I am sure some of you have attended Alumni organised talks which became popular especially with those who attended British Universities and who joined the local Alumni chapter. The keynote speaker sometimes an Alumnus is invited to speak on something topical that will draw the crowd with networking the primary agenda. Others speakers are also invited on lighter topics.
Last year a keynote speaker was invited to talk about the retail trade and why small is better and the impact on the economy. In the course of his talk he covered why fads and hypes are important but noted that high rent and short term leases are recommended when the fizz is gone. He also cited SMRT leasing practice of short term lease is well known to accommodate such trend. He particularly cited Organic Coconut Oil as an example and said that in his opinion there is no difference between organic and non-organic coconut oil except the certification which can raise the price 3 times as much. His point was that Coconut trees are highly resilient, no fertilisers are used and no pesticides are needed. Major producers are in the 3rd World and their cultivation method has not changed and need not change. He also said that testing of them show no evidence of pesticides.
But this is not purpose of the post. Its what happened next and the lessons we all can learn. The next presenter was also an alumnus and was giving a presentation on nutrition which is popular with older members of the alumni. The moment she mentioned Organic Coconut Oil, everyone laughed. She had not idea why.
If you are ever asked to present, know what your fellow presenters are going to say and at least listen to their presentation especially keynote speakers.
ps. The keynote speaker did say that Saw Phaik Hwa of SMRT fame was an expert in retail and shelf leasing and she made a huge difference to Auric.
Last year a keynote speaker was invited to talk about the retail trade and why small is better and the impact on the economy. In the course of his talk he covered why fads and hypes are important but noted that high rent and short term leases are recommended when the fizz is gone. He also cited SMRT leasing practice of short term lease is well known to accommodate such trend. He particularly cited Organic Coconut Oil as an example and said that in his opinion there is no difference between organic and non-organic coconut oil except the certification which can raise the price 3 times as much. His point was that Coconut trees are highly resilient, no fertilisers are used and no pesticides are needed. Major producers are in the 3rd World and their cultivation method has not changed and need not change. He also said that testing of them show no evidence of pesticides.
But this is not purpose of the post. Its what happened next and the lessons we all can learn. The next presenter was also an alumnus and was giving a presentation on nutrition which is popular with older members of the alumni. The moment she mentioned Organic Coconut Oil, everyone laughed. She had not idea why.
If you are ever asked to present, know what your fellow presenters are going to say and at least listen to their presentation especially keynote speakers.
ps. The keynote speaker did say that Saw Phaik Hwa of SMRT fame was an expert in retail and shelf leasing and she made a huge difference to Auric.
