Time to upgrade again

I am not sure why I always have this feeling at the end of the year. There is always the urge for me to upgrade the computers in my internet cafe. Either it is to upgrade the hardware of the existing computers or to add in next computers. These urges do not occur in the first three quarters of the year, but only in the fourth quarter of the year.

I wonder whether it is because I started my business in the fourth quarter of the year and as such there is that tendency to feel the urges to think of buying new computers during this time of the year. It is as though it has become a routine. And because of that the business has grown and I am grateful to God for that. The only setback I faced when having these urges to improve my business is the lack of money to do so.

There are many ways to overcome this problem. I have the privilege of purchasing the equipments and paying it in installments. Of course there are other ways like getting a title loan. That is when you use your car to take out a short term loan. You can do this at Auto Title loan Regional Offices in Arlington. If your brothers and sisters are rich, you might want to borrow from them without paying interest or with low interest.

As for me, I will trust that God will provide the necessary money through the sales. In God I trust.

Pride led to his downfall

Was reading the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16. It is a powerful life testimony of how one can be so successful in his early days but descended into total abandonment of God later in his life. I've preached on King Asa's life before and as I read again King Asa's life, the Lord spoke to me in His own gentle way. King Asa's success in defeating the vast Cushites and Libyans army has been the result of his total dependence on God. And God honored King Asa's total reverence and fear of Him. King Asa removed all the idols in the land and deposed his own grandmother. His heart is right before God. It is a Biblical principle that God honors those whose heart is set on Him. Even in our relationship with our children, we tend to show more of our love, care and guidance to the ones whose heart is right with us. And there's peace for 35 years after the war for King Asa. Then a smaller problem happened to King Asa. This time the response is totally different. Instead of relying on God and trusting on God's power, King Asa depended on his own cleverness, and following the ways of the heathen, he made a pact with an ungodly king. That led to tremendous problems to his kingdom. Even when he is sick, he did not seek help from God. Total abandonment of God at the end of his life. He started well but failed miserably in the end. As I reflected on King Asa's life, I realized that pride has also come into my life. I started my internet cafe with no experience, no know-how at all. I've never worked in a internet cafe before and I don't even have any paper qualification on computer networking or programming. I started the business with total dependence on God to provide and to bless the business. I've tried to follow the ways of the world by opening the business on Sundays but that is not pleasing to God. He challenged me to close the business on Sundays (even though in the eyes of the world, business on Sundays will bring in the highest income). After struggling with that challenge for a month, I decided to trust God and close my business on Sundays. God has blessed the business ever since. A year ago, I bought over another internet cafe business. The business in this new shop has not been doing well. As I reflect back on King Asa's story, I was made to realize that I too have pride in my life. Since the first business is doing well, pride comes to my life and it is shown in my attitude. Unconsciously, I felt that I too played a role in the success of the business. And that pride is shown in how I tried to manage the new internet cafe. Depending more on my own "intelligence" and experience rather than depending on God. Forgive me Father and help me to be humble before you. Help me to remember that unless You builds the business, I labor in vain. Help me to check my attitude towards the business and remind me that it is You that is in total control. Even in managing this business, help me to depend totally on You. Help me to set my heart right before You in every areas of my life. Amen.

Where to print A3 size documents in Melaka?

If you need to print your documents in A3 size in Melaka, you can do so at Starhawk Internet Cafe. It is located at Taman Bacang Utama, Melaka, just outside of the main Giant Hypermarket. Not many internet cafes offer printing services but you can print, photocopy, scan, laminate and even do binding for your school or campus assignment in Starhawk Internet Cafe. Previously, printing can be done in A4 size only but now with the new printer, Starhawk Internet Cafe offers this service of printing in A3 size. The price is reasonable depending on the size of your picture and normally it ranges between RM5.00 to RM9.00 per A3 size page.

So, if you want to print A3 size documents or A3 size pictures in Melaka, go to Starhawk Internet Cafe. Call them at 06-2814308 if you have any inquiries.

Signboard is up

A few weeks ago, the municipal enforcement officers came and issued me a notice. They gave me a 7 days notice to bring down my old signboard. The reason is that my signboard is old and faded.



Since I was forced to change my shop signboard by the municipal, I decided to change my signboard design. The main deciding factor is durability. The wording 'STARHAWK' is made of stainless steel with a dark blue background.


This is the new signboard put up today. Praying that it will last long as promised by the advertisement company.

No licence issued anymore

I wanted to apply for a new internet cafe licence from MBMB Melaka. However, I was informed that the council has freeze the issuing of new internet cafe licence since 2008. Okay, that put a brake on my plans to open up new branch.

However, just over the past 2 months, there are 3 new internet cafes opening near my shop. What's happening? How can they start their business when no licence is issued out by the MBMB? Two possibilities: -

1. They are operating the business illegally, or
2. The officers in MBMB received bribes to issue out the licence.

Grrr...

Buying over another business

I'm excited with the buying over of another internet cafe shop. Another friend agreed to come out half of the amount and also to manage the shop. There are many things that needs to be done to make the shop more attractive to the customers. I guess the next few months, I would be busier trying to manage one shop and helping my partner manage another shop. But it would be exciting to see the progress of the business.

We have many plans to attract more customers to the shop. The previous owner does not offer many services to the public which we intend to make available. We trust God that with more services made available, the business would grow and we would be blessed with additional income. I know we can get financial advice from Missoula, MT wealth management group as to manage our money wisely. We hope to be God's channel of blessings to the needy especially those who are serving God in the rural areas. As for now, we can only do our best knowing that only God can bring success in the business.

New opportunities for business expansion

An offer was given to buy over one small internet cafe at a very reasonable price. I'm interested to buy it but of course I don't have the capital. As much as possible I tried not to go into debt as taught in the Bible. The exception would be when I know that I can pay the debt on time.

Told a friend about the opportunity and he is very interested to buy it also. Let's see how things work out. Oh Lord, what's your plan for me in this area?

Nice signboard

After 4 years under the sun, my cybercafe signboard has worn out. The pictures and wordings can't be read. I've been wanting to look for an Advertising Agency that can replace the signboard with a reasonable price. The only factor that is holding me back is lack of money. It cost me about $1800 to install the signboard four years ago.

There's one shop that has an attractive signboard. They use glowing lights around the wordings. However, it only look beautiful at night when the lighting is on. It was something new that I have never seen it being done elsewhere. I called up the owner of the shop to ask for the contact of the Advertising Agency that did their signboard but he has yet to return my call. I guess I have to look around for any Advertising Agency that can do the same signboard for my shop.

How to increase sales?

It has been a while since the maintaining mentality crept in. Since all the profits are just enough to support the family, there's nothing much to spend on the business. So, the best thing to do for the business is to maintain and hoping that the customers would be happy with what we have to offer.

If there's extra profit to spend on the business, there are many things I want to change. The signboard is in desperate need of change. That would cost about $2K. Another unit of air-conditioner could keep all the customers cool and cozy wherever they are seated. And of course the floor can be upgraded. Many thoughts came to mind. I've seen the trade show flooring and the trade show carpet. I'm still trying to figure out which is the best upgrade for the floor. Cost and durability are two main factors to be considered. Maybe a few of my company logo mats to greet the customers would create a nice atmosphere. I was thinking of using logo canopy outside my shop but that would not be appropriate for the time being.

Praying that once God bless me with more profits, all the above changes can be done. Then, once the place is more elegant and conducive for the customers, they would come again and again and my sales would increase and increase.

Foreign worker

An outsourcing boss offered me a foreign worker to work in my cybercafe. Monthly pay of RM900 and a place of accommodation. Well it seems that this guy has all the qualifications in IT knowledge which is good.

My main consideration is whether I can trust him to handle the cash. That is the main issue for most bosses. Of course someone will say that unless I try I would never find out. Well, that's true but it would be a 2 years contract and what would I do if I found out that he is not honest after a month. Headache.

The current part time staffs are trustworthy. The only problem is that their working time are not fixed. Lack of motivation seems to be evidenced in them too. Well, I guess staff will always have staff's mentalities. Though as Christians we are exhorted to work as though we are working for Christ, it is not always easy to do so. Staffs always think about their own convenience and want more money.

Hmmm...if need too, I will consider the foreign worker.

Need to upgrade my skills

Nicholas Chan has set up his own company. He worked with an IT company whose office is just above my shop. Met him yesterday and he told me about his newly set up company. Now he provides various IT services like IT systems integrator, IT Projects Management, Automation and Network Security, and also maintenance and services. He also sells special computers for factory usage which is generally more durable compared to normal computers.

My knowledge on networking is limited though enough for day to day operation of the shop. I'm glad that Nicholas shared a bit of his knowledge during our conversation. I wonder whether he has gone to Chicago CCNA or San Diego CCNA where excellent courses on networking were offered. He also shared about some of the internet cafes that he went in another city where the services provided is specifically catered to high end users. He said that in those places the owner have to hire an expert in server and networking just to look after and maintain the computer systems. These expert must have gone through Virginia Cisco Course or Virginia MCITP or similar courses before they can apply for such position.

Would I want to go for such courses? Well, I definitely want to, not just because of the need but because of my interest in knowing more about it. But then, would I have the time to study?

Time to upgrade

Bought another photocopier for the shop. The old one is giving lots of problem lately. The paper would always crumple and/or get stuck. Every time the paper got crumple, it is a waste of money (paper, toner and electricity), time, energy and patience. It also gives a bit impression to the customers. They might not even want to come back to the shop and this is something that I want to avoid. So it is time to get a new photocopier.

The good thing is that my supplier allows me to pay by installments. That enables me to pay him and get the machine. If he wants me to pay the whole sum at one time, then I'm not sure when I will have enough money to do so. Maybe, I would have to get a loan from the bank. But I hate to take loans. Pray that this new machine will last long and give a good return for the business.

The KYM Students Are Back

How do I know that the KYM students are back? There is a sudden increased in the sales for the past 3 days. Which means, the students are back! Praise the Lord. After the Hari Raya holiday, they will be back with assignments and projects to print. I hope this will continue till the end of the month as we need the extra income to fix my house roofing and buy silver bullion if still for extra money. We need money to make more money. That is why the rich is becoming more rich and the poor stays poor. :(

Time to move on

It has been 4 years since starting the cybercafe business. How time flies! I still can remember the days when I had to sleep over at the shop so that I can get the extra income. The beginning days are tough, not enough to even cover the cost. Michelle's income had seen us through those "tight" times.

Really thank God for His faithfulness and providence. He has brought me through this 4 years and indeed I can confidently say that God has never forsaken me. As I made a deal with God that I would put my focus on the business for 4 years, I'm now open to what may come next for my future. It is time to move on.

Investing in Kindergarten

My brother came back with mother and the maid last weekend. He asked me whether I have money to invest. Of course the answer is No. But God willing, He will provide all my needs as He has always been faithfully been providing. Anyway, my brother told me that one of his friend in interested in opening a kindergarten near his place. And she is asking my brother whether he wants to joint venture. A capital of RM10K to be injected into the venture. He is quite keen to join though he too has limited savings.

When asked about how the returns would be like, he is not sure at all. He has got a clue. So I taught him a bit on how to calculate the returns for his possibly RM10K investment. Also told him to ask his friends how much profits/returns would he get and for how long the partnership would last. Told him that it is better to invest in gold bullion if the returns offered by his friend is less than 10% of his investment. This is because the appreciation value of gold normally increases more than 10% a year.

Anyway, still waiting for the project proposal from his friend. If the projected returns is good and all other factors are positive, then I might contribute to the venture too.

High expenses

Sigh...I did not achieve my target of clearing my business debt by May 2010. Was really hoping that I could settle it by May, but that did not take place. With 2 weddings, additional repair to the photostat machine, renewing of insurance and road tax for the old car and motorbike, and many other additional expenses, all the income runs dry. Furthermore, the daily sales dropped as most of the college students went back home for their 2 months holiday.

Praise God we did not starve to death. Just that I was really hoping to clear my business debt as soon possible. Now praying that the daily income would increase and no more wedding cards to give angpau's to.

Business closed on CNY

CNY is the only time of the year when I'll close the business for more than 2 days. I guess it is one of the public holidays that I observes beside Christmas day. This year, the business will be closed for at least four days from Saturday till Tuesday.

To all my Chinese customers, Happy Chinese New Year. Time for me to rest.

Invitation to set up a display booth

I received a letter from the IKIM (Institut Kemahiran Industri Malaysia). They are planning to have an expo in one of the villages. They want me to set up one trade show booths. Wah, at first I thought it is a good idea. I never have a chance to set up a booth before. I was imagining how my booth would look like with the tables, chairs, and banner stands all perfectly arranged. I would make sure the pipe and drape at the booth make the booth outstanding. It would be the most attractive booth in the expo.

The imagination burst when one customer came in requesting to use one of the computer. Suddenly, it occurs to me that I do not have much to display at the booth. I'm just operating a cybercafe. What can I put up on a trade show booths? Nothing. I have no computers for sale. At the most I can display is information on my business. You don't need a big booth to do that.

Maybe when I diversified my business into other types of business I would take up the offer to set up a booth. As for now, thanks for the invitation but sorry lah, nothing to show.

Diversify

Last Sunday, Pastor Goh Lee Neo preached on Ecclesiastes. Solomon advised those who do business to diversify as one does not know which business/venture brings income/profits. The message struck me as I too was thinking of diversifying my business. There are plans to takeover other cybercafes or maybe opening a new one in new area. At one time, I was thinking of doing agriculture but that did not materialized as the business demands most of my time.

People who says that doing business is easy are all ignorant and liars. Or maybe they just see the good things in a business but not the hard part, the beginning part of building up the business. They did not know that every fiber of the body and every thoughts of the mind have to be wired to plan and to ensure the business' success. And the most important thing of all is the principle that man can plan but ONLY GOD can bring success. No matter how clever your plans may be or how conducive the location and environment may be, surely one have to acknowledge God in everything. Not to do so is foolishness to the highest degree.

I have another year to go (or less than a year) before I'm planning to "move" or before my "transition" period is over. In the meantime, the business would be my focus/responsibility. Would I be able to diversify by then? Only God knows. In His time, not my own.

Patience

I reminded myself almost everyday. Patience and wait. Wait, wait. In His time.

There are times when I felt frustrated coz I don't want to wait. I want to do this, want to do that, and this and that. I want to get this and that and this and that. Haiyo... everything also I want but then cannot. Now, don't get me wrong here. Most of what I want (more than 50%) are legitimate i.e. for the business but then there is not enough savings to buy those things. So I have to make do with whatever shortage (lack of computer peripherals) until I have the means to buy them.

And worst of all is the lack of honest full time workers. They say "Once bitten, twice shy". In my case it is "Three times bitten, fed up already". So now, I'm very choosy in who is going to work in my shop. So I "sufferlah" coz nobody can replace me when I need to rest or there is emergency.

Patience, patience.