Sales Lift for Sneaker Company

May 26, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Sports shoe/sneaker market is worth millions or billions in sales and turnover. The pace of competition and race for the first position is how the companies are able to catch the tend of the young gen. Recently, Puma brand toppled other biggies like Nike and Addidas to take the first pole in the shoe market.

It’s not surprising to most youngsters wearing Puma, instead of Addidas or Nike or Lotto, which was popular in my college years.

Marketing Idea for Sneaker Companies

Today I woke late and I missed the usual round of walk from Kumarapuram junction to KIMS hospital. As I sat holding the lukewarm cup of coffee, I got this little gimmick on my mind. It’s about selling sports shoes – a new way of making a fresh appeal.

Marketing Plan – Push Up Plan

Do you remember the time when Gmail came to the market? It was not open to everyone – but through referral. On the same lines Gio brand did some attempt to make it look special.

So, this plan is somewhat closer to it – in that it’s making an attempt to feel that the buyer is privileged in some way.

Plan – Introduce a New Line of Shoes – Sold Only to Fit People

What does limited access means. In this case, a shoe brand should release a new line of shoes which is sold at a discounted price to a limited audience . In other words, discount can be availed only to people who can do 75 push-ups or more. ( Push up just a barrier)

Well, I choose push ups as an example as it’s something I love doing and it’s a simple exercise which could be done without any equipment or at home. Moreover, doing regular push-ups makes you fit, and gives you a good posture.

Imagine, if the same shoe is available to public at a premium price. This is the modus operandi. The plan is that brand store must keep weekly competition ( time and date fixed in advance). It has a designated place inside the store for push-ups – a stage where prospective buyers prove their worth by doing the required physical task. It’s a tactic to attract or spread the message of a sport activity tied to buying a sports shoe.

Apart from the push ups, what are other ways to promote sports shoe:

Offer good discount to people who have complete a local 10K or 20K marathon
Offer at 50% discount to senior citizen who have participated or completed a half marathon
Offer it to police officers/military officers who has done stellar service, gallantry award winners, etc

Will This Marketing Tactic Work?
Idea is to promote fitness, wellness and goodwill in the market. As a new marketing tactic, it should plan this as a serious campaign, reaching out to people who deserve it, or even advertise in gym, putting up posters, etc.

Probably it will or it will go out an attempt to resonate the brand to the target audience.

Lessons for KSRTC from Ola Uber Apps

May 26, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Save Time of Commuters – Make India a Champion Country

I’m a native of Tvm, who’s currently settled in B’lore. An idea stuck me while I waited for a city bus at Kumarapuram stop. I felt the need for a mobile App which can help commuters locate and find buses passing their route.

The reason why I felt the need for this app is this – WAITING! Why should a state or nation waste the time of a citizen, keeping them in suspense on what time the bus will reach their station. We are now living in era where technology used by Ola or Uber makes it easy to spot the booked cab. Why can’t we apply the same to transport buses?

Well, this idea is for all the transport corporations to implement. From KSRTC to Delhi or Calcutta bus services can think of building the technology to make the services more predictable.

Probably, engineering students or even school kids who are savvy about mobile app development can implement this in their town

Here’s the project detail:

KSRTC APP ( Mobile App for State Transport)

Here’s the basic scenario: The mission of our public transport is to provide quality and affordable transportation to public. But, over the years, this public venture is still under the red.

In this regard, I noticed that many low floor buses ( Volvo) are going with empty seats. I find that there’s no means for public to know the timing or the location of these buses and decide on taking other means.

For example, I frequently take Bangalore train from Kochu Veli Station. This train departs at 17 hrs. And, in that time, there’s a low floor bus which passes Kumarapuram ( my stop) to Kochu Veli. As there’s no means to know the location of the bus, I often end up taking a cab or auto from Kumrapuram to reach the station. This is a revenue loss for the KSRTC and for me.

So, here’s a way to overcome this situation.

Develop a Mobile App for KSRTC

Function of this Proposed Mobile App

User will tap the app to open
App will take the user location and also show the location of Volvo buses
When a bus is selected, it will show the fare, route and probable time to reach
It will also show the ph# of the conductor or driver ( It will be useful for the public)
User has the option to see the timing of next bus in the same route

Other options available in the app

Search option to select bus by route number or destination name
User is give the option to give feedback

How it will be useful for the public?

Commuters can easily decide to wait for the bus or look for other means
KSRTC buses will be more profitable with visibility
The high smart phone popularity, this App could be publicizied
The KSRTC control room will know the location of buses ( GPS)

This project could be taken by a Startup or by Engineering students in the state or IIT Students or by an individual who’s passionate about making a change happen. So, what’s in for you?

1) Learning opportunity for students to work on a real-world problem
2) Publicity for the college or institution
3) Acquire skills to learn through collaboration with IT companies
4) Learn to source ( crowdfunding) funds for this project
5) Added points on your resume

How to Fill the Technology or Knowledge Gap
Don’t let any technical problem come your way. There are always companies who would be interested to support your venture. ( For instance, companies like Infosys, or Wipro, or the tech giant Google, etc, who will be happy to lend their expertise)

I hope you could take this up with your management or the staff of the concerned department ( Computer science) to make this a reality.

For more ideas to make this app: Refer Ola or Uber App. Also, I heard that there are similar apps used in London to track public transport buses.

Pink Slip at the Age of Automation

May 26, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Is the threat of automation, real or imaginary? Does automated system make our jobs obsolete sooner than we think?

For a long time, the idea of automation is being proposed by futurists and visionaries. All these years, most of us has brushed aside this concept, thinking it’s something like what we heard when computers came around.
However, this time the stories and projections of things we hear seems real and scary. So, what’s the scary part of automation and AI? Is automation going to displace most of our job and put us on the street? Is the work going to be gone with far better efficiency, accuracy and without looking for a motivation or reason to work.

Automation in AI Era

Sometimes I feel that I worry about it too much, while most people I discuss with hardly seems to feel it as a threat. So, am I talking this idea too far or are there many people like me who feel that it’s a clear and present danger for working people.

So, if you imagine it’s real, then how do you protect your career, income and life? Do you become indispensable in the era of Cloud and AI?

Few Articles on this topic
Will machines take on every job – Source: BU Today
Job Displacement ( What these leaders think)
When automation takes over our economy ( Reddit answers)
How automation will effect economies across the world – Mckinsey
Will Robots Really Steal our Jobs Source: ( PWC)
Jobs that may start vanishing from today
Will machines eventually take over
Robots will steal our jobs – Forbes Article

By the way, what are the jobs you see will vanish in few years time:

1) Bank clerks, Sarkari babus and others in paper scrutiny work

2) Sales people of most shops and establishments

3) Basic coders in IT

4) Link builders, basic level SEO specialists, etc

Comprehensive Complaint Notification solution Portal

May 26, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Complaint Box Remedy Box A day ago, we bought the third dust bin. First one, purchased a month back broke near the handle. But, the second one, was an expensive plastic bin has given us problems from day one. Here’s the product malfunction. Every time we press the petal to open the lid, the lid slips away. Which means, we have to bend again to fix the lid. The problem is that the groove where the lid is attached keeps slipping out. The Real Price We Pay to Buy Expensive Product This waste bin was expensive than the cheap ones available. So, what’s the lesson learned? I just remembered the old maxim which I learned in college – Caveat emptor ( “Let the buyer beware”). . So, what’s the goddamn solution. Well, here’s another portal or website to the rescue or to inform users of the possible problems with the product. ( Patented Idea # 235) 🙂 Start a portal where people can check the product by model number or name and instantly know the possible complaints related to the product. While, you might say that there are many sites doing similar job, I can say that this should be done in more visual way. For example, imagine a page which is divided into three vertical columns. The first column will contain the specification of the product, second will the complaint and third how to rectify the solution. Product Complaints Remedy Problem Cloud tag Example Morphy Richards After regular use, Get the thermostat Based on the complaints s OTG the temp fluctuates changed. Call the submitted by users, a program ( For instance, oven shows customer care will make a cloud tag. It will 200 Cel, while the real or get a good help users to instantly find the temp is in excess of 250) service guy known to fix this common problem issue. ( details of service centre, phone the product number and the contact info of a person who can do the repair.) Sunflame OTG The glass top breaks Buy one with the metal top Glass top breakage! into thousand of small glass granules ( dangerous) Will this Product Quality and Solution Site Help Probably, yes. Well, such a site or an app will make it easy for customers to search for common problems related to a household durable goods. This is applicable to more expensive products like the mobile phones or cars or appliances, etc.

So, what do you think, will it be a one-stop solution for all customers to stop and understand if the product is a lemon or it has other issues which are hidden by the manufacturer. Also, it will alert the user, if the problem can lead to safety issues or other hazards. What say? I think, a very good GUI or a designer’s hand is required to make this idea into a very user friendly site. I remembered one more feature which could be added on the app. Just take a pic of the product from the mobile, and it will scan the database to shortlist and then it will instantly show the complaints, if any related to the product.

BTW – A PHOTO searching should be enabled in the app which makes the search instant.

Flea Market at Marakada Trivandrum Akiri Kada

May 23, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Kada selling Antiques and Vintage Items

My Travel Trunk – New

Flea Market Hunter

These are the shops where I scour for anything that’s unusual, vintage and antique. Marakada Road in Trivdrum has by hunting ground for a long time.

One of the item which I felt I should have bought was the hand-cuffs. It was kept for sale by a guy and I thought I will buy after some time. But that “some time”, he had sold all the metal hand cuffs and left.

In Bangalore, the city market side is where I go during Sunday’s.

21 Restaurant Themes Ideas for Bars Cafes

May 17, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

This post is about theme!
Theme in bars and restaurant. Why are new pubs and restaurants following a theme? Is it for the customer, is to create a special appeal, taste, lifestyle or a brand identity?

Imagine having a sameness everywhere! Won’t it be boring? So, theme is used to make the place inviting, attractive, or to follow a theme in a different way

( Bar theme ideas from the net)

What’s a theme restaurant?

Theme restaurants or pubs are often characterized by the uniqueness of architecture, decor, food, music, and overall “feel” of the restaurant.

Source: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theme_restaurant

Got it!

Now that we are one the same page, I’ve a question – if you’re thinking of visiting a new restaurant which one will take priority – a themed one or a typical restaurant. Well, my question is stupid. So, not worth answering.

Now, let me get into the heart of the matter. I for one, always have a desire to open a cafe or a restaurant, but knowing the difficulties, the investment, I brush it out.

In Trivandrum, my hometown there was a buzz recently. Two new themed restaurants has opened it’s doors for dinners. It’s Thakaram. One outlet in Kazhakuttam, is designed like the interior of an airplane and another like a rail coach.

Now, it’s been more than a year it has opened, but I haven’t visited it. Probably, it was not on the top of my mind. I was just wondering if the waiters in Airplane themed restaurants wore skirts like an air hostesses or it’s the usual boring restaurant dress. Well, considering the local taste, they will play safe.

Having said that, I wish they could at least have a speical day where they get their staff decked as flight attendant and serve meals.

Imagine that I’m given the power to choose a theme for a restaurant, what will be my choices

1 Nautical-themed bar
I love seas, rivers and boats. So, it’s would be my first choice. It will also specialize in sea food starters and a range of cocktails and drinks designed for mariners.

2. Railway Themed Restaurant

This was there in my mind for long. It’s not just as easy as hanging a vintage railway signal light or modelling the room to look like a coach. Even the food menu should be different. For instance, it would be essential to infuse some colonial touch to it. Food menu with Railway Chicken, etc.

3. Math’s Theme

I don’t have any connection with this topic. Only that I dread in my school years was maths. Probably low IQ could be blamed for it. But, there are many would like to see an unsolved mathematics problem written on a chalk board, or where the math wiz kids come and solve an equation and get a free drink. What do you say? There are lot of nerds out there who would love to do it. Btw, it should be run by someone who love and drink maths.

4. Chemistry or Lab Themed Pub
Do you fancy sitting in a pub which transports you to feel you had when you visited chemistry lab in your school or college. The pipes, testtubes, acid bottles, and that acid like smell. Well, I remember my alma mater when I used to be intrigued with the bottles of acid – which I thought had some kind of life. There was one school mate who used to mix random acid when left unsupervised and then quickly pour the same in the sink. ( Sorry got carried away to that old life)

So, what about a pub which can take a leaf from this chemistry lab. I bet there are may ways to infuse these ideas.

5. Colonial Themed Restaurant or Bar
British has left a legacy in many forms – from ruling, rules, cuisine, etc. So, one of the restaurant could take this theme, where they can make connection to their menu, ambiance and decor to match this concept.

6 Horror Movie Theme
Imagine a waterhole where a bar menu starts with Blood Sucker, Dram Stroker’s Spl, etc. Well, the menu should take inspiration from horror theme, Scandinavia stuff, and all the fictional stuff like the Frankenstein, etc.

Well, there will be scores of folks who will line in to take a shot of vampire drink. Sic
\

Fishy Luscious Kerala Meals in Bangalore

May 12, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

Train Food Pack

Lucky Me – Fish Curry today

Fish Fry for Today!

Though I’m in Bangalore for the last 10 or more years, what I don’t miss is the fish curry lunch. Thanks to my spouse, I’m glad to enjoy food to my heart’s content. And, every time I have tasty meal in Bangalore, I think of many who are away from home – missing their home cooked fish curry.

So, where do the fish lovers in Bangalore visit to have a decent fish curry meals? What are the restaurants or Kerala mess which has fish curry meals in its menu.

1. Achayans at Tippasandra
Address: 2209, Thrikanya Building, 80ft Road, Next to BSNL Signal, HAL 3rd Stage, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 12PM Sun
Phone: 096202 84809

2. Little Home at Koramangala
Address
1015, 1st Block, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala 1st Block,
Near Wipro Park
Phone # 08025631504, 08025525950

3. Kairali at Koramangala
Address: no 3, 2nd B Cross Road, 1, 1st Main Rd, Zuzuvadi, Maruti Nagar, 1st Stage, BTM Layout,
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 7AM Sun
Phone: 080 2553 4034

4. The Paramount Hotel
Address: 177/178, Amarjyoti Layout, Domlur,
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 2:30AM
Phone: 097435 20000

5. Kerala Pavallion at Domlur
Address: #765,, 1st Main Road,, Domlur Layout,
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 7:30AM Sun
Phone: 080 2535 6829

6. Shaap
Address
83/4,13th, Main Road, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar, Bangalore
Phone number
080 49598061

7 New Life Kerala Mess
Address: 3790, 7th Main Rd, Motappapalya, Indiranagar,
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 7AM Sun
Phone: 087921 75265

8. Kerala Mess
Address: Plot No. 36, Venkatapura Road, 7th A Cross Road, 1st Block, Koramangala,
Hours: Closed ⋅ Opens 8AM Sun
Phone: 077600 93800

9 Angel Kerala Restaurant
Address: 1st Cross , Bilekahalli,
Phone: 098807 14970

10 Jose Mess
Address: 9th Cross Road, Maruthi Nagar Main Rd, Near Padmavathi Public School, Nagar,

Phone: 080 2684 0905

11 Kumarakom Restaurant
Address: No-23, 14th Main Road, 4th Sector, Opp BDA Complex, HSR Layout,

Phone: 080 6500 0118

12 Kerala mess upahar
Address: 1b, Outer Ring Rd, Adarsh Palm Retreat, Bellandur

Phone: 099862 08080

13 Kuttanad Restaurant
Address: #1157, 5th Cross, KRC Road, Kothanur, Vyalikaval HBCS Layout, Nagawara,
Phone: 097427 41836

14. Thalassery Restaurant
Address: No.143, 5th Block, Munireddy Kalyana Mandappa Road, Koramangala,

Phone: 080 2552 6969

15 God’s Own Cafe
Address: 72, 1st Main,4th Cross Road,7th Block, Koramangala, Near HDFC Bank
Phone: 099807 39700

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Mangalore Fish Specialty Restaurants in Bangalore

It’s not just the Malayalee’s who are craving for boiled rice and coconut based fish curry. There are other brethren who have similar fishy taste. Well, all coastal towns have liking to sea food. So, here’s the list of handful of restaurants serving Mangalore fish dishes

Mangalore Pearls

Coast to Coast at Koramangala

Goan Fish Thali –

Splendid St Patrick Church in Bangalore

May 10, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

St Patrick Church –

Marble Plaque

Live Isabel – Marble Plaque

Pic From I sat

Hugh Luxa – How did he look like?

Every Church Has a Story!
About all those who have visited, prayed, baptized, married and was given final goodbye in this church. Well, ask the church walls about what all it has seen from its’ foundation stone to all current renovation.

From what I know, St Patrick church is one of the oldest church in Bangalore. For all the priests, parishioners, choir teams has come and gone. I wish their website has the pics in chronological way. I feel the church has done their bit by publishing a hard bound book which catalogs the journey so far.

People and Church
I remember the lady who used to play the piano. She has used to be accompanied her husband and her daughter. After the mass I used to see them at Koshy’s.

Later one day, I heard during a mass, that she had was called to final abode. I miss them!

What’s the little idea!

Here’s what I think. There should be a tea stall which serves some light refreshments for church goers – like water, a cup of tea and sandwich. The earning from such a stall can go for some welfare. Also, there are many people who can’t go hungry for a long time. At least this stall should open after every mass.

St Patrick’s Church on the Web

Church website http://www.stpatricksblr.com/

Tripadvisor reviews says this is a must see church if you’re visiting Bangalore.

Mass Timings
Weekdays

Morning
6:00 AM – English
6:30 AM – Tamil
7:00 AM – English

Click here for detailed mass timing

My two cents about St Patrick church website!

Good Points

Easy navigation and information is given upfront
Relevant tabs takes visitors to the relevant page.
Fast loading of pages.

These are few suggestions:

History tab – Give an option to visitors to buy the book about St Patrick’s Church. Or just give excerpts about the book

Also, on the choir tab, pics of the current choir team, or the old team will be interesting. \

News and Events – a visual calendar will be good for people to understand the upcoming events.

Homepage Menu “Donation” is essential.
On this page, church can solicit help from public about some project or get crowd-sourced funds to help any parishioner. Donation page should include the bank account number of the church. Just imagine, a generous giver comes to know about a cause and funds the project. It could be fan for the parish to roof for a parishioner or even funding higher studies for a person.

To quote the Bible – So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you .

St Patrick’s Cemetry

If you like to read old epitaphs, then St Patrick’s cemetery is a must visit one. I have made couple of visits, and I wouldn’t joining you for another visit.

Remembering Ole House I’ve Lived

May 6, 2018 ~ bjcharles ~ Leave a comment

“This Ole House” Lyrics

This ole house once knew his children
This ole house once knew a wife
This ole house was home and comfort
As we fought the storms of life
This old house once rang with laughter
This old house heard many shouts
Now she trembles in the darkness
When the lightnin’ walks about….

About this post
I saw this FB post while browsing through a friend’s post. As I played this song by Colet Selvan on Youtube, I was struck with this voice, the voice that lit hope and gave me company on a lonely Sunday.

What a mesmerizing voice and as one of the comment on Youtube goes – just close your eyes and hear this song, you’ll think it’s from a old White man.

Flashback…
Also, when I heard this song with the lyrics, it took me to the houses where I have stayed and which has lost it’s sheen after we had moved out. It’s so, so sad to see the house that’s broken, in a bad shape, after all, the time I had spend in that house has so much memories of my life in that phase of life.

Well, nothing is permenant in this word….all things crumbles.