Month: May 2009

Marketing for Entrepreneurs workshop at IIMB


We often complain of weak marketing in our organizations. The problem in fact is not so much with the organization but the approach we adopt to marketing. We do not ask ourselves questions like “In what way is my product/service different from that of my competitor? How can I make it different? How can I make my communication unique so that I stand out? ” and so on. In short the problem is the lack of innovation in marketing.

 

Consider the following questions.

 

  • What is the most innovative application of blue tooth or laser technology?
  • What are the ten most innovative products/services (IT or otherwise) in today’s market and what can we learn from them?
  • Why is it that some start-ups become Google-like but others fall by the way side?
  • How is it that some companies are able to charge a premium for their products and services while others are not?

 

Given our schedules we hardly get time to reflect on such issues that impact our business. Keeping these typical concerns in mind a 2-day program exclusively devoted to marketing has been planned for entrepreneurs. A broad overview of the content is given below.

 

Program content

  • How to market innovatively? How to create radically different products or services? How to position them in the minds of customers distinctly?
  • Is there a systematic method for the application of innovation to marketing? What are the steps involved and how to learn the method?
  • How do I reach my customers? Is communicating with customers different in IT as compared to say, consumer products?
  • Can I be given a dry run or demonstration of how to make an innovative communication plan for reaching customers?

 

These are some of the questions to be addressed in the program. If the participants have other specific issues they can be discussed. Overall the idea of the program is to help entrepreneurs think innovatively to address their marketing problems.

 

Pedagogy: Lectures, exercises, case studies, group discussions and role-plays

 

Course Fee: Rs. 6,000/- per participant if registered on or before 10th May

                      Rs. 7,000/- per participant if registered after 10th May

 

The brochure and application form can be downloaded here.

 

For more details contact;

 

Girish Kumar M

NSRCEL, Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076

Tel: +91- 80- 2699 3701

Fax: +91-80- 2699 3769 / 2658 4050

E-mail: workshop@nsrcel.org

Website: www.nsrcel.org

10 Rules for Staring New Day


1. TODAY I WILL NOT STRIKE BACK:

 

If someone is rude, if someone is impatient, if someone is unkind. I will not respond in a like manner.

 

2. TODAY I WILL ASK GOD TO BLESS MY “ENEMY”:

 

If I come across someone who treats me harshly or unfairly, I will quietly ask God to bless that individual. I understand the “enemy” could be a family member, neighbor, co-worker, or a stranger.

 

3. TODAY I WILL BE CAREFUL ABOUT WHAT I SAY:

 

I will carefully choose and guard my words being certain that I do not spread gossip.

 

4. TODAY I WILL GO THE EXTRA MILE:

 

I will find ways to help share the burden of another person.

 

5. TODAY I WILL FORGIVE:

 

I will forgive any hurts or injuries that come my way.

 

6. TODAY I WILL DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE, BUT I WILL NOT DO IT SECRETLY:

 

I will reach out anonymously and bless the life of another.

 

7. TODAY I WILL TREAT OTHERS THE WAY I WISH TO BE TREATED:

 

I will practice the golden rule – “Do unto others as I would have them do unto me” – with everyone I encounter.

 

8. TODAY I WILL RAISE THE SPIRITS OF SOMEONE I DISCOURAGED:

 

My smile, my words, my expression of support, can make the difference to someone who is wrestling life.

 

9. TODAY I WILL NUTURE MY BODY:

 

I will eat less; I will eat only healthy foods. I will thank God for my body.

 

10. TODAY I WILL GROW SPIRITUALLUY:

 

I will spend a little more time in prayer today: I will begin reading something spiritual or inspirational today; I will find a quiet place (at some point during the day)!

A.V.Meiyappan Junior Football Team


avm

This is AVM Junior football team and this team won that years zonals… I was in 8th standard and all are my friends… Unfortunately I was not selected in the team and I’m not in the picture…

Precaution and Prevention:: Swine Flu


As you all may be aware Swine Flu has spread in certain places like Mexico, Hong Kong. Swine flu has still not made its way to India so far; however it does not make any of us immune to the deadly disease.

 

Wanted to share some informative facts on swine flu as under for a quick perusal and subsequent action, if need be:

 

Do you know what is swine flu / influenza?

It is a lot like our seasonal flu but it usually affects pigs. However, swine influenza is also affecting humans making them ill.

 

How does swine flu spread in humans?

The mode of human-to-human transmission is presumably in the same way as seasonal flu occurs in people, which is mainly person-to-person transmission through coughing or sneezing of people infected with the influenza virus. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.

 

What are the symptoms of swine flu in humans?

Symptoms are very similar to the human flu:

  • Cough
  • Fever/Chills
  • Sore throat
  • Fatigue/Body aches
  • Decreased appetite
  • Less commonly: runny nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

Is there a vaccine for swine flu?

No. Currently there is no human vaccine available for swine flu, however, prescription medications are available that work on the virus but it needs to be started in the first 48 hours of symptoms. So it is important to contact the doctor right away if you have swine flu symptoms.

 

Can people catch swine flu from eating pork?

No. Swine influenza viruses are not transmitted by food. One can not get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe.

 

How can one prevent getting the flu?

Similar recommendations as the seasonal flu :

  • Germ-proof your skin. Wash your hands well and often. Use warm water and soap, and rub your hands together for about 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as those are direct entry points for viruses. Viruses can get on your hands when you touch infected objects.
  • Avoid close contact (less than 6 feet) with a sick person. 

What should one do on catching the flu?

STAY HOME and contact your physician right away. COVER YOUR COUGH and avoid close contact with others. You should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people. If you need to COUGH or SNEEZE, cover it with a tissue and throw the tissue away. By doing this, you are only trying to avoid spreading infected respiratory droplets around that others could pick up.

 

Request all to read through the information furnished above for a better understanding of the flu and measures to contain it.

 

Courtesy: Bala Murugan

Is LTTE’s defeat good or bad?


I first came to know about LTTE from Sri Lankan refugees who were our neighbors… Before getting into the subject let me start by listing things that admire about LTTE

  • I think this long resistance by an organization which has been isolated by most of the countries and fight the army of a country is not a small task…
  • Tremendous leadership skills of V.Prabakaran for creating such a group… Even if he is defeated and killed he has a place in history…
  • Their never say die attitude… There are almost wiped off and still they are fighting till their last breath…

Now coming to the point “What this defeat of LTTE” means to Lanka, India and the world?

First we must know the method opted by LTTE is not right and they deserve this end… LTTE has created a face/image as if they are saviors of Tamil Eelam but there are lots of hidden truths… LTTE in itz early stages has killed many Tamil leaders to gain dominance in the region… So, Tamil’s in the region had no other option other than to join the force to fight for the rights…

I was an infant when Tamil – Sinhalese problems started… But I came across many stories, point of views & perceptions from Tamils and Sinhalese… I personally think Tamil’s in Sri Lanka must take lot of cues from India… Even India had itz own ethnic problem between Hindus & Muslims, Tamils & Kannadigas, Maratis & Biharis but still India copes up with this and still it is progressing…

Second point is where ever it is the minority community must learn to adjust/cope with the majority community (This might sound controversial) but I believe in my statements…

What every the case may be I wish this end of LTTE must bring peace and prosperity to the Sri Lanka… We must not loose an island which is known for its natural beauty and a culture which is fun filled…