CAREERS: Q&A with ... Name: Margaret Yeung - Job title: Regional ebusiness development manager, Moet Hennessy Asia-Pacific
<p>What is your greatest work achievement? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>It would have to be when I helped launch a new perfume for a leading </p><p>brand. I was part of the team that organised the sales, training, </p><p>motivation, merchandising, and launch in North Asia. At the time, it was </p><p>the best-selling launch of a fragrance. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What would you do if you weren't in marketing? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I am concerned about social and environmental issues, so possibly </p><p>working for non-profit associations, or working in a job that gives back </p><p>to the community. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What was your big break? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>When I first came back to Asia to work, and I didn't have any regional </p><p>nor luxury goods management experience. I was given a great opportunity </p><p>to work for a major cosmetic brand. My boss at the time, took a big risk </p><p>in hiring me, and the rest is history. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I have had a few mentors, but the one I remember most, was a trainer </p><p>named Lena Gan. She had a great ability to inspire and motivate. When </p><p>things were tough, she always had a positive word of advice. She also </p><p>showed genuine interest in people she spoke to. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Is there a secret to your success? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Setting goals, and re-visiting those goals from time to time. Thanking </p><p>the people who helped you along the way because nobody does it alone. </p><p>And having a great passion for the work I do - you have to love it. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>How do you handle difficult clients? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I normally try to see things from the other party's point of view. This </p><p>often involves adjusting my own expectations of the negotiation at hand. </p><p>Also, the time frame may need to be re-adjusted. Taking a deep breath </p><p>also helps. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What advice would you give to the next person to do your current </p><p>job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Get to know the internal parties well first. If you have their support </p><p>from the beginning, then rolling out initiatives will be a lot smoother. </p><p>Also, start with focused projects and specific objectives. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What are you currently reading that will help you in your job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Jack - Straight from the Gut - the autobiography of Jack Welch, Create </p><p>Online (these are great web designer magazines), and I subscribe to many </p><p>e-alerts and news reports such as FT.com. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>