How do I generate traffic to my blog?


I just got a comment from ksawme.blogspot.com to write a blog on how to generate traffic to blogs… I replied him saying that there are lots of blogs/articles which you can find when googled…  Then after some thought I thought I can share things I do to generate traffic to my blog…

Signatures: This is simple thing which we can do but this is very powerful method which can get some publicity to your blog…

  • Add your signature in your email…
  • See to it that you just don’t read and come our from reading other blogs… If you like it post some comment with your blog url as signature…
  • Participate on more forum discussion and do remember to add your signature…

Social Media: This is one powerful medium that generated 70% of my traffic, believe me doing this is very simple… Some of social media initiatives I do to publicize my blog…

Twitter: Twitter’s micro blogging is getting more famous now-a-days… See to it that you stay active in twitter and get more followers… You can subscribe to twitterfeed to get your new blog entry twitted once you write a new blog…

Stunbleupon: See to it that you immediately add your new blog entry gets stumbled…

Friendfeed: You can add feeds of almost all your social media to friendfeed… This helps people to see all your social media activities in one place… Blog is one such thing you can add it to your friendfeed…

Google Friend connects: This is new initiative and it has to mature a lot… But after using friend connect I’m getting decent hits from fiend connects…

Also try to publicize your blog thru as much as social media initiatives…

Print stickers: Get some stickers “Blogging @ Yourblogname.com” and stick in your bike, car, workplace, home and where ever possible… Also if you have good friends request them get your stickers pasted in their car or bike…

Print in t-shirt: Also you can design the same sticker content and get it printed in a t-shirt and see to it that you wear the t-shirt often :)… If possible try to give some t-shirts to your friends… After all people love freebies and they help you to publicize your blog…

Search Engine Optimization: Try to optimize the blog to be search engine friendly like

  • Adding relevant url alies
  • Adding meta details

Blogroll: Try to add your blog to as many blog rolls as possible…

More importantly see to it that you write unique content and moreover most of your blogs are interesting to read and informative for readers… See to it that your blog feed is used by others in their website which can also get you lots of traffic…

Pls share your experience in promoting your blog by posting your comments so that it will be helping others…

Fun Personality Prediction for 2009


Were you born with a quirk or a plain simple soul?  Have fun with this fun personality prediction guide for 2009.

IF you were born on the 1st, 10th, 19th, 28th of any month you are number 1.

If you were born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th, 29th of any month then you are number 2.

If you were born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st, 30th of any month then you are number 3.

If you were born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd, 31st of any month then you are Number 4.

If you were born on the 5th, 14th, 23rd of any month then you are number 5.

If you were born on the 6th, 15th, 24th of any month then you are number 6.

If you were born on the 7th, 16th, 25th of any month then you are number 7.

If you were born on the 8th, 17th, 26th of any month then you are number 8.

If you were born on the 9th, 18th, 27th of any month then you are number 9.

Number 1

You are smart, a straight talker, funny, stubborn, hardworking, honest, jealous on a competitive basis, kind hearted, temperamental, friendly, and popular. You always want to be on the top and most likely to be independent. You are most likely to fall in love at a young age, but will marry once you mature! You are likely to have problems with people who have opposite views and you are most likely to take revenge over your enemies in a long time basis. You are a spender, but you will have a good profession in the future. If you are guy you will be very popular. You can go anywhere from the local shop to the heart of the parliament because you are positive and talented in numerous areas. But in your life you will always have some people who will work hard to bring you & your name down. Because of your intelligence, some might hate you. You are a pioneer, independent & original your best match is 4,6,8 while a good match would be with 3,5,7

Number 2

No matter what, every one will love you because you are ruled by the Moon. You day dream a lot, you have a very low-self esteem, you need to have a back up for every move in your life, you are very unpredictable. You tend to change according to time and circumstances, selfish, have a very strong sense of musical and artistic talent and powerful verbal communication. You can be sweet as an angel and can be ruthless when double-crossed. Some might say you have a sixth sense. You will become a poet, writer, an artist or a businessperson. You are not strong in love, so your relationship will be in disarray until you settle down. If you are a girl, you will be responsible for your family. If you are a man, you tend to get involve in fights & arguments in the family. You will sacrifice your life for your family. You are gentle, intuitive with a broad vision. You make a well-balanced person. Your best match is 2, 7,5, and 9 no other people can put up with you!!!

Number 3

You are hardhearted and selfish most of the time. You always tend to have lots of problems within your family in the early stages but you will be able to cope with everything. You seem to have your way in everything. And from birth you would always have to work hard to achieve anything you want. You always make a point to set examples on others, especially the younger ones. Generally you are not a cool person. It’s not easy dealing with you. A tough player you are! But once you are comfortable with someone, it will be a lasting friendship. You always earn respect from others. Your Ilk seems to have lots of worries and problems but they won’t be for long. You will have brilliant kids! You love money a bit too much so temptation will push you to try endlessly. You will look after your family and help friends, so you will spend a life time just being generous and kind (except for men born on the 21st). You love your freedom, creative and ambitious, a person who brings beauty, hope & joy to this world!!! Your best match 6 and 9. Good match 1, 3, and 5

Number 4

You are very stubborn, very hard working but unlucky in important matters in life, very cool and helpful. You might repel people away from you, you may cause nuisance to others if you area man, as you gifted are with understanding other people’s problems. If you are a girl, you excel in your studies and arts. If you are a guy you spend most of your time with girl friends and you tend to have too much fun with your mates & girls.Your friends will spend your time & money and get on with their life and you will be left empty handed. So be careful! You love to spend. Your positive side is that you are always around to help family and friends. You always fall in love with those younger than you. You often live with disappointments but you will take good care of your family. You need to be careful of people who will take advantage of your kind heart. And beware of your relationships too. You are radical, patient, persistent, and a hit old-fashioned; you live with foundation & order. Your best match 1, 8. Good match 5, 6, and 7

Number 5

You are very popular and you can get things done only by talking. Even to your enemies! You are business-minded and like to do things spontaneously. You will be famous if you get involved in any business. Your friends and families will always ask for your help, and you are the one actually with the money to help your friends.You will have more than one relationship, but when you settle down you tend to be selfish. You tend to go for other relationships – even if you are married at times because of your popularity. You tend to get along easily with anyone because the numbers is a middle number. You love freedom and changes. You learn your life through your personal experiences. Your best match 1, 2, Good match 6, 8.

Number 6

Ooopppss.. you were born to enjoy! You don’t care about others. I mean you always wanted to have a lifetime of enjoyment. You will excel in either education or business management! You are talented, kind (but with only people who you think are nice), and popular. All good things come easily to you. Your mind and body is just made perfect for love. You are loveable by any number. But if you are a number 6 men, you will be involved in more than a few relationships until you get married. If you are a girl, most of you will get married/engaged early. You are a caring person towards your family and friends. You are a person of compassion, comfort & fairness, domestic responsibility, good judgment, and after all you can heal this world’s wounds to make peace for everyone because you have the great power and caring talent to take the world of love one step further.. Your best match 1, 6, and 9. Good match 4, 5

Number 7

You are realistic, confident, happy, and talented in education, music, art, singing, and most importantly in acting. You also have a bad temper! You value your family status a lot; you will be in the top rank when you reach a certain age. If you are a guy you are popular with girls. Most of the number 7s face lots of problems with their married life. Only a few are happy. You have everything in your life but with worries throughout your lifetime. You need to get ready looking for a partner rather than waiting. If you don’t, then you might end-up being single. You are born to contribute to everyone’s joy. Your best match is 2. Good matches are 1,4

Number 8

You have a very strong personality and people will find it hard to understand you. You are more likely to suffer in your younger years. You might be also the one responsible to look out for your family. You often suffer all the way through life. You will learn life in a very practical way. You are the one who will fight for justice and may even die in the war too. You are normally very reserved with a handful of friends and most of the time, live life alone and always prepared to help others. However, once you settle down, (which is often late), then your had lucks will disappear. You will face unexpected problems such as encountering poisonous animals, and accidents. You are highly- disciplined, persistence, and courageous, and it is your strength that will take you to success. You are a great part of a family team. You are a fighter! Your Best match 1. 4, and 8. Good match 5

Number 9

You guys are the most incompatible people in the world. You are so strong, physically and mentally. You often have big-aims. You will work hard and will think it’s still hard to get there, even if you already have gotten there! Normally you suffer in the early age from family problems and generally you will have to fight in life. You are respected by others. You were however very naughty in your childhood, and often got beaten up by your parents and had been involved in fights and you seemed to have suffered lots of injuries. But when you grow older you become calm and will fall into the quiet and dignified macho type. Love is not an easy matter for you. You are however good in engineering or banking jobs because people always trust you. Your family life is very good, but you will always worry over your children. Your finer qualities are that you are humanitarian, patient, very wise & compassionate. You are born to achieve targets and serve every one equally without any prejudice. You are a role model for everyone. Your best match 3, 5,6, and 9. Good match 2

Think of out of the box!!!


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Every company has a performance appraisal system in place to measure the effectiveness of its employees.
Employees are normally rated in most of the companies in the above categories. Apart from the above non performance category is also there, which is not depicted here ) . Needless to say everyone wants to be rated Outstanding.
What is the yard stick and how do you measure these aspects?

  • Employee "A" in a company walked up to his manager and asked what my job is for the day?
  • The manager took "A" to the bank of a river and asked him to cross the river and reach the other side of the bank.
  • "A" completed this task successfully and reported back to the manager about the completion of the task assigned. The manager smiled and said "GOOD JOB"

Next day Employee "B" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task as above to this person also.

  • The Employee "B’ before starting the task saw Employee "C" struggling in the river to reach the other side of the bank. He realized "C" has the same task.
  • Now "B" not only crossed the river but also helped "C" to cross the river.
  • "B" reported back to the manager and the manager smiled and said "VERY GOOD JOB"

The following day Employee "Q" reported to the same manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.

  • Employee "Q" before starting the work did some home work and realized "A", "B" & "C" all has done this task before. He met them and understood how they performed.
  • He realized that there is a need for a guide and training for doing this task.
  • He sat first and wrote down the procedure for crossing the river, he documented the common mistakes people made, and tricks to do the task efficiently and effortlessly.
  • Using the methodology he had written down he crossed the river and reported back to the manager along with documented procedure and training material.
  • The manger said "Q" you have done an "EXCELLENT JOB".

The following day Employee "O’ reported to the manager and asked him the job for the day. The manager assigned the same task again.

  • "O" studied the procedure written down by "Q" and sat and thought about the whole task.
  • He realized company is spending lot of money in getting this task completed.
  • He decided not to cross the river, but sat and designed and implemented a bridge across the river and went back to his manager and said, "You no longer need to assign this task to any one".
  • The manager smiled and said "Outstanding job ‘O’. I am very proud of you."

What is the difference between A, B, Q & O????????
Many a times in life we get tasks to be done at home, at office, at play….,
Most of us end up doing what is expected out of us. Do we feel happy? Most probably yes. We would be often disappointed when the recognition is not meeting our expectation.

Let us compare ourselves with "B". Helping some one else the problem often improves our own skills. There is an old proverb (I do not know the author) "learn to teach and teach to learn". From a company point of view "B" has demonstrated much better skills than "A" since one more task for the company is completed.

"Q" created knowledge base for the team. More often than not, we do the task assigned to us without checking history. Learning from other’s mistake is the best way to improve efficiency. This knowledge creation for the team is of immense help. Re-usability reduces cost there by increases productivity of the team. "Q" demonstrated good "team-player" skills,

Now to the outstanding person, "O" made the task irrelevant; he created a Permanent Asset to the team.
If you notice B, Q and O all have demonstrated "team performance" over an above individual performance; also they have demonstrated a very invaluable characteristic known as "INITIATIVE".

Initiative pays of every where whether at work or at personal life. If you put initiative you will succeed. Initiative is a continual process and it never ends. This is because this year’s achievement is next year’s task. You cannot use the same success story every year.
The story provides an instance of performance, where as measurement needs to be spread across at least 6-12 months. Consequently performance should be consistent and evenly spread.
Out-of-Box thinkers are always premium and that is what every one constantly looks out for. Initiative, Out-of-Box thinking and commitment are the stepping stone to success.
Initiative should be life long. Think of out of the box.

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Why do we need VMVC Statements?


Most of the startups don’t even bother about creating a Vision, Mission, Value and Culture statements from the initial days… Companies’ without VMVC statements will become very hard to manage in days to come… Since most of the stakeholders like employees, customers, investors are all human they must understand what a company is and can decide if they can fit into that company…

For example a possible customer of mine had sent me an email with requirement and asked for co-creation… My quote for the project was very less where in I can’t afford to consult or provide solution. I clearly told the client that we are a pure service providers and we deliver what a customer needs with high standards… I clearly told the customer what can be offered and what cannot be offered… Now customer has the choice to decide… What would have happened if I had taken the project? Customer’s expectation is to consult and give solution, where as I work as a service person and in the end relationship is going to break… Now I don’t know what call customer took as I’m expecting his reply, but I gave a clear view about my company to the client…

From an employee perspective if he not clear with culture and value it would be difficult to develop a long lasting relationship… Different people fit into different cultures… I’ve seen people resigning companies for lack of work/challenge, such people can’t be retained just by paying money, there is another different folks who can’t take up challenge/pressure etc…

Also with investors we must make it clear about how the promoters want to take the company, like a very aggressive company where chances of success or failure is at par or if the promoters want to e conservative where company grows at 10% – 15% per annum and doesn’t take any risk… Now again an investor can choose if he can fit in or not…

One thing what we must understand is relationship without synergies will not last long… A conservative company can’t get along with aggressive investor/customer/employee… As a company we deal with many individual and it is we who have transparency and allow people to understand what sort of a company we are… That is where Vision, Mission, Value & Culture statements play a vital role…

Why I bid low?


Why do you bid low? That is the frequent question I keep getting from many people… Why I do that is because I believe in Wal-Mart strategy… I know some people are not aware of Wal-Mart strategy, I think you have to wait till I write a blog about it or you can call me to know about it…

Now coming to our topic, let me confess that I’m benefitting from this strategy… Let me share how I compensate…

Billing unused resource: In manufacturing using excess production gets maximum discounts and using excess inventory can be negotiated… Like wise I don’t want to wait to take projects that help me break even. By under bidding I’m able to bill unused resource and keep them busy, even though I’m at a loss… So, what ever I make from this idle resource is a profit…

Resource getting updated: By underbidding my resources are kept busy and they are able to stay updated with technology… Also when their efficiency also improves… This helps resource to develope their technical skills, communication skills with clients and improves theit thought process too…

Getting more exposure: By underbidding! I’m able to get more clients. Having more clients’ means you have more opportunity to cross sell & up sell other services and products… Also i keep getting repeat orders from existing clients…

Getting more ideas: There is a saying “You have 1 dollar & I’ve 1 dollar at the end of day when we exchange those 1 dollar we go with one dollar each, but when you have one idea & I’ve one idea at the end of day when we exchange those ideas we go with two ideas each”… Likewise working with more clients will help in getting more and more ideas… With the help of those ideas we are able to stay updated in business and technology…

My Reviews Increases: By working with more clients i get more reviews which intrun improves my credibility in the marketplace… High credibility will help while bidding for high volume products…

Other than those points I benefit by economies of scale and the advantage of have my development center in Tier II city is helping to keep my overheads low and I benefit from that too… Like you can see when I take one step backward I’m able to leap ahead five steps… So, when I look into it all together I’m ending up with profit rather than making loss…

Fund raising tips…


Know Your Business: Have a very realistic understanding of why your business is going to make money..
Prove the Concept: Really show that you have a business before going out to raise money. Prove the concept..
Find a Champion: It’s really important to hook up with somebody who talks the talk. A champion or sponsor can help you, guide you through the next steps..
Take Advice: Be coach-able and in that coach-ability you’ve got to build realism. Be realistic..
Know When to Raise Your Capital: It’s such a full-time position and it requires so much energy and you have to put so many other things on hold while you are fundraising. It’s critical you do it at the right time..
Know your Investor: Don’t go blindly looking for capital and taking the first dollar that seems interesting… Look at what they’ve invested in, in the past, and look at where those companies are today..
Focus on the Investor: Spend as much time discussing why it’s a good investment as you do explaining why it’s a good product..
Find a Lead Investor: Getting that person to stand forward who has some reputation as an investor or domain knowledge in the field is going to be critical..
Valuation: I would say, don’t get too hung up on valuation because at the end of the day it doesn’t matter as much as you think it does..
Raise Enough Money: Raise enough money to get to a funding milestone, whatever that might be for the company. So you have to be careful not to raise too little money and run out of it. Enough money that it can get you to the point in development of the company that another round of capital would be able to be raised to continue scaling the company..
Patience is a Virtue: You are going to have to realize you are going to have to talk to a lot of people. To raise money..

Impact of Crisis in IT Employee’s Family!!


Sekar (Calling his family from Amsterdam): Good Evening Mom and Dad. Where is my wife Sheela?

Dad: Just now I called her. She is on the way to home after taking our grandson Rahul from his school.

Sekar: Let us wait for her few minutes and we will start this discussion.
(By the time Sheela entered in to the house.. Sekar continue the meeting)

I hope you know the Agenda of the meeting which I had mentioned in the meeting request. Even though let me read out the agenda once again
1. Status update/Discussion on Last Week Action Items
2. Family Strategy
2. Rahul’s Education
3. Medical Insurance for Mom and Dad

I hope every one have the printout of last week MOM (Minutes of Meeting).
Dear Mom can you please update the status of tasks which you are taking care of?

Mom: Sekar, I am taking care of kitchen module which involves making products like Sambar, Rasam, Curd Rice, Vegetable Biriyani.I am not comfortable in handling the tools for making Non Vegetarian products. You suggest some training in Hlite. However after making these products, I am giving to your Dad for Acceptance testing. Once he satisfied with the quality of taste, we pass it to Dining Hall. One more thing, I would like to share with you. As you have suggested during my appraisal discussion, now I have stopped crying while watching mega serials in TV

Sekar: Sounds Good.

Sekar: Now coming to Dad. Dad can you please update us?

Dad: Yes. My dear son. I have completed my tasks by paying the current bill and phone bill with in time.

Sekar: That’s good

Dad: But I couldn’t pay the premium amount of 9200.00 of the LIC plan which you had taken for tax reduction purpose.

Sekar: It doesn’t look nice dad. I have sent you the amount already and given clear instructions.
Can you explain to me what went wrong?

Dad: On Tuesday night suddenly one of our team mate (your mom) fell down on the floor when she was running to catch Rahul. Then we took her to hospital and spent that amount for her medical expenses.

Mom: Sekar, I would like to add on what your Dad said, that was true. I got heavy injury in my legs and I was in hospital for two days. So now we don’t have money to pay for the premium.

Sekar: Sheela..! Would you aware of this? As a home lead, I expect you to track these issues and send it to me on daily basis. What are you doing (With stress on ‘doing’) after coming from college?

Sheela: Will do it Sekar. You know that the college, I am working is very far from our home. Every day I come back home at 6 pm and sit with Rahul for assisting him for doing his home work.

Sekar: Ok. Coming to second Agenda point .Due to this financial crisis we need to change the strategy of running our family. I am looking for your cooperation in the following cost cutting activities. I want to see the cost benefit of 40 % in this month budget after implementing this

  • Asking servant maid to leave her job
  • Stop ordering Pizzas for dinner
  • Avoid Tooth paste and use Neem sticks/Banyan Tree Sticks
  • Switch on TV only for watching Sunday Movie and Idea Star singer
  • Wise to listen news from our near by portion when they watch news in TV
  • Every Saturday visit our relative’s homes and spend the whole day including break fast, lunch and Dinner
  • Don’t invite anybody to our home. Sunday our relatives might come to our house. Just lock the door outside and do your work inside silently.
  • Sheela stop going for gym and Yoga class. Use Attural (Made up of Stone for making Dosa /idly dough), Ammikal (Replacement of Mixie) instead of grinder and Mixie. Mom please give KT to Sheela about this.
  • Don’t buy excess of things and store it in Fridge. Use big Mud pots for cool water.
  • Everybody go to bed early around 6:30 pm. Ask Rahul to do his homework when he comes back from school immediately during the hours sunlight is available. If not ask him to read under street light. He will become like Lincoln (Former US President) one day.
  • Use as much of cycle for transportation to near by places(It will help you to reduce fat and Cholesterol content)

I know you are eager to watch latest release ’20-20’. Don’t plan for that. Wail till next year Diwali to watch the same movie in Amritha TV

If you have any clarifications contact Sheela@kitchen

Coming to second Agenda point. Sheela, can you please update me about Rahul’s Education. In which standard he is studying? Whether he got any double promotion? He was writing annual exam for third standard when I was leaving for Amsterdam.

Sheela: Sekar, I am bit worrying about his education. I have tracked his efforts, schedule in our OHM+ tool. I found 20 % in Effort variance and 35 % in schedule deviation. His learning curve goes down in the control chart which you can see in the report, I have sent you yesterday.

Sekar: Thanks for your measurements. I will review the report and we will discuss it on next week’s call. I have a client meeting now. So we will discuss the third agenda item next week. Mom and Dad.. can you please drop out from the call. I wanted to talk to Sheela about few personal things and Dad, don’t forget to circulate the MOM (Minutes of Meeting) to every one.

Sheela: Hello Sekar..

Sheela: Hello…Hello…

Sheela: Hello…

<Tring…Tring…..Tring…Line Got Disconnected>

Courtesy: Vimala…

Customer Segmentation


Big vulnerability for startups is choosing customers… Normally startups don’t know the concept of “Customer Segmentation”… A customer makes vital role in making or breaking of a company… It is true that Customers are king of the ring but still one must know how to manage them…

If we thing we are not exposed to Customer Segmentation we are wrong, we come across the concept of segmentation in our day to day life… As a startup your first learning of segmentation starts with banks… Banks puts startups at the bottom most level in servicing… Banks segment is based on the basis account balance and possibilities of selling other banks products… Like wise in flights business class gets special treatment than economy class… Segmenting customers is mostly ignored and this is one big thing which can change the fate of a startup company… I’ve seen many startups which didn’t segment their customers and ended up being exploited by them and forced to close down…

It is a known fact that most of the “Hard Customers” help in getting more business and learning, but we must know the point where we must take control…

I’m listing a simple matrix which I use for my business and ask my people to use it for segmenting our customers… For startups the matrix of segmenting customers is simple…

Task

Customer Attitude

Recommendation

Easy Task

Hard Customer

Serve customer, be cautious of exploitation, take contol over the project.

Hard Task

Easy Customer

Serve customer, never try to lose customer

Hard Task

Hard Customer

It is recommended to loose these customers
as the cost of servicing them is more than the
business they give…

Money Making tips with Blogs!!!


Reviewed some money making tips from my blog and ended up with some of the sites with which we can make money… I’m still reviewing these sites and I’ve not made any penny from these sites other than Google ad sense… If any of you have already tried any of these sites do post your feedback as comments…

Challenges in Tier II cities


For any pros there must be cons too. Immediately after posting my previous blog, I started getting queries from readers regarding the disadvantage. Actually I wanted to write this blog in the week end. But thought it would be a nice continuation for my previous blog.  

Slow Infrastructure growth: As compared to Tier I cities, infrastructure growth in tier II cities has been slow or no movement at all…

Late arrival of facilities: Be it offers from banks or from telecom providers it takes time to reach Tier II cities. Most companies try to experiment new packages in Tier I cities only then they bring it to Tier II cities… Also they don’t offer some packages in Tier II cities owing to lack of volume in business…

High material cost: Be it computers or raw material for interiors they are expensive when compared with Tier I cities. Vendors say they themselves procure from wholesalers in Tier I city.

Poor communication skills: Communication skills of people are poor when compared with there Tier I counterparts. I’m concentrating a lot on improving the communication skills of my employees and want then to take challenged, take accountability and be great leaders…

Desire to migrate to Tier I cities: Most of the youth in Tier II cities wants to relocate to Tier I cities to improve their career development opportunities…

Provided all small companies understand the advantages in tier II cities and setup their shop, all the challenges can be easily solved…