Marshall Thurber was Melvin Soh’s inspiration for his business – to bring world-class mentors to entrepreneurs in Asia.
What’s your story?
I started my copywriting business a few years ago, thinking I knew everything about sales and making money. Very quickly, I generated a lot of sales and leads – except I had no clue how to run a business. I was over-worked and had no time for myself. I realised that I needed to learn the true art and science of business. A lot of what was written out there didn’t work for me and it wasn’t until I found Marshall Thurber did things finally click.
What excites you most about your industry?
My partner and I are in the business of bringing world-class business mentors to entrepreneurs in Asia. These are mentors who walk the talk and are the original source of a lot of real-world, results-producing business wisdom. We are excited to share this with business people here and hearing about their success is the best feeling ever.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I grew up here in Singapore and the students who attend the classes we put on are largely Asian. I feel, having grown up here and having spent so much time with Asian business people, I truly know the goals, aspirations and struggles they have.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Bangkok and Singapore. Bangkok has a unique energy unlike any place else I’ve visited and Thai people are so hungry and excited to learn. Singapore is the hub for business in Asia and frankly it is the place to be for any aspiring entrepreneur.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Results speak the loudest. In the world of business, it’s not just about charisma or fancy slogans or new ideas. People might be interested in that, but at the end of the day, when what you offer delivers real-world, actual results – you ALWAYS get attention, sales and customers.
Who inspires you?
Buckminster Fuller. The business mentors we bring to Asia often count Buckminster Fuller as their original mentor and with good reason. Here’s an ordinary man who at age 32 did not achieve a lot and had by his own admission wasted his life away. But inspired one night by what one individual can do to change the world, Buckminster Fuller decided to dedicate his ENTIRE life to serving humanity. He became a philosopher, futurist, engineer, mathematician, author and speaker (among many other things) and became the modern-day Leonardo Da Vinci – impacting millions until today with his work.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Business is evolving so rapidly and will be so different in the future. We are living in the age of artificial intelligence, machine learning, worldwide connection and incredible technology. Those who learn and adapt will put themselves in a prime position, those who don’t will be rendered redundant in no time at all.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Learn from proven, real-world mentors and immediately apply the theories of business that works. A business is more than making sales and generating leads and you quite simply have to learn from the right people or you’re going to run into a brick wall very quickly. You don’t just feel your way around all the different aspects of business.
How do you unwind?
I exercise, read books, upgrade myself, watch award-winning movies and spend time with my loved ones. Doing all of these centers me and fuels me to be able to give more of myself to our customers.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Thailand. Just an incredible place with some of the friendliest people around.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Inevitable by Kevin Kelly. The world of business is evolving and this book shows you the 12 ways change is taking place and more importantly how you can prepare yourself and your business.
Shameless plug for your business:
If you’re keen to learn proven business theories from world-class, original-source business mentors that can help you increase profits and scale your business, visit enlightenedprofits.net. Our next Marshall Thurber business masterclass happens 11th to 18th July 2017.
How can people connect with you?
Please write to me at [email protected]. I read and reply to every email. Also, be my Facebook friend – http://facebook.com/melvinsohonline
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
Take the ‘Key Person of Influence’ scorecard <http://www.keypersonofinfluence.com/scorecard/>
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