D-Pal

Working around it!

2011-10-05T10:51:00.002+05:30

Attempting to write this article is like attempting suicide. Once on the edge (pun intended), you are flummoxed whether to go for it or no. But I am taking the plunge anyway (I’m getting really ‘punny’ now!)

In India we have a way of working around things. As a biker, as soon as I leave home for office, I come across fools who honk vicariously and whiz past me from the LEFT side. Then there are potholes. Also, some signals where everyone thinks that even after their’s has turned red, they have to go otherwise they are going to be stranded there for life. Well what to do? Just let’s work around it. So I have learnt to ride in the middle of the road for idiots honking around wanting to go past me. Take your pick bozos, left or right, as if I care!!! Potholes? Easy, just go around it. Doesn’t matter that you might get killed by the car behind you coming straight at you while you go your merry zig-zagging ways. As for signal jumpers? Bah! Just let them cross and hope that some cop will charge them a fine or at least take a decent bribe (that’s mean). Hmmm… Just working around it!

Shahrukh Khan has been doing it for years now! He has his PR machinery set. His costumes set. His group of merry financiers and producers set. His fans abroad set. His hand lifting and hamming pyrotechnics set. Hell he even has Rajnikant set. Now all he has to do is work a story around all of this! That’s a worthy example now isn’t it? (Wow! I can already see my death here)

Then there is the Indian cricket team. After a torturous tour to England, they come back to make their millions in the CLT20. Some of the injured players have found a way to work around the spare time by featuring in endorsements for their sponsors. Others (read youngsters) have found a way around the team dressing room. The BCCI has found a way around the selection issue by selecting another panel to select the team. So they select a young team and over look a senior. All of this to do what? You’re right… Work our way around for a win against England, prepare dull batting tracks that will neutralize the very potent fast bowling attack of England or turning tracks that will help our spinners against their good batters ehh? Now that’s working our way around isn’t it? (End imminent!)

If nothing else, we have the regular 'news hounders', clamoring for news space. Chetan Bhagat retorts to N Murthy’s comments on how the quality of students at the IIT’s has gone down. So CB tweets: what would someone who is a body shopper know about quality? WOW! Self-proclaimed spokesperson of the IITians is he? Just like some terrorist group claiming responsibility for an earthquake that happened recently? While Mr. N. Murthy continues to maintain staid silence after firing his salvo, he too is working his way around. Mmmm.. Working their way around well aren't they? (Surely Now!)For the rest of us of course, its great twitter feed :)

My final instance – if this won’t finish me, nothing ever will!!!

I got this from my ‘very well educated’ sister the other day. Apparently she got a call from the US that instructed her to light three Diyas (lamps) in front of our Lord Ganpatiji. That’s not all, she has to instruct three others of her kith and kin to do the same or else misfortune strikes her! Really now? She calls mom who calls my wife and without a spare thought, we all light three diyas in front of our lord Ganpati and push the message forward. Uhh! I don’t believe in all this really but who wants to take a chance? So I lit the diyas while my wife dutifully informed three others to do the same (I got to know of this only later mind you!) We all worked around it. And worked well didn’t we? (Here lies Dipal-butchered to death by his sis!)

You know what I believe? It’s time we stopped thinking about working around it and start to WORK IT AROUND. And high time too…
So, here’s what - am I willing to DIE for a cause like this one and risk publishing this article? You bet I am. Fire away!

Long time it has been!

2011-08-28T18:09:00.005+05:30

Wow!

Talk about procrastination. I had vowed to write at least 1 post every week that would be interesting enough for people to argue and bully me with but a good six months have gone by without a single new idea or post. So what have I missed?

For starters, India won the world cup and to put it to complete 'anti-thesesical' rest, lost in a humiliating and debilitating defeat against England in the test series. England have snatched the number one rating for test team from India in a very well deserved show of preparedness and amazing grit. Read this earlier post from me and see if you can draw some parallels from there to this: http://d-pal.blogspot.com/2010/12/team-work-and-winning.html

What else?

Lara Dutta and Aishwarya Rai Bacchhan got pregnant! Mandira Bedi gave birth to her first child and Gul Panag got married going off on a 'Sholay' style motorbike to her honeymoon.

Hmmm...

The stock market went from promising a lot to a dismal under 16,000 (Sensex) and going down fast! That will keep some of us awake at night I'm sure.

The inflation rates touched 'government changing' highs and then lowered again thanks to some decisive action by Pranab Mukherjee (or was it decisive enough?)

Anna Hazare did what most Indians were waiting for 'somebody else' to do. He became that somebody else!! Hordes joined the so-called movement and made it a notifiable success. So now we have the Lokpal who is going to watch the parlimentarians, the watchdogs, the vigilance movement, the defence guys, the police, the judiciary, the BMC, the municipality, the... wait that's already scary! (or maybe the cynic in me is making it scary). Hopefully it is as good as all the hordes that supported it think it is. (Confession: Wasn't supporting it for the cause, but agreed to disagree and respected the man for doing what he did. Tum jiyo Hazaro saal Anna!)

The IPL has now been blamed for India's loss in England, the rising inflation rate and the falling markets all together (it is right now outside the purview of the Lokpal, so no mention in Anna's crusade!). Knives are out and debates are raging faster than media men screaming breaking news!

So back to blogs! But this time, I'm truly on a mission. There is something about giving time and writing down your thoughts on specific stuff that gives vent to the pent up emotions. So there is my comeback! Hope it is not as short-lived as Vinod Kambli's many comebacks (or was it Jimmy Amarnath's?) or as dull as Viru's/ R P Singh's in his comeback :)

Promise to deliver more!

Learning 40

2011-02-17T18:10:00.001+05:30

LIFE begins at 40... This is the first day of the rest of your life... Age is just a number!! sigh!!!!

SO I have completed 4 decades... well almost! I have entered the 40th year of my life today. I'm going to be candid about it. No life begins and new start and what not for me. I just realized as I was motor-biking my way to office, that there are some truths that are homing in!

1. The body gets tired sooner than say ten years ago!
2. Current (should I say younger?)thought processes are somewhat skewed when viewed from my line of vision
3. As a spouse and parent, I'm no more inclined to take on death defying bike races on the Mumbai roads
4. I tend to shut up sooner than say ten years earlier
5. Reaching the 7 mile running target is taking 2 months more than what it used to take

On the upside;

1. Patience has also grown with age. I tend to listen more these days than talk
2. I've almost stopped giving any advice to anyone (except my wife who I love dearly but who has to endure a nagging husband!). It makes me see things from a different perspective, which can sometimes be a good thing
3. Experiencing the growth of my son Krishnav gives a new refreshing high (and not alcohol!)
4. Pain after a gym workout is still the sweet kind of pain
5. Though it takes longer; I will still reach the 7 mile running target (3 days a week)

There is a strange sense of introspection that birthdays bring, especially when you're turning a decade. I've been mulling over it all of February. Thinking about what I have accomplished so far, what have been my major regrets, what have been the significant events that have got me here today etc. There's a whole list of stuff that still remains to be done of course and those are the goals worth pursuing even at this stage. There is no sense of dismay or despair just sort of looking back at things. In my follow up blog posts I'm thinking of doing articles that look back at what I was as a person and how I have evolved (for better or for worse would be for my pals to decide).

Right now its party time!!

Wishing myself a Happy and safe birthday!

Interesting study

2011-01-18T18:56:00.002+05:30

I have always been fascinated by what goes into a "website creation". Who really gets down to creating it? Is it the corporate communication guys or IT techies? Or does it have to be looked upon by top brass?

The one thing that I agreed on with the rest is that a "CORPORATE WEBSITE" is no more a glorified brochure online but a serious research product. In India, we are yet to realize the full potential of a CORPORATE WEBSITE. While social media is slowly gaining stratospheric acceptance, the website remains a neglected tool.

This BC study helped me understand a lot into what goes into making a truly corporate website and what the rationale is behind the same. I was quite impressed with the compilation and its methodology. It was easy to figure out that these companies did not merely "DESIGN" a website but put a lot of thought and effort into showcasing the company values. The effort more or less showed in most of the websites not in terms of the most good looking / sleek / sexy design but more with meaningful and solid insight-driven CONTENT.

Find the study at: http://www.bowencraggs.com/ftindex

Sharing it for the benefit of everyone. You guys at Bowen & Craggs rock!

Infographic

2011-01-13T10:45:00.001+05:30

I have been a fan of infographics and look to become good at creating one someday! Here's one that I really found useful:

What influences buying decisions?

2011-01-11T11:49:00.002+05:30

What influences your buying decisions?

As I was riding to the office, a thought emerged... what made me buy the bike that I ride today? And has it been a good buy? What about my shoes? and clothes? It was a "petty Eureka" moment and I immediately decided that this was going to be my blog idea for the day.

So what influences your buying decisions the most? I tried to wonder and came up with my own list of thoughts when buying stuff...

Small Ticket, big satisfaction

a) Appeal to the senses: holds true for fruits, vegetables, household toiletries, groceries, etc.

Lets take the example of fruits. If I'm buying fruits, I never ask the price first. I always take a look at

i) how good the fruit smells and looks. Of course, looks can be deceiving but I have sort of become good at selecting them.

ii) I also closely look at how they have been selected by the vendor. If he has simply taken it in lots, chances are there are more rotten ones than good ones. I have some fruit vendors who I buy from and they are extremely particular when selecting fruits. They won't keep stock of it if they don't find them good enough.

iii) I don't buy fruit that has been dumped, thrown or looks remotely spoilt when in transit. Although this is inevitable, clever packaging can avoid the damage substantially. However, packing costs money and hence every vendor overlooks this aspect.

iv) Finally, I ask the price and hardly bother to bargain if the fruits look good. Call me vain if you want!

b) Looking good: Holds true for clothes, accessories, gadgets like mobiles, personal grooming etc.

Example: Shoes (Formal)

I'm very particular when buying shoes. Most often I will visit at least four shops before coming to a decision on buying from one of them.

i) First thing I look for is comfort. Do I feel comfortable after wearing them? After all, I have to wear them at work or parties and most often for full days and even nights. They have to have soft enough cushions inside to keep the feet warm and cosy.

ii) Secondly, I always look at quality. How long can I expect it to last? Even before buying, I make up my mind that I'm going to buy shoes that are going to last me for at least a year and a half. Anything more than that is a bonus!!

iii) Thirdly, I look at the brand. Is it trust worthy? There are some brands (my perception entirely) that have become pretty good at dishing out quality shoes over time like Bata. The young brands like Mochi, Red Tape, Lee Cooper are also good. Apart from the trust they evoke, they are at hand to give you good warranties as well which is beneficial.

iv) Lastly, I look at the price. Am I vain again? Nah! Just attitude. Either buy the best or nothing at all I say...

Oh and by the way, the moment I'm purchasing anything that goes above the thousand mark (my personal price-meter), its time for me to bargain. Whether its a mall or a small shoe shop, I never fail to ask for discounts or offers that might be available.

Big Ticket = Serious money

c) Riding safe, riding right

What influenced me to buy the bike that I did? Well parameters again...

i) Kitna deti hai? Like all Indians, I am obsessed with mileage. The more mileage on my bike the better

ii) My bike had to be sturdy. I never look for power. I don't want to race anyone nor reach anywhere quicker than the speed demon. So lesser CC bike for me

iii) It had to be black and simple. I can't imagine another colour on my motor-bike.

iv) Brand strength. Bajaj as a brand evokes enough trust in an urban dwellers mind. If ridden well, Bajaj bikes could serve you for an eternity. Must say though that if asked today, I vouch for Honda, Yamaha and Hero Honda bikes as well. They are good and strong brands too.

v) Longevity. Again, being the functional personality that I am, i looked at how long the bike should serve me. I asked myself the question and answered, that my bike should run well enough for 5 years (BTW- my bike is in its fifth year and proudly running at its best)

Oh yes, this is where I bargain hard. I try to get the best deals, accessories, offers whatever is available. Bigger price = harder bargain!

Now I know you're thinking that this guy has made the best buys and looks to be an expert in purchasing stuff... but the truth is far from that... here's a list of what I'm completely clueless about and pretty much a dud at buying

i) Mobile phones - Will they ever stop upgrading it? I fail to understand them and hardly buy them... most often I get other to buy them for me.
ii) Television sets - I don't even know the difference between an LCD and CRT??? Call me ignorant if you want, but it is the one thing I'm not good at knowing and buying
iii) Watches - Never bought them!!!
iv) Sunglasses - Bought them thrice... Each one broke within three weeks of buying :(
v) Office or Laptop bags - Every time I buy them, either a chain is broken or a hole 'GROWS' itself and mutates or the shoulder strap breaks... all within 4 weeks of buying, no matter at what price I buy them...

There you have it. Do let me know what you think and whether I need to better my habits. Hope it gets you thinking and introspecting a bit too! ;)

What is Restraint?

2011-01-06T16:09:00.001+05:30

What is Restraint?

All too often, I have had friends telling me that they could not restrain themselves from doing what they loved to do. A brilliant Ashes performance by England and other outstanding performances later, I am beginning to seriously believe in the power of restraint. As always, I'll use my oft used analogy... the game of cricket!

Restraint = Alistair Cook

What about him?

He is the highest run-getter in the current Ashes series which they are going to win tomorrow. Now you would say I've become arrogant!.. Not England though... In all probability they have not started any celebrations yet! They are going to wait till tomorrow and see the final wicket go down. Then (and only then!) will they begin savoring what has been a clinically immaculate performance by the team. The whole team needs to be lauded for their efforts and especially Ali Cook.

Why him?

Well 1) I'm a huge fan of Cook and b) The manner in which he goes about his business is so reminiscent of the way England has progressed through the last couple of years. Some examples of Cook's prowess!

RESTRAINT

Take a look at this batting. In all probability, he doesn't feature in your most stylish batsman's list. He doesn't have a silken cover drive does he? If anything, it looks shaky and forced!!! What about his square of the wicket cuts? Nope! will get out there a lot. Well he does have a "good looking" defense... Really? Whats so good looking about it? He always looks as if he has been hurried into the shot. His being tall doesn't help either. He has that slouch that is so common to see in most tall blokes. Well if he is tall, he must be playing spin well... that he does. With his long enough legs, he can probably reach the other end of the wicket with half a stride. Does it look pretty though? Nope!!!

And yet...
What gets him performing at the highest stage time and again is restraint.

Restraint from playing at a delivery outside off stump...
Restraint from wanting to be the most stylish player... (that's Ian Bell!)
Restraint from wanting to be the most flamboyant... (that's Pietersen!)
Restraint from wanting to be the most prolific... (that's Trott!)
Restraint from being the HERO of the team... and the list goes on! (that's Andersen + Swann!)

What he focuses on (and only on!) is contributing to the team goal of winning. Time and again he will come up with a batting performance that will not 'look' good but would have done the job. Whether it was his debut game against India (in India!), or trying to save the first game of an important Ashes series (at the Gabba). His intent and obdurate defense has always helped him in his most trying moments.

In the current game also, he took his time to settle while Strauss at the other end was at his aggressive best and then kept on building into his score and England's score till it reached out of Australia's hands.

At the other end of the world yet another 'boring' batsman was writing history in his own way. Although much more polished in technique but no less obdurate, Jacques Kallis has shown what technique, preparation and hard work can do to any individual. In the middle of carnage, his ability to stay calm and ride on his technical prowess is legendary. Once again, I will not restrain myself from using that word... RESTRAINT.

Through calculated shot making and clever use of footwork, he ensured that while he was scoring at a less than desirable rate, the team was scoring at a more than desirable rate. In doing so, he too like England, took the game away from India. While their chance of winning might depend on how India and the wicket plays, their chances of losing are almost zero. Again, RESTRAINT!

Both these performances reminded me largely of my own life. It is so much like a patient innings that one builds over time, ball-by-ball, session-by-session, one test after another. At all stages of a great test match innings, the batsman is tested by different bowlers, different weather and pitch conditions, different match situations and different physical conditions. Once you have seen yourself in, you start to bat a little more freely and confidently then start to build on the platform you have given yourself. The great ones continue to build till they are satisfied of a favorable result.

Often through life, I have gone through long periods of serious RESTRAINT that at the time seemed to be boring and NON-LIFE like. And yet today, as I look back it was these times of restraint which helped me be what I am today. It has built a platform for me to build an innings that I can now enjoy with a little more freedom. I start to hit the shots that I have always wanted to and hit that six that I have dreamed of (VVS Laxman has hit only 5 sixes in his entire test career!!!WOW!). Now I can live life with a certain degree of discipline that I have always aimed for and enjoy the freedom of living the good times. While my life might not yet be an innings akin to the ones played by Cook and Kallis, I certainly intend to make it so!

In conclusion, I must say that while I agree that life is meant to be lived fully and completely, it is restraint that will give character and meaning to life. Now I know some people who are going to jump at me and contradict this line of thinking... I say bring it on!!! That's why a great team is not built only of "boring" sportsmen... there will always be a Sehwag / Gilchrist / Jayasuriya / Smith / Ponting / Pietersen / Sreesanth / ... the list is endless!

Team Work and winning

2010-12-30T10:47:00.001+05:30

What a win by both England and India. Two teams that had always shown potential but in the past few years have shown performance. I tried to underline the few things that both have done as a team that has worked for them and came up with a few knowledgeable tips. Read on...

1. INTENT

Every team needs to have a strong intention of being the best. That's the first step. One's intent gives them the desire or the fire to practice in a way that will get them at the top. Both India & England have shown incredible desire/hunger to be the best. It reflects in the way the team goes about practicing, rehearsing and performing.

2. KNOWLEDGE

It is important to have experience behind you. There is nothing more knowledgeable than your time out there in the middle in different situations which allows you to react/respond differently in varying types of pressure situations. While there is substantial youth in both teams, there is also a wealth of experience in the form of Collingwood, Strauss, Pietersen (England) and Sachin, Dravid, Laxman, Zaheer (India)

3. PLAN

The best teams have plans laid out for the game. Planning helps handle/manage a situation with a clear purpose or goal. It also does not allow the team to get either complacent or down in trying circumstances

4. PREPARATION

Both teams have a different preparation theory. While England for some time now have bred extra bowlers and batters who practice almost simultaneously with the main team, India has looked to do more and more drills and practice sessions of the core team members. It shows in the performances as well. England have a bank of thoroughbred fast bowlers while India although struggling in the bowling department, has substantial talent waiting in the wings in the batting department. So much has been talked about the way the teams prepare for a game, that it has become the most vital as well as defining part of any performance.

5. EXECUTION

While planning is one thing, execution is where most teams are unsuccessful. One has to go about meticulously executing a given plan and it was evident in the way both teams played. Non-flustered, non-reactive and clinical. Trotty for England and Laxman for India have shown what it takes to be a test batsman. While the slam bang version has its heroes, the true grit players are often seen in a test match. AHH! Eternal BLISS!!!

6. CONFIDENCE

Finally, every sport and sportsman needs confidence and belief in self and team to go about winning. The captain must have confidence in his bowlers, batters and fielders. This will reflect in the way he structures his field, the way he bats and the way he will make changes on the field. The way Strauss and Dhoni are handling the team are lessons in itself.

There it is... What do you think? Let me know how I have read the game. For any debates or fighting (in case you are a South African/Australian) you can leave a comment and expect me to respond. Typically, I have done all of the above so I'm ready! Bring it on!!! ;)

Recovering from an injury

2010-12-14T17:52:00.002+05:30

So whats it like recovering from an injury?

I think my doctor friends Dr. Jyoti Daswani and Dr. Vivek Punjabi might be in a better position to answer that question.

So, I met with this horrific accident with another bike rider who was dumb enough to take the right turn without the customary stop and look for vehicles before crossing routine. I banged him flush and damaged my right leg and my pride. Now don't take me as arrogant, but I am a huge believer in straight by-the-book bike riding. I ride by the rules and the limitations offered by my bike. However, as the latest Ceat ad goes, you have to be careful of the 'idiots' on the road.

So I injured my leg and after digital (read micro) X-rays, it was found that there was no damage to the bones. But I may have damaged some muscle tissues, hence, my leg kept swelling up at the slightest bit of activity. That was almost one month ago!

The pain had subsided in almost a week's time, thanks to some strong painkillers, but the swelling didn't heal fast enough. The doctor believes, some bleeding is still happening and also, I got hit in the area where I have varicose veins, so that didn't help either. However, this is the not so difficult part. The more difficult part is to cope with the injury and make sure you give it enough rest. With my lifestyle, rest is pretty much a rarity. Not out of compulsion so much so out of choice.

Being an active "gymmer" and runner, resting was extremely frustrating and painful. My middle section has already increased enough to break a few buttons of my trousers. That for me was the zenith of frustration. The typical reaction to that would have been to straight away get into exercising mode however, I know fully that it can do more harm than cure, I gave up the thought.

For the first time in my life I realized the pain (or really the non painful pain!) of an injury. It is disheartening to go without exercise for so many days but I'm really hoping that I can start soon. Do share some mental exercises to cope up with this. I'm banking on prayers and lots of breathing control for that! Amen!

#30DLBL

2010-09-01T13:56:00.003+05:30

I want to start this deal by thanking Celestine Chua for coming up with such an idea. God bless her!

This is exciting and rewarding. I knew right at the beginning that its not going to be a cake walk and yet the challenge thrown by Celes was too good to resist.

The challenge of course is to do the tasks religiously, despite us having holidays. I'm going to blog about it everyday. That is a personal challenge for me!

Well lets see how it goes! If you haven't yet got to know about it; here is where you go to find out more and join in the frenzy: http://celestinechua.com/blog/30dlbl-day-1-life-wheel/

All the best to one and all.

Regards,
Dipal

Re-live

2010-07-02T20:21:00.002+05:30

Ever wake up in the middle of the night with a delightful dream?

I get such dreams often and most times I'm not able to go back to sleep again. I had a dream last night that I continued to relive even after I woke up.

In my dream, Dushyant Mehta (my ex-boss at Repro India Ltd., currently Director at Quadrumm and a good friend/mentor) was actually giving an opening address and introducing me to a large audience. He was introducing me as the next guest speaker and most things he said were quite flattering. I was feeling extremely grateful and felt euphoric as I was waiting to get on stage. The moment I got on stage, I woke up with a puffed-up chest and a huge grin.

Why I couldn't sleep was because I continued to 'see' the dream and take it to its logical conclusion. That kept me awake for another 4 hours before I finally slept at 6 in the morning. Truth is, that is a dream I could easily see even with open eyes as well. Thanks Dushyant for giving that opening address! (so what if it was in a dream?)

I have learnt a lot from Dushyant as a mentee. Prime among them was thinking radically. Even as I was awake I thought of all the small but wonderful moments that I had shared with him. The proudest of these was when we had gone to meet Mr. Ganesh Natarajan (then CEO Aptech Ltd.) for the first time. After the meeting, Mr. Natarajan made special mention that the homework done for the meeting was fantastic (Indeed the homework had been done! I had found out about the formation of the company after it split with Apple, the numbers, the history... Thanks Mr. Harvey Mackay. Beware of the naked guy who offers his shirt could not have been more helpful!). Needless to say the project was awarded to us. It was my professional careers first biggest sale. Also my proudest till date. Three distinct lessons that I learned from that meeting were:

1. Always be prepared, for as Harvey Mackay says, you can never be over-prepared.

2. Always edify your mentor. In a truthful manner its important to position your superior as an authoritative-knowledge leader

3. Believe in your abilities. I got to meet the Aptech CEO only because I believed I could meet him.

I couldn't have written this without that dream! But it gave me the opportunity to thank everyone who has played a role in shaping my professional career so far.

That gives me a wonderful blogging idea! I'm going to relive all the moments that have contributed to the shaping of my life so far and see what I have learned from each of these. You could share some of yours as well!

Until my next post...

Some rain basics

2010-06-08T11:44:00.003+05:30

The rains are here and other than bringing joy and relief to much aggrieved commuters like me, it also brought a set of common challenges that are unique. I thought I'll compile them for us and see if we can get to a workable ethic, so here goes;

1. For us bikers, the first thing to do is avoid skidding on the roads. On the first commuting day of rains, (God oddly made that a Monday!!!) there were a lot of clusters of bikes that had skid and either broken a light or two. The basic thing to do is ride slowly. But even better thing to do is change the tyres if they have grown old (read over 20,000 kms or over two years)

2. If you are traveling in an auto rickshaw like my good friend Vishal, make sure you have a rain coat on. Typically half the autos might not have protection (that sounded like an AIDS campaign! but anyways!) and if it rains the way it does in Mumbai, you're pretty much screwed even before you reach office.

3. If you are traveling on the BEST or the train, well... tough luck cause if the rain don't get you, the crowd will. (Have suggestions?)

4. One smart thing to do is carry a set of clothes to the office and keep it there for the rainy day (literally!) Like on Monday, I got all drenched while coming back from a meeting and did not have anything to wear in the office. Hence stayed in my wet clothes for the entire day. That could well be an invitation to the good old viral. So come Tuesday and i have kept a set of clothes in the office. I even wear a t-shirt while commuting and get into my professional clothes after coming to office. Makes sense doesn't it?

5. Shoes are the top of the problem list. What does one do to keep the good old leather shoes out of harms way? Well one thing that works for me is like the clothes I keep the shoes also in the office and commute wearing something less challenging. Then I get into office and wear shoes and keep them squeaky clean and shiny. Again makes sense?

6. Garam bhajiya and chai is the way to go in the rains. However, best practice is to get that cooked at home. I know its difficult, but its best to avoid food on the stalls what with their hygiene levels gathering Guinness records.

Do share your stay clean and healthy stories so that we can be of mutual gain to each other haanh?

cheers!

Riding the wave called life

2010-06-03T17:07:00.005+05:30

Everyday I ride my bike for a 40 minute commute from my house to my office, and everyday I learn something or the other while doing that. Partly because I love to ride my bike and also because of wanting to know the best practices in riding it. So, I came up with some of my own best practices of riding a bike. Now, they might not be the same for you but they work for me.

1. I Never Honk: What good is honking when there are 117 other vehicles doing the same? I have realized very early on that it won't make any difference. So I communicate differently. I will either use blinkers or headlights (even during the day time) to communicate. Don't see anyone do that. Let me tell you, 9 out of 10 vehicles respond to that kind of signaling (but hey! that could just be me). That, sort of, differentiates me from the rest. Brand positioning using available resources!!!

2. I always concentrate on the next 20 yards in front of me: There's no point looking beyond that (at least in Mumbai). The traffic snarls around with everyone weaving around as if they were running away from Godzilla! I find it far better to ride and also invariably find a lot of space doing that. Focus on the NOW and the HERE!!!

3. I always find my own lane to ride: Usually its the far left lane which is the slowest moving. I prefer that for two reasons: a) you pretty much ride straight at your own speed as there is hardly anyone riding on the lane and b) not many want to notice you as they whiz past at the speed of sound(I need my space!!). Invariably I find myself reaching my destinations on time every time. Lesson: Doesn't matter how fast or slow you go. What does matter is that you enjoy your ride in reaching your destination.

4. Riding at a consistent speed: I always ride between 40-50 Kmph. With my office being 20 kms away from home, it generally takes me 30-40 minutes to reach. I leave at least an hour before starting time. Leaves me fresh and allows me to start the day with enthusiasm. Start early to reach early. Smart riding aces rock'n'roll style riding every time. I'll choose smart and consistent practices over maverick practices.

5. I keep my bike well Oiled: Basically, I never compromise on maintenance of my bike. It is a well oiled machine hence gives me the optimum mileage. Lesson: Always take time to sharpen your axe - Stephen Covey types haann??

So what's your commute story? ;)

Sachin Tendulkar gyaan

2010-06-02T18:18:00.002+05:30

I was just reliving all the moments when something is written about Sachin or about the many speeches that he has given. What came across was a plethora of wisdom nuggets. Here is a compilation of Sachin tendulkar gyaan by me. You can add your own to all these:

1. Performance because of good laundry: Recently I read about Sachin being ready. He readies his kit bag on the day prior to the actual game. His clothes are squeaky clean, his boots are laced and everything is generally in order and packed. Preparation means being ready!
Preparation helps in every activity that one can think of today. Whether you're going for an interview, a marketing presentation or a sales pitch. in the words of Harvey Mackay "You can never be over-prepared"

2. When they throw stones at you; (you) turn them into milestones: I heard this in an acceptance speech he was giving post match. Turning adversity into opportunity. Form is temporary; Class is permanent ehh?
Every adversity brings with it the equivalent of opportunity and you never cease to learn from it. In the bargain you leave a better human being, a more experienced human being.

3. "I am not thinking too far ahead, just want to take it one thing at a time": Being in the now makes one focus harder and get truly effective. You don't think of a century when batting... only "watch the ball" NOW!!
In our profession, we take each task and try and complete it in the given timeline. Focus on the task at hand.

4. Whatever level you reach, getting better never stops: Wow! To come from someone who is playing sport for 20+ years, this seems like a gem! The day you stop learning is the day you die.

5. In the words of Anil Kumble-"In all my career of over 17 years, I have never seen Sachin throw any of his sporting gear or vent his anger at any object". Respecting your gear is folklore today and epitomized by the ever humble Sachin. Respect the profession you're in and the tools that make you what you are today.

Let me know of your own takes on Sachin's life and career learnings!

cheers :0) Dipal

Dream On

2010-05-21T09:52:00.003+05:30

These days (or shall I say nights?) I'm getting some great dreams and wake with an unusual delight. The next thing I do is try and recall every detail from the dream and go through it all over again.

It started off with me rushing to the ticket window of our train stations (Borivali I think it was!). However, it was quiet different than what is. It was extremely clean and white with blue at most places. The whole section looked quite beautiful. Then I bought my pass for the month and since I was in a hurry, boarded a train that had just come in.

There were many 'platforms' so to speak. The trains were getting in and out at almost breakneck speed. I just about managed to get into the train and then suddenly noticed that it was entirely different than what we travel in. For starters it was empty. There were very few passengers which got me curious.

What really concerned me though was that the bogey seemed extremely spacious. It has seats with the choicest foam and light blue coloured upholstery. A few people were trying to stitch something into place.

Again there was a sudden realization that I must be in the wrong train! Or maybe in the first class compartment. Curious I started walking to the front end of the train where a few people were sitting. As I started to go, I realized that a TC was trailing behind me checking tickets. He came up to me and asked for one. I showed him my pass and he smiled and let me know that this won't work in this train. I panicked a little but he reassured me and put me at ease saying I needn't worry. That gave me an immense sense of relief. It was hardly 5 minutes and I realized we had already reached Jogeshwari.

The surprises never stopped. I wondered how come the train had traveled so fast. The TC actually came over to explain that they were testing the train for now and once it became fully operational, it would reach here in half the time. He was telling me of the advances the Indian Rail was making and how he was helping them as he was an engineer. Just about then the train entered Bandra. I was absolutely stunned. It had been hardly ten minutes and I had reached where I had wanted to.

As I descended the train, the TC invited me over to his office and the hub of all activity. There were three very young college going kids keeping a track of every train on their monitors. Each one was either ecstatic or relieved with the accuracy of each docking and leaving train. Suddenly I saw a flying train with only tow bogeys fly down and attach itself to something! (didn't realize how or what!) Within minutes people descended and others boarded the train and it was ready to take its flight out. As it was about to take off it made a strange hissing sound, took a little run like a plane does on the runway and off it went... Flew to its destination. The young guys (there was one guy and two girls) were clapping and hi fiving as if it was a successful launch into space. They were about to invite me into their celebration when suddenly....

I woke up! Now I know it doesn't make a great story.. but I wanted to put it down exactly the way I had seen it. I've mentioned in my earlier blog posts that I am getting these fantastic dreams of building something incredible!! Well now... Think I'm going to continue doing that!

I'm writing this post early in the morning so that I don't miss out on the details... I will take a look and clearly read out my post and try to get to some constructive conclusions! So wait and watch!

Best Places to think

2010-05-19T19:19:00.003+05:30

Just came up with this; what is the best time to think? Where? When?

Here are 5 of my best:

1. On my bike: Nothing like the wind on your face and the bike on the road to get your thinking juices going.

2. On the pot: Well I take a long time and well there's nothing else to do except think...(unless I'm allowed to take the newspaper inside!)

3. While praying: I let all my thoughts run in when I'm praying and experience them one by one. Fantastic way to get an outsider's view to my own thoughts

4. During my morning run: I get my best thoughts when I'm running. Just peps me up!

5. Just before sleep: I thank God for all things good or bad and just when I'm about to pass out, let all thoughts run by and I'm complete. (These days I dream of building something or the other, either I'm erecting a building using bricks or assembling a car or something... fantastic!)

Have your favs? list them out... you'll be surprised!

Sweet Shop - Best Practices

2010-05-11T20:04:00.003+05:30

You know its strange where you can learn things from. Take for example a sweet shop in my locality "Krishna Sweets" - Mira Road. I shop for sweets and candy all the time from there and didn't even realize it was my preferred destination for some time. Here's what makes it special for me and also displays best practices;

1. It's CLEAN

The first thing that I'm looking for in any place that has anything edible is how clean is the place. Krishna Sweets has to be cleanest I have seen in my lifetime. The staff doesn't even wear footwear inside the shop. Thats NEAT!

2. They're COURTEOUS

When I entered the shop for the first time, without questioning my curiosity or expectation, they straight away gave me a piece of their choicest sweet for me to sample and savour. Customer delight at its best! SWEET isn't it?

3. Quality PRODUCTS

Goes without saying that all the cleanliness and courtesy could easily take a toss if the candy is not sweet uhh? Fantastic sweets from all over India and choicest chocolates and candy from all over the globe. Mars, Toblerone, uhmmm....

4. Customer FOCUSED

Everytime I have gone there with my kid, someone from their staff will always give him a chocolate as a token. They never take money for it even if I give them. Whether I take anything or not is not considered. That has me hooked to them forever!

5. Exceeding Customer EXPECTATIONS

Whats more! They'll deliver sweets to your home. They have a menu printed in colour and give it away to everyone who visits them. Call them and order away! Convenient! builds solid relationships... The store owner is already good friends with my kid!

Wish you sweets all the way!

Living another person's life

2010-04-27T21:27:00.003+05:30

Does anyone even know what it means to live another person's life?

I met my Life coach today and was 'straight talked'. She told me I was to stop living another person's life. Now many people don't quite understand this and start to debate (Me included!!!) So to get things straight, I'm going to ask around people what they understand about living another person's life.

Here are some classic cases of living another person's life (absolutely the way I see it):

1. This one's the most standard of all. You see your neighbour getting a Honda City ZX in stark black while you are struggling with your Maruti Zen standard. you immediately go and buy an even bigger car just so that you can show him who's better! That to me is living out your neighbour's passion!

2. Ever since we were kids we have heard these fantastic proverbs from the mouths of relatives, friends, brothers, sisters, enemies!! How is it that when one is in a fight, these are the proverbs coming out of our mouths? - Go ahead and get nostalgic... think of some of the proverbs that you heard since eternity and mention it even today, when you have gotten into a fight with that irritating co-passenger in a crowded train/bus/aeroplane... Here are some that I use, apparently even when they are not so relevant:
a) Jis school mein tu padh raha hai na, uska mein principal hun (??)
b) bahut jyaada hoshiyaari mat dikhaa!!
c) Apne aap ko bada teesmarkhan samajta hain kya?
d) Apni aukaad mein reh?
e) Akkal hai ki nahi? (wow.. this one's probably a few generations old)
Classic uhh? Got any more? Let me know...

3. What happens when someone who you really look upto disapproves of your decision on something? This one's slightly complex. you are taking most of your advice from him/her but when it comes to the one thing that you are willing to put your life into; they disapprove. Do you then go ahead with what you decided or chuck it? If you do go ahead with the advice, there you go... living his/her life!!! (Though sometimes this can be kind of a good thing y' know! Can tell from personal experience)

4. Whats important to you? Riding in traffic with a million vehicles blurting and you becoming a part of them? OR living your belief that noise pollution can be damaging and turn your horn off from the source itself? Here's the message: STOP HONKING!!!!

5. This one's again sensitive... You have been told about ten million times about things you have to do and don't have to do by YOUR PARENTS right? That skirt's too short... you're not wearing it - Smoking is harmful so don't smoke - Beware of the sharks out there - don't be too sweet - don't be too bitter - stop that - start this ... when do you decide to stop living your parents lives and start living your own!

Here's the gist of it:
The basis of all this is to listen to your own heart, make your own belief system and live a life that gives you utmost satisfaction. That's why teachers continue to teach even if they are the most underpaid professionals in our country. Carrying out a plan based on our own passion points give us the ultimate high/rush. My highs come from playing or discussing Cricket, music, leadership values, knowledge sharing, healthy living, good hygiene, better financing systems soulful movies and many more.

I hope I can carry on living like this and empower people to probably do the same! Go ahead, think and make a list of things that have been influenced (directly or indirectly) by others. These could be good or bad any which way you see it... Gives you damn good insights!

Social Media - Singapore Leadership Development Congress

2010-04-20T19:22:00.001+05:30

Check out this SlideShare Presentation:

Social Media - Singapore Leadership Development Congress

View more presentations from Daniel Priestley.

Gems & Girders

2010-04-13T18:25:00.004+05:30

In a mystified world of myriad confusions, there are some things that will stand out glaringly. They are either astonishingly beautiful or disgustingly ugly. Let me begin with the uglier part. So much so, that they are almost a given, 'taken for granted'...

a. Ever wait for the signal to turn green? then you can't miss the bozo about 20 car/buses behind you blurting away his hooter the moment he sees the green light. Doesn't matter that it will take all 20 cars/buses to move one-after-the-other (How else?) and that he (and in half the cases, SHE) will be able to move only after that! For him (HER) it is their birthright to honk when a signal turns green. Why I've seen the same guys honk even if they are the first ones on the line (???). So compulsive are they, sometimes forgetting that they are the ones setting the pace.

b. If you have taken driving lessons, then you would know that in order for one to pass/overtake, you honk (more like beep) and pass him from the right side... (NOT the left side, the 'RIGHT' side!).In India, we move left-to-left, so we keep left! You want to over take? Do it from the right side... simple isn't it? How the hell then do you blurt on and on for about 8 and a half hours and pass from the left? So many times I move to the far left to leave enough space for the HOnkerer to pass and invariably he will take the little space available on my left and just miss killing me by about 6 inches. Whai, I say... Waeee???

Its not that bad though! Here's why

a. Ever ride through a million vehicles and arrive at a junction that's sometimes not manned by a Traffic cop? You'll see that it is manned by an Old looking gentleman and you see everyone respecting him when he asks you to stop, move, turn or just go! there is a group of retired senior citizens in a few parts of our crowded city, who voluntarily do traffic cop duties just to assist the cop. Can't miss them! (I found one between Borivali and Dahisar).They command such muted respect! Hats off!

b. Everyday as I move out on my bike and reach Dahisar, I'm joined by a girl (you read that right-a lady) around mid-twenties either wearing a Salwar-Kameez or plain trouser-shirts. She rides a hero honda Passion. Why she stands out is there are at least another 1000 and a half ladies riding with us and all of them on automatic scooters with most of them having both legs touching the ground!! This girl (Lady) has to be a go getter! Well hats off to her as well for doing something that's hardly difficult or impossible. No longer is bike riding confined to us boys. You get them girl! (The half lady is the one who was honking earlier!)

Cheers all!

Reshaping business education

2010-04-13T10:28:00.004+05:30

This is a great interview with Blair Sheppard, the Dean of Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.

https://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/Business_Technology/BT_Organization/Reshaping_business_education_in_a_new_era_2500

What interested me was the thought that deans are having. Also the insights into student trends and what they expect are quite interesting.

Nice experience!

Sachin Tendulkar - (no adjective good enough to match)

2010-04-12T18:04:00.006+05:30

Well guess what? Yet another brilliant win for MI! What a performance! Take Sachin out and the equation goes for a toss. Truly brilliant!

Now the thing about Sachin (WATCH+EXPERIENCE+LEARN!) is the ease with which he paces his innings. Whether its a test match, 50 over game or T 20. Here's what separates him from most others:

- PREPAREDNESS: His preparation before the game is stuff of legend. If you don't know about it, I'll tell you. We were bowling volunteers at the 1994-95 Ind-England series. This was the game where Vinod Kambli got his double hundred. Sachin would simply come and knock the ball around with only one hand (the left hand). So he would take his stance, as soon as he was driving, he would take his bottom hand off and drive with just one hand. The ball would fly. Suddenly after a while, he changed his grip and started to knock left handed and did the same thing... took the bottom hand off this time the left hand and knocked it with the right hand. The ball, again, simply flew. What is important in this is what he was thinking mentally. He was focused on feeling the ball in the middle of the bat (the sweet spot!).

Preparation is one thing, but preparing only for the best eventuality is truly where the greats differ. So if you are into any kind of employment and visualising a presentation, you could visualise that the projector is running fine, the light is proper, the chairs have been set right OR:
simply feel the audience lapping up your presentation and you getting the objective with ease!!! (hitting the sweet spot!)

- GRACE: This is something that I am clueless about. Some people are either just born with it, or they have worked so much, so many times that... ahh! to have the grace of Roger Federer when he makes an impossible shot, or Sachin Tendulkar, when he hits one over cover for six, or Saina Nehwal when she smashes one in the far corner!! My guess is that grace comes from loving yourself and believing that God lies within you. It comes from having faith in your abilities and in the one force that binds all living things. It comes from being ONE with the universe!!

- EXPERIENCE: When he refused the single in the last over of last night's game, just about every single guy must have applauded the move. Simple isn't it? New guy in - won't hit better for set guy to stay on strike. Most people would have missed the next ball that he hit straight to Yusuf Pathan and scampered through for 2. Even if the throw would've been good, Sachin would've still made it! That for me was the masterstroke!!! Again displaying in ample measure how well he read a situation.

- POWER: Sachin and his breed bring about a certain aura that dampens the spirit of the best of the best opposition. None greater than Shane Warne. Sachin will continue to haunt him for the rest of his life. (Especially after last night's game. AGAIN!) They are strong personalities, bringing chills down the spines of oppositions. The sheer prospect of bowling to him is overwhelming. Those who overcome the emotion go on to do well against him. I'll tell you how it is, I would have thought,
"so what that he hit me for 20 runs, he is after all Sachin Tendulkar."

But that's me!

Good lessons uhh? cheers!

Sunil Bharti Mittal on entrepreneurship

2010-04-07T18:53:00.003+05:30

This is one fabulous interview I saw recently. Makes even more sense now after Sunil Mittal's Zain take over. Recommended viewing (and listening!) for all thought leaders. Get inspired! The title is the link to the interview!

Away games of MI

2010-04-07T18:10:00.001+05:30

The thinking is Mumbai Indians have gotten too used to their own backyard and are therefore going to struggle from here on. All their matches (or at least most of them) are away games.

Think they will need divine help as well. Even God can suffer from cramps sometimes and succumb. Aptly exhibited last night!!!

Wait and watch!

Warne & Leadership

2010-04-06T09:43:00.000+05:30

What a win for the Royals yesterday! Unbelievable as it may sound, they pulled off yet another victory from the jaws of defeat. It reminded me of when they beat England in an unimportant game in the Ashes in Australia. It was Warne’s last Ashes series. How he came back and simply blew the English away on the final day is stuff of legend.
Last night was no different. Rohit Sharma looked set to take the game away from the Royals but Warnie’s 4 wickets for almost nothing in his spell sealed it for the Royals. Here are some of the important leadership lessons I learnt from the game.
Leadership
Always be expectant: Never for once did Warne believe that they are NOT going to win. He kept plugging away. With every wicket his belief grew stronger and stronger until it finally sealed the deal for him.

Always be Enthusiastic: With the fall of every wicket, Warne seemed to rediscover the aggression in him. It showed in the way he celebrated every wicket to fall.

Always include the team: Warne showed the way in how it is done to his team but never once let it show that it was his victory alone. He rallied his team and reined them in every time either he or someone else got a wicket.

Always back your players: In his second over, debutant Aditya Dole went for plenty. Yet Warne entrusted him with bowling the next over and the result was the very important wicket of Gilchrist that he got for his team.

Lead the way (Leading by example): The best way to teach is not to tell them how to do it but show them how to do it. At 40, Warne might be on the other side of fitness but trust him to make the maximum number of dents in the oppositions armour.
What an inspiring performance! What an inspiring leader! Hail Warnie!

Thought Leadership

2010-04-01T11:44:00.000+05:30

I had this great session in office that was enlightening. It focused on what is changing in the market place, the industry and the global community at large. We discussed about 'thought leadership' and how it was impacting the world.

So what's thought leadership all about?
Here are two definitions that I read in one of the blogs that I follow: http://www.thoughtleadershipstrategy.net/category/definitions-of-thought-leadership/

"Its Edu-marketing. Part promotion/persuasion and partly educating/teaching/giving"
-Meg Wildrick

"Thought leadership marketing is the active positioning of your company (or you ) as an authority, resource, and trusted advisor on issues of importance to potential customers"
-Jim Pennypacker

Let me give you some more insight. It essentially means giving out as much gyaan to the audience as possible through different channels of communication. All of it 'FREE'. It could be blogs, podcasts, videos, online articles, comments... any place you can share your thoughts from. What it allows one to do is slowly gain confidence as an authority on his chosen subject. In the bargain, you start to promote your service or product offering as well. However, it is sincere and honest to begin with and has to be offered with self belief.

Let me give an example:
Commentator Harsha Bhogle is my favourite commentator and TV presenter. One of his biggest assets is his keen understanding of the game of cricket. His vocabulary skills, voice, presentation etc enable him to stand out amongst the lot. These days, harsha has become the expert whilst others are asking for his views on the game.

What he has done is sold himself through a conscious (and sub-conscious) process of learning and sharing, thus becoming an authority on the game of cricket. This has led us i.e. his audience to believe every word that comes out of his mouth as the last word in the game. That is a 'thought leader' for you.

This article is also like a follow up to my 'EXCELLENCE' article earlier. I'm basically saying the same thing but probably putting it in different ways.

Other articles or views or even arguments on this subject are welcome. I'm learning as well by the way...

Have other examples of thought leaders? Well let me know of 'em!

Grappling with self

2010-03-30T18:56:00.000+05:30

As I grappled with "the inner self", I found out the difficulties in unlearning. Let me give an example from my life-

I worked earlier for an organization, an ad agency, that served customers in every possible genre of advertising. My current occupation provides niche services to a limited audience. Suddenly, prospects seem to be few and far between. Its no longer a 'numbers game'. Doing what we do in the best way possible counts the most. Also, doing what one loves to do in the best way possible (or perhaps even in the best way NOT possible) has become the norm.

It just dawns on me that this could be the best way forward. Sachin bats, Sampras and Federer play tennis, Phelps swims, Bolt runs, Buffet invests, Steve Jobs invents. They are the best at what they do because they have channeled their energies totally and completely in what they do. But what they also do is add generous doses of passion into it. Learn, unlearn and relearn all the time in their chosen fields. Keep adding to their existing pallete of skills albeit towards one single goal. Excelling in their chosen occupation.

For me the road ahead looks extremely exciting! Now is the time to excel...

Makes sense? let me know ... you can add on to it!

Whats a Business Plan?

2010-03-29T16:27:00.000+05:30

Well, most of us will agree that we don't have one.

The thing is, a business plan is so close to the business called life, that it is not funny! Everything about a business is related to life as well. Consider this...

Every business plan needs a long term goal. Something that is way too far for our generation to think of.
It needs marketing & sales. The backbone of any business. The business of any business! Where are you going to generate the revenues from?
It needs some quality products/services. What are you going to generate revenues from?
It needs financial planning. how are you going to use your money? How are you planning to save some for the rainy day and how do you plan so that it grows all the time?
It needs resources planning. How are you going to 'sharpen the saw', every once in a while?
It needs careful analysis of markets, industry, trends and situations. Your response to each one will determine your result in the end.
It needs a milestone centric roadmap so that you don't get lost.
It needs a growth map every now and then!

Lets look at the same things in life now shall we?

Long term goals. Saving the earth has to be the biggest of them isn't it? Thingking beyond generation. Whether our grandchildren will survive the many calamities and the challeneges they are going to face. Can we look at reducing some of those please?
Marketing & Sales. At every stage we are selling. To procure a house loan, credit card, bargaining with the super store, negotiating the price for a used car, etc.
Products & Services. Our products & services are our health, body and mind. How we keep them in shape?
Financial Planning. Have you maxed out your credit card yet?
Resources. What do you have in you and how do you bring it out in the open? Remeber Excellence!!
Analysis. Almost forgotten from our lives. To just take two steps back and see your life so far. Discard that which is not useful and bring in new stuff.
Milestones. Short term goals. When driving at night, you don't need to see the destination, just the next 200 meters (in fact thats all you'll see in the headlights)
Growht map. The need to reevaluate, reset goals because change is the only constant.

I know, have been said many times before... but this might just be my take!
cheers:)

Advertising during tough times

2008-12-31T13:00:00.000+05:30

The recession is coming, the recession is coming!!! Even if it hasn't hit the Indian shores yet, the general "sentiment" in and around is that we have been hit badly by the recession. The discussions usually take place over a cigarette and tea in the break. With the chaiwala having no clue about recession (or so it would seem!), we continue to analyse (paralyse!!) ourselves with recession talk. Who's closing down? how many have lost their jobs in which organization? How many debit notes received? How many unclaimed deliveries? etc.. etc..

However, the upside is that the biggest the most respected and the most "successful" of the companies were born out of recession. Advertising budgets are the first to get effected. However, Ogilvy (The big daddy of all!!!) came out with a series of well meaning words to make sense of it all. You can read the articles (or even download them and print them!) here: http://www.ogilvyonrecession.com/

Wonderful words by the Ogilvy team. Cheers and Happy New Year!

De blogging at the moment

2007-02-27T16:38:00.000+05:30