Volunteer Day @ Box of Hope
After packing our boxes for the kids, the team got together to volunteer our time this morning to label, check and pack boxes for shipping to HK & Philippines charities, in time for Christmas!
After packing our boxes for the kids, the team got together to volunteer our time this morning to label, check and pack boxes for shipping to HK & Philippines charities, in time for Christmas!
Hong Kong is one of those great cities in the world where you feel like anything is possible.
I will never forget the first time I landed in Hong Kong and that first taxi ride to Central (rookie error – Airport Express… I know…). The sheer enormity of what is in front of you. The scale and style of it all, this girl from Sydney was questioning whether she had been transported into the future or a parallel universe.
Over the following few years, I would come to know and love a place where the opportunities are endless. Why do I say that? People in Hong Kong have an insatiable appetite for the latest and greatest. Tax rates are low, and for many disposable incomes are high, this city provides the perfect backdrop to have a crack at something you daydream about or perhaps to bring an already existing concept operating in another location.
Regardless of whether you are in from Old Blighty, got the overnight from Straya, you have left the US of A, or are from any other far flung location, starting a new business in Hong Kong is an exciting proposition. Similar to your home town though there are hoops to jump through and much to consider.
The upside to a successful opportunity in HK is immense, the downside can be brutal. For example, I would need all my fingers and toes to list the number of restaurants that have opened and closed before I even got to try them. Whatever your idea is, you want to give yourself the best chance of success the first time around.
Some of the key things to think about:
The team at Cornerstone Management Group are able to help you work through all of the above. Our management team are Australian born, have Chinese heritage and have professional experience in Australia, the UK and of course Hong Kong. We are able to bridge the gap in translating where you have come from to what you need to know to get operational and be successful in Hong Kong.
Joseph Chaney, Partner at New Narrative Hong Kong said Cornerstone has performed above his expectations “Cornerstone is very easy to work with: the team responds to requests with urgency, and more importantly, displays great patience and understanding”
Written by Natasha Donaldson
[1] The Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) – Bank Account Opening Survey Report Media Release 8 September 2016
Get on Cloud 9
Get your head in the Cloud
… there are a plethora of cheesy cloud sayings that could be employed here (and let’s be honest they have all been used in the past) in an attempt to wave pom poms for the benefits of Cloud computing.
Much, heaps, lots and then some has been written about the benefits of Cloud computing.
Accessibility
Efficiency
Cost effectiveness
Flexibility
Security
…. cue wind up music. I’m bored. It’s a no brainer.
However, the take up of a comprehensive cloud infrastructure by small and medium businesses is nowhere near what it could be or should be. Gone are the days where a slick, accessible anywhere infrastructure is only within the reach of the top end of town.
While large corporations have had means to develop custom built interfaces for a long time, this no longer a dream for the chubby guy with the deep pockets.
Small to medium guy in the back this song is for you.
In parallel to the emergence of the SaaS (software as a service) concept, the software providers themselves have really lifted their game not only in functionality but particularly in terms of how the individual software chats to its friends.
No small business can afford unnecessary time and costs to relay information from one system to another. Information is needed FAST to make good decisions and meet customer needs
Successful businesses keep costs down in tough times and in good times.
Successful businesses lay down good foundations to position them to scale up FAST when the time is right.
Successful businesses have current information at hand to remain agile in decision making.
Successful businesses exceed customer expectations … and let’s be honest, in this day and age expectations are high.
Critical to achieving all of these success factors is a quality, integrated infrastructure. A mini eco-system where everything takes place on your web browser – e-commerce online sales, real time inventory tracking and logistics and up-to-date financials. Here’s a taste of what can be done categorised by business needs.
This type of solution, regardless of your size or stage of life cycle, is much more accessible than you think. I hate to rain on your T8 parade, but with an integrated application infrastructure housed in the Cloud, before you know it, you and your staff will have a sophisticated suite of tools available for you to work from anywhere, at any time.
This can be your reality, Check out our website www.cornerstone.hk or Connect at enquiries@cornerstone.hk
Written by Natasha Donaldson