Leader
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sweet fruit!
Trust on, trust on, believer! Though long the conflict be,
Thou yet shalt prove victorious; Thy God shall fight for thee.
Trust on! Trust on! Though dark the night and drear;
Trust on! Trust on! The morning dawn is near!
--- (Eliza A. Walker)
Monday, May 25, 2009
Excellence at work
Now that's my point. He could have gotten away just like others by being a spectator but didn't. Though no one told him he did his job excellently and that makes him a leader and special. You may be stuck up in the worst job possible or completely disinterested in what is happening around you. You have two options: Quit or try being passionate. Because as a customer I don't care what you feel. Also as a customer when you find exceptional behaviour make sure you express it. Goes a long way in building up morale and ever heard of employee satisfaction?
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Is brand relevant? To brand or not to brand
Branding is important when the consumer looks for a distinctive feature, reason while purchasing. And isn't that important when the purchase is for fulfilling a non-distinctive, non-important need. Doesn't depend on what you think as a brand. Depends on what I think as a consumer. If you want to sell a brand, go ahead and ensure that the customer believes on what distinctiveness you are going to sell to him. If you are not opting for a brand ensure that your consumer believes that there is no uniqueness required and your product fulfills the requirement and works just fine. The stress should be on service, guarantee and performance.
Damn nuggets
May be my expectation was high and hence the disappointment which brings me to the point I am about to make. Don't promise what you can't meet. Coz once you do the customer would compare, guage and then feel cheated for being made to believe in to your story. Telling the actual story, what really matters is better than what makes him feel tricked.
Remember you can trick the consumer once, only once. So will I buy the nuggets again? Damn nuggets. Will I go to Mc Donalds again? Damn recession ;)
The biggest marketing campaign ever
ESPN today teased its coverage of World Cup 2010 by stating that it will be “biggest marketing campaign ever,” according to ESPN’s executive vice president of content John Skipper. According to MediaPostNews, “All 64 games will be carried on ESPN from South Africa. While making the announcement of the coming marketing investment, Skipper mentioned the tagline ‘One Game Changes Everything’ that ESPN used to plug the 2006 event, hinting it may return.”
Keep watching for the signs.
EMINEM & Twitter
While Eminem hasn't relied exclusively on Twitter to get the word out, the effort has produced some impressive results. According to Compete, Eminem.com reached 113,868 unique visitors during April, while the most popular of his tweets -- which linked to Therelapse.com on May 7 -- reached at least 41,704 people within just one week, according to an analysis of data provided to Ad Age by Tweetreach. And data provided by Native Digital, the start-up behind music-buzz tracker We Are Hunted, suggest that Eminem was the most-talked-about artist on Twitter last week, the week before the album's release.
Elliott Wilson, founder and CEO of RapRadar.com, said the micro-blogging tool is perfectly suited to the rapper, because it attracts voyeuristic fans the same way his autobiographical songs do. Mr. Wilson pointed out that one of Eminem's fictional characters, Stan -- a dangerously obsessive fan -- has, in the web lexicon, morphed into lowercase slang for a diehard yet non-violent admirer.
"Twitter is, in a way, the world of 'stans' who now have access to artists," Mr. Wilson said. Although Eminem is using the service in a "real typical promotion way, the fact that he's willing to be part of that, to be in that world, has helped him build up mystery around the record."
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Eric Schmidt's Keynote Speech @ CMU
Schmidt underscored both the importance of technological innovation and understanding the value of the family, friends and people around you.
Party is over
One day a goat with her small child went into forest for food. Unfortunately they forget their way back to home and struck in the forest at the night. A Big lion came and saw the goat and her child . The goat took her child nearer to her and thought that lion will definitely eat both of them. Lion came nearer to them and put his hands on the child and pampered her and told that "No fear My Dear. I don't have any sisters so now onwards you are my sister and I am your brother". And he gave chocolates , biscuits to the child and ask goat to come to his room with his husband for lunch and also ask her to celebrate raksha bandhan with him and gave her his visiting card. He promised the goat that "tell me if any one attack you or threaten you”. And he left the place.
Finally the goat got surprised and told her child.... "I think Elections are coming."
Well now the party is over and Lion is hungry.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Lack of?
Do you know that only 8% of all the telegrams sent in Inda are in Hindi! Did you know that you can send a telegram in Hindi? Almost 80% are in English. Now do you know that its almost 50% cheaper for Hindi telegram than its English counterpart?
Most times we are content with the regular stuff, regular things. 80% of the times you order the same thing each time you dine out. Average expectations for an average life. Try to see what other options are, like the Hindi telegram. May be its better, cheaper and more comfortable. Is it the lack of choice or interest?
Ball & Kids
Parents should ensure they have an eye on the kids when they play, especially the ones near the road. It is practically impossible for the drivers to keep looking for stray kids. But if there is a ball bouncing to the street its only natural to expect a kid to follow. With summer blooming you need to take extra care of kids.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Who is at the helm?
- Palaniappan Chidambaram
- Montek Singh Ahluwalia Check profile here
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What is Twitter?
Dr. Manmohan Singh & Rahul Gandhi
Few things that will happen:
- Stock market will rise(400-900 points) on Monday
- Better FDIs, jobs, etc.
- Stable government, confident policies
- Women's Reservation Bill will be passed (hope so)
Counterfeit business
This effects original brand value, evaded taxes, poor perception and cheap tactics. But its a thriving business worth a few thousand crores.This is one area which seems to thrive from the financial crisis.
Better deals
This applies not only to situations like small purchases but also to deals as big as cars and houses. Consumer anger can be a tool of intimidation to the seller. I am not pointing to customers throwing tantrums. Sometimes they get away too but only until they find their match. Anger has no place in business and certainly not in the customer service area. I mean, we are all adults and anger practiced in the retail business leads only to intimidation and that could lead to aversion. Anger in negotiating is meaningless and anyone who gives in to this type of negotiations deserves what they get: a one time rebate usually to wash and flush the angry customer out. Anyone out there who is confronted by someone who is angry usually reacts in the same manner and is immediately put on guard. No way to do business.
But mostly it is expected that if you don't like that price then simply walk away as there are alternatives in market. But it is true that Consumer Anger can get you the deal but ruin the relationship. Wanna try?
Eco-friendly options
The “PlantBottle” is made from a blend of petroleum-based materials and up to 30 percent plant-based materials. According to the company, the bottles, which are made through a process that turns sugar cane and molasses into a component for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic, are fully recyclable and will be identified with messages on the packages and in stores.
Coke’s effort mirrors moves made by other large bottled water companies all over the world including Pepsi to help the cause. I think each individual should make this a habit to be clean and dispose the waste as required. Good going Coke.
Who's the CM of AP?
I spoke to few people as to whom they voted for and got diverse reviews and opinions. The sentiment is not that anti incumbent but the figures are expected to point towards a hung verdict. So whoever succeeds in making an alliance would be the CM. This shows the divide of mandate and opinion. Consumer choice of the public servant (s)he would like to choose is divided. Lets see how the new comer Chiru would fare.
Friday, May 15, 2009
UP
Releasing on 29th May, 09, talks about Carl who flies away along with his house by tying 10,000 balloons to it.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Let me be
And a long way it'll be,
But baby just for now,
Let me be me
We’ll skip from one star to another,
And hop in these galaxies,
But baby just for now,
Let me be me
And lying on those snow covered capes,
We’ll feel and touch and taste and hear,
what the silly wind brings for thee,
But baby just for now,
Let me be me
For we’ll run barefoot on wet sand,
to stop the sun drowning in the sea,
but baby, just for now,
Let me be me
There are some barriers to obliterate,
And limits to left to cede,
Some promises to fulfill,
Some dreams yet to be seen,
But baby, Just for now,
Let me be me, Ohh...
Let me be me...
--- Niyati Priyam (PGP Marketing, Class of '09)
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Wisdom
--- திà®°ுவள்ளுவ (Thiruvalluvar)
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Not my job
Managers, peers should make it a point to appreciate things done out of regular work to get things going. Firms should encourage such acts. On the other hand colleagues make fun of and portray it as if the person has no work to do and hence doing the additional things. This is pure incompetence.
If you are a manager ensure your team appreciates getting things right and set good examples. If your colleague does something aspirational, treat it as one.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Down the mask? Or
Yes, stick to your word man | 23139 (64%) | |||
Yes, I'd like to see your ass kicked | 1334 (3%) | |||
No, let it remain a mystery | 4400 (12%) | |||
No, I fear for your safety | 1906 (5%) | |||
No, I want this to continue | 2471 (6%) | |||
Who cares a f**k? | 2579 (7%) |
Votes so far: 35829 Vote before 16/05/09
What happens when the author reveals his identity? A few options...
- IPLT20 career surely would come to an end
- Possibility of law suits from KKR management, friends
- Become an outcast from parties, circles
- Lose credibility, trust
- Lose readers, followers
Another interesting thing about this is how readers of this blog responded about the question in point. Almost 67% voted for revelation. Knowing that this would doom his career and chances (if he is a player). It seems no body cares what happens. Exhibiting crowd behaviour its fun to watch the show as long as I am not involved. After all its your call. Lets see what he does.
Zoo Zoo Anyone?
- Simpler messages are interpreted faster
- Cost is always a factor
- Segmentation can be unified
- Clean viral marketing is possible
- Characters, Language, medium is not important; The message is
- Keep message short(less no.of emotions, characters, time, etc.)
Decades later he is still the Thriller
Too many years and still he is the King. Oh yes, I am talking about Michael Jackson. He has been the good boy, bad boy, rags-to-riches story and what not. Media loved him, hated him, ensured he was in news all the time. Thriller is still the most seen, heard song ever. Now with his London show dates being announced and tickets being sold at www.michaeljackson.com its become much easier to pitch in. Wanna go and watch? I'm sure it will be a great show. And get a clip of that video and I assure you a Billion hits in no time on Youtube.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Statistics & Bikinis
Read the full story here about fighting recession and lifestyle changes consumers adopt to fight recession.
Un-buttoned consequences
Shobhaa De
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Try gifts n retakes
- You don't mess with Captaincy at the last moment
- Unlike movies there is no retake on the field
- Cricket is a team game
- All games have heavy odds
- Selling a Brand is different from making runs, taking wickets and catches
- Too many cooks spoil the broth. Ditto for captains(at least for now)
- KKR still is the best brand at IPL 2.0 with its brand value at $42.1 million
- KKR Reebok Jersey still sells most
- Great time to show the proven marketer in SRK
Noodle to who?
The action moved to a larger picture from the comfort of the four walled studio to the ground. With several celebrities to vie for screen time and real cricketing quips being necessary Mandira's splash is really small. But she did come with a bang with a new haircut and statement look. With bigger than life stars like SRK, Priety and Shilpa with Shamita grabbing more sheen than cricket Mandira has had tough competetition to beat. There is a lot of gap in terms of strategies, wit to build the cake below the icing.
Still she managed to be in the news and evoke attention, living to her title: The First Lady of Indian Cricket.
STP, Style & a bit of luck
Vivek Nayer, Sr. Vice President of Auto Sector in Mahindra said, "Bolero is among the top-selling brands in the passenger vehicle segment, excluding small cars. This clearly points to the immense popularity enjoyed by this evergreen brand." He also added, "The Bolero's superior value-proposition of style and rugged appeal coupled with our customer-centric approach to business has been major contributors to its success over the years." Mahindra Bolero is an intelligently designed SUV with a perfect combination of looks, power, and performance. Such high sales of the Bolero during this time of downturn give a perfect reason for the car manufacturer to rejoice.
Talk about STP.
I'd love running to live... but where is your product?
Some even suggested that it is a large machine which would be sold in big shops and not in sports retail outlets. I don't blame them for not knowing what it is but the brand behind it. How come you don't have any accessories mentioned in your website available for sale at your outlets? That too in a Tier I city like Bangalore?
When promises and expectations don't match your customers walk away. Sometimes for good. It is no longer about the product but the total appeal. This time you guys loose it. In case you can't or don't want to, ensure you mention about it in your site that these products are unavailable at so and so outlets. Better give a list of outlets where the consumer can buy. And update your staff. Before you ask me to run to live, keep your product ready.
Marketing Crisis
Pic by CHANG KIM-FUNG for www.thestandard.com.hk
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Creatively escaping recession
The competition titled 'The Best Job in the World' had already generated more than $110 million in international publicity. "The whole idea of this promotion is to find the perfect person to help us sell Queensland and to tell the rest of the world we really are open for business."
The answer when things are going tough is you can complain about it or you can be more creative and more aggressive and try and get more people to come.
Do you really know?
Check certain myths busted...
- The idea that goldfish have more than 24 hour memory span
- Dogs can distinguish blue, grey and yellow
- Rabbits should always be given carrots or that cats should be given milk are also potentially harmful
- Larger animals sometimes bully their smaller neighbors
Source: HT
Did it
Love them
Learn from them
Start with what they know
Build on what they have
And when it is done
They will say
We did it
--- Chinese Poem
What do you fix?
Questioning traditional ways of doing things might raise some eyebrows. But I think it is worth a try. Fixers are passionate, interested, enthusiastic and proactive. Are you a good fixer?
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday blues: Make it a great day
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Marketing & Social Media
Despite the risks, many experts are advising individuals to use the web and other tools to brand themselves. While not dismissing the value of more traditional networking, many experts in the art of self-marketing agree that the rapid rise over the last five years of Internet-based social networking sites is a game-changer. Such sites allow like-minded people to forge connections, not just at lunch, but across the country or even overseas, leading to unprecedented opportunities for ambitious people to expand their list of contacts, generate business leads or even develop a new career.
The numbers alone justify this argument
- Facebook more than 200 million active users worldwide
- LinkedIn 35 million users
- Twitter five million users
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Top 10 @ Hollywood
- Obsessed
- 17 Again
- Fighting
- The Soloist
- Earth
- Monsters vs, Aliens
- State of Play
- Hannah Montana The Movie
- Fast & Furious
- Crank High Voltage
His hand
Sheltered o'er, sheltered o'er with His love for ever more.
No ill can harm me, no fear alarm me,
For He keeps both day and night,
Safe am I, safe am I in the hollow of His hand!
--- Unknown
Friday, May 1, 2009
* Conditions apply
Companies when hiring or selling try to get away by printing conditions and rules about how they can escape from responsibility. Especially the list is long and font is indecipherable. I think this is a short sighted move. You are only cheating me by tricking and hence losing my loyalty and trust. It should be the other way round. The main focus should be on how you can help me use it and come back for repurchase and not on how you can be put of the warranty or guarantee net. Instead go and make a better product.
House Hunting with Zillow
To demonstrate how easy it is to use Zillow on an iPhone, Zillow Chief Operating Officer Spencer Rascoff's 4-year-old daughter, Sophia, showing how easy it is to use the company's new application. Read about the same here.
This application not only saves a lot of time but also is aimed at making navigation easier and pleasant. House hunting trips will never be the same again and I wouldn't be spending all my weekend walking up to every door for information nor I will be fixed to my lappie. Good work Zillow.
What an ad!
Bajaj Pulsar makes wonderful ads. Yes it is a statement. Look at this one. Carries a thump and zing, aimed at the young generation.
Christen it? Help recycle.
I had an interesting conversation with some friends the other night. We were talking about a business idea about making furniture out of bike parts and old items at your home. It would looks something like this. It sounds a good option as most of us and corporates have lot of old stuff stashed away in store rooms. The idea is to take up this old furniture and turn it to make a designer furniture item. She is coordinating with a few students from fashion designing school and architecture school to help her out. Operating purely as high end niche market she hopes to break even in 2 years while pursuing her DBA from US. Let see what happens.
By the way can use some names for the same. Can you suggest some?