9 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT RAMADAN MUBARAK 關於穆斯林齋戒月 – 九件你不得不知的事

This year Ramadan begins on Thursday, April 23 and ends on Saturday, May 23. They will celebrate Eid Al-Fitr after that.
今年的穆斯林齋戒月(Ramadan)從4月23日開始,將持續30天,直到5月23日為止,然後就舉行開齋節(Eid Al-Fitr).

Ramadan is an annual event for Muslim believers. There are 1.6 billion Muslim believers in the world, and it is one of the three major religions in the world. This means that there is one Muslim out of 5 people.
齋戒月是穆斯林信眾年度盛事,全球有16億穆斯林信眾,為世界三大宗教之一,這意味著5個人之中就有一個穆斯林。

The following 9 things about Ramadan that you should know:
以下關於齋戒月9件小知識報你知:

1. What are being practiced? 這個月穆斯林會做什麼?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. During this time, Muslims do not let any food or drink pass their lips during daylight hours.
齋戒月(Ramadan)是伊斯蘭曆法第9個月,在這個月裡穆斯林信眾從日出到日落之間不可進食.

2. Who do not have to fast? 什麼人不需要守齋?

Pregnant women, travellers, elderly people, patients, breastfeeding mothers, menstrual women and young children do not have to fast.
孕婦、旅人、老人、病人、餵母乳的母親、月經期女性及幼童可以不用守齋。

3. What cannot be done during this period? 這段時間不能夠做什麼?

During the month of Ramadan, believers are not allowed to smoke, drink alcohol, lie, fast, abstain from intimate behavior, and prohibit all disputes and wars.
齋戒月裡白天信眾不可抽煙、禁飲酒、禁說謊、禁食,戒親密行為,也禁止一切紛爭與戰爭。

4. Any special circumstance / exception? 是否有任何特殊狀況?

If you are unable to fast for special reasons during Ramadan, you can come back every other day. You must finish it within one month after the end of Ramadan.
若齋戒月裡因特殊原因無法禁食,可以隔日重來,最晚必須齋月結束後一個月內完成。

5. Why Fasting? 為什麼要有齋月?

“Fasting” is one of the “five merits” in Islamic teachings, including recitation, rites, fasting, lessons, and dynasties. They are chanting the mantra, praying 5 times a day, fasting during the month of Ramadan, fasting from sunrise to sunset, charitable donations and praying to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.
「齋戒」是伊斯蘭教義裡「五功」之一,包含唸、禮、齋、課、朝。分別是念清真言、一日祈禱5次、在齋戒月,從日出到日落間禁食、慈善捐贈及一生至少到麥加朝拜一次。

Those who have completed the five functions in their lifetime can be identified with the name “Ha only” in front of their names, meaning “pilgrimage”
而有生之年裡完成五功者,可在其名前冠以「哈只」表明身份,意為「朝覲者」

6. What if it’s not being practiced? 不遵守會如何?

In some Muslim countries, eating in public during the fasting month may result in penalties.
在一些穆斯林國家,齋戒月裡白天在公共場合進食可能導致處罰。

7. What are the meanings of Ramadan? 開齋月的意義在哪裡?

The purpose of Ramadan is to reflect, rebirth, and return to purity. Through Ramadan, we rethink the relationship between the individual and God, sympathize with the poor and those in need, volunteer to do good, and read the Quran.
齋戒月的用意在於反省、重生並回歸純淨,透過齋戒月重新省思個人與神之間的關係,對需要幫助的窮人與有需要的人感到同情,自願行善,並多讀古蘭經。

8. Can they work during fasting? 禁食期間可以工作嗎?

Believers still work as usual during fasting, and will not eat until the evening prayer is finished.
禁食期間信徒仍然照常工作,直到日落行完晚禱才會進食。

9. What happens after Ramadan? 封齋結束後有慶祝嗎?

Eid al-Fitr is the celebration of the end of the fasting month. This festival day marks the first day of the next month called Shawwal. Eid al-Fitr is marked with a big feast, the exchanging of gifts and celebrations and is also known as the Festival of Breaking Fast.
在30天的封齋結束後隔天便是「開齋節(Eid al-Fitr)」,連續進行三天,信徒與朋友家人聚集一起吃大餐。

The importance of Eid al-Fitr is equivalent to the Chinese New Year. If you meet Muslim friends, do n’t forget to wish them a “Eid Mubarak (Happy Eid Mubarak!)” During Eid al-Fitr.
開齋節受重視的程度相當於華人的過年。如果你遇到了穆斯林的朋友,在開齋節這幾日,別忘了祝福他們一聲「Eid Mubarak(開齋節愉快!)」​

Reference:
1. https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/life/1272942/eid-2020-when-is-eid-al-fitr-this-year-eid-greeting-happy-eid-Mubarak

2. https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/ch/news/3431049

About the Author 關於作者
Isaac Kow is the Founder and CEO of GoBuddy, a cloud-software company incubated by Cyberport Hong Kong. Born and raised in Malaysia, he has been immersed in diversified culture and experience Ramadan during his school time (in particular) with his teachers and classmates.

[COVID-19] HKSAR’s Policy to Foster Digital Transformation

COVID-19 has great caused global impact both positively and negatively. Negatively speaking, it’s a huge tsunami for a lot of traditional businesses. Positively speaking, it’s a huge opportunity for digital businesses.

It’s going to be a change and there will be a new way of spending and lifestyle in the future. It simply means it’s the time for digital transformation.

Hong Kong has no exception, and thanks to its great treasury reserves, Hong Kong is still able to survive and offer different subsidy schemes and policies that favour and help businesses to sustain in the market.

Recently, the Secretary of Innovation and Technology Bureau has also announced the HKD 500 million D-Biz scheme for 6 months period to support Hong Kong enterprises work from home. The businesses to be supported include online stores, e-marketing, cyber-security, remote document management, remote team management, and virtual meeting.

Application starts in May. This is a motivating measure and it’s a great opportunity to foster digital transformation.

GoBuddy is ready to be part of this journey, as we are offering a full 3-in-1 digital software suite for checkout solutions integrated with e-commerce, e-booking and community building in one single platform.

The original post by the Innovation and Technology Bureau can be referred to: https://www.itb.gov.hk/en/blog/2020/bg_20200419.html. Only in Chinese.

創科抗疫 轉危為機

受疫情影響,學生要在家學習、企業須在家辦工,對不同行業帶來衝擊。然而,有危亦有機,某些行業如電子商貿、金融科技等,業務逆流而上;最近有報道一間連鎖商店,業務慘淡,但經開拓線上銷售平台,生意終見起色;而科學園、數碼港的創科企業最近亦逆市招聘約2000個新職位。創新科技不單可用於防疫抗疫,亦是幫助各行各業創出生路、撐過疫情的關鍵。

我們在第二輪防疫抗疫基金下,推出為期六個月、為數五億元的「遙距營商計劃」(D-Biz),透過特快批核,資助企業利用創新與科技,在疫情期間開拓遙距業務,創造新的價值、新的能力、新的機遇,轉危為機。

例如零售店舖在疫情下生意冷清,可透過計劃發展電子商務;餐飲業在市民減少聚集的情況下受到重創,可利用資助開拓網上外賣餐飲服務、增設流動電子支付;教育中心可開設線上課程、診所可設置網上應診等。只要是有助於遙距營商的科技應用,不論是設置網店(online stores)、進行網上營銷(e-marketing)、強化網絡安全(cybersecurity)、或是方便在家工作的遙距文件管理系統(remote document management)、遙距團隊管理(remote team management)、網上會議(virtual meeting)等,購買和採用科技方案及相關培訓的開支,我們都會全額資助。每個方案連同培訓開支的資助最多10萬元,而每間公司(上市公司、法定機構和接受公帑資助的非政府機構除外)可獲最多30萬元總額資助。

為確保快速批核及協助企業盡快啟動相關科技方案,應對疫情打擊,我們將提供已核准的資訊科技方案及服務供應商清單。市場上具經驗提供與遙距營商科技方案有關的專業服務供應商,也可申請加入清單。

生產力促進局會擔任是次計劃的秘書處,並採用快速批核方式,申請資料和所需文件齊備後,大約10個工作天內可通知申請結果。計劃會於5月開始接受申請,預期將可惠及超過3000間企業,本港創科業界和各行各業都可受惠。

支援業界,除了直接資助如減租免租,我們更著重給業界多點機會、多些生意,推動創科應用落地,業界長做長有,創造業界和社會都受惠的雙贏方案。就如我們上月推出的「公營機構試用計劃」募集支持防疫抗疫的本地科技產品和應用,反應非常踴躍,共收到超過330個方案,包括抗病毒塗層、自動探熱機械人及抗病毒衣物等。我們正全速進行審批,很快就可以在不同的公營機構試用。

我相信,善用創科絕對可以幫助香港、幫助不同行業在疫情的陰霾下闖出新天地,轉危為機。

4 Business Insights from Coronavirus Crisis

Coronavirus becomes a nightmare for everyone in 2020. Not only it causes over 3,000 death but sends a shiver to the global economic market. The growth of GDP among different countries seems to indicate that the financial market comes to the next recession cycle.

The projection of an economic decline in 2020 and lost demands from consumers make the hardest time for every business owner, especially startup & SME.  Most of the industries has been struggling to survive during this downtime.

But the pain will only stay temporarily, our future will be brighter. And as entrepreneurs, let’s focus on the insights we can learn from this crisis instead of being pessimistic about the future.

We will share FOUR insights that we can both reflect on and apply to our business.

1. Online Interaction is accelerating.

While in-person interaction is suggested to be minimized in order to prevent cross-infection. Online interaction becomes the norm and replaces most of live communication.
online class(Education), online meetings even online conferences are no longer rare terms.
People are adopting online communication earlier than we expected. Coronavirus crisis has accelerated the adoption of online interaction from early adapter to majority.

One of the e-communication tech giants, Zoom, has increased over 2 million active users in 2020 so far which already exceeds the number for 2019, 1.99 million. Even though we believe human to human interaction is invaluable and could not be replaced by virtual one, online communication could be an effective way to deliver your message and emotionally connected with people.

Key takeaway:
1. If your business is based on offline interaction, such as workshops & classes, consider adapting digitalise your workshops. It is not only considered to survive from coronavirus, but it could also be a long-term business model that caters to new segments of customers.

2. Allow online meetings if possible. Some meetings are necessary for in-person interaction and discussion while other regular meetings can be held online to save time and boost efficiency.

2. Stay Focus & Stay Flexible

Coronavirus crisis has disrupted our original plan and forced us to create & execute our plan B.
For example, allowing employees to work remotely, re-designed marketing strategy, cost management e.t.c.

We need to respond quickly are properly in order to minimize the risks and prepared for the rebound in the future. This can be difficult for companies that already establish a mature system, this is all about company culture though.

It is no doubt that stays focus on one or a few business values is the key to stands out from the crowd. It is equally important to embrace the flexible company structure. It does not mean to have any structure at all, but instead, clarify the main focus and structure but allowing employees to reach their targets with a certain level of flexibility.  A lot of works does not require “office” to complete.

Key Takeaways:
1. Nurture companies’ culture and adapt purpose.
2. Always have Back-up plan for no matter nature disaster or human changed.

3. Design Your Customer Relations Strategy

Developing loyal customers is as important (even more) as generating new customers. If your business is all about the live experience and online transformation is not easy or applicable to you, does it mean you can do nothing?

If the answer would be a resounding Yes, then you missed a great opportunity to convert your customer into loyal customers or someone who promotes your business (word of mouth).

Re-design how you communicate with your existing customers. For example, omnichannel is a great way to nurture and engage. The key is to let customers feel that you care about them & not just convince them to buy your product or service. You should design more about using which channel to deliver what message. Sales are not about convinced others that your services are the best, but your service is specifically designed for your customers – emotional connections.

Key Takeaway
1.  Don’t just send sales messages to your customers, send something that caters their emotional needs.
2. Try to segment your customers into different groups (base on their purchase types /frequency) and design different strategies to re-engage them.

4.  Human & Health should be your First Priority

Finally, the biggest lesson learned from this crisis is to take care of you and your teams’ health.
It is not just simply about providing masks or hand sanitiser to your employees, it is about how to let them stay healthy both mentally and physically so that they can stand at the top of their performance.

Human resources, especially your employees, are the most important asset to your business.
So take good care of them means takes good care of your business.

Other than health-related benefits, you can consider offering fitness/yoga classes to your employees. Be sensitive to their emotional / physical shift and provide support as much as possible.

Key Takeaway
1.
Make sure your employees stay close & healthy.

Reference
1. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/02/26/zoom-has-added-more-users-so-far-this-year-than-in-2019-bernstein.html

Stay calm and carry on. Managing risk in abnormal times

We are living in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world. Hong Kong in particular more so since summer 2019 than ever before. From a global trade war through to social unrest, along with a recession and now the Coronavirus, Hong Kong businesses are now adapting faster than ever before to a series of fast changing events that affect our businesses.  What should Hong Kong SMEs be doing today to protect our businesses and ensure our long-term survival?

There are a few simple measures for SMEs to future-proof our businesses in these abnormal times, ensuring  our businesses continue to be of value into the distant future and not becoming obsolete.

These days, trying to win new contracts and secure new revenues may not be so easy. Retaining customers and minimising any lost sales is very important. With current events, now is a good time to review our costs and identify costs which are no longer required, or which can be temporarily suspended, without decreasing good customer service. These can include and of course not limited to:

  • Negotiate with landlords and see if we can secure a temporary rent reduction
  • Review subscription fees and identify and software licences we are paying for, but not using
  • Reducing international travel costs and making the most of technology for meetings and calls
  • Reviewing contracts and agreements with suppliers to see if we can negotiate fees and change of scope for services
  • Review marketing costs. Do we need to spend as much as we have been
  • Review insurances in relation to the business. We all need insurance, however, now is a good time if we can find or negotiate better rates
Review insurances in relation to the business. We all need insurance, however, now is a good time if we can find or negotiate better rates
Negotiate with landlords and see if we can secure a temporary rent reduction
Review subscription fees and identify and software licences we are paying for, but not using
Reviewing contracts and agreements with suppliers to see if we can negotiate fees and change of scope for services
Reducing international travel costs and making the most of technology for meetings and calls
Review marketing costs. Do we need to spend as much as we have been
Review insurances in relation to the business. We all need insurance, however, now is a good time if we can find or negotiate better rates
Negotiate with landlords and see if we can secure a temporary rent reduction

Negotiate with landlords and see if we can secure a temporary rent reduction

We should consider setting a budget and forecast for the financial year ahead. It may be difficult to predict our revenues. We can, however identify all our costs and ascertain what revenue we need to achieve to break-even and what incremental revenue is needed to achieved a desired profit margin.

Flexible Management Accounting

Having the flexibility in place is important. Fresh Accounting is a dynamic management accounting practice and consultancy with offices in Hong Kong & Singapore. Fresh believes accountants should do more than just report on how your business is doing in which they identify opportunities and strategies to improve your business and support you in improving performance and profitability. Fresh provides three distinct services:

  • Monthly accounting services
  • CFO & Advisory
  • Implementation of cloud based accounting solutions

CFO

Employing a full-time Chief Financial Officer (CFO) can prove expensive for a small or medium sized business and you may not have the requirement for a full time professional, especially in these difficult times. 

Having said that, you still need an experienced set of eyes to help you grow your business or even maintain business through the current economic climate. A flexible arrangement with clients where we work closely with you to become a valuable resource.

A CFO will work with you to understand your business and put systems in place to provide a framework that will deliver meaningful information, allowing you to maximise business performance through informed decisions.

You need an experienced set of eyes to help you grow your business or even maintain business through the current economic climate

Digital transformation and cloud based accounting solutions powered by Xero

Xero allows you to automate many of the essential, but time-consuming, accounting tasks. With Xero’s help, Fresh can take care of everything for you, so you can get on with what you’re good at. Fresh is to support business growth with Xero at the helm.

Fresh Accounting is one of Asia’s fastest growing Xero specialist and a Platinum Partners. Xero is cloud based, which means you can access your accounts anywhere, from your office to the comfort of your sofa at home at any-time of the day. There is no need to back up information or rely on one computer to access your accounting software. The interface is slick, easy to navigate and use. Bank feeds with HSBC, DBS and Hang Seng allow bank information to flow into Xero seamlessly.

Xero is cloud based, which means you can access your accounts anywhere, from your office to the comfort of your sofa at home at any-time of the day

There are numerous add-ons to Xero, from expense management, inventory management to project management allowing you to build and customise your own integrated cloud based software solutions.

This blog is written by Fresh Accounting team and also posted on Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs.

For more information, please click on on www.freshaccounting.biz or email hello@freshaccounting.biz

Meditation for Troubled Times

Our modern world shivers as if we are collapsing into anarchy. Wildfires are burning out of control. Governments are refusing to listen to their people. There are stories of neighbors turning on neighbors. Families being torn apart.

Nowhere are those divisions more on display than in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong was once a vibrant stop on the maritime silk road which formed the backbone of international trade. Fast forward to now and we can see that same impressive legacy shining full force. The meeting of cultures. The intersection of worlds. People care passionately about what happens to Hong Kong, and each person has a different point of view.

That is the sign of a true cultural center.

If the problem is chaos and varying points of view all striving to be heard, then what is the solution?

Yoga and meditation.

Yoga for Troubled Times

Yoga and meditation have been developed over thousands of years to help us communicate clearly

To help us understand and empathize with others from diverse backgrounds. Yoga helps us to be the very best we can be – and then to use that energy and strength to work with others toward common goals.

Yoga generally focuses on the body. It is critical that we get ample sleep, maintain our immune system, and foster strong health. Our body is our vessel which moves us about in our world. Without that stable base beneath us, it becomes nearly impossible to communicate well and to expend our energy fruitfully to reach our dreams.

Meditation lifts our spiritual strength. It allows us to think clearly, find solutions to problems, and empathize with our fellow human beings. Through meditation we find the basis through which we all share goals and inspirations. Meditation allows us to understand where another person is coming from. To forge a path which will join us together in harmony.

Meditation for Troubled Times

It is nearly impossible for a person deluged with stress to handle challenges to the best of their ability

Anxiety and worry interfere with the brain’s thought processes. Yoga and meditation help to relieve stress and foster relaxation. Through that regular practice, the mind and body are able to focus, attenuate, and draw energy toward their chosen goals.

Breathing exercises, or pranayama, can be a critical additional component to these routines, because the breathing exercises can be done anywhere at any time. Even if a person is waiting in line, or sitting in an office, the pranayama can allow them to regain calm and focus with which to tackle the challenges ahead.

The key is to begin. To invest even five minutes today in a short yoga stretch. In a brief mindfulness meditation. In a simple breathing exercise. For every new beginning is a chance to engage with a new path.

Yesterday is a dream, tomorrow but a vision. But today well lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness, and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore to this day.

 

Credit and Appreciation
This blog is written by Organic Yoga Girl team and also posted on Hong Kong Momtrepreneurs.

從一開始看見,再到親身體驗。

叮!

我打開郵件,看到我成功申請這一份intern,心裏終於定下來並期待着這一個月的旅程。

作為我第一份的intern,心中總有很多不同的想法及疑慮,各種各種的問題。我也不禁嚴肅起來,認真去想着我應該如何在職場上自處。也沒法子想太多,只好硬着頭皮去。

驚喜地,我心裏所想的所有疑慮,也沒有發生。

第一天上班的日子,我滿心戰兢地走進他們的辦公室,恭恭敬敬地問好及介紹自己,出乎我以料之外的,GoBuddy不但沒有跟我想像中的一樣,更是熱情地歡迎我加入他們的公司。不但耐心的介紹公司的culture, values及product,更加不厭其煩地解釋我的一切問題,讓我逐漸願意放鬆自己,開心愉快地工作。

在一個月的過去,雖然在職時間不長,但獲益的是很多。

GoBuddy作為一間以人為本的公司,他們在一個星期過去,會有每星期的evaluation。檢視及討論我那星期所做的工作,給予建議及讚賞,再一起定立一個新的方向及計劃。能發現,GoBuddy是十分著重人的成長及體驗,為的並不只是我為公司可以帶來什麼,更是我從中能獲得什麼的learnings及take aways。

第二,GoBuddy是十分願意接受意見及加以立即的修改。在問題出現,大家會願意提出不同的意見,用最短的時間討論一個有效的solution,並馬上定立timeline作execution。一個迅速及有效的解決問題方法,對於GoBuddy而言,可能只是一個平常的做法。但對我而言,可以感受到當中工作的自主度,發表意見的自由度,對於每個意見的重視程度。

更可貴是,團隊之間的友誼及信任。他們的關係就像朋友一樣,在工作以外的時間會一起gathering及遊玩,閑談說笑。團隊之間對彼此熟悉,知道每個人都優缺點,不需要花費太多時間討論每個人的工作內容,皆因所負責的都是各人的強項,對每個人都有一定程度的信任。以一個這樣的氛圍工作,工作起來則事半功倍。

謝謝GoBuddy給予我一個這麼好的工作經驗,讓我重新反思自己的工作方向,做事方法及人生意義。教導我marketing knowledge and skills。我相信一個高質的團隊,定能做出高質的platform,期待GoBuddy成為一個影響力更大的公司!

Top 5 Free & Useful Video Conferencing Tools for Online Classes, Workshops, Seminars & Meetings

During the recent outbreak of the Wuhan coronavirus, a large number of tours, events and activities that require physical interaction have been cancelled. Inevitably, this has negatively affected the economy, particularly in Hong Kong, after the first impact during the 6-month social movement happened in June 2019. 

GoBuddy recommends the possibilities of getting some classes and workshops online, and we would like to share our insights and research in this area. We have identified 5 online video conferencing software, which we think are suitable for application in different scenarios. 

Here is a summary: 

ProductSubscription MethodDescription
1ZoomFree for first 40 minSuitable for interactive activities & meetings for up to 100 people. Shareable link, and sometimes may require download zoom app or the software to continue successfully. 
2SkypeFree for up to 50 pplSuitable for interactive activities & meetings without time limit. Embedded in the browser and do not necessarily need the app and software to be downloaded to connect. 
3Google Hangouts Free without limit Suitable for interactive activities without time limit. But it requires users to be connected with Google Calendar. 
4YouTube LiveFree without limit Suitable for minimal interaction to focus on the host, and the guests can just leave comments. 
5RemoPaid plan Suitable for large activities and conferences with rooms simulation, enabling interactive sessions and networking. It’s basically exactly the same as those networking sessions and conferences, but things are brought online. 

Setting Up Zoom 

Zoom is a video conferencing based software that was designed to promote collaboration via an innovative integrated system featuring web conference, group messaging and online meetings.

Setting Up Skype

Skype is a software application, which comes with powerful text, voice and video tools, providing users with a simple way to share experiences with others, no matter their location.

Setting Up Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a communication software product developed by Google. Originally a feature of Google+, Hangouts became a stand-alone product in 2013, when Google also began integrating features from Google+ Messenger and Google Talk into Hangouts.

Setting Up YouTube Live

YouTube Live is an easy way to reach your audience in real time. Whether you’re streaming a video game, hosting a live Q&A, or teaching a class, our tools will help you manage your stream and interact with viewers in real time. There are a few ways you can live stream on YouTube.

Setting Up Remo

Made by a remote team, Remo makes it dead simple to create a delightful, immersive virtual space that empowers people to communicate, connect, and collaborate with each other just like they would in real life.

When you enter a space in Remo, you will see a top-down, 2-D map view of an event venue, virtual office, conference, or school, full of interactive “rooms.” Each room hosts an always-on video chat for occupants of a room, making it easy for collaborators to pop in and out of conversations with ease.

To summarize, we recommend Skype > Zoom > Google Hangouts for simple workshops and classes that you wish to bring online.

References:
1. https://hc.services/zoom-meetings/difference-google-hangouts-zoom-meetings/

NGOs的講說故事技巧 Storytelling for NGOs

在這以數據作主軸的世代裏,每個人都會接收各種形式的廣告和營銷數據,包括廣告,贊助帖子,廣告牌,印刷廣告及電視廣告。據說每個人平均每天可以看到4,000個廣告。對於公司而言,要在眾多牌子中脫穎而出,令觀眾對廣告有親切感及聯繫感,牽動人心的技巧是必需的。
In today’s data-driven world, an average person consumes various forms of advertisement and marketing data every day including banner ads, sponsored posts, billboards, print ads and TV ads. It is said that an average person sees 4,000 adverts on a daily basis. For any brand to break out of this clamour and have a memorable connection with their audience, the art of storytelling is essential.

比起大多數的市場營銷方法,故事是最容易與讀者產生共鳴的一種方式。這可以為讀者帶來代入感,增加讀者及機構的聯繫,從而增加讀者對機構好感度。
A story brings the audience closer to the cause. Stories are a fundamental human experience that drives people to feel empathy. As a result, it creates deeper connections between the target market and the marketer, resulting in a higher recollection value of the message your brand is attempting to portray.

對於非貿利政府組織而言,說故事技巧對他們十分重要。為了令讀者代入故事情景中,他必須把自己的感情移入故事裏的人物身上。當讀者會為故事裏的人物而有情緒起伏,就可以觸發他有下一步的行動。
This marketing tool is as important to NGOs as to profit-making brands, maybe even more so. For a donor to be able to connect to the story of a beneficiary, he must be drawn into her life. The trigger of empathy is a powerful tool in fundraising. Even though each NGO’s story varies, there are standard storytelling rules when it comes to marketing.

規則#1:創建角色
RULE #1: Create a character

為了讓故事更有吸引力,一個有影響力,令你有情緒起伏的角色是必需的。所以,請確保角色設定的細節是準備好的。例如,她有寵物嗎?角色的目標或願望是什麼?這為下一條規則奠定了基礎。
In order for a reader to follow a story, there must be a character to empathize with. This is who you hope for, fear for, and cheer for. Be sure to include memorable details to your character – does she have a pet? Who is their best friend? What is their favourite meal? The character must have a goal or desire, this sets up the basis for the next rule.

規則#2:衝突
Rule #2: Conflict

既然您擁有吸引觀眾的角色,便可以開始描述他們的經歷。首先,先談論您的角色遇到什麼困難,討論此問題如何影響您的角色,並描述可能產生的附帶影響。例如,自然災害可能導致缺乏醫療保健,或者疾病可能導致社會不滿。
Now that you have a well-rounded character that the audience has been drawn to, it is time to describe their struggle. This is when you talk about the cause and effect of the problem that your NGO is trying to solve. Talk about how this problem is affecting your character, describing any collateral effects that may come out of it. For instance, a natural disaster could lead to lack of healthcare, or disease could cause social disapproval.

規則#3:採取行動
Rule #3: Take action

故事的這一部分描述了角色如何在您的組織的幫助下面對她所面臨的困難。現在是時候說明潛在捐助者如何扮演英雄角色,用自身的能力及財力,幫助主角克服困難。
This part of the story describes how, with the help of your organization, the character faces the challenges that were thrown at her. This is the time to illustrate how a potential donor plays the role of a hero, and the power they hold to help the protagonist overcome her challenges.

規則#4:以“影響力”作結尾
Rule #4: End with impact

故事結束時,最後就要突顯出受惠者得到的東西及組織所幫助的人數和統計數據。講述組織未來的方向,從而說服讀者作出下一步的行動。
Now that the story comes to a close, it is time to show the numbers and statistics of who your organization has helped, and the progress achieved so far. This is where the ‘ask’ comes in – the action that you would like the viewer to take. This is a good opportunity to talk about what the future actions taken by the organization will be.

講故事的注意事項
Best Practices of NGO Storytelling

在講述你所屬的NGO的故事時,請牢記一些注意事項。
While you tell your NGO’s story, there are some best practices to keep in mind.

1)請記住保持真實性
1) Remember to stay authentic:

隨著人們在媒體花費的時間每日倍增,人們越來越意識到故事的真假。所以,請花費時間製作真實的故事。
With the amount of media consumed by the average person, people are increasingly aware of when they are being ‘sold’ to. Take the time to craft genuine stories in a language that your audience can relate to.

 2)權衡利弊
2) Balance the good and the bad:

利用悲慘的故事吸引資助者很容易,但研究顯示,抱希望比悲慘的故事更具影響力。所以要小心地將每一個悲慘的故事與希望的元素平衡起來。
It is easy to use the darkest stories to attract funders, but studies have shown that stories of hope have more impact than those of darkness. Be careful to balance every tale of woe with an element of hope.

 3)行動
3) Include a call to action:

盡我們不能一直在故事中強調行動的重要性。但是,我們要確保我們帶出的行動是與故事相關。
Though mentioned earlier, we cannot stress the importance of including an actionable item for the listener of the story. Make sure this action item is relevant to the story at hand.

4)使用視覺效果
4) Use visuals:

對於讀者而言,分享視頻是分享文字帖子和鏈接總和的12倍,而分享照片則是其兩倍。所以,以視覺方式講說故事使消費者更容易接收。
Videos are 12 times more likely to be shared than text posts and links combined, and photos are twice as likely. Visuals bring the consumer of the story closer to the cause.

 5)一個重點信息
5) Clear messages:

當一個非政府組織以​​多種不同方式幫助一群不同的受益人時,自然會有多個信息出現。所以當設計一個故事,請根據您的目標受眾選擇一個重點信息,然後圍繞它。這就可以在傳遞消息時更容易明白及理解了。
When an NGO helps a group of diverse beneficiaries in many different ways, it is natural for the message to get lost in translation. Choose your message depending on your target audience, and craft your story around that. Be clear and concise while delivering this message.

 6)說出這個詞
6) Get the word out:

現在您有自己的故事,請好好利用它!將其發佈在社交媒體上,與您的利益相關者交流,在會面時介紹給捐贈者,並在您的網站上使用。運用不同的演說方式,把您的故事有效地傳達給他們。
Now that you have your story, use it! Post it on social media, communicate it to your stakeholders, present it during meetings with donors, use it on your marketing materials and website. Pen down a story distribution plan by discussing possible points of contacts with your target audience, and the means in which the story can be communicated to them.

當你的NGO擁有創建故事的能力,請記住,故事不會跑到你的手中,你必須尋找屬於你自己的故事。而當你擁有自己的故事,用盡你的方法去把故事告訴你的最相關的受眾。
Now that your NGO has the tools to create its story, remember, a story is not handed to you, it must be found. Keep an eye out, talk to volunteers and beneficiaries and dig out the story that relates most with your cause and audience.

Credit & Appreciation
The original English content of this blog is written by Priyanka Maheshwari from AsGoodAs.org (https://www.asgoodas.org/), and GoBuddy team has translated it into Chinese.

4 Great Things in Hong Kong’s 1980s

#1 Hawker Culture

Hong Kong has its unique food culture in 1980s. There were lots of roadside food stalls and people ate those snacks on the street. Due to an immature economy structure and rapid growth of population, Hong Kong citizens could only make a living by their talents. Therefore, they have to run their business by setting up in the street to sell their food or handicrafts. Street food hawkers usually sell food like fishball, fake shark fin soup and bubble waffle. This becomes a unique culture of Hong Kong 1980s.

#2 1980s’ Fashion

In 1980s, due to several Japanese Fashion shop setting up in Hong Kong, Japanese pop culture becomes a new trend. Therefore, Major style of Hong Kong’s fashion were likely to be Japanese style. Most of the cuts are comfortable and simple, while major styles included loose tops with padded shoulders, baggy trousers, balloon capri pants and straight leg trousers or long culottes. The fitness craze also had an impact on fashion, jeans and sneakers were very popular and denim came in a host of designs. Pastel sports suits were favourite outfits.

#3 Entertainment — The Arcade

In 1980s, Hong Kong’s entertainment is still in a developing stage. Entertainment was most likely to be simple and classic like GamesRadar, Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Not like today, people need to go to the game store for gaming. Children could spend a whole day inside the game store.

#4 Pop Music Culture

In 1980s, Hong Kong’s music was expanded rapidly. It was named as Canto-pop. The music scene was dominated by pop icons like Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, Alan Tam, and Danny Chan. Due to the popularity of pop music, it was widely used in all kinds of entertainment productions like films and TV shows.

Reference:

Click to access Fashion_Attitude-Fashion_History.pdf

(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ln.edu.hk/mcsln/25th_issue/feature_01.shtml

The Power of Community: 6 Reasons Why We Need Each Other

Alone, we can do so little; Together, we can do so much.

Helen Keller

Having worked for nearly 7 years upon university graduation, I still remember how we have been taught about the importance of teamwork. As engineers, we are always trained on how to deliver a project in a team, and always a lot of skills have to be equipped in the team. At university, we always needed to get involved in different projects, and hence teamwork is another essence to success.

I have always come in my mind for another interesting concept – What about Community? Other than specific skill sets, how do we value community? I think community is far beyond teamwork. Technically speaking, teamwork is when we have a team and we need to achieve something, and we need to work together on that, that’s why team + work is the combination. But for community, I see that it’s part of our daily life, something more emotional and humanized, compared to teamwork.

There is a trend about community, from my experience. When I was working as engineer, it’s about an engineering community, where the engineers will gather and support each other across technical, knowledge and project needs. When I was a non-local student, it’s about an international student community that supports each other needs in Hong Kong. When I am currently an entrepreneur, it’s about another level of community that supports us in networking, business opportunities and more. One typical example is Cyberport Hong Kong.

So to me, community has made me seen things differently, that I am not alone, but there are always different communities that are here to support each other together. I wish to share the power of community referencing from one of the articles I found in the other blog posts.

The Power of Community

Here are 6 powerful reasons not to go it alone:

1. Collective wisdom. No one person ever has all of the answers, and regardless of the amount of Google-fu you may have, consulting with experts is always going to give you better information.

2. Pushing our limits. When working alone, it’s oftentimes too easy to give up when things get hard. By surrounding yourself with others working toward a similar goal or objective, you’ll get motivation, support, and friendly competition to push yourself just a bit further than you would have done on your own.

3. Support and belief. Some days those big goals just seem impossible. On those days when you most want to give up, you need to lean on your community the most. They believe in you—probably more than you belief in yourself.

4. New ideas. I truly believe that when you are working within a community of like-minded people that the wisdom of crowds is considerably greater than any one person working alone. Our divergent world views and lenses mean that we all approach the exact same problem slightly differently.

5. Borrowed motivation. Even on those days when your belief in yourself isn’t waning, doing what needs to get done can seem overwhelming. Look around your community and be inspired!

6. Accountability. If you’re an uber-responsible person, you may not want to admit to people you care about who are pulling for you that something didn’t get done. There’s nothing like having to be accountable to others to up your game.

Allowing others to help is hard, but it ultimately raises everyone’s game, and suddenly that summit isn’t nearly so far off.