Month: January 2016

Advertisement in Toilets – Who will Buy?

~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment
We Indians have a poor track record on cleanliness. For proof, all you need is to visit a public toilet or even toilet inside restaurants. What a shame – when you see unclean, dirty smelling loos? But, it seems people aren’t bothered by it.

Sometime last month when I visited Trivandrum, I went to coffee house which is located opposite to Trivandrum Medical College. There I went to pee in their toilet. Again, it’s such as a sad thing to see the toilet without the toilet seat. Is it b’cos these co-operative guys don’t have the money to buy a toilet seat? Why are we so callous when it comes to public hygiene or cleanliness.

Okay, let’s assume that a biz is lacking in funds to maintain a clean loos. In that case, there’s another way out – get someone to sponsor it.

I was thinking of this marketing stuff, after I saw a poster in one of the well maintained loo at Garuda Mall in Bangalore. On each of the toilet door, there was this poster about cure for impotency. So, did this hospital pay for placing this ad on such a strategic location. Probably, yes!

Toilet Marketing Gig

Now, imagine, a company which manufacturers toilet cleaning liquid like Harpic or Lix Floor Cleaner, Lizol, or Domex or even aromatic, or companies like Hindware, Jaguar Sanitary Ware, Parryware Sanitary Ware, Cera Sanitary Ware, or Hindustan Ceramics, etc do with this real estate space.

Imagine if any of these companies take ownership of maintaining a public toilet or even a toilet in a small restaurant. Imagine, if they transform a dirty loo into a fabulous restroom where it’s maintained clean, and dry. What if they can employ people in different cities and use this campaign to market themselves?

Well, in return of their money and effort, they get to advertise inside the loo. Display their logo, or even use it as a story to promote their brand. Won’t it be a great brand building exercise? Now, imagine if these companies sponsor a loo at Kovalam Beach or at Baga beach? How many eyeballs will hit their adv, experience the goodness they are doing to the society?

I think, these companies must have thought about it, but why haven’t I seen any of it? Do you have any idea if it could be done?

Btw, there’s a website where you can post complaints about civic problem in Bangalore. it’s called http://www.ichangemycity.com/. Check it out!

Overcoming Plateau – Surging Ahead

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This year – 2016 for a change has given me a sprinkle of hope. These hopeful aspects are just b’cos of new routines I picked up and which I’m sticking my guns at. For instance, I started regular walking and pushups in the morning. My intention is simple – not to get those chisel cut finish, but to appear healthy. Not the typical pot belly look.

So, how’s the progress? On the outside, progress looks very shallow. I haven’t seen any visibile physical signs to call it a victory. It’s just that I’m doing my bit to stay healthy. With regular practice of walk and jog, I hope to see a positive reflection of change.

But, how long in this stagnant work-in-progress mode?

Change don’t happen in a jiffy, says all the big motivational books.The progress is not like a gradual climb like the simple upward graph. The growth is often like steps. It’s like this. Initially when you start doing an activity, you’ll notice sudden improvement, then for a long, long time, it will be in the same state. It’s the Pateau stage of development. It’s the learning time, where a new system is being tested. Very often, it’s this stage, most of us give up. There’s no visible progress.

For instance, a friend was taking about saving money by giving up smoking. He said that’s not seeing visible results. And due to this, he went back to his old smoking habit. It told him about what Seth Godin calls it a dip. A dip before you realize the result.

For people, each has its own plateau stage and a time when you see yourself achieving results.

Walk in the Park Idea – Drones

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Reports say that mornings are the best for heighted productivity. For me, it’s the time when I get so many ideas on the shelf (brain). Going with this philosophy, I find myself shooting or picking new ideas during mornings.

So, today I’m sharing the idea I picked when I was walking in one of the parks near ESI hospital, Domlur. And, today’s idea is about surveillance in urban combat zone. Before I profess this idea, I have a feeling that must be in blueprint stage and probably trial runs are underway.

Genesis of This IdeaThis is how I thought of this plan. Recently, I saw a Whatsapp video which showed some guys (probably militant gang) shooting from a terrace. One guy who was shooting took a big heavy machine gun. But, before he could aim his gun, a part of his skull was chiseled from a sniper attack or a stray bullet. He falls down with blood oozing out on the floor. He’s apparently dead with a brain off its place. Yes, it’s a gory video to see.

I felt bad for the fallen guy on video – a young chap who lost so soon. Whatever, this idea is from the background of this video.

So, what’s the big plan:

How to conduct surveillance in elevated areas and conduct targeted attacks?

There are many problems when it comes to combating in residential locations – one, target is hidden in one of the terraces, two, operation should be done in a precise manner, else, innocent victims will be caught in the fire.

Here’s one solution which can be done in the cover of darkness:

1) Launch a drone which is assembled at the spot. For instance, two people carrying two parts of the drone is fixed.
2) This drone is fitted with night vision which makes it easy to spot targets in the night
3) Apart from using the drone power to take off, a mini rocket can shoots the dorne into a certain high and release it
4) Drone takes it sweet time to hover in one location, taking pics of the area, or even release one or two guided missile or location spotters. ie a rubber ball which has gps or location indicator. It will be a innocent looking item which will pinpoint the location.
5) Apart from drones, helium balloons can fit into this job. Not sure how. It could be nicknamed as eye in the sky.

Another question:

Recently Republic Day parade showed dog squad. Can we expect a robot squad in the next year? Or a drone squad?

Miss You Kalpana

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Kalpana 


Malayalam film industry looses yet another talented actress – Kalpana.

As soon as I heard her demise, my mind raced to few scenes which is still etched on my mind. In this case, it’s her role in Dr Pashupathy as an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in a government office. I recollect how another colleague in my office who frequently used to say to another UDC. Well, that was ages ago.

Missing Kalpana

Now that she’s history, we’ll collectively lament the passing of this star. What’s left of Kalpana’s are the various comedy movie clipping which bring her back to life.

Another worrying factor is the rise of cardiac death in women in Kerala. Recently I heard the news of my neighbor’s aunt who passed due to heart attack. Why is it that women are joining the ranks of men who succumb to sudden cardiac arrests.

Is this problem arising due to the change in our diet?
Or due to stress factors?

Tradionallly, heart related problems hit men more than women. But, the rising facalities in our state show a different tale. And this is a cause for concern for medial fraternity and for the society. Let’s hope that there will be research and study in this aspect. And more importantly, let’s do something collectively to spread the awareness of this problem.

Finally, bidding adieu of this star who made Malayalees forget their worries and laugh heartily.

Btw, What’s the Big or Small Idea here?

1. I feel film organization like AMMA, should conduct some health screening camps or make it compulsory for all members to have regular checkups and even ensure that all members have medical coverage.

2. I would like to see a modern museum on Malayalam movie industry. A well organized place which houses prints, even memorabilia, autographs, video clips, reels, souveniers, photographs of stars ( Black and white print, Techno Color, etc) and even conduct regular screening, discussion on movies, directors, etc.

Worries at the Time of 40’s

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Worry Factor!

Pic Source Flickr: Alon

Do you get this useless kind of feeling or as if you wasted your life, when you oversleep your evening siesta Along with this awful feeling, I thought what it’s to be in my 40’s when my youth is far behind me and my grey cells and hair are gaining ground!

This inflammable thought brought me to this idea on the worries that commonly cloud people who are in the 40’s group:

  • Worried about the finances ( reserves not sufficient to meet contingencies)
  • Grey hair overtaking the black 
  • Current work not taking anywhere
  • Not able to contribute to the family as once thought
  • Lack of bonding with extended family members
  • Feeling empty about the relationship 
  • Limited social circles and boring lifestyle
  • Not able to spend time on things which are important ( like reading, listening to movies, etc)
  • Disorganized desktop and clutter 
  • Sex life taking a nose dive
  • Worried about the usage of prescription drugs
  • Not getting time to take holiday breaks
  • Growing belly, and not able to spend time for healthy pursuits
  • Loosing or fading charm ( there’s a new kid in the block)

Measure Happiness
This also got me thinking of people around me who are really happy, settled in life. From the outside, they seems to look happy, content, doing things they like to pursue….but, is it true that they are happy? Are they a free bird, or are they carrying untold miseries in hidden sacks? Just wondering if there is a place to measure happiness? What if couples and individuals measure or track their happiness in a programmed way? What if there’s an appraisal to measure happy state?

Kalpana Another Versatile Actress Passes

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Sisters – in their Prime Time

Malayalam film industry looses yet another talented actress – Kalpana.

As soon as I heard her demise, my mind raced to few scenes which is still etched on most film goers mind. In this case, it’s her role as an Upper Division Clerk (UDC) in a government office. She was referred in that movie as UDC. I recollect how another colleague who frequently used to like this world – UDC.

Anyways, she is history now. We will collectively lament the passing of this star. Now, we’ll only have those movie clippings as the reminder of this person.

Another worrying factor is the rise of cardiac death in women in Kerala. Recently I heard the news of my neighbor’s aunt who passed due to heart attack. Why is it that women are joining the ranks of men who succumb to sudden cardiac arrests.

Is this problem arising due to the change in our diet?
Or due to stress factors?

Tradionallly, heart related problems hit men more than women. But, the rising facalities in our state show a different tale. And this is a cause for concern for medial fraternity and for the society. Let’s hope that there will be research and study in this aspect. And more importantly, let’s do something collectively to spread the awareness of this problem.

Finally, bidding adieu of this star who made Malayalees forget their worries and laugh heartily. . 

Marketing God’s Own Country

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Backwaters – Main draw for Tourists

Kerala is a marketing success story. The bigwigs of this state has not spared a single channel to spread the message “God’s Own Country” to the masses. One of the impressive propaganda about Kerala on Youtube, have influenced scores of potential westerners to this state. But, somehow the ground realities are far from the picturesque posters and advertising paraphernalia we see in digital and print brochures.

So, why is it loosing the race to become a tourist friendly destination. Here are my observations:

1) Broken infrastructure, unclean roads and lack of tourist help-desk
    ( Let me elaborate – Let me take you to a trip to Kovalam. People boarding bus to Kovalam often catch bus from the East Fort bus stop. During season time, we see many domestic travelers and foreigners who wait for the bus. First thing you notice is dirt in around the bus stop. The roof is broken at many places and when it rains the surrounding areas are just black slush. One more thing, there’s no public loo in the vicinity. I once had to visit the corporation toilet in East Fort which is one of the dirtiest open loo in this locality.

Solution: Employ a person as a tourist facilitator in this bus stand. He should be given a small booth. And he or she should be able to speak Hindi and English. You can also hire Russians or Germans is man the booth for some time. It will be good experience to propagate and explain the facilities in their language. As a compliment, give them a day’s stay in the Govt Guest House in Kovalam. All the help desk people should go a mandatory training so that they can answer most of the questions asked by tourists.

2) Nonexistent Night Life

    Look at Goa – ever youthful place, buzzing with young people, indulging in all forms of youthful quest. Parties, night clubs, discos, eating joints, etc lure young people to this place. Kerala fails very badly on this index. Moreover, public in Kerala have resentment towards night clubs or discos and beer. A youngster who visits Goa with the friends is less likely to enjoy the same kind of fun and revelry in Kerala.

Solution: Create a demarcated place in Kovalam area which is meant for carnival. It has to be well planned, with all the frills of a part spot like Ibiza in Spain. But, the question is do we have the will to create a spot like that. I’m afraid the answer would be NO.

3) Liquor Ban and Drama

  We know how bad, unclean and unorganized are the liquor outlets in Kerala. On top of it there are crazy rules like, first of every month is dry day, then bars close the shutters by 10:PM. The liquor licence is so expensive that only people who are filthy rich or abkari chaps can bid. This keeps a small business out of the race. What a shame? The so called 100% literate state is acting in a very regressive manner. Most of the policies chalked out are just out of someone’s gut instinct. No research, no study, no plan. If things so, we’ll see more brain drain too happening in Kerala.

Solution: First, throw the existing liquor policy in the gutter. Make a policy which is done with planning, foresight and a vision on the future.Give beer license for shacks at a lower rate. Even with no license, you can easily get beer in most outlets. All the shacks do is sell beer in ceramic glasses. Funny!!! Who are these people trying to fool – you, me or the administration. It’s evident that these guys will be paying a big money as bribe. The question again is – who get’s it. Who benefits. I’m sure it’s not the common man.

Hire a Startup Idea Champion

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Wong caption, but right intention. Yes, you read it right. You can hire me for a day or more to mentor, to criticize or spawn business improvement ideas

How this idea lighted?
While driving back from a dental checkup, my mind blew to this thought – why not sell my ideas or business marketing plans to small business entrepreneurs or startup teams who are looking to inject some fresh ideas or need a different perspective on existing idea or looking for a way to market their new idea without a big budget.

Polish Existing Plans, Pick New Ideas, Get a Critical Examination

Imagine you’re now all set to embark on a entrepreneur journey. You got the idea, you got people on board, but you feel there are something missing in the mix. Who do you have to turn for a critical review? Imagine, you don’t have a mentor or you don’t have the money to hire a business consultant or you don’t trust your existing marketing team or friend to tell the loopholes, then I can be a extra you can depend on.

Well, I could be that one, who can examine or provide new input to your existing plan.Sometimes, you might hit a bigger idea or get some ideas on how to use digital marketing to the max.

When you hire me for ideas, there are many or some things I can do for you:

  1. Spend few hours with you or your team for brainstorming sessions
  2. Suggest few ideas which can offshoot to bigger plan
  3. Solicit ideas for new startups or for expanding existing business
  4. For startup entrepreneurs, I polish their pitches ( Trim it, make is short, snappy)
  5. Get fresh perspective on how you can elevate your service
  6. Search online and find the closest and prominent competitor, and pick some 21 strategies and smart marketing done by your COMPETITOR.
  7. Suggest some practical and offbeat ways to market your biz
  8. Write compelling or normal Facebook posts or Twitter posts which you can be used in your marketing program
  9. Draft 6 email pitches for sending a campaigns
  10. Suggest some 30 blog topics from a business – customer perspective  
  11. Visit your store and give you feedback on my experience ( a mystery shopper)

Well, lists are endless, you one thing is certain, you might get some ideas or points which you can look into during your spare time.

What do you say? Are you going ahead to book me for a 4 hr session?

One good thing right now is that I’m a free bird. I’ve quit my digital marketing job, and now pursuing as a trainer. So, I’m available in Bangalore almost 24 days a month. All you need is to drop a email, or call me right away.

How much do I charge? 
Well, I’m not too pricey as a big shot consultant, nor I come too cheap. I charge Rs 3.5K ( Three Thousand Five Hundred Only) for my time. This is not a fixed one. It can go up or comedown marginally.For other services, such as topics for blogging, or content marketing calendar or social media plan, I charge individually by looking at the size of the project.

So, what’s the proof that I spawn ideas? You can check what I’ve written on this post and other posts related to small business ideas. I hope that you will be able to evaluate me on the basis of what I’ve penned in these idea posts.

If I suit or fit the description and purpose, then we can collaborate.

Your’s in Marketing

Charles
Call #9900114982

Metalic Cold Impersonal Chairs

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Icy Cold & Impersonal Chair

Recently I visited a newly opened diagnostic centre in Indira Nagar. As I waited for the X-ray operator to set the machine, I took the snap of metal chair placed on the corridor. And, I thought how it typically looks like a hospital chair.

These chairs are the same kind you see in a office or in any hospital or labs. It has an appearance of being impersonal or not being friendly. What if they replace these chairs with chairs made of wood. Will it make people feel at home or make it easy on the eye? Yes, I think.

I feel wood furniture, chairs gives a more friendly ambiance and feel to the house or living room. Probably, it’s b’cos our ancestors lived in the woods. Or it could be something of the human touch.

Question for you:
What would you prefer a wood cabin or a room made of metal?

Finally, one more note.. just because every place is doing a practice, doesn’t make you copy the same tactic or practice. Often convenient thing, would make things can make you unnoticeable in the market.

So, what are you thinking?

  •  Are you a copycat or an original? 
  • Will you spend time exploring options to make your business standout?