Life In the Philippines

When Push Comes to Shove

This was a make or break week and much of it has been spent sorting accounts with Metrobank to ensure I can manage my account from abroad. Unfortunately their new all signing and dancing Internet backing system does not work so the old version has been reinstated. The result, tons of paper work to get simple tasks initiated to ensureI can pay money owing to other people. I then discovered limitations on my Debit card which meant I could not pay for airline tickets. I raised the issue with my bank and after going around the houses after times. They admitted they had no system in place to raise the limited and I was the first person to request a change.

I tried Metrobank's phone banking as an alternative to the Internet only to discover that rather than having a real person on the line it is a menu based system and if you want to to transfer funds to a new account you need to set this up by filling in forms at your branch.

My House insurance is due later this month so I emailed the insurance company but of course go no reply when I requested their bank details it seems once again this has to be done via the bank. What a way to run a business, and people ask why I am leaving the Philippines.

The week started with the worst possible news from the Cyprus Consul to say my families Visa had been refused because of an "immigration risk". Once again I set a precedence my challenging the decision and was told I need to contact the Department of Foreign affairs in Cyprus, but the Consul could not provide me the either the number or the name of the person.

After some 4 hours of calling and being transferred from pillar to post, including being referred back to the Cyprus Consul in Manila. I managed to speak to someone who worked for the Minster of the Interior, So I outlined my case that as a family of an EU Citizen they cannot be refused a visa, so 30 mins later I was informed that the Minister of the Interior has granted them a 3 month Visa which would allow time for residential visa formalities to be completed. This information would be passed to the Consul and the visa's could be picked up the following day.

Tuesday midday I phoned the consulate. The secretary had just arrived and I asked her for an update and she repeated the visa had been refused, so I directed her to go to the fax machine and read the latest fax. She came back 2 mins later and said "How did you manage that" It seems people normally meekly accept matters here. She then advised the visa's would be issued on Monday. So I corrected her and said the Minister had told me that Jasmin could pick up the passports today, It does not take six days to stamp and sign a visa. she Replied the Consul was not in the Office (that is why she was late to work), so I fine I would send a courier to pick up the documents on Wednesday and all being well they will arrive Friday. I can then finalise and pay for my airline tickets.

David Ogden
Dipolog city
+639991141149

http://seriouswealth.net

Life In the Philippines

Sorting Out Finances

Banking in the Philippines is a nightmare area which I have written about before, the problem being that no bank communicates with any other bank, resulting in the need for many businesses and individuals holding accounts in different banks. My task this last week has been to decide which of the accounts I have in the Philippines will be retained.

The banking issues if further confused when information given on websites does not match reality And when you approach staff they have no idea what is going on, for instance. According to the Social Security website payment of contributions can be made online via BANKNET. I logged into the system connected to my PNB bank filled out the forms but kept getting message please try again later after three days I emailed Banknet and they suggested I approach PNB. A woman PNB could not understand why I would want to pay on line when I could just go to the SSS office at the other side of town and pay over the counter. When I explained I was going to be thousand of miles away she still did not understand but told me to go the the SSS office.

The SSS office were a bit more switched on but said they did not think the system was working yet in Dipolog City but might work in Manilla. she however gave me the address of the President who would be able to enlighten me.

My next port of call was to visit the Electricity Supplier Zanaco to arrange payment of future bills. Their opening statement was "its not possible we don't have an online system " This was like a red rag to a bull so I rephrased my question another way and asked them which Bank they use to deposit money into and when they said Metrobank I asked for their account number. I reminded the guy that I was a member of the Co-operative and as such he worked for me to which he replied the magic words you need to see the General Manager so Two hours later I got what I wanted, On a monthly basis they will email me a copy of my bill and I will use my online system to pay into their account confirming the transaction my email. Mission Accomplished.

My the end of the week it seems that the everyone I need to pay has account with Metrobank, so It looks like that will be the account i retain. I also discovered that Payment from Metrobank to SSS also appear to work. I posted a test transaction and will see if that reaches the SSS next week.

I still need to resolve how I can instruct my bank to send money to another country without having to return to the Philippines but as Metrobank is upgrading its system this weekend this just might be possible. My removers have been in touch and are planning to pack my possessions on 23 April so everything is falling into place, but still no word on Visa's

David Ogden
Dipolog city
+639991141149

http://seriouswealth.net

Free Launch Offer earns money

Pre launchX

This last week my automated Forex system which is still in Pre launch made another gain against the Euro. This system has consistently traded once a month on average and my account has grown from $100 to approaching $2,000 at no cost to me because the initial $100 stake money was provided for free.

Not only do subscribers make money on Forex trading but they can earn commissions and bonuses by introducing other people. My potential sign-up bonus so far moving on on towards $4000 and potential commission over $1,000 per month when the product is released to the general public.

This is a no brainer and I recommend everyone to include and promote this product even if you know nothing about Forex, you just might make a windfall. I do not know of any other way of making money for free.

Someone asked my yesterday about another business if he was guaranteed to make money from it, the only way I know of getting guaranteed income is to get a job. Setting up you own business is a calculated risk and not for everyone, some will suceed but the the majority will fail.

David Ogden

Ed Mercer- 100 millionaires
Prelaunch X
Automated stock Trading

Better Home Based Business

Commitment

What a strange world we live in many people are out of work and looking for jobs even seeking to make money online but are they really interested in Work.

I ask this question for two reason, I have watched a program "Fairy Jobmother" where a woman spends a week with along term unemployed family trying to get them back on their feet. They often have huge depts but would rather spend the days watching TV or lazing around the house rather than actively banging on doors.

Recently two people joined my online business and before they signed up i spent some time explaining what I required of them if they wanted to succeed. So they spent some money and did nothing expecting that some think magic would happen. I chased one up when he missed a planned appointment and his excuse was I have been out partying I will start tomorrow one week later he still must be partying if that's his priority he is heading nowhere.

The second guy is out of work, but once again not prepared to take action, does not answers calls or respond to messages. maybe I am different, if someone offered to help me build my business I would accept it with open arms, maybe its something to do with the age difference

I have written before about dragging a horse to water and struggling to make it drink, it actually happened to me many years ago in North East Brazil, we later had to abandon our horses and walk

Maybe I am harsh with my assessment but I know it those the people with fire in their bellies bellies who are successfully and it is better to spend time with people who have the will to succeed rather than those that think it might be nice to have more money

David Ogden

http://seriouswealth.net

Slow Life in the Philippines

The Waiting Game

Our life is once again on hold thanks to local bureaucracy, Jay passport should have arrived at the weekend so we now have to chase up the couriers and the Passport office as passport should have been available on 14th March. This now will means a slippage on our schedule to move to Cyprus

Just happened to be passing LBC and they say they tried to deliver at weekend and no one home, seems strange because my office overlooks our gate and I waited all day. Any way we now have passport which was issued on 4th Feb, great so it took over a month for it to be released as issue date provided was 14th March. what a way to run a country.

Well with the recent news it might be a case of out of the frying pan into the fire. No good financial news coming out of Cyprus as they have stolen money from everyones bank accounts, this might give other countries ideas. Never do trust any foreign bank so only transfer sufficient funds to cover living expenses,

My next task is to chase up the local branch of the NSO to get an amended marriage certificate annotated with the fact that the marriage was annulled. Once again the bureaucrats are taking their time, but we have just over a month to leave the country as my Visa will run out so time is of the essence.

Today I Have the visas applications ready to go to the Cyprus Consul in Manila but do not know what the fees are. Have tried calling but only get a fax machine, now thinking that they have stopped work due to an extended bank holiday to give banks time to work out how they are going to thousands angry customers when they open.

Finally got through and things are now moving again, visa Application will be in Manila tomorrow and hopefully on to Cyprus at the weekend, there is a chance we just might get back on track but with Easter to contend with its going to be tight.

David Ogden
Dipolog city
+639991141149

http://seriouswealth.net

Better Home Based Business

Team work

I can't remember who first coined the phase "Teamwork makes the Dream work" but John Maxwell has written a book with that title.

Billionaire Ed Mercer who has a new goal to create 100 new millionaires is very impressed with the team work being displayed in the 100 millionaires club and told the members of the club recently that he had never seen anything like the group of entrepreneurs who are selflessly working together so that every one has the chance to become millionaire.

It is refreshing for the people involved to know that they have 24/7 support from around the world that can back them up in times of illness and holidays and the like. I know from when I was working full time there was nothing worse than returning from a period of absence to a desk ladened with work, it really takes the off the best vacation.

I regularly use my fellow team members to help build my business, discuss and share what is working what is not working and sharing ideas for the future.

Many people wrongly classify what Ed is doing as just another online business but it's far more than that. The majority of networking opportunities are based on MLM structures where basically many so called sponsors get you in take your money and often you never see or hear from them again. You are advised to direct people usually your friends to a website and magically people will join your business. well I am sorry folks it doesn't work like that. when if ever did you have a so called sponsor put one of his recruits into your business for your benefit?

You need to build a relationship with your prospect, they need to know you are a real person who will help them in time of need. Prospect are genuinely surprised when I call just to say hello and confirm that I am ready to guide them so that they can listen and if they and speak to Ed Mercer in Person.

David Ogden

http://seriouswealth.net

Better Home based Business

What do you expect from your business

Many people are looking to the Internet to help maintain their lifestyle, especially with the financial Crisis which is effecting many areas of the world/ the Internet is often perceived as the place to make money fast and it can be be but there are many scams that need to be avoided.

Like any business it will take time to get into profit and you need to allow for this. you also need to realise that you will need to put in time effort and money in order to build your business, you may have to do some task that you don't like such as speaking with people.

I personally hate the phone but know that this is the best way to communicate with potential customers and customers are the key to the growth of your business.

Far to many people believe all they have to do is direct people to a website and the money will come in, or else entice someone to join their opportunity and sit back and enjoy the profit, which is why MLM has such a bad reputation. If fact most if not all MLM are administered in such as way that if you do not put in the effort you will not be rewarded and it its not uncommon to discover that people below you are earning more than you because they are putting in more time and effort into their business. I believe that is quite fair.

You must be knowledgeable about your business and the products you sell, would you purchase a car from a car sales who does not drive? You should also use the products that you sell if you do not do this your potential customers will think theres is something wrong.

A number of people will ask you how your business is going and here you need to be truthful, if you have just started out no one expects you to be in profit. everyone knows that times are hard. so long as you have a plan that will put you in profit share it with other potential prospects.

Yesterday a prospect said he did not have enough money to join my business so I asked him if he could afford $50 a month and showed him a way that by retailing what he purchased he could start building capital to invest in his business, it might take more time to reach his goal but he would be making progress along the road to success.

David Ogden

http://seriouswealth.net