Why I think Anna should eat!

I am amazed and happy about the marketing success of Anna's agitation and how people, especially the Gen Y has connected to the vision of a corruption free India. How impressive is the ideal and the Lokpal bill is a pioneering step towards this direction. I am proud to be born in a country where a common man or a group of people could hold the government responsible and stop its functioning. Democracy is one of the least praised and understood blessings.

I have to admit that I love the idea but being someone who likes to look at things in a practical way especially when it comes to buying into the Utopian ideas, I have to admit, I am a tough buyer. A great cause is great because it is very very difficult to achieve. If I were Anna(which I am not and might never be), I would accept the bill minus the PM and then get it to move as swiftly as possible to reality.

Let's face it. I have personally faced or have close friends who have seen corruption rampant in hospitals, police station, railway stations, restaurants, government offices, private offices, parents, children, friends, even autowalas and every other place imaginable. People cheat. That is their unchangeable character. If you find someone who doesn't, it is a rarity. Corruption is at all levels and cannot be routed out so easily with just one bill nor can it be changed with one single swipe. All the governments, since our independence, and on a larger scale since the beginning of history has had people who would do anything to earn some extra chai-money. Simple solutions might not be the way to look at it.

Let's think about it. Even if we bring back all the black money and use it to develop India, >80% of it will not reach the final beneficiary; Even if it did, >90% of all the money brought back will go back to the people who presently own it in another 10-15 years. I wish Anna would eat and live long enough to see a lot of changes.


Prompting ideals on a blog is easier but if our politicians are serious about it and want to support Anna, I mean really support him, let them come forward and declare they wouldn't accept anything which isn't theirs for the next five years. Can we get some 50 MPs, 50 MLAs, 50 IAS officers, 50 Railway TCs, 50 policemen who would do this? You know the answer.

Is corruption universal? I think so. However, there are exceptions to it. I have also seen many sincere officers who have lived within their means and have treated bribery or any other corruption like cancer and stayed away from it all their life. The result? One rented house or shanty with minimal access to health care and daily requirements or even worse. But you know what is the greatest asset they possess? A guilt free mind and Himalayan satisfaction that they have done the right thing. This probably is a rarity, may be only those of higher birth can afford to experience.

This world wont bargain for your simpleton principles Anna. They are so happy without the knowledge of their soul being traded to Mephistopheles while they admire the beauty of worldly riches. So for all practical purposes, Anna should happily eat.

Learn from Kardashian

There are 4 marketing attributes that small businesses can learn from Kardashian.

1. Exposure is critical: Every company needs a steady stream of exposure. Consumers will readily forget your name, products and services. It is important to remind them every day about your organization. You must have a clear message and be creative in your presentation. Kim Kardashian makes sure she is photographed at events, walking on the street or getting a manicure. 
2. Control the news: One of the best marketing tactics is to befriend others; groups, individuals and/or news organizations. Let people and organizations know what your business is about, how you benefit the community and upcoming events. Toot your horn so that the entire world may hear the music. Several weeks before Kris Humphries and Kim Kardashian became engaged, Kim was quoted in the news as saying "I want to get married." Translation – Attention Kris, I am expecting a proposal. Attention news organizations; get ready for a bidding war for the wedding photos. Kim definitely controlled the news.
3. Make consumers want more: All forms of positive publicity are important. Consumers are eager to be reminded of exciting events, have their minds taken off negative aspects of the economy and learn about savings or events that will benefit them. Vera Wang is rarely if ever photographed walking down the streets of NY. Wang did something unheard to promote the Kardashian wedding gown. About one week before Kim's wedding, Vera and Kim were photographed together walking down a NY street. The associated article discussed the upcoming wedding, Kim's dress designed by Wang and the star-studded event in general. The publicity stunt left consumers (i.e., readers of gossip magazines) wanting more.
4. Be creative in your marketing: Marketing a company may take many different formats. Just because you used electronic billboards in one location in the past doesn't mean they should be used in the future. Constantly examine the marketing goals with activities. Ask "are the efforts bringing in the desired amount of sales?" If not, make changes. The Humphries-Kardashian wedding is estimated to bring in a lot of money for the newlyweds. It was reported that People magazine paid $1.5 million for exclusive rights to the wedding photos. E! had exclusive rights to video the ceremony. E! is scheduled to the ceremony on two nights. The amount paid to the newlyweds was not disclosed. Kim certainly was creative in marketing her summer 2011 activities. I'm not saying that she became a bride for financial reasons; it simply was a bonus.  

Prayer

Reading: Acts 16:22-34

"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and you will be saved and your entire household" (Acts 16:31)

"I am a wretched sinner; Jesus Christ is my Saviour.

                                                This is the greatest of all my discoveries!"

                                            (Sir James Simpson, Inventor of Chloroform)

 

Can you be positive?

Can you be positive? Well, then how much? How does it effect your life? How much does it change you and everything around you? Being positive is a challenge. Being positive is a change you should take. Positiveness is contagious and is a good way.

Try spreading some cheer, a lot of positiveness and smile a lot. It makes things better. Just a lot more better. For you, for your team, for your employees and most importantly for your consumers!

Now, can you be positive?

How great thou art!

Thank you Lord for everything I have got and for everything you have done.

Monday Blues: I love Mondays

I love Mondays. Here is why.

1. God loved Sunday and blessed it! 
2. She has a tough job to do
3. No one likes her and still she manages to turn up
4. No matter how good she can be, she is always compared to Sunday

Now that is called guts and determination. If we had half that attitude and courage...