Posts Tagged ‘Business’

The Sky is the Limit at Hong Kong?s Captivating Central Business District

Spread across 1100 square metres of a prime trading hotspot, Hong Kong is a Westerner’s dream of an Asian city. Singular, independent and thriving, Hong Kong is at once associated and disassociated with its Chinese heritage. An eastern city with a decidedly western ambience and cultural preference, it enjoys a global reputation of being a financial and a tourist Mecca for the masses.

A food connoisseur’s dream come true, Hong Kong is not only the home of Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland and the Ten Thousand Buddha’s Monastery, it has also one of the most vibrant central business districts in all of Asia.

As the political and economical epicentre of the island, the Hong Kong business district is also where Government Hill, Legislative Council Building and Far East’s oldest Anglican cathedral are also located. With a myriad of historical constructs in residence, the business district also plays hosts to some of the nation’s most recognizable landmarks such as the iconic Bank of China Tower, the International Finance Centre and the towering HSBC building.  Originally part of Victoria City, the central business hub is located on the northern shores of the island. Having served as a bustling capital since colonial rule the city is best viewed from the Central Pier or aboard the Star Ferry.

With its fair share of funky neighborhoods, visitors really should stroll down Hollywood Road , Cotton Tree Drive Street and Soho, Hong Kong to get a true feel for the colour and diversity this futuristic landscape has on offer. Other points of interest include the Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui, stunning Causeway Bay, Stanley Street Market and the Temple Street Night Market. Connaught Road Central with its neon lights and sky-piercing building is breathtaking sight while the Galleria, Prince’s Building, Citibank Tower, the  Entertainment Building and the AIG Tower also scamper for attention in this modern day metropolis.

The island nation’s best shopping centres are also situated along the city’s central business district and visitors will find luxury items and global brands galore at locales such as Pacific Place, the Landmark, Causeway Bay Shopping Area, the IFC Mall and Sogo. Lined with the town’s premier restaurants, cafes and bars, a food and wine connoisseur will hardly be disappointed at the choices available to them at the CBD.

Must-visit landmarks in the CBD include the Hutchison House, Alexandra House, Jardine House and The Centrium in addition to The Cenotaph and magnificent City Hall. Not just a hotbed of financial giants and skyscrapers, Hong Kong ‘s central business district also houses a number of stunning churches including the First Church, Church of Scientology and  the Union Church as well as several captivating Buddhist temples as a testament to the country’s all- inclusive approach to cultural identity.

Knee deep in MRTs, minibuses, trams and trains, the Hong Kong central business district is one of the most accessible areas in the entire island. Best explored on foot, the sights and sounds of its breathtaking landscape are just as intoxicating as its cultural diversity.

Eaton Hotel Hong Kong is perfect for travellers who are looking for hotels in Kowloon that gives easy access to the Central Business District of Hong Kong.  Comfortable and luxurious it enjoys a well-deserved reputation as one of the premier hotels in Hong Kong.

Starting a Business Philippine Style

DO YOU prefer working regular hours under a reasonable supervisor in a well-established city office? Many people do. A person with such employment may enjoy greater security than one starting out fresh in a business of his own.

In the Philippines, however, there are those who prefer taking the risk. They want to enjoy working hours suited to their needs. There will, of course, be no promotions, no occasional raises in salary and no possibility of receiving a gold watch upon retirement. But this does not particularly concern these individuals. They find satisfaction in making a living by using their own skills and sound business sense. For them, nothing can compare with the opportunity of working with wife and children all day long and counting their blessings together when evening falls.

Filipinos often start a small business right at home. Consider what some of the possibilities are.

What Kind of Business?

Do you have a hobby that could become a full-time job? Perhaps you make toys for your children. If so, could you also make toys for other people’s children? In the Philippine city of Cebu, the production of toy guitars is not simply a hobby but a profitable business. The craftsmen work at home, producing toy guitars, ukuleles, bandurias and even very professional guitars that are sold at airports and music shops. Often at the end of the workday, the hills come alive with the music of thousands of stringed instruments, as family after family plays together.

Industrious Bicol folk produce handbags, slippers and numerous ladies’ accessories from abaca fiber. Deft hands in Bulacan and Quezon provinces weave buntal hats out of the petiole fibers of the buri palm tree. Here, try this on. Cool and dignified, is it not? Here is another one. Why, it makes you look 10 years younger!

Beneath Zamboanga’s lazy blue waters are found the tapering “antlers” of black coral. Craftsmen in Quezon City and Manila fashion the coral into tiepins, cuff links, rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. In the sandy seabeds off Surigao, Samar, Leyte and Panay, one can discover a treasure trove of shells—tiger cowrie, conch, lupo and kapis. Nimble hands make these into curtains, lampstands, windowpanes and chandeliers, which inhabitants of Paris, London or New York city would be proud to display in their homes.

Shoemaking may seem like an unlikely venture. But, in 1884, young Kapitan Moy bought a sturdy pair of British shoes. Back home he got more interested in the shoes. So he took them apart, and then put them back together again. Soon he set up a shoemaking shop and began sharing his new skills with neighbors. Almost a century later, the town of Marikina is going full speed ahead in the shoe-manufacturing business. In many, many homes of this town, grandpas, grandmas, papas, mamas and children home from school, busy as bees, are making the shoes that some of us will probably be wearing tomorrow. “Today,” says the Marikina Shoe Trade Commissioner, “we export shoes to many countries, including the source of Kapitan Moy’s shoes which he bought back in 1884.”

The growth of Marikina’s shoe trade has meant more business for other towns. For example, Meycauayan in Bulacan supplies Marikina with much shoe leather. In turn, Marinduque, Masbate, Mindoro, Palawan, Romblon and other islands keep Meycauayan supplied with hides from cattle and carabaos. They also furnish alligator, goat, pig and snake skins for shoes, handbags and belts.

Many Filipinos open small stores or operate stalls in the public markets. Family members usually take turns tending these stalls in the markets of Kamuning, Cubao, Tondo and elsewhere. Divisoria Market in Manila is said to be the biggest market of its kind in the Philippines. It is not one vast supermarket owned and run by a single individual or company, but consists of thousands of small family stores under one roof. Haggling over prices here is an art honed to perfection.

The Government Lends a Hand

Aware of the potential of “cottage industries,” the Philippine government offers some aid to enterprising Filipinos. There are free seminars on various crafts. A course is even offered on raising mushrooms.

Government assistance is also provided to help people to improve the quality of their products. In Albay, for instance, many have advanced from making clay pots to the study of ceramics. In Ilocos Norte, people are learning how to make bricks and tiles.

The Philippine Daily Express, in an August 17, 1974, editorial, reported that the National Science Development Board has sent food-training experts to 39 Philippine provinces, “propagating different methods of food processing, so that items like coconut water, excess vegetables, seasonal fruits and small fish may be put to commercial” uses. This has resulted in the formation of “18 cottage industry cooperatives.”

Cooperatives? Yes, these are formed when several small businesses join together for mutual protection and profit. They are duly registered with the proper government bureau. The government encourages the establishment of cooperatives by granting them tax exemption and various forms of protection. These cooperatives enable the group to buy at factory prices, to sell at lower prices than they could individually and then mutually to share the profits.

For people who still prefer to be in business on their own, help is offered through the National Cottage Industries Development Authority (NACIDA). This agency gives valuable pointers on making Philippine handicrafts. The government also grants a five-year tax exemption for those registered as having their own “cottage industry,” enabling many to continue in operation and to prosper.

Financing the Business

But where do people get the money to start in business? Actually, very little may be needed. For example, a young man sold a ring. With the proceeds he started a small jewelry business. Today he can also sell, not only jewels, but even the dust in his workshop for good money. Why? There is gold in every pinch of it!

Another man discussed the matter with his in-laws. They liked his project and provided some 200 pesos (about $30, U.S.) each. Now his coral craft brings in a sizable income, and all share in the profits.

Some banks maintain lending offices in public markets to assist stall holders financially. Wise Filipinos avoid unscrupulous money lenders whose high cumulative interest rates can quickly gobble up not only profits but the entire business capital as well.

Is It for You?

Going into business for yourself has some advantages. A person is usually freer to make his own daily schedule for work and recreation. He is not responsible to any supervisor and he may have more time to relax with his family. By choosing the type of work that appeals to him, he avoids being tied down to a boring job just to make a living. He can also enjoy the challenge to his ingenuity that his business provides.

But there are risks. A person can lose his capital through bad management or unforeseen problems. Competition or inflation could cut profits. Then there is the anxiety about being successful, since running one’s own business may lack the security of being in someone else’s employ. It may be, too, that more time has to be spent in caring for the business than had been anticipated.

Perfect Home Business for Stay at Home Moms

However, not every business opportunity is for everyone! Some programs might involve time consuming activities such as typing out mounts of data or to taking voluminous online surveys to get paid, while some others could be quack programs as well.

So, the most sensible option would be to make your pick from time tested and reputed business options such as Reverse Funnel System that has earned the confidence of millions of customers in this short span, since its inception.

Ty Coughlin has been a crowd stirrer arena from day one for having the simplest possible affiliate program that you might have ever seen (or even heard). Once you put in the initial investment of $3,000 your cash machine sets off at an unbelievable pace on an exiting sojourn towards the riches in the Internet business. For every sale that is registered in your chain, you will be entitled to $1000 dollars.

Motherhood would no longer force you to put your dreams on the backburner because at last you have a sensible moneymaking option that would help you to attain all your dreams. The Reverse Funnel System stands tall among the innumerable business programs that burst like bubbles, ripping you off all your fortunes in the process. Join the astute league of Reverse Funnel patrons to make all the difference in the world to the quality of your lives.

Legitimate home business options would throw open countless vistas to enhance your financial status and independence without risking your family commitments of being a mom.

Remember, by opting for Reverse Funnel System you are making the first BIG bold step that would take you closer to the goals of your life. Ty Coughlin does all the rest of the work for you once the chain is set up.

All you have to do is to work at your own pace for not more than 3-4 hours a day in sending replies to business enquiries and to spot new leads.

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To Your Success,

Zarko Dimitrievski

email@thinkandgrowrich.ws

“I continually attract positive, quality, like-minded individuals.”