Why I Close My LinkedIn Account

I am closing my LinkedIn account.

Why?

To open another one later!

Sounds funny but that's what I'm doing, and here's why.


Closing my LinkedIn account

1.  Unauthorised access to my email contact list.
Although there are means to switch it off, once shaken, twice shy.

2.  Spammy Invites.
The "invites", as I found out later, didn't really come from the person but from robots -- the other party's contacts were also being mined!

3.  Spammy Emails.
LinkedIn has good articles coming through the emails.
But mostly, it's all spam head-hunting and invites.
Does Preferences to stop spam even work?

4.  Active Connection
I killed all.
Yet there's just this one stubborn active connection that I couldn't seem to kill.

In the first place, I never even requested connection.

5.  Time management
Time management in this case call for a full delete of the account.

For all of the above issues, there are instruction on how to prevent them from happening via preferred settings. But settings consumes time, especially when it doesn't work as well. 

Then you have to write in to Customer Service.
The hack and the hassle!

LinkedIn takes time to manage if there are data you don't want let loose.
Pronto.
Out it goes.

6.  Professional Identity
The folks who should know the value of my work already have access through my preferred choice of communication.

I may not necessarily want every one I meet to know what I do for a living.

As long as my data is "out there", I just don't feel secure, no matter what the currently provided privacy settings may be.

7.  A New Me
All in all, let's just say that the person (and all the accompanying lifestyles and en·trails that comes with it) that first open the LinkedIn account (that I am closing now), is today, an entirely different person. 

The new me has shed the old me.
The new me's a better me. 
So why have reminders of the old me?

8.  Tools and its Appropriate Use
To me, tools are meant to be used to your advantage.
The day when tools starts taking advantage of you — that's wakey wakey up time.
I need to be comfortable and secure in the tool I use.

The price I pay to avail of services - in terms of security or time - has become too high.
Time to part ways.

Update:
Viola!
As soon as I hit "Close The Account" --
a while plethora of options came up!

Now I can hide my profile, and do a lot of settings that makes for a viable option to closing it completely (in case you need it back someday or for temporary purposes).

LinkedIn should make this setting more accessible - not only when someone hits the close account tab.

Hopefully, I need not write in to LinkedIn to shut of the auto-link to my gmail contacts that shoots automated invites to them. Some members have had to do that previously, but hopefully, LinkedIn has rectified that.




Opening another LinkedIn account

Yes, I am closing one account to open another new one.

The old one reveals too much of me.

The new one will have safeguards in place - a new identity that allows me to know that is going on without revealing anything about me.

LinkedIn remains a useful resource that puts many professional profiles at your fingertips. I've been able to communicate with VIPs who otherwise will not respond via other means. 

At times, this is also the only way we can find out if an old acquaintance has move on to a new position.

If you are in the market for business or a career, this is also one essential tool that helps you tap into.



The changes are working for the moment.

With the safeguard of an alter-identity, LinkedIn can spam all they want.
I'll just take what's useful, and leave the rest.

Small & Medium Enterprises (SME)

In the 2013 Singapore Budget speech by DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam, we heard of Singapore's intent to push economic restructuring one notch up.  "If we do not achieve momentum in the next three years, there's a real risk that three years from now, we will be in exactly the same position," he said in Parliament.

One the several measures that Mr Tharman spelt out concerns help package for SMEs.  The noble aim of the help package, is not so much about the incentives, grants and subsidies earmarked for it, but about the creation of values and social responsibilities towards society, that will eventually transform Singapore by the end of this decade.

Frankly, after this Budget announcement, and the ones prior to 2013's which has other variation of incentives, those running SMEs like myself are still in a state of 'blur-ness'.  Totally blur, as in, being able to claim for grants for computer and related IT purchases, and exciting training programs, but not knowing which direction to go.  In my case, I've 2 years of Productivity and Innovation credits unclaimed, as it does appear such a hassle.  IRAS tax officers, as usual, try to help explain the brochures they put up, but I was still at sea. And IRAS of course would not help you to fill up the form, only guide you, but that's not very helpful as often, the interpretation of succinct terms can really set you off on a merry turnaround.  Certain claims e.g. for R&D would have to be justified in a report or proposal form. 

SMEs already have a lot to grabble with to ensure everything runs tip-top, so it would be something I'd rather hire someone to do. The company accountants don't specialise in Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) claims, so were of no  help.  It's only this year that I located an agency with experience on grants.

It is also only this year that I discovered that the SME Centres and Representatives from various Government Agencies host public briefing series to help address queries on issues faced by SMEs.  So if you are wondering which government assistance scheme to tap, there is consolidated help at hand now.  There is an opt-in for a one-to-one session as well.

The briefing I attended on September 24, packs the HDB Hub Auditorium.  The Q&A indicates that I wasn't the only one in the blur when it comes to government assistance schemes.  So a good number of SMEs are struggling on their own.  Probably thinking the Budget 2013 benefits are meant for bigger companies.  We may all be experts in our field, yet when it comes to grants, count me in for another session in November.  That's because in the first session, I don't even know what to ask, since despite the expert officers trying to capture the technicalities into easy-to-understand slides, there was still a lot of technical language that warps immediate comprehension.

The agenda is actually quite comprehensive and interesting.  The officers put in quite a lot of planning into it.  When you see someone put in so much effort, it's only natural to want to support it.

Hope the agenda would see future rounds:-

July 10 2013Public Briefing by: SME Centre@SMF (Singapore Manufacturing Federation)

■  SME Centre Engagement with SMEs

■  Navigating Government Assistance Schemes

■  Broadbased Government Schemes: PIC and ICv


August 03 2013Venue: Kampung Ubi Community Centre
Time: 1pm - 5.30pm

■  Broad Based Government Assistance Schemes
    by SME Centre@ASME

■  Special Employment Credit (SEC) and Workright
    by CPF Board

■  Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC) & Wage Credit Scheme (WCS)
    by Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)


September 24 2013Public Briefing by: SME Centre@SICCI (Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
Venue: HDB Hub, Toa Payoh
Time: 1pm - 5.00pm

■  Enterprise Training Support & Workpro
    by WDA

■  E-Commerce & IT for SMEs
    by SIRC@SIRS

■  Productivity and Innovation Credit (PIC)
    by Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)

■  Government Assistance for SMEs
    by SME Centre@SICCI

■  Panel Question and Answer
    by WDA | SIRC | IRAS | SME Centre

■  Pre-registered Advisory Session
    by SME Centre@SICCI


October 08 2013Public Briefing by: SME Centre@SICCI (Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
(Mandarin)
Venue: SICCI Exhibition Room (Auditorium)
Time: 2pm - 5.00pm

■  Launch of SME Centre @ SCCCI

■  Introduction of SME Centre Services

■  An Introduction of Broad based Advisory Programme
    Sharing of Government Schemes (iSPRINT, PIC, ICV, ETS, MRA)

■  Rising to the Challenge
    by SME Sharing: Tocco Studio and Top Gourmet

■  Booth Display, Network and One-to-One Advisory
    by Government Agencies


October 21 2013Public Briefing by: SME Centre@SMCCI (Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry)
(Some parts in Malay)
Venue: Kampong Ubi Community Club
Time: 2pm - 5.00pm

■  Broad-based Government Assistance Schemes
    by SME Centre@SMCCI

■  Presentation of Tax-based Schemes
    by IRAS
 
■  Question and Answer
    by All Speakers

■  Breakout Session and Light Refreshments
    by Government Agencies


November 12 2013Public Briefing by: SME Centre@SMF (Singapore Manufacturing Federation)
Venue: SMF House
Time: 2pm - 5.00pm

■  Productivity and Innovation Credit
    by IRAS

■  Innovation and Capability Voucher Scheme
    by SPRING Singapore
 
■  Enterprise Training Support Grant
    by SME Centre

■  SME Talent Programme
    by SMF

■  Question and Answer
    by Government Agencies and SME Centre


In 2005, ASME (Association of Small and Medium Enterprises) set up the EDC (Enterprise Development Centre) with the support of SPRING Singapore.  In order to better resonate with aspirations of SMEs, the EDCs have expanded to become known as SME Centres.

A segment of SMEs in Singapore are set up after a period of retrenchment or unemployment.  Another segment comes from the older age group who may find it tough to get a job that befits their experience and qualifications, and often have to made do with underemployment.  In fact, I met some ex-colleagues during the briefing who were in these situations.

One of the challenges faced by SMEs, in particularly new start-ups, remains the lack of coordinated advice.  As mentioned in my previous post, even with the help of my previous MNC mgt who allowed me to 'inherit' the project 'lock, stock and barrel', I was still running from pillar to post seeking help and advice during the process of setting up a Pte Ltd Company. Despite the retinue of secretaries and accountants that one can hire, there would always be essential information that company directors, especially, should take responsibility to be aware of.  There is a learning curve which actually never ends, bearing in mind that dynamic changes both regulatory and in the marketplace is a norm in business.

Since SMECentre@ASME is extending its reach to help SMEs and start-ups, this is a good time to contact one of their business advisors. 

SME Red Tapes

Forum - Straits Times: Set up body to look after SMEs' needs

ST reader Tay Boon Suat made several good points in his letter:-

*  There are 160,000 SMEs in Singapore. 

*  Many SME bosses have to visit various government agencies to resolve issues.

*  Although there are Aid agencies like Spring Singapore, Singapore Workforce

    Development Agency, etc., many SMEs are unable to tap it owing to lack of

    appropriate help.

*  SMEs contribute about half of Singapore's gross domestic products, so they deserve

    a dedicated body to take care of their needs.

*  He suggests that the Government consider setting up an SME board, similar to

    those in Britain and Germany, to look after the sector's future development and

    well-being.

The purpose of such a board should ideally be to:-

*  Take charge of the development of SMEs

*  Coordination with other industry sectors

*  Become the single government agency to direct the SMEs to the appropriate help.

*  Help SMEs tap the relevant aid schemes

*  Coordinate information and schedules of all courses relevant to SMEs

He is correct.  To set up an SME, a business has to deal with quite an assortment of agencies:-

*  ACRA (Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority)

    Although the guys at ACRA are immersely helpful, and willing to stick it out until you get

    it, we surrender and just resort to a Secretarial Firm to help us register the licence.

    For specific businesses like money changers, travel agencies etc., you deal with the

    other related agencies as well.

*  Secretarial Companies

    We shop around 5-6 places before landing with an ideal one that has friendlier staff.

    It sure makes life simpler when a supportive team handles complex stuff which

    requires explanation. We avoid those with itemized charges, and chose a package

    that also covers basic accounting requirements.

*  Banks with Corporate Banking Facilities

    There is one bank that has very very poor service!

    It's mentioned in forums.

    We went for it as it seems to suit out needs, then find the bank's errors ends up

    clogging time and cluttering paperwork.

    Don't touch it!

*  IRAS (Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore)

    During initial registration, the e-Services Authorisation System (EASY) Access Code

    actually turns out to be not so easy. It involves a trip to IRAS's Revenue House at 55

    Newton Road, before we figure out where this EASY Access Code comes into the

    picture.

    They are very helpful folks, even when you call by phone. 

    They have enabled simpler form of SME reporting for some SMEs, one of which is

    by abolishing the need to file ECI (Estimated Chargeable Income).

    Nevertheless, we also surrender and just hire an Accounting Firm to do the

    tax-related works.

*  AGD (Accountant-General's Department, Singapore).

    We knew the Attorney-General of Singapore's office exists.

    But we never knew the existence of the Accountant-General's Department until we

    become SME. We had some tricky acts dealing with bank codes and other stuff, but

    the lady there resolves it well. 

      

*  CPF Board

    Payroll matters if you need to pay CPF and Medisave to staff.

    There are penalties for late payment.

    You can pay an Accounting Firm for this accountancy service as well.

*  GeBIZ (Government Electronic Business)  

    In order to bid for Government projects, you need to first register with GeBIZ

    (Government Electronic Business) as a Government Supplier (GeBIZ Trading

    Partner).

*  EPPU (Expenditure and Policies Procurement Unit)

    For some tenders, you may also need to be registered as an Expenditure and Policies

    Procurement Unit (EPPU) Supplier or Building and Construction Authority (BCA)

    Supplier. Select the appropriate EPPU categories of Supply Heads.

   

    Next, pay and submit to the ACRA-appointed agency.

    Await confirmation of the minimum Financial Grades required for tender qualification.

*  Aid Agencies for sponsorship, courses, appropriate help.

    Helter Skelter encounter for many.

    With so many processes and strings attached, tenacity is required before help is found.

So despite having good secretariat and accounting support, SME bosses still have quite a bit of homework to do on their own.  

An SME hub where all the related agencies are represented would help immensely.