This Is A Special Note For My Friend In Indiana

Hi!

Time really flies when you didn't mind it, doesn't it? I realized it last week...

An ex-colleague visit my house (actually the wife wants too, I'm not too sure with he himself) last week around dinner time (0800 P.M). I couldn't join them because I'm seeing another friend elsewhere at the same time.

I made a quick stop at Giant, one of the hypermarkets here to grab something to munch, and I thought of giving my friend, *Adam a call.
(* That's his REAL name by the way...)

I can't get through. It's typical for him not to pick up and to return call later, but I just have to make the call. I can't wait. And out of a sudden, I remember...

"He's already on his way to the States"

...the United States Of America for his one month training. Looks like I had to wait until I reached home to contact him via email. And that was the first thing I did when I got home.

It took 2 days for Adam to email me back. Yup! He's in the States alright, and when asked about the trouble he had to go through before he reached Indiana, his NEW company HQ, he wrote:
"Heck! They did a thorough body-search at 3 checkpoints. At one of the checkpoints, I missed my flight because of that. I waste hours waiting for the next flight."

Oh! Did I mention that Adam is a MUSLIM? Well, I told him 'to look forward' to this when we chat about it before his departure. But a mark of a true 'Contender' is not to make a fuss out of this and move on. We've been through worst.

He knows what I'm talking about.

~~~

Maybe his last incentive trips to Swiss paid off because right now, it's almost snowing over there. I told him that it's monsoon over here, and it rains almost daily. Heavy rains...

To compare the degree of chill, well, I choose our local temperature anytime. I can't imagine being in his 'coat' right now. I can't imagine how he managed to cope over there. Like said, it must be the incentive trip.

Adam's company gave him a choice of a few cars. Obviously he chooses the one he's unlikely to drive, ever, back home. A Pontiac V6. And he barely starts his training yet. With weekends and Thanks Giving, I think he'll start later than sooner.

Anyway...

In his latest email to me, he sent in a few snapshots. If I want to play prank, I can just publish the whole thing and let the Pharma Contender Community see them BUT I think he had enough publicity already. I recalled the 'white undies' incidence in Pulau Redang, Trengganu and I thought to myself,"He had enough..."

So there won't be any picture in here. Not today maybe...

~~~

Now, back to my Special Note...

I said special because this actually meant only for him. He's ahead of me in getting a 'good' position in a growing company, which I always describe to him as my 'Primary Aim', but due to lack of competencies on his part, I have a few concerns:

Concern #1:
Business Plan. He knows that he had to present his 'business blueprint' to his upper management. A typical business plan consists of:

* Short term plan (calculated in months 3, 6, 12 months)
* Long term plan (up to 5 years)

...and a comprehensive 'Marketing' plan. The part I'm scared of with this kind of plan is the budgeting and income projection. Hell...I'm sweating already!

You better get this part iron out buddy...

Concern #2:
Team. He knows that he can't do this alone. Furthermore, we're talking International here buddy. That's beyond the border of M-a-l-a-y-s-i-a. In fact, he had to look as far as Middle East now. And I'm not even starting with any neighboring country (One 'you-know 'develop country that always look down on other develop country around it, a few 'at war mode' countries, and one big 'you scratch mine-I scratch your back' country)

My point: different country, different story. And you've got to develop your 'solid' team from now. Thinking of that, you actually should develop them YESTERDAY! Before you even touch American soil.

It's better Now than Later. Trust me on this...

Concern #3:
Development. Now, it's important to build your business foundation and develop new market but who's going to develop you? What about your people?

Looks like you have a tougher TASK than mine here buddy. At least, I can skip writing this blog, and start writing in my other blogs. But you have no choice buddy. You must focus in building your portfolio.

~~~

Those 3 concerns are my main concerns. We 'sell' things before. But now, YOU are leading, managing, and marketing a brand. A mantra I've always share with you is:
"Be before you can do. Do before you can have."

- What kind of person you need to be in order to carry all these 'Herculean' tasks?
- What qualities you need to develop? Characters? Attitude? Attributes?
- What you need to do? Now? Today? In a week time? In a month time? This year?

I won't be cruel and just leave you with all these question craps. I know you either had asked them yourself or you have your own questions. Whatever. I just hope these will jolt your consciousness a bit. And I want to suggest a few 'actionable' ideas (Actions speak louder than words)...

~~~

AI (Actionable Idea) #1:
Keep a journal. Remember our idol, Tun Mahathir? He always kept in his pocket a small ring-binding note book. Though we have strong memories, no doubt, but writing down ideas had different magic. More magical than just memorizing. Jot useful ideas, notes, etc. which you can review later. Review twice, in fact: one before retire to bed. Second, after woke up.

AI #2:
I'm not too sure whether we've ever talked about Mind Mapping but have a 'Master Mind Map' paste at the wall of your house. Just use 'Mahjong' paper and marker pen, different color if possible, and start making your map. It's a bit like brainstorming. You want to add more 'branches' on daily basis. By the end of your training, I'm sure you have all that you need to present your ideas.

And speaking of that...

AI #3:
Read GOOD books. But focus though. Don't try and read everything. Focus on the one relevant to your pressing needs. For example, if you need presentation skills sharpen, find a book on that. Heck! You're in the States now. Go online! Even I find my best books online over here.

And record your learning. Do a separate Mind Map if you want to. Just record the damn thing.

~~~

Ok. I'm done for now. Email me if you need anything else. I know you read my blog so keep reading it. And to you my friend... Hope this help :)

Have You Ever Ask These Questions?

Hi!

Some of our friends out there have asked these questions a few weeks back and now, I'm taking the privilege to share the questions as well as the answers with you, in case you've asked the questions yourself.

And the best part is, I only give you the BEST answers herein...

Take a look.

~~~

Q1: Pharmaceutical career? What is it? Do we need to know a lot of math...

Q2: What can you do with a major in Biology-Medical technology?...

~~~

Hope this help.


---Nezrul

Sanity Check: What I've Set Out To Do And What It Has Become

Hi!

I'm writing a personal note here and it's about this blog - The Malay Pharma Contender - sanity check. My intention is just to 'drag' you along with this.

************************************************

SIDENOTE: What I mean by 'sanity check' is simply
a review of what had happened thus far ;-)

************************************************

Firstly, when I create this blog, my main aim was to make this blog as an 'outlet' for my ideas, inspiration, comments, reviews, recommendation, tips, rant, rant, and more rant on Pharma Sales rep job and industry, particularly, all my 'dissatisfaction' from a decade of Pharmaceutical experience.

Now, all the 'formal' news can be obtained from other resources (just Google or Yahoo them out or MSN them for 'smaller' numbers) so The Malay Pharma Contender blog actually provides readers with 'on the street' side of the Pharma job and industry, and it gives ME two things:

* Free topic to review or talk about
* Freedom to choose my stand on any chosen issues

Thus my 'flow' is very informal or 'lay back'. And that's intentional.

Until SEO and 'reproducibility' came into the picture

These two factors influence this 'blog' authority, so to speak, and that in turn affected it's ranking. Combination of these two also affected how many 'surfers' general or targeted, who can listen to and read what I have to say. Of course, the more people 'tuning' to, the better. So, I decided to alter my approach a bit. Just a bit...

*************************************************

SIDENOTE: S.E.O stands for Search Engine Optimization
and it simply means how well our site rank by the Search
Engine.

Reproducibility refers to the appeals of our content to
attract other publisher to post it on their site thus creating
a 'link-exchange'. It's an effective SEO strategy.

**************************************************

But that was 3 months ago. And I had this habit (good or bad?) of reviewing my blog presentation and overall appearance every month. If I decided to make a change, that will happen in less than 24 hours. One month to review. One day to 'screw'.

And I'm Back To Where I Started

Which is 'on the street'.

You see, when I'm on the lookout for certain kind of advice or tips or recommendation, my priority nowadays was to head straight to Forum. That is where all the 'gems' can be found, and bet of all, it's for FREE!

Getting similar advice from other resources especially 'paid' ebooks from experts or Amazon.com was last on my list. It used to be on top but hey, I've found better way. In fact, in one of the recent Newsletter which I subscribe to, it printed out that 'content is dead and community is the way forward.'

I reserve my judgement for the above statement but if you really look at it, there's a merit in there.

So my 'community' is on the street Pharma Sales Rep (or manager) community.

If you're anything like me: young, robust, and free, I invite you to join me. Fill in your name and primary email address near the top left corner of this blog sidebar, and we can get started in minutes.

Why the opt-in?

There are a few reasons:

1. It's more personal. There are certain info which I can't share openly here but by opt-in, I can deliver it straight to you or provide you with the resource link directly.

2. It's customize. Let's face it. We're not facing the same issue in our career path. Some of us have attitude issue, some company related issue, some colleagues issue, and by 'conversing' on one to one basis, the 'sharing' is tailor made ONLY to address specific issue.

3. It more secretive. Well, we like certain things to be that way right?

What this blog has become?

It has become a 'cheap' partial membership site. Actually, it's more of the community related outlet. And if you fit into 'the street Pharma Sales Reps', then I would like you to make the move to build this up.

I know we're small. But that's the whole point of creating such society. I don't need the whole world to join. Just a handful 'street pharma reps' who want to make a difference in the quality of their job, and performance. And maybe, crafting their own history.

Who else would like to be the ONLY face in a Multinational company dominated by certain races, and holding managerial post after just a year in the company?

That is what I would 'love' to talk about...

Could You Be Asking This Question Before End Of The Year?

Hi there!

I want to ask a quick question to you. Could you be asking this question before 2007 ends...

" Should I switch to a new company?"

Let me tell you that this is a valid question, and many of my Pharma Sales Rep colleagues ask this question throughout the year.

Why did they consider switching?

I won't waste your time and beat behind the bush here. The straight answers are:

* Better offer from new company that causes staying in the current company a pain in the a@$.
* Internal team problem e.g Team reshuffling and the 'worst' area or portfolio is now become new responsibility
* The current company simply 'SUCKS', be it management, colleagues, total packages, etc.

Those are the reasons I heard frequently from them. Yours might be different. I wouldn't know.

What they usually do?

There are good things and there are bad things.

Good things they do includes:

- Getting new sources firsthand from new company insiders especially the Sales Force (this is where activity is high)
- Submitting new and improved 'resume' and CV to local job hunters or classified (the free ones of course)
- Read 'this' blog for tips, and resources ;-) (I really mean it)...

But the Bad things are:

> Load their market or customers before resigning and let their successor carry the 'unnecessary' burden (loading...)
> Bad mouth current company even though it's a hard, solid fact (have you heard the expression 'don't bite the hands that feeds you' before?)
> Simply leave...

How to best switch company?

I be straight with you...there's no 'carved in stone' answer. But here's some hints:

+ Polish your CV and resume, starting NOW! You can find a near 'perfect' example in this blog (just look inside Pharma Sales Job Interview category)
+ Update your Address book. Get new contacts from your company of interest because you can shortcut your way to the 'hirer' door.
+ Get at least 6 months worth of expenses covered. This is a financial call, I know, but bear in mind, even with 'float' money or advance from your new company, you still need to pay your house, car, life insurance, girl-friends phone bills, etc. Trust me...it's important!
+ Leave properly. By proper I mean that put in 'resignation' letter, get done with the house-keeping, and no LOADING. Please. 'What goes around comes around'...
+ Leave rooms to 'selected' ex-colleagues. My rule is simple: those who remember, will be remembered.
+ Forget the past. Past is past. Don't get caught up with statement like 'When I was with Pfizer before...bla, bla, bla'. It's over already.

That's it.

Hit me with your thought and comments. Love to hear 'em. And let me leave you with this:

Here's What Happen When They Ignore The Warning

I just want to check in real quick, and say a few words...

Today, in one of our local tabloid, the headline is featuring KAMAGRA: a counterfeit form of Viagra. And the subheads highlight the point that there's increasing number of Kamagra-related death.

Now, I don't want to question the credibility of the tabloid (though it was known for featuring 'hot' topics for the sake of increasing circulation one time too many). An inquisitive mind like mine will straight away shoot this question:

'Did this come from a conclusion of a double-blind, randomized, multi-center, placebo control trial?'

And anything less than the above attributes will find it way to the dustbin. But NO, I'm not questioning the credibility.

Lets direct out attention to the implication of the news instead...

There are few possible angle we can approach this issue:

* There are many 'Male' out there who wants added performance (natural wasn't enough)

* They believe in the 'drug' (in this case Kamagra)

* They're willing to part with a portion of their hard-earned Dollar/Ringgit to get it

* They DON'T have a clue!

See, I didn't make up the last statement. It's obvious that many male are only thinking to the extent of the size of their 'you know what' (typically it's 6 inches long!). And that's it. They go ahead and take the risk. A 'health' risk. Not many of them I'm sure, want to fall sick intentionally but here, they don't mind risk it for a promise of pleasure.

The intention wasn't wrong. The tool was.

Choosing the wrong tool for such an important and 'noble' function (even just to please the male ego) is riskier than walking on tight rope 200 metres above ground with no safety net! I mean that literally. And seriously now...

'How much did you put the price for your pleasure?'

Next 20, 30, 40 or maybe 50 years of your precious life? Is it worth it...30 to 60 minutes of pleasure against 30 to 60 years of 'life'?

Warning had been broadcast extensively through the media: print or electronic, but if 'accident' still happen, then all I can say is,"They're missing the point."

The point is, it's not about choosing between the original drug (that's Viagra by the way) or the generic, and even counterfeit version, but choosing between peace of mind and doubt. Have we ever stop to think that maybe the low price of the counterfeit is balanced out by HIGHER risk it carries?

Maybe we never do that until...somebody dies!

And I'm not telling that you should rush to buy the original either...

During an Aidilfitri (Yes! we're still celebrating) dinner later today, organized by one of our community members, six of us...err, actually FIVE 'elders' and ONE junior (that's me) hang outside out host's house to chit-chat.

One of them said,"Hey, what's the deal with this Kamagra thing?"

"Asked our 'Doctor' lah," said another.

"So, 'Doctor'...?"

And I said,"Actually Kamagra is a counterfeit for Viagra. The issue with this is the manufacturing and the source of the drug. For all that we know, the manufacturer might live next door, and packing his stuff right from his backyard. How safe can that be?"

"So, we should take Viagra?"

"Not really...unless you 'really' NEED it, like you're having erectile or hardness problem, and your partner can't stop complaining about your 'vegy'" I added, which was followed by thundering laugh from the rest.

"Natural is the way to go, right?"

"Yup!," I said. "Let's just put it that way."

Remember. You've been WARNED.

Go figure.

I Just Redefine Proactive

After a conversation with one of my friends today, who happen to commission his new job, with a new post at a new Pharma Company (he's in medical equipment field now), I recalled a remark made by one of my Supervisors/Managers a few months ago:

"I think it was a mistake to bring you into the team!"

Now, since the thing was over, I can look at the remark from a new perspective (and my emotion is not standing in the way) and in short...

'It was MY mistake choosing to work under him'

As simple as that.

You see, 'reactively', I blamed my Boss because he didn't give me enough coaching, mentoring, or spent enough time on the field with me. And that's reactive. But 'proactively', why did I take up the offer in the first place? What was I thinking?

So now, I'm going to share with you a 'proactive' secret question that you want to ask yourself before making any decision particularly the one involving Managerial post.

Here's the question:

"What kind of person would I become if I work under...?"

...And you can fill in the blank with what necessary. Immediately after asking this question, your subconcious mind will go to work. It had no choice but to provide you with some kind of answer. And when you got the answer, it'll be the most IMPORTANT thing that you must pay attention to.

It can make or break your Pharma Sales career. It's that important, and your working life is too precious to spend except under the BEST supervision.

Trust me, some people do get wiser as they grow older, and some have diminished EYE-SIGHT as they mature. The poor eye-sight clouded their judgement. They easily point a finger, blaming you for the mistake that happened while the rest of the fingers are pointing back at them.

I'm not sure whether my friend asks this question before he took on the job. I hope he did...