Author: bjcharles

I love all things about marketing, small biz idea, and meetups. This blog is just a platform to share my thoughts and network with people like you.

Leadership at the Time of Kerala Flood

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It’s one of the worst flooding which Kerala has seen in the recent past. Right now, things are limping back to normalcy – thought not an easy task. People have lost lives, property, money, documents and all the bearing to lead a normal life.

IT would take huge amount of  money for the state to build the broken infrastructure, and system to get it going. So, where is the money coming from? While there are contributions from private sources, there are still more to be done.

Raising Funds – Kerala Floods
So, what are the ways administration or private entity can raise funds? How to get the message out to the public to donate generously? Is there a system that can makes things easier? Who is appealing to whom?

Here are few thoughts I would like to share.

1. CM or any charismatic leader who can move the masses should appear on prime time Tv everyday with an appraisal of the day’s activities. This perfectly scripted message will summarize the activities, task done, work and areas where more help is required. Also, appeal how much more money is required. For instance, if 20,000 core is required, then the person or the administration should work for a amount of 30000 cores. Keep an audacious goal to achieve the goal.

2. Create a micro site to carry the latest information. Only verified information will be posted where people can refer as the ONLY source of right information.

3. To raise fund of this scale, an state level event ( like Live Aid) should be organized.

4. A website should list out all the location of broken infrastructure. Each item should have a bar which should show the progress ( work started, progress, work in progress) also picture ( real time) and how the repair is carried out. TRANSPARENCY

Who are the leaders and unsung heros who acted during this Kerala floods

1. Volunteers ( Mostly young Turks)
2. District administration and beurocratcs
3. District Collector ( Vasuki and T.V Anupama
3. Fishermen folks 
4. Residents
6. Cine actors ( Tovino) and politicians
7  Donors ( Those who contributed small to big part of their savings to CM’s Fund)

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FREAKY IDEAS to RAISE FUNDS

1. Open more booze retail outlets across the state ( more sales, more tax)
2. Opportunity to donate black money to CM’s fund
3. Make it mandatory or voluntary to donate 1000 to 10000 to CM’s fund. Each citizen. ( Exceptions allowed – those who can’t donate)
3. Appeal to NRI’s in Each region ( North America – Rs 5000 crores, Europe Rs 3,000 crores and South East Asia Rs 2,000 crores). Let these people raise funds through events, etc.

4. Start a FREE ZONE!

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I’ve shared a little of what I heard from the news sites. Moreover, there are many other unsung heros who had worked and recused many.

So, if you come across such heroes, make sure you give a pat on their back and also give them due credit.

Feel free to leave a comment if you like this post or feel free to join me for tea if you’re in Trivandrum or Bangalore. 🙂

Judgmental Humans

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One of the fallacies  of human nature in our very nature to be very judgmental.

This is not exhibited in a large scale during this natural and man made flooding which is causing lot of havoc in most parts of Kerala. Sometimes, I see too many Whatsapp message from different groups trying to judge the activities of Government, individuals, volunteers and organizations. Some are pro, some are neutral, some lauding the activities of Government.

So, it made me wonder how and why we judge the actions of people and organization? Also, as a person with a marketing heart, depot, I wonder how people judge a brand by their actions or the lack of actions. 
The counter arguments, accusations and judgement from people sitting in high and dry places is disturbing and sometimes totally uncalled. Why are people so eager to form conclusion after seeing a part of the story. 
I think, 99% of people, including myself fall in to the category of folks who come to easy, first-impression conclusion about people and things.
Coming back to the marketing or branding of business, how to use this first-impression to get the right impression from people? 
The question to marketers or to people who in key role of small business or big business is this – How to convince or get the right impression from public? How to get it right?

What do you think about this? Do you react easily or are you the kind who are just spectators?

Let us know in the comments.

Donation at the Time of Flood in Kerala

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Flood Relief Kit in Trivandrum

Just wondering if any flood Donation kit is currently sold at shops or department stores like Margin Free or Pothy’s? If not, now is the time to make a handy kit, which makes for easy contribution.
Such a kit can be packaged like this ( Rs 501 kit, or Rs 1000 kit) with essential items ( bed sheet, towel, T Shirt, torch, toothpaste, biscuits, etc.)

Probably, online stores like Flipkart or Amazon or Jabong, Kada.in should spring to action with a banner ( #Keralafloodkit) on their homepage. Same Day Delivery option!

What about Uber Eats or Swaap App or similar food delivery apps in Trivandrum? It would be a good thought if they can take delivery of Pothi Choru from selected shops to relief camps. (A special menu option on the App to donate)

Just sharing this thought.

1. On the same lines when a natural catastrophe of this nature happens in this country, a lot could be done by Online Stores. What they could do immediately is to create hashtag for instance in this case, it could be #keralafloodkitamazon or #keralafloodclothkitjabong, etc and share it on their social platform.

2. Second, create a banner which will take to a landing page which will have two or three specific kit.
( food kit, food plus medicine kit, food, medicine and cloth kit).

3. Share the pictures of beneficiaries who have received the kit. Also mail the copy of picture to the person who sponsored it.

4. Eventually estore will earn the goodwill for facilitating it and also they can earn some brownie points.

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Role for Kudambashree in Kerala Floods

I bet this NGO  is doing their best in helping people through their work or contribution. Here’s something more they can do:

1. Create a banner on their homepage
2. Make a make-shift food stall which makes pothichoru
3. Tie up with food delivery apps to take orders
4. Also make booth or collection centers to take old clothes and materials

Local Attractions in Trivandrum

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What’s more to see in Trivandrum than what you see in the travel brochures? As a person who have spend the best time of my life in this city, I can suggest few places where you can get new experience or just witness new sights.

Here’s the 100 little things to do or see in Trivandrum.

1. Coffee Powder at Vinayaka
 Do you like the smell of freshly grounded coffee beans? Or do you have a friend or a family member who adores coffee? If yes, then here’s an experience waiting for coffee bean lovers.

Trivandrum have few shops which grids coffee beans and packs it in front of you. One of the shops which my mom prefers to buy is Vinayaka Coffee at Chalai. My mom usually insists on Pea berry coffee. When you order coffee, you can watch how they grind the coffee bean and see the process.

2. Post a Postcard at General Post Office
 
   Postcards are still a cool way to let your friends and dear ones know that you remember them. Trivandrum has many post offices dotted at various parts of the town. Kerala themed postcards are available at book stores like Current Books at Statue or at SMS Institute near to Press Club, Trivandrum.  If you are the type who like to photograph old buildings or visit them, then Post Master General Office at PMG will be an ideal place. Though I have been, the colonial style building has always fascinated me.

3. Visit Angadi Kada at Chalai and buy incense Powder

   Ayurveda is an alternative treatment methodology which is popular in Kerala and elsewhere in India. In ayurveda treatment, especially for making kashayam ( concoction for medicines), the vaidyar ( learned and experienced teacher) uses many herbs, plant leaves, barks, seeds, etc. Theses are sold in few shops which are spread across the city. There’s one such shop at GPO junction and also one inside the vegetable market road in Chalai.

My mom often insists to buy frankincense ( mani kundirikalm) from a shop in Chalai. If you are curious to know about the herbs or would like to see the store,then it’s worth visiting the shop.

Getting Ready to brave Slow Start – Small Business Topic

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A new ladies and children only beauty parlor opened in Poonthi Road.

I visited a hair saloon which is bang opposite to this. During the hair cut, the owner talked about the about the investment for starting a decent looking saloon and the difficulty in getting the word-across.

According to him, the recently opened shop must have invested around 2 lakhs for interiors and accessories for the saloon. Also, there are two staff to manage. Unfortunately, two staff left soon after the business took off. Probably, they got a better offer.

For me, these sounded like a typical challenge for a small business concern who has to depend on hires to run the show.

It makes me wonder, if the small business owner is aware of the blunt edges of running a business. Is there such kind of mentor-ship for new entrepreneurs, or is there a guide who can run-through the typical challenges of running a business.

As a small business owner, what are the typical challenges? How do you differentiate?  How do you prepare yourself to face the initial phase of business?

1) Train new staff on how to behave with customers in a courteous manner

2) Understand the risk of loosing new hires ( Have you located the next hire or trained the next employee to take up)

3) Reward new hires, and give them a solid reason why they should or them to stick on to the company

4) Marketing – Yes, be creative, do it differently. ( Typical flyers or posters are rarely effective. Try SMS campaign to prospects in the locality. Give them an offer on Wednesday or so)

5) Start with a specialty ( How different are you from your competitor?)

6) For beauty parlours ( Give a 5 minute FREE leg massage or head massage)

7) Are you know for your cleanliness or punctuality, politeness?

8) Collect mobile number of every customer and send periodic reminders

9) Incentive employees and train them for higher  productive performance.

So, what do you think? Do you think these points improve the chances of success? Do you have other points to share, which was very successful for you?

Feel free to share your ideas on how to improvice small business marketing.

Thanks for stopping by!

Translate Popular Blog to Indian Languages

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Make a List of Top Blogs to Read  

I’m a big fan of Seth Godin. In one of his blog, he mentioned about a cloud based news aggregator application called Feedly. This site makes it easier to read articles, blog from multiple sources into one location. Hence, reading or following updates becomes easier.

Well, Seth’s blog is full of such simple ideas, suggestions which gives readers a direction, and they nudge you to do something remarkable.

Grow with the Times – Trivandrum

Off late, I get this feeling with the people from Trivandrum. I see a proliferation of middle-class ideas, ideals, negative approach or rather a cynical approach to everything. Due to this, it’s affecting the general psyche, and even the general attitude. Well, I don’t have anything wrong with the middle-class way of life, however I feel that progress comes only from those who push the existing boundaries.

So, what does it mean?
 It means that we have to understand how other cities are developing, how bigger, bolder ideas are being implemented, and old is giving may to new begining. In today’s age of digitization and information access, it’s easier than ever before to learn, share and care for people around you.

And, in this regard, I have a thought. This concept sprung up from the fact that I wanted everyone to read Seth Godin blogs. But, how’s that possible when not everyone can understand English language. So, how to make it accessible to everyone.

What if someone or the owner gives permission to translate the blog to Malayalam. Well, we know Google can easily translate English to any language, but I need a perfect job. With more customized content to motivate Malayalee reader to act or challenge the status-quo.

Will it work? How far will such a project be successful. Well, I said Malayalam as an example. Also, Seth Godin as another example. I just mean to say how a popular blog could be translated to other language like Tamil or Kannada or other Indian languages.

One more thing – Translate popular blog and print 100 blog post and print it into a book. How does this idea sound?

Blogs which I love to see more regional readership

1. Seth Godin
2. Marketing sherpa
3. Steve Pavlova
4. 1000 Awesomethings
5. Art of Manliness
6. James Utcher

  

Waste Management for Indian Railways

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In one of the recent train travel from Trivandrum by Kochu Veli Express, I had the usual experience – the aged coach,  cheap plastic seats with patch-work, the rickety-dickey sounds of the coach and wet toilet ( always wet floor).

As soon as this train passed some 100 km of it’s 700 odd km journey, the waste bin was overflowing with tea cups, plastic covers and what not.

With the sight of an overflowing bill, many passengers including myself found it easy to throw used tea cups and waste outside the train. Who would like to dig the hand between the waste!

I have noted that most time, there is mid-way emptying of waste bin. The waste too travels some 700 km, before it gets disposed. So, when people throws waste outside, I think it’s added cost to the railway, in terms of getting someone to collect the outside waste.

Two things to improve this system.

1) Increase the size of the waste bin
2) Collect the waste, every 200 km of the train’s journey

I think there is an SMS facility to inform authorities about railway coach cleaning. But, I personally find it cumbersome. Instead, an option inside the IRCTC app would make things easier for the commuter.

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POINT #2

Well, apart from the waste collection, I have a small request to IRCTC. This is regarding the chai, kapi supplied in the coach. Well, I along with thousands of commuters dread drinking the chai supplied in the train. One, they are not clean. We keep hearing stories of these chai wallas filling water from the train loo.

Another is the QUALITY of the chai. It’s watery tea or coffee or it’s too much sugar. I wonder if they get sugar for free or is it something which tastes like sugar. I have seen the railway mentioning the quantity of tea  ( some ml), but no word about the taste of the tea experience for the commuter. Give me less, but make it delightful!

Question to railway authorities:

I know with Rs 10, it’s hard to make good quality tea. So, why can’t they arrange a premium chai guy who sells tea or coffee for 20. This special tea should come with separate sugar sachet. I bet there are many senior citizens who will be keen to avoid sugar water and look forward to feel-good tea from these carriages.

Looking for such a Chai!

Loosening Family Bonding in Indian Families

~ bjcharles ~ 2 Comments
In the last decade or so, I have seen, experienced and felt how family bonding has slipped to new lows. Well not just my family, but in the lives of many of my friends too. As a person who likes to have a close and helpful family network, I see this as a failure in all fronts.

I know there’re are many who don’t seems to be affected by the isolation in family and the growing independence in family life!

Some how, I can’t grasp at the fast pace change in our behavior. So, who can we blame. Well, do we have to blame  the rise of busy-state of life, eagerness to earn, fast-paced work, or the self-centered life of everyone or the hectic life schedule.

Or is it, related to the constricted life, much away from the life of their father or grand father’s generation..

So, what’s the fall out of this modern life. The so called typical Indians are suddenly acting like westerners. They are getting more into themselves, and their shrinking  circle of friends and relatives.

Recently, I had this experience. I gifted a lady a cake. She said that her husband don’t eat cake make with egg. Then I said that she can gift to her apartment friends or neighbors. She said she doesn’t have any acquaintance or friends in the apartment. It seems she is staying in that apartment for the last 10 years.

Oh, is this the so called Indian values we been hearing about.

So, my quest here is this – look for ways to build bonds, connection and bring that human feeling between family, friends and neighbors.

Here’s are few ways to bring that good-old family feeling and caring.

1) Let Family Members Take up Food Serving Job at Marriages. As soon as we fix the marriage, one of the first things that’s outsourced is catering. In any marriage, the right selection of caterer is important as both the parties look for a good feat on the marriage day. In earlier days, this was mostly done in-house. I still have faint memories of how everyone in the household gather to do a part of the cooking or arranging of the house. Only major work will be outsourced and rest is shared by uncles, aunts, cousins, and neighbors.

So, if we look at today’s family, as a host we don’t want to burden anyone for anything. We have a tendency to do it all by ourself or with the help of paid assistance. We let money do the job, rather than asking someone for assistance.

Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find
Here’s my plan to bring back a part of the old system. First, you have to find all the tasks in a marriage. From all the tasks, pick small tasks which could be done by a small team of people. For instance, you can pick the task of filling water, or serving payasam or giving second help.

Or, if time permits, assemble a team to make halwa or a sweet dish from the scratch. So, once you decide on the task, find out if there are people willing to volunteer their time. Find the right people, and tell them their job on the D day. Rope in the elders too and also the young turks in the family.

Benefit:  Well, in the end all those who joined hands for the preparation of dish will take back some memory of the activity, instead of just being a spectator for the marriage. As an added motivation or a proof of memory, keep a Polaroid camera read and take picture of their role, and get it signed by the bride and groom.

2) Create a wish-list
   Well we all have a long list of things to buy, to experience. Now, imagine we have  public wishlist of things each family member would like to buy or posses. And, how every year, at a particular time, people can voluntarily contribute to buy the goods in the list. It could be from a bag to a cycle or something even big

3) Sponsor a learning session
   Apart from our degree, we like to keep sharpening our skills. So, imagine the family takes imitative to sponsor a class. Well, it could range from helping a person to buy a website domain to learn cooking or baking. There should be a catch to it. A benefactor to such a learning class should pass it on to others in the family. Meaning, a person who receives the money to enroll for the class should do the same at a later stage for another person. The intention is to carry it forward.

What do you think of these ways to build bond, renew the connection and make people closer? Will it work or is it hard work for people to take this idea forward?

Bangalore Days Sights Around

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Crowded, Derelict Apartment Life 

Church at M.G Road

Taj Vivanta 

Bangalore – the rush, chaos, ideas, unicorn start-ups, apartments, honking, pubs, high note, exuberance, mechanical, life, parks, corruption, power, money, garden, greenery, climate, change…are few words that comes to my mind when I think of this city.

For many like me, this city has been the refuge, where I have started my career, found a new way of life. While we have taken so much from this city, what have we given back?

Is it the trail of smoke from the vehicle, or the extra garbage from your house, paid tax to the society, invested in this city? 

Secondopinion.com

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Second Opinion 

I’m a sucker when it comes to scrutinizing, verifying, or negotiating! I keep failing in these departments and that too in succession. So, what could be the reason. Well as far as I could conjure – it’s the lack of preparedness, planning or organizing.

In one of the recent instance, I got fooled easily by a crooked or city smart salesperson in a Honda Showroom. After I signed the deal for the vehicle, I realized that I’m paying a hefty interest for the vehicle. What an idiot did I turn out to be. Also I remember the maxim – Caveat emptor, meaning, let the buyer beware.

Taken for a Ride and the art of Negotiation 
It’s after signing the deal that I realized that I should have cross-verified with another dealer and checked with the online resource. 

————
3 steps to being a better negotiator are:

Know what you want
Create options for yourself
Be willing to walk away
( More details on how to negotiate in this link)
——————————-

So, have you come across a situation where you felt that you need to get a second opinion about a purchase ( land or vehicle or something which is expensive)

This is when I thought that a service ( secondopinion) would be helpful.

So, imagine that you are about to visit a car showroom. what kind of research will you do beforehand? Well, it would be easily if you have a quote from another neutral source about the price, EMI offered by other dealers, and the estimate.

Having a prior knowledge will make things easier for you to check if the deal is in line with the market rate.

So, if you get an unbiased opinion from a third-party agency, makes decision making easier and better.

This could apply for car or a home loan or for buying a property or even in medical diagnosis.

The second opinion (car) or ( Medical) will have a panel of people who with the right knowledge will assist you to the right solution.

So, what do you say about this? Will it work? Is this solution being offered?