Friday, July 29, 2011

Top 10 Amazing Weddings

Check out this month's Faces Magazine. The one with Rina & Vanessa on the cover.


Since it's their wedding issue, they have a section called top 10 amazing weddings. And one of the top 10 is:



Click on the picture to read :)

~Cheers!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

My First [Real] Job

I was about to finish my final semester and went back to Alor Setar for a short break before the final exams. While chatting with my parents, my mum asked if I will be able to get a job soon. She looked pretty apprehensive, worried about my future.

I told her not to worry but deep inside, I was freaking out!

I quickly made some calls and start asking friends about their work experience. One thing led to another, and I found myself arranging for interviews.

One of the interviews I went was for Naza Group of Companies. And that’s where my career gets off the ground.


I started working at Naza exactly 2 weeks after my final exam paper. I was pretty confident I would pass the paper and manage to convince the interviewer too.

Thanks to my mum, i manage to secure a job straightaway. If it was not because of her, I'd be wasting time waiting for my result etc.

I remember my first leave application was for my graduation day and my colleagues were like "What? you have not graduated?" lol

Anyway, it was a good experience. Although my role was mainly PR, I was also involved in marketing & events. In due course, my portfolio grew and I was in-charge of assisting the bosses in various exciting projects.

There are just too many experiences working at Naza. I’d like to share it here but I don’t know where to start.

Below are pieces of memories:

We did so many hi-society events and had so much fun rubbing shoulders with the who's who.

But when we have to wear the Blue & Yellow uniform for mass events, we'd rock that too!

With my former bosses, Dato SM Faisal & Datin Emilia Hanafi

~Cheers!

Monday, July 25, 2011

Health Stats :: Tobacco

From now on, i will post a health-related statistics on the 25th of every month.

To begin, i shall start with a fact that should be a stern reminder to myself.

Info & image : Travel 360

Stop being an addict, Aziz!

~Cheers!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

My Internship

Internship is like a food tasting session. It was a place for you to get a taste of the real world.

I was extremely excited for internship. I started looking around and submitted my application to all of the big agencies but unfortunately their internship spot has been filled.

Frustrated, I went to see my course supervisor to ask for help. She told me she had a handful of companies who had written to her asking for interns.

She gave me details of a company and said I should send my application letter a.s.a.p. I look at the piece of paper she gave and couldn’t hide my underwhelm feeling. I’ve never heard of them before and their office was in Ampang.

I asked her if I can browse through the companies and choose something im familiar with.
“Beggars cannot be choosers” she said.

I told her I have problems travelling as I don’t own a car, and travelling to Ampang (from Shah Alam) is without a doubt crazy!

“Who’s asking you to stay in Shah Alam? If you need to move to Ampang, by all means move!. Think bout it, When you graduate, are you going to apply for job that is convenient to you?”

Well, she got a point. And since Internship is all about tasting the real deal, I shall solve my transportation issues myself. Its not like anyone else care how difficult it is for me to travel. They only want me at the office on time.

So, I went to Ampang to check out the office. And since I was there, I went around the area looking for room to rent. I found a house near an LRT station. It was RM450 per month, which was pretty pricey for me.

I have no other choice but to take the house and start looking for people to rent the other room.
Once I got all of that sorted, the only other thing to do is to shop for office attire. Boy, it was rather depressing at that point of time because I had to spend on so much thing. Budget was a big issue.

I kept telling myself “You gotta get use to all this”.


The Reality of My Internship

What was supposed to be the launch of my real job experience turned out to be one hell of a disaster. The company had a couple of job and just like me, they are pretty clueless about PR.
I was in charge of doing menial task. I also had to go out buy lunch for the bosses and drive them around. Yes, I was a driver.

My internship was entirely unpaid, including any reimbursement for my expenses. I called my friends to check if they are going through the same thing and all of them were assigned to do more-or-less work that are related to PR and having a lot of fun.

I was pretty depressed. I have invested so much for this “experience” and truly it has taught me nothing.

I called my supervisor to complain. She told me it is possible for me to change internship place but I would have to start everything all over again. It has to be 4 consecutive months. Failing to complete the program would not allow me to proceed to my final semester. And obviously I wasn’t too thrilled about that.

As if these factors weren’t bad enough, at the end of the month, I didn’t get my cheque as promised. I didn’t bother to voice it out because at that point of time, I only cared about my marks. The company will be evaluating my performance and that is more valuable.

My aim was to complete the internship so I can graduate and move on with my life.

***

Although my experience was pretty bad, I don’t have any regrets. People say we have to look for the silver lining and I certainly saw it.

I learned several valuable lessons from the awful experience. The single most important thing I learnt was not to be like the people who work at that company. They were unethical and extremely not professional. I never want to be like them.

Since then, I made a point to ensure interns are treated accordingly. Thus far I kept a good working relationship with all of my interns.

***

Since we are on the subject I also would like to write something about internships.
  • Internship is a platform for you to learn. Not to kill time. Its a serious thing
  • Don’t expect to make money because you are learning. You have no experience, therefore, don’t expect lavish payment. Don demand!
  • Figure out your own transportation and accommodation.
  • Photocopying, faxing, making calls are basic. Don’t feel you are being bullied because that’s where you start.
  • Learn as much as you can, as fast as you can.
  • Show initiatives. That will take you a long way.
~Cheers!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

My Third Job

Working as a promoter was great fun but the only slack was the travelling bit. Catching a bus from Shah Alam to KL is a pain in the ass. If I miss the 7:30am bus, there is no chance in hell I would make it to KLCC on time.

The buses are truly crappy and never on time. The driver can spend 35mins waiting for passengers and refuse to drive until it’s filled up. Same thing with going back. My shift finishes at 10:00 pm and I had to rush to the bus station to catch another crappy bus back to Shah Alam. On good days, I manage to reach Shah Alam by 11:30pm. On bad days (or should I say MOST days), I had to use the hole at one of the gate because it’s over curfew time.

The pay was good, and makes all the travelling sufferings worth-it but I could only do it during weekends. Weekdays go to classes lah.

When I was in my 4th semester, my timetable was very interesting. All of my classes are in the morning and finishes around 2-3pm. So, I had so much of free time, everyday!

I thought it would be a good idea for me to find a part time job in Shah Alam. And the most common (and obvious) part time job for students are at the fast-food restaurants. So, I went to McDonalds & KFC. They asked me to fill up a form and said they’ll be in touch with me if they need me.

The call never came so I had to expand my search. And then I saw an advertisement at Marrybrown. They were hiring and I went for an interview.

Image taken from here

At that point of time, I was trying to grow my hair so it was pretty long. The manager asked me if I am willing to cut my hair.

I said no.

She look straight to my face and said “Can you tie your hair and hide it under a cap?”

I said yes.

“You can start tomorrow”.

I thought she was pretty cool for letting me work despite my long hair. So, the very next day, I wore a Marrybrown uniform, tie my hair nicely and went to the restaurant. I was assigned to handle the counter.

I had no experience handling the cash register but pressing few buttons and count cash doesn’t seem to be that difficult. I knew I’d be able to master it after a couple of customers.

The only problem was, there were no customers. I stood there for four hours waiting . It was up to a point where I started praying for customers to walk into the door and buy something.

As I was about to finish my 5-hours shift of doing absolutely nothing, a lady walks in. I was in high spirits to serve and yelled “Welcome to Marrybrown!”. She gave me a very sharp stare and asked for the manager.

The manager came out and went to sit at a table with her. Their conversation was pretty tense. At first, I thought it was a personal matter but later on found out that the scary looking lady was the owner (or something of that level) for that branch.

It was pretty obvious that she owner is not happy with the sales.

As she was about to leave, she came to the counter.

Lady: What’s your name?
Me: Aziz
Lady: Tomorrow I want your hair short and please shave! You look so not hygienic!
Me: I’m sorry but the manager agreed I could keep my hair under the cap
Lady: I don’t care, your dirty face is chasing my customers away.

I figured there is no point to argue with her. So, I kept quiet.

The next day, on the way to my class, I left the uniform at the restaurant door.

~Cheers!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Christian Dior: deuxième partie


(Christian Dior : Part Two)

After a successful first day at Christian Dior (CD) and earning RM200.76 in commission, i went back to my hostel feeling good lah, thinking I did so bloody well. And then a friend said something that woke me up.

CD has its own followers and most of the people that goes to the counter already have the intention to buy. Its not you. Its the product. Jangan perasan.

I agreed with my friend. And then i realised : It also means people who walk around the fragrance area are also thinking of buying perfumes. Apart from the usual CD customers, i need to tackle the rest of the people too.

So, i google-ed about Christian Dior perfumes and study the fragrances. Of course, i need to know about the competitors too, as people like to compare.

I went back the next day with a little more knowledge but full of determination to sell sell and sell! I manage to sell about 9 bottles of Dior Addict and 18 bottles J’adore.

Not bad lah.

But along the way, people start asking about lipstick, make-up and skincare stuff. I had to pass them to the manager or the permanent staff as i absolutely have no idea. (Hey i'm only paid to sell perfumes!)

That was how i spent my weekends for about 6-7 months. I was lucky because CD asked me to work regularly. My friend on the other hand work with various brands from different companies. He also does big promos with bigger incentives. I tak berani sangat coz competition is tough (20 promoters) and i'm very comfortable with CD. (loyal ok !)

And one fine day, the manger called me asking if i could work during Chinese New Year holidays. They need someone to work for 3 days and the basic payment is RM100 + 4% commission (per day).

I said no problemo and made arrangements.

On the first day of CNY, i open the counter by myself and the manager came slightly later in her red Cheongsam. She stayed for couple of hours and i told her to go as i was confident i could handle everything. Before she left, she told me to be careful when entertaining customers who wants to buy skincare.

"You need to know what you are selling because you don't want to give wrong product to customers. And if you don't know, don't make something up. We don't want angry customers"

I told her I got it under control and walk her out of the counter. Within minutes, customers came and ask about lipstick and make up. The fact that I am useless in that department kicks in and I almost freak out.

But I can’t let my stupidity effect the sales. So, i just belasah. I ask them to try the lipstick on and told them the truth. If I can recall it correctly, I said to one customer that she look old with that kind of make-up. Her face turn black.

As people say it, practice made perfect. I got to sell loads of lipstick. I went into the inventory and see which color has the most stock, and start promoting those.

On the third day of CNY, the manager came and did her sales report. She look at me and asked :

Manager : Boy, you sold Serum ?
Me : Yes, 2 boxes!
Manager : How did u explain to the customer ??
Me : I didnt have to.
Manager : She know the product?
Me : I have no idea
Manager : Then how ?
Me : She was Japanese and didn't speak English.

Later on, another lady in gold Cheong Sam came. She was very beautiful (and look very rich). I was screaming "Jackpot" in my mind as she approaches.

So I greeted her nicely and ask if she’s interested in trying any of the perfume. And I realised she smelled like Dior Addict. So I asked if she is using it already.

She was happy to know I recognise the scent. And then, in a split second, the manager came and chat with her in Chinese language.

Well, she must be a regular customer then.. dammit. There goes my sale..!

After a while, she step out of the counter and approaches me. She gave me a red envelope and said "Keep up the good work".

I was like what the hell just happen? The manager told me she’s the big boss of CD.

***

The exhaustion of standing 12 hours a day for 3 consecutive days just went away when i found out my salary for that 3 days was RM2,200 + RM100 ang pow.

I had a wonderful experience working as fragrance promoter. Other than CD, I did a couple of promoter job with other brands.

I must say, the job was a ground for me to exercise my marketing and PR skills. I learn so many important things which I still use till today.

  • One must accept challenge and just do it
  • One must know the product well
  • One must never lie or pretend to know
  • One must know who your target market are, and how to get them
  • One must communicate well

And lastly;

One must get your ass up and work hard to get paid. The harder you work, the more money you get.

~Cheers!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

My second job

While studying at UiTM, one of my friends had a part time job as a fragrance promoter. He work during weekends and was earning good bucks.

Promoter means you are promoting a specific product and try to push for sales. You work in a shopping mall and approach customers who pass your counter. Remuneration is RM50 per day + commission based on your total sales.

Most of my weekends were spent doing nothing so; I thought I can totally be a promoter. So, I asked him to hook me up.

My very first promoter job was at Parkson KLCC where I had to sell Christian Dior perfumes. I was the only promoter for the day because it was a small promo at the counter. I was pretty excited and super energised to start selling.

It was not as easy as it sounds. First of all, you are required to stand for 10-12 hours (Depending on your shift). The shopping mall was run by Japanese and they were extremely particular.

First rule: The counters have to be dust-free.
Second: You have to stand straight and not move when they do inspection at 10:00am sharp.
Third: You have to be on time. Or don’t come to work.
Fourth: You are not allowed to sit during your shift.

Well, you might think they are a little rough but they have a reputation to look after. And if you are seating, you are not selling. As simple as that.

So, on my first day, I was told to promote Dior Addict. It was a brand new perfume by Christian Dior. I studied the description and tried to memorise the ingredients (which is impossible). After an hour or so, I still couldn’t figure out what to say about it.

One customer got pretty angry with me because I didn’t have answers to her questions. “You ni tau tak apa yang you jual?” –I almost choked to death.

And then the customers start asking more questions and compare it with other Christian Dior perfumes (Which are displayed on the same shelve).

I asked the manager how do I know & sell so many perfumes in one day? She explained my main task is to sell Dior Addict, but if customers want something else, I have to sell it too. It’s just the commission for Dior Addict is higher as compared to the rest. For each bottle of Dior Addict, I get 4% commission whereas the rest is 3% commission.

When she said that, I was like “Damn… I have to know so many perfumes!”.

Still extremely puzzled, I asked the manager to serve the first few customers so I can observe. I told her that I’d be fine once I know how it’s done. She was nice enough to do a little demo.

She approaches the customers nicely, explains the scent, ask them to try it on and create conversation from there. Throughout the conversation, she was so confident, friendly, and genuine.

After the 3rd customer, she look at me and said “Go for lunch. Once you are back, it’s your turn to do sales. Better prove that you are worth it”.

“And get to know the product”.

I came back from lunch and sold 21 bottles of perfumes that day.

~Cheers

Monday, July 11, 2011

My first job

I have been meaning to blog more about my work but never had the time to get it done. And the other question is, where do I start?

Well, today I had a few nostalgic memories about my first job. So, I thought maybe I should start from there.

I first set my employment footprints when I was 11 years old. I decided to do something at that age because I need something to fill my weekends (too bored at home!).

My relatives run a gerai at the local market and I volunteered to waiter. And since I was so good (lol!), they let me work there every Fridays & Saturdays.


My job was to take orders, deliver the food/drinks and clean the tables. I still remember going around the tables taking orders and had to answer loads of unrelated questions.

People in Alor Setar are generally very friendly and I had a standard answer for “Anak siapa ni?” “Rajin nye… tak sekolah ke”. I wanted to say “My dad is not famous… and its weekends!” but I layan je..

On top of that, the owner of the shop, (my dad’s uncle) is a super funny guy. He is practically a joker and knows everyone in the market. He announced to the whole world that I was one of the “Bosnian Kid” which he adopted.

As funny as it sounds, people actually believed him! And people started calling me “Bosnia”. I got irritated with that but it would be a waste of energy to explain to everyone. I just smile and went along with it.

I got to know alot of people at the market, and people who shop there too (well, that means the entire community!).

My shift start at 6:30am and finishes at around 2:00pm. And I got paid RM6 per day. I was so happy to get paid and started saving it for “future use” -in which I spent on buying cassettes.

Some of the family members questioned my parents for letting me work at such a young age. My dad's response was “He wants to do it, its not like we force him to work”. I thought they were a bunch of idiots who are jealous with my “successful career”!

As I grew up and went to secondary school, the job didn’t seem to be a cool thing to do anymore. So, I told my parents “I quit!”. And when the shop need me to help out because they were short-staffed, my mum had to force me to go. They even start to pay RM9 per day and I still refuse to do it.

Well, that’s when the rebellious age kicks in.

I must say, in a way, it was that low-paying, low-prestige job that helps me develop my interpersonal skills.

~Cheers!

Water Business!

Let’s talk about one of the most important consumer items — water, or more precisely bottled water (be it still, reverse osmosis or whatev...