Blog - Mazlan Abbas

My Experience at the Two-Day Smart Cities Event: Juggling Multiple Roles

Day 1:

As dawn broke, my anticipation for the Smart Cities Event was palpable. A unique opportunity awaited me, one that was going to challenge my versatility – to serve as the Chairperson, a Speaker, and a Moderator all in the same event. The mere thought made my adrenaline rush, but I was determined to rise to the occasion.

Taking up the reins as the Chairperson, my initial responsibility lay in introducing the speakers. With meticulous research and profound respect for their work, I sought to present each speaker’s background in a way that was just and insightful. Managing time efficiently was crucial, ensuring the event flowed seamlessly and respected our shared schedule.

Particularly stimulating was engaging the audience during the Q&A sessions. I put in extra effort to prepare additional questions for the speakers, ensuring that everyone had something to answer. The goal was not only to stimulate dialogue but to ensure relevance and engagement. The process required a deep understanding of the topics and a keen sense of what would resonate with our audience.

Day 2:

On the second day, I stepped up to the podium as a Speaker, preparing a 45-minute talk on the topic of ‘IoT in Action: How Smart City Drive Data Driven Decision Making’. The audience’s questions pushed me to reflect more deeply on my subject matter, challenging me to provide thoughtful and comprehensive answers.

Later, I put on my Moderator’s hat for two panel sessions, with one of the panelists joining us virtually. Some of the topics were not necessarily my areas of expertise, but I embraced the challenge. Ensuring the questions posed were pertinent and meaningful was at the forefront of my approach. It was also essential to uphold fairness, allowing each speaker equal opportunities to express their views and insights.

The experience of multitasking was indeed tiring but equally rewarding. Despite the packed schedule and diverse roles, I found joy and fulfillment in the proceedings. What I took away was a deeper understanding of the topics, the joy of facilitating meaningful conversations, and the thrill of successfully multitasking in an event of such magnitude. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity and the enriching experiences that these two days offered me. Here’s to embracing more such challenges and growing through them!

Embracing Change: Lessons Learned from Clinging to Three Products without Pivoting

In the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, the ability to adapt and pivot is often the key to survival. Unfortunately, my experience building three products taught me the hard way about the consequences of clinging on stubbornly without embracing change. We held on to these products, hoping for the best, but the time to pivot had come, and we failed to seize the opportunities for transformation.

The First Product: A Reluctant Farewell
The first product was close to our hearts, and we had invested almost five years in its development. Despite our emotional attachment, we realized that the market demand was not sufficient to sustain its life. We attempted to pivot by expanding into new market segments, but we struggled to gain traction. Ultimately, we had to accept the harsh reality and make the difficult decision to end its life.

The Second Product: Smart City Dreams Unfulfilled
The second product was ambitious, targeting smart cities with innovative solutions. We believed in its potential and held on to the hope that it would be accepted eventually. However, that day never came. Paid customers remained elusive, and our refusal to pivot resulted in a prolonged struggle for relevance.

The Third Product: A Game without Winners
Our third product, a consumer game, failed to gain significant traction. Despite recognizing the lack of momentum, we were reluctant to give up. We attempted to pivot towards enterprise customers, but the true buy-in we sought remained out of reach.

Learning the Importance of Pivoting
Through these experiences, we learned the value of being agile and customer-focused. Pivoting doesn’t always mean abandoning a product entirely; it can be as simple as finding new market segments or making strategic changes. Our reluctance to pivot cost us time and valuable resources, but it was an invaluable lesson in recognizing the need to adapt to changing circumstances.

The Consequences of Refusing to Change
Clutching onto a sinking ship is a dangerous gamble. Similarly, refusing to change course when faced with roadblocks can lead to stagnation and eventual failure. The refusal to pivot can be likened to steering blindly towards a dead-end.

Embracing Agile and Customer-Focused Approach
These experiences have transformed our approach to product development and entrepreneurship. We now understand the importance of staying agile and being attuned to the needs and preferences of our customers. We have embraced a customer-focused mindset, seeking feedback and leveraging insights to refine our products continually.

Conclusion: A Lesson Learned
Clinging on to products without being willing to pivot can be a costly mistake. Our journey has taught us that in the ever-changing landscape of entrepreneurship, adaptability is paramount. We have learned from our failures and are now committed to embracing change, transforming challenges into opportunities, and building products that truly resonate with our target audience.

The road to success is not without obstacles, but with a more agile and customer-focused approach, we are better equipped to navigate the ever-evolving entrepreneurial landscape and create products that not only survive but thrive in the face of change.

Learning on the Go: The Power of Podcasts in My Daily Commute

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for continuous learning can be a challenge. As an entrepreneur with a busy schedule, I have discovered a valuable source of knowledge during my daily commute – podcasts. While I prefer to work in silence to maintain focus, my drive to and from work presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in podcasts hosted by well-known figures, offering valuable advice on entrepreneurship, blogging, and social media tips.

The Commute: A Window of Opportunity
My daily commute to work, spanning 40 to 69 minutes, may seem like an unavoidable downtime. However, I have transformed it into a productive and enlightening experience by tuning into podcasts. Rather than passively enduring the drive, I now actively absorb valuable insights from these podcasts, making the most of this otherwise idle time.

Podcasts: The Ideal Learning Medium
While reading books demands dedicated time and attention, podcasts offer a more flexible way to learn. Podcasts bring valuable content right to my ears, enabling me to learn something new, stay updated with industry trends, and gain insights from experienced professionals, all while driving.

Empowering Entrepreneurs and Bloggers
As an entrepreneur, I understand the importance of continuous learning in my journey to success. Podcasts hosted by accomplished figures in the business world provide invaluable advice, real-life experiences, and strategies for growth. Listening to these entrepreneurial insights during my commute empowers me with knowledge to apply in my own ventures.

Social Media Tips: Navigating the Digital Landscape
In today’s digital age, social media plays a pivotal role in business growth and visibility. Listening to podcasts that delve into social media tips and strategies equips me with the tools to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape effectively.

Maximizing Limited Reading Time
Like many professionals, I find it challenging to allocate enough time for reading books amidst my busy schedule. However, podcasts offer a convenient solution to this dilemma. By tuning in during my commute, I can learn from the wisdom of experts without sacrificing my work or leisure time.

Making the Most of Every Moment
Embracing podcasts during my commute has taught me the significance of maximizing every moment of my day. By turning an ordinary drive into a valuable learning experience, I seize the opportunity to grow, adapt, and stay ahead in my entrepreneurial journey.

Conclusion: The Power of Learning on the Move
In a world where time is a precious commodity, finding creative ways to continue learning is vital. Podcasts have become my go-to medium for self-improvement, entrepreneurship insights, and social media expertise during my daily commute. By making the most of this idle time, I have discovered a powerful tool for continuous growth and development.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, blogger, or professional seeking knowledge, podcasts offer a gateway to a wealth of information and inspiration. Embrace the opportunity to learn on the move, and you’ll soon find yourself transformed by the valuable insights and wisdom shared by industry experts. So, the next time you hop into your car, plug in your earphones, and dive into the world of podcasts – a journey of learning awaits!

Spotify – My Favoriot App for listening Podcasts

Learning from Mistakes: Building the Fourth Product – Favoriot IoT Platform

Every entrepreneur dreams of creating a product that revolutionizes the industry and gains widespread acclaim. However, I learned the hard way that simply building a great product is not enough; one must also consider the crucial role of customers in the equation. My experience with building the fourth product, Favoriot IoT Platform, taught me the valuable lesson of never ignoring the customer.

The Early Days: A Product Without an Audience
In the initial two years, we focused solely on developing the Favoriot IoT Platform without putting much emphasis on marketing. While we offered the platform for free, we struggled to attract a significant user base and convert them into paying subscribers. It was like throwing a grand party without inviting anyone to join.

Leveraging Expertise to Gain Exposure
To rectify this oversight, I recognized the potential of leveraging my position as an Industry Advisory Panel member in several universities. This offered a golden opportunity to not only contribute to building IoT syllabi but also to introduce our IoT platform to the academic community. Through talks at universities and industry events, we gained better exposure and recognition.

Harnessing Social Media for Brand Promotion
Acknowledging the power of social media, we made a concerted effort to leverage various channels to promote the Favoriot brand and solutions. By actively engaging with the audience on platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook, we increased awareness and generated interest in our IoT platform.

Building Credibility with IoT Trainings and Certificates
One of the significant steps we took to build credibility was to introduce IoT trainings with Professional Certificates. This not only provided valuable knowledge to our audience but also demonstrated our expertise and commitment to advancing the IoT industry.

The Importance of Customer-Centricity
Through these experiences, we learned that a good product alone is insufficient to ensure success. Understanding and catering to the needs of our customers were paramount. By listening to their feedback, addressing pain points, and providing exceptional customer support, we transformed our product from an empty Carnegie Hall to a vibrant concert buzzing with an engaged audience.

The Journey Towards Success
Our journey with Favoriot IoT Platform has been one of growth, learning, and adaptation. Ignoring customers is a mistake we’ll never make again. Instead, we embraced a customer-centric approach, valuing their insights and feedback, and using them to refine and improve our product continually.

A Bright Future Ahead
As we move forward, we are committed to maintaining the momentum and ensuring that Favoriot continues to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The lessons learned from our early missteps have made us more resilient and more determined to succeed in the competitive landscape of IoT platforms.

Conclusion
Building the fourth product, Favoriot IoT Platform, has been a transformative experience. It taught me the significance of focusing on the customer and the impact of incorporating their insights into every aspect of our product and marketing strategy. The journey continues, and with our customers by our side, the future looks promising for Favoriot as we stride towards greater success.

Finding Harmony in Chaos: My Journey of Building 4 Products

The entrepreneurial journey is a roller coaster ride, loaded with thrills, spills, and a few sharp curves. It’s a course I’ve been riding for some time now, having launched four distinct products, each carrying its own set of lessons. I want to share my experience with you, not as a tale of defeat but one of learning and perseverance. Each product was a stepping stone, a building block towards the ultimate goal, each failure a lesson in resilience.

Product One: Serving the Seniors

My first venture aimed to bridge the digital divide for seniors. However, I underestimated two crucial factors: the market size and the design. The elder market was too narrow for the type of product I was offering, and my design was not user-friendly for my audience.

Designing for seniors required a delicate balance of simplicity and functionality that I missed in my initial attempt. I realized the importance of user-centric design, understanding the user’s mindset, and crafting a product that resonates with their unique needs.

Product Two: Smart Cities, Smarter Competitors

The second product was an ambitious project aimed at smart cities. I did not anticipate that my innovative solution could be easily copied and that the challenge was not just creating a unique product but protecting it as well. Furthermore, I overlooked the struggle of getting the necessary buy-in from stakeholders in the city planning and development sectors.

This experience taught me two important lessons: the need for a robust intellectual property strategy and the necessity of stakeholder management and negotiation skills in highly institutionalized sectors.

Product Three: Tracking the Privacy Trail

For the third product, I ventured into the consumer tracking and family safety space. Here, I ran headlong into the complex issue of privacy. While my intentions were positive – to provide safety and security – I failed to anticipate the resistance from potential customers, who viewed it as an invasion of privacy.

The takeaway from this was the need to navigate the thin line between providing a beneficial service and respecting users’ privacy rights. It made me realize that as a product builder, one needs to stay not just abreast of technological advancements but also of societal trends, concerns, and legalities.

Conclusion: Progressing through Perseverance

The failures of my first three products were undoubtedly tough. However, each failure, each misstep, was a necessary part of my journey. They sharpened my understanding of the product-market fit, refined my skills as a product designer, and expanded my perspective on the dynamics between technology, society, and law.

With every failure, I learned to rise again, to iterate, and to innovate. I grew to appreciate that resilience is just as essential to an entrepreneur as creativity and intelligence. Ultimately, those failures led me to my fourth product, informed by all these hard-learned lessons.

Remember, “Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford. So, here’s to all the entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to fail, to learn, and to start again!

Diving Deep into the Vortex of Social Media Content Creation: A Journey of Timeless Engagement

As the sun stretches its rays over the horizon and a new day dawns, I embark on my daily journey of content creation. This is a vibrant and multifaceted dance, involving a whirlwind of activities across a multitude of platforms. From Facebook to LinkedIn, Twitter to TikTok, YouTube, and now even Threads, my digital footprint extends far and wide.

Creating content on these social media platforms isn’t just about reading or casually browsing; it’s an immersive task that draws me in, often making me lose track of time. Every platform has its unique essence and audience, and engaging each requires a nuanced approach and a great deal of time and dedication.

Video content creation, for example, is a whole new world in itself. It’s not simply filming a few seconds of footage and uploading it; it’s about meticulous storyboarding, thoughtful editing, adding effects, and more. The process demands creativity, attention to detail, and time – lots of it. Platforms like Midjourney come in handy for video editing, making this formidable task slightly more manageable.

Next up is graphic design. Whether it’s crafting eye-catching images or designing striking posters, the pursuit of the perfect visual to complement my content can be an absorbing one. Tools like Canva serve as reliable allies in this endeavour, providing me with an array of design possibilities at my fingertips.

While the morning hours are dedicated to content creation, the later part of the day is for distribution and publishing. Strategically timed to maximize engagement, each post is dispatched to its respective platform, set out into the digital ocean to find its audience.

Parallel to this, I also manage two active blogs. This isn’t simply about crafting compelling blog posts; it also involves vigilantly monitoring blog statistics. Every other hour, I find myself checking the stats, keenly observing which articles are making an impact and which ones need improvement.

In the fast-paced world of social media, being a content creator is a role that demands more than just creativity. It’s about managing time, juggling multiple tasks, and constantly learning and evolving. It’s a vortex that draws you in, a world where the tick-tock of the clock becomes just background noise. And even though it may seem overwhelming at times, the thrill of creating, connecting, and engaging makes every moment worth it.

As the sun sets, I look back at the day, tired but fulfilled. I’ve navigated the endless sea of social media, put forth my voice in the digital cacophony, and made my mark, one post at a time. And as I prepare for another day, I know that the world of content creation will continue to be an enthralling journey where time is merely a concept, easily forgotten in the vibrant hustle of creating and sharing.

Twitter and many other social media channels

Embracing Life’s Adventure: My Journey From an Academician to an Entrepreneur

Adventure has always called out to me, much louder than the beckoning of security. The latter might entail a 9 to 5 job and the comfort of familiar surroundings. But the former? It promises an exploration of the unknown, an opportunity to constantly evolve, and the exhilarating thrill of novel experiences. This is why I’ve chosen to tread the path less taken, embarking on a diverse career journey that includes being an academician, researcher, telecommunications manager, and entrepreneur.

The Joy of Solo Travel

There’s a profound pleasure in discovering new places, and doing so alone adds an extra layer of allure. The solitary nature of these trips allows me to immerse myself more deeply in the experiences, unfiltered and unhindered by the perspectives of companions.

I’ve roamed through the busy city streets and quiet countryside of numerous countries, each journey teaching me more about the world and, in turn, about myself. I’ve felt the pulse of various cultures, tasted the flavors of foreign cuisines, and discovered the beauty of centuries-old historical sites. These experiences have not only broadened my horizon but also deepened my appreciation for diversity.

Diving into Entrepreneurship

Just like the thrill of setting foot in a new country, diving into entrepreneurship has been a roller coaster ride, filled with exhilarating highs and challenging lows. It is a test of resilience and innovation, a constant journey of learning and adapting.

Understanding the needs and wants of both customers and vendors has been a particularly enlightening experience. It has taught me to balance the scale between fulfilling customer expectations and respecting vendor capabilities. This journey, filled with unique challenges, has also revealed to me the pain points of being an employer and the joy of successful business milestones.

Being an IoT Thought Leader

As an entrepreneur, my ventures have led me towards the path of Internet of Things (IoT). The industry is still nascent, teeming with possibilities, and ripe for revolution. This has provided me the opportunity to educate the younger generation about the potential of IoT and nurture their innovative ideas.

The thrill of being an IoT thought leader lies in exploring the technology’s infinite potential and guiding others along the way. It’s about problem-solving on a grand scale, developing solutions that can simplify lives, boost businesses, and even reshape cities.

Conclusion

Choosing a life of adventure over security has its challenges, but for me, the rewards far outweigh the trials. Whether it’s exploring a foreign country, navigating the demanding world of entrepreneurship, or leading the charge in IoT innovation, every step in this journey has been filled with invaluable lessons and experiences. I wouldn’t trade this adventurous life for anything else. Adventure, after all, is the best way to learn, grow, and truly live.

How I Build a Blog Article That Gave Me 10 Times Traffic Views

After almost two years of blogging on Mazlan Abbas Blog, I have found myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have been through together. It has been filled with ups, downs, lessons, and ultimately, success. The blog focuses on a myriad of topics such as entrepreneurship, thought leadership, startup adventures, and the ever-evolving world of social media.

The blogging journey began modestly. My aim was to contribute valuable content that would inspire and guide others on their entrepreneurial path. Every post was a labor of love, combining my personal experiences with knowledge gleaned from years of working in the startup sector.

Despite the hurdles, there was always a steady increase in views and reader engagement. This gave me the motivation to keep exploring and documenting my entrepreneurial journey, thought leadership, and startup growth strategies.

However, nothing could have prepared me for what happened in April 2023.

The turning point came in the form of a post titled “The Ultimate ChatGPT Cheat Sheets“. It was an effort to simplify the use of this artificial intelligence model for others who might find it intimidating or complex. The post provided easy-to-understand cheat sheets, creating a bridge between users and this AI language model.

Suddenly, the post went viral. The response was overwhelming. Readers from around the globe began flocking to the blog to consume this content. It felt like we had hit a gold mine of engagement and interest. The views on this post alone accounted for a whopping 50% of the total views on the blog, catapulting our monthly traffic tenfold in just three months.

As we dissected this sudden growth, we realized that the major chunk of our traffic came from Google search. The ‘The Ultimate ChatGPT Cheat Sheet‘ post was ranking high on search results, attracting a vast audience that we had not tapped into before. It seems Google had recognized the value our post provided and deemed it worthy of a higher rank, thus driving a significant amount of organic traffic to the blog.

In hindsight, the formula for this success was a combination of valuable, easy-to-understand content that met a need, and the mysterious workings of search engine algorithms that chose to favor our offering.

This experience has not only shaped my blogging journey but also shed light on the unpredictable nature of digital content. It has taught me that sometimes, all it takes is one viral post to propel a blog into the limelight.

As I continue to contribute to Mazlan Abbas Blog, I will remember this extraordinary phase, keeping in mind the power of valuable content and the influence of search engine rankings. It will serve as a testament to our potential and a benchmark for our future endeavors. Here’s to many more viral posts and an ever-growing readership!

How To Increase Comfort in Your Daily Life

Treat yourself occasionally: Splurge on that one thing you’ve had your eye on. It can give you something to look forward to.
Connect with nature: Take a walk in a park or garden, or just sit outside for a bit. The fresh air can be surprisingly refreshing.
Learn something new: Take up a hobby or learn a new skill. This can be both engaging and fun.
Set boundaries: Make sure you’re not overextending yourself. It’s okay to say no sometimes.
Practice mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to just be present in the moment.
Stay organized: Keeping your space clean and organized can go a long way in reducing stress and increasing comfort.

Remember, what works for one person might not work for another, so it’s all about finding what makes you happiest and most comfortable!

Laksa Johor – The Most Delicious

Laksa Johor is often considered the best due to its unique amalgamation of flavors and cultural influences. Here are a few reasons:

Blend of Cultures: The use of spaghetti in this dish is a nod to the cultural exchange between Johor and the West, adding a unique element that differentiates it from other types of laksa.
Rich and Complex Flavors: The gravy in Laksa Johor is a harmonious blend of various ingredients, each contributing to its overall richness. Fresh fish, dried shrimp, coconut milk, and curry powder provide a savory and spicy base, while aromatics like ginger, lemongrass, garlic, and onions add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Healthy and Fresh Toppings: The addition of fresh vegetables and herbs not only adds a colorful and appealing presentation but also contributes a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich, hearty gravy.
Unique Eating Experience: The tradition of eating Laksa Johor with one’s hands heightens the sensory experience of the meal, making it a more intimate and unique culinary adventure.
Versatility: Its rich and hearty nature makes Laksa Johor a satisfying meal any time of the day, suitable for both casual and special occasions.

Thus, the unique combination of cultural influences, rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and a distinctive eating experience makes Laksa Johor stand out among other dishes.