The Royal Easter Show – A Lost Opportunity

Ric Vatner | April 15, 2010

Why would you go to the show today if it wasn’t to keep the kids happy for a couple of hours? Even “The Show” must find its unique selling proposition and prove it is worth the effort and the money.

I have one idea I think is worth pursuing, I think it could be a mini expo – a time to show off what Australian business is up to? Manufacturers could show off their latest products and hair dressers for example could promote their skills with shows and low cost hair does for the visitors

Up Coming Speaking Engagements

Ric Vatner | March 10, 2010

I found Philoagora on the Internet by accident about twelve months ago. I was searching for some information and was directed to their web site by Google. At first I was sure it must be in England or America as I had never heard of any philosophy groups in Sydney. When I saw they met in a cafe in Glebe Point Rd my first thought was, “Boy they have a Glebe Point Rd over there too”. I know, I can be a bit obtuse at times.

Has America Peaked or is the Best to Come?

Ric Vatner | February 4, 2010

I found a lot of good material during my research and if you are interested in world affairs including who’s hot and whose not and where the world is heading politically I think you will enjoy reading it.

Market Fragmentation is a Problem in China Too!

Ric Vatner | January 23, 2010

We discussed the problems inherent in traditional media and the fragmented market (i.e. you can’t just buy an advert on TV during prime time these days and know you will get to most of your target market). The surprising thing (for me) was that it seems it is the same in China and they were very interested in finding out how to overcome that issue.

Giving a Talk to a Non English Speaking Audience

Ric Vatner | January 19, 2010

This was the first time I have ever given a talk to a non English speaking audience that had to be translated as I spoke. I can tell you it is not as easy as it looks.

I did everything I could in advance to make the talk work. I had my PowerPoint presentation translated into Chinese and I sent the translator a copy of my talk in advance so she could read it and prepare.

So what could go wrong?

Speaking Engagements Jan & Feb 2010

Ric Vatner | January 8, 2010

I’ve got some interesting speaking engagements coming up over the next few weeks. On the 18th January I am giving a talk to 24 Chinese school principals who are visiting Australia on a study tour. The topic is Confucius / Confucian Philosophy. I hope I pass.

On the 22nd January I am giving a talk to another group from China. These are Chinese CEO’s and I will be wearing my business hat and talking about Internet marketing, Social Media and eSTV.

Finally on Tuesday 2nd of February I’m debating Stephen from Ariel Bookshop at the Philosophy Corner meeting which is held at Ariel Bookshop, 42 Oxford St Paddington. This is our first meeting for 2010 and promises to be a real corker. The topic is “American Dominance of world affairs is over and it is a Spent Force” or something similar to that.

Is Eastern Philosophy Really Philosophy?

Ric Vatner | October 10, 2009

The thing that makes me smile is that western philosophers regularly refer to Eastern Philosophy as Mysticism or Religion rather than as philosophy but it is the great mono theistic religions that promise a better life in the next world whereas in China Confucianism and Taoism seem to be happy to teach a philosophy that helps you to live in peace and contentment in this life.

So which one is Mysticism or religious-philosophy and does it really matter?