A FEW WORDS FROM DAVID LIM, CHIEF MOTIVATION OFFICER
I started this business 10 years ago, just recovering from six months of paralysis from Guillain Barre Syndrome. From mainly keynotes, the business grew to include, by 2003, teambuilding, and then organisational development solutions. In 2010, we are rolling our suite of leadership negotiation skills, with an Asia focus.
Highlights of the past decade?
Too many, I guess, but the climbing highlights definitely include my comeback climbs on Aconcagua(2000), Everest(2001) and the six virgin peaks climbed and named in the Tien Shan ranges (2005 & 2009). Professionally, some great moments included presentations to the 12,000 people at the Asia-Pacific Life Insurance Congress, in 2003, breaking into the India market, doubling our revenue margins each year from 2002 – 2005, husky-sledding with clients in the Arctic circle, amongst others! In August this year, receiving the coveted Certified Speaking Professional (CSP) credential made the year for me. The CSP is the highest accreditation in our field, and held by fewer than 10% of the 5,000-odd professional speakers worldwide.
But best of all is getting feedback from you to say how we actually changed people and teams for the better.
This year, we wrapped up a year-long project with Russell Investments Asia where the final, measurable output was a perceived improvement by at least 50% in every one of the eight key team skills we measure. So from my team of great associates, and myself, thank you so much for letting us share your journey.
Have a great month ahead!
David Lim,
Certified Speaking Professional (CSP)
Chief Motivation Officer
Ask us at for our solutions
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Leaders Negotiation Skills Part 2: Changing the Shape of Money
As a one-time vendor to Intel (we sold them some motivational skills solutions), I received a note from them today encouraging me to check on their new vendor payment system that allowed vendors to offer a discount to Intel in return for processing payments faster. In fact, when many large multinational have Byzantine payment processes that can delay you getting your funds, this is a nice option. I would prefer, however, if they just improved the speed at which people got paid!
What pisses many small business off is the ridiculous 60 or 90 day payment terms for even the most modest of sums. Imagine if the CEOs of some large companies were paid their salaries 2 – 3 months after the fact….
But back on topic. One of the cool negotiation tools you can use is to change the shape of the money. What I mean, is that in Asia, some decisions can be made very quickly if you offer a courtesy savings in exchange of payment upfront. In fact, just this week, I offered a 5% savings to an India petrochemical giant so that I could get my whole consulting fee paid upfront. When you factor in the hassle, delays and pursuit of payment after the fact, 5% is worth it, let me tell you. So here are some ways you can change the shape of money: …
…for the rest of the feature, go to The Asian Negotiator (see http://theasiannegotiator.wordpress.com) our new blog on negotiating your best and highest futures.