Archive for category Random Thoughts
Secrets of greatness: Practice and hard work bring success – October 30, 2006
Posted by Peter Fuller in Random Thoughts on March 12th, 2010
Secrets of greatness: Practice and hard work bring success – October 30, 2006
A thought provoking article on what it takes to be great, and it turns out it has nothing to do with god given talent.
If you are thinking about starting your own business or just want to get better at your job the key is to practice, practice, practice.
Identify the skill sets that you will need, obtain the necessary training and then be prepared to do some serious practice.
And not just any type of practice, but “deliberate” practice. The kind of practice that involves setting objectives just beyond your reach. Your activity requires feedback and tons of repetition.
And while most may think of this in terms of such activities as sports it actually can be applied to your business or job.
Instead, it’s all about how you do what you’re already doing – you create the practice in your work, which requires a few critical changes. The first is going at any task with a new goal: Instead of merely trying to get it done, you aim to get better at it.
Report writing involves finding information, analyzing it and presenting it – each an improvable skill. Chairing a board meeting requires understanding the company’s strategy in the deepest way, forming a coherent view of coming market changes and setting a tone for the discussion. Anything that anyone does at work, from the most basic task to the most exalted, is an improvable skill.
Great article, now go read it.
Ok, I admit it the phone I bought on Ebay is fantastic
Posted by Peter Fuller in Random Thoughts on December 16th, 2009
Even though I do not like being held hostage when it comes to leaving eBay feedback, the phone I bought for $35.98 is fantastic.
I left the seller a 5 star rating, well deserved.
The phone is solid and easy to use, came with two batteries and shipping was free.
It even has a built-in flashlight.
I inserted my Sim card from Thailand, checked my balance and expiry date, and everything is ready to go when I arrive for my vacation later this month.
I also bought the activated Sim card on eBay as well 
Ebay feedback system flawed
Posted by Peter Fuller in Random Thoughts on November 20th, 2009
Today I bought a relatively cheap cell phone on ebay to be used on my upcoming trip next month to Singapore and Thailand.
The phone looks good and has all of the functions I need while travelling, not to mention it is a quad band and it will work anywhere I travel. If I lost the phone, no big deal. I even bought an activated simm card on ebay two years ago. I make sure I top it off just before I head home so that it will be good for another year.
But this quote from the seller is what erks me about Ebay’s feedback policy.
We appreciate your business in my store , if you are satisfied with our service, please rate the details of the transaction (Detailed Seller Ratings) on eBay with a “PERFECT 5 STARS” and leave us a positive feedback.
Our system will automatically do the same for you when you leave me a 5 stars positive feedback to me
In my opinion the seller should be leaving feedback first, not the other way around. And that feedback should only be based on the customer’s timely, or not, payment.
The seller’s policy above is similiar to one where I demand feedback before I make my payment.
Why should I have to give “good” feedback first to receive my feedback, especially when I have completed my duty as a buyer.
So, what is the solution?
Simple, buyers cannot leave feedback until the seller does.
But is that a really good solution?
Some would argue that the seller would then be under pressure to leave good feedback.
How about a secret feedback system. Both parties leave feedback that is kept secret for enough days to allow both sides to leave that feedback.
But this solution would not satisfy those who like immediate feedback.
My solution, request feedback from the seller first, especially since I pay for my purchases immediately. If the seller is unwilling to leave feedback until I do, too bad.
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