Entry Four 4 is an entry moving forward from Entry Zero 0, in a normal chronology manner.
Jack and I have been keeping in touch through emails. I can quite confidently say that the proposal to the initial franchisor company has turned sour. At least most of the people told me it was a blessing. I have to agree that it is a blessing. Because I wouldn't want to work with someone that is not trustworthy and reliable.
Jack has been feeding me a lot of information regarding a new coffee concept, a new coffee idea. The concept sounded quite interesting and quite attractive. We are going through the same process again. Lots of discussions, lots of phone calls, lots of meetings, lots of preparations. I'm quite excited but at the same time skeptical towards this new idea. I want to see more actual presentation and tasting before making any decision.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Entry Negative Five -5
Entry Negative Five -5 is an entry moving backwards from Entry Zero 0, in a reversed-chronology manner.
This is the first time I stepped into a Vietnamese cafe. I can't remember why, I cant remember where, I can't remember how. What I can remember is that, I never really drank coffee for several reasons. Coffee causes addiction, coffee cause yellow teeth, etc.
But this particular day, strangely I went into a Vietnamese cafe and ordered a cup of Vietnamese coffee. I vaguely remember that I was alone that time.
I ordered a Ca Phe Sua, literally translates into coffee milk. It came with small cup at the bottom and a traditional filter on top. It was intriguing. The cup was only half full, and the cup was a normal coffee cup. The coffee was strong, very strong, but not bitter as everyone expects it be. It was strong, smooth, creamy but not milky. It was so silly, I had to order additional water to thin down the strong taste. The waitress was fascinated by the way I added water to the coffee.
After a drinking a few times, I have learned not to add water to the coffee directly, instead I take a sip of water after drinking the coffee, so that I can taste the real Vietnamese coffee.
Later, I wanted to try all the different types of coffee in the shop, so I ordered all the coffee available and tasted them at the same time to remember the tasted.
I love the strong and creamy taste. I started posting the coffee powder on a website and teach people the way to make it. I want to share this coffee with many people as I can.
This is the first time I stepped into a Vietnamese cafe. I can't remember why, I cant remember where, I can't remember how. What I can remember is that, I never really drank coffee for several reasons. Coffee causes addiction, coffee cause yellow teeth, etc.
But this particular day, strangely I went into a Vietnamese cafe and ordered a cup of Vietnamese coffee. I vaguely remember that I was alone that time.
I ordered a Ca Phe Sua, literally translates into coffee milk. It came with small cup at the bottom and a traditional filter on top. It was intriguing. The cup was only half full, and the cup was a normal coffee cup. The coffee was strong, very strong, but not bitter as everyone expects it be. It was strong, smooth, creamy but not milky. It was so silly, I had to order additional water to thin down the strong taste. The waitress was fascinated by the way I added water to the coffee.
After a drinking a few times, I have learned not to add water to the coffee directly, instead I take a sip of water after drinking the coffee, so that I can taste the real Vietnamese coffee.
Later, I wanted to try all the different types of coffee in the shop, so I ordered all the coffee available and tasted them at the same time to remember the tasted.
I love the strong and creamy taste. I started posting the coffee powder on a website and teach people the way to make it. I want to share this coffee with many people as I can.
Entry Three 3
Entry Three 3 is an entry moving forward from Entry Zero 0, in a normal chronology manner.
I have tried to make Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle) yesterday and today with instant ingredients, and it tasted like instant noodle. There is no free lunch in this world. If you want to make a good bowl of Pho Bo, you better do it the traditional way, with lots of sweat and labour added to the taste.
I will try it a few recipe over the next few days. I don't know what will the result be, and I don't even know if it will be part of the cafe's menu, but its alwasy better to learn more and not use it rather than to learn less but need it later.
After Pho Bo, I want to try to make Bun Bo Hue, a different type of Vietnamese beef noodle.
I have tried to make Pho Bo (Vietnamese beef noodle) yesterday and today with instant ingredients, and it tasted like instant noodle. There is no free lunch in this world. If you want to make a good bowl of Pho Bo, you better do it the traditional way, with lots of sweat and labour added to the taste.
I will try it a few recipe over the next few days. I don't know what will the result be, and I don't even know if it will be part of the cafe's menu, but its alwasy better to learn more and not use it rather than to learn less but need it later.
After Pho Bo, I want to try to make Bun Bo Hue, a different type of Vietnamese beef noodle.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
JFF (Just For Fun) Entry - The Blacksmith Fitness Center
Please step aside, Phillip Wain, True Fitness, Fitness First, Celebrity Fitness, etc, for there is a new type of fitness center coming to you in Malaysia. Its "the Blacksminth Fitness Center". My recent trip to Myanmar has showed me a very unique, very fun and extremely effective traditional Burmese fitness regime. The result will blow everyone away, and I have the photos to prove it.
This center has its very own and unique workout regime, unlike any others, it involves lots of heated pounding and banging actions. It can be done alone (aka solo style) or with multiple partners (aka gang bang). There are various difficulty levels to suit everyone's needs. You can start with "soft and slow", and gradually increase the tempo to "soft and fast", "hard and slow", and ultimately "hard and fast". The workout is like music. Once you get into the rhythm, you want to do more and don't want to stop. This is especially true if you chose the gang bang mode, the unique rhythm of "ding ding dong" is irresistible. (Note: rhythm may vary depending on the shape, size, hardness and other factors of your tool).
Everyone must think that this is too good to be true, but its real, and below are examples of the workout regime and the results within just 7 days. Anyone interested please contact me.
Intense gang banging session with lots of heat and excitement.
This center has its very own and unique workout regime, unlike any others, it involves lots of heated pounding and banging actions. It can be done alone (aka solo style) or with multiple partners (aka gang bang). There are various difficulty levels to suit everyone's needs. You can start with "soft and slow", and gradually increase the tempo to "soft and fast", "hard and slow", and ultimately "hard and fast". The workout is like music. Once you get into the rhythm, you want to do more and don't want to stop. This is especially true if you chose the gang bang mode, the unique rhythm of "ding ding dong" is irresistible. (Note: rhythm may vary depending on the shape, size, hardness and other factors of your tool).
Everyone must think that this is too good to be true, but its real, and below are examples of the workout regime and the results within just 7 days. Anyone interested please contact me.
Intense gang banging session with lots of heat and excitement.
Entry Two 2
Entry Two 2 is an entry moving forward from Entry Zero 0, in a normal chronology manner.
Trying out new coffee recipe. A sneak peek here.
Trying out new coffee recipe. A sneak peek here.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Entry Negative Four -4
Entry Negative Four -4 is an entry moving backwards from Entry Zero 0, in a reversed-chronology manner.
I have been trying to call the franchise manager on his cell phone in Singapore for several days, but the number was not available. His number was no longer in use. I tried to call his office number, but the number was no longer in use.
Where could the franchise manager be? How am I going to continue my franchise proposal when I cannot even find the right person to discuss it?
Luckily, I have another phone number. Its the number of his assistant. She is a Vietnamese girl working in the head office in Vietnam. I tried my luck and called her. She picked up the phone, and I was so relieved that I could still contact her.
I immediately asked for the whereabouts of John (not the real name), the franchise manager that I met with several month before. I was informed that John has resigned, a new franchise manager Jack will be coming to office in a few weeks time.
The situation is bad. The implication of this change could be catastrophic. It means that several month of discussion is wasted and a new discussion is need because there is no proper hand over of our proposal from John to Jack. I don't know what kind of person is Jack. What if Jack is very arrogant, unfriendly, etc. This is bad for business.
A few weeks later, when Jack, the new franchise manager came into office, I immediate established communication with him. He sounded friendly and professional over the phone, but different people have different requirements, different expectations, different working styles. I needed to adapt to him.
Wasting no time, I have signed the "Non-disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement" with the company. I have also prepared all the necessary proposal documents.
I have also decided to visit Jack and the cafe outlets to see and experience myself what kind of person I'm dealing with and also how is the cafe operations being ran. The meeting was quite pleasant and constructive. Me and my partner were convinced that this franchisor is what we are looking for.
Following our visit, me and Jack kept communication through emails.
I have been trying to call the franchise manager on his cell phone in Singapore for several days, but the number was not available. His number was no longer in use. I tried to call his office number, but the number was no longer in use.
Where could the franchise manager be? How am I going to continue my franchise proposal when I cannot even find the right person to discuss it?
Luckily, I have another phone number. Its the number of his assistant. She is a Vietnamese girl working in the head office in Vietnam. I tried my luck and called her. She picked up the phone, and I was so relieved that I could still contact her.
I immediately asked for the whereabouts of John (not the real name), the franchise manager that I met with several month before. I was informed that John has resigned, a new franchise manager Jack will be coming to office in a few weeks time.
The situation is bad. The implication of this change could be catastrophic. It means that several month of discussion is wasted and a new discussion is need because there is no proper hand over of our proposal from John to Jack. I don't know what kind of person is Jack. What if Jack is very arrogant, unfriendly, etc. This is bad for business.
A few weeks later, when Jack, the new franchise manager came into office, I immediate established communication with him. He sounded friendly and professional over the phone, but different people have different requirements, different expectations, different working styles. I needed to adapt to him.
Wasting no time, I have signed the "Non-disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement" with the company. I have also prepared all the necessary proposal documents.
I have also decided to visit Jack and the cafe outlets to see and experience myself what kind of person I'm dealing with and also how is the cafe operations being ran. The meeting was quite pleasant and constructive. Me and my partner were convinced that this franchisor is what we are looking for.
Following our visit, me and Jack kept communication through emails.
Friday, September 3, 2010
JFF Entry
What do you know about Chuck Norris
When Chuck Norris calls 1-900 numbers, he doesnt get charged. He holds up the phone and money falls out.
Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
Some people like to eat frogs' legs. Chuck Norris likes to eat lizard legs. Hence, snakes.
There are no races, only countries of people Chuck Norris has beaten to different shades of black and blue.
When Chuck Norris was denied an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's because it was 10:35, he roundhouse kicked the store so hard it became a Wendy's.
Chuck Norris can't finish a "color by numbers" because his markers are filled with the blood of his victims. Unfortunately, all blood is dark red.
A Chuck Norris-delivered Roundhouse Kick is the preferred method of execution in 16 states.
When Chuck Norris falls in water, Chuck Norris doesn't get wet. Water gets Chuck Norris.
Scientists have estimated that the energy given off during the Big Bang is roughly equal to 1CNRhK (Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick)
Chuck Norris’ house has no doors, only walls that he walks through.
When Chuck Norris has sex with a man, it won't be because he is gay. It will be because he has run out of women.
When Chuck Norris calls 1-900 numbers, he doesnt get charged. He holds up the phone and money falls out.
Chuck Norris once ate a whole cake before his friends could tell him there was a stripper in it.
Some people like to eat frogs' legs. Chuck Norris likes to eat lizard legs. Hence, snakes.
There are no races, only countries of people Chuck Norris has beaten to different shades of black and blue.
When Chuck Norris was denied an Egg McMuffin at McDonald's because it was 10:35, he roundhouse kicked the store so hard it became a Wendy's.
Chuck Norris can't finish a "color by numbers" because his markers are filled with the blood of his victims. Unfortunately, all blood is dark red.
A Chuck Norris-delivered Roundhouse Kick is the preferred method of execution in 16 states.
When Chuck Norris falls in water, Chuck Norris doesn't get wet. Water gets Chuck Norris.
Scientists have estimated that the energy given off during the Big Bang is roughly equal to 1CNRhK (Chuck Norris Roundhouse Kick)
Chuck Norris’ house has no doors, only walls that he walks through.
When Chuck Norris has sex with a man, it won't be because he is gay. It will be because he has run out of women.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Entry One 1
Entry One 1 is an entry moving forward from Entry Zero 0, in a normal chronology manner.
Its always decisions, decisions and more decisions. From big decisions to very small decisions.
The big decisions to make are such as, which business model should I choose, which strategy should I choose, which decision brings the biggest benefits, which decision fits me interest and ability, which partner is suitable for the business model I have chosen.
To support my decisions, I need information, lots of information, any where and any time, there will be information coming, I need to meet the right person. That is why I have been sitting in kopitiam almost every night with different people that possess different information to gather more information. To get my answers, I need to ask the right questions, I need to know what I want to know in order to know what I need to ask.
I just spoke to an experience person in the coffee import-export business, I was given some valuable information on the import-export process for coffee and also other information such as packaging, labelling, tax, custom, etc.
Nobody said the information I get will be easy to process or easy execute. Can I do it? Do I want it? Is it worth doing it? How can I do it? When to do it, etc.
Its always decisions, decisions and more decisions. From big decisions to very small decisions.
The big decisions to make are such as, which business model should I choose, which strategy should I choose, which decision brings the biggest benefits, which decision fits me interest and ability, which partner is suitable for the business model I have chosen.
To support my decisions, I need information, lots of information, any where and any time, there will be information coming, I need to meet the right person. That is why I have been sitting in kopitiam almost every night with different people that possess different information to gather more information. To get my answers, I need to ask the right questions, I need to know what I want to know in order to know what I need to ask.
I just spoke to an experience person in the coffee import-export business, I was given some valuable information on the import-export process for coffee and also other information such as packaging, labelling, tax, custom, etc.
Nobody said the information I get will be easy to process or easy execute. Can I do it? Do I want it? Is it worth doing it? How can I do it? When to do it, etc.
Entry Negative Three -3
Entry Negative Three -3 is an entry moving backwards from Entry Zero 0, in a reversed-chronology manner.
After several months after we have submitted our proposal for the Vietnamese coffee franchise, me and my friends are very excited to know what is the feed back from the franchisor.
I have decided to give the franchise manager a call to get an update on the progress. My friend was beside me listening eagerly to my conversation with the franchise manager. The usual response I got from the franchise manager was "everything is ok, we just need to final approval from the CEO, we are very close now". This conversation is longer than the ones I had previously. Before I hung up the phone, me and my friend were invited to attend the "Frachise Expo 2010" held in Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur at then end of July 2010 to help them promote this brand in Malaysia.
Everything seems to be in order and everything seems to be falling in places as what we have planned. We were very excited to participate in this event. We felt that we have unofficially been granted this Vietnamese coffee franchise. How exciting could this be. I have never got first place in school or any event, but now I have got the first place in getting this franchise.
Me and my friend immediately bought the airplane tickets from Vietnam to KL as the event is less than a week away, no time to waste, got our things ready and prepared to fly.
On the day of the expo, I was given an exhibitor's pass. I'm really doing this for real. There were so many visitors, so many interested parties, so many questions to answer. It was a tiring but a fun event.
If this was a 100m sprint, I gauge myself at the 95m mark, and I'm ashamed to admit that I will do anything to win this race. Luckily the CEO did not request anything indecent.
On the last day of the expo, I met with the franchise manager, who flew to KL to give me an update. The CEO requested that we included someone with business experience and also to show proof of our group's financing. Immediately, we compiled all the information and submitted within one week.
I began to question whether is there another competitor that I do not know of? I was assured by the franchise manager that I'm the only person that they are interested in at that moment, and they were not accepting any other proposals. I believed in the franchise manager. He seems professional and honest, and I don't see any reason why he would lie to me.
After several months after we have submitted our proposal for the Vietnamese coffee franchise, me and my friends are very excited to know what is the feed back from the franchisor.
I have decided to give the franchise manager a call to get an update on the progress. My friend was beside me listening eagerly to my conversation with the franchise manager. The usual response I got from the franchise manager was "everything is ok, we just need to final approval from the CEO, we are very close now". This conversation is longer than the ones I had previously. Before I hung up the phone, me and my friend were invited to attend the "Frachise Expo 2010" held in Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur at then end of July 2010 to help them promote this brand in Malaysia.
Everything seems to be in order and everything seems to be falling in places as what we have planned. We were very excited to participate in this event. We felt that we have unofficially been granted this Vietnamese coffee franchise. How exciting could this be. I have never got first place in school or any event, but now I have got the first place in getting this franchise.
Me and my friend immediately bought the airplane tickets from Vietnam to KL as the event is less than a week away, no time to waste, got our things ready and prepared to fly.
On the day of the expo, I was given an exhibitor's pass. I'm really doing this for real. There were so many visitors, so many interested parties, so many questions to answer. It was a tiring but a fun event.
If this was a 100m sprint, I gauge myself at the 95m mark, and I'm ashamed to admit that I will do anything to win this race. Luckily the CEO did not request anything indecent.
On the last day of the expo, I met with the franchise manager, who flew to KL to give me an update. The CEO requested that we included someone with business experience and also to show proof of our group's financing. Immediately, we compiled all the information and submitted within one week.
I began to question whether is there another competitor that I do not know of? I was assured by the franchise manager that I'm the only person that they are interested in at that moment, and they were not accepting any other proposals. I believed in the franchise manager. He seems professional and honest, and I don't see any reason why he would lie to me.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Entry Negative Two -2
Entry Negative Two -2 is an entry moving backwards from Entry Zero 0, in a reversed-chronology manner.
I was very very shocked to receive the news that our proposal for the Vietnamese coffee franchise was rejected by the company's top management.
I didn't understand what did we do wrong.
It has been almost 1 year since our initial discussion with the company. Although the progress was rather slow, the indications were positive. We have submitted our business plan and strategy, our financial commitment, our business development schedule. We were told that our proposal fits the company's requirements.
So why was our proposal being rejected at the final moment? Rejected at the brink of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)? I didn't understand. I have requested from the company's top management to know what was the true reason behind it. I have requested an audience with the company's top management to present our proposal.
Several days later, I got my answer. I was excited to see an email titled: "feedback from CEO". The top management has decided to approve our proposal only if we agreed to their latest franchise commitment. Initially I thought this was a good news, finally the process is coming to an end. We can finally stop talking and start working.
However, further analysis of this franchise commitment reveals otherwise.
I was very very shocked to receive the news that our proposal for the Vietnamese coffee franchise was rejected by the company's top management.
I didn't understand what did we do wrong.
It has been almost 1 year since our initial discussion with the company. Although the progress was rather slow, the indications were positive. We have submitted our business plan and strategy, our financial commitment, our business development schedule. We were told that our proposal fits the company's requirements.
So why was our proposal being rejected at the final moment? Rejected at the brink of signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)? I didn't understand. I have requested from the company's top management to know what was the true reason behind it. I have requested an audience with the company's top management to present our proposal.
Several days later, I got my answer. I was excited to see an email titled: "feedback from CEO". The top management has decided to approve our proposal only if we agreed to their latest franchise commitment. Initially I thought this was a good news, finally the process is coming to an end. We can finally stop talking and start working.
However, further analysis of this franchise commitment reveals otherwise.
Entry Negative One -1
Entry Negative One -1 is an entry moving backwards from Entry Zero 0, in a reversed-chronology manner.
I have sent an email to our potential Vietnamese coffee franchisor (it doesn't look so potential anymore after this email). This email clarifies our position regarding the latest franchise commitment that was given to us by the franchisor.
The latest franchise commitment is unreasonable and unfair. It exploits the franchisee (us) and it defeats the very purpose of a franchise arrangement. A franchise agreement is "the practice of using another firm's successful business model" (quoted from wikipedia). This usually involves the franchisee paying a certain amount of money to the franchisor in exchange for the use of the successful business model.
However, we think that this franchise commitment that is required from us is the opposite of a normal franchise arrangement. We are required to commit a huge amount of money to ensure that the business model will become successful.
In simple words, they want us to commit alot of money for a cafe franchise that is not yet proven successful.
Their coffee is good, but not their cafe franchise.
We have lost confidence in their management.
We are young, but we are not stupid, we rejected it, and made a counter proposal. I doubt that they will reply. Let's see.
I'm disappointed that our one year's work wasted.
We have signed a "Non-disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement", therefore I cannot elaborate any specific details such as names, amount, quantity, time frame, etc.
I have sent an email to our potential Vietnamese coffee franchisor (it doesn't look so potential anymore after this email). This email clarifies our position regarding the latest franchise commitment that was given to us by the franchisor.
The latest franchise commitment is unreasonable and unfair. It exploits the franchisee (us) and it defeats the very purpose of a franchise arrangement. A franchise agreement is "the practice of using another firm's successful business model" (quoted from wikipedia). This usually involves the franchisee paying a certain amount of money to the franchisor in exchange for the use of the successful business model.
However, we think that this franchise commitment that is required from us is the opposite of a normal franchise arrangement. We are required to commit a huge amount of money to ensure that the business model will become successful.
In simple words, they want us to commit alot of money for a cafe franchise that is not yet proven successful.
Their coffee is good, but not their cafe franchise.
We have lost confidence in their management.
We are young, but we are not stupid, we rejected it, and made a counter proposal. I doubt that they will reply. Let's see.
I'm disappointed that our one year's work wasted.
We have signed a "Non-disclosure and Confidentiality Agreement", therefore I cannot elaborate any specific details such as names, amount, quantity, time frame, etc.
Entry Zero 0 (continued)
My Coffee Diary revolves around my passion for the Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) and my journey to own a cafe one day and share this great coffee with everyone. The journey is yet to be completed. There is still a long way in front. There will be many obstacles.
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