Hey You!

Have you ever walked into an exam room all prepared, but the moment the exam paper or examiner appeared before you, your mind goes completely blank?

That’s what most of us would call an “exam block”. Have you every wondered why they happened even though you have been preparing for the exam for weeks or months? Exam blocks have got nothing to do with how much you know about the topic. Rather, it has everything to do with how capable you are in dealing with the stresses of the situation.

The thing is, you would probably have realised that exam blocks don’t just occur in exams. You get blocks like these in many other things you do – like when doing a presentation, your first performance on stage, going for a job interview…. and the worst of all, in a first aid emergency.

If freezing up and going blank in exam is hard enough to handle, just imagine if you freeze up and go blank when the one person you truly care suffers a medical emergency in your arms.

It is funny how schools teach us everything we need to know to answer the questions in exam, but not on how to deal with the stresses of an exam.  Similarly, most first aid courses cover how to perform first aid, but they left out the most crucial part of performing first aid – which is how to deal with the stresses and paralyzing fears that stop most people from stepping forward and rendering help.

That is why Singapore First Aid Training Centre created the My True Hero Seminar. This experiential program will cover various strategies, techniques and skills critical for anyone to perform effectively in an emergency. You will practice

- How to differentiate quickly the “RIGHTS” vs “WRONGS” in an emergency
- How to overcome stepping up before a crowd and perform effectively
- How to make a split second decision that decides between life and death
- How to stay calm, focused and undeterred during chaos and panic
- How to extract your inner capacity that will help you ACT IN SPITE OF FEAR
- How to unleash, become and live as the Hero that you truly are

An ancient saying goes, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.”

The best part is that the very skills and strategies you learn at My True Hero can be applied and practiced not just for a first aid emergency, but can be used to enhance other areas of your life. You will discover and set free your tremendous potential within.

Click HERE to know more how you can sign up for this seminar.

So are you a true hero? :]

-Mudd-

p.s. The Special My True Hero Package found on the webpage is only valid while stocks last. Visit the site NOW.

(This is a series of blog entries on Safety)

Lets talk about First Aid!

Have you heard about Second Aid? If you have, you must be lying! Hahaha

Anyways, First Aid is called First Aid because it’s supposed to be First Aid!

Catch my drift? You will get what I mean by the end of this article. :]

First Aid is probably the most important aspect of Event Safety. You can don’t have Fire, Food, Security or Health safety protocols in place but First Aid is a must!

Let me paint you a picture.

If there’s a fire and people are injured. Who will response first? First Aiders!

If there’s a case of food poisoning where everybody is instantly vomiting after consuming their food. Who will response first? First Aiders!

If there’s a security breach and people starts to hit each other. Who will response to the injured first? First Aiders!

If there’s people starting to sneeze or having rashes all over their body due the bad air in the room. Who will response first? First Aiders!

(although some of the scenarios are highly unlikely, but it could happen!)

You can never go wrong having First Aiders onsite. You don’t need to have an army of them. Just one at an intimate event will do just fine. Of course this is event specific, you would definitely need more for sporting event etc.

Its good to have a First Aider on standby, but it is as equally important to have a fully stocked up first aid kit too! Unless your First Aider is McGyver, having a fully stocked up first aid kit helps! And again this is event specific. Do a preliminary assessment of your event and anticipant what are the most likely injuries that can happen. This will determine what extra first aid items you need to bring along on top of the basic kit.

For higher risk event, do also indent ambulance service on standby. Not only will your guest have a piece of mind but in an event that something does happen, evacuation of the casualty can be done quickly. Because, every minute counts!

At Mudd&Nadd it is part of our company culture to have most of our staff be first aid trained. Not only will this save us money from specifically hire a first aider to be on standby, it would also increase the number of first aider at the event! Isn’t that a good solution?

But we do also realize, its one thing to be a first aider but its another thing whether one is ready to react when called upon.

To that, we do have a solution!

Keep a look out for our entry tomorrow!

Be safe!

-Mudd-

(This is a series of blog entries on Safety)

Ah Choo!

No, I’m not calling Mr Choo… that’s the sound one makes when one sneezes. (hehe lame I know)

Health Safety!

This one is quite straightforward.

Just recently, we had an outbreak of snouters’ flu AKA swine flu. And the most obvious solution for people running events then was to postpone or to take precautions.

Say with me, PRE-CAU-TION.

Precaution is better then cure ain’t it?

So what type of precaution?

Numero Uno : Do up a health advisory in your invites. Remind your guest if they are not feeling well or having flu like symptoms to refrain from coming to the event. Yes, use the word “refrain”. Be tactful, you wouldn’t want to tick anybody off.

Numero Dos: If need be, set up a temperature screening station. Get those handheld Infra-Red Temperature Scanners, not only will this save time, it will also be less hassling for your guests. Ultimately, guest comfort is still priority.

Numero Tres: If possible, disinfect your event location prior to the start of the event. You do need to invest on medical grade disinfectant (although you can if you want to), get those of the shelf brands you can get at the supermarket, like Lysol or Dettol Disinfectant Sprays. Just be sure when you spray, there are no uncovered food meant for the guest left in the open. And if you are afraid that the scent would linger, do spray it a minimum of 1 hour before the guests arrive. That would help the settle the scent abit.

Numero Quatro: And if you want to be more kiasu, do invest in renting portable air purifiers/filters. Only use this option if there is already a potential outbreak in the region, just in case of the in case you know? Otherwise, I highly believe the central air conditioning found at the venue is sufficient to filter out bad air.

Numero Cinco: And lastly, have disinfectant wipes or lotion readily available for your guests. This can be strategically located at the restroom, over the bar counter or anywhere that you feel is necessary (like the dancefloor…;)).

Health is Wealth! Be Safe!

-Mudd-

(This is a series of blog entries on Safety)

“Halt! Who goes there?!?!?!”

Quoting from the evergreen play “Army Daze” or for you who have served or are still serving, you would get what I mean. hehe.

Although the term security may bring back images of national security, or bring back bad memories of your younger days at the shopping mall playing catching and getting caught, event security does play a big role in maintaining law and order.

What form of security you might ask?

It is not just limited to having Security Guards onsite (although they are one possible source of manpower you can tap on) there’s actually many other areas of security that you need to look at.

Let me give you a list.

Lets start with the obvious, the hunky Mr. or Ms. Security Guards. Especially for events with a big turnout, having Security Personnel around is a good deterrence for would-be troublemakers. Troublemakers can come in all sort of sizes and faces, so don’t underestimate a black tie affair you are managing that comes with a guest list of the most refined and socially tamed guests not to act up. All it takes is a healthy dose of alcohol and a reason to get pissed and voila! Troublemakers! (and no I’m not stereotyping… chill uh beb )

In second place is the aspect of patron’s security. This can start with the mandatory bag checking. Although security personnel normally do this, your ushers can easily do this task.  Just remember to have separate checkers for the Ladies and Gentlemen. Trust me, you do not want Mr. Usher to check a lady’s bag; it’s their sacred belongings! Unless you want an instant troublemaker without the alcohol. Then go on, do it!

Thirdly is location security. In this era of unpredictable blowing up of public places or blowing oneself up (you should get what I mean) and the paranoia of the majority of the public, location security is important too! Do make an effort to constantly scour the event location for the elusive black bag left unattended or the suspicious looking characters to keep your patrons safe from any danger. (sometimes, being paranoid is good, especially when you are getting paid! But only sometimes :]) And if you do manage to locate one, do notify Mr. or Ms. Security Guard – they will know what to do.

That concludes my rant for Event Security. Do keep a look out for the next article!

Be Safe!

-Mudd-

Hi planners!

As promised in my mail not too long ago, we are going to have a series of blog entries focused on events safety.

There are many aspect of safety that you, as an events planner, need to look out for when planning or managing an event. We have identified 5 areas of safety and will discuss it in detail in the coming days.

Do keep a look out for them!

Cheers~!

-Mudd-

Creative & Devious Ways to Waste Office Supplies & Company Time

Don’t you just love the title?

While browsing through the shelves of books at the library I stumble upon this piece of gem. Wasn’t my intention to pick this book up, it just happened to catch my eyes. Who can resists picking up this book which comes with such a catchy title!

I just love it how they DIY office supplies into beautiful functional stuffs!

This is especially helpful if you are doing an office party or if you just want to save money on decor!

I shall share with you 3 of my favorites. The pictures are shown below. (Click on the pictures to enlarge!)

Cheers!

-Mudd-

p.s. I’m only returning this book in 1 week time, you can grab it then! Hee!

Not because I pity but because of his super determination, courage, fighting spirit and sincerity.

At the end of the video he had a fantastic message to share.

Watch the video to get what I mean.

Why am I touched?

Because I can totally relate to his determination of achieving his dream.

What’s my dream?

This is my dream. :]

Keep your dreams alive!

-Mudd-

Talks Richard St. John: “Success is a continuous journey”

Are you motivated?

His points are simple and direct.

Let’s create massive action today!

Tomorrow Wednesday!

-Mudd-

Hey All!

me: Have you been to a flea market recently?

you: Eh?! What?! You’re asking me which one?

me: All of them!

(i find self-conversation good therapy… hahaha)

That’s right guys, for the closet shopaholic with a stingy budget but still wanna look good and chic this is a great time for you!

There are lots of flea market popping out all around the island and we just love them!

To get you started on this crazy mad-hunting journey to greatness I’m gonna list down some the the flea markets out there, in no particular order of course. Do feel free to join their facebook group coz that’s how I know bout them!

1.  FLEA FLY FLO FUN

2.  FLEAFUGITIVES

3. What The FLEA!

4. Eureka Bazaars

5. Flea-tique! – Group

6. Flea Culture

7. SG Car Boot Sale

8. MAAD

9. Flea-Mania

10. Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM)

11. ON THE WALL (OTW) ~ Photo Bazaar

12. SULTAN ARTS FLEA

13. Singapore Fairs, Bazaars and Flea Markets

14. WTF.MKT [What The Flea Market]

15. Fleaver Kids

16. Fleaolics Events

17. Live On Fleas

18. Bazaar En Route

Anymore I’ve missed? Message me!

Happy Flea-ing!

Regards,
Mudd

Someone did ask us why didn’t we buy a car for our transportation needs since we are running around so much.

Being a driver myself I can tell you a few whys

1.    Driving in Singapore is stressful. It’s like racing!
2.    Searching for parking is horrible!
3.    You Pay and Pay!

If this is the price for convenience, then I think taking a cab is more economical.

Anyways, the main reason is, when we walk, we get lots of ideas!

We love to look at buildings, touch on signage, smell wet paint and taste the air.

You can say we get inspired when we walk or take public transportation for that matter.

Why is it important for us to get inspiration?

Because it is important to you!

You deserve the best and we will give the best. How we get the best? We get inspired. How we get inspired. We walk!

See the pattern? Hahaha

My point is, if we have our own vehicle, we will miss all this opportunity to discover new things. Yes of course you can get to travel to more quirky places if you have a vehicle. But you can’t simply park your vehicle and take a walk and then expect the vehicle to be at the end of the road waiting for you to continue your journey.

But if you go public, there’s always a bus stop or MRT station nearby! Or you can even hail for a cab!

But I’m not denying that when there’s an event we are managing and when there’s a need to transport logistics we do need a vehicle. Well, at this moment of time I’m settled with renting a van. Got a few good deals for rental, so that’s ok. Do you have any lobang for van rental? Do tell me!

Cheers~

-Mudd-