In the 1st issue for 2006, I mused about “Better Beginnings”.

Aptly after this issue, the Intellitrainer will take a brief respite as we revamp our website and e-newsletter to reflect our new service offerings and strategic positioning.

Watch this space to see the new Intellitrain unveiled!

In the meantime, enjoy this information-packed issue:
 

•	‘Our Expert Speaks’ features an interview with Ms Xiao Hua-Shen, an expert trainer and consultant in cross-cultural communication, language & business communication, who shares her thoughts on the importance in developing cross-cultural competence in  ‘Building Bridges between Peoples & Cultures’. In particular, she addresses the advantages and challenges Singaporeans face in doing business in or with China.
•	‘Food for Thought’ – In ‘The Secret to Strong Leadership is Understanding Why the King is the Weakest Chess Piece’, I share 3 leadership lessons from the game of chess particularly relevant to entrepreneurs. Find out why a “zero-tolerance” policy towards failure and an unrelenting expectation of personal (rather than team) excellence can be a barrier to success.
•	‘In a Nutshell’ – For small organizations, the power of leverage is explained and explored in our contributor’s article on “Networking through Strategic Alliances”. The author is a professional networker who sheds light on the “Why”, “Who” and “How” of developing creative win-win alliances that maximize your reach and resources.
•	‘What’s the Buzz?’ – Financial services firms around the world now regard an effective operational compliance and risk programme as a worthy investment for improved business benefits. This comprehensive Workshop is customized to address priority issues identified by participants using the pre-course questionnaires and is taught by compliance specialists from Australia and Singapore. To maximize your learning experience, we even throw in a complimentary online assessment of your “Compliance IQ” offered by Knowledge Platform.
•	‘Do Not Miss!’ – For legal support staff, paralegals or anyone interested in basic legal awareness, this highly popular annual certification programme jointly offered by The Law Society of Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic is a must-attend. This year’s “Paralegal Certification Course” features all you need to know about the basics of legal research, contract law, matrimonial proceedings and drafting pleadings in civil actions.

Building Bridges between Peoples & Cultures
– An Interview with Ms Xiao-Hua Shen

On 17 February 2006, Intellitrain was privileged to have Ms Xiao-Hua Shen from Beijing conduct a riveting 2-hour talk for our clients and partners. Xiao-Hua is an expert trainer and consultant in cross-cultural communication, language & business communication. A Chinese-American who grew up in China but has spent 20 years living in Europe and the US, she brings her unique experience and perspective to bear in helping the Chinese and foreigners to China understand, respect and bridge their cultural and communication differences.

Before the talk, we caught up with her for a short interview ... [read more]

The Secret to Strong Leadership is Understanding Why the King is the Weakest Chess Piece

Often as entrepreneurs, we are advised that we won’t succeed without having first failed. This to me is somewhat simplistic. I believe that it is not the failing that prepares us for success but the willingness to learn, sometimes hard, lessons from our failures.

I recently read a most enlightening article by a now-successful entrepreneur who, after facing 2 business failures and was about to embark on his third venture, recounted his mentor’s simple but invaluable advice - that the reason for his continued failure was his insistence in thinking he was smart. ... [read more]

19 & 26 Apr, 3 & 10 May 2006, 2-6pm, TMC International Holdings Ltd, Singapore

After a successful inaugural run in 2005, the Law Society of Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic present the 2nd run of this course designed for paralegals & legal support staff from law practices and legal departments, as well as anyone interested in gaining a greater understanding of the Singapore legal system & processes relevant to their work. Featuring four foundational ½-day Modules on:

1. Basic Legal Research
2. Basic Contract Law
3. Basics of Matrimonial Proceedings
4. Basic Principles of Drafting Pleadings in a Civil Action,

each Module is conducted using a combination of lecturettes, case studies, exercises and concluding with a simple written test.

Every aspect of this Course, from its content to structure to duration, has been crafted based on the valuable feedback we have received from key users of paralegal services to ensure the unsurpassed quality and relevance of this Course. Participants who attend each Module in full and pass the Module written test will be awarded a joint “Certificate of Completion” for the Module issued by the Law Society of Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic.
 

Networking through Strategic Alliances

Networkers know that you always get back more from your network then you have to give to it. However, that should not stop you from thinking about new ways you can help the people in your network. Your network is full of people who would like to partner with you, though neither of you may have approached the idea or formalized a plan. Here are some suggestions for ways that you can form strategic alliances with other businesses in your network.

BNI (Business Networking International) coined the phrase “giver’s gain” ... [read more]

Register for this event now!