The Mind Your Business Show Tahmid Nasif & Arshvyn Prakas

113 – Building Business Acumen- with Sid [Part 5]
In our final episode with Sid, we delve into the depths of "Building Business Acumen," where Sid reflects on his innovative distribution strategies and the evolution of his bar, "Going Om." From reshaping distribution channels to crafting a sanctuary for mindful relaxation, Sid's journey offers invaluable lessons in entrepreneurship and business savvy.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Sid: sid@brandworldconsultants.com  
Businesses explored

Brand World Consultants: http://www.brandworldconsultants.com/ 
Going Om: https://www.instagram.com/goingom/?hl=en 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:30 : Distribution business from Sri Lanka, organic products [Sid]
02:00 : Taking away the middleman, getting right to the producer [Sid]
04:00 : Turning your vendor into your client [Sid]
06:00:  Lion Beer distribution [Sid]
08:00 : Why the bar closed down during Covid [Sid]
09:00 : My first time in a business partnership [Sid]
10:00 : Branding to beyond tourists and regulars [Sid]
12:00 : Creating a bar menu and bites menu [Sid]
14:00 : Why i will take over full ownership of the bar [Sid]
16:00 : Being resourceful, supplies and furniture [Sid]
18:00 : Government grants for business owners [Sid]
20:00 : The biggest change for me as a person in this journey [Sid]
21:00 : Building business acumen [Sid]
22:00 : Finding the balance [Sid]
23:00 : You never retire [Sid]
24:00 : My recommendation: BBC podcasts [Sid]
26:00 : Wrap up [Tahmid]
As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this

Discover why client selection is pivotal for business prosperity and how Sid applies lessons learned from the beer distribution industry to his entrepreneurial ventures. From turning away clients to navigating payment processes, Sid imparts invaluable wisdom on retention strategies and the importance of upfront payments. Join us as we delve into Sid's entrepreneurial endeavors, including his leap into the beer distribution business, uncovering the challenges faced and the strategies employed to secure success. As always, thank you for tuning in, and we hope you find inspiration and value in Sid's entrepreneurial journey.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Sid: sid@brandworldconsultants.com  
Businesses explored

Brand World Consultants: http://www.brandworldconsultants.com/ 
Going Om: https://www.instagram.com/goingom/?hl=en 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:30 : Why we turn away some clients [Sid]
02:00 : Lessons with getting paid on time - take 50% upfront [Sid]
04:00 : Our retention strategy - doing a good job [Sid]
06:00:  Let’s start a new business - backup plan - beer distribution company [Sid]
08:00 : In less than 2 weeks, we got all the licenses and got started [Sid]
09:00 : Why i did not bring in a business partner [Sid]
10:00 : I had no prior distribution experience, learning on the go [Sid]
11:00 : There is no secret sauce, just get started [Sid]
12:00 : I got down and dirty, i needed to know what were the costs [Sid]
14:00 : The F&B industry in Singapore really supports each other, not price competitors [Sid]
15:00 : The big store chains just care about price, getting them onboard [Sid]
As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this.

111 – Beyond 9-5: Pursuing Your True Calling - with Sid [Part 3]
Ever wondered what you'd be doing if you weren't stuck in the 9-5 grind? Join us as we explore the journeys of those who dared to step off the traditional career path and pursue their passions. From navigating the ins and outs of business registration in Singapore to challenging the Asian culture of risk aversion, our guest, Sid, shares insights into breaking free from conventional career norms. Discover the keys to targeting SMEs, mastering business development without cold calling, and the art of building lasting client relationships. Whether you're considering a leap into entrepreneurship or simply seeking inspiration to follow your dreams, this episode offers invaluable advice and firsthand experiences to guide you on your journey to finding your true calling.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Sid: sid@brandworldconsultants.com  
Businesses explored

Brand World Consultants: http://www.brandworldconsultants.com/ 
Going Om: https://www.instagram.com/goingom/?hl=en 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:30 : How easy is it to register a company in Singapore [Sid]
02:00 : The barrier of entry to start a business in Singapore is low [Sid]
03:00 : The asian culture is being risk averse [Sid]
04:00:  What if you weren’t doing a 9-5 job, what would you be passionate about? [Sid]
06:00 : Singaporeans becoming pawrents instead of being parents [Sid]
08:30 : Client mindset: If ain’t broke, don’t fix it [Sid]
10:00 : Targeting SMEs - talking to the founders and decision makers [Sid]
11:30 : How did you do business development? [Tahmid]
12:00 : Cold calling was not for me - our portfolio spoke for ourselves [Sid]
13:00 : Referrals and Retainers [Sid]
14:30 : If you do social marketing, would I be more successful? [Arshvyn]
15:30 : It makes sense if it is product related - you can measure ROI [Sid]
16:00 : It’s much harder to measure ROI if you are professional services targeting million dollar projects [Sid]
18:00 : Marketing of Products vs Services, B2C vs B2B [Sid]
19:00 : B2C vs B2B marketing  [Sid]
20:30 : Past work and referrals and charming the procurement department [Sid]
21:00 : Our team is made up from people from Tokyo to New York [Sid]
22:00 : It is never one-off projects with our clients - getting repeat business [Sid]
23:00 : Clients come to me with a problem statement, how i assemble the right team [Sid]
25:00 : The toughest client i’ve had [Sid]
As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this.

Discover the journey of Sid, a global citizen who found his place in Singapore after traversing the landscapes of Sri Lanka and the UK. Join us as we delve into the intricacies of setting up a company in Singapore and the evolution of remote work technology. Sid shares insights on prioritizing client ROI over extravagant office spaces, the challenges of balancing work-life dynamics across different time zones, and the unique cultural nuances of cities like London, Sydney, Colombo, and Singapore. From the laid-back vibe of Colombo to the vibrant energy of Singapore, Sid offers a candid perspective on the virtues of each locale. Learn about the significance of mental health, work-life balance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in Singapore's business ecosystem. Despite the occasional frustrations, Sid reaffirms his commitment to Singapore as the ideal destination for nurturing personal growth and professional success. Tune in to explore why Singapore remains his ultimate choice for business endeavors.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Sid: sid@brandworldconsultants.com  
Businesses explored

Brand World Consultants: http://www.brandworldconsultants.com/ 
Going Om: https://www.instagram.com/goingom/?hl=en 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:30 : Born in Sri Lanka, growing up in the UK, settled in Singapore, what is home? [Sid]
03:00 : Registering a company in Singapore [Sid]
04:00 : The technology for remote working was always there, we just didn't use it [Sid]
05:00:  Even if your client is nearby, you would still be using email [Sid]
06:00 : If we can cut out all the extra costs, we can focus on the client’s ROI [Sid]
07:00 : Clients care less about your swanky new office, they care about ROI [Sid]
08:00 : Building client relationships online [Arshvyn]
09:00 : Working 16 hour days [Sid]
10:00 : The 5am club - If you have clients globally, whose timezone do you follow? [Sid]
12:00 : How does London, Sidney, Colombo, Singapore compare? [Sid]
13:00 : Colombo is relaxed and fun, there's a public holiday on every full moon [Sid]
15:30 : Sidney is an absolutely beautiful city, perfect balance of work and life [Sid]
16:00 : Paternity leave in Australia is 6 months?? Singapore just increased ours. [Arshvyn]
17:00 : 4 day work week - if clients do it, then you can do it [Tahmid]
17:30 : So much to do in Sidney, beyond the city. Mental health is important there. [Sid]
18:30 : Singapore is the city that drives you to bring the best out of yourself [Sid]
19:00 : How Singaporeans will complain about the pace here. Can business owners do that? [Sid]
20:00 : Being burnt by Singapore and migrating [Sid]
21:00 : The biggest asset you have is yourself, building confidence [Sid]
22:00 : Ronny Cheng, how Singaporeans are Karens [Sid]
23:00 : Why i would still choose Singapore as a place for business [Sid]
As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this.

109 – The Great Escape from Corporate Conformity- with Sid [Part 1]
Embark on a journey with Sid as he recounts his daring escape from the shackles of corporate conformity. From humble beginnings delivering yellow pages to navigating the cutthroat world of PR firms, Sid unveils the highs and lows of his corporate career. Discover the pivotal moments that propelled him from the confines of office politics to the boundless freedom of business success. Gain invaluable insights into hybrid work environments, international ventures, and the strategic choices that led Sid to choose Singapore as his entrepreneurial oasis. Join us as we unravel the secrets behind Sid's great escape and glean inspiration for carving your path to independence.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Sid: sid@brandworldconsultants.com  
Businesses explored

Brand World Consultants: http://www.brandworldconsultants.com/ 
Going Om: https://www.instagram.com/goingom/?hl=en 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:00 : How did this entrepreneurship journey start? [Arshvyn]
02:00 : I was not very good at fitting in the corporate mold [Sid]
03:00 : When i graduated, it was the financial crises, opportunities were less [Sid]
04:00:  My first full time job was at a PR firm, selling fridges [Sid]
05:00 : At the age of 12 i had a paper route - delivering the yellow pages [Sid]
07:00 : I never hated my jobs, there’s a task, you have to do it [Sid]
08:30 : The PR company was like an episode of Mad-Men [Sid]
10:00 : How Alcohol and Cigarettes were promoted back in the day [Sid]
11:00 : The politics of working in a big company got to me, wanted to change it [Sid]
13:00 : Organizations lose their best employees to toxic cultures [Sid]
14:00 : At a certain age, the novelty of the PR agency life wears off  [Sid]
16:00 : The Pros and Cons of working from home - The Watercooler Chats [Sid]
17:00 : You get access to information by coming into the office, build relationships [Sid]
18:00 : Any company that does not have any office space - they can downsize easily [Tahmid]
19:00 : Picking your work environment, benefits of hybrid work [Sid]
19:30 : How i came to Singapore - went on a eat pray love journey, ended up in Sri Lanka [Sid]
20:00 : Worked in Colombo at another PR agency for 2 years, then to Sydney [Sid]
23:00 : With experience of the Asian market - i was choosing between Singapore vs Hong Kong [Sid]
26:00 : Why i chose Singapore [Sid]
27:00: I decided to register my business in the UK - have a backup to the job [Sid]
28:00: It’s safer to have a backup - at any given time you may be asked to leave the country  [Sid]
As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this.

Join Nathaniel as he shares his entrepreneurial journey, offering insights on niche markets, AI in marketing, and the pitfalls of social media. Discover the importance of effective monetization, community connections, and embracing authenticity. Gain wisdom on entrepreneurship, digital wellness, and reclaiming control over your digital presence.
Head over to linktr.ee/themybshow to check out how you can keep up to date with the latest episodes, do subscribe!
Guest
Nathaniel Yim: https://sg.linkedin.com/in/nathaniel-yim-12520a105 
Businesses explored

Nila Studios: https://www.nilastudios.com/
Janio: https://www.janio.asia/ 
Hosts
Tahmid Nasif: https://www.instagram.com/tahmzup/
Arshvyn Prakas: https://www.instagram.com/arshvynprakas/
Show notes:
00:00 : This new niche market of Startups for your studio, is there money to be made? [Tahmid]
02:00 : It depends on which pain point you are going to solve and how you can add value [Nathaniel]
03:30 : What I think AI is going to look like for marketing [Nathaniel]
05:00:  Did you have to reset to sleeping 4 hours/day? [Arshvyn]
07:00 : There is less risk this time round, but i had to monetise properly  [Nathaniel]
08:40 : If there was one thing i could share from my entrepreneurship journey [Nathaniel]
10:00 : Shoutout to the Learning Loop Group, a place for founders to talk to each other [Nathaniel]
12:00 : Why do you not have instagram? [Arshvyn]
12:40 : “Am I a hamster for Mark Zuckerberg?” - i deleted the apps from my phone [Nathaniel]
14:00 : I am more social now without social media [Nathaniel]
15:00 : Are there things I'm missing out on by not posting on social media?  [Arshvyn]
15:30 : Even though I’m anti-social media, I can't get myself to delete it. [Arshvyn]
16:00 : Did you ever find yourself comparing your life to others [Nathaniel]
17:00 : Seeing my team grow was the best part [Nathaniel]
17:30 : Arshvyn, if you were really into social media, you would be canceled [Tahmid]
18:30 : The news is depressing [Tahmid]
19:30 : Key takeaway: Don’t be a Hamster [Nathaniel]
20:00 : Book recommendations: Shoe dog by Phil Knight [Nathaniel]
20:10 : Book recommendations: The hard thing about hard things - [Nathaniel]
20:40 : It is more important to journal  [Nathaniel]
22:00: There is no playbook, you just have to do it [Nathaniel]
22:30: I started by forcing myself to journal everyday. It is fun to look back. [Nathaniel]
23.30: Wrap up [Tahmid]


As always, thank you for listening. We hope you found value in this.