Never lose touch with target market or business philosophies: Keith Loh

THIS week we get thoughts and views from CoolBlog Sdn Bhd, a dessert and beverage specialist, owned by Ekuiti Nasional Bhd CEO Keith Loh

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?
I had the opportunity to work with great mentors and business leaders who believed in me from a young age. I grew from where I was to where I am now learning, not only business skill sets but empathy, leadership and life principles from people I admire and respect.

What traits do you look for in your talent or how do you decide who is right for a job?
I never look much into qualifications. I look for talent and believe in the key principle that learning never ends and the willingness to grow – it mirrors my own beliefs in whichever brand I build or help build.


How do you think the industry you are in will evolve in the future?
I think convenience will be the key. As the growth on online platforms accelerate, the customer experience, the ability to be present and cater that immediate need for instant gratification will be key to evolution.


What advice can you offer those looking to start their career/own business?
Be relevant and always never lose touch with your target market or your business philosophies. The best brands or the best entrepreneurs put forth their ideals/principles of their business proposition and it's their passion that helps makes it appealing to their customers.


We all know about the industrial revolution, are we in for a technological revolution? Your thoughts.
I think we are always on the brink of something new nowadays. I, for one believe we will get there sooner or later.


How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life?
I must say mentorship has surely made a big difference to me. I think it was more of the catalyst of changing how I viewed building businesses and a corporate career. It was also generally a new perspective on life and living it to its fullest. If it wasn't for my mentors, I honestly wouldn't be the entrepreneur and CEO I am today.


What do you want to accomplish in the next five years?
Build a stable of great local brands meant for the regional and international stage. Five years is a short period but I believe with the right team and the right formula, CoolBlog could be one that hits the heights. For me personally, the next few years will be important for my personal growth and I intend to keep building on my knowledge and skills.


Best piece of advice you ever got on your career.
Life is like a treadmill. Sure it's hard, you keep running and it seems endless but you get better, fitter, faster every day. Keep moving forward and the results will come. Stop and one thing is for sure, you will see life's opportunities pass you by and the next thing you know you are falling backwards and it's going to hurt.


Most admired business leader? Why?
Richard Branson – man is a legend – he's done everything possible in as many industries that I can recall. More importantly - he's got a humorous take on life and I too believe that you should always be much as you can be but the important thing is to remember to enjoy the ride.


How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry?
I tend to read a lot and dedicate time to research trends online. Most importantly, I stay in touch with people in my network from current and previous industries I've been in. Nothing like first-hand socialising that helps you keep up with the latest.


If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why?
In today's world I'd take an hour with President Trump. There must be some genius behind the madness. I've got to understand how this maniacal strategy works, it's not making any sense but it's happening so there must be some master plan I'm not tuned into.


What has been the biggest challenge you've faced ? And what did you learn from it?
When I started out my first brand, Snowflake, I was completely out of my depth. Personal cash strapped, first time business owner, first mover when no one even knew what the product was, working a day job while going to the shop after work. In the first few months, it looked like a mistake and something that would cause me paying more debts. However, we persevered, we made it happen and we will soon be celebrating a decade of operations.


What was the most outlandish business proposal you have ever heard of?
Luckily most people I know are pretty sane. Don't have a really outlandish proposal to date. Someone did offer me a durian orchard back in the day before current prices. That was a bad call on my part.


What man made innovation confounds you? Why?
Motored-powered bicycles. Just choose between a bicycle or a motorcycle – it bothers me that people want half of each.


Malaysia's greatest brand.
In recent times? AirAsia. Changed the face of travel in South East Asia and for Malaysians and Malaysian businesses


A must-read for every business owner/manager is ..
Newsweek


How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future?
I think we will have to adapt sooner than later. The more restrictions and policies, the more cost of business will go up until a time when sustainable pricing is achieved on renewable resources. It, however has to happen, the planet cannot keep going at this rate. We as business owners will have to make that change first of being sustainable and getting our customers on board with that program.


What are the top three factors you would attribute to your success?
Being afforded good opportunities, making the best of them and always believing that in one lifetime, anyone can create more for themselves and for others.


Tell us a joke.
Claustrophobic people are more productive thinking out of the box.