Annual update: Not to brag (because there isn’t much to brag about), but for transparency and to share my lessons. Financials 2023 is year-4 for ClassyNarwhal Revenue: $57,035.83 Expenses: $14,332.03 Net Profit: $42,703.80 Not accounting for my CPP, EI, and Tax dues which will be filed in Mar 2023 (~$2,000-$5,000) Observations Accomplishments Tech Yukon Took …
In the view of transparency, below is an excerpt from an advisory email I sent this month: Merry Holidays and a Happy New Year! It’s been a while! Here’s what I’ve been working on and some interesting resources for you. UPDATES 🎉Tech Yukon – I’ve been busy managing their:Canada Digital Adoption Program AccelerateIP Both of which are …
In the view of transparency, below is an excerpt from an advisory email I sent this month: UPDATES 🎉Spent a month in Hanoi, Vietnam working with BizCare – a for-profit business accelerator that focuses on supporting female entrepreneurs and Social Impact Businesses (SIBs). I supported them with designing and launching one of the countries first female …
Connection matters more than anything, including a great product. If someone doesn’t like or trust you, they’ll never buy whatever you have to offer. In building connections, even though we like to think we aren’t shallow, we are quick to judge others. First impressions do matter. We begin to form impressions in less than 7 …
Connect (How to be authentically likable and build trust) Read More »
Although I was brought in by SwissEP as an EiR to support BizCare, I learned just as much from their CEO, Dr. Thang Dam Quang, as their team did from me. He was a great host and mentor during my stay. Here are some timeless lessons from my time with him in Hanoi. Let it …
After spending a month in Vietnam with SwissEP, here are some observations and ideas for improving startup support. Indexed for quick reference: Government A communist regime has its benefits. My biggest observable benefit from this trip is that if the government decides to support or invest into a specific sector/cause, it will greatly flourish because …
Observations and Lessons from Vietnam’s Blooming Economy and Business Support Ecosystem. Read More »
I’m back from a 1-month mission with SwissEP in Vietnam. During this mission, I was matched with BizCare, a local for-profit accelerator which focuses on serving non-tech, SME, female founders, and social impact businesses. Together, we designed and launched one of Vietnam’s first female founder oriented mastermind groups. Here are some interesting observations and insights …
Interesting Innovations & Case Studies in SE Asia Read More »
Before I go into the different ideas for differentiation, understand that differentiation is overrated – there are many copy-paste businesses that can thrive as long as the founder/owner is capable of good execution. That said, in a crowded landscape of competition, especially more so if you’re a hyperlocal business and are serving a saturated market. …
Competitive Differentiation, Distinction, and Defensibility Read More »
I’ve recently completed a 1-month mission with SwissEP to the beautiful city of Hanoi, Vietnam. Here are some general observations in Vietnam and Malaysia, but also found globally and not limited by racial definitions. Indexed for quick reference: Short-term Thinking Stop seeking quick fixes. They often only solve symptoms, but don’t address the root cause …
Asian Entrepreneurial Mindset & Cultural Differences Read More »
Prompted from some advice I read in another blog post on how to navigate sales negotiations: Advice 1: Using open and positive body language to “build rapport” Nod your head occasionally to acknowledge understanding, smile when appropriate, and lean slightly forward to show interest. These cues encourage the speaker to continue sharing. Instead: Yes, body …
