Mavis Helps You Focus on One-to-One Marketing
What’s your story?
I was working in a corporate job in commercial and customer service for more than 20 years in the petrochemical industry. In 2017, when I was already in a leadership position with a comfortable salary, I decided to leave my job to take a different path. It was time for a change in pursuit of “time freedom.” I did not wish to stay in a rat race where I needed to exchange time for money. After I left the company, I realised that the world out there is full of other opportunities. With the skill sets that I have, I decided to start a business related to online shopping that focuses on one-to-one marketing. This form of shopping is trending now, with affluent consumers’ preferring personalised services. I am thoroughly enjoying running my own business. I still work hard, but now have more time to spend with my family, and best of all, people around me are benefiting, in many ways, from the business I’m operating.
What excites you most about your industry?
I am excited that there are many people, including merchants, who can benefit from the business I have established. We consolidate both online and offline products and services into one platform for consumers. In today’s “0 touch economy” and “0 distance innovation” are prevalent, having an online presence is a trend that will continue to grow in leaps and bounds. And businesses that have an online presence will thrive as long as it offers good quality products or services and provides great service to its customers. The recent pandemic has shown that businesses that operate online are the ones that have survived. Being asset-light , having lower operating costs versus physical shops, and the ability to reach out to a wide consumer base, has saved the day for online businesses. The recent pandemic has also sped up the growth in online purchases and changed the spending habits of consumers within the span of a few months.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born, bred, and educated in Singapore. The business that I’m running now also has a presence in different parts of Asia and the market is growing fast. To me, Asia has always been a centre of growth and it’s very exciting to be part of it.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
At this moment, it is Malaysia because my business is located there and the market is new for my type of business, offering huge potential for growth. However, when it comes to online business, it is borderless and every market is exciting.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“There is no such thing as a “good” time for anything. Go with your heart! I quit my job after hearing this advice.
Who inspires you?
Perhaps most people will mention a famous character, but, for me, this person is an ordinary person that I know and she inspires me with her perseverance and commitment to achieve her goals in life. She came from a humble background where she had to give up her chance to pursue her studies in the University in order to support her family and her younger siblings. She joined the workforce at the age of 19 and took courses, while she was working, to increase her knowledge. Just a simple example of the kind of determination she has. When she was required to speak up in meetings at the office, she noticed that she gets nervous and is not able to express herself clearly. She went to a toastmasters class for help with this and I’ve actually seen how she has improved over time. Before covid happened, she was able to stand in front of a crowd and speak, and more recently, she has spoken to an online audience, as well. Although she did not have a privileged upbringing, her determination to overcome every challenge to achieve what she wants touches and inspires me. I’ll tell myself, “If she can do it, what’s stopping me from achieving everything I want in life?”
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
The recent Pandemic has made me realise how vulnerable life can be and the importance of having multiple streams of income. And, whether we are an employee or self employed in the ESBI model, we are faced with financial insecurities in terms of our earnings.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
This is an interesting question. I would have become an entrepreneur earlier than I did to enable multiple streams of income and to be more open minded to opportunities around me.
How do you unwind?
I’m a simple person. To me, good company is all it takes for me to unwind. A glass of wine or whisky and a nice chat with a buddy is all I need.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I like the sun, the sand, and the sea. Hence, a nice beach resort is all it takes for me to enjoy a great vacation.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“The 5 Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximise Your Potential,” by John C. Maxwell. This book was recommended to me by a friend and it made me reflect on my years in a leadership role in my corporate job, and how I can improve, now that I’m an entrepreneur with my own team to manage.
Shameless plug for your business:
Be part of the growing trend. Get online! If your business needs to be connected to an online platform that drives traffic, let’s talk.
How can people connect with you?
Linkedin : Mavis Pang
Facebook: Mavis Pang
Mobile : 96639193
Email : [email protected]
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
