The Simple Truths of Service – Inspired by Johnny the Bagger

I’ve mentioned that few past months I was under complete stress and lost my way. Even though I had wonderful advice that driving change within me, a part of me still felt disillusioned about my work situation.

About 2 weeks ago, while getting a coffee, I came across this book in my office lunchroom:

The Simple Truths of Service – Inspired by Johnny the Bagger

This is a small book, at most 20-30 minutes to read in a sitting; it took me 5 days. Every morning I’d just read a section. I rarely get a chance to relax during the day. Any time to get work done is invaluable to me because I don’t bring it home. That means more time designing products and working on my online shops.

This book focuses on a real life story of Johnny, a grocery bagger, who inspired his peers in the market where he worked.  He turned regular errand that most of us do, grocery shopping, and made it a positive experience that brighten up their day.

This book offers practical advice for my supply chain role in a multi-million dollar firm.  However, it’s invaluable for my small business. In order to stand out from the crowd, you have to provide your customer a great experience. I actually forgotten that along the way.

For Cindy Ho Designs, I’m currently contemplating my personal signature.  I’ve recently reopened my Etsy shop and working on my Cargoh. I did make the decision not to continue managing West Coast Origami.  It was hard decision but in order to be Johnny, better to focus on one brand.

Will you be a Johnny today?

My First Vector Convert Cutting File

Not having much of an excuse of being MIA for 7 months, I think the best thing to do is to pick up where we left off?

After working with Funtime for awhile, I wanted to move towards my next goal; cutting out designs.  I’ve already seen how cricut works and I wanted to do the same thing, except cut my own designs.  Since I haven’t figured out how to export out of Photoshop yet, I needed something representing to what I would cut.  I saw my Mario Mushroom tin.  Decided to make that!

Found the Mario Mushroom Vector here

This was a well drawn vector, it converted in Funtime well.  The results were great and I now have a cute paper craft to look at as a reminder of where I started

You are Irreplaceable

Seven months since I last posted!  Shame on me!  Here’s a glimpse why:

I work in supply chain in a contract manufacturing firm during the day. The past 18 months, was filled with long hours and struggling with demands of my company’s customer due to lack of resources.  I sacrificed my focus on Cindy Ho Designs

What really happened was I lost track of my goals.  The work life balance was non-existent.  My co-worker recognized how disillusioned I was and sat me down.  She paraphrased a story that she once read that helps her focus.  This story had such an impact on me.  I now keep this story in mind when things at a little rough at my day job.

At any company, EVEN the best companies, everyone is replaceable. The jobs you and I sit in, yes, they are difficult to fill, but if we were let go or quit; in three months, someone will be hired to take our place. They may have a learning curve, but eventually they will do the job just as well as any of us. In a year, we would be remembered as someone who used to work here. After 5 years, we’d probably be forgotten. The company will move on. However, you as a daughter, mother and wife; you are irreplaceable. If today was your last day, the ones who love you most will have a empty place in their heart.  No one in the world will ever be able to replace you.

Are you Irreplaceable?