Thanks to the partnership 24seven is having with Standard Chartered Bank, finally I get to pull myself there with my blogger friends and foodies. With great company, great food and the great promotion Standard Chartered is having, the night was great fun!

As we all didn’t know what to order, we left it for the boss, Howard to decide for us. So we all had what we call “Howard’s Special”!

That’s Howard, Fin and Barry!

If you find Howard familiar, well, he’s the sweet guy from the show “Eye for a Guy 2″. And Barry and Fin, well, if you’ve been watching TV or taking buses lately, these fishes shouldn’t be a stranger to you. Yap! The two from Standard Chartered 15% Cashback TVC.

The entire session of “Howard’s Special” came up to 10 servings, combination of individual servings and sharing portion (*). For the benefits of those present that night, here’s what we had…

1. Miso Soup, $2.50
2. Chef’s Special (Sashimi platter), $25.00*
3. Nigiri platter that has…
   • Maguro, $2
   • Sake Toro, $2
   • Hamachi (a type of yellowtail), $4
   • Aburi Hotate, $4
   • Shime Saba (Mackerel), $3
4. Anago (Sea water eel), $6
5. Mix Kinoko Foil Yaki, $10*
6. Tori Karaage, $6*
7. Salmon Yuzu Yama-mayo yaki, $15*
8. Agedashi Tofu, $5*
9. Tamago Nigiri, $6*
10. Shishamo age, $8*

Crazily a lot of food right? My favorite for the night was…

Anago (Sea water eel), $6

Personally I am NOT a fan of eel at all! I used to eat it if its on my table, but I rarely order it. But this I loveeee! Eating it is tricky though, like a Nigiri, it should be eaten in a single bite. I managed to stuff the whole long eel into my mouth. But Eevon has got some problem though. Watch this video where Eevon demonstrate how to eat the Anago. Video will be uploaded soon!

Mix Kinoko Foil Yaki, $10

Mushrooms!!! This is one of the better tasting mushroom yaki I’ve tried! Usually such mushrooms, the taste will be overpowered by the oyster sauce or whatever sauce mixed with it, but this, the chef used its homemade special sauce and it was perfect! Fragrance of mushroom remains and oh-so-fresh! Love it!!

Look at the Sake Sashimi!, $8

This is not from the Howard’s special. I was too hungry and had to order this when we arrived 30mins earlier. And just look at it is making me drool! Fresh and love the thick cut! Surely worth the $8!

Tako Sashimi, $6. My all time favorite!

Again, the freshness is key!

Yoshinogawa Gensen Karakuchi, $8

And that night I gave my first to Standing Sushi Bar! I had my very first Sake! According to Howard, this is one of their premium sake. It’s soft acidity and light in taste. It has a nice spreading flavor in the middle and a very vibrant, rich finish with some traces of dryness in the end. (No I didn’t craft that out! Its the description on the menu lah! LOL!) But it was good! I didn’t expect Sake to taste like that, but it was hell lot better than I imagined. Looks like my sashimi meals will never be the same again now that I’ve discovered the art of drinking sake!

This dinner was made possible by Standard Chartered. Thanks Barry and Fin for the meal!

Thanks for dinner Barry and Fin!

Looks like you’ve got quite a good bargain using the Standard Chartered Card! With the 15% discount off the total food bill on the spot, and the 15% cashback promotion from now till end December 2009, no wonder the fishes in the tank are all frantically trying to hide! :P

If you are a Standard Chartered card holder, to enjoy the 15% cashback everywhere you dine in Singapore, register via SMS “GET1516-Digit Card Number” to 78722 before 31 December 2009. For example GET15 4508128456789000. You’ve to spend at least $500 per month on anything, not just dining, to be entitled the 15% cashback on your dining expenses. (*Terms and conditions apply)

Tamago Nigiri, $2 each

So are you standing already?

All photos taken with my iPhone 3GS! Not bad huh? LOL!

Companies reluctant to woo customers with tweet nothings

Larger version

Larger version

Nothing to comment on this right now since it was from two months ago. Progression and growth digitally is too fast too furious. Something two months ago may not be news anymore. Just want to post it up as a record for my own reference. And if you’d missed this, for your reading too.

The one thing that I’ve learned is to keep cheonging (dashing) forward and not look back. Things have been moving pretty fast and furious for the past couple of months. My dedicated team has been very supportive and understanding. They cheong with me. They make things possible for us to move forward and not fall back.

I was told many times that I’m a bad businesswoman. I get eaten very easily by clients and because of the demand I put onto my shoulder, I cheong, break and then gets bitten. At times, because I want to get things done, after much delaying by unexpected situations, I will give in, and deliver more than what was planned for upon project confirmation. That means extra hours put in, more actions carried out and more money going out. I was scold “Stupid!”. How can I have let them take advantage of me like that? *dumbfounded* (Ok I digressed…)

When I say cheong forward and don’t look back, it doesn’t mean that you don’t review what your’ve done and just move blindly forward. The standard AAR (after action review) is still necessary, and learning from past experience and mistake is essential too. But don’t look back at what you were doing before, and then thinking whether or not you shouldn’t have taken that step forward. Don’t look back at the what ifs. Cheong for the why nots!

From my personal experience, here are some tips on cheonging forward:

In brief, here’s what happened to my life for the past two weeks…

Life in Cubes #06

By the way, don’t forget to rally for me at Omy Blog Award ya? Thanks very much!

But for social media blogger engagement, I can’t do that. As a community member and one whom has a reputation to uphold, I cannot just pop a few names out and refer them. When I do ever make referrers, I give quality ones with certain standards and who are interested in the subject matter. If you have a relationship with me, often I would be more than willing to help. But if we hardly communicate and the only time I see your name is in my inbox with a BCC press release or media invitation, sorry, can’t help you.

Reason is simple. You’re not listening and participating enough.

There have been many talks and posts on how important relationship and contacts is in the game of social media. Well, at least in context of an event invitation or a possible test drive of products. And there are plenty of ways you can start building that relationship. Or at least, be seen elsewhere other than just their inbox.

Some of the things you can do to start the relationship (and build it):

• Add them in facebook
  And keep in touch regularly or comment on their posts/updates.
• Follow them in twitter or plurk
  And participate in discussion or drop a hello once awhile. These are great listening tools too!
• Read their blogs and start commenting
  Hello! You’re engaging bloggers right? They blog right? They blog because they want people to read and participate in discussions/ commenting right? So… are you giving them what they want before you asking them to give you what you want?
• Be part of the communities
  There are so many social events and gatherings! Join in! Introduce yourself and be seen. If you are not willing to commit some extra hours outside of the official hours, than perhaps you’re not ready. And did I mention that some potential clients are there to observe too? So where are you???

If all the above is beyond what your time and energy permits, than perhaps a system can be put in place to help you. Would you like one which can help you filter out the quality content providers that fits your target audience and list of criteria? How about one that will display very nice profile view of where the person is active in, his highlighted (or best) entries, his authority and influence level? Wouldn’t that be nice? But still, its only a system. The relationship building part still has to be injected somewhere in the process. Are you prepared to do that?

If you’re ready or think that you’ll be in months to come, perhaps you can be looking forward to a system like this, let me help keep you posted. You can sign-up for updates and news here. I believe this system will come in very helpful.

Before I share my story, let me introduce a new banner (section) to the already messy blog…

Yap! That’s right! This is where I will share about my experience, pain, sorrow, excitement, journey, happiness, story and so on with you (whoever you are). Since I’m only a couple of months into my journey as an entrepreneur, I’m sure this section will be an extensive collection of experiences and stories that perhaps one day, someone somewhere might be keen to help me publish it into a book! Than I might become the next Guy Kawasaki? *blank stare at myself*

Right, so why is Claudia, the already panda, becoming even more like a panda with double punch on the eyes? That’s because starting up is NOT easy! If you read anywhere telling you how easy it is to start your own business, its all bull shitake (ref to @guykawasaki)! Especially the part where you start forming your team, getting your developers and the non-developers in sync to work on the big picture, setting up the accounts, settling down in the office, building up your leads, meeting people, pitching ideals, sending that first service order and so much more!!

That’s what I’d been doing for the past one month, almost 24hours 7 days a week! That causes me to lose my radiance and adding more darkness to my already dark panda eyes. As witnessed by my team who are seeing me turn more and more chao lao as the days passes! I think I might look like this even before I’m 60!

But I’ve to admit, no other job will ever beat the kind of excitement and rush one gets for starting up on its own! And I’m very grateful to have a great team to work with. And also am very blessed to have met the many angels and saints that I’ve befriend. All your support and encouragement means a lot to me and my team.

If you’re interested to find out the real life experience of an entrepreneur who’s thirsty for survival and hunger for success, than come back for more from Claud the Entrepreneur (aka CTE!! How interesting!). The journey on CTE is never a smooth going one. There might be breakdowns along the way, jam that goes on and on during peak hours, the occasional slow moving traffic and time at night where you see speeding cabs and vehicles dashing to who-knows-where for who-knows-what.

I will be back (whenever I can) to share bite size stories with you. Till than, look out for a few to-be-typed and published reviews. Hope I can squeeze time out between work and rest over the weekend to get these reviews out.

The graph above shows clearly my state of being in the year 2008.

This roller coaster ride has been the toughest and most tiring ride for the past 10 years of my life. From my first career which has been feeding me well (very well in certain months with bonuses), to a not-as-well-feeding career and finally to one that has been nice but isn’t feeding me well enough during the time of my life.

But now, at the end of the year (where I used to be able to afford go for holidays, buy nice gifts for christmas and spend good money on myself), I’m in such a bad state that I’ve to find means to sell off things I own which is in sell able conditions and live off Abang’s income (which I’m feeling very guilty and trying hard not to).

My spirit has been very badly shaken by the huge downfall financially and this has affected my personal life and well being. I don’t know how much more I can continue to let the blue line go on down like that. The longer this down line go, the harder and longer it will be for me to make a come back in that area. But I hope with the ever energized me filled with enthusiasm and creativity, the come back financially will be accelerated significantly.

To sum up my career journey in 2008 – It was a bittersweet experience.

My Career Resolution for 2009
To establish my company and grow its brand in the local social media scene. To be able to afford a decent office for my team and to expand out of Singapore by 2010.

PS: If you would like to help contribute to Claudia’s Pocket Money Fund, you can send a cheque to be, transfer to my DBS account or pass cold hard cash when you see me. OR! You can hope on over to my garage sale to see if there’s anything that will be useful for you. Help me clear my stash and also contribute to Claudia’s Pocket Money Fund. Thank you very much!

Last week I sent out my first ever farewell email to my friends and partners whom entered or had crossed my path while I was with Yebber. It was a great 16 months journey with Yebber and I have made many great friends and great mentors. I’m very grateful to have everyone of you in my life. In one way or another, each and everyone of you have taught me things that you may not realize. Really, thank you very much for your guidance and support.

The past months had been one of the biggest change to my life. I have, somehow, become a very tiny community personality ‘somebody’ to the social media scene in Singapore. I know I’m just a tiny small fly in the huge world out there, but no matter how small one is, I believe anyone who has the passion and is willing to work hard, anyone can become someone one day. And I hope that I will become that someone one day.

Since I sent out the email last week, I’m very surprised and happy to hear from many of you. You’d given me the push and motivation I needed. Some of you gave me very good advices and even opportunities that I had never expected. There are also many asking “So what’s next for you Claud?“. I didn’t know how to tell you cause I wasn’t ready then.

Tonight I had my farewell dinner with my colleagues from Yebber and it was great seeing them again. It’s been few months since we sat at the same table for a meal together. And thanks for the beautiful gift where I’ll display many beautiful memories in.

After I reached home from dinner, my partner told me the site is up. The timing was perfect! We’d wanted to push it out earlier this week, but due to some changes and configurations, we had to delay it. Although its just a tiny bit of it that’s live now, but I believe in taking baby steps. So yap… here’s what I will be working on…

After more than a decade of “I want to start my own business!“, I’m finally taking the step to really doing it! And there are many many baby steps to take!

“What? Claudia are you crazy? You’re 640% broke with no savings! Nothing at all! How are you going to pay your bill and meals?!!” that’s my twin screaming at me from the inside.

To me, this will be an even bigger motivation for me to make this work. I’m giving myself a stronger push than I would if I had the money. When I don’t have the money, I do things the poor people way. And that’s putting in lots of hard work and time and effort to making it work! So Claudia’s going to Make it work!

If anyone one reading this has spare cash to share, and you’re feeling the festive season of giving, my bank and paypal accounts are always open for your donations. Every cent helps. If you’re short on cash (like me), your moral support are most welcome too! Call me for a chat or help me hook up with your friends, family, partners or anyone whom you think might be keen with business opportunities. Let me first thank you all for your support! Thank you!

You can find out more about my business over at 24seven’s official blog or follow 24seven on twitter for updates.

*Gambatte Claudia and team!*

(This post was supposed to be up by 2359 on 11 Dec. But I took 3.5hr to write this short post! So published date ended up on 12 Dec. >.<)

If you’re curious about where Claudia is and what she is doing, you might want to visit her other blog daily and follow her there. You might just get some clues too for her next move.

This blog might get kinda quiet till she figures out what she’s going to do with her life. When she knows it, it will surely be announced here.

If you think Claudia is able to be of any service to you or your business, please feel free to contact her. She might not be able to commit to any full time job now, but she’s always available for a chat over lunch or tea.

I am not saying I’m the most excellent employee any boss can have, but at least I’m always committed to my job. When I take up an offer, I go all out for the company and my team. My direct officers always enjoy working with me and gives good testimonial about my positive attitude.

When I was teaching, everyone in school knew how much time and effort I spent on my duties. Many times I went beyond my responsibilities and helped those who came to me for help. Although I was only a beginning teacher in that first year, I felt like I’d worked there for many years already. I thought I could stay in education forever and contribute my passion and small knowledge to those who needs.

But sadly, I was being back stabbed. By the very person whom I’d trusted and “slaved” for from the beginning of my teaching career. It was a painful farewell, and looking back now, I feel very silly to have believed in her when everyone around me was telling me I had to be very careful with this woman. But I still sympathizes with her life. Wonder if she’s still alone after so many years.

Still… without a degree, staying in the education ministry will just means that I’ll have to forever remain being lower paid than all those who may not be doing as much as I am but owns a degree. It’s a harsh reality. No matter how much you’ve contributed, your pay check will still never matched those who degree. And the position one can hold with a diploma is stuck too. Want to become a HOD? Go get a degree first!

After my teaching career ended, I got into a job which I’d dream of during that period of time. I was so in love with the things I do, I thought I could stay on and hang on to it. Even though the hours was crazy and the labour work involved was kinda heavy for my weak back. I went on. I was driven by my passion and love for the team. The year working with the team taught me many things. It also gave me a better understanding of human emotions, especially women. (Sad right? I’m a woman but I hardly understand why other woman behave in a certain way.) And I also came to conclude that I am a very very direct person. And sometimes I should step back and tone down before acting (especially when handling things with my same species). Cause not everyone is as straightforward as me.

Due to my back injury and tired mind, I left.

The next job I got into was a rather short one. If I’m not wrong, everyone in the same level as me holds at least a degree. And I felt that I was being treated like an outcast. Woman A is super bitchy and is super close friend with Woman B. Woman B sees herself as the boss as the real boss was just too busy with other things that he’d trusted Woman B to hold the ford. Woman B treats everyone as if everyone owes her their life. When Woman A bitched about me with Woman B, without confronting and finding out my POV, I was very furious. After hearing so much complains about Woman A and B from those who’d not much say in the company, I left. It was an eye-opening few months. If Woman A and B had shown that they were more capable and responsible and organised, I would have respected them for it. But sadly, I find them messing up too much things. I’m glad I’d left. Although the pay was pretty attractive, but why suffer for money? After I left, other guys in the company left too. They couldn’t take it.

Alright… after grumbling so much, I find that I’d blogged out of point! But the whole idea of all the above is, so what if one has a good degree when that person has very bad attitude or is disorganized? As an employer, would you rather pay someone with only a diploma that will whole-heartedly contribute and has the passion for the job, or a degree holder who may not have that much passion?

It’s very stressful for me to know that I’m being surrounded by so many degree holders. Even my mates from school are mostly holding a degree. Except me. But I always tell myself this – “It’s not about the paper qualification. It’s about you as a person and your passion. It’s ok with just a diploma.”

i am claudia. and that’s who i am.