Nancy’s online business uses strategic partnerships with other digital businesses to ensure her clients’ needs are met. Operating out of Bangkok and servicing southeast Asia, Nancy finds juggling single motherhood and her own business a challenge.
What’s your story?
After living in Sydney, Australia and working for an IT company for years, I came to realize that nowhere is quite like home. So I decided to come back to my home country, Thailand. I started a web and graphic design company in Bangkok about 6 years ago with limited experience. I am a single mum with a six-year old daughter. It hasn’t been easy. However, I have proved to myself how capable I am as a business woman, a boss and a mother.
What excites you most about your industry?
With the domination of mobile and the revolution of responsive design, it has made it affordable and accessible for people who want to participate in online businesses. There is a high demand for web design and development in Thailand and the Southeast Asian region. My business, One Stop Service, engages in partnerships with related businesses to give it a competitive edge. For example, we have a partnership with another media production company to fulfill customers’ needs when they want to add a video or animation graphic to their website or we can team up with a software company when customers want a very specific feature to integrate on their website.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I am a Thai national.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Bangkok because I do business here.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“When you have to make a choice that will determine your future, ask yourself what you like the most but know the least.” This was the advice I received from my university professor when I started my business 6 years ago. I asked myself this question 6 years ago, “what do I do next after I have settled in Thailand?” The answer I gave 6 years ago which lead me to start my web design business was: “I like technology. I like browsing on the internet. I like art and design but I know very little about it.”
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by lot of people in my life, Buddha and Sir Richard Branson. I am also inspired by people who have failed as well. They inspire me because they illustrate the pain associated with failure and the importance of success.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Many famous people have died in the last month! David Bowie, Celine Dion’s husband and brother and Glenn Frey. So don’t wait until it’s too late to do something you want to do. You never know when you will die or when someone you love will become a memory.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently. Past is the past and it makes me what I am today. Never regret anything.
How do you unwind?
A glass of red wine or hit the gym. But often when I feel stressed and overwhelmed, I just ask myself if I have any control over it. If the answer is no, I let it go. If the answer is yes, then I do what I can and move on.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
A southern beach in Thailand. It’s nice just to see blue sky, sand and sea. It’s the best way to rejuvenate before going back to my busy world.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Freakonomics written by the economist Steven Levitt and NY Times journalist Stephen J.Dubner. It’s about the perspectives of economics in the modern world.
Shameless plug for your business:
Want to see your product or service online? One Stop Service has everything to get you an online business. Call us now!
How can people connect with you?
www.webmasterbankgok.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/webmasterbangkok
Twitter handle?
@naneur
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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.
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