THE CON TRÂU TIMES Issue 8 - Sep - 2012
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES
Credits Publisher Hr Department Designer Bui Minh Tan Staff Writers Pham Thi Dien Nguyen Thu Huong Trang Kim Tuong Editor Bev Taylor Ray Petts
Table of Contents 1. Joining and Leaving Buffalo Family 2. Best Staff of the month 3. Recruitment News 4. Launching ISO Project in BT Thailand 5. First in-house Guide Training in Saigon 11 - 13 Sep, 2012 6. Mekong Delta Experience 7. Guests’ Feedback 8. 7 Tips to make you more productive 9. Birthdays and Anniversaries of October 10 New born Buffalo
Customers’s contribution Michelle Thomas Katie Watson Arthur Jen
Tip of the month “To accomplish great things, we must not
only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Anatole France
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES
Joining Buffalo tours Ms. Le Thien Huong – BTA Travel Consultant – SG Office My name is Huong. I’m very glad to become a member of the BTA team.I believe Buffalo Tours has a positive work environment so I think this is a good opportunity for me work for a company where my skills and qualifications can make a difference. I like to travel to various places and eat the unique local food.
Mr. NaruponPleanchuen (Jeff) Jeff has good experiences in negotiating and contracting hotels from the travel trade, good with Adobe and is joining our Purchasing Team in Thailand. He enjoys photography, music, technology and traveling. Jeff is very friendly, easy going and hard-working. That is why he can get along well with Buffalo Tour (Thailand) team.
Ms. PattanuchNarongtrairat Pong graduated from Bangkok University with a major in Hotel &Tourism. She holds valuable experience in tour operations from working with Japanese travel agent. Pong is already successfully running our tours, cooperating with guides and clients in Thailand. Pong is very friendly, nice and easy going. That is why she can get along well with Buffalo Tour (Thailand) team.
Leaving us Mr. Vo Duy Tien - SG Office had worked as a BTA Travel Consultant from 30th May 2012 until 14th August 2012. We all will keep good memories which you gave us and wish you to success in your life after leaving BT.
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES
h t n o m e h t fa f of
St
Ms Sucheera Sasisuriyabhoom (Pook) - Reservation Staff of BT Thailand August was the start of a new monthly event, when Buffalo Tours Thailand found our first staff of the month. The nomination criteria are similar to the ones implemented in Vietnam and ensure the Staff of the Month exceeds standards for quality and job performance. We are proud to announce Miss SucheeraSasisuriyabhoom (Pook), from the Reservations Department is the staff of the month in August. She has showed a great performance, flawlessly exceeding all the measurements
: s w e N t n e m t i Recru
vGroup Training Manager Assistant – Hanoi Office (01) Develop and conduct training programs for Buffalo Tours (Hanoi and Saigon), iVIVU, Cholon Tours and Mai Chau Lodge (Brands to be added more based on the business growth) • A degree or BA or Teaching Diploma is a must • Fluent English and mother language (spoken and written) • Delivery Skills in training • Worked in the Training field as Training Executive or Coordinator level at least two years. • Working background in International five-star Hotel, Travel industry or Retail-Consumer-related function is preferable / an advantage. vLanguage Intern – Hanoi Office (01) To assist with the marketing and sales of Buffalo Tours for
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German- French and Spanish speaking markets. German intern required to start immediately, French and Spanish positions will also be available around March 2013 • Native German – French – Spanish speaker • Student studying a degree or diploma in Tourism, Travel, Hospitality, Marketing or Business Management v Sales Manager - Hanoi Office (01) The Sales Manager is responsible in the Hanoi area for increasing BTA brand awareness, identifying new opportunities and increasing sales while enlarging the range of outbound products offered by BTA. • University graduate degree in tourism or hospitality • At-least 5 years of sales management experience, preferably in the field of tourism, hospitality or airlines
THE CON TRÂU TIMES
t c e j o d r n P a l i O a S h I T g s n r i u h o c n T u La in Buffalo P
rocess, Quality System, ISO Standards all this is very popular in Buffalo Tours now. We now understand about the process, the working flow and apply all the regulations on daily work accordance with the ISO standards. Quality Management has been applied to all processes in our organization that is one of our company strategic decisions. Process approach that will help to develop, implement and improve the effectiveness of a quality management system and enhance our customer satisfaction by meeting customer requirements. One year ago, with the effort of all members in all Departments in Buffalo Tours Vietnam and the support from management Broad, Buffalo Tours Vietnam has achieved the ISO Certification. Keep going on with the achievement, Buffalo Tours wants to expand the Quality management to all brand names of Buffalo tours in other counties such as Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia… And now Thailand is our next step. On 17th September this month, we have a meeting between ISO Vietnam and ISO team in Thailand to kick off this project. ISO team has implemented the ISO training in Buffalo Tours Thailand. We presented the general ISO knowledge for all members in Thailand to understand about the ISO standards as well as the ISO system in Buffalo Tours Vietnam. All members now are eager to work hard and achieve the ISO certification is our target. Nguyen Thu Huong – HR Executive
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g n i n i a r T e d i u G p e s e u S o h 3 1 n p e S First i 1 1 in Saigon
W
after this e have been uite initiative for q d it was an e some tim to see really exciting ter this happen af b! The o B d an om Ray fr rt o p p su l classinitia cludes 1 day in e rs u co g in nly fatrain s on-tour mai ay d 02 d an m roo e Trainer, internal Guid e th y b ed at cilit articipants . The Guide p ki La To n So Mr. ation on key inform were trained y Policies, an p m urs, Co To o al ff u B t u abo ts and d requiremen ar d an st e ic Serv g skills. ssional Guidin fe ro p lly ia ec esp successful has been very g in n ai tr e Th ve everyived. We belie ce re l el w d an perience d learning ex o o g a ad h e on rvice in the iver better se el d ld u o w d an re. very near futu rt to Laki from the hea ks an th e g u H anks to works! Also th d ar h r u yo r fo orts to for your supp am te d an y Th is is very t a great hit! Th en ev is th e ak m ! encouraging d feedbacks e pictures an th t le ld u o w I exciting it ants tell how p ci ti ar p m o fr was ning trip. wonderful trai e th as w at h “T dge, experis new knowle It has given u training ly friends. The ences and love een better if it had eb trip would hav training nyways, this A . es more guid t trips that one of the bes trip has been very much” – e! Thank you I’ve ever don nced Guide) years experie Quoc Anh (5 Branch ong - Saigon Trang Kim Tu Manager
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES
Sep, 2012
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THE CON TRĂ‚U TIMES
e c n e i r e p x E a t l e D g n o k Me Mekong Delta usually gives me an idea of floating markets and huge and spacious rice fields. However, my experience after 01 week travelling to this area, I realized that Mekong Delta offers you much more than that. I have travelled from Saigon to Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Can Tho, Ha Tien and finish my trip in Chau Doc
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES 1. VINH LONG other province in Mekong Delta that were full of fruits gathering at the Cai Rang. Some boats even departed their home from mid night to get there in time. Many families also use the boats as their mobile home
The boat is fulfilled by rambutan fruits Vinh Long reflects my imagination about Mekong Delta when I was at high school: a complex network of many canals with riverside water coconut palm, mangrove, and river specialties like Mekong river shrimp and mullet. You almost can touch many fruits while cruising along the canals or cycling along the small paths of countryside on An Binh Island: 2. TRA VINH – TYPICAL KHMER CULTURE
4. HA TIEN – A PEACEFUL SEASIDE BORDER TOWN It was very long drive from Can Tho to Ha Tien. 5 hours driving and I almost got exhausted. For cycling trip, clients have to get on and off the bus several times. The cycling route is off the beaten path therefore I had no opportunities to see the route. For all cycling trips, picnic lunch is highly recommended. Despite of being tired, it was worth to come to Ha Tien as I found this town peaceful and attractive. Tourism hasn’t reached to this area yet. The Xa Xia border is small and just busy because of local trading between local people in Ha Tien and Kep (Cambodia). Even Ha Tien is closed to famous beautiful Phu Quoc Island, you only can see locals to at the ferry for speed boat to Phu Quoc. It’s very good option to travel off the tourist attractions. The hotel is in front of a river going directly to the sea. However you can’t hear sounds of big waves. Staying right besides the beach but feeling in an oasis is a very special experience that I’ve ever had
The biggest lying Buddha statue It took only one hour from Vinh Long to Tra Vinh but it’s seemed that I was drifted into a small Cambodian area. I can see Khmer Pagodas everywhere on the way. Besides the time working at sugar cane fields, and making sedge mat, they spend their time in the pagodas, helping the monks in cleaning or just praying for their family. Pagoda is considered as a community center, an education center for children and religious center – of course. Monks play very important role in the life of Khmer community there 3. CAN THO – THE HEART OF MEKONG DELTA
Local starts their business early morning We departed our hotel for Cai Rang Floating Market early morning. There I saw how early the local people start their business. There were many boats from all
5. CHAU DOC – MEKONG DELTA IMMERSION
I was so eager when depart Ha Tien for Chau Doc. The route was even beautiful from beginning. It is also cycling road along the canals. There you can enjoy the countryside of sugar palm trees. The 2 things appealed me most in Chau Doc is a great cruise to Tra Su Ecological Gem and the kindness of local people. I was greeted, cared and welcomed by all people at Victoria Chau Doc. They showed me the original characteristic of Mekong people: honest, kind, warm and friendly. Chau Doc was the last destination of my trip and would be the happy ending then Pham Thi Dien – VET Executive
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THE CON TRÂU TIMES
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ctaxpe rience e r ou pe eet stic ex m o a as t ant is w verall f h f to .O nt ou culate a fa o n e d a n w l a a m , le tive ls. Buff eab bus im a g d m or ave wle the , inf our tr n kno kept u y f l r l nal, in a s ve dly & ssio r had i wa y frien oa e k f a o J er eve eL , pr uid was v & Mrs ent e have l g l r e r s u g and xc r to r drive homa nd anizin d is e uide w u u g O o u f T • n g g r o r a e r p . l o me l s . Th ou ost rts in d affir tion Miche inh Best t pany m o e M n a th eff en m. com Mrs e of ense rection guy Vietna h the n N o i . m r en im wit ed for -M s be r your my lif ide sador e him a u h g v o d s r a ca a hf nce ere • Ou c amb ky to h Jessi erie o muc as alt p i d t c x n h s s ta s is lu on a is e . It ou r s y, th hank y ailable l t tou e Wat s av i r, t one Kat d h hus fa rtunity se. n a T . o po ly ere my life is opp ir pur c n i e s f th o th ely, ng o ing t • Tru hteni d mak gards g e i enl trek an with r this tudies , Jen ob s r my Arthu ft, Jac da a r s M Ashc , Rhon r o M Fais n Ms
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e e v i k t a c u d M o r o t P s e p r i o T 7 You M
THE CON TRÂU TIMES
Do you feel like there are never enough hours in the day to do all you need to do? Maybe the problem isn’t time, but how you’re using it. Try these 10 tips to power up your personal productivity. 1. Streamline. Get control by paring down to one master organizing system which works best for you. 2. Go step by step. When big tasks seem overwhelming, break them into small steps. Take one step a day, and you’ll make steady progress. 3. Don’t over-schedule. Be realistic when setting deadlines and goals. Figure out how long a task should take, then build in a “cushion” of time in case something goes wrong. Leave at least two hours each work day unscheduled so you’ll have time to deal with the unexpected. 4. Harness your natural rhythms. Observe yourself for a week or so to figure out what times of day you’re most (and least) productive. Schedule tasks that require complex thinking, creativity or interaction for your energetic hours. Fill your natural down times with easier tasks like handling paperwork or organizing your office. 5. Prioritize. Before the week begins, write down your key goals and tasks for that week. Try to predict problems that might arise and how you will handle them. Every night, jot down a to-do list for tomorrow with three key goals. 6. Fit in fitness. A little activity each day makes a big difference in your productivity. A brisk 10-minute walk at noon, find ways to fit in fitness. 7. Think long-term. It’s easy to get caught up in checking off your to-do lists and putting out fires. Also make time for long-term thinking and strategic planning. Whether you spend one day on this, or every Friday morning, set aside a regular block of time to focus on your business’s future
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THE CON TRĂ‚U TIMES
Birthdays
&Anniversaries
Birthdays: Nguyen Minh Thang Pham Thi Dien Narupon Pleanchue Rosalie Berghuis Nguyen Thi Vui Pattaranida Lohakul Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen Chau Cam Co Ha Thi Thao Nguyen Thi Khanh Thu Tran Le Dung Ta Thi Tuyet Huong Tu Tuyet Mai Kong Sokthin Pham Thi Thuy Nguyen Thi Thanh Truc Nguyen Manh Hung Ha Thi Hong Nhung Ho Thi Thu Thuy Nguyen Phuong Thuy Kritmanee Ratanaphaisal Tran Thi Thuy Nga Pham Thi Phuong Thao Ngo Anh Phuong Chi Sarah Griffin Tran Xuan Dan Nguyen Thi Thanh Hai Nguyen Vo Ngoc Chau
1-Oct 1-Oct 1-Oct 1-Oct 4-Oct 4-Oct 5-Oct 5-Oct 6-Oct 8-Oct 11-Oct 13-Oct 14-Oct 15-Oct 16-Oct 16-Oct 16-Oct 17-Oct 20-Oct 22-Oct 24-Oct 25-Oct 25-Oct 27-Oct 27-Oct 30-Oct 30-Oct 31-Oct
Tour Guide VET Executive Purchasing Executive Sales Representative Operation Executive PA IT Supporter Tour Guide FOX Executive BTA Travel consultant Inbound Operation Executive Cashier Tour Guide Operation Executive FIT Executive Assistant Branch Manager IT Developer Chief Accountant PR and Marketing Executive Online Sales Sales Team Teader BTA Travel consultant BTA Travel consultant Operation Executive Country Manager Tour Guide Legal officer BTA Travel consultant
Anniversaries: Luu Thao Ly Cao Thi Minh Ngoc Nguyen Thi Thu Trang Nguyen Dao Thien Y Nguyen Bao Quoc Bev Taylor Yuwadee Laovechprasit Atithlady LATSAVATH Chipseng THOR
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Operation Executive FIT team leader Operation Executive Operation team leader Deliver Marketing director Purchasing Team leader Accountant Volunteer Project Coording
02 years in service 05 years in service 03 years in service 04 years in service 03 years in service 01 years in service 02 years in service 04 years in service 03 years in service
New born Buffalo
THE CON TRÂU TIMES
1. Congratulation to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy Van – FIT Executive – on the birth of your handsome baby on 9th August, 2012. His name is Hoang Duc Minh and nick name is “Popo”.
2. Congratulation to Mr. Bui Minh Tan – MKT Designer – on the birth of your beautiful baby on 6th September, 2012. Her name is Bui Vu Minh An and nick name is “Susu”.
3. Congratulation to Ms Sophea – Accountant of BT Camdodia – on the birth of your handsome baby on 6th September, 2012. His name is Phal Sophearithand.
4. Congratulation to Ms. Bui Thi Hao – GR Executive – on the birth of your beautiful baby on 25th September, 2012. Her name is Pham Bao Ngoc.
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