It is always one of the goals in my life to write a book, not that I am particularly good in writing but I just like to write and share about the topics that I am passionate about.
It is always one of the goals in my life to write a book, not that I am particularly good in writing but I just like to write and share about the topics that I am passionate about.
However, I didn't know that I was on track to author a book when eCommerceMILO was started 17 months ago, until Carol Fung introduced me to the editor of her own online retailing book.
We did bounce off some ideas and eventually agreed to embark on the topic of success cases of e-commerce business in Malaysia.
After months of preparation, let me introduce you to the first-ever book that unearth the stories of 10 outstanding local e-commerce entrepreneurs: Malaysian e-Commerce Success Stories.
The reason why I mentioned "unearth" earlier is most of the stories are untold before this, it is either the entrepreneurs are too busy (working behind computers), or prefer to stay out of the limelight.
It is also the best experience in this project, that I was able to listen to their stories "live", and I have nothing but respect to all of them. These are the people who have gone through the blood, sweat, and tears to make their business profitable.
Without further ado, let me present to you the excerpts of this book, teng teng teng teng...
This book will be available soon via MPH bookstores starting from Klang Valley anytime from now.
Can't wait to find out more about their stories?
Buy from MPHOnline.com with 10% discount off RM 24.90 (from 15 Oct to 15 Dec 2014 only). Note: e-book version will only be available some time later.
However, I didn't know that I was on track to author a book when eCommerceMILO was started 17 months ago, until Carol Fung introduced me to the editor of her own online retailing book.
We did bounce off some ideas and eventually agreed to embark on the topic of success cases of e-commerce business in Malaysia.
After months of preparation, let me introduce you to the first-ever book that unearth the stories of 10 outstanding local e-commerce entrepreneurs: Malaysian e-Commerce Success Stories.
The reason why I mentioned "unearth" earlier is most of the stories are untold before this, it is either the entrepreneurs are too busy (working behind computers), or prefer to stay out of the limelight.
It is also the best experience in this project, that I was able to listen to their stories "live", and I have nothing but respect to all of them. These are the people who have gone through the blood, sweat, and tears to make their business profitable.
Without further ado, let me present to you the excerpts of this book, teng teng teng teng...
IPmart - The untold story
“The more difficult the customer, the longer he or she will stick with you if you solve his (or her) problem.” - Mart Tang
Partners in life and in business
“It is important that both of us are not down at the same time. When I’m down, she picks me up. And I do the same for her when she’s having a bad day. That’s why it is best to start a business with partners, better still with your spouse, so that you can motivate each other.” - Joe & Eyqa
A little creativity goes a long way
“We need to be very careful with marketing expenditure as we don’t have deep pockets like the big (foreign) boys.” - Shaun & Wilson
Telling your brand story
“If you want to buy women’s shoes, there are plenty of choices out there. I knew I had to create a brand to differentiate my products. When people think ‘ladies’ shoes’, I want them to think ‘ChristyNg Shoes’.” - Christy Ng
The multi-channel bedroom entrepreneur
“You learn through trial and error. Some channels will be more effective than others but you wouldn’t know which is which until you try.” - Zen Tan
The importance of design
“A good and professional-looking website builds trust. We once had a customer who didn’t have much online retailing experience. She was interested in a bean bag that cost over RM600. She wasn’t familiar with using the online shopping cart so she just gave us her telephone number over the phone. She wouldn’t have done that if our website was dodgy-looking.” - Ben & Kian Howe
Turn your customers into supporters
“[A customer] was yelling at us over the phone. We immediately sent a replacement and provided him free return shipping for the damaged version. He was surprised at our no-questions-asked policy and is today one of our loyal supporters.” - Neo & Ian
The bumpy ride to success
“I almost wanted to give up, I was almost bankrupt, and I felt that there was no protection for me, online or offline. I just didn’t feel safe anymore.” - William Wong
Building trust and selling gold and silver online
“We managed to automate and simplify many aspects of the operation through implementation of software and this has vastly improved efficiency. We are able to harvest the potential of the latest technology to our advantage.” - KH Lau
Making the one-million-ringgit pitch
“Local e-commerce players have got to stay closer to the brands and provide value-added services or they will leave you for better prospects with the foreign players. For us, we give them peace of mind by taking care of end-to-end services like sales reports, inventory management, and marketing plans to help them grow their brands.” - Fadza & Vivy
Grab a copy of the book now!
This book will be available soon via MPH bookstores starting from Klang Valley anytime from now.
Can't wait to find out more about their stories?
Buy from MPHOnline.com with 10% discount off RM 24.90 (from 15 Oct to 15 Dec 2014 only). Note: e-book version will only be available some time later.
Update: You can still get it from here (limited copies only).
This book is for all the entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs out there, especially those involved in e-commerce or are thinking of doing so. Your efforts and aspirations inspire me. - CK Wong
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