The routines that I been followed for the past one month. Woke up at 4 o'clock in the afternoon (sometimes half past three, depends on how motivated I am that day), had my breakfast + lunch + dinner and off to cleaning my diligent dogs' POOPS!! At around six thirty in the afternoon, it's feeding time which also include feeding the one and only rabbit in the house. I would normally went upstairs, to lock myself after 8. So far, I managed to lose another 5 kilos. An accomplishment worth bragging.
Sales for my online business are pretty slow as I don't spend that much time anymore updating new stocks as well as responding to enquiries. I'm suck at customer service skill. I realized that as I continue to move forward day by day, I don't have that fiery passion anymore compare to as when I started it. It hit me somehow that online business isn't that easy to survive. It seems easy as one doesn't need a capital to open a business, you don't need to register your business, no shop lot to find, no rental or employees to worry about and the list goes on. One just need a laptop or maybe a more frequent visit to CC to work. With just a Facebook or Instagram account, one is ready to open an online business.
On 1st May, I decided to advertise my business with the help of the more 'senior' one. The one with more followers. The thing with newly open online business is that you're not recognized. People don't know you or what you're selling. I went through a few options and decided on one that sells wedding and dinner gowns. Her customers and followers are probably more to females between 20-40. Logically, females tend to spend more on appearance compare to guys, which suit me. It was for RM 30 for a day post on her Instagram account. I never done this before.
So when it was posted up, it did boost up my followers by 30 (not much I would say) but I'm glad I took the risk. It was an experience to gain and learnt. Never in my mind thought of the consequences after. While I was happy gaining followers and responding to enquires, I received this one particular Whatapps message. Like always, I responded with polite and friendly matter but then I was accused of selling fake and such. The person there was obviously toying with me since the first message was sent. That really hit me hard. I am just trying to gain an experience in business and maybe perhaps some pocket money to replace my phone. So, WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?! My customers' feedback are excellent, the quality of products are superb and there are customers that came back for more orders.
I did, in my polite way to reply back because I was so annoyed that the anonymous ended the conversation with " Hahaha. Kelakar betul berniaga. Hahaha. Tq for the fake bag info". When I was typing the reply, I got thousands of ways to relish my anger. "Fuck you" was on the top of the list. But I held it back for the reputation of my business. You don't see any business owners out there that fuck off their customers when they started to complain. I've been helping and seeing Dad managing his business since small and I always have it in my head that customers are your utmost priority. I did get a fair shares of scolding from customers since small. So what? Like that lo. Apologize and keep that smile on the face.
The month of May has to be my worst nightmare. The courier company actually managed to lost a parcel that belongs to my customers. Things got bad when it involved her parents and also constant calls and threats to report me to the police. For the first time, I'm actually afraid of my future. What if I am charged? The prospect of having a business suddenly doesn't seems fun anymore. It's scary. I am not aware at first that the parcel has gone missing because from the track and trace record, it is always at the courier office. I can't blame it all on the courier company because I should have notice when something is wrong. Right now, investigation are carried out since it involves two courier companies. I'm still waiting for the results if the investigation and I owed my customer and her parents an explanation. Like a real man, I believe I will manage. I hope....
That two incidents actually dampens the fire. I don't have a reason to continue it. I'm not desperate for the profits. I doing this for the passion that I have in business as well as the experience. But if these little incidents bring me down, then I'm sure I will never have a business of my own in future. There will always be these kinds of scenarios to drag me down. I will stay strong, wait for result of the investigation, giving the customer the explanation and refund what needed and continue with my little journey in business.
So, I was watching a reality TV shows called the Amazing Chinese (a spin-off of the America's Got Talent) when this little boy of age 12 went for the audition. He sang a song with a high-pitch lady voice, totally into it with hand movements and expression that even the judges are impressed. He said the reason he came up to stage was to clear his doubts. Doubts of his high-pitch lady voice belong to a girl or a boy. Seeing that part reminds me of a friend. A friend who recently confessed to me that when he was small, he wondered if he was a boy or a girl. It didn't help that we (my friends and I) often calling him sissy, lady boy...
Naturally, I feel guilty. Guilty that he has this doubt. Guilty that I was part of the bully group. Actions of my past brings this doubts. We had this talk during CNY eve and I was feeling so guilty. I don't remember calling him names but maybe there are a few times in the duration when we're growing up. It was suppose to be a joke or teasing but he suffered from it all. Kept questioning myself, "Why did you join the bully side?" The only reason that I can think off is the fact that the bully group is a popular group. The ones with cool friends.
I learnt that we will always envy the popular groups and wanting to be a part of them that we will do whatever it takes to be in that group. Thou doing what it takes are against the morals and values that are taught to us by parents and teachers. I've see the impact of my actions from the past. I don't have the power to turn back the clock nor do I have power to take back all the teasing. I am condemn to live with this guilt.
Please, let's stop the bullying.
Bullying destroy others as well as ourself.
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