Personal stories with universal applications

English had been one of my weakest subjects in school and it affected my literature too. Because of that, you'll notice my LinkedIn articles are written in simple English and, most of the time, in point form. 

Last night, LinkedIn New York editor, Victoria Taylor, featured my monthly newsletter (Small Actions - Big Success) in Editor’ Top Pick. I was overjoyed and immediately took out my high school report card. I told myself I can finally put to rest the thing that has been hounding me all these years - the red marks (28 out of 100) you see in the picture below.

But there must be something I have done right to be featured. I reviewed my past 6 years of writing on this wonderful LinkedIn platform and concluded it is not my English that got me featured. It is my content! And there is a common theme in my articles and post - stories about others. That's not all, I also added lessons that are useful for the readers. 

I like to call them “personal stories with universal applications”. Below are 4 examples: 

LinkedIn New York Editor, Victoria Taylor:

   Small Actions - Big Career: SMALL ACTIONS - leading your career to big success. 小举动大前程

This monthly newsletter from banker, writer, career coach and 2020 LinkedIn Top Voice Eric Sim includes actionable advice and insights on remote interviewing, online networking, and skill building to help you advance your "career after Corona."

1. Old man on catwalk

This old man, Mr Wang Deshun, 79, became an overnight sensation in China when he did a catwalk during last year's Beijing fashion week. When asked by reporters how he managed to exhibit that arrogance in his catwalk, Mr Wang replied: "arrogance comes from self-confidence, self-confidence comes from the accumulation of successes.". How true! If we want to develop self-confidence in, say public speaking, we want to start with a small group of audience and accumulate some successes before moving to a bigger stage. Link to article.

2. How to face hundreds of rejection everyday

“Most passersby avoided her. In today’s digital world, why would anyone want to sell things on the streets. I was curious! I found out Ms SY was asking for donations on behalf of a charitable institution which offers free traditional medicine to old people who cannot afford healthcare. I wonder how she was able to face hundreds of rejections daily and still put on a smile. I learned 3 lessons:

1. Digital marketing may make online users sympathise with the poor but unlikely to make them reach out to their wallet. There are still things more effectively done face to face.

2. On average, one in 100 passersby donates. It is a number game. If you want 10 donations, ask 1000 passersby.

3. Ms SY's challenge is facing rejection. Her job is to help the poor get medical treatment, that gives her a sense of purpose. When your purpose is greater than your challenge, you can overcome your challenge.

I was touched by her purpose. I reached out to my wallet and donated some money. Link to article.

3. Tailor who pivoted

He waited for me with my newly made suit outside the restaurant. As soon as I finished my client lunch, we did the fitting in the restroom. In 15 min, we were done! I went off for my next client meeting and Charan, my HK tailor, took my suit back for some final adjustments. By evening time, he delivered the suit to my hotel.

Although efficient with great workmanship, Charan failed two years ago. The Hong Kong market was too competitive. So Charan started traveling to major cities in the US to take orders. He would book hotel meeting rooms and invite bankers to try out his services. Gradually, his business took off and now he is so busy taking orders. I believe his reasons for success are

• His HK workmanship & pricing are attractive to US customers.
• He is willing to travel to the US every month
• He offers excellent customer service
• He didn’t give up but pivoted to new markets.

I am glad that I am one of the few customers that Charan still services in HK.5.

4. Eight qualities of the world's first Michelin-starred street food chef

“For 30 years, he worked 100 hours a week and, in the last 8 years, he has been selling chicken noodle for less than US$2 a plate. Today, Mr Chan Hon Meng's small and modest soya sauce chicken noodle stall made dining history as it became the first street food stall in the world to be awarded a Michelin star. Here are 8 qualities I observed……”  

If you like actionable career skills tips, you can subscribe to this monthly newsletter. I am also on Clubhouse app sharing writing tips and career skills, please join me every Tue 9:30pm Singapore time. My clubhouse id is @instituteoflife. Next one is 2 Mar 9:30pm Singapore time. See you ??!