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valentinoxxx
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Hi Hin
Originally, I injected fresh blood into two businesses that had potential but no 'vision'. One of them turned into a national brand name, now trading as an international concern, albeit on a smaller scale. The other providing a 'small' regular income.
along the way I came up with other ideas though didn't have the inclination to make money from them.
If you have a few small things 'ticking over' they can all add up.
For instance while I was at Uni, I had a job as a cycle courier and used to deliver packages to the big record companies in the area. I also used to frequent the popular bars & restaurants in the SOHO area of London .
On asking, the record companies would give me free promo copies of their CD's.
On visiting the bars and restaurants I would notice they were playing the same CDs over and over again.
I thought, why not let the record companies supply the restaurants with these Promo CDs for free with the restaurant carry advertising informing the patrons of what CDs were currently playing and in return the restaurant would give preferential treatment to the record company staff. a circular deal with no extra cost to anyone, other than cost savings.
So I spoke to all parties and all was agreed. Then I was asked how much I wanted out of it. £10k was spoken of. I said I wanted nothing.
I don't think they could cope with that. The record companies were giving me free CDs and the bars and restaurants always treated me well, so I didn't want to taint the relationship by bringing money(for me) into the equation.
For me it was just introducing friends to each other. helping each other out.
I'd rather have friends than an employer.
Later when i got involved in the music biz, whenever the record company would have an act come over, I would be offered free appearances at my club with all costs paid by the record company. I like to think it was because I kept it on a friendly and not financial basis. Also, when the big acts were over. I would get a tranche of free tickets to give away at my club.
From the restaurants, I got access to one of the most exclusive members clubs in London. I've been once, as I like to keep a low profile. 
In the end a company was set up to facilitate my idea, with the record company having to pay the company to place their promos in the restaurants(?) THEY PAY TO GIVE THEM AWAY. Apparently, my idea where it was all done on goodwill was too difficult for the corporates to swallow, they had to give money to someone.
It's silly,but in this ever increasingly corporate world, inefficiency is increasing, as these companies are not run as you would your own concern, there is so much wastage. It only needs someone to take a walk around for a day or two to spot it.
I took a look at two businesses and haven't needed to work again.
I know there are more out there, I'm just not hungry enough to pursue them.
To be honest, I do think you need to be of a certain mind. Some people can make money, other need to work for others. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.
I offered free shares in my business to friends, so as to free more time for myself. They couldn't believe there wasn't a catch and bombarded me with cynical questions, so I carried on alone.
Now, they ask, how can you afford to take all these holidays? blah, blah, blah?
What can I tell them? Some can do it, others cannot see the wood(because of all the trees in the way) for the trees.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 2:42 am on Nov. 4, 2002
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valentinoxxx
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Quote: from Hin on 9:45 am on Nov. 2, 2002
VX
I am certain with a post like the last one you will be innundated by people only too willing to profess boundless energy and the right stuff for you to like them.
Seriously though making $$ is usually about hard work and sacrifice. You state you brought new thinking to an existing business, and it was easy. Well that certainly is excellent for you and I for one am happy for you. But what you are saying is that you have marketed an idea and have been successful at it.
You further go on to state you have built it into a good earner, once again you built it into something that gives you 365 days to do as you please.
All of this is excellent for you, but had you shared it with others at the time it would not have worked as well - now would it. Take this along with any sharing you would do would halve the potential profits and I think you may state your willingness to assist others, but I am unsure if it would be in your best interests to deliver.
It is not that easy, and I cannot imagine you would be that willing to share.
Not wishing to disagree, but for information only. it wasn't an idea I marketed, these were inefficient going concerns which I breathed new life into.
I indeed did share my idea with all and sundry and some used my ideas, others possibly couldn't comprehend them or didn't have the drive.
I wanted to have someone with my drive assisting me in the business. It wouldn't have meant smaller profits for me as a partner could have helped to generate more ideas and business. Both buasinesses have been kept on a relatively small scale because there was simply not enough of us to expand it further.
We had turn down most offers of partnership from outsiders as it meant that we couldn't ensure the quality of the product.
Even so, I know of a least one 'business' which has made profits with our name for at least six years without paying royalties. Life's too short to stress unduly about money. I'm not hungry right now, so why kill someone else who wants to eat?
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 2:53 am on Nov. 4, 2002
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Hin
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valentinoxxx
Thanks for the clarification, I am glad things are working out well for you. I applaud your laudable efforts in attempting to get your friends involved, unfortunately most people today are not willing to believe in others offering a helping hand for free - Sign of the time I suppose.
ccvvbb
Good on you eh!
Importing into Canada can be full of headaches getting past the Canadian government. What area of the country are you bringing stuff into and what would your final destination for the goods be? - Just curious, you need'nt reply if you would prefer not to.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 9:34 pm on Nov. 12, 2002
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ccvvbb
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I import from Thailand and China into Vancouver and have learned to go through a broker because of all the customs hassles. In all of my travels all over the world I have come to the realization that the hardest country to enter is my own. A single guy coming from the orient in the importing business, well guess what the hell our government thinks....
If you need any thing just ask, there is plenty of opportunity to go around and I have no problem helping out how ever I can. I buy direct from a few factories in China and have another business trip coming up in a few weeks, might stay in Guangzhou, China for a month as I have found an apartment for 300.00 CAD, depends where I want to spend Christmas.
If you are in either China or Bkk maybe we can have a drink and discuss business.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 9:41 pm on Nov. 12, 2002
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