Dhawal's Journal - Life of the Maverick

Rudolf Guiliani's Talk at Tata Theatre, Mumbai

2006-02-23T08:21:00.000+06:00

Sir Dorabji Tata Trust had organised this talk on Principles of Leadership. It was a very impressive talk by Rudy.

He spoke about these SIX Principles of Leadership, Here's a brief:

THE FIRST PRINCIPLE: Have a strong set of VALUES: beliefs. He spoke about Ronald Reagan's beliefs.
1. End Commmunism, he developed ideas even though they were extremely unpopular. He also believed that it was counterproductive

THE SECOND PRINCIPLE: Be an OPTIMIST
People hate to be around a pessimist. Pessimists also have the least fun. They always end up as losers. No matter how bad the situation is, you have to think of a solution.

THE THIRD PRINCIPLE: Have COURAGE
Courage is not something supernatural. Ordinary men with courage end up making an impact. He spoke about a firefighter who saved a child from the East River, in freezing cold water, however the next day he was unable to comunicate to the Press. Courage is not absence of Risk and Fear. It is effectively managing at the time of crises.

THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE: RELENTLESS PREPARATION
The best way to manage crisis and disasters is to be prepared for almost everything imaginable. Nothing unanticipated should ever happen. If something other than that happens then you are still prepared, as it is just a variation.

You cannot manage remotely. If he had not been at the site (WTC) when disaster struk, he would not know how grave the problem would be. People jumping off 101st floor just signifies what.

THE FIFTH PRINCIPLE: TEAMWORK
You have to effecively delegate and communicate the desired set of values. Not everyone is equally skilled. An effecive leader is able to balance his weaknesses with the strengths of others.

THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE: COMMUNICATE

THE LAST PRINCIPLE: LOVE people, CARE for them.
Be there to support in times of distress, it is more important to be present at a funeral rather than a wedding. Simply, because you are needed more. Someone deserves a hug at this point of time. It is very important to be there when things are going wrong.

I am still enthralled and awestruck, his conclusions were straightforward from his day to day experiences. Do get hold of his book.

Maverick

Taking Interviews

2006-01-20T19:35:00.000+06:00

It was the first interview for the Book and honestly it went on very well.

Some things that I learnt:
1. Always take permission before recording a conversation
2. Let the other person speak to his heart out
3. Never interrupt a conversation

Also, I observed that when you let the other person speak, he will feel positive and shall assist in every possible way in the future. It always feels nice to share experiences and insights.

I look forward for such insightful interviews.

Being Twenty - Someting

2005-10-10T12:17:00.000+06:00

They call it the "Quarter-life Crisis." It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are many things about yourself that you didn't know and may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met, and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most
important ones. What you don't recognize is that they are realizing that too, and aren't really cold, catty, mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job... and it is not even close to what you thought you would be doing, or maybe you are looking for a job and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and that scares you.

Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and are constantly adding things to your list of what is acceptable and what isn't. One minute, you are insecure and then the next, secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly, change is the enemy and you try and
cling on to the past with dear life, but soon realize that
the past is drifting further and further away, and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you.
Or you lie in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough that you want to get to know better. Or maybe you love someone but love someone else too and cannot figure out why you're doing this because you know that you aren't a bad person.
One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap. Getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic.
You go through the same emotions and questions over and over, and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision. You worry about loans, money, the future and making a life for
yourself... and while winning the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!
We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out.

SOME THOUGHTS..

I've learned that you cannot make someone love you,
All you can do is be someone who can be loved.
The rest is up to them.

I've learned that no matter how much I care, some people just don't care back.

I've learned that it takes years to build up trust, and only seconds to destroy it.

I've learned that it's not what you have in your life but who you have in your life that counts.

I've learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes. After that, you'd better know something.

I've learned that you shouldn't compare yourself to the best others can do.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I've learned that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're downwill be the ones to help you get back up.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.Same goes for true love.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I've learned that your family won't always be there for you. It may seem funny, but people you aren't related to can take care of you and love you and teach you to trust people again. Families aren't biological.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you are to learn to forgive yourself.

I've learned that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I've learned that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I've learned that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I've learned that no matter how you try to protect your children, they will eventually get hurt and you will hurt in the process.

I've learned that your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I've learned that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I've learned that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I've learned that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

I've learned that it's hard to determine where to draw the line between being nice and not hurting people's feelings and standing up for what you believe.

As compiled by Dipti Kharude

An Insightful Poem

2005-10-10T12:11:00.000+06:00

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much,
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

A taste of Bangalore

2005-08-18T20:18:00.000+06:00

This month was probably my first solo business trip. It was at Bangalore. Well, I certainly did enjoy it visiting a completely new city about which I had only heard.

You would find enthusiastic young fellas discussing .NET, Java and all other Softwares. My accomodation was at a Business Partner's Guest House. A cozy comfortable small home, it was fun (and also scary) being alone at an isolated place and that too lonely.

Food was to some degree a problem, but manageable.

Bangalore is congested at times. But it is quite expensive, it costs about USD 150 for a 5 Star Room (unlike USD 75 in Malaysia)

Share your experiences.

Adventures in Mumbai rains

2005-08-01T11:04:00.000+06:00

Some of us might have witnessed the heavy rains in Mumbai, several people were stuck at different places. I would like to share my experience. I and one of my colleague Ashish started off to attend a networking event late evening at Churchgate, little did we know that Mumbai is experiencing heavy rains. Andheri East was completely flooded, at some places water level was as high as 4 – 4.5 feet.

After reaching Andheri Stn. we got the news that trains are not functional, so we then started walking towards Darshan (one of our friends) house.

Entire Mumbai was at nature's fate. The stretch of SV Rd. from Shoppers Stop to Irla had water to the heights of four feet. The drains were not equipped to carry excess water. The water was redolent of filth and trash.

At this moment, when there seemed no end to my apprehensions, at this moment of crises, it was Shruti Sheth who came to my rescue. She was very hospitable and welcomed me and Ashish warmly. It was indeed a very kind gesture.

The Spirit of Mumbai is amazing. Mumbaites in such time are unbeliveably proactive, kind and compassionate.

Lot of residents of Santacruz, Khar and other regions were on the street distributing food packs and water and assisting people in making their journey comfortable.

By the next day, Thursday Mumbai suburbs were at a grinding halt, You could find submerged cars on SV Rd.

Them it was Ami and Riddhi who helped me complete my GREAT JOURNEY. Finally, I left Riddhi's house at 4:30 and aboarded a BEST BUS (Bus no. 324 Conductor: Vilas Bus # 8242, towards Worli), in the bus everyone had different enlightening anecdotes to share. The conductor Vilas and the driver Kamble mentioned that they have been on duty continuously for 48 hours.

I then reached home at 8:30 pm. It was finally good to be on dry and safe Land.

I was not looking for kind, compassionate and proactive people but I found them anyway. Cause it is MUMBAI CITY.

However, Mr. Deshmukh and Mumbai citizens must elect a powerful mayor to improve our city's deteriorating condition.

Awaiting your views, on my blog. For posting your comments, please visit:

Sell Well (Keys to the Kingdom of Franchising)

2005-01-10T18:15:00.000+06:00

SELL WELL

(Published Education Times, 10th January 2005)

Stuck with a boring job? Need a mid-career change? Or simply ‘looking around’ for another career option? Whatever your case, franchising is the perfect option. Dhawal Shah tells you how to set the cash registers ringing

A recent study in India revealed that 45 per cent of India’s working population if given a chance would like to start their independent business and cater to the retail needs of the people. Some of today’s most remunerative jobs are in the franchising and retailing sectors, with the latter having emerged as India’s sunrise sector. Mr. C. Y. Pal, President, Franchising Association of India, agrees:”India is experiencing exponential growth in retail. Franchising as a business model offers great potential for expanding the reach of various businesses.”

Over the past few years, the ‘Organized Retailing’ sector has been clocking a steady rate of 25 per cent per annum and is showing no signs of slowing down. Everyone wants to be part of this growing industry and individuals with little or no prior experience can today, confidently consider buying the ‘right franchise’ at the ‘right price’.

Mathai Chackochen, National Manager (Network Development & Support), CADD Centre says, “Co-branding is the future of franchising and will offer tremendous opportunities in the days to come.” Dr. Robert Ipasso, CEO, The Natural Source, Australia, adds, “Franchising is the least scariest option of starting your own business. Besides you can enter the field of your choice and be your own boss.”

SELL IT LIKE HOT CAKES
One might be surprised to know that a lot more than hamburgers are franchised and that many franchise businesses are actually conducted outside the United States of America.

The franchising sector consists of a wide range of businesses ranging from french fries to automobile parts. Some of the most common franchisee businesses include the following sectors:
Automotive: Consists of specializing in a number of different areas, from detailing to glass repair.

Business Services : Covers a broad spectrum of categories including Advertising and Promotion; (Work from home, or an office); Training (provide companies with sales training programmes); staffing (offer temporary or permanent manpower to companies ranging from Clerical to CEO levels)

Childrens’s sector: An increasing number of business owners are looking to provide services for the physical and mental well being of children. Childcare and Education Franchises are some of the most popular.

Entertainment: Perhaps the most sought after, this consists of retailing movie, theatre, drama tickets etc.

Fitness: this includes opening up an outlet for a popular gym or health club.

Food and Restaurant: This includes many of today’s latest trends such as baked foods, coffee and beverages; fast foods, ice creams, low carb food, pizzas, seafood, specialty

Health And Beauty: This category too, can be bifurcated into a variety of sub-streams including diet and fitness, hair care and cosmetics, tanning and skin care etc.

MAKING THE MARK
Though the variety and choice for prospective franchisees is not as varied as that in the US, options are growing by the day.

Nancy Ghanem, Founder and President of Franchise.Com, says, “Franchising continues to grow throughout the world. Hundreds of franchises are expanding across national borders and thousands of others remain successful in their local market.

According to statistics available with the U.S. Department of Commerce, over a ten year period franchises enjoyed over a 90 per cent success rate as compared to only an 18 per cent experienced by independent businesses.

Buying a franchise greatly reduces the risk of starting a new stand-alone outlet or an independent business. This factor alone has created a new awareness and trust in franchising as a business model.

Mr. Pramod Khera, CEO of Aptech Computers, and a franchise evangelist says, “Franchising uses the strength, power and experience of the ‘chain’ or network of a large organisation and the entrepreneurial skills and commitment of the proprietor of a small business unit.”
As a career option in India, franchising can be a very lucrative choice.

LEARNING THE ROPES
there are no formal certified courses in franchising offered by recognised colleges or universities in India. This is a double-edged sword as, while this opens up new avenues of self-learning through various mediums such as books, the Internet, magazines etc, you also risk the inability to learn franchising in a structured manner. You may therefore end up working much harder and learn through costly trial and error.
In India, many people with a formal background in marketing or retailing have shifted focus to franchising. Many MBAs from the IIMs are also actively involved in franchising. This has opened doors to others who do not have a Masters in marketing but are fascinated by this field. According to Jagdeep Kapoor, CMD, Samsika Marketing Consultants, “All one needs is a positive mindset, discipline, financial monitoring, good brand and excellent service.” Anand Pejawar of Max New York Life adds, “Transparency is crucial for a successful franchiser-franchisee relationship.”

TAKING THE PICK
Those interested in franchising can choose from the following options:

FRANCHISE SALES EXECUTIVE: This is the starting point for freshers who are charmed by the world of franchising. The job would include lead handling and qualification, meeting prospective franchisees, presenting the business opportunity, representing the company at exhibitions and awarding franchises to those who meet the company's quality standards. Consistent performers can look for promotion is a short span of two – three years. A great opportunity for an ambitious executive with high quality standards.

FRANCHISE LAWYER: This is a relatively new field for young legal eagles looking for a fast track. There are many opportunities here and you could become an expert on franchise offer documents, contracts, franchisor-franchisee relationships and related matters.

FRANCHISEE: Another way to get involved in franchising is by buying a franchise. A good Franchisor company has already gone through the grind and has come out stronger (with better products or / and a better delivery system). It would also help to know that those starting franchise outlets are usually more successful than those starting their own firms. The drawback however of going for a franchise is that it leaves very little space for innovation and if not cautious, an extravagant franchise could burn a deep hole in your pocket.

FRANCHISER: Business owners possessing a proven business model or those having a successful record of accomplishment, can franchise their concept for faster expansion and reduced financial risks. But before deciding to clone your operations, you must consider a number of things including the product’s success, building a sustainable competitive advantage, designing a superior delivery system, registering Intellectual Property, developing Operations / Procedural Manual etc. It helps to take proper guidance and expert advice before venturing into franchising.

FRANCHISE MANAGER: Companies usually seek highly motivated individuals with a record accomplishment in sales, marketing and people management. Franchise experience is preferred but not necessary. The job involves maintaining relationships
with franchisees for the franchiser company, as this is conducive for the company’s topline growth. You must also manage central suppliers and ensure that production confirms to quality standards. New product development and ensuring adequate compensation to the franchisees as well as to its team also form part of your responsibilities. Ensuring that franchisees are adequately trained for the job is essential, as they will ultimately be the ones representing your company to the customer.

The Franchise Manager requires extensive HR skills, as franchisees need constant motivation and guidance. They need a mentor from the franchiser company who can help them overcome day-to-day problems of running their business. The final objective of such a job is to help franchisees achieve maximum potential and most companies prefer candidates with a successful track record in sales. Performance can be optimized through proper coaching. Previous experience in coaching / training would help.

FRANCHISE CONSULTANT: This one’s off limits till you have worked for three to four different franchise companies as Franchise Manager for atleast eight to ten years. Once you have adequate experience, you can start your own franchise consultancy firm. here, you would be involved in helping companies franchise their operations, creating, maintaining and sustaining growth, formulating business plans, complying with government norms and regulations. You can also target at companies with an established franchise network as clients, and provide them with services like ‘Lead Generation Programmes’, ‘Franchise Brochures’, as well as Maintaining and servicing their franchise network.

MOOLAH MATTERS
Not considering the pros and cons of a career in franchising could be financially and emotionally risky. Before proceeding, ensure that you are truly passionate and determined as this is what will keep you going in tough times.

Before making the final switch (in career paths), chart out a clear course. It is also advisable to carefully evaluate the options with your family, friends and relatives. You may even consider becoming a member or volunteer for trade bodies such as the Franchising Association of India (http://www.fai.co.in/). Networking events such as seminars organized by the Franchising Association of India are good places to start with. The Franchising Association of India jointly organizes annual exhibitions such as World of Franchising and conferences like Franchising And Beyond. At these events one can get a feel of the opportunities that are available in the franchise market.

FINALLY, GOOD LUCK

DHAWAL SHAH is described as a franchise enthusiast. Dhawal has always been intrigued by the power of franchising. Based in Mumbai, he constantly reads and writes on franchising and its enormous potential in India. He can be contacted at dhawal@mail.com

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Getting Bossy, Entrepreneurship is the only solution

2004-10-31T13:24:00.000+06:00

GETTING BOSSY

Is reporting to someone your ultimate nightmare? Then how about becoming someone else’s boss? Dhawal Shah says Entrepreneurship is the perfect solution.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP is defined as a way of thinking, reasoning and acting. It is opportunity obsessed, holistic in approach and leadership balanced.

Today, entrepreneurship seems ubiquitous. It is difficult to open a newspaper without being bombarded with stories about start up companies and the people who drive them. Simple as it may seem, entrepreneurship is a complex and interesting profession. But it’s not all hunky dory and as an entrepreneur, you must be prepared to endure your share of anxiety, acidity and sleepless nights.

As Daljit Singh, a restaurateur who runs six Smokin Joes outlets in Mumbai, says, “When things were not picking up, there were moments of anxiety and self-introspection. I even contemplated changing my line completely.” Ryan Allis, CEO and founder of Broadwick Corp. adds, “Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. But if you manage to find a way of making it work for you, it can be extremely rewarding and satisfying.”

WHAT IT TAKES: To be successful in business, you must master a complex set of skills. You need to know about the various functional areas and how they inter-relate. You need to learn organizational, interpersonal and communication skills to effectively manage and facilitate your interaction with others. You also need to learn a variety of technical tools (including information systems) to help monitor activities and ensure that your efforts produce desired results. Most importantly, you must understand how business can be responsive to the needs of the community at large.

COURSES
Today, plenty of Indian institutes like IIPM and Rai University offer specialization in entrepreneurship along with an MBA and other degrees. To truly win, one needs to pursue a formal course in entrepreneurship.

NMIMS conducts a two-year, full time program on family business management. Student Poonam Shah says, “This course has equipped me with the skills, knowledge and mind set needed to run my family business.”

Prof BK Nair, a visiting faculty at NMIMS, points out that most courses cover the legal and managerial aspects of entrepreneurship. But the motivational aspect taught at NMIMS is equally important as it creates an aspiration and improves confidence levels.

ISB, Hyderabad, affiliated to non-profit organization Wadhwani Foundation (committed to promoting entrepreneurship), offers entrepreneurial and incubation assistance. ISB is empowered with knowledgeable instructors equipped with business experience.

Globally, over 500 courses on entrepreneurship are available. Harvard Business School’s three most popular courses are in entrepreneurship while colleges in North America receive millions of dollars in endowments to further expend their entrepreneurial programs.

Babson College is the number 1 rated school in entrepreneurship in North America. Adjunct Prof. Len Green attributes the success of Babson’s entrepreneurial programs to its unique features such as ‘Living the Entrepreneurial Experience.’

According to Prof. Len Green, some aspects of starting a business can be learned in class, while others can only be mastered by working off-campus.

These courses provide a boot-camp service where students can launch their enterprises off-campus and later, develop a tailored business plan. It helps one understand funding better, and also teaches the harsh realities of practicing business in a real environment.

But to be the next Col Sanders (KFC) or Dhirubhai Ambani, qualification is certainly not the only criteria. The difference between managers and entrepreneurs is that managers are resource and entrepreneurs are opportunity driven. So start looking for opportunities around you, and congratulate yourself for taking the first step towards the path of wealth creation.

AN ENTREPRENEUR’S CHECKLIST:
The entrepreneur’s checklist will help you assess your understanding of what the life of an entrepreneur is like, and whether you have the skills, attitude, mindset and experience to become a successful entrepreneur.

BUSINESS SKILLS, ATTITUDE AND EXPERIENCE:
As a kid, did you teach computers, sell chocolates or ice cream?
Did you always look for other ways of making money?
Are you familiar with the basics of business including financing, record keeping, sales and marketing?
Do you have personal and business contacts that you can turn to, for advice?
Are you well organized and do you manage your time well?

HEALTH AND STRESS MANAGEMENT:
Do you see mistakes more as an opportunity than as a failure?
Can you work long hours for extended periods of time?
Do you thrive on pressure?
Are you able to stay calm in a crisis situation?

CONFIDENCE, OPTIMISM AND SELF-RELIANCE:
Do you believe in yourself and feel that your performance will determine whether you will succeed or fail?
Are you a positive thinker and do you envision your business succeeding?
Are you mentally strong and in control?
Are you willing to pay the price to control your own destiny?

PEOPLE SKILLS:
Do you regularly ask people for feedback on how you are performing?
Do you communicate well with people and do they believe in what you say?
Do you get people to talk, think and do you help motivate them?
Are you a good listener and good judge of character?

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION:
Are you a problem solver, looking for new and innovative ways of doing things?
Are you at your best when facing a challenge that requires you to use all of your personal resources?
Do you consider change as an opportunity to try new things?
Are you dissatisfied with doing something a certain way just because that’s the way it has always been done?

ASSESSING YOUR RESULTS:
If you have answered most questions with a yes, then you are most likely suited to the life of an entrepreneur. Say hello to the moolah!
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Dhawal Shah is described as a start-up enthusiast. Dhawal has always been intrigued by the power of free enterprise. Based in Mumbai, he constantly reads and writes on entrepreneurship and how it can lead to India’s progress in the coming decade. He can be contacted at dhawal@mail.com

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THE ARTICLE IN TIMES

2004-10-10T11:50:00.000+06:00

Today, was perhaps one of my happiest moments, as the Times of India had published my article, though a short topic and a slight diversion away from the usual developmental economics and business, it was a good learning experience. Having finished writing and submitting it few months ago, seeing it right in today’s newspaper after this break was truly exhilarating.

I had to update my address book as I had planned to inform people about the article and also keep them updated about my various activities. I first messaged all my near and dear ones about the article and asked for feedback, some did respond back positively, whereas some didn’t.

Today, one the lessons of the Geeta was reinforced, the one about Karma. Relentlessly pursue action without attachement. The deed will no doubt attract the requisite outcome.

Have to Disconnect (DUE TO FORTHCOMING EXAMS)

Environment as a commodity

2004-10-01T17:57:00.000+06:00

The other day you had stated in our economics class about environment being considered as a commodity in the global economy. I, somewhere felt that our teacher negated your point.

I'd done a project on 2 MNC's - Nokia and Ford as two World Class Organizations in the third semester of our BMS course. I distinctly remember how there was a need to cover an entire section on environment ( as in how it affects the working of the company and how it has to deal with some issues by not harming the environment) for it in the presentation. My point here is that no matter what business you do, sooner or later when it is scaled up to the global level, the environmental norms are to be taken into consideration for certification of the ISO. Hence the economy if a nation where these companies are established is affected directly or indirectly.

I would like to know your side of the explanation on this. I'd like you to elaborate on this.

DIFFICULT LEARNINGS

2004-09-30T05:50:00.000+06:00

Every individual must have faced this problem, when you just don’t know what the solution will be.

It is a difficult time, because you are sandwiched between two people both to whom you have made a commitment. And suddenly the land below your floor suddenly slips and you are back to GROUND ZERO from where you started.

What you have been trying to achieve in the next two months, suddenly gets delayed by atleast 8 months, just because of this something so unfortunate. Your performance in other spheres of life also gets affected.

But, I just can’t classify whether whose mistake is this.

Every disaster used to felt as this one can’t be overcome. As time passes by, its memory fades and slowly the problem finds out its solution.

As a hardworking, result oriented employee you don’t want to get a firing for no reason. But that is how life is, and you have to adapt to it. And learning this fact is going to take some time.

I am happy that I am feeling a lot better after the horrifying incident yesterday. And life somehow teaches you this, and the earlier you experience the better for you.

Jagdeep Kapoor

2004-09-25T01:49:00.000+06:00

One thing that I liked about JK's concepts and theory's in marketing is that its in the form of KISS - Keep It Simple and Short.
I'm not sure about the short part though ;). Anyways, I should say that his idea of writing so many books and his actually marketing them in the seminar was not a good idea. And I sincerely feel that he has an insight in the field but he's not a person who's had extremely outstanding marketing campaigns at his hand himself. And he himself calims that his study in the field involved a lot of analysis ( didn't hear a lot about his experience though). I don't see him as a dynamic personality in the field, who could turn around a brand, although his concepts may be successful.

Lee Iacoca

2004-09-14T07:25:00.000+06:00

Finished reading Lee Iacocca, fell inspired and motivated, the way he was fired from Ford and how hard working he was. The best part is how he brought Chrysler back to profitability. Today, Chrysler produces one of the best cars (Mercedes).

The lessons were with sheer determination and persistence, achieving anything is not difficult. Leading by example, is another lesson. He paid himself just USD 1 pa, and this motivated his employees very much. At the same time, politics will always continue to exist, you need to learn to survive and thrive with them.

I sincerely thank Dhaval Doshi, for giving me the opportunity to read this book. If it hadn’t been for the book review he gave in the class, I would not have read it. THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN

2004-09-12T16:02:00.000+06:00

Some of the enthusiastic participants at the event

2004-09-12T15:59:00.000+06:00

Pearls of Wisdom, from our Marketing Guru, Prof. Nitin Mukadam

2004-09-12T15:55:00.000+06:00

The Aspiring Professional Speaker

To WIN

2004-09-10T07:13:00.000+06:00

The best part about B School Competitions, is that regardless you win or you lose, you always get to learn a lot, specifically from the judges, as they bring along with them experience of years. At Confluence, the BMS festival of Vivekanand College, I, Ruchik, Akhil and Jaideep had participated in Crossfire, the judges Q & A round was terrific as we had answered the questions all questions in a manner the judges desired. The judges also shook hands later after we were done with the presentation.

We even had a chance to network with one of the judges, we went ahead and exchanged cards. This helped us achieve to some extent 'Brand Building' not only of NMBMS but also of our personal brands. However, today is the prize distribution ceremony and we unfortunately will not be able to attend it, due to prior commitments.

This event has provided a tremendous boost to our confidence, all of us were not dressed in formals, we did not work out on the financials in detail. ALL WE HAD WAS CONVICTION AND A DESIRE TO WIN, WHICH LED US THROUGH.

Thanks

2004-06-18T12:10:00.000+06:00

First of all I would like to thank Ms. Neesha Salian for giving me the opportunity to write for the Times.

Work as usual. Awaiting some good news.

Bye for now,

DS