Who would you say ‘thank you’ to?

I want to do something different this year; something that will take me out of my comfort zone. How about becoming a writer? I recall Alan Weiss’ advice: to become a writer, just write, consistently. English is my 3rd language and what the heck, let just do it. I am not rich enough to hire a ghost writer and even when you have one, it seems that you don’t always get want you want. So, what you see is what you get. And you, who would you say ‘thank you’ to?

For my first share, the first thing I want to do is say thank you. My business is small and still, I am different as I am learning and growing every day. I am not a religious person and God knows how bad I am. I want to say ‘thank you God’ for listening and sharing your love in the tough times.

When I was in college, I did what my parents told me which was going to school and finding a job that pays well. I did exactly that, and I didn’t enjoy much as I couldn’t find my path. A friend of mine referred me to the book, “Rich Dad Poor Dad”. I bought it and it was exactly what I was looking for. I’ve read many business books but that one opened up my mind to a new horizon. I still remember Robert Kiyosaki’s teaching: school teaches you to be a good employee but not to be rich. He explained how to think differently, and I decided to become an entrepreneur. Thank you very much, Robert. I wouldn’t be in business without your advice.

Who doesn’t know Richard Branson? What an admirable entrepreneur. He built his empire from the ground up. He loves challenges and chooses paths that most don’t take. His book, “Losing My Virginity” inspired me to name my company “IT Unlock”. Hopefully, someday, I could also unlock money, real estate, etc.  I am still a big fan of his blogs to get inspiration. Like we say, motivation is like a shower, it is required once per day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Richard.

I was the guy who loved making quick bucks in the stock market. Warren Buffet, the oracle of Omaha; the biggest investor of all time. After reading Buffet’s book, I stopped speculating.    I learned so much from him and thanks to Warren, I and anyone can do better than 90% of the professional investors. One of Buffet’s  best quotes is: Be Fearful When Others Are Greedy and Greedy When Others Are Fearful. Thank you so much for everything you gave to others.

My brother was one of the  boat people. He came to Canada at the beginning of the ’80s. He brought our family to Canada for a better life. He took care of his parents, sisters and brothers with the means he had. I had no clue how good Canada could be when I was 12 years old. Canada is a country where we could make our dreams come true. My brother, Bac Hai Nguyen, is an entrepreneur. I didn’t have any notion of what it means to be an entrepreneur, and my first business lessons were from his company. I made a lot of mistakes at work, and I still give myself the chance to continue to make them. That is the only way to learn and grow.

I am still learning from him every day. What a great brother! I don’t thank you enough big bro.

I know Kenzo Le Hong from college. What a nice guy! When I started my business, he was one of the first who was there to exchange ideas. Even though he is extremely busy now with his job, his restaurant and his family, he still frees up time to support my endeavours. Professionally, we grew up together. Our points of view could diverge sometimes and that’s what we call ‘team work’. If we had the same opinions all the time, one of us would be redundant. There are not many friends like him in a lifetime.  ‘Thank you’ to you, buddy.

I am so lucky for marrying my wife, Madalina Sorina Stefan. She is beautiful. She gave me two wonderful kids and takes care of the family, except I clean the toilet. We don’t have a straight relationship. She is the best investment of my life. What can I ask for more? I could write a long text about how marvellous she is but I will sum it up in three words: I love you.

There are many more people that I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to. Thank you for all those who supported and inspired me. The best is yet to come.