A sprain, a bad fall and the stomach flu ( DISLIKE)

As the year comes to a close, let me reflect and pen down the things I have achieved and also failed in 2010.

Switching to academia ( LIKE)
Perhaps the main highlight for me in 2010 was the decision to switch my career to academia. Headhunters will term it as the route to the end of any career. While some will say it is the most fulfilling and worthy profession in history. I leave it to you to decide. :-)  Educating the young is definitely a challenge as often times, it is not what you know that makes a difference, but more of whether you care. They do not care about how much you know. But they do know if you do not care.  I will bear that in mind.

Reinstating my health and re picking up a sport I once loved (LIKE)
Perhaps another main highlight in 2010 was the courage to go back to volleyball after stopping for a close 5-6 years. I've mentioned this several times and will mention it again. I used to love this sport dearly but somehow i lost touched and interest amidst all my pursuits for material and spiritual fulfilment. Getting back into this sport really made me a happier, balanced and healthier individual. Not to mention knowing a group of true volleyball fanatics.

Back on competitions again (LIKE)
Well i got teased frequently by friends that I 'suck' in talent competitions. I think i really do. :-(
It happened to me in 2001 and 2010 marked the year which I entered into not 1 but 2 competitions per se. Friends will ask 'why do you want to join such competitions again'? 'And it gives people the impression that you re yearning for some kind of attention!'. The truth of the matter is, it is more for strategic reasons then anything else. Believe it or not.  The two competitions I joined and which i done relatively well in 2010, gave me sweet memories and certainly boost my confidence to take on bigger challenges. So i still think it is a 'LIKE' for me.


For those who remembered the MEE POK TA

A sprain, a bad fall and the stomach flu ( DISLIKE)

Yes on my health side, three major incidents left me scarred in 2010. First was the fall in early february at Buckaroo BBQ & GRILL. After two glasses (yes two glasses) of Hoegarden beer & some spicy chicken wings, I went to the toilet and pee and the next thing i knew was that i was lying on the floor, with zip unbuttoned, and blood splattered all over the floor. Apparently i passed out while i was halfway peeing. My worried friends then drove me to the nearest clinic and this fall left me with my head bandaged coupled with three stitches. I can't believe i still can join my friends at the KBOX after this incident.

my swollen left ankle

The second incident was my recent ankle sprain which happened in the midst of a volleyball tournament in SG. The sprain left me feeling 'disabled' and 'incomplete' for a good 5 weeks. I had to miss the Stanchart run as a result, which I still wonder till date whether it was a blessing in disguise or not.



Stomach flu left me sick and worried. A friend had the same and it was deja vu.

Play on Social Media (DISLIKE)

I have planned to stage a play on Social media in November 2010. My sister Wendy, Jeanne and I got so enthusiastic about it that we met up several times to discuss the plot and all. I think we even got the plot and skeleton ready. it never materialise and I think it will be untimely and irrelevant to stage it next year. Fingers crossed really. 

Wendy Toh's courage ( LIKE)

I need to mention this. Definitely a BIG like for me as Wendy Toh, my younger sister had personally inspired me. She has shown and redefine the true meaning of love, passion, compassion, courage, forgiveness and peace in 2010.  A true friend. A true being. She is truly amazing.





My travellution (LIKE)

I travelled quite abit in 2010. This will continue to be my personal goal in life. I hope to conquer some parts of US and perhaps Japan, or UK next year.

So there you go. I have 5 Likes and 2 Dislikes. Not so bad for a cheerful and joyful , but sometimes dark person like me.

I would like to end off with this quote which i read from GEOFF Tan today. he quoted  Rose an 87 year old woman in his article on happiness:

We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. Secrets to staying young, being happy; 'You have to laugh and find humor everyday. You must also have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die'

Well, let this be our reflection and reminder as we receive the new year 2011 this friday. As we do the countdown from 10 to 0, remember to laugh and be happy that we are able to breathe through the new year together with our friends and loved ones.

Dennis Toh

Dare to love and live your dreams in 2011

As 2010 comes to a close, have you wondered what have you done and achieved? Life is like a railway track, isn't it? A long long journey. Sometimes not knowing what to expect, and what the future lies? But do we always really need to know our future? Sometimes not knowing where you are heading  might also be a good thing. As the saying goes, it is the journey and not so much the destination that is important.  

A few things i've learnt in 2010.  Small & trivial lessons for some, but i guess I will bring these into my 2011. 

1. Imperfection is a form of perfection. 

We tend to be very fixated in our little expectations, rules and guidelines formed and exerted by society and ourselves. often times, we fail to see some other dimensions of our lives. we are so caught up by our daily routines, habits and material chase that we fail to appreciate the other facets of our lives. Think again, there is always beauty in imperfection. 

( i fainted in the gents and went unconscious for 5 mins)

2. You fall. But do pick yourself up. 

There are times we feel down and helpless. But do remember you are only your best and worst enemy. Do know that everyone is special and you have what it takes to be the person you want to be. 

3. Life is short. Love with Passion. 

There is no time to live life with regrets. Love the person you love and live every moment. 

It's better to have loved and cried then to have cried and not loved.

4. Surprise yourself sometimes. 

Do things which you normally would not do. Break the status quo and think out of the box. You'll never know what kind of surprises might await you. 

5. Pick the right battle to fight. 

i admit i have fought some wrong battles in 2010. Sometimes retreating is a beauty. 

OK i know the picture has no relevance. I just saw this pic and thought it is quite nice. :p.

6. Right Believing leads to right living

Believe right and you will live right. Believe that you are able to change things. Believe that you are young ( even if you are not). That God will renew your youth like the eagles. It will happen. 

'

7. Our loved ones hold our hands always

Though not literally, our family members and friends are always there for us, especially in times of adversities. Do cherish them, esp your parents while you can. 

8. Be happy always. 

A good friend told me what he wanted of me was for me to be happy. Sometimes it is that simple. 

so smile always.

9. Learn to have fun like the young hearts. 

It's the pure heart and innocence that will truly enjoy happiness. So be young again. 

10. Dare to love and live your dreams. 

Just like these Alishan 's young hearts, they dare to return to their hometown and relive their dreams and passion. So be bold in pursuing your love and dreams. You will then truly live. 

Remember impossible is nothing. Wishing all a blessed merry Christmas and a happy NEW Year. 

Dennis Toh 

The Beauty of Sun Moon Lake stays with me

Sun Moon Lake

I travelled to Taiwan not so long ago and had the opportunity to contribute an article for Exquisite Magazine (Dec issue). Basically i wrote about this place SUN MOON LAKE, situated in Nantou County's Yuchih Townshop, in the center of Taiwan and is the island's largest lake. I fell in love with this place immediately. Serene, calm and a beautiful place. Memories, though short, stay forever i guess.

Scenic view, isn't it?

Cable car

Nice owl ornaments

Yes, that's me. 

Me again.

Shrink your grocery Bill

Shrink your grocery bills

Yes, my friend commented that my blog is near death. I profess i haven't been taking good care of my blog. October and November were really busy months. Now that I have a little more free. I shall devote more time to penning my thoughts here. It's the end of the year anyway. The time of the year to be reflective over our life, and taking stock of what we have done. One resolution on every one's wish list is always saving money for a better tomorrow, for a better future. Sometimes it begins with little things. Like our grocery bills. 

I was approached by SIMPLY HER ( yes a women's magazine) to be one of their experts in helping a reader run through her grocery items, and things she should look out for in a supermarket. I admit i am no pro in grocery shopping. What i gave (tips ) were merely academic stuff, things i have picked up from retailing books and my marketing experience. And yes, if you happened to be a female who reads the Jan issue of Simply HER, check out page 104-107. I hope the tips will be handy and useful. 

Have fun shopping. 

Perhaps you might bump into me shopping at Market Place or Carrefour. Take care folks. 

Who says blogging is only for Gen Y and Google GEN?

impossible is nothing

I realised I haven't been updating my blog for a month.

It's been a real fruitful yet busy October and November. If you followed my entry in urban homme blog, you would have known that I have been busy with Urban Homme competition and the many demands in life.

Looking back, i think I have really achieved alot in a short span of time.

I visited Taiwan and Hongkong.

I won two volleyball competitions ( third and first respectively).

I made new friends, and some interesting ones. Overseas included. 

I took on a part time teaching job in Marketing Institute of Singapore.

I won the Mr Photogenic award for Urban Homme competition. Yes, Many people asked why I lost to Darren. Well, it's hard to say why and how I lost. I think everything happens for a reason.

I got to try out many of Urban Homme's Body sculpting and facial treatments. I must say my face is so much smoother, and physique slightly more toned.

In school, I am honored to teach the Year 1 students taking marketing fundamentals. I hope I was able to motivate and get their passion for marketing going.

I realised Life is so much more meaningful if you embrace it positively. There are just too many things that we can appreciate and be contented with.

Seeing the goodness of people.

Watching my beloved ones press on in their life.

Hearing about friends advocating certain beliefs and causes.

feeling the spirit of people. seeing the potential of people.

Listening to music. Pondering about life.

feeling the present. Wondering about the future.

embracing changes. looking forward to possibilities.

that's life.

Amidst all these, though my sprained ankle made me more vulnerable physically, I felt stronger to take on the many challenges ahead.

As the saying goes, you are only as strong as your last fall. so get up and be strong again.

So on the eve of a holiday, do appreciate what you have and see the goodness of life.

cos Impossible is nothing.

Looking good as a form of respect for others

The roles of males and females have changed over time.

The traditional role which suggest that women should bedomesticated,  gentle & nurturing no longer stand firm.

Males are also becoming more metrosexual possibly due to media portrayal from Korean dramas depicting lean pretty boys, male models getting more and more scrawny, & perhaps increased emphasis from skin, tees and spa brands targeting the men’s market. Of course there are many more deeper issues involved.  

As we are faced with the many more challenges and clutter in life. The roles played by men and women have inevitably crossed and somewhat blurred. 

As a modern metrosexual man living in today’s multi-faceted and dimensional world, it is imperative that we stay true to ourselves. Beauty comes from within and it is important we embrace the many challenges and obstacles we face in life.

In an effort to coin the definition of a true urban male, i have derived ten own definitions ;

1) An urban homme male  has a positive attitude.

2) An urban homme male knows looking good is a form of respect to people around him.

3) An urban homme male is sensitive to world issues.

4) An urban homme male knows how to love and be loved.

5) An urban homme male maintains a good sports regime.

6) An urban homme male loves how to party and have fun when required.

7) An urban homme male takes on a balanced and healthy diet.

8) An urban homme male mentors and empower others.

9) An urban homme male is well travelled.

10) An urban homme male has a good sense of humor and not afraid to put down himself.

Such desirable traits need to be learnt and cultivated over time. The above are just my thoughts about what define a true urban male in today’s world. I am learning to be one. and i am sure you are as well. Good luck and God bless.

Extracted from - 

www.blog.omy.sg/urbanhommeicon/category/dennis-toh/

For more info - visit
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=58064671492

or http://www.urbanhommeformen.com/

Marketing Ideas for Social Media Vehicles

Marketing ideas for Facebook

1) Post interesting photos and news from offline publicity to extend the reach and shelf life of these events.

2) Offering special promotion to facebook fans, that can’t be found elsewhere.

3) Use the facebook event apps to tell people about your event.

4) Mass emails are so yesteryear. Use the funwall to send a message.

5) Use facebook ads to drive visitors to Facebook page, instead of sending users to main corporate site.

Ways to use Twitter

Personal branding - Remember the more followers you have, the more influential and credible you are being seen.



Get feedback - Throw a random question to your followers and check the responses you get.


Direct Traffic - You can tweet on the link of your website or any event page which you want people to access.


Event updates - Provide live streaming of the event to entice your followers. 


Find prospects - Do a search for keywords related to your product on Twitter Search and then follow users.


Provide live coverage - Live coverage on occasion like Weddings, birthday celebrations, concerts etc.

Ideas for Youtube marketing

Post the company’s corporate video


Upload the latest television commercial to extend mileage.


Upload montage of event pictures


Product training and explanation video


Showcase your press conference


Upload marketing activities like roadshows, exhibitions, events.


Upload videos of staff in action.


Behind the scene videos.

Ideas for Tumblr


Use tumblr as an extension of your facebook updates.



Create a thematic blog that is relevant to your business.


Identity should be seen as a human not a company.

Social Media and ROI

We know measuring ROI on social media is a complex process. That is not to say it is impossible.

Today we will discuss the approach towards measuring ROI on social media.

Implementing accountability and ROI

 

1) Use existing data or customer insights from your research to create campaign projections


2) Create a mix of financial and non financial matrix that you need to measure.

3) Track your marketing cost

4) Share insights (with internal stakeholders) and involve them in the insight generation process.

5) Ultimately you want to have a holistic view of your customer data. not only do you know what they’ve purchased, but also what they think about your industry, how they talk about your brand, and why they react to your campaign a certain way.

Exposure to media and/or website - this first level measures the awareness of your social media website(s) or vehicles.


Impressions - number of (web)visits

Clicks/visits - clicks per visits

Page views - total number of (page) visits

Referrers/sources - potential leads generated

New vs. returning - no. of returning visitors and new visitors

Frequency - frequency of visits from visitors

Levels of Engagement - the second level measure the extent the user is being engaged on your social media vehicle(s).


Pages viewed per visit - the more pages viewed, the more the viewer is engaged.

Time on site - Time spent is directly proportionate to the the level of interest on your site.

Reading blogs/participating in discussions - Participation suggests engagement and involvement on the user part.

Viewing videos/photos - uploading and viewing photos show further engagement

Uploading content - uploading content shows that user is willing to be an active participant rather than a passive one

Telling friends - viral effect kicks in

Inquiries/Registrations - express interests on your initiative

Transactions - viewer exercise decision intent

In order to justify returns to your top management, it is essential to document all these numbers down on a monthly basis. Though it can be a cumbersome process, putting all these indicators into a proper excel sheet allow you to analyse trends more efficiently in the near future. This would also give you a first round of defence in showing your boss that the money was well spent on social media, should the numbers turn out well. You need statistics to show during year end reporting and this form the basis of your report.

Model Actress Wendy Toh reveals new photos of herself

Stylist: Ivan Hoo from In Square
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=h#!/pages/In-Square-Salon/158557247495556