There were 6 companies pitching at the event, in various industries and current positions in their company. The moderator spoke that he has started 9 companies, 3 which failed, and 2 that did really well. I guess its just about NOT GIVING UP. Its about accepting failure in certain startups, and moving forward, learning, staying positive, building up a network of people and contacts for long term business success.

These are the 6 companies that presented:

Lets just see what happens. I am not giving up the dream. Later in the afternoon I met Shane, a founder of taxstream, over drinks. He said I cannot rush things, I have to find the right thing. And not be quick to take investors or partners. I do agree with all of that. But at least he said some things I really took home!
BE STUBBORN!!!!!

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Here is a list of things I have noticed:

• Milk (philippines) – just because of availability here, mostly imported from Europe or Australia.
• Electronics (both in China and Philippines) - this one makes  you think – WHY ARE ELECTRONICS more expensive in China if they are made there.  ok, well there are a bunch of reasons why here that I’ll discuss down below in the “reasons why” section.  But yes, electronics (at least the authentic ones) are much more expensive then in USA.  My friends in China always stock up on trips back from USA.  Hong Kong is also a bit cheaper then China, but many people buy from USA to save the most money….
• Authentic Fashion Clothing – Again, I think it was in the USA nightly news, how there are so many Chinese and Europeans buying in shopping malls in USA.  Its because USA has the lowest price, and the US dollar is dropping.  But its also hard in China to find the REAL brands…..everything is fake so its hard to tell, and the authentic stores in the authentic malls are like 50% higher then in USA.

These are a few of the main items I can think of.   Of course the things that are cheaper in China are things like food, travel, and other “generic” things.

Then you may ask, why????  Well there are a few reasons for that:

1. Taxes (custom fees) – As I said last week about my failed attempt at taking in some products into Philippines, import duties for foreign goods ARE SO HIGH in these countries.  Its because they want to encourage people to buy goods from their own country, not foreign countries.  And also, because sometimes in the customs offices, there are “Side deals” and other corruption.  It just makes taxes and customs fees high, so that when the goods come into the country. the business importing them HAS TO EARN that money back, right?  and therefore they have to add that to the price to the end consumer in the store.
2. Market Size – USA is the biggest consumer in the WORLD.  It buys SO much, that therefore its buying price is so low.  This lower cost is then passed down from the importing business to the end consumer.  Also because of competition between stores, they all want to offer the lowest price, and keep pushing prices lower.
3. Shipping fees – This is more applicable to the Philippines, but there are so many islands here.  And there is so much road traffic.  This makes shipping take time and money….which, has to be added to the cost of the end product in the store!  I remember Marie in Puerto Galera talking about her friend having to go to 3 islands to get various goods for the house.  That cost the guy time and money to pay for all the boats back and forth…..so inefficient….. on the other side of this, in USA, massive container shipments coming from Asia / China drive shipping fees lower, as the shipping route is so popular and common….prices go lower.
4. Company’s strategy - many large USA or European brands still don’t have a “china strategy”, or are afraid of China from copying, etc.  I think that is why Apple delays its launch of its iphone in China, because it wants to try to prevent knockoffs….and also because Apple wants to control its distribution.
5. Government regulation – I am pretty sure iPhone has to get approval from China to sell the iphone here, and apple has to modify its phone to remove the wifi feature.  Other countries also have other regulations, and companies have to adjust and modify their products to fit those country’s demands.

So I hope this shed some light on why NOT EVERYTHING IS SO CHEAP in Asia……people in America always think  this (hey, I was one of them), but in actuality, many things are more costly on this side of the world…..

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Here are some reasons i would consider it more:

If it were kept private – i think the feeling of winning the lottery must be one of the greatest in ones lifetime, but having it announced on the television has gotta suck….imagine all your friends out there who maybe you haven’t talked to in so long – contacting you for jobs, business opportunities, investments, the list goes on and on.  And if you don’t take them up on their offer, they will curse you and never be your friend again.

Imagine the lawsuits – I worry about this too, I heard a story a bout guy in Southern USA, had a small business doing housing and construction – he won the lottery, and then all these companies and customers knew he had a lot of money ,found reasons in previous deals and contracts they had with him – sued him for all he had – and BANKRUPTED HIM.

MORE MONEY, MORE PROBLEMS - Its a rap song I remember from my younger days…but I also think its true to life.

Same with business…..I / people fight so hard to make a business – when  you do make it, there will be a line of people there to try to get money out of you.

In another way, its a saying – be careful what you wish for…….everyone wants to be rich and famous, but then once  you are famous – you hide from the cameras and lead a secret life – is that really worth it?  You worked so hard for everyone to know you, once you are known, you don’t want people to see you.  Strange.

People always want what they cannot have.

Maybe if I make money (one day…., still breaking even making ends meet) I will want more?  Will it be enough – set a goal.  Reach the goal, then what.

Maybe overtired today, but brainstorming…reflecting, and sharing.

This is a great quote…i mean, funny because its so damn true!! But sad at the same time.

And its even sadder because i would have to say americans are feeling the after effects of living the lifestyle summarized in this quote…

Let me analyze each section of it…

Spending money they havent earned….. – wayyy too true, how many credit cards do people have, carrying balances greater then their income can generate…..but the “system” (banks pushing credit cards on us since entering universities) tells us buy now, pay later…..I remember my freshman year in university, all over the campus, and surrounding the campus there were people stands of people pushing me to sign up for a CREDIT CARD.  But i was a freshman, I didn’t have an income, well maybe I did some work study…they gave me a free t-shirt I remember, so my friends and I signed on the dotted line…..sad that is how the generation grew up.  Spend now….pay later….

….For things they dont need…. -do you really need that 2 story house in the suburbs?  And once you get the nice house, you have to fill it with brand new, designer furniture, right?  Maybe take out a 2nd mortgage on the house to pay for it.  An investment, right?  And you need a nice, new fancy car to drive to work, since the suburbs are so far from your office, and there isn’t any public transportation to get there……

….to impress people they dont like…. -and with that nice house and fancy car, you can show off to your co-workers.  And they will say to  your face how great it is, but then later talk badly about how you show off your money.  Or maybe even you do it to show off to your competition in other companies.  To impress a guy or a girl to like you.

Its all a scary, but real thing.  I hate picking on US of A, but it seems more in that culture than in others I have seen.  Maybe its because Americans have this great opportunity to have nice things, money.  But then, like so many different proverbs and sayings – money isn’t everything.  And does money make us happy and fulfilled…

One would question that….

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I get to the online banking, and what stops me is the last 8 of my checking card! Which I have not received, was sent to my US address, they claim, but never got it forwarded. Actually the ATM card got seized a few months back because it was expired in Hong Kong. Left me stranded borrowing money off friends…unbelievable.

Anyway, the bank of america customer service was genuinely concerned and actually helpe me as best she could…but couldnt do an override…damnnit..

chat log pasted below, for the heck of it.

Thank you for choosing Bank of America. You are now being connected to a Bank of America Online Banking Specialist.
prunella: Hello, my name is Prunella. Thank you for being a valued Bank of America customer. How may I assist you today?
You: hi Prunella, I am trying to add a bank account online , but i need to add my personal check card, I have not yet received it in the mail
prunella: I completely understand your concerns regarding the check card for transfers.
prunella: I will be glad to check this for you.
prunella: To begin with, may I please have your complete name?
You: ok, Michael Michelini
prunella: Thank you, Michael
prunella: Could you please provide me the last four digits of the account number you are referring to?
You: xxxx
prunella: Thank you for this information, Michael
prunella: After reviewing our records, I see that the Check card for your account ending in – xxxx was issued on 11/17/08.
prunella: Could you please confirm your mailing address?
You: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
prunella: Thank you
You: I had my old card seized in a machine
You: and have not had an ATM card since
prunella: As per our records, the address is correct and it was mailed to the same address.
You: I called maybe 1 or 2 months ago and they said it was in the mail
You: I have not had an ATM card since
prunella: i would like to inform you that Check Card is like an ATM Card. We issue only Check Card or ATM Card for a checking account.
You: Yes, I am aware
You: I ahve no card associated to xxxx
prunella: I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused
You: can you help me add a payee today?
You: I dont need the card
prunella: As you have not received any card, then, we can send the new card for you.
You: I am transfers –> add account
You: but I dont have the last 4 of the check card
You: I have the other details like recipient last name, acct#, and zip
prunella: Michael, I understand you wish to make transfer to another Bank of America customer’s account and for that you need you Check card number.
You: there isnt an override?
You: I need to make this transfer today….
prunella: I understand how much important this is for you. i would request you to visit your nearest banking center and they will be able to resolve this for you.
You: I am traveling internationally….
prunella: Alright.
You: You have shares in China construction bank – can I visit them?
prunella: Sure.
You: so the accounts are linked?
prunella: Yes, accounts are linked.
You: but what currency then, Chinese Yuan or Us Dollars? If I go to a China Construction bank, its in Chinese Yuan currency
prunella: Michael, in order to check this I would request you to call us. I can provide the international number, through which you are able to call at the toll free number.
You: or, can I transfer from my business account? I have that check card
You: ending in xxxx
prunella: I apologize business accounts are not eligible for these types of transfers.
You: so there isnt any way I can use a different way to verify my identity then the last 8 of my checking card number?
You: I have logged into my online banking, I have verified my site key,
You: I can answer any security question on file
prunella: i completely understand your point. However, in order to make these types of transfers, we do require last eight digits of the Check Card of your personal account, in order to verify your account.
prunella: I understand how much important this is for you. I wish I was able to provide an alternative for you.
You: you do seem genuinely concerned, I appreciate that….
prunella: However, if you wish you can make the transfer by visiting your nearest financial institution for commercial were transfer.
prunella: wire*
You: yes….
Last text message receivedprunella: Thank you so much for your appreciation.
You: ok have a good day

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US credit collapse

So, lets go through this saga step by step -

1) newyorkbarstore.com’s credit card program was bought by American express from GE corporate card – and this specific card program (productivity online) was closed and all cardholders had to pay their bills and the cards were closed.
2) the company couldn’t take this cash flow crunch at once, so we tried to roll it over to my other card.
3) the incoming card, from bank of america, CLOSED my account when they say the incoming balance transfer.

so last night (daytime in USA) I called Bank of American to investigate why my card was closed. After about 4 transfers of operators that were not experienced enough to tell me, I probably got to the “end of the line” operator, as she seemed very experienced in telling customers NO.

=============
“Sir, 2 months ago we have noted on your account that you called saying you were in financial distress”

me: yes, I was having tough times, and trying to see if my financial institution, that was also under financial distress (little jab), could give me some breathing room”

“Yes, sir, well you are not bank of america, you are your own business. So what is your financial situation now, you say it has changed?”

Ok, yes, I am not Bank of America, but I can see that you did an open sale on the stock market to raise capital yesterday. Anyway, yes, I have now improved my financial situation and have additional funding.

“ok, sir, now how much, and what are the details of this transaction”.

Yes, well its from a European company to my company in China.

“China? in US dollar sir, so you are saying these investments and transactions are all overseas international origin. Sir, we need to know what US situation is, you are where now?”

Yes, I am in China now, calling from Skype. I have been making all my payments, my credit score is perfect, I am just asking for a debt consolidation. And I have income. Is there anything wrong with my credit score?

“No sir, it is not your credit score, it is your personal income. We need to verify your personal income, but since the account has now been closed due to financial distress notes and it seems you are not currently residing in USA, this will be close to impossible to re-open. The best I can say is work on your personal income and call Bank of America back in 6 months.”

Ok, well I guess there isn’t much else for me to say. Will this affect my personal credit score?

“no sir, this is a business account and will not affect your credit. Your score is fine. Thank you for calling Bank of American small business card services, have a wonderful day.”

goodbye.
===============

China time is money, money is time