CAREERS: Q&A with ... Yolanda Chan, Chief marketing director, Microsoft Hong Kong

<p>Name: Yolanda Chan </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Age: Thirtysomething </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Job title: Chief marketing director, Microsoft Hong Kong </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What is your greatest achievement? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>There have been a lot of achievements and much satisfaction over the </p><p>past11 years at Microsoft. Indeed, I have found it most challenging and </p><p>satisfying working for Microsoft, as I am empowered to run any </p><p>assignment or make business decisions like I am running my own </p><p>business. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What would be your dream brand to work on and why? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>This is it, Microsoft. My background is IT and I simply think this is </p><p>the star brand in the industry to work for. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What would you do if you weren't in marketing? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I would continue to work and contribute to the IT industry, given my </p><p>background and experience in this sector. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Who was your mentor and how did this person influence you? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, has always been my mentor and </p><p>influenced me most in my career. He has great passion and commitment to </p><p>not only the business and IT industry, but also to people working in the </p><p>company. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Is there a secret to your success? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Not really. I guess everyone who has a strong and clear career goal, </p><p>passion and commitment to what they do, can be successful. Of course, </p><p>family support is also critical. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>How do you handle difficult clients? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I'd say most customers are reasonable and approachable. Customers are </p><p>usually satisfied after they understand the issue and/or have a </p><p>solution. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I first try to understand what is bothering the customers then do my </p><p>best to help identify and resolve the issue. If there isn't a solution,I </p><p>try to explain this. Customer care is critical to a company or </p><p>individual's success. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What advice would you give to the next person in your job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>The IT industry is dynamic. The person in this role needs not only good </p><p>marketing skills, but also a passion in IT to stay on top. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>What are you currently reading that will help you in your job? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I read many dailes, websites and computer journals to keep up with the </p><p>latest movements in the IT industry and Hong Kong market. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>I also read Asiaweek, Newsweek and Fortune to keep up with happenings in </p><p>Asia and the global market, and books related to management skills. </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>Who is the businessperson you most admire and why? </p><p><BR><BR> </p><p>This has to be Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. He's a smart and </p><p>intelligent person, with passion and commitment. </p><p><BR><BR> </p>