Bahulu-bahulu ini dihasilkan di Tanjung Karang, tapi penghantaran boleh diuruskan bagi pesanan yang banyak.

Jika berminat, sila hubungi Puan Maimunah di nombor 012-2805504 atau 019-6488284.

Bed & breakfast

This morning, I had a brief chat with my kids carer, Auntie S, who is also a dear family friend. She spoke of another family friend, Kak N (okay, a friend of my mother but I don’t know her that well). N has 3 bedrooms which she rents out on daily basis, after her kids are all grown up and has their own places (I suppose the kids will use the guest rooms when they go and stay at their parents). S had used the term homestay, but perhaps the term B&B (bed and breakfast) is more apt. In homestays, local experiences are usually part of the package, for example going to the sawah padi, or visit the industri desa etc. S remarked that N’s 3 rooms are usually full, and it’s a more profitable venture compared to renting out houses on monthly basis.

It’s quite an interesting WFH option, so I thought a bit about it on the way to work. First in terms of profitability. Let’s say each room can be rented out for RM90 per night (can’t exceed RM100 I think), and the rooms are full 70% of the time (I think the hospitality industry call this occupancy rate?). So, each month the gross income is about RM5670 (for 3 rooms). Let’s say, we minus out the cost of renovation and furnishing, which let’s say costed RM20,000 altogether to be depreciated over 5 years, that’s RM333 per month (interest-free). And the operational expenditure which includes electricity, water, laundry, breakfast (maybe) etc costs RM20 per room per night, which comes to RM1260 per month. Perhaps you want to hire a helper, to help with the cleaning, laundry etc which is about RM450 per month. So now, the net income per month is RM3627. Not bad, right? By the way, the RM20,000 capital expenditure is the estimate for the renovation (en-suite bathroom, separate walkway, stairs and main door maybe) and furnishings (furnitures, airconditioning unit, television, etc). To begin with, I think this venture is suitable for reasonably large homes (say 5-7 bedrooms).

How about viability? I think for somone who enjoys meeting new people, this venture would be pretty fun. For someone who enjoys more privacy, perhaps extra care should be taken during renovation to separate the guest rooms from the family area. Guests should be able to come and leave without disturbing the landlady (chewah, landlady, hehe). And the family should be able to leave and lock their home without inconveniencing the guests. Would there be demand for this kind of accommodation? Hmm perhaps, based on A’s remark on N’s venture. And depending on the location too, of course. I know I wouldn’t mind saving a few bucks (win-win situation) and stay at a comfortable, clean and homely room when visting someplace, though I imagine it’s more difficult to search and locate such services (marketing issue). Is the estimate of 70% occupancy rate reasonable? Hmm perhaps that’s a bit on the high side.

My least favourite chores

I have a confession to make. I dislike cleaning chores. Amongst the ladies in my family (the gents are in a different league altogether), I think I’m the ‘laziest’ when it comes to cleaning. From doing the dishes, to mopping the floor, to cleaning the bathrooms, scrubbing the toilet bowl, scrubbing the floor, wiping the windows. Not only are they not fun, they really exhaust me as well. Laundry is not too bad, unless the clothes get soiled such that I need to scrub scrub scrub manually. I enjoy cooking, but I dread the prospect of cleaning up the pot and pans and knives and chopping board and plates and whatnots afterwards.

Well, what needs to get done still needs to get done. I would do them even if I were dragging my feet. But if I have a choice, I would personally prefer to hire someone to help me do them. Can? I think nowadays a lot of families opt for this part-time help, though the help is usually found through someone who knows someone who does this. I think there should be more agencies that offer cleaning services. I saw one advertisement in Sekyen 9 the other day, offering cleaning services from as low as RM9.90 per hour. Not bad, right? Of course the hour rate of a live-in domestic maid is lower, wait a minute, let’s compute that, shall we? Fees etc for a 2 year contract RM4800, salary RM400 per month, bed and food RM100 per month, so that’s RM700 per month total. Minus off rest time etc, let’s say she works 8 hours a day, 6 days a week. So, that’s about RM3.40 per hour. But of course, the trade-off is privacy and peace of mind. So despite being cheaper, some people would still prefer to have part-time cleaners to come once or twice a week. In fact, I think at RM10 per hour, even locals would be able to bring home a decent sum at the end of the month. Let’s say two shifts of 3 hours in a day (one in the morning, and one in the evening), 5 days a week, that would be about RM1200. Of course, there’s no guarantee she’d get the 120 hours per week, unless she has a fixed arrangement with, say 5 houses to come twice a week each. Would the ladies hired by companies who got cleaning contracts for the KLIA and KL Sentral, for example, be better off trying to do ‘freelance’ cleaning? I wonder.

If I have a nice neighbour, who happens to have a live-in hardworking maid, perhaps I would attempt to discuss an arrangement whereby her maid come over to my house maybe once or twice a week for cleaning works in her rest or ‘free’ time. Of course, the neighbour must not be someone who would feel ‘cheated’ out of what she paid to her maid just because she spends 4 hours a week somewhere else earning extra money lah. Theoretically, it should be a win-win-win situation: me, for getting the cleaning help I need, the maid, for getting extra money, and her employer, urmm well, she should be happy to help both her maid and neighbour. Well, fine, if it's better for me to pay part of the maid’s monthly salary, I wouldn’t mind either. Oh dear, do I always give this much thought to imaginary situations?

And this is not the first time I start thinking about outsourcing tasks. Last time, I had suggested we buy homecooked meals from neighbours (ideals ideals, can these work in real life?). What to do, outsourcing is one of the things a homemaker can do to manage her household. I recalled a conversation with Makcik S, Munief’s former babysitter a long time ago. She is one superwoman; who ran a perfect household when she was working last time (she’s retired now). “We women have to be good at managing our time,” she said. I listened intently; this should be a useful tip. Makcik S continued, “After the kids has gone to bed at night, we should continue to do the chores for example wash the dishes, or fold the clothes, or clean the toilet, until say 12 p.m. After that, the following morning, we wake up early, let’s say at 4 or 5 in the morning, and cook breakfast and lunch before we go to work.” Ouch!! Is that what she meant by managing our time? That is, to reduce our sleeping and resting time, in order to get all the tasks done? Huhu, sorry Makcik S, I’m not a superwoman like you, unfortunately. If I don’t get enough rest, I’ll be terribly drained and weary (lesu) the next day, and won’t be functioning at my best. I sometimes becomes cranky when I'm exhausted, and I don’t like it at all, and I’m sure people around me don’t like it as well.

I’m suddenly reminded of an article in the Star about a study that links the rise of domestic crime in India to the upward mobility of their women in the economics and social spheres. The theory is that, the society has not been able to adjust to this change yet. One of the examples given (in a humorous light) is the common terms used in matrimonial adverts when looking for a bride: ‘Economically-independent, but homely’. This is, quoting the article, the code for women who would happily slog in the kitchen to prepare a proper 10-course Indian dinner after a long day at work.

But I’m digressing! What am I blabbing so much about? My point actually, is, if you are someone who is brainstorming on what business to do, do consider cleaning services. I’ve actually considered this, but quickly decided a naaah, because it’s not exactly something suitable as a part-time endeavour (which was what I was looking for), and secondly, managing human resources would probably be challenging. But after you’ve done the research and survey etc and decided to start a cleaning services agency, do let me know. And give me discount lah, can?

His Very First Encyclopedia

I bought the first book from the set ‘My Very First Encylopedia – Disney Learning’ from the sales lady who came to the office and set up a booth in front of the koop. All 3 in the set were available then, but I thought I would try one first to see how it is.


Munief loves it. Even I love it! It’s so nice to look at the colourful and beautiful photos and layout printed on glossy paper inside. They are absolutely bright and brilliant! That’s the main strength of the book. The price of RM37 (retail price RM39.90) is so worth it for the 190 plus pages. There are 3 books in this set: Nature, Earth and Animals. I bought Nature first, and then Earth the second time the lady came. I wanted to buy Animals too, but it was sold out. Next time, then. Here is the link to the local publisher who bought the license, click on the ‘MORE’ to see the full catalogue. You can purchase from them directly, I think.

The reason why this set is relatively cheap is because a local company has bought the license from Disney and printed the books locally. I once searched for this book in the MPHOnline, and found one that costs RM59.90. That’s probably the imported version.

I wish there would be more businesses out there who would do this kind of thing: buy licenses for good books, and then print and distribute locally. It makes sense to me. Cheaper price for consumers, more volume and profit for both the original and local publishers (assuming the cheaper price will mean more books will be sold). Afterall, in this age of technology, the content of a book is just an email way. But I guess that’s also what makes the original publisher more wary. There are risks of piracy etc.

Balance Your Life With Teleworking

That title is actually the theme of eHomemakers SOHO Forum this year. It’s going to be held on 13th December 2008, and the fees are RM65 for registration before 30 November 2008 and RM75 afterwards.

The agenda is as follows:

8:00am - 9:00am : Registration
9.00am - 9.10am : Emcee Welcome Remarks
9.10am - 9.45am : "Cyber-Call Center - an eHomemakers' Dream"~ Chong Sheau Ching, ED, eHomemakers
9.45am - 10.15am : "Why telework with us?" A MNC which will be hiring teleworkers
10.15am - 10.45am : "Customer Service - A Nightmare or a Joy- the Malaysian Perspective"~ Alexandra Wong
10.45am - 11.15 am : Tea break
11.15am - 12.00pm : "How should you market yourself as a teleworker?"~ Hew Hui Shan
12.00pm - 1:00pm : The fundamental skills of a telemarketer~ Serena Foo
1.00pm - 2.00pm : Lunch
2:00pm - 2:30pm : Lucky Draw & Announcements
2.30pm - 4:10pm : Panel: "I took the plunge"~ Nor Azlina Ishak, Hew Hui Shan, Serena Foo, Hanniz Efni
4:10pm- 4.45pm : Tea
4.45pm - 5.30pm : Networking

I’m curious as to which MNC it is that will be hiring teleworkers. Why isn’t the name published in this agenda? Anyway, click here for more information.

The timing is not too ideal though. I’m sure some of us would probably be somewhere else, given that it is the Raya Haji week. I’ve been to their SOHO forum in 2006 and have shared some tips here.

Next door catering

I was puzzled at first, when Munief’s previous babysitter (who has since ‘retired’ from babysitting) gave this lady (who was also sending her kids to her) lauk berbuka in mangkuk tingkat every single day during Ramadhan last year. I later learnt that, it’s an arrangement whereby Makcik S would cook extra and the lady would pay her. How convenient, isn’t it?

It reminds me of one of my sister’s neighbours, who cooks and sells food from her home. She would sit for about two hours (4-6 pm, the time people comes back from work) at the side gate of her house (a corner lot). She usually has two or three types of kuih, two or three types of lauk, and two or three types of side dishes (laksa, bihun etc). Her neighbours greatly appreciate this service. Another win-win situation – homecooked meal for busy parents, and extra income for her, even better if she’s someone who enjoys cooking, which is usually the case. If I were tired after work, I would also opt for meals cooked by my neighbour rather than buy lauk from a restaurant. But if there were to be no similar ‘next door catering lady’ at my house later, would I dare request or suggest this to ‘potential candidates’?

* Selamat Hari Raya Idulfitri & maaf zahir batin, everyone!

Making plans

Not the kind of plans that would first comes to mind. But this kind:



I came across the following advertorial when I click on ehomemakers.net newsletter:

WANT TO WORK FROM HOME AND EARN A GOOD LIVING FOR YOURSELF?

Do you want regular work five days a week?
Do you want to decide when you work during your day?
Do you have experience of basic CAD?
Do you want to learn how to use an Apple Mac computer?
Do you want to earn a good steady income?
Do you enjoy solving puzzles?
Do you have a keen eye for detail?
Do you have a broadband connection in your home?
Do you have good English?

If you can say yes to all the above, if you can be relied on to meet daily deadlines, are conscientious and can produce work that is accurate then we want to talk with you.

Home-Based Workers For A Small UK Company

We are a small UK company that supplies various types of floor plans to the UK property market. We have been trading since 1991 and have a national base of long standing clients. We wish to pilot a scheme for home based workers in KL to enable us to cope with fluctuations in demand and to give us more time for R&D. This collaboration will be a learning experience for both of us. Ideally you will have some basic CAD experience. However, this is not as important as enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. We will supply a Mac computer, necessary software and initial training either hands-on or over the internet.

You will be in charge of completing drawings to our high standards, with increased experience you may be given the opportunity to interpret client's sketches and draw plans from start to finish.

We expect you to be available for at least ten hours a week increasing to full time as you become more proficient. Rate will depend on experience. We will pay you monthly by bank transfer direct into your account.

If you would like to apply for this position please call Michael now on 03-77262672 between 9am – 5pm or Michael@makingplans.com as this vacancy must be filled ASAP.

Curious, I visited makingplans.com (which is where I got the image above).

It's great that companies are starting to 'export' virtual jobs like this, usually from a developed country sourcing for cheaper labour elsewhere. It's a win-win situation for both the companies and the service providers - the companies got their tasks done at a cheaper rate (compared to getting it done locally) and the service providers got the opportunity to make income, from home, at a possibly higher rate than is locally offerred.

This company has been around for close to 20 years. So this means that drawing plans is a service in demand. And since it's a 'soft' product, it's possible to offer this service to a much wider target group - there would be no geographical barrier; similar to other soft products or services like website hosting and design, graphic design, translation, editing, copywriting, ebook etc. If I were someone who's interested in this kind of things and is looking for opportunities to work from home, perhaps I could sign-up to work with Making Plans to gain some experience, and then quit after a year or so to set up my own company which would provide a similar service.

Liberating?

SimpliSiti’s booth didn’t do well at all last Saturday. It was moments like this that gives me doubts. That’s the nature of an enterprise, I know – sometimes you’re up sometimes you’re down. (Just a note, my primary intention of attending AnNajjah event last Saturday was to help pass the contributions from our surau collection drive as well as to show them my support.) To be fair to myself, the place wasn’t much a proper booth and I did arrive late and hence gotten the last booth which is quite hidden, not many people actually came to my booth at all. But that’s the thing you see – I did arrive late (nevermind why). It boils down to one of the things about entreprenuership that I’ve learnt some three weeks ago: what you get (returns) highly correlates to what you do. Yes, I know – that’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? But knowing about it and experiencing it, is somewhat different. When that struck me three weeks ago (well, I made a relatively good sale after putting in some efforts) – it felt liberating. How much I make depends on the work I do, the efforts I put in, the decisions I make, the ideas and thoughts I have, etc etc. The same cannot be said of a salaried income. Well, your pay may vary depending on your performance (or overtime perhaps), depending on how your employee structures the pay scheme, but it would probably be only a relatively small correlation. Except perhaps for sales personnels, whose pay may be on commission basis.

Anyway, liberating – yes, liberating. But on Saturday, it turned from liberating to scary! Ah-ha risk risk risk.. of course. I’m not being too hard on myself – I’m just trying to familiarise myself with the pros and cons of being independent (of fixed income, that is). I’m just feeling a bit more nervous – because I do set myself targets, in terms of returns and timing, and at the moment it doesn’t seem I’m reaching them yet. Having an enterprise as a side income is still fine I guess, but it gets ‘scarier’ if (when?) it becomes the only income.

(Woops – is this blog turning into “A Journal of an Entreprenuer-Wannabe”? Hehe ;p)