Carving Out a Niche in Bangkok by Liz Grima March 27, 2010
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Tell us your background?
I am an Australian and arrived in Bangkok on July 4th 2001. I was working for FutureBrand in Melbourne as a Design Manager which was my profession for 12 years before arriving here. I met my husband Gordon in Bangkok. Gordon was born here so marrying him meant that this was going to be my home, lucky me! We have 2 gorgeous children Saiburi is 6 and Harriet is 2.
After getting married I decided to leave my job and join Gordon working in our own business, Bangkok Dolphins, in an administration/Marketing role in between having 2 children and opening a Mexican Restaurant, Charley Browns in Sukhumvit Soi 11. I still juggle my time between Bangkok Dolphins and Charley Browns.
What made you decide to come to Bangkok?
I had been working on a very big project in Melbourne for 3 years, re –branding one of Australia’s big banks. After the project finished I really felt that I needed some time off so I decided to go traveling. I arrived in Bangkok to meet up with an old associate here and got offered a job. I loved the vibrancy of the city and decided to take the 12 month contract. During those 12 months I met Gordon here and I am still here working now on my own businesses.
You have a few businesses in Thailand, can you tell us about some of them?
Bangkok Dolphins is my main business. It is a swim school for children aged between 4 months and approx 15 years. It was opened in 1997 and is sill a very busy part of my life. Luckily for me Dolphins General Manager Cherry Tesswodi has proved to be a very valuable support and has taken some of the day to day problems from me.
Charley Browns Mexican restaurant is in Sukhumvit Soi 11. It was originally in Lad Prao area before we purchased the business and moved it to Soi 11 in 2004. In December we under went a major overhaul and I have been working on creating more exciting menu items.
What are some business tips for starting a business in Thailand?
Be very sure you want to have your own business before starting. The romantic idea that working for yourself creates freedom and is easier is a myth. Ensure you have the right support to make your business work from either people or information. There are so many opportunities here in Thailand but be prepared to be frustrated as well as rewarded.
Through the Lens with Carolyn O’Neill March 27, 2010
Posted by admin in : Bangkok, Business, Networking, photography , add a commentWhat brought you to Bangko
k?
When I lived in Hong Kong as a trailing spouse, I traveled here many times, had many friends here and always fancied the idea of living in Bangkok. Three years later I found myself back in the States and at the end of my marriage, I decided this was the perfect opportunity to try something completely different. I knew it was a place where I could live comfortably without spending a fortune and I sensed there were many opportunities here for building my family portrait business and continuing my documentary projects. Plus, I’d be back in SE Asia, which I had missed very much!
As a newly single woman moving to a foreign country by myself, well I can tell you that it felt like I was about to climb Mt. Everest with flip flops on! I really was scared, but at the same time very excited about the potential that lay ahead. It was impossible to deny the excitement of building a new life for myself around this new-found passion of mine and the opportunity to do it in SE Asia – a place I loved. I’m still amazed and extremely grateful to be living here and doing work that I love everyday.
How did you get started as a photographer?
As a youngster growing up in California, there was always a camera of sorts in hand. Those little instamatics with the flash cube on top! In school we would make pinhole cameras out of shoe boxes and make contact prints. I even recall early on explaining to my mother the benefits of candid photos vs. posed ones – which I think she may have taken too literally now that I look back on those photographs!!
Somehow though, life took me down other roads and I found myself working behind a desk, married and about to start a family. When I stopped working so I could focus more on building my new family, I picked up my camera again and started playing around taking portraits of children and pets and doing my own darkroom printing. My own children never came, but during that time my love for photography, and portraiture in particular, was reignited and evolved quite naturally from there.
As a freelance photographer, what is key to developing your business?
Well-targeted advertising and good, consistent branding are obvious keys and worthy investments of time and money. A successful photography business also relies heavily on referrals. I’ve found clients won’t hesitate to refer me to their family and friends if they received excellent service and a high quality, creative product. There is nothing cookie cutter about my work or the way I approach my client relationships. Each one is special and I go out of my way to make sure my clients know I appreciate their business.
Equally important is to network and continually expand and build new relationships within the community as a whole. This spurs a natural synergy within the community that in turn leads to more opportunities and even some wonderful and unexpected surprises like the teaching and excursions side of my business. I never set out to do that, but by listening to what clients and friends were asking for, I realized there was a need for such a service – it’s been a very successful and rewarding part of my business!
For those of us who like to do photography, which camera would you recommend and why?
I always tell people to consider first and foremost how they will use it and how they will carry it. If you are looking for ease of portability, then you should stick to the pocket-size models which now produce amazing results considering their size and portability. If you are at all thinking you might like to pursue photography as a serious hobby then you should consider a digital SLR model that allows for interchangeable lenses, RAW file capabilities and more manual control.
I’m personally very much into Canon products, however, in the pocket camera category there is also the Lumix, Panasonic brand that looks very good for that genre. If I were to buy a pocket camera today, I would go for the Canon Powershot S90. If I were to buy a “pro-sumer” level digital SLR, I would look seriously at the Canon 7D with incredible HD video capabilities as well.
The other best advice I can offer is to read all the online reviews you can find! www.dpreview.com is a great place to compare brands on every type of camera.
Any tips for settling in and getting connected in the city?
The network of friends I made when I first arrived in Bangkok became an integral and important resource while I was trying to settle in and get my business going. I think everyone remembers when they were new in town and so it’s delightful to find people so helpful and full of good advice! I also found the opportunities to meet new friends here far exceed any other place I’ve ever lived. It constantly amazes me and it feels so effortless to meet people from all walks of life here. There’s an incredible amount of quality networking, socializing and volunteer opportunities out there. You can locate these associations online or in the ever-helpful “Bangkok Guide” book (the bible for people who have just moved here) quite easily.
Helping and Empowering People with EFT, Shalini J. Yamdagni February 18, 2010
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Where are you from originally?
I am originally from India. My father came as an expat to Thailand when I was 6 years old and he stayed for 20 plus years. My education has been partly in India and Thailand. After my high school graduation from Ruamrudee International School, I went to India for a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Master’s in Social Work from Delhi University. After completing my graduate degree, I returned to Thailand. I’m married now and have 2 kids, both were born in Thailand. My husband’s parents moved to Thailand when he was a few months old, so Thailand is home to us.
What do you do professionally in Bangkok?
I am an Advanced EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Practitioner. EFT is a self help tool that you can learn and apply by themselves for all kinds of physical and emotional issues.
I discovered EFT as I was looking for alternative ways to help myself from an ailment called Costochondritis – an inflammation of a ligament that connects the ribs and breast bones. I had suffered from this pain for 8 months and after endless visits to the hospitals, physiotherapy sessions, nothing seemed to work. I decided to explore energy therapies. Before EFT, I was introduced to energy therapies like Chakra Diagnoses, Chakra Balancing, and Radical Healing. But as I learned EFT and started to apply it by myself, I noticed instant relief from pain. After using it for a month not only was I free from all my pain, but EFT started for me a path of self-discovery. I discovered a deep passion to empower others to help themselves and it is the reason I became an EFT Advanced Practitioner. For me, EFT stands out from the rest of the therapies because it works often where nothing else will. You often get instant results; it is easy to apply by yourself and its “one tool for all problems”.
I have now used EFT with over 200 clients now for all sorts of physical, emotional, relationship, behavior issues, weight issues and also to boost performance at work, sports etc. I regularly conduct topic based workshops, i.e. stress relief, pain management, overcoming relationship blocks, easing pregnancy issues with EFT and lots more.
Can EFT help in everyday life?
EFT is a wonderful tool that my kids (7 and 8 years old), husband and I use every single day for all clearing away “emotional debris” from the day — things that upset us, any aches and pains, any concerns and worries of past or future, stuff at work, at school, at home.
All of us clean up our environment each day in order to operate effectively. Whether it is brushing our teeth, washing the dishes or washing our car, we spend considerable time each day making sure that debris does not accumulate in our possessions or our bodies.
When it comes to cleaning out emotional debris that is hampering or blocking us from functioning at an optimal level, many neglect or avoid dealing with it. While we won’t allow a heavy build-up of plaque on our teeth, we think nothing of having buildup of resentments, worries, sadness and other undesirable emotions that accumulate in our minds.
Daily emotional cleansing can help free you from limiting thoughts and feelings. It also helps you to releases and let go past events which caused emotional scar. Repressed emotions create imbalance in the body system. Left unresolved can often lead to dis-ease and disharmony. Used daily, EFT helps create happiness, peace, personal power and boosts your immunity.
All you have to do is simply tap with your fingertips on 8-9 key acupuncture points as you think or go through in your mind about all the things that upset you/bothered you/worried you today. You can watch the free videos showing the tapping sequence on my website http://www.eftthailand.com/videos.html
You can do a ‘daily emotional cleansing’ by using it with one or more of the physical cleansing rituals that you regularly do, such as shower time, after brushing your teeth. Linking it to these already established rituals will make you much less apt to forget using EFT on a regular basis.
What are your hobbies?
I love reading, music, dancing, gardening, cycling, and spending ‘quiet time’ with myself
Any networking tips?
I am a member of the Business Network International (BNI) the largest referral networking organization in the world. I am also a member of BNOW. I have to say that for me ‘networking’ has opened many doors to reach out to people. The most important thing I’ve learned about networking is that it’s not about just an exchanging business cards activity over a few drinks; it’s more about building trust and long term mutually beneficial business relationships by providing valuable service with integrity.
From IT to Owning a Dog Training Center February 13, 2010
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Tell us about yourself Khun Nada (Pup).
I ‘m a Certified Information System Auditor (CISA) and had been working as an IT auditor for Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) for 3 years after I graduated. I received my Master Degree in Management Information System (MIS) from the Case Western Reserve University in Ohio and Bachelor degree in Accounting Information System(AIS) from Chulalongkorn University.
Why did you decide to leave the corporate life and start Doggie Doo?
When I got back from the US, I got my first dog called “Cupcake”, a Golden Retriever. I took her for a training class at some training center. It was then I realize that this is such a good business that doesn’t really need a lot of investment. So, I decided to open a training centre in the heart of Bangkok since our family has land in Yenakart area. I started Doggie Doo (http://www.doggiedoo.net/) while I was working at PWC. After few months, I resigned from PWC so that I could concentrate my time and effort on developing Doggie Doo. For me, I prefer to have my own business than being an employee.
As a business owner, what do you think are keys to business success in Thailand?
I think that personal relationship, good services and location are key for my kind of business. In the beginning, I didn’t advertise at all. Most of our customers came from word of mouth. The first few doggy students came from my relative’s dogs and friends’ dogs.
Could you share with us some tips on dog training?
The owner can train their dogs every day for 5-10 minutes. The trainer just needs to be patient and reward the dog when it follows the command. The most important thing is that the owner must act as the pack leader of their dogs.
Bangkok’s Pilates Guru, Or-Yah Avni January 23, 2010
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Share with us your background.
I used to be a dancer and left Israel for NY to pursue this dream. I danced at the Professional Trainee Program Martha Graham School in NYC and performed in different dance projects as well as with my own choreography. In 1998 I was introduced to Pilates when I injured my knee and had to stop dancing for a while. I was told Pilates would do wonders. After only few sessions I felt a significant improvement, I was able to walk again with no pain and got back to stage. I decided to become a teacher of this wonderful method so I can share it with others. I am also a yoga and Gyrotonic teacher. I was teaching in the USA and Israel before arriving to Thailand.
When and why did you decide to start The Pilates Studio?
When I arrived to Thailand in 2002, I taught private classes in people’s houses and gradually had my hands full. In 2005 I opened the first Pilates studio in Thailand, in order to introduce the great benefits of this method to the Thai people and so everyone can come to me instead of me running around town. I am proud to own the first Pilates studio in Thailand.
We offer Pilates classes on the mat and using the special Pilates equipment as well as other classes for women while in different stages in life – prenatal, mommy and me, menopause etc. We also offer yoga, Gyrotonic and certification courses in Pilates and Prenatal. We maintain high level of teaching and customer care and introduce exciting workshops and promotions every month.
Could you give some advice on how to start your own business in Bangkok?
It took me nearly a year since the idea came up before the studio opened. I had a lot of support from my husband and we did it together. My husband worked on the graphics and designing and this was a big help. We took our savings into this business and went step by step all the way to have the business up and running.
If you want to open your own business, most important, make sure you have support from people around you who are loyal – husband, partner, and friends; people who will be there to support you along the way. Believe in yourself. Don’t be afraid to follow your dream and vision. Be patient. Maintain the highest standards, and remind yourself how lucky you are to turn your passion into business.
What are some of your hobbies?
Reading and traveling.
Any other tips?
Maintain excellent customer care and highest level of professionalism, as happy and satisfied clients will spread their satisfaction!
The Wandering Jewelry Maker January 17, 2010
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Name: My name is Marion Carsten. ‘Marion Carsten’ is also the brand name for my jewelry line, which is a registered trademark.
Business: I am a jewelry designer – creation, retail and wholesale. Our slogan is: Fine, contemporary jewelry for women and men.
The main part of my business is designer jewelry (exclusively own creations) made of sterling silver, gems and pearls. In my own Shanghainese stores I also carry a small gold collection. Being a trained goldsmith (3 yrs of technical college and work experience), I also do custom designs for individual and corporate customers (e.g. the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Resort in Sanya, China).
Next to two own retail outlets, where I sell my complete collection, parts of it are meanwhile sold in several stores throughout China, in Bangkok, in the US and very soon in France.
Many of our customers are ‘wanderers’ like me: expatriates, globetrotters, business travelers or foreign correspondents. Over the years many emails reached us with the question “can I order?” For this reason we recently launched our ‘online-boutique’ – www.marioncarsten.com.
How long have you been in business?
As employee 4 years: I was working in a goldsmith atelier as craftsman in Germany. This atelier was specialized in custom-made fine gold jewelry and was working for rich individuals and brand names like Cartier and Bulgari.
I started my own business in China in 2003 with a small retail outlet in Shanghai – this makes it nearly 7 years as entrepreneur in this business.
Where are you from originally?
I am German, married to a French, and I have two lovely daughters.
How did you start your business?
When we moved to China in 2001 I bought the necessary tools and machineries to equip a small jewelry-making atelier at my new home. I tried to continue to do what I had been doing back in Germany: fine, handmade, high-end jewelry – the whole with rather medium success for various reasons – mainly because I lacked a ‘name’ and the necessary network. But also because of the cultural lack I had to face. There was a market for designer jewelry that was clear, so I decided to give it a next try and created a more affordable collection of designer pieces made of sterling silver. As I felt meanwhile more comfortable with my environment I found a good Chinese manufacturer to produce the jewelry up to my quality standards, and I partnered up with a Shanghainese lady to establish the retail business. The start was however rather humble in a 15 square meter warehouse on a parking lot in a commercial street. But I was lucky and eventually it worked out pretty well. Today ‘marion carsten’ jewelry is pretty well established ‘name’ in Shanghai and there are some resources to further step out.
What are the top 3 advices you would give to entrepreneurs?
Entrepreneurship requires in general, next to THE IDEA, a big deal of
- Endurance (good resistance to frustration) and flexibility: keep going and keep your fighting spirit even if things don’t work, as they should (and this happens very often). Some of your ‘great ideas’ will prove to be rather useless or not doable for various reasons. So stay flexible: keep your ability to change plans according to circumstances, to grab opportunities and to learn.
- Optimism and a sense of risk: be aware that you can loose all the money you put into this venture. If you want to keep a peaceful mind grant yourself a budget, which doesn’t ‘hurt’ too much if it is gone. But also keep on thinking that it will be fine and any person working with you on this has basically the interest same interest as you: things will work out. Continue to have fun with what you do.
You will need these ‘qualities’ anywhere you want to set up a business. You might just need a little bit more of it if you do business in a foreign country as you depend somehow more on your own talents and as you act in an environment which you don’t ‘master’.
Something that worked for me pretty well but I am sure you can’t ‘generalise’ it: Don’t think too far ahead. In my case as an expat trailing spouse this would have been: “I will stay only 2 or 3 years – this is not enough to create a sustainable business, what will happen if I move?” With these kinds of thoughts you will never start. It is for sure perfect if you can ‘pack your business in a suitcase’ and if you are a good planer. But you can not plan everything and especially the beginning of a business seems daunting – so many things to be done at the same time, so many possibilities/ways of how to approach it, lack of information, just to name a few. You will have the impression to handle hundreds of ‘loose ends’ – just start somewhere or with one thing – anything else will follow.