Month: January 2016

Chennai 2015 Flood and Volunteering

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After every natural calamity, a big question is thrown at all of us – When will India have a solid disaster management policy? It’s typical to hear lot of discussion in the press, on TV and on the Internet about the failure of government machinery in combating the situation. Often, this kind of discussion, press notes has a limited shelf life. Soon, some other incident will take precedence. Next, there is hardly any mention about it and the priority of the government steers to another story.

Planning at the time of a Natural Calamity – Volunteering 
So, for the time being let’s forget about the Government welfare and support. Let’s focus on how organized volunteering will be a big support to citizens in times of need.

First of all, it’s important to plan, organize and create a systematic plan for people to volunteer. Before, I care the crux of the idea, visit Seth Godin’s blog to read this post.

According to him, any volunteering activity should have these three aspects such as: An Agenda, Peer Support, and a hierarchy of achievement.

The notes written on the blog clearly summaries the key aspects of having a problem plan, right from support structures, which can lead to better outcomes. I hope you will read the blog and start a proper framework to amplify the result. And finally, there are thousands of people in each locality who are willing to volunteer for different causes, but don’t know where to go, how to go about it, etc.

Can you steer a path? 

Increase the Value of Public Libraries

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What do people do when they wait for a bus at the bus shelter? In a mobile distracted world, it’s a common sight to see people fiddling with their mobile phones. And, I too did the same. At this point, I came across an this blog post on Grammerly.com. .

Going through the 3 points written on the blog, I picked two things which could be adopted by public libraries in India.

If I’m not wrong, there has been a steady decline of library membership in public libraries across our country. The reasons is evident – the rise of information in digital forms, wiki’s and digital libraries, etc.This means fewer footfalls in public or community libraries.

I’m not sure about the activities undertaken in public libraries, but I’m sure that most libraries have fewer resources or leadership to  take it forward. In many cases, they don’t know how to go about it. So, based on what I understood on the Grammerly blog, here are few points:

1) Start quarterly essay competition in these libraries. It should be held for school level, college level and one which is open to people of all ages. I feel a successful event can draw people living in the locality to visit the library, spend some time interacting with people, participate and in this way get familiarized with the activities of the library. To make this happen, someone should take imitative to get sponsorship, get well know writers in the locality to evaluate, and organize it systematically. During the event, organizers should take effort to collect the date of each person so that it can used subsequently for sending SMS reminders or sending email newsletter, etc.

2) Start a used book festival on every second Saturday of the month. A hall should be arranged where people can bring their used books and do barter or sell the books, magazines, etc. Again, it’s intended to engage people and develop reading habit in the locality.

I’m not sure how many libraries are taking this initiative. I bet, it could be one of the ways to foster reading habit, bring young people to its premises, and bring more meaning to the library.

P.S: Keep a notice board where people can post ads for article writers, or content writers for web project.  

Future of Recruitment

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Changing Criteria for Employment

This is a cutting from yesterday’s newspaper. I don’t have to elaborate the implications of the topic written on the news. The headline itself is self explanatory.

I had a hunch for a long time about the real worth of degree certificates, MBA qualification and many fancy certificates. Now, that I have seen it in print, I can tell people vehemently about the changes that are about to come.

Why are you here? What ideas are you bringing to the mix?
One thing is for certain, it’s the idea, knowledge and skill level which will make you stand out. The era of using name of a college or an education institution as a way to get foot on the door will be a passe. Companies which eye for the future will look for something more than just your degree certification. And that’s your ideas, integrity level, your passion, skill, etc.

The bigger question is this – Are we ready for such a changeover? When will employers in India, seek this level of selection process, where they will evaluate the real worth of candidate over the degrees in hand. Are we seeing a paradigm shift in the way business is done, in marketing, etc.

More serious question: Are we ready for the fourth industrial revolution? 

India – Buzzing Land of Business Opportunities

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Opportunities Unlimited!

I stumbled on this article in Times of India where in it speaks about the abundance business opportunities in our country. The writer pens the idea of converting  problems into business solutions or services. It’s true that we in India is beseeched by a billion problems in all ways of life. And, we know how little our government can do. So it’s time we turn these problems into opportunities!

So, where are the problems and what kind of solutions are provided by private players. Here are few business which fill the gap.

Solving transportation problems ( Uber, Ola, Zip car, Zoom cars, etc)
Healthcare solutions ( Practo, Nightingale)
Household services ( Urbanclap, )
Grocery shopping ( Big Basket, Kada.in, etc)

So, next time you face a problem, and you ardently wish for a solution, then the idea bulb should start glowing!

Potent Marketing to Impotent People

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Hospital Services Marketing – Where max eyeballs reach?

During loo visit in a shopping mall, I was for in a surprise when I saw poster promoting solution for impotency. This poster and the placement got me thinking of how and where marketers try their luck. I remember a marketing epiphany written by CK on her website – “Markets may be a mystery,
but your marketing need not be.”

Going with this philosophy, there’s no harm in pasting such posters in loos, where potential customers are reminded of their biggest worry, concern and fear- In this case Impotency.

So, what do you say about the placement of this poster? What other marketing gimmicks will work to reach their target audience? What do you think will be the articles, resources and solutions sought by such people?

I think majority of men at one stage or other will google for some solution to boost their power, or ways to flag their manhood or find solutions for erectile dysfunction.

Start a Clinic Providing Treatment for Impotency 
Look into any of the Sex Expert columns, you’ll find that one of the frequent questions are related to problem with erection or loss of interest. From what I’ve understood, stress is a libido killer.

From a business perspective, I think there will be a huge demand for medical services related to impotency. No, wonder quacks are making big money from gullible customers. If you think, there is a good market, then why don’t you start a service in this area?

Think about it!

Pavada!

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Pavada Malayalam Movie

After facing severe threats, dire consequences and warnings, I was left with no solution, but to accompany my spouse for a Malayalam movie. She booked for a recently released movie called Pavada ( Skirt in Malayalam), for the late night show at Lido Mall, Bangalore. She checked he reviews and it was kind of good rated movie.

Pavada – A good soothing name, but an Ordeal to watch!
This is my personal opinion, so, don’t take my word. I have my set of prejudices, likes and dislikes. I had to sat through the movie that I was seeing an extended malayalam serial. This means, this kind of movie is not for you, but for many other who have different movie taste buds.

What I didn’t like about this movie?I don’t like the melodrama in Indian movies. Secondly, I didn’t like seeing excessive boozing scenes and that too when protagonists are drinking as if that’s the only great thing to do. Moreover, I dislike every inch of Beverages corporation stalls. Whenever there is a mention anywhere about it, I hate the politics and people behind the dirty shops.

So, the big question is this: How can I judge or take the word from an anonymous review? Is there a way to gauge my taste and compare it with any other movie.

To make it happen, first I have to pen my interest or the movies which I like. Here’s an idea; – If there’s an application which can track my likes and then compare that likes with that of the movie under review. For example, I have to provide what all movies I like and rate each such movie on the basis of humour, action or other aspects. Next, which I check a new movie, it will show how far the current movie will match with my taste.

I hope I’m clear, or is it still vague. 

Marketing Both Sides

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Both sides of a token ( Space wisely used)

Do you give a second look at the bill from a shop or a hotel?
A bill is just a bill. We don’t collect unless we use it for accounting purpose. Sometimes, I gets accumulated in one part of the purse or get wasted.

So, here’s a way to make use of the other side of the bill. I got this thought after thinking of a solution for a relative who runs cable company.

According to him, he prints monthly cable tv bills which approx takes around 3 hr time. Yes, he prints using a dot matrix printer, which takes it’s own sweet time to print using a faded ribbon.

Here’s a plan that came to my mind, which I haven’t shared with him.

First, the whole idea is to save his time to oversee the bill printing process. Why spend 3 hr or so, waiting for the entire printing. Instead, he has to first install a faster printer which will complete the task in half or even less time.

Second, he needs to upgrade the printer. This will involve cost and his overhead will go up. The typical dot matrix printer is just Rs 75. So, how will be offset the cost.

Third: The plan is this. Utilizing the white space behind the bill.  He can sell this space to promote other advertisements. While he has over 1,000 customers in that particular locality, there would be many who would be interested to reach this audience ( a tuition class, a dance class, a department store, or online grocery store like kada.in, or ladies beauty parlor, etc).

Will this work? Will someone want to buy the advertorial space or sponsor the cost of billing, plus something extra.

Well, this bill idea should work for any business, big to small. 

Another Eureka Moment

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Where do you get ideas or spark?
What time does it happen?
I can’t remember when ideas strike and when they that moment comes.

Today, I had this thought when I was having my bath. It’s a totally absurd idea, but it can help someone in distress or it can be guide during the time when you break the law.

Here’s a guide to handle Indian cops. So, here’s the story.

How many times have you read in the newspaper of the harrowing tale of people who were wrongly accused by the police and later harassed by them? Also, there are cases where people have broken a minor law and they end up with a big trauma in police station. How many people have lost a day or more waiting for some problem they had with the law.

Is there a way out, when you’re in such a mess?

Imagine you’re in a new state, where you’re not familiar with the language, you don’t have friends or relatives or connection to bail you – what will you do when you’re caught in the wrong side of law.

So here’s my idea – Create a comprehensive book on how to wriggle your way from the long arm of law. It will contain few basic rules on how to react when you’re caught by the cops. For instance, if you’re caught for drink and drive at M.G Road, what are the chances of you slipping out? Probably none!! But, if you’re street smart and know basic rules the chances are that you can get away by paying some fine or by trying to grease their palm.

Well, this handy guide will be helpful when there is a minor transgression with the law. It’s not when you commit a big stuff, and start hunting for ways to escape. Well, in India, everything can happen, provided you have the right connection, but imagine you’re just a small fry and you are alone.

So, will such a guide help the common man:

The guide could be an online guide with practical tips. It could be started as a portal which provides answers to common problems faced by people, the legal support, answer to pertinent questions such as filing case, and providing transparency into the system.

This kind of portal should have separate session for each state, as each state has a different hierarchy and methodology. It will also act as the watchdog of the bribes accepted by cops, or it could also alert people of major crime, etc.

What about creating a Dummies series on how Indian Police System? It will answer questions such as:

  • How are bribes paid?
  • What’s the standard bribe for traffic rule violation in __ state? 
  • What is FIR? Can I lodge a complaint through email?
  • If I loose my mobile phone, what are my chances of getting back?
  • How to file a complaint when someone steals my vehicle?
  • I’m swindled by a con man – how should I deal with it?
  • What are common tricks used by a con man?
  • What about the interview with a con man, disclosing the inside story? 
  • How to safely withdraw money from ATM at night?
  • Is this road safe at night? What are the precautions to be taken?

Well, ideas are countless, but creating such a collective and useful book or newsletter is a mamoth task. Probably, you can think about it or share with venture capitalists to fund this project. Or it could be a small project in a remote village which will help people to understand their rights and find solution.

Though I’ve deal this topic in a lighter way, the entire project could be something which can help our citizens and make our police system a transparent one.

Coming up next, is a portal to help retired cops.

Matter of Waste Disposal in Bangalore

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Finally, there’s a positive move!

I think authorities are slowly waking up to the growing mounts of waste, and thinking of tightening the noose at place where it matters. These days the waste collection autos are asking residents to segment and segregate dry and wet waste.

This was a step which they should have started many years back, but then we should be happy that they started now. I think, it’s time the civic authorities, enforce strict laws on waste disposal fine people who are careless.
But, will these things work in India? Who will have the guts to enforce it when all are busy to just run the show, not doing real difference!

But, if things go in such slow pace, them we citizens suffer. The locality becomes a dump yard and other problems will blossom. For instance, the area where our lane joins the main road is a bumping point. Due to frequent waste, the rats are having a gala jolly time. During late evening, it’s hard not to notice the scores of rats running in and out of the waste. I bet a big rat colony has sprung in a short time.

So, what’ the lesson:

  • Try to segregate the waste
  • Avoid dumping the waste in public places

( easier said than done)

Another idea to make a cleaner and beautiful locality. Here goes my plan. I was thinking of the posh and middle class apartments in each locality. And, invariably each apt owner has to shell out maintenance cost. This is exclusively for the upkeep of the building, security, lights in common areas, etc, What if you these apartments also charge a nominal charge ( from Rs 100 to…) for maintaining the surrounding locality. Probably, they can maintain few flower beds, or grow mother-in law’s tounge or money plant. The idea of planning this is simple. I recently came across a TED video where you a speaker said how these plants produce oxygen, recycle toxic air, etc. So, what not plant these inexpensive ones in and around your colony or apartment.

Apart from using this money for growing these plants, some money could be spend on monthly cleaning of the local area or repair of broken drain slabs, etc.

Again the question is – will be residents be willing to spend some money on a clean neighborhood? I feel most Indians have a habit of only taking care of their house, their compound, or just their courtyard. They are least concerned if the dump-yard few mts from their house is  overflowing or the road outside has plastic covres. We are just shortsighted people and we get what we deserve.

But, it’s time we moot a change. Can we, can we, think beyond our house, our colony or apartment? 

End of Typical Indian Family Bonding and Love

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Suddenly I find a our neighborhood level and family level conversation dying. For example, earlier in a typical marriage function, the entire family used to join hands to conduct it. Today, it’s the entire task is outsourced to an event management company. So, what’s the role of we relatives or neighbors? We just walk in at the alloted time, shake hands, smile randomly and have lunch or dinner. Where is the connection? What kind of involvement you have towards the newly married couple? What did you do together to make it happen?

Well, there are reasons why this new arrangement has set in. It’s the lack our life, the new busy life, etc. But, when we go ahead with the new set of things, are we really doing justice to the event? Are we building the bold or loosing it?

Fit in or Stand out

Once I went for a marriage function in Kodugu. It was my wife’s best friend’s brother was getting married. As a person interested in functions, festivals, etc, I look this as a chance to witness marriage and the Coorgi’s culture. One thing which I saw on the previous day was this – the ladies in the family has joined together to make preparation to make the food, etc. It was nice to see the family boding, doing task in unison.

What’s the coorgi lessons for rest of us?
Next time, you have a wedding in your family, thing of taking a part of the task with the family. It could be a small task, but make sure you find people within your family to execute it. It could be the job of serving or it would the preparation of a dessert for the reception.

The whole idea of such a joint task is get involvement or bonding within family memember. I hope you get the idea!

Try it out!