The Department of Trade & Industry-Region 3 in coordination with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC) conducted the Enhanced SME Caravan in Central Luzon to further develop the managerial and technical skills of MSMEs in generating business innovation and creating economic value.
However, sad to say i missed the seminar on Values-Based Management last 26 June 2012 which aims to convey to MSMEs on how to communicate clearly who they are and what they stand for and discovering personal values that strengthen their actions which will greatly contribute in the improvement of business operations. Though I was near the vicinity of the seminar, I was not able to attend as I need to canvass with printers for my hangtags for accessories.
Also, will not be able to attend the Quality & Productivity for Global Competitiveness on 28 June 2012 as I will be buying my materials tomorrow so my beadworkers can work on our new purchase order. Said seminar is vital to increase the level of awareness of the MSMEs on the importance of Quality and Productivity Improvement in their business operation and to make the MSMES more competitive in the global market.
However, I'm having a second thought of buying my materials as the seminar tomorrow here in Malolos is about Branding, Packaging & Labelling, and I would like to consult with the speaker about my own design for my hangtags as well as its contents if okay before going on final printing of the tags.
If only I can attend to all of these things as they are all important for my business...but i have a one-man business at the moment.
(BEADatoh)
Attended today a seminar in Materials Management and Inventory Control at Club Royale Resort in Malolos City. This is in line with the Enhanced SME Caravan of the Department of Trade & Industry - Bulacan Provincial Office in coordination with the Philippine Trade Training Center (PTTC). This event is intended to further develop the managerial and technical skills of MSMEs in generating business innovation and creating economic value, through the conduct of various seminars.
Materials Management and Inventory Control aims to equip the MSMEs with the various techniques and guidelines towards attaining better management of materials, and accuracy of inventory records.
Coach Mel Orosa has diferent style as a speaker...no handouts for participants...no powerpoint presentations...but it was a cross training system. In the morning session, i felt sleepy and bored and even planned not to push through with the afternoon session and instead go to Manila to buy materials for new purchase order. But I stayed and just enjoyed the seminar and managed to talked with other participants during break time to share experiences.
His remaining talk before the end of the seminar hit me as Coach said, "Forget about what we talked this morning, but what I want to part with you is this...It is not what you want to do...but what you want to BE at the end of the day in your business." BE proactive, BE knowledgeable, BE strong, BE happy....nurture good relationship.
Inventory - "If you cannot identify it, you cannot monitor it. If you cannot monitor it, you cannot control it. If you cannot control it, you cannot manage it."
"Knowledge is power and applied knowledge is awesome power."
(BEADatoh)
Coral In recent years, there has been some concern and controversy regarding the harvesting of coral for use in jewelry. Coral is actually the dried, hardened remains of sea coral, a living organism that is vital to our oceans. The expansive coral reefs found throughout the world's oceans are the home to many important marine life that make up the food chain. When the coral dies or is over harvested, these marine animals and fish have no habitat, and the entire ocean ecosystem suffers. But coral has also been prized as a gemstone by humans for centuries. Genuine coral jewelry and beads have been found in the ancient Egyptian tombs, and the ancient Romans prized coral for its perceived ability to protect the wearer from physical harm. Genuine red coral, the type most prized for beads and jewelry, is incredibly rare. If you find it, expect to pay a premium for it. Most coral used in today's beads and jewelry making components is actually white coral that has been dyed red or pink. When using these coral beads in your jewelry making projects, the dye from these beads can run and stain clothing, so make sure you avoid exposing them to water when worn.(When Is a Gemstone Not a Gemstone? 06-18-2012 by Jennifer VanBenschot) (BEADatoh)
Amber is the fossilized tree resin that flowed from ancient trees, millions of years ago. Although amber does not have the same chemical or crystalline structure as a mineral, it is also classified as a semi-precious gemstone. Baltic amber, in particular, is prized throughout the world for its variety of colors, which can range anywhere from a milky honey colored stone to a deep, dark, transparent green. If you are shopping for amber, be on the lookout for bonded amber. This type of amber gemstone is actually composed of smaller pieces of amber that have been stuck together using a binding agent. Bonded amber costs significantly less than natural amber, so always ask what treatments your amber beads have undergone before making a purchase.
Amber that has whole insects or plants encased within it is particularly sought after, but a word of caution: if you find a piece of amber with a large insect inside of it, expect to pay top dollar for such a sample. If the price is too good to be true, it probably is.
(When Is a Gemstone Not a Gemstone? 06-18-2012 by Jennifer VanBenschoten) (BEADatoh)
Pearls are one of my favorite natural beads for jewelry making, and are most often classified as gemstones. Pearls are created when a tiny grain of sand or other irritant finds its way into an oyster or other hard-shelled mollusk. In order to protect itself, the mollusk begins coating the irritant with layers of luminescent nacre. Eventually, the pearl becomes large enough that it can be harvested and removed from the inside of the shell. Pearls are classified as semi-precious gemstones in jewelry, and some of the finest examples of natural freshwater pearls can cost as much as precious gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires! The largest known naturally-occurring pearl was discovered in the Philippines in 1934 in a clam, and weighed in at an astounding fourteen pounds! But because it was from a clam, and not a mollusk that secretes nacre, it didn't have the luster of a gem-quality pearl.
(When Is a Gemstone Not a Gemstone? 06-18-2012 by Jennifer VanBenschoten
Attended a seminar on Brand Culture: Effectively Communicating the Brand Identity. This is designed to help SMEs appreciate the importance of branding, to create a strong brand identity which will build mind share - one of the strongest competitive advantages of a company.
Vital insights gathered:
* 2 reasons for business failure: pride (no innovations) and selfishness (thinking of your own agenda only)
* there are no saturated markets, only untapped opportunities (Philip Kotler, Global Marketing Guru)
* Brand defines and differentiates your offer from the competition, adds value and eventually protects your business.
* Products are made in a factory, Brands are bought by consumers.
* Service is rendered in the shop, Brands are experienced by consumers.
* A brand is the [promise of the bundle of attribute that someone buys and that provides them with emotional satisfaction (Tim Amber, London Business School)
* We only grow when we step outside our comfort zone.....Unless you try to do something beyond that you have already mastered, you will never grow (Roger Federer on achievement)
Resource speaker was Mr. Raymundo C. De Vera of Pin-Point Direct Consultancy Center.
Attended today a DTI sponsored seminar on "Protocol/Ethical Standards for Business Excellence" in DTI Region 3 Office, Angeles City, Pampanga. Resource Speaker was Dr. NIck A. Matias of Pitch & Red Consulting. The seminar aims to enhance SMEs knowledge on ethical standards in business to achieve long-term success in business as it drives relationships with workers, consumers and other company stakeholders.
A very enlightening and informative talk regarding business ethics. Business should not be established based on profit only...incorporating social responsibility in your business is very vital too.
The need to have core values, operating philosophy and credo is a must for SME's not just for big companies. These will be the business' guiding policy for its people, processes and performance.
Guiding principle learned..."life is more pleasurable and easier when we know what to expect from other people, what they expect of us, and how to respond in an appropriate way."
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