VN Newsletter21

8/2/2019 VN Newsletter21

1/10

In this issue:

The DutchVietnam

Management Supporter

This magazine was first

published in March 2007. It is

digitally distributed among

my Vietnamese and Dutch

business & private associates.

Purpose: to keep them

informed about my activities

in Vietnam and overseas

This amazingly attractive andenergetic country has rapidly

conquered my soul, and

become my home away

from home.

Loek Hopstaken

P r o f . L o e k H o p s t a k e n

E m a i l :

l o e k @ h o p s t a k e n . c o m

M o b i l e :

090 888 9450

March 25, 2012

6th year, no. 2

Branding

Czar Peter the Great

1

2

The Ideal Match

Learning is a Life Skill

Investment in MBA

3

4

5

At the HOSE

Finders, keepers

Amsterdam

6

7

8

Hopstaken Services

Contact information

9

10

Behind famous brandsIt has become the buzz word of the 21st century: brand-

ing. We are all able to call out many famous brand names.

We try to figure out how to turn our own product or ser-

vice into a famous brand. Because we believe that once

our brand is famous, rivers of gold will flow our way.

Yet, there is no recipe for brandfame. Market behaviour

is hard to predict. Building a successful brand depends onmany factors. The market can be a casino: you may invest

a ton of money in promotion, but waste it. Or: your brand

becomes a success.

Is this marketing, a

Tipping Point

effect*), or just luck?

Many hope & wait

for the day they are

lucky. If its all a

matter of luck, why

invest? Just realize

that the people be-

hind those successful

brands apply the law

of demand & supply. They invest in thorough market

research, PR, promotion, and inpeople: only educated

professionals recognize & seize opportunities.

They dont wait & hope for luck, they prepare for success!

*) Read Malcolm Gladwells book The Tipping Point

A mans reach should exceed his grasp.Robert Browning

But watch out ...

A person is inclined to grow to a level

beyond his competence.The Peter Principle

So, explore your boundaries! Learn!

What is your brand?


2/10

26th year, no. 2

The Dutch Vietnam Management

Supporter

Dont be trapped by dogma.Steve Jobs

The 2012 edition of my catalog (pdf) will be yoursafter sending a request to [email protected].

Amsterdam, March 25, 2012

Winter in Holland is gone, yet its

too early for real spring & tulips.I have been in my home country

for a few weeks. To meet family &

friends, for business, and to

deliver a Master Class at

Wittenborg University. Subject:

The Phenomena of Black Swans.

The building (left) is near the old

Port of Amsterdam. The text

reads: The cost comes before

the profit. Investments made the

city rich. But not only its citizens.Russian Czar Peter the Great

(1672-1725) invested in learning.

He studied in Amsterdam & lived

with a Dutch family. After his

studies Czar Peter founded the

city of St. Petersburg and made

Russia leap forward. He knew it:

learning is investing in future.

Loek Hopstaken

Major activities in April & May:

In-company training programs:

- Allround Manager pts. 10-11-12

- Management Development program pt. 3

Public courses (Royal Business School):

- Recruitment & Career Start

- Career Planning & Training

See page 7

Television (Hoanggia Media Group):

- RecordingKey to Success shows

You & I have this thinking process in common:

problem analysis idea / solution

Tip: when persuading someone to accept your idea,

summarize your thinking processin sequence.

If you dont, he/she will not understand and resist it.

If you do, you enable the other person to follow your

reasoning, and possibly, to accept your idea.


3/10


Supporter

6th year, no. 2 3

Do your recruits meet your

expectations?We are constantly searching perfection. Even when we realize this is unattainable, we

still keep dreaming about it. When we think we have found it, we embrace ituntil we wake

up, admitting this is not quite it. Perfectionism is a trap. While this is true for a wide range

of thingsfrom cars to weatherit also applies to employers and staff. Employers seek the

perfect staff, staff is looking for the perfect employer. So, how do we match these two?

Personal wishes: what a person wants in terms of an ideal job.

Personal skills: what a person is able to accomplish: competences, talents, skills.

Organizational needs: what an employer needs to realize the corporate goals and strategy.

Recruitment is a constant search for the Ideal Match.All you canand mustdo, is

a. Clearly define the needs of your organization, focusing on the desired results (full job

description, including the required competences, talents & skills).

b. Find out what the applicant is looking for: usually much more than a well paid job.c. Have tools to check if the applicant has the required competences, talents & skills.

In the field of recruitment there are no certainties. But you can get very close to find

the Ideal Match. Many young job seekers seem to fly from one job to the next, each time

hoping to find the Ideal Match. Just like most employers hope to provide the runway where

their Ideal Match can safely touch downto stay, and contribute to their companys success.

The Ideal Match

13

personalwishes

personalskills

organizationalneeds

IDEALMATCH

Hopstaken for Royal Business School

Recruitment Tip:

Never hire a

Know Best.

This persons

confidence is

based on the

fixed idea that

there is nothing

more to learn.

If you hire, youll

import a future

disaster!

Recruitment Tip:

During a job

interview many

applicants wear

a mask. It is the

recruiters duty

to look behind

this mask. How?

Dont ask What

if questions.

Ask for real life

experiences!

Success in any business is:

85% ability to relate to other people and attitude (soft skills),

and only 15% job knowledge & technical skills.Dale Carnegie


4/10


Supporter

6th year, no. 2 4

Have you ever tried to teach someone who thinks he knows everything? If you have,

you may have said to yourself: This guy will never learn anything. Its sad to meet a person

who exhibits this fixed idea, only to keep himself from learning anything new. While lifes

constant changes demand a professional learning attitude, this know-best will fall behind.

It is said that babies are the fastest learners. Having no fixed ideas, they observe and absorb

whatever they can, picking up bits & pieces of life: language, social skills, and so on. A few

years later, some children apparently wake up one day and decide they know everything.

Others start to doubt their abilities, and become uncertain. Like too much praise and lack of

guidance can create false confi-dence, too much criticism or push

beyond a childs intellectual bounda-

ries will result in self-doubt. In both

cases, learning slows down. Many

know-best kids get into trouble at

school, at home, and later at work.

Until one day they realize they

a. dont know everything;

b. as a result, are less confident;

c. feel a strong need to change;d. decide to restore confidence.

How? By learning. However, by now

they have lost the fast-learning

ability they had when they were

babies. So how do we learn? First, you need to open your mind. Practice taking different

viewpoints. You need a purpose: Why am I doing this? And, tools: How do I ensure under-

standing & application? How do I avoid learning traps? How do I discipline myself?

Learning is a skill. We need lots of knowledge & know-how to have a good job & create a

good life. Learning is a life-skill. We need practical know-how to make our learning effort

successful. So, learn how to learn!If you want to learn how to learn, contact me.

Learning: a life skill

On-the-job training: an all-in learning experience

Learners have personal preferences. Some are auditory: you may prefer to listen & to try to understand.

Or you are visual: you want pictures or text to support your understanding. Or you prefer kinesthetic: you

like action, cannot sit for a long time. Which is why teachers use different techniques to get their knowledge &know-how across to their students. Which is why some fall asleep during a lecture, while others have no

problem paying attention (auditory). Which is why PowerPoint is popular (visual). Which is why teachers must

be energetic, and why so many Vietnamese like to play games (kinesthetic). Note: babies like all three!

You hear & you forget.

You see & you remember.You do & you understand.

Attributed to Master Kong


5/10

56th year, no. 2


Supporter

Is MBA a sound investment?MBA: the most sought-after degree. By those who want to have a career and by

those who need highly educated personnel. It is unknown how many MBA certifi-

cates are issued around the world every year. I wouldnt be surprised if its tens of thou-

sands (real AND fake). Meanwhile, only those that carry the logo of a famous business

school (like Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD) are the ones that are most in demand by lead-

ing multinational companies. On Top MBAyou can explore the possibilities, but also the

reality of MBA. In short, the investment in a top MBA program like London Business

School will be earned back in say, 23 years with the salary the MBA student can expect

after graduation. MBA opens the door to an international career. That is, a real MBA: an

all-English program. As the current crisis affects some countries more than others, the

entrepreneurial MBA graduate may find a challenging job in less affected areas. In Asia:

United Arab Emirates (UAE), in South America: Brazil and in Africa: South Africa there

are job markets for MBA alumni. Top MBA programs cost, according to Top MBA, a

fortune: US$ 50,000100,000. MBA in Vietnam? US$ 5,0008,000

How about Vietnam?

MBA in Vietnam cannot be compared to the programs promoted on Top MBA. It pro-

motes genuine MBA programs, but none in Vietnam. To run a genuine MBA program in

Vietnam is not easy. One of the problems: to graduate as a genuine MBA, you need to

conduct a research project in a real business environment, resulting in a thesis that con-

tributes to that same business.Due to the oft non-transparency of

Vietnamese organizations, students

have a hard time collecting factual

data necessary to complete the pro-

ject. For CEO-level MBAs this is a

lot easier than those who work on

level 2 or lower. Another issue is

the fact that MBA course materials

lack Vietnamese business cases. Or

at least, business cases from South-

East Asian origin. True: these are

very hard to get. This is why I keep

recommending to asianize & vietnamize MBA programs. The cases we use forKey to

Success are interesting, but lack data & crucial information to function as full MBA busi-

ness cases. Yet, they aregenuine Vietnamese business cases, and in that sense a good

start. Last but not least: without soft skills, anyone is powerless. Also MBA graduates.

See also Mr. Quoc Khanhs interview with me on FBNC: http://tinyurl.com/76cx6e5 .

The problem with the world is that the intelligent people are full ofdoubts, while the stupid ones are full of confidence.

Charles Bukowski


6/10

66th year, no. 2


Supporter

Early March a group of MBA students from

South New Hampshire University (USA) &

their Professor Blent Aybar visited Ho Chi

Minh City. Hosted by Mr. Vu & Ms. Thuy

of HOSE, Prof. John Behzad informed them

about the young history of Vietnams stock

markets. Afterwards we conducted a Q&A

session about the odds & ends surrounding

business development in Vietnam.

Its important for MBA students to be onlocation wherever they can. Visits to com-

panies and business spots should always be

part of the curriculum.In fact, anyone who

studies business should

take a look at business

from the inside. Like

students at ERC, who

make excursions to the

Mercedes Benz plant in

HCMC (Go Vap), or to

Sacombank. So much to

learn from real life!

So much better than

books & powerpoints!

MBA @ Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE)


7/10


Supporter

6th year, no. 2 7

This year I deliver four HRM evening courses at Royal Business

school. Three have been delivered before, but have been revised;

one is new. A few notes about the first two:

Recruitment & Career StartApril 1620

Hiring new staff is a time & money consuming affair. You could say that

HR assists in purchasing labour and focuses on realizing the best match between the need

for labour and a person who can fill this need. This course covers all the steps from prepar-

ing recruitment to the first performance appraisal of the new staff at the end of the

probation period. Besides effective recruitment toolsmany new to Vietnamyou learn howto make your new recruit productive fromDay One. The English say: The proof of the

pudding is in the eating. In other words, you may think you have found a real talent, but

the real test ispositive results! So, all about on-the-job-training, mentoring & job coaching.

As this course enables the student to operate with certainty in both parts of the recruitment

processbefore AND after Day Oneits return on training investment (ROTI) comes fast.

Career Planning & Training

May 2125

Why does a productive staff leave

your company? Is it just the money?

Or ... what? What could you havedone to keep her / him? Keeping

productive & talented staff is often a

challenge. Replacement of a talented

staff member is all too often a very

expensive & time-consuming affair.

Two new topics in this course are

Talent Management, and

Management Development. How to

plan careers, how to make an

individual development plan (IDP),

how to develop training programs.

Many practical tools & insights will

support the learner to become an

expert in talent retainment.

Are you a CEO? Then these courses

are fit for YOU!

In 2012 Royal Business School will start its MBA program, in collaboration with

Da Nang University & St. John International University (based in USA & Italy).

For information about the schedule, visit www.royal.vn and www.mba.org.vn.

Talents: finders, keepers

Your attitude, not your aptitude,will determine your altitude.Zig Ziglar


8/10


Supporter

6th year, no. 2 8

Amsterdam will always be Amsterdam

For several decades, many cities in Europe have been investing in preservation of their past.

In some cases this means: rebuilding the entire old city. This was the case with Ypres

(Belgium) and Arras (France), both wiped out by the mad dogs of war. When you visit these

cities, you will discover that

their old medieval centres

have been completely re-

built. Amsterdam never fell

prey to the dogs of war.

What you see are the origi-

nal, yet renovated buildings.A local foundation, funded by

citizens & supported by a

few local construction com-

panies, restores & renovates

old houses & buildings. Hun-

dreds!Result: Amsterdam

can more & more exhibit its

cultural & historical identi-

ty, while attracting tourists

from all over the world.

Amsterdam will always be Am-

sterdam.As Saigon is the motorbike

capital of the world, Amsterdam is its

bicycle capital. Right: the 3-deck bicy-

cle parking lot. If you dont want topay the parking fee, park your bicycle

along the bridge railing. Messy? Yes,

but thats typical Amsterdam. When

you ever visit my home town, rent a

bike and drive around. Youll discover

a well-conserved, yet modern city.

What do you think:

Will Saigon always be Saigon? Or

will it be Sai-gone, one day?

Photo: the 17th century West Church is close to the house where Anne Frank & her family lived.

Inside the church are graves of famousAmsterdammers, like the painter Rembrandt & cartographer

Blaeu. (No, the house on the right is not collapsing. My camera struggled with the perspective.)

Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify

the hunters.African proverb


9/10

Major Services + Client List + Mini Catalog

96th year, no. 2

The following services are in high demand:

1. Management Development programspurpose: to train

managers to qualify for higher positions, to develop soft

skills, and to increase their value to their organizations

2. Seminars & Lectures in the fields of Human Resource

Management, Leadership, Strategy, Public Relations and

Business Communications

3. Business courses: HRM; Efficiency; Presentation Skills

4. Personal Coaching of entrepreneurs

5. Business Consultancy (Management & Leadership; HRM;

PR; Strategy; internal communications)

In Vietnam: a.o. business field

Tan Thuan IPC (HCMC) Industrial development

HCMC University of Technology Master of BA program

RMIT (HCMC campus) Communication program

Royal Business School (public courses) Courses & seminars

Vietnam Airlines (RBS; ISM) International airline

Vietnam Singapore I.P. (SPECTRA) Industrial park

Petronas Vung Tau (SPECTRA) Chemical factory

Nike (Tae Kwang Vina) (SPECTRA) Shoe factory

Le & Associates Training & consultancy NutriWay Vietnam Animal food

Training House Vietnam (Sacombank) Training & consultancy

Ministry of L.I.S.A. (RBS) Civil Servants

SONY Vietnam (RBS) Consumer electronics

CapitaLand Vietnam (SPECTRA) Real estate

Institute for Potential Leaders / PACE Courses & seminars

Dalat Hasfarm (Agrivina) Pot plants, cut flowers

Hoanggia Media Group Key to Success TV Show

Fresh Green Earth Hi-tech agriculture

Unique Design Interior Design

ERC Institute Vietnam Vocational training Golden Alliance Vocational training

Schoeller Bleckmann Vietnam Oilfield Equipment

De Heus Vietnam Animal food

Centre for Tropical MedicineOxford Uni. Clinical research

Khue Van Academy Courses & seminars

Training House Vietnam Courses & seminars

In The Netherlands, a.o.

ING Bank Financial services

Philips Electronics

Heineken Brewery

Yamaha Musical instruments Voerman International International relocations

Damen Shipyards Ship repair wharfs

Wittenborg University of Applied Sc. IBABBA, MBA

MINI CATALOG

Overview of Prof. Loeks services

WORKSHOPS

A workshop is a 2-4 day group

activity with a defined purpose,

where theory, practical exercise

and exchange of experiences are the

main ingredients. Areas: HRM, PR,

Communication, and Management.

Team Engineering

Interpersonal Communication

Commercial Communication

Public Relations

Presentation Skills

Organizational Design

Cross-cultural Communication

Time Management / Efficiency

Recruitment Skills

CONSULTING

Consulting is any specified expert

activity to help solve a defined

problem. This can take the form of

coaching, but also, conducting a

research. By definition, it is tailor

made. Areas: HRM, Strategy, PR.

Personal Coach

Business Coach

Moderator

Mediation

Executive Selection

In- & External Surveys (such as

360 Feedback)

SEMINARS

A seminar is a 3-4 hour interactive

transference of core know-how,

including practical assignments.

People Management

Emotions in the Workplace Strategic Thinking

Business Ethics

The Allround Manager

The Allround Communicator

The Soft Skills Program

Investments (ex. 10% VAT / 25% PIT)

Workshops: US$ 1,200 per team / day.

Consulting / Coaching: US$ 100 / hour.

Seminars: US$ 550 850 per seminar

(except for the Allround programs).

Lecture: US$ 250 per lecture.

Train the Trainer: US$ 1,200 per day.

Prices may change due to inflation.

Contact me for longterm cooperation:

[email protected]

The Dutch Vietnam Management Supporter

List of Clients & Associates

Loek Hopstakens 5 major services


10/10

The DVM Supporter is published by Loek Hopstaken.

Email: [email protected] or

[email protected]

Mobile: 090 888 9450

Assistant: Ms. Vo Ngoc Lien Huong

Email: [email protected]

Mobile: 090 888 9451

Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/loekhopstaken

Who is Loek Hopstaken?

1951: born in Haarlem, The Netherlands

1971-1972: travels: Europe & Asia

1972-1975: Amsterdam City University

1976-1977: travels: North & South America

1977-1993: career in banking: NCB,

Postgiro, Postbank, NMB Postbank Group,

ING Group, ING Bank

1979-1982: Business Administr. studies

1983-1988: Project Manager

privatization process Postgiro to

Postbank (field: P&O / HRM)

1989-1993: Project Manager merger

Postbank & NMB Bank, & later, ING Group

(fields: PR, Marketing, Total Quality

Management

1991: founding Hopstaken Bedrijfsadvies

1991-present time: career in training and

consultancy, coaching & mediation

1993: left ING Bank

1996-2000: Business Club MC (50 meetings)2003-present time: combining training &

consultancy with teaching at international

business schools (BBAMBA)

2005 + 2007: Professor appointments

2007-2008: visits to Vietnam: lecturing,

consulting, surveying, delivering courses,

workshops & seminars

November 2008: establishment in HCMC

2008-present time: delivering lectures,

seminars, coaching, workshops & training

courses, mediation; overseas business trips

2010: Examiner VTV1 Key to Success Show2011: Chairman Advisory Board ERC Inst.

Full CV: mail [email protected]

10


Supporter

6th year, no. 2

Great companies are like classic architecture:

by sheer purpose & style they survive & impress.

Life is potentially a big empty hole,

and there are few more satisfying

ways of filling it than by striving forand achieving excellence.

Thomas Szasz

VN Newsletter21

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