tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29125530183895503022024-03-12T22:34:53.747-07:00Business Case with Antony KonnothBehind the scene analysisAntony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-1616015856183281832020-04-27T03:19:00.001-07:002020-04-27T03:22:26.620-07:00<br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Many businesses have asked me will they survive this pandemic and make any sales </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Business is extremely tough these days especially when your cash flow has hit the bottom with no signs of any recovery. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Remember that you are in a market where there is any kind of festive mood.
If so, your products would have sold like popcorn. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">You don't have to push, customers would buy.
Are your products or services designed for the needs of customers? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Was it customer-centric when you designed it? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Do they crave for it irrespective of good or bad times? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831"> It's time for you to think about how to make your product and services as 'essentials' for the customers. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Not a commodity. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">But If you can place your product somehow in a category where your customers think it's a 'must buy', you are not a winner but a legend. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">If you are still stuck now and not doing any business, it means you were not serving your customers with what they actually need. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">And finally, do your customers pray for your continued existence in the market. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Do they pray that there is a continuous supply of your products & services? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">Then even if you wish to fold your business your customers would not allow to do it. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831">That's making your business indispensable. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9831"> </span><a class="tap-target feed-shared-text-view__mention ember-view" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g/" id="ember9835" target="_self"><span data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Antony Konnoth</span></a><span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"> </span><br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23Marketing&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9842" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9843"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23Marketing&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9842" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9843"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Marketing</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23Strategy&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9846" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9847"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23Strategy&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9846" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9847"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Strategy</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23sales&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9850" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9851"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23sales&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9850" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9851"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">sales</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23pandemic&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9854" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9855"></span></a></span><br />
<div class="feed-shared-update-v2__description-wrapper ember-view" id="ember9825">
<div class="feed-shared-inline-show-more-text feed-shared-update-v2__description feed-shared-inline-show-more-text--minimal-padding feed-shared-inline-show-more-text--5-lines feed-shared-inline-show-more-text--expanded ember-view" data-artdeco-is-focused="true" id="ember9826" style="display: block; max-height: none;" tabindex="-1">
<div class="feed-shared-text relative feed-shared-update-v2__commentary ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9827">
<div class="feed-shared-text__text-view feed-shared-text-view white-space-pre-wrap break-words ember-view" id="ember9828">
<span class="ember-view" id="ember9839"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659039501505179648&keywords=%23pandemic&originTrackingId=5p0fHPLxZfd45E9ptZH2SA%3D%3D" id="ember9854" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9855"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">pandemic</span></span></a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="social-details-social-activity update-v2-social-activity ember-view" id="ember9856">
<div class="social-details-social-activity ember-view" id="ember9857">
<ul class="social-details-social-counts ember-view" id="ember9858">
<li class="social-details-social-counts__item social-details-social-counts__reactions">
</li>
</ul>
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Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-84608242114697014712020-04-27T03:17:00.001-07:002020-04-27T03:17:19.135-07:00<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>Where are our corporate recruitments heading to? </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span> Currently, most of the candidates from corporates are having a merry-go-round. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>It is nothing but a circle of candidacy were one person after few years of joining a company opts to work in a competition and then joins another one and then for more competition until he settles down with his first good old company. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>Literally, a merry-go-round. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>The best part is that our hiring system also encourages it as its the most simple way to secure a candidate from the competition. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>Strategy being - hire someone first and let go of him and then again hire someone from the competition. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>This circle of candidacy goes on forever. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>What actually happens here is that - </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9039"><span>"The quality of people coming in is worse than the quality of people going out since the focus has always been on poaching talent from each other instead of attracting the right type of talent into the industry in the first place" - </span></span><a class="tap-target feed-shared-text-view__mention ember-view" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAD-rhABFD_JRn8tTnNsZyQ3I3gBqTPNvc8/" id="ember9043" target="_self"><span data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAD-rhABFD_JRn8tTnNsZyQ3I3gBqTPNvc8" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Ashish Bhasin</span></a></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9047"><span>, CEO APAC, and Chairman India, Dentsu Aegis Network. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9047"><span>Is anyone listening?
</span></span><span data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span><a class="tap-target feed-shared-text-view__mention ember-view" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g/" id="ember9051" target="_self"><span data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Antony Konnoth</span></a></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><span> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23HR&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9058" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9059"></span></a></span></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23HR&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9058" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9059"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">HR</span></span></a><span> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23Hiringpractices&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9062" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9063"></span></a></span></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23Hiringpractices&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9062" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9063"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Hiringpractices</span></span></a><span> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23management&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9066" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9067"></span></a></span></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23management&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9066" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9067"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">management</span></span></a><span> </span><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23ethics&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9070" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9071"></span></a></span></span><span><span class="ember-view" id="ember9055"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6659853724615344128&keywords=%23ethics&originTrackingId=Jv4eJXenhN8CeYAPSn8vtw%3D%3D" id="ember9070" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember9071"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">ethics</span></span></a></span></span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-7710103223125837882020-04-27T03:13:00.002-07:002020-04-27T03:15:43.209-07:00<br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Can you figure out who will cruise through in this pandemic time? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Most of the biggies are bleeding. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Take some of the big brands in Airlines, Travels, Hotels, Restaurants, Hypermarkets, Shopping Malls, Department Stores, Automobiles, Construction, Manufacturing, Oil, Gas, and so on. </span><br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"></span><br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"></span><br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Then who's surviving? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">We can't pinpoint based on any industry. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">There are different companies from every industry that are putting their brave foot forward. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Take the case of Tesla, GE, Amazon, Netflix, Google, IBM Lenovo, Oracle, AWS, and from the regional players' Lulu, Flipkart, Reliance, Huawei, and many other companies who are braving this. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"> It is not because of their top line were not hit during this crisis but because they have strong fundamentals in place to weather any adverse storm during their existence. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">Most of these companies have core values to which they are proud of and that's been reinstated all the time with their stakeholders like vendors, customers, and the general public. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">They have set something called BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) in their fundamentals. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"> Do you have BHAG in your core ideology? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">You might be thinking that you are just a small fry in the market. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740">But that should not stop you in pursuing BHAG. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6740"> </span><a class="tap-target feed-shared-text-view__mention ember-view" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g/" id="ember6744" target="_self"><span data-entity-hovercard-id="urn:li:fs_miniProfile:ACoAAAEarW0BR-oMH5mrXVHXusU63yYGd_9Un6g" data-entity-type="MINI_PROFILE">Antony Konnoth</span></a><span class="ember-view" id="ember6748">
<a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23BHAG&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6751" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6752"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember6748"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6752"><span aria-hidden="true"> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="ember-view" id="ember6748"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23BHAG&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6751" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6752"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">BHAG</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23Business&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6755" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6756"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember6748"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23Business&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6755" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6756"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Business</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23Brands&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6759" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6760"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember6748"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23Brands&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6759" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6760"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Brands</span></span></a> <a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23jimcollins&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6763" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6764"></span></a></span><span class="ember-view" id="ember6748"><a class="hashtag-link ember-view" data-control-name="hashtag" href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/hashtag/?highlightedUpdateUrns=urn%3Ali%3Aactivity%3A6660232949180567553&keywords=%23jimcollins&originTrackingId=QXFRu%2F7tR5%2BnOCvD1KUDlw%3D%3D" id="ember6763" target="_self"><span class="hashtag-a11y ember-view" dir="ltr" id="ember6764"><span aria-hidden="true">#</span><span class="hashtag-a11y__name">Jim collins</span></span></a></span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-72168384579917536532018-04-05T05:30:00.003-07:002018-04-24T03:47:34.519-07:00Media: The world is calling. Where are you? <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzb97i1N0mN0EVF6HCeoaR8GarG_hBEtq0yBaG_o3G4WZuOnHGYijzhND2k8RzgwkfAQfq1UweIKcxclVPIgDvA9CnpXLis2aHky_aUZaeYiGUe9pcrKUpm1ug4Q79ZaEh9W0z_eksg/s1600/calling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwzb97i1N0mN0EVF6HCeoaR8GarG_hBEtq0yBaG_o3G4WZuOnHGYijzhND2k8RzgwkfAQfq1UweIKcxclVPIgDvA9CnpXLis2aHky_aUZaeYiGUe9pcrKUpm1ug4Q79ZaEh9W0z_eksg/s400/calling.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>The 'Crow on a Cow' Metaphor </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Since long conventional media houses and ad agencies enjoyed a strong bonding as to the analogy of a cow and a crow. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The cow used to allow crow to sit on its back and peck the insects from its skin. While the cow pacifies its itches the crow scours out a free meal. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A Win-Win for both media houses and agenices. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1990's Ad Salesperson</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then came the golden era of field sales. Publication companies started recruiting smart young people to canvass advertisement from SMB's and professionals. Eventually, print and outdoor media sales flourished as the market was relatively huge and there were very fewer players to compete.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few years later came the advent of visual media where private TV channels took over the domain. Regional channels with localized content were the newfound turfs. Entertainment, Sports, and News genre were the favorite among viewers and advertisers. The industry soon was buoyed with ad sales professionals mantling the role of selling airtime on national and private satellite channels.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Digital Steps</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward 2000, online media started posing serious threats to the established media houses in 'print' and 'visual'. Advertisers were lured by web marketers with inflated and hollow promises.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Not many understood the concept of 'digital' at the beginning. Some tried to comprehend but failed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Print and visual media celebrated the moment and some of them went to the extent of publishing articles and ads in their own dailies, magazines, and channels to show how miserable the online media were for the advertisers. However, the propaganda didn't last long as the power of online and digital was way beyond their imagination.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Meanwhile, on the other side of the town, the print has almost become part of a sunset industry. The rise of tech and digital companies has hastened the need for consolidation among traditional brands. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strangely, admen and publishers across the globe acted as if nothing adversely happened.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rise & near fall of the visual media </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In 2010 the crown was dispelled and the visual media empire was almost dethroned.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Google became a demi God in a newly found world of SME (search, media & entertainment). It started selling advertisements with its Adwords program in 2000. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The long fought war, intended to dethrone the visual and print, finally ended with a victory for Google. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Slow Death of Print?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What went wrong with print? It was a more of suicidal than a natural death.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back in the days, I was fortunate to have worked as an ad salesperson. I fondly recall telling my manager, who was in charge of our website, to develop an effective transition plan for our ad products from print to online. I even shot an email with this idea and urging him to consider this on priority. He gave it a damn! "Who the heck are you giving me ideas?" he might have whispered. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The management thought it would cannibalize their existing print revenue if they promote ads on the website. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Again, when QR code became prominent I urged my management to include it in the print ads so that a customer's customer can know more about a product or service after scanning the code. I found no backers. Today all that suggestions might sound trivial but it was a strong piece of advice at that point in time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What the publishing houses across the globe couldn't digest was that it's already in an ocean trench and need a life support. To make the matter worse there was no one around to offer any help.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Media-eat-Media World </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fast forward today, even the mainstream television media is struggling with low revenues, viewership, and acceptance. Most of the media houses and ad agencies are now on a major consolidation drive. Digital media revenues have contracted beyond one's imagination. The print is no more a priority for most advertisers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Corporate biggies are drastically cutting their advertising budgets including digital spends. Unilever and P&G is a case in point. Various media offerings are being integrated with the hope of finding new business and buyers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Social Media advertising was sort of a light in the tunnel. But now that's also faded away. We live and work in a scary media-eat-media world.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Is a survival possible?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Let's agree for now that this situation is here to stay for some more time or until new consensus emerge.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>News Papers, Magazines, and other Print Products</b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These were part of our daily lives in some way or the other. The advertisements were the major revenue. When the media houses flourished many had made a living out of it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When the visual media started upping their ante, print media initially refused to buddy with them. Soon they realized that each one has a space of its own. 'Readers' and 'viewers' are two different categories to target. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The anomaly was that instead of the pie getting enlarged it shrunk dramatically. This had severely impacted the profitability of print media houses. To counter this some of them have started their own TV channels and Web sites at point blank. Many of them tasted defeat. Few emerged unscathed though. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Future: Print </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In future Newspapers will be mostly read by 'class' than a 'mass'. The editorial team will be tasked with creating separate content for print and online. Though topics could remain the same in 'print' and 'digital', it's content will differ in the 'details' and 'analysis' side. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Advertisements will be placed alongside the content. Algorithms shall be set separately to predict the topics for the next day and the ads will be placed based on its <i>relative relevance</i>. Most of the advertisers will opt for the 'occurrence of an event' for approving and releasing their ad. The process will be completely automated without any human intervention for a seamless experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Advertising department will be solely tasked with creating ad inventories to use up later for the clients. There will be active bidding for finding the placement and position of the ad. Payments will be effected in real-time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Agencies will don a different hat as a facilitator than a buyer or decision maker. The reach and ROI of the advertisement will be analyzed and measured based on the 'views' generated from the content. The ad appeared alongside the content on a page shall be deemed as seen or read.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In future, an eveninger will find more acceptance to readers and advertisers. The reading habit of households - individuals and family, will change eventually as times goes by and many would opt to read an evening daily than a morning newspaper. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It is already happening now whether you notice it or not. The purpose of delivering Morning News & Breaking News is already being taken over by digital and online media. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Events like award functions, conferences, seminars, and product launches will continue to contribute a major chunk of revenue to the publication group through sponsorships and advertisements. Native content soon will be exposed and wiped out with genuine contents. Publishers soon will document in their policy statement that they won't accept any paid content or native ads in order to gain the credibility of readers. However, paid content shall continue to appear in the publication if it adopts an FTA (free to all) model instead of a subscription model. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In the long run, subscription revenue will supersede the advertising revenue. Readers will be the ultimate decision-maker. They will emerge as the main stakeholder. The stockholder's top line objective would change accordingly.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Magazines</b> will be compelled to adopt online/digital versions. It is already happening now. Hard copies will be distributed free but with fewer pages as part of the promotion activities. It will have a brief write up of the content or pictures with QR codes to scan and read later on its website or other digital platforms. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Readers shall opt for a pay-per-article model. However, subscribers will continue with their annual/monthly one-time fee to access content on the website. Subjects like technology, politics, legal, innovation, and management shall continue to generate the attention of viewers, readers, and advertisers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Outdoor / OOH</b>: Will survive the ordeal with the introduction of innovative ideas and breathtaking images giving a visual treat for the riders and onlookers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">In future, the content and design will be displayed real-time over the air. Huge LED screens will replace the flex and lit billboards.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The occurrence of festivals, events, tourism specials etc will continue to define the success of OOH. The only notable difference would be that the content will be integrated over digital and online mediums.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Television and other Visual Media: </b> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">TV broadcasting has boasted of its captive audience. There is no other medium which can command the market with its capability to earn billions of dollars. Probably not anymore. Digital and online are becoming the spoilers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Broadcasters countered it by launching their own digital and online offerings. As a standalone property, they might succeed in their respective categories. But that doesn't mean that they could make significant profits for the entire organization in the near-term and come out of woods. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">FT reported recently in its European edition - "The strategic pressures on the financials of traditional TV business are accelerating. Advertising competition is increasing. Content costs in TV and film are increasing. And, alternatives to pay-TV are increasing".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>News Channels</b> stand a chance to succeed in the near term for the content it generates over real-time. Relatively less production cost is an advantage for them. But it will struggle with the overheads as more resources are needed to go live from different parts of the world. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Live streaming online platforms are licking their lips for a killing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>GEC channels</b> with the current format of broadcasting will find its cruise more tougher. Television is no more an exclusive platform for consuming entertainment. Traditional and mainstream 'GEC' channels are already witnessing shrinking revenues. Digital, Mobile & Online shall be the preferred sources for consuming entertainment in the future. Chances are that the television will become a mere hardware to pair the content from a mobile or computer device. Neverthless, GEC still continues to be the king of all.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>OTT(Over the Top) </b>will be the preferred choice for the family. OTT players like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV delivers the program over the internet without the involvement of any multiple system operators who are in control or distribution of the content. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Interestingly, there are others claiming to be an OTT provider which actually mirrors the programs broadcasted on their satellite channels. They conveniently allow the viewers to watch the programs on the web in addition to watching on TV and merely acts as a storage site for its own TV programs. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">To qualify for an OTT it should produce own content and gains viewers with a subscription or pay per view model.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Sports Channels</b> in future will be outplayed by live streaming platforms like Facebook, Twitter or similar. Facebook's recent bidding for the rights of 'digital broadcasting' of the IPL cricket is a case in point. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Star TV grabbed the rights for an all-format broadcasting for a whopping $2.55 billion.Unless Sports TV companies overhaul its existing business models and find new ways to automate the ad buying process the profitability will continue to shrink. Not to forget that in future the mode and means of viewing a sports event could change dramatically. Viewership is highly unpredictable especially when the technology changes at the wink of an eye.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Local fiber channels</b>: These channels will continue to survive as they cater only to the local community or region. However, this kind of model will not create a business on its own. It will always rely on an external network for beaming the content. Small time businesses and professionals may advertise with them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Corporate will stay away as the TVR is not conclusive and authentic. Overheads will eat up the revenue unless strict measures are adopted. Tying up with associations, chamber of commerce, & other local bodies will help them to carry on with the business model. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>E-sports (Gaming) & Live streaming: </b>e-sports<b> </b>will overtake the revenue generated from traditional sports in the long run. Advertisers will not spend hefty sums as like in the past for any sports event, be it IPL or World Cup. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Live streaming platforms developed by Facebook can develop a bidding platform to choose advertisers based on each session of the game. For example, if India is batting first in a cricket match, the program can select which ad to be displayed first. When Virat Kohli is batting it can also decide which ad should run based on the bidding amount. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's pay-as-you-consume model but only the top bidders clinch the advertising spots. Sponsorship and on-field advertisements shall continue to exist but will go with a combo along with TV ads. With Augmented Reality (AR) the ads can be overlayed on a TV screen while being broadcasted and the viewers could witness a unique viewing experience of the match without any intrusion.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The television industry is already experiencing a new phenomenon called <b>Geotargeting. </b>With this, it can package its content and target to a specific audience in a particular area or region.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Concerted studies and efforts are going on globally so that a channel could simultaneously air different ads created for different target segments, areas or regions while broadcasting a particular program live or recorded.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">The ads and the content will be designed and targeted to a specific audience with a demography in mind as agreed by the advertiser.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Similarly, <b>Interactive Television</b> is already making waves in the industry. You can interact over the channel with your content while a program is being aired and your views or input will significantly influence towards broadcasting the desired the channel. Bloomberg TV has been credited with a first mover advantage. Others will follow the suit.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Google </b>is working in the backyard of television advertising without their explicit knowledge. In the recently concluded Partner Leadership Summit Google announced several new TV ad products in DoubleClick for Publishers (DFP) like TV content explorer, smarter TV ad breaks with dynamic ad insertion and video placements. Research is progressing well at Google to dominate the TV broadcasting & advertising. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Distribution</b> front is already struggling with the cord cutting phenomenon as prevalent in the west and slowly catching up in other regions including Asia and the Middle East. Once OTT gains momentum all fiber channels will either disappear or migrate to the new platform. Satellite channels are not an exception. Not to forget that licensing revenue will now incline more to the OTT and similar platforms.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Laughing</i> Radio: </b>A long time neglected medium is now witnessing a turnaround and is now at the pinnacle. It was truly magical. If you commute to work or elsewhere in a car the radio comes handy. It is the pet of SMB's and local businesses. Though the 'ad recall' is still a challenge for the advertisers, radio is having its last say and it is going to laugh up all the way top.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>Digital & Online</b>: Digital & online has caught up the attention of users and advertisers alike. Analytics is the 'ace' here as the advertiser can now measure the reach of his ad and analyze its return in dollar terms. That's the cherry on the cake for being digital & online.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Magic of co-existence</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What many failed to understand was that, to survive both print and online should co-exist. In simpler terms - a reader may stumble upon a topic in print and read it briefly but later or sooner encounter with a detailed analysis of the same article on the website or vice verse. That's the magic of co-existence. In every such situation, an advertisement alongside the main content stands a chance to get unique views and clicks which may eventually turn into conversion or a sale.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Believing that the digital & online is now at a<b> T Junction </b>is nothing but an illusion<b>.</b> It has evolved over a period of time and it continues to improve dynamically in the future as well. Technology is it's better half. As long as they are wedded together and continue to have a strong relationship, no one can sever them. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">All kinds & types of media will have their own space and will co-exist in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>When the world is calling, be at the top of the curve to see a digital tomorrow.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span> <span style="font-size: large;">Antony Konnoth</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Dubai, UAE</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">(<i>Views are personal) </i></span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-32058932526061137222017-10-10T01:33:00.000-07:002017-10-10T01:41:21.192-07:00<div style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); counter-reset: list-1 0 list-2 0 list-3 0 list-4 0 list-5 0 list-6 0 list-7 0 list-8 0 list-9 0; font-family: "Source Serif Pro", serif; font-size: 21px; line-height: 32px; margin-bottom: 3.2rem; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic;">Mr. CEO, we have a problem. Would you care to see it? It's in your hiring process.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2912553018389550302" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"HR's main function of sourcing and hiring is getting flawed these days. Not just flawed but widely skewed too..."</span> said one of my old time friends when I met him in Dubai after a long time. I've heard this and more from many when I've come back recently to Dubai after a year or so. I had a chance to cross this charge with some of my past colleagues and also my students who are now employed with companies in UAE and overseas. Majority of them vouched for the same and some even went to the extent of telling me that unless you have someone at the top it's difficult to get hired in UAE. <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"That was not the case few years back" </span>I replied, but found no backers.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Cherry picking at its best and worst</span></div>
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I remember some years back, when I've joined as the GM for a leading media company in UAE, I had to hire and build a new team. The HR came with a proposal to hire people and shared the overheads budget approved by the board. I could hire with whatever budgets remaining, but I was told that in order to cut down the expense I may opt for a conventional ways of hiring like getting reference from my business circle rather than publishing, which I disagreed forthwith.</div>
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I arranged to release a recruitment ad in the Gulf News, a leading daily in the UAE, and a listing in the LinkedIn. My HQ had few apprehensions at the beginning but eventually agreed. Many have applied for the various positions and support roles in our Dubai office.</div>
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Applicants lists was so high that my HR person couldn't handle sorting it right. Intrigued so, he came and told me we could cherry pick few candidates for the interview rather than wasting the time searching in a hay. I asked him how. <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"We will choose applicants coming from the competition" </span>fast came his reply. He added <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Will also pick a few who I like" </span>with a smile. Easy... but What a Pity!</div>
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Contrary to that with some great effort (but worth it's time), we've scrutinized and shortlisted as many candidates as possible on merit for the interview. I was like an observer in most of the preliminary one on one sessions and have tried to get a feel of the candidates as far as possible. I've put another crew independently under some of my bright line mangers to interview those who have claimed that they knew me personally for years. Only few were found to be true. More rounds followed and then the orientation, training & on-boarding sessions all through out the month. Few were left out due to procedural and visa issues. Alas, my HR was freed from the selection process.</div>
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We have now a brand new team energized enough to hit the market in no time. In the next few months to my surprise, they have achieved far more that what our old team could do in the past.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">An unique journey called life </span></div>
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I knew how difficult it is for someone to be jobless and tirelessly engaged in continuous a job search especially in the UAE after landing here as a fresh, experienced or redundant. For some of the aspirants job search is part of their routine. Just killing time while enjoying life & touring in Dubai at the expense of their beloved ones. But I also know that there are many who have taken this as a real challenge and a task. To get employed or re-employed and then start or re-start their career and life is their priority No.1.</div>
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My HR asked me why this hardship of calling so many candidates for an interview as we are left with little time and just two quarters away for the year to close.<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">" We can't offer a job to all candidates who have applied ... but we can always offer them an opportunity to attend this interview" </span></span>I said firmly<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">. </span>No big deal, but it's more than enough for an aspiring and a talented candidate. <span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"If he is worth his salt, he will soon find his way up here or elsewhere"</span> I poised.</div>
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I asked him how many interviews he went personally in his whole career. He said none. A person who had never gone through an interview process by himself is handling HR. No fault of him as he was doubling up as an HR person in addition to his role as an accountant. Another disaster in waiting. This is not a one-off case. In fact most of the companies in Gulf have a similar story or even more to tell as I've found out that after a brief research on this burning issue. Even a dedicated HR person do this mistake very often as the finding goes.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Let's merry-go-round </span></div>
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Sourcing and Hiring by the HR Department is an important function in a company. Of late they tend to become mere gatekeepers than cheerleaders for many inbound talents. Sadly, most of the HR desks turn away the callers who are found to be job seekers. In fact they are the one's who had spent their precious time in searching for the right company to join. They also took the pain of finding out the right contact in the hiring department. But most of the time the HR person thinks the other way and feel it is their duty to scare and turn away people who cold call them. Then they follow up candidates who are actually not interested to work with them.</div>
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Calling the candidates from competition or through reference or recommendation is an easier process. But history says they defect most to the competition at the wink of an eye or demand ransom. They exceedingly ride 'merry-go-round' and enjoy the merry at the cost of others. Sticking around is a rarity. If you want loyalty better hire a cocker spaniel, they says gladly.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Knocking on the hell's door </span></div>
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Eventually, the organisation shall miss the opportunity to hire a candidate from a different industry who could have bought a new dimension and a whole lot of dynamism to the table. This is especially true in the case of a leadership or senior management hiring. "<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "georgia" , "source serif pro" , serif; font-size: 0.975em; font-style: italic; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Strangely and also sadly most of the CEO's or the person who has the power to hire are not interested... for they believe, its beneath their status and attention span to involve themselves with any kind of hiring process" </span></span>adds my old friend. "They ignore you or don't reply your email if they find you as a job seeker. They don't even show any courtesy to message back. However, they expect the best recruits - experienced or fresh, to come in a platter, decorated and placed on their desk in tact". I know many cases were CEOs or Business Heads intimidate the HR person or his secretary to act as his gatekeeper from potential candidates approaching him for jobs.</div>
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How on earth could a CEO build, improve or restructure his team if he don't give the right attention to talented candidates, especially seeking leadership roles, knocking at his door?</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Soft cheats </span></div>
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HR who blindly relies on computer programs like ATS (Applicant Tracking Software) to sort and select candidates for the interview is in fact doing a crime - figuratively though. They are either lazy to do their job or helpless to find a real and practical solution to sort the candidates based on their ability, exposure and experience. Customization of the software may prove otherwise, though. But that is a different story.</div>
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Candidates who could cheat the tracking software may find their way up much easier than others. But always short lived. That is why some of the best organizations have best of the fools working for them at the top, middle or bottom. Once a good friend of mine, GM of publishing company, told me his company is equally balanced - with 'smarts' and 'fools' and he replenish frequently. Time to reward mediocracy.</div>
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<span style="background-position: 0px 0px; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Barbarians at the gate </span></div>
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The technology is so immensely progressing these days that many HR persons are either ignorant or conveniently forgetting that most of their job functions could be replaced by bots (Automated software applications) and robots soon and their job shall also be made redundant one day. HR persons who were exploiting the bots all these days for their convenience were shocked to find that the same is reaching their neck to choke them to death. Boomerang!</div>
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That is the heavy price they are going to pay sooner than later. Especially true, if they keep blindly relying on readymade softwares rather than putting their devoted time and undivided attention to detail in the selection process.</div>
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PS : CEOs if you already have a strong Human Resources Department and great professionals to mange it effectively, this article is not meant for you.</div>
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Rest may pay attention, please.</div>
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Antony Konnoth</div>
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Dubai, UAE</div>
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Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-11143247984263079392016-11-10T04:13:00.001-08:002016-11-10T04:13:52.295-08:00Who blew my Trumpet? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoS2MK56GUcl3lO3bpt6mghHQDWVvM44_b4-UFcziciJfGCprjKJ5fq02IJi0XFXRrfOVPayok9Bj-xTkWAzTuuBvojizut4nursRipmG4pLsckkWw9TO8G0rXfXLYN865MArXa5jIw/s1600/Trumpet+.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoS2MK56GUcl3lO3bpt6mghHQDWVvM44_b4-UFcziciJfGCprjKJ5fq02IJi0XFXRrfOVPayok9Bj-xTkWAzTuuBvojizut4nursRipmG4pLsckkWw9TO8G0rXfXLYN865MArXa5jIw/s1600/Trumpet+.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">Who blew my </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt;">Trump</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 20.0pt;">et?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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The
last time I wrote something was when Steve jobs bid adieu to this world
prematurely. He still lives in our heart. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Now
let me do that again on this occasion when Trump triumphs the world by getting
into the echelons of the White house as an outsider - as a pure businessman
rather than a senator or a military person. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m
part of the media industry for several years and keenly follow all major and
important happenings around the world. Press celebrated his victory by pulling
in more pages as specials in their daily. Press had plenty to write on Trump
than senator Hilary except that she would have been the first women president
if got elected. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ve
searched in most Indian dailies to find out the takeaways for the business
community from this election. Many wrote about how he won, his strategies, his
wealth, family, controversies etc. but very few wrote on the lessons we could
learn from his election sweep from a marketing and business perspective. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AMERICA FIRST <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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This
is the most important among all ideas Trump has put forth in his election
campaign. America and its citizens are second to none. Country first and all
others come after that. His campaign slogan ‘Making America Great Again’ (MAGA)
& ‘Making America safe again’ (MASA) created waves. Though democrats have
ridiculed this at the beginning but soon found it difficult to cope with the
spread of this message in the country. Clinton countered this by telling
“America is already great” didn’t go well <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>with the voters. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In a
corporate environment if an employee treat his work as paramount and has an
‘ORGANISATION FIRST’ attitude, the results will be tremendous. All successful
people understand that and are implied in their approach and culture. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">BLUE COLLAR<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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His
opinion and stand on the blue-collar workers, minorities, gays, Hispanics,
religions, immigration and all other sensitive topics all were crisp and
clear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many felt that it was more from
his heart than from the head. I correct that - it was from his gut. <o:p></o:p></div>
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White-collar
people were eagerly watching on how his policies are going to affect the blue
collar rather than them. When they found it’s not going to affect them, they
didn’t make an issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a reverse
approach by Trump. <o:p></o:p></div>
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These
days’ people are smart and look for the benefits others get so that they can
adjust their demands. Trump sensed this and Hilary missed it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Strategy
is more important than process. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WHITE WASH <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Trump
didn’t expressly try to please Blacks or other minorities in US but kept them
at par with the whites. Whereas Clinton deliberately tired to give her an image
of a pro black and minority messiah. This has upset the white majority in
America and later she fall on her face. America is meant for the Americans as
India is for Indians. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Trump
knew the basic principle in business that he can’t please all. Clinton once
again bite the dust. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">STRAIGHT FROM THE GUT <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Very
few understand this statement well. Jack Welsh, Iconic GE man, is the propounder
of this great belief. If your gut instinct is right you seldom fails. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Trump
was a man of ‘real’. He had his opinion on everything and that was his own. He
never asked anyone to subscribe to it. Everyone is entitled to his or her
opinion. So is he. Trump always expressed his opinion straight and upfront. He
ended up in several controversies. All short range. People sensed it. Trump
presented himself to his voters as he is. In the same way as he is a human
being, husband, father, son, divorcee, business man, billionaire, tax evader
(legal), womanizer (who is not?) and what not every kind of avatars. Hilary’s
was a canned life and sounded artificial in her approach. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Americans
live in a most advanced society. They know what is right or wrong in a defined
context and also know to take decisions in any adversities or otherwise. They
were looking for a true American and didn’t care if he had any flaws. They know
that as long as it’s not impacting their country and citizens it’s perfectly
fine. Clinton miserably failed to understand that as she was under a false
belief that one should always be 100% perfect to rule America. May be her
experience from her own husband while he was the president might have made her
to take such a stand. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Corporate
world has no place to accommodate personal feelings or allegations of anyone.
As long as an employee steer clear of this head wind and continue contributing
towards the growth of the company he or she should be declared as a winner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">SING & SWING <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
This
is the most difficult thing to do. Virtually impossible to do both simultaneously
especially if it’s on a long rope swing and at that too at a good pace. Trump
knew it well in advance. He preempted his competition and focused on the core
areas. Swing states like Florida, Ohio, Virginia and couple of other states
were under Trump’s radar from the very beginning. All his campaign efforts were
focused on these Swing States. He knows if at least 3 of the swing states
decide to vote for him he will win the elections. He practiced well on how to
sing while on a swing. Most of those swing states went for Trump and he tasted
victory. Clinton failed to understand the pain points and she focused on other
majority states ignoring swing states hoping that they will go all out and vote
for her - Mistake # 5.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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In
business it’s better to have a fall back plan from the beginning. Your existing
customers might change their mind anytime and shift loyalty to your
competition. Don’t ignore your customers or depend too much on your prospects. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WINNING AGAINST THE ODDS<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Clinton
had the best of the advantage against Trump on various parameters. Had she won,
she would have been the first women president and the past ‘First Lady’
becoming the president in the history of America. Backing of his husband as a
former president, backing of the outgoing president, experience as a former secretary
of state, senator – Some how all didn’t work. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I
read somewhere “<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Donald Trump is a reminder that you should just apply for that job you
want even if you don’t have the experience”. <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
He
is an outlier - a true outsider with no backing even from his own party and
without any military or diplomatic experience. He was neither a Senator nor an
ardent party worker. But he is a businessman – one who understands what a
country/company needs and what keeps him on his toes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Come
and blow the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Trump</b>et and let the
party begin!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p>Antony Konnoth</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-60573787202150969262013-01-12T03:05:00.002-08:002013-01-12T05:54:35.606-08:00With the CEO of Kompass International & Coface International <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9mbeEwnW4yMYzH3B4TmxGOKGJCIU-nU3Nt940VC622Oa0hZJFm1gjOdU22mxtupmDQ2Y7tWRniIi6popadw1_FcDhexZ2jKitdDp64cd_CIypjbehPxk38Qfrzpv8dNpYi-jCXnVVA/s1600/COMPASS+CEO.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW9mbeEwnW4yMYzH3B4TmxGOKGJCIU-nU3Nt940VC622Oa0hZJFm1gjOdU22mxtupmDQ2Y7tWRniIi6popadw1_FcDhexZ2jKitdDp64cd_CIypjbehPxk38Qfrzpv8dNpYi-jCXnVVA/s320/COMPASS+CEO.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Mr. Bertrand Macabeo</b>, CEO of Kompass International and Coface International was in Dubai last week and visited 'Express Print Publishers LLC'. During his visit new business plans and strategies for Kompass were revealed and also reinstated the business relationship with the Express Group.<br />
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Mr. Abdul Qadir Mohammed, Chairman of the Express Group received him at Express HO and welcomed on behalf of the Board of Directors. Mr. Abdul Wahab, Director was also part of the discussion. Mr. John McIssac, CEO of the yellow pages division of the Express offered a view of the market conditions prevailing in GCC and also opined to explore ways and means to co-exist and inter leverage the opportunities available for Yellow pages and Kompass directory.<br />
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I had the opportunity to present the 2013 Business & Campaign plan for Kompass in UAE. Mr. Bertrand has shared some of the successful business models and best sales practices of the Kompass associates in other countries and were able to gather a global overview on all related areas.<br />
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Mr. Bertrand also invited me for the Global Meet planned for Kompass associates in March 2013 in France.<br />
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Antony Konnoth<br />
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<br />Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-40770052079175836402012-09-01T01:10:00.000-07:002012-09-01T01:11:51.715-07:002nd in series of the article sent to GN for publishing in their properties section. First view exclusively for my friends and followers.... <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<b><span style="font-family: Optima;">2nd in series of the article sent to GN for publishing in their properties section. First view exclusively for my friends and followers....</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Optima;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Optima;">KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOURS, THEY
MAY BE YOUR SAVIOUR DURING CRISIS</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Optima;">"Neighbours
envy owners pride" was a celebrated punch line of a famous television
brand (ONIDA) for several years. If streamed again it is highly unlikely that the same
reverberations may happen with the ad viewers these days. We have gone past
those 'envy-bubble' days and no one considers their material possessions as
true luxury or worth any real praise. A gentle reminder-- it is high time they
value the true worthiness of their neighbours these days. </span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Optima;">UAE is
a country where the age-old mantra of unity in diversity is practically
visible. Perhaps no other country can boast of nesting this cultural dynamics
of different communities. A typical residential building in UAE may possibly
contain different nationalities from around the world. Though community living
among expats is minimal in this country many are constrained to live in
apartments and high-rise buildings. Due to work commitments and job timings
many of us are isolated from our neighbours. It is quite strange that many of us
keep only a HB (Hi bye) relationship with our neighbours. An ideal neighbour
relationship may help one at the time of a crisis. A case in point is the
recent fire accidents in some of the high-rise buildings.</span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Optima;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Optima;">Establish
at least a talking term relationship with your neighbours. Probably your
children can start of the relationship process with their friends in the next
door. </span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Optima;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Optima;">It is
always better to exchange the phone numbers (Office & Mob) based on the
comfort level you mutually enjoy. This will help to alert one another at the
time of any impending crises.</span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list 18.0pt; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Optima;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Optima;"> If the building has got a common meeting place
you may frequently exchange pleasantries during a walk around. Meeting outside
home are always advisable for a free flow of talk. A Gym, Swimming pool or
sometimes parking space in the building would be an ideal choice. </span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Optima;">A
strong relationship with your neighbours will only payoff in the long term if
you have exercised your options carefully to choose them. Keep in mind that
when a hell like crisis strike, a known devil relatively will be rescued faster
than an unknown angel. Don't play stranger with your neighbours. Neighbour</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span><span style="font-family: Optima;">s envy is no more owners</span><span style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS';">’</span><span style="font-family: Optima;"> pride. </span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Optima;">
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx</span><span style="font-family: Optima;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-19173092478049799742012-08-04T08:05:00.000-07:002012-08-04T08:08:12.563-07:00WANT A LIFE LONG CAREER OR SIMPLY A JOB? CHOOSE WISELY<br />
<br />
<i>First view of an article i had sent to Gulf News for publishing. Read below. </i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
WANT A LIFE LONG CAREER OR SIMPLY A JOB ? CHOOSE WISELY<br />
<br />
<br />
A job or profession becomes a career only when it is followed as ones lifework. An employer or an agent can only offer you a job not a career after a successful interview. After all we apply for a job and not for a career and we don't even go for a career interview but only job interviews. But It is up to the aspirant to pursue it further and transform his job to a full fledged career. Jobs are short lived and careers oftentimes outlive jobs when one follows it religiously.<br />
<br />
Give it a test by yourself and find out the real situation. Have you reached your optimal career growth or still at the cross roads and doing the 'jobs'? You may be surprised at the findings. Check it out.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"> How many times you changed your company or Industry in the last 3 years? If it is 5 or more then you are career disoriented. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Do you contribute to your department regularly apart from your routine job requirements? 'Blame it on time' attitude will take you nowhere. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Where do you keep your job in the priority list? Number one, two or three? Beyond this a disaster awaits in the form of a life long job doer. </span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<br />
One need to set his/her career goal at the beginning itself. Your choice of education, industry, company and the job itself will be a deciding factor. Once that is aligned with your desire and needs, you will seldom seek and do a job. Instead you will always live your career.<br />
<br />
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<br />
<br />Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-10470183864044311902012-05-12T00:51:00.002-07:002012-05-12T00:53:40.639-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Olympus Corporation Scandal & its aftermath ?</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Olympus Corporation</span></b><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;"> is a
Japanese manufacturer of Optical equipment and is considered one of the leaders
in the industry. It flagship products include Cameras and Endoscopes in
addition to all other related products. For the year ended <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">31 March 2011</b> the consolidated net sales were US$ 10589 million.
The total <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">shareholders’ equity is US $
3281 million.</b> The group employs close to <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">forty thousand people</b> around the world. Its assets were estimated
at US $ 13295 million. On the remarkable aspect is the good will of Olympus
Corporation which is valued at US $ 2194 million. Another significant
achievement until recent is the ability of the management to sustain the profit
level relatively constant at <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">35 billion
yen </b>for several years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">PROFIT MAKING STRATEGY OF THE CORPORATION<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Being a
Japanese company, Olympus used to have a clear strategy in all the areas of
operation. The management has come up with a new idea called <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">FINANCIAL ENGINEERING </b>where they look
up the financial aspects from a different angle. The objective of the exercise
is to maximize profits for the company from all departments. Olympus
Corporation relied on investments to boost profits. There were instances that
the investment arm of the corporation was inclined towards financial
derivatives and other risky investments. The aftereffect of this strategy was
very evident from the books. In 1991 Olympus lost 2.1 billion yen on the value
of its investments. By 1998, it suffered sizable trading losses on derivatives.
Share market responded unfavorably and the value eroded to a great extent.
Score card says the shares plunge by 11% at that time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">In
September 2011, Olympus announced it had <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">written
off a part of 45 billion</b> yen investment in emerging market bonds. The
company also revealed that it had lost a significant amount from interest rates
and currency swaps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">PRESS REPORTS<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Bloomberg
reported that the annual financial reports of Olympus showed a US$ 201 million
prior period adjustment entry for <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">“loss
related to the purchase of preference share from a third party”.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Financial
Times commented that the equity ratio of Olympus is the lowest and at below 14%
when compares against the peer group. Olympus is the only Nikkei 225
constituent whose intangible assets exceed net assets. Its goodwill was valued
at 168 billion yen and the net assets were only 151 billion yen. This information
sent wrong signal to the investors and market alike.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">On 1
April 2011 Olympus came up with a big announcement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Michael
Woodford,</b> a Brit, was promoted as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">President
and CEO </b>for the group. He was an Olympus veteran and was in charge of the
companies European operation. He was the MD of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Olympus Medical Systems (Europe)</b>. There were rumors that he was
selected to head the company because he was an easy to control guy. Company
picked a bottom ranked foreign executive director for some reasons. It was obvious
that the company was overlooking other capable managers for this position and
there were raised eyebrows from many quarters. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Woodford
himself had a bitter experience with the top management when he was heading the
European operations. The company went into acquisition of <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Gyrus Medical Equipment Company in UK </b>without the actual
involvement of Mr. Woodford. In fact, it should have come under his purview but
got ignored for obvious reasons. The then president <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Mr. Kikukava </b>pacified him and promised to compensate later. He was
then given the overall in charge of European operations in addition to the
inclusion as Board member of the main group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">While
his stint with the main group, Woodford started noticing some discrepancies in
the financial side of the company. He could see that there were significant
irregularities in the 2008 acquisition of Gyrus Medical Equipment Company. Upon
realizing that he sent few letters to the auditing firm Earnest & Young to
get clarity but failed to obtain anything. He then sent the details to another
accounting firm PwC and sought some clarifications. His assumptions proved
right and the accounting firm confirmed certain facts which made Woodford to
think in the line of accounting fraud happened within the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">PwC </span></b><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">examined the earlier write down
transaction of US $ 600 million. It came evident that Olympus paid US$ 687
million as an intermediary fee (success fee) to a third party. There were two
beneficiary companies on this list. Two US based small firms are involved here
- <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Axes America LLC & Axam
Investments ltd (Cayman Island based).</b> Wood ford’s suspicion founds to be
right. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The success fee of US$ 687
million paid is an all-time record </b>until that time and not heard of in the
industry circles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact there was no
need for such an exorbitant amount to be released for any consultancy job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Woodford
raised his objections and sought more clarity from the then president Mr.
Kikukava but found no avail. Sensing the danger, Mr. Kikukava asked Woodford to
step out from the current role he enjoyed. Unrelenting to this, Woodford was
removed from the post forcefully and he was stripped of his powers. He was not
allowed to speak or vote in the board meeting. Woodform himself said that an
junior level executive, upon the instruction from Mr.Kikukava, taken all his
belongings including laptop and mobile phones which contain important
documents. Kikukava got re appointed as the president and CEO for the group and
Mr. Woodford was ousted with immediate effect. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Woodford
then took a flight and reached London where he called for a press meet and
exposed the whole affair at the Olympus. He produced the relevant documents and
other materials with was enough to incriminate the directors at that time
especially Mr. Kikukava.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Market
responded negatively to this happenings and the share value plunged to a great
extent. It almost lost 45-50% of its value hearing the irregularities with
Olympus. The share was trading at US$ 38 and was found trading at US$18 after
this incident. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">WHERE DID THE MONEY GO?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Due to
investors demand, the government constituted a committee and its finding were
relevant to note. The fees paid as part of the M&A of Gyrus, were
exorbitant. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">The excess money was used to
cover up the losses incurred from the earlier investments in derivatives and
other dubious investments. This was done to improve the financials in the
records. <o:p></o:p></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">AFTERMATH<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Recent
development being, Mr. Kikukava was removed from the post of the president and
CEO due to the pressure from the investors especially institutional investors.
He apologized before everyone and promised to look into the whole affair by
appointing an independent agency. The government was quick to take control of
the situation and Mr. Kikukava was arrested and remanded in custody pending
enquiry. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Khaleej Times, on 21 April 2012 </span></b><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">reported
in its business section that the security exchange authorities in Japan
approved of the new board to take control of the company. Some of the investors
insisted to re-instate Mr. Woodford as President and CEO but did not get much
support from others. Woodford himself announced from London that he is not
willing to fight a proxy war to take control of the company.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">HOW THIS CASE IS IMPORTANT TO US?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Financial
irregularities can happen with any company especially when their fundamentals
are dubious. This may occur when there are people in the top management who
keep their interest before their companies. It is important for any finance
student to sense the smoke and be aware of the possibility of these kinds of
irregularities or else they will be caught up unaware of the actual situation. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Mangal","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 150%;">Antony Konnoth, Dubai </span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-64337488648768392282012-05-07T10:32:00.001-07:002012-05-07T23:13:43.700-07:00RACE FOR SPACE ( Khaleej Times v Gulf News - Some marketing facts)<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 20pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RACE FOR SPACE (Khaleej Times v Gulf News)
<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of late, there was huge media cry
to find out who dominates the UAE news world. The focus was predominantly shifted
to two major players in this region. <b>Gulf News (GN) </b>is the proclaimed leader
with high readership and circulation figures. But things have changed ever
since. Challenger <b>Khaleej Times (KT)</b> started giving Gulf News run for their
money and territory. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To understand more, let’s dig the
history and try to unearth some hidden facts. Khaleej Times is the first ever English
daily to publish from UAE. It started in the year 1978 and was owned by
Galadhari Brothers. Another publishing group Gulf News, formed a while later,
took no time to sense the opportunity and started their’ own newspaper from the
country. Two groups were in fact contemporaries if we apply the timeline
principle here. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Market did not react favorably at
the beginning. For various reasons, KT took the absolute dominance in the mind
of readers and was the designated winner. GN was struggling to get customers at
that point of the time. In one of the high profile event in 1984, Al Nasr Publications, a prominent business group took over the management of GN. New machinery, new technology and a brand new marketing team worked round the clock to put GN at the top of the
mind of the intended readers. The formula worked pretty well. Gulf News attained the top spot in short time by clinching the maximum readers in UAE and gulf. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ever since they tasted the
victory, there was no look back. It is official now – as per the available
stats GN claims a print run of 109 thousand per day in UAE. Khaleej Times was no
were near to it. Guessing game continued for a while and the media estimated
the KT figures below 50 thousand, not even half of GN's circulation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Fast forward 2011 </b>- business took
an about turn. Quite a few happenings in KT have changed the game overnight. New
rules were set in. Numbers started changing in favor of KT. GN subscription figures
were stagnant or lost significantly against the overall circulation growth of
KT. Khaleej Times once again rose to
fame, this time, for achieving the highest increase in subscribers
for the year. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What went in favor for KT? How GN
lost its subscribers to the marketing efforts of KT? Let’s get into the gut of
the story. Ever since KT began loosing its market share, there were concerted
efforts from the management to revisit its strategic plans. Government of <st1:city w:st="on">Dubai</st1:city> through its
investment arm, a holding company, acquired the majority of the shares of the
newspaper. The management got revamped and editors were changed. Mr.Rahul Sharma of
Hindustan Times fame was given the charge of chief editor. The company also
appointed Mr.Didier Brun, the then VP of International Herald Tribune, as CEO. The marketing
department was brains stormed and urged to devise a new strategy to grab the
readership.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Media analysts and marketers state many reasons for
this turnaround but <b>I personally feel the below FIVE STRATEGIES adopted by KT
has killed the competition at point blank. </b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRATEGY 1<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FOCUS ON READERSHIP THAN PER DAY
CIRCULATION<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">News paper companies globally
give prominence to per day circulation numbers than the total readership. The <em>water
tight business model</em> followed by these companies in relation to their revenue
earning capability always insists to abide by this principle. Traditionally, news papers earn 60% - 70% of their revenue from advertising and the rest 30% - 40% from daily
sales and annual subscriptions. Advertisers used to focus on per day
circulation, but this tread had witnessed a dramatic change. Marketers
in various industries started asking for split up details of the newspaper
reach in different segments. Mass marketing is passé. Targeted distribution is
the new mantra. Anymore it’s not the total circulation number which matter most, but the
actual reachable figures. It’s the readership figures now marketers weigh before
they advertise their products or insist media guys to do so as part of their
media plan. KT got it right, and they kept this as one of their prime strategy
to get the mind share of the prospects. <em>The underlying principle is - Circulation numbers automatically increases when readership improves</em>. KT firmly believed on this and it paid off. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GN always focused on circulation
numbers rather than readership and they still wonder what is so important in
readership figures if the per day circulation don’t match up and collections don’t
click. Only after they started losing subscribers, it seems vital for them to look up in
the readership area and I presume they are serious. They better.....</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRATEGY 2<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COMMODITIZE THE PRODUCT<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is unheard of in the newspaper
industry despite it has some of the features of a mass product. In fact,
newspapers cannot be classified as one such. But this has become a ‘<b>food for thought</b>’
line for those inside the KT, especially the marketing bench. This thought
process has made the marketing to believe that a product can only be successful
if it is made available at all major centers. Soon the product found its place
in all educational institutions, gas stations, malls, libraries, ministries and
all places where public show up. There were distribution ties up with various agencies,
supermarkets, book shops corporate and institutional centers. The idea worked
well and the visibility soared to new heights. People started noticing this new
trend and in fact bought many copies from these centers to get the real feel of
the news, supposedly, to know the another version of the story. Once again the readership increased significantly and the circulation numbers followed. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the other hand, GN were known for monetizing every
opportunity and the revenue per copy was the most important thing for the
company. To see the product from the above angle was something they could not digest.
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<o:p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRATEGY 3<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">NEW DESIGN – SLIM AND TALL VERSION <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It was a jaw drop moment for the
readers to see a slim and tall version of the newspaper on their door steps and
news stands. KT has become the first newspaper to adopt this new standard in
size ( 6 column) & design keeping in mind of the 'ease of reading' and 'handling side' of the news
paper. It has followed the foot steps of some of the international newspapers here. The new
version showed increased acceptance from the public and readers alike. There is
no mystery that the numbers started showed up in the board- Circulation almost
doubled.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">GN still believe in 8 column
newspaper and the marketing sees no threat and still publish the old version
but with some design change. What they don’t realize is that the new gen readers
prefer concise and capsule news in a newspaper which is manageable and easy to
handle while reading on the go or stationary. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRATEGY 4<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STRATEGIC TIE UP WITH IHT (International
Herald Tribune) <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">IHT, The international version of
New York Times is a global print winner in the race for space. The strategic
tie up of KT with the IHT has increased the acceptance level of the newspaper in
the minds of readers. A global touch is always welcomed. People started
perceiving that the content is customized to world standards along with the
local news. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> GN don’t believe in any strategic tie ups, but
interested only in distribution tie ups for some reputed magazines and EXPAT
specific language news papers like Malayala Manorama in UAE. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>S<span style="font-size: 14pt;">TRATEGY 5<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">COMPLETE REACH OUT - UNBELIEVABLE
PROMOTION OFFERS<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">KT has come up with some
unbelievable subscription offers last year. Pay AED 400 and get AED 250 voucher
of DG Sharaf, AED 100 coupon for Baskin Robins and AED 100 coupon which can be
redeemed at Yellow Hat showrooms in UAE. You pay 400 Dhs for subscription and get back
500 dhs in return... Wow... In short, this translates in accounting language to free bonus
earning - Free newspaper subscription for one year and a bonus of AED 100 !!!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The grapevine is that KT now
commands a widespread circulation in the market and the revenues have shot up
to a meteoric level. No of advertisers have increased dramatically. Ad revenues
showed multifold increase from all quarters. International brands like McDonalds
entered into long term contracts with KT to publish their advertisements. A new
ad item like full cover page (before the actual front page of the newspaper)
has become an all time success ad item. Marketing has reaped the benefits. New
strategy paid off. GN may be still wondering where their clients have gone
hiding. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let the guessing game continue……</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Antony Konnoth, Dubai. </span></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-43144062772486721422011-03-04T07:28:00.000-08:002011-03-07T21:00:23.448-08:00How Etisalat's Efforts To Operate In India Met With A Set Back??<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">At the outset, let me apologize to all my readers for not posting since last December since I had to complete some assignments related to my job in Dubai. Thanks to all my readers, blog followers and friends who sent messages and encouraged me to continue writing. I am humbled that I could make a point bold enough to accelerate your thought process. Thank you all once again.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Etisalat's</b> hope of entering to Indian market is now being thwarted by the authorities there legally and I see no hope in the near future for a come back. I had mentioned in my earlier posting about the mighty position of Etisalat in the Gulf region. It's next only to <b>Saudi Tel</b> in the Arab world and has operations in 18 countries. Soon after it's inception in UAE and enjoying the monopoly status for many years, it had pocketed enough moolah to invest in foreign markets. The reason being, a further expansion in a significant way in the UAE market in terms of new customer acquisitions was not possible as the client base got exhausted fast. And with the arrival of the second operator in 2007 (<b>Du</b>) the matter got further complicated. The only option with Etisalat then was to expand beyond its territorial regions. The last 5 years we saw Etisalat spreading its wings beyond its limit to grab shares in some of the major telecom companies in MENA and other Asian countries. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Etisalat has now a controlling stake in <b>Mobily of Saudi Arabia</b>. It enjoys more that 26% share in <b>Pakistan Telecommunications Corporation Ltd (PTCL)</b>. <b>Nigeria</b> is the most prominent among the African nations who has the presence of Etisalat. The recent faltered attempt by Etisalat to acquire <b>Zain's (Kuwaiti Telecom conglomerate)</b> share in its Saudi operation and the latest news of its failure to complete due diligence process prior to the acquisition is doing the rounds now in Telecom circles questioning the genuine business interest of Etisalat. Being cash rich and having deep pockets has helped Etisalat surpass all adverse situations but only until recently.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It bite the dust with its plan of foraying into India. It's needless to mention that doing business in India unlike other places has no comparison. It's a different platform altogether. To grab a decent market share is more painful than a camel passing through a needle. Being just a Camel is not enough! There are around 6-9 existing players in each circle to compete with. There are other tricks to be played for keeping afloat which is unique to Indian business environment. Despite knowing this, Etisalat has put a wrong foot in its own shoes.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">India's company laws says a foreign company will not get an exclusive start up licence in specific fields of industry. Telecommunication is one such. Government has its own reasons to restrict the operation. We all know security issues are paramount for every nation. These restrictive clauses did not stop the acquisitions hunger of Etisalat. It has decided to go for a joint venture with an existing Indian operator. The search has ended with the spotting of <b>SWAN TELECOM,</b> the then licence holder for few north eastern regions in India. The Swan Telecom never had any existing operation but only has the licence from TRAI (Telecommunication Authority of India). Within a stipulated period of 6 months it has to start test service and then to full fledged operation. To the surprise of all, Swan Telecom then entered into a joint venture pact with Etisalat. For Etisalat that was the only available opportunity. In fact Etisalat was looking for a strong partner like Aditya Birla Group or Reliance. To its dismay not many Indian companies were willing to shed its stake to a foreign buyer at that point of time. A right valuation could be a significant reason for them to stay away. They knew once operational they could demand multi fold.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Etisalat continued the partnership for few more years and meanwhile tried to get the final licence for operation. By the time it has realised how difficult is to cope with bureaucratic hurdles. Initially it got a stinker from the home department against the continuance of the JV in India as it has a controlling stake in Pakistan Telecom. Policy of the Indian Government forbids granting Telecom license to a company who has operations in Pakistan ,its hostile neighbour based on strong security reasons. Etisalat's local partner somehow kept the issue under the rug but eventually could only delay the process. Local press drummed up the news 24/7and a huge uproar was there in the parliament forcing the then Telecom minister to scrutinise the whole deal.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A probe proved that Swan Telecom is under a holding company of Reliance Group owned by Anil Dhirubai Ambani. Reliance being an existing Telecom service provider for various circles in different states of India has no right to own another Telecom company under a different name and operate in same circles or other regions. That would tantamount to serious conflict of interest.Within few months the media witnessed the change of name from Swan Telecom Etisalat to <b>Etisalat DB</b>. It seems Swan has sold its share to another company called <b>Dynamix Balwas (DB)</b>. This is a company owned by Shahid Balwas. There are press reports and classified documents with home department pointing Shahid's deal with Swan and Etisalat is indirectly linked to Dawood Ibrahim's business interest in India and abroad. I presume my readers need no introduction to Dawood Ibrahim and his interests. Sources confirm Millions in Dollars have rolled in and out of India to complete the transaction. The deal is now under the scanner of Indian authorities.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The latest news is Mr. Shahid Balwas , MD and Vice Chairman of Etisalat DB was arrested few weeks back by CBI and currently being probed of the 2G scam links. Investigation suggests his aquittal may not happen easily under the current circumstances since the then minister Mr. Raja himself is too under arrest and being probed of the scam links. Governement under Dr. Manmohan Singh is determined to grab the culprits of the 2G scam and bring before the justice system to clear the blot in its white paper.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Etisalat has few options now. If it want to run a Telecom business in India, it has to quit its Pakistan operations completely (hope i am not cynical). Furthermore it should come out unscathed of its image from the imbroglio surrounding the business venture with DB Group. Etisalat should search for a new partner who is genuinely interested in doing business in India. If that happens we could see some pyrotechnics in the sky. But the developments suggest otherwise. Let us hope Etisalat may review the whole business model and think of starting from square one. It will be good for Etisalat in the long run as a corporate, its prospective clients and for the great nation India.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Antony Konnoth</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: magenta; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bizsense.blogspot.com</span></div>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-53550194217733330082010-12-23T13:10:00.000-08:002010-12-23T13:33:41.609-08:00SHOULD I CELEBRATE X'MAS OR JOIN THE MAJORITY?<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>D</strong></span>ecember month fascinates me ever since I was in my diapers. Every year when the month pass through it gives me mixed emotions. Both happy and sad. I am happy that I could be part of a Global celebration and also cherish the birth of Jesus Christ being a Christian. I am sad because, it's the last few moments of the year which caution me of the upcoming challenges and reminiscence of the passing year.<br />
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It's been nearly 3 years now residing in Dubai and my wife reminded me of the gala celebration with all family members in town. In the last fall we couldnt merry with the whole members of the family . That is a strong reason for celebrating X'MAS this time. I couldn't resist much.<br />
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Children are agog with the festival mood and the first thing they insist me is to place an order for an indoor Christmas tree. A search in the nearby shopping malls made my nerve chill after looking at the price tag. I have decided to have a try at the local market for a cheaper version. A friend of mine guided me to the inner roads of Deira. After several attempts we could locate a retail shop selling decorative items. At one go you feel the items were dirt cheap. It amused me further on realising that a cramped shop of this sort is storing a hell lot of materials. All China made. <br />
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The sales man was insisting to buy some original stuff rather than the one which was displayed. He kept saying that the original stuff (kept in the godown) would be durable in the long run and its quality is much superior. But I insisted for a basic model among the items displayed. It would cost me only 1/4th of the price I have seen in the supermarkets. The sales man is not budging. Now he demands only a little higher for the so called original stuff than the cheap one which is displayed in the showroom. When he saw I am not relenting his next offer was tempting. Almost at par with the price tag of the Original item. Orginal stuff for the price of a cheap one. I was skeptical because the new item is also some Chinese stuff except the packing and the price has finally nosedived to half from what he has asked earlier. My friend winked his eyes and gave an agreement nod. I am sold. At least I should respect his suggestion . He has taken the pain of coming with me to an interior place for no purpose of him. With some weight lifting steps we could carry the pack and walk a few miles to reach our car. Thank god the weather was graceful and moderate.<br />
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Children couldn't resist the temptation for seeing the tree unfurled. In no time unwrapping is done and to my surprise the whole set need to be assembled from the scratch. When I dig through the stems I could see some broken pieces of balloons and decor foil papers. My intuition proved to be right. The tree was an used one but in a new carton pack. The sales guy was certain that I would not come back to his shop for an exchange weathering the climate carrying the heavy box and bothering the parking issues in Deira. My lawyer mind kept insisting for a retaliation but my common sense prevented to proceed further. My mind kept reminding me -It is not worth it. I would loose more money if I carry the stuff back. I phoned him the other day but he defended with some petty excuses but had to surrender finally. I Just cautioned him firmly so that he will not continue the same <strong>Modus Operandi</strong> with others. Let it be my Christmas gift in disguise to him. After all Christmas is all about gifting. The best gift one can give is to forgive someone for a fault done intentionally or otherwise. <br />
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The whole incident prompted me to write this blog with a touch of business . Now a days the imported chinese items are flooded in the market. You could get anything from a portable and illuminated nativity set to self blinking stars for christmas. China is the largest exporter in the world. It has become the 2nd largest economy surpassing Japan recently. Despite its global dominance in exports it lack credibility as a democratic nation. The news about the nobel laureate <strong>Mr. Liu Xiaobo</strong> is still warm. He is under house arrest with no access to any one expect the disguised Chinese military men. All he did was he opposed the one party communist system in the country. He will celebrate the Christmas ( I guess he is not a christian) & New Year under surveillance and no freedom to visit or exchange greetings even with his close relatives. It still haunts me the portrait of Liu Xiaobo being kept at a chair as a symbolic presence at the <strong>2010 Nobel price ceremony</strong> as his own government has prevented him from reaching the venue to accept the awards which was considered to be noble among all awards. <br />
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<strong>Julian Assange</strong> is a celebrity now. He is constantly harassed by several governments for publishing cable transcripts containing secret diplomatic messages. <strong>The Guardian</strong> reported the version of Assange -"Why punish the messenger instead of the the actual culprit?" is something to ponder seriously. He is on legal bail now for an offence purportedly created to chain him. Come what may Justice shall prevail. He has to wear an electronic jewellery all the time while on move which provides an indication of his movements. He has to report atleast once in day before the police. But he is provided a laptop. He will have his X'MAS within the four boundaries. Away from his own family and country men. His X'MAS is in limbo for what he has done to the journalist community. Reporting fearlessly and against the mighty US and its alliances. <br />
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<strong>Greece </strong>is still struggling to recover from the economic mess it had created in yester years. The Austerity measures implemented by the govement at the like of EU is showing no sign of improvement. The pictures appear now a days in the front page of international newspapers were alarming. The protesters clashing with government and the bleeding faces are a common sight these days. Spain is under scanner. Other EU members like Italy, Portugal and Belgium shall soon follow the suit. Christmas is still a pain for many of its citizens despite the fact that they want to consider otherwise. Let peace be upon them.<br />
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A picture appeared in <strong>International Herald Tribune</strong> recently --An Irish lady selling all her belongings for a song was heart breaking and touching. She plans to migrate to other country.The economy has crashed. Once a dominant player in the international arena has succumbed to perils. Liquidity infusion by peer country members has found no avail. <strong>Ms. Angela Merkel,</strong> the German Chancellor is against the bail out. How long a stronger nation can support the weaker and that too because of its own actions? She is quite right on her views. But others are not convinced. Can Ireland guarentee its citizens a fun filling christmas season? Only time will tell.<br />
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Let's forget these instance for a moment. Think about <strong>Palestine and Israel</strong>. Bethlehem, the birth place of Jesus Christ is surrounded by israeli forces. Huge wall seperate the Jerusalem from other regions. The famous church which was once the home ground of Christ is deserted. The restrictions put forth by the israeli authorites make the worship a ceremonial affair. Tourist who long and desire to see the holy land are scared to visit the holy place. It's a war like region. How can anyone celebrate the Christmas at this atmosphere?<br />
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I hope <strong>Mark Zukerberg</strong> will have a new way to celebrate this christmas. The social networking king might have got a different plan to celebrate. <strong>Bill Gates and his Melinda foundation</strong> is planning to have a Christmas celebration for the underprivileged class. <strong>Warren Buffet's</strong>(world's third richest man) plans is yet to be announced. <strong>Carlos Slim</strong>, the Mexican billionaire ,the world's richest, still plays hide and seek game. Brad pit and Angelina Jolie are holidaying this season at an unknown location. Let's respect their privacy. After all they are celebrities in their own world.<br />
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Corporates are still in red and yet out of woods. <strong>GM </strong>has paid back all what they owe to the US government with some innovative business strategies. It took a downturn for the GM to think out of the box. <strong>BP</strong> is still struggling to settle the claims by those affected by the oil leak. It owes billions to US as compensation. Many of its assets are under hammer to settle the dues. Employers around the world are worried. Cash flow deficit is a daily topic in management meetings. Unemployment is the biggest concern faced by governments. The most distressing question, reported by <strong>Newsweek</strong>, is HOW WOULD THE COMPANIES HANDLE THEIR DEBT IN 2011? FT has reported that many of the corporates in US and Canada have cancelled their Christmas celebration this time and have asked the employees to do it on their own. <br />
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World poverty is rising at unprecedented levels. Let me not take this space to highlight as it is known to most of us. How can anyone celebrate Christmas peacefully? I have no clue. <br />
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<strong>I am neither a celebrity nor a corporate honcho to be compared</strong>. But as like any one who observes the economic situation I too live in a fear of uncertainty. But my family disagrees to part away with the celebration mood. They have their own reasons. They say why would anyone forfeit the celebration for others? After all one only reap what he sow. I had no satisfying explanations to offer. Christmas song from my system is playing aloud. Let me also join the gang and not spoil others mood. My inner mind keeps reminding me of the factual state.It is now in questioning mode. I may not have any answers and even if I have no one is interested to lend their ears.<br />
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Let the celebration continue. <strong>MERRY CHRISTMAS</strong>, To all my friends, Colleagues, well wishers and my bizsense blog readers. <br />
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Antony Konnoth<br />
bizsense.blogspot.comAntony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-16635175772164901022010-12-17T03:17:00.000-08:002010-12-17T03:17:05.804-08:00SEATTLE ORDINANCE- BIG THREAT TO YP COMPANIES IN US & GULF<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">SEATTLE ORDINANCE TO YP INDUSTRY -- GO GREEN OR OWN UP.</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Finally, I have got a straight topic specific to my own industry to jot down few inputs with my legal pen. The topic may now have been an already notified subject to many of my colleagues and friends in the industry . This posting is solely intended to those who are interested in some serious readings to know in detail about the announced Ordinance in the US, limiting the reach and usage of Yellow Pages particularly in the city of Seattle in Washington, and the likelihood of being implemented in other US states and finally its impact in the Gulf Asian regions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">City of Seattle is familiar to most of us being spotted as the Head Quarters of the corporate giant Boeing ( HQ Now in Chicago).This legislation Per Se could cost the yellow pages industry billions of Dollars. Furthermore it could even spread to other continents. I won't be surprised if a similar kind of legislation creeps into some of the legislative domains of the Middle East countries in the near future. Though it is cliché to say 'Middle East catches cold when US sneezes' the usage still amuse people.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">US have an impeccable history as the paradise of right's activist and freedom fighters. Anyone who is deprived by the acts or deeds of any other individual, state or business can sue them in the <b>Court of Law</b> for an appropriate remedy and may reinstate the rights. Usually these kinds of actions are mostly initiated either by some activist group or politicians to gain popularity and recognition. The alternative step being, one can individually or by forming groups could approach the authorized representatives of the state or any Senate member for initiating draft legislation . Council members can also initiate these kinds of legislations citing the public interest involved. Once the final draft is made ( Around 14 drafts were prepared before finalizing the Seattle Ordinance) the paper is put forth in the Council for ratification. Once it gains the support of the majority it will be considered as the law in force either with immediate effect or later application . <b>Environment is a popular issue now with many US politicians and they usually leave no stone unturned to achieve their objective.</b> It is no surprise that the issue was taken up with full vigour and steam by the Seattle City Council. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">In the mentioned case, Seattle City Council has passed an Ordinance forcing the Yellow Pages companies to cut down the number of books being published / printed keeping in mind of the environmental concerns. The ordinance also imposes certain regulations and fees to yellow pages companies. It requires the publisher to pay $100 as license and $0.14 per book and $148 per ton towards advance recovery fees. What the legislation aims is to collect the cost of recovering, recycling and disposing of the old copies from the Yellow Pages companies once the new edition is released. The Seattle city council is trying to set up a model where the producer, rather than the community, pays for the cost of recycling the products. Books becoming muncipal waste and eventually reaching as landfill were a great concern with many states.</span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It is speculated that if this model is adopted, three of the major Yellow Pages companies in US like AT &T, Super Media & Yellow Book would end paying more that half a million dollars yearly as expense alone. Advance recovery fees would be $10 billion if other 20 major publishers in US join the fray. </span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">A suit is filed in the district court of Washington by <b>Dex One, SuperMedia and Yellow Pages Association</b> (YPA) challenging the ordinance citing the violation of interstate trade and privacy rights of Seattle residents. Subsequent to this suite a new website <b><a href="http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/">http://www.yellowpagesoptout.com/</a> </b> is also created by the association for providing the residents to opt out from the yellow pages distribution network. Those who prefer not to receive Yellow Pages annually can log on to the site and opt out without citing any reason or explanation. <b>This brave move is intended to get a favourable decision from the judiciary though the final out come is uncertain. Judges have ample discretion on environmental matters</b>. To please community watch dogs many publishers are now trying to recall their other language editions from the press. The Spanish language variants published until now by some US YP companies intended for the ethnic segment got a huge blow below their belt. The grapevine is that the editions are now off press to save millions. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Publishers have also started using new ink which is non toxic for the printing job. The selection of paper are now from wood chip pulp intended to considerably reduce the mass felling of trees and eventually making the used paper easily recyclable and decomposable too. Yellow Pages users are divided on this issue. Many find online content satisfying their need and search requirements. But <b>Majority still expect the yellow book on their desk as a reference source and possibly may be to continue experiencing the classic search method</b>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Winning a suit at the District Court of Washington may not be a difficult task for the consortium but there is a high probability that its contentions will be rejected by superior Courts since major environmental issues are involved here. The strange part is that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">News papers and magazines are exception by law on this issue being the pillar of democracy and one indispensable to the society. They need not comply with the ordinance. Freedom of expression enshrined in the US constitution would come to their rescue.<b>Yellow pages industry is worried, not because the product is extinct or bankable no more,but its organic growth is struck with impediments which are beyond its control and purview.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>THE IMPACT OF THE SEATTLE ORDINANCE IN GULF </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yellow Pages companies in Gulf Asian regions are closely monitoring the implications of the Ordinance. The issue may be debated in the UN once taken up by any member nation who relentlessly promote Green Environment. Many countries shall become the signatories in future. The compulsions from the international community may force other nations also to follow the suite. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> UAE is spared for the moment-- being a non signatory to the treaty on the sustainable use of environments and it Monarchic nature is surely a game stopper. Law applicable in UAE permits no one either Resident or Citizens of UAE to approach any Court here for developing this kind of law. They also cannot challenge the rule even if it is proclaimed as a decree at a later date. UAE doesn't have a comprehensive and written constitution like US or India. Fundamental rights are something unheard of. Public demand and and compulsion are out of question since it has no audience here. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">The situation is<b> both Good and Bad for Yellow Pages companies here. GOOD, for the simple reason that the yellow pages companies should waste no time to plan and develop a sustainable business model favourable to the environment. It is BAD, since the profits and revenue are affected at least in the short term.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Be glad that the <b>Print to On line transition is now gaining momentum in UAE</b> before any decree is made in the line with or similar to SEATTLE ORDINANCE urging companies to comply with clean environment terms.Yellow Pages companies are aware of this and I'm sure will eventually adapt to the challenges in place. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Antony Konnoth</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #351c75; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">bizsense.blogspot.com</span><br />
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</span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-50328810647811224582010-12-11T07:48:00.000-08:002010-12-11T07:58:39.592-08:00QATAR BAGS FOOTBALL WC VENUE, NOW UAE EYES HOSTING OLYMPICS.<span style="background-color: white; color: orange; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>OIL & GAS JOKES ?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All of us knew<strong> QATAR</strong> was relentlessly trying for some big events to showcase its image to the world. Many say this was actually intended to show other Arab countries in the region. Qatar was predominantly down rated by fellow peers despite its <strong>GDP growth </strong>and gas reserves. The time has come for the nation to act. It showed up with a bang. World Cup football is coming to Gulf. <strong>Kudos to Al Thani family</strong>- the present ruling family of Qatar.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">An event of this sort is the first of its kind in the region. Accolades were cabled from other Arab countries by their top honchos. Many had in fact restricted the appreciation only to some formal exchanges of words. International media aired some dissenting notes to the actual fallout. No doubt ,countries like England, US and Japan are dissapointed. British PM, <strong>Mr.David Cameron </strong>even flew with football icon <strong>Beckham</strong> for a last minute pitch but to end up in vain ( not for 2022).</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Year 2022 is a long way to go for a sports event like this. Other contestants who were missed out in the race are up in arms. Knowing the corrupt and dubious track record of FIFA there are credible reasons to belive it. All what we could garner is that the deal is squared of with absolute majority favoring Qatar, barring very few others. FIFA is all out to award the event for this region. Reason being, it want to take football out of the traditional turfs. Qatar was a perfect choice. But we did not see this vigor and enthu in the past years when ALGERIA and EGYPT had tried for hosting it but failed miserably. Never mind.. Football lovers in the region are elated. Expats have no qualms. Let the game of football win.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But there are other issues for Qatar. Despite its money reserves and on bound economic factors the infrastructure is challenging. It took several years for the gulf nations to understand that Oil & GAS alone will not make a nation prosper. Global Image too is paramount. The event hosting is an image building exercise. At least 12 full fledged stadiums are required to conduct the round matches. Qatar has just 4 and some with fewer facilities. They need to develop around 8 international stadiums from scratch. This is in addition to other practice match spots. On top of it the biggest challenge would be the scorching temperature. Qatar is really smart to convince the FIFA of its obligation to keep the temp below 27 degrees by installing cooling mechanisms inside the stadium. Technology is the King. There are unconfirmed reports that it had created a model stadium for the inspection of FIFA authorities. If these facts are to be believed, Qatar's <strong>'never say die'</strong> attitude should be appreciated. It has dared to travel in an unknown path and left a trail for others to follow. It has banked on its experience too. Having hosted the <strong>under 19 foot ball world cup </strong>earlier also worked in favour for Qatar. We also cannot forget the adminstrative capability of Qatar while they conducted the <strong>Doha Asian Games</strong>. Almost <strong>$50 billion </strong>is budgeted for the world cup event and for other related business activites. Business is flocking to Qatar. All eying the multi billion dollar project annouced as part of the event.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All these success and efforts were ignored or sidelined in other parts of gulf region. The press too has taken sides.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">One of the major dailies of UAE,<strong> Khaleej Times</strong> <strong>did not even print the announcement in its front page</strong>. It has kept instead few columns in the sport page considering as a under rated news. Gulf news did the opposite. There was a front page news coverage with some stunning phots. But others restricted the news only to its editorials.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">UAE should be in a dilemma. No second thoughts on that. The face of Gulf was expecting the event to miss the region by all means. The news was stunning. Another nation in this region has stolen the mantle to host an international event. This is good for football lovers but bad for nation like UAE atleast business wise. <strong>Tourism was predominantly focused to Dubai (business tourism), Muscat (Nature tourism) and Saudi ( relegious tourism). Sports tourism is something never ventured out or figured.</strong> UAE has recently started to explore this business model. <strong>Formula One </strong>(just concluded), <strong>International Cricket Matches</strong> ( Pakistan is the permanent opponent for any one day !), <strong>FIFA club matches </strong>( starting soon) are some events in their kitty. More tourist would flow than in any other season when a sports event having substantial news making capability takes place. Hotel occupancy ratio is high than any other times. The rates are premium. They would make 3 times more money than in any other season. Other business opportunities are aplenty.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">To counter this or not ,<strong>UAE is now weighing the possiblity of bidding for 2020 Olympics</strong>. One advantage is that the event shall take place in 2020, two years ahead of Qatar World Cup. The nation could take a first mover advantage. Olympics is for all and not restricted to just one sports. A global viewership is certainly guarenteed. Image make over is in place. All would vouch that UAE is struggling to keep its image with other GCC nations as the most vibrant and happening place. It can't digest another gulf nation taking the place once it has occupied and dominated. UAE may not have any animosity with her fellow nations. But its business case proves otherwise. It's a competitive world. Sustaining one's glory is an ever challenging job. UAE is simply exercising that option. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It just heard the good news from FIFA chief <strong>Mr. Sepp Blatter </strong>that Qatar could consider giving the opportunity for her neighbours in the region too for hosting some of the world cup matches. One or two matches in UAE? Well anything could happen. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">All expats in this region is curious. They have sets their eyes glued to media for this. Let's hope both nations shall exibit some great sportsmanship for the world to cherish.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Antony Konnoth</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">bizsense.blogspot.com</span><br />
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</div>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-65130836373460415092010-12-04T09:16:00.000-08:002010-12-05T09:56:45.134-08:00Is CANADA finding foe in UAE or vice versa?<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This is one big question among many gathering steam in the minds of many expats who are living in UAE. If the diplomatic sources are to be believed the issue is getting hotter as days goes by. Lately,Financial Times <strong>(FT)</strong> and other prominent international dailies has revealed some interesting facts which is worth pondering. I am sure many of us knew this information and the news before hand. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Etihad</strong> and <strong>Emirates</strong> being the top airline companeis in UAE were flying 3/7 to the Canadian capital. They were supposedly incurring substantial loss since flights were operating only for 3 days in a week despite their full operational capacity. The crew and support staff has to locate in Canada even for those non operating days in a particular week and subsequently pay for their stay and bear operational expense. The airline companies were demanding in full steam for more landing rights for the rest of the days in a week. No doubt If they could garner the lost days to their productive list by flying they could perform much better. At least this the reason aired by <strong>Mr Tim Clark</strong> the president of the Emirates. I am convinced, it sounds a business case here. Ethihad doesn't beg to differ ( Let us hope <strong>Mr.James Hogan</strong> CEO- Ethihad, shall vouch for it). But Canadian authorities are not willing to budge. Let us presume that they have their own reasons.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">UAE is upset as like any other nation in such a scenario. If defence sources are to be trusted UAE was providing a military kind of base for Canada in her land to accomplish some military committments put forth by NATO and UN. Not forgetting here the compulsion and consent of Uncle Sam (US). Now this facility stands withdrawn by UAE or atleast now in the process of declining further base/stay. Canada view this as retaliatory step by UAE for declining more landing rights to the two airlines. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Canadian PM <strong>Mr. Stephen Harper </strong>and foreign minister <strong>Mr. Lawrence Cannon</strong> have a dissenting view. Almost 27000 Canadian nationals residing in UAE are taking sides. At least many of them want Emirates and Ethihad to operate daily to Toronto and other locations. They might have not considered the position of Air Canada and the purported protectionist policy of the Canadian government. Convenience matters. Canadians are no exception! We agree.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">ExIm and trading is effected now. UAE and Canada were regarded as long standing trading partners and the business transations are worth billions. The business community has started lobying for an amicable settlement. At least they know it their money is at stake than anyone esle. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">The paramount question is can a nation decline the continuance of a military base of another country in its land allowed years back based on the common trust and other security reasons for some trivial reason like decling extra landing rights to its airline companies in the other country? Landing rights or Military base - Which has more weightage? Let the prudent men decide. </span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-30622655024538383002010-11-22T11:13:00.000-08:002010-11-23T11:43:00.342-08:00My Trip to Oman and some fascinating business facts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Recently I have been to Oman for a leisure trip but found some amazing facts which I think should be shared to all who are keen on economic matters specific to GCC region. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Drive to Oman was truly a fun filled experience and very much longing especially with my family after some hectic work in Dubai. The journey was a lengthy one being held up at the border for 5 hours just to obtain the tourist visa. Blame it on the holidays declared at this part of the region. Dubai vehicles loaded with people were a common sight on the roads. The highway to Oman is just awesome and a clog free drive was an experience. Having being maintained the greenery on sides throughout the highway is something one should envy of. Kudos to the authorities who have done a marvellous job though it was meant to attract the visitors expressly. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Now straight to business. At one go you won't find any high raises or structures in Muscat. I realised that Oman has chosen to grow horizontally than vertical, being gifted with abundant land with fertile regions. Not to forget that it is next to Saudi in land area. I was wrong in under estimating that the infrastructure is less developed in Oman compared with other GCC countries. It's wise for a nation like Oman not to invest money on tall buildings and artificially jack up the prices or intentionally create scarcity of dwelling / commercial spaces. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">It's also worth to note that the country is focused now to increase their non oil revenue from 20:80 to 30:70. Certainly a good move considering the fact that the intended ratio is maximum since oil and gas is the back bone of its economy and cannot be forgotten. A 10% is a brave move towards de risking its dependence on gas. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Our visit to Oman was coincided with the national day. The whole street was decked with flex of HH Qaboos, the current ruler of Oman. The streets were lit with color neons to mark the celebration. A night drive too was equally thrilling. Needless to mention here that Oman is gifted with some virgin beaches for a fun filling day out. Qurom beach, around 6KM from the city is simply awesome with its natural beauty. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">His Highness Sultan Qaboos is very keen to develop the education sector. His recent announcement to provide millions worth scholarship for the higher education of the students is equally encouraging and commendable. Tourism is another area were some major developments are happening. No doubt the nature is on their side. Sun kissed deserts, wadis and green misty mountains are enthralling for any visitor. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I was told that couple of years back Oman was literally thrown out of map by floods. Most of its structures and roads were vanished. Even now you could see red poles warning the drivers on water level indication throughout in a highway. But after few years Oman was back on track and any one now could hardly notice the scar. HH Sultan Qaboos is now an international figure being at No.10 among the most influential Arab personalities. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Commodities barring fuel seems to be on a higher side. Food and essential items are no exception. But I could fill gas on an empty tank with just 5 RO (50 Dhs). In Dubai I should be paying nothing less than 75Dhs for a full tank of fuel in my small car. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">What Dubai could learn from Oman is its consistent growth with planned strategies. Real estate is on a controlled path. Wave Muscat - a residential and commercial project in the city is promising and shall be released soon by authorities. Bookings are happening even now though many plots are sold out. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #741b47;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Oman is certainly growing in the right direction. The country never follows a 'me too' strategy. It's unique in every step. Sultan Qaboos is certainly proud of his country. His fellow subjects are too happy and still cherish the fact that he opened the democratic doors by enabling the selection of the representatives by election to the Majlis. By shedding some of its conservative approach Oman could be a super power among the GCC countries in the near future.</span></span><br />
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</span></span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-49950532717112072042010-11-05T08:31:00.000-07:002010-11-05T08:31:58.254-07:00It seems Emirates (Airline company) is flying too high!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;"><b>EMIRATES v ETISALAT </b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">Emirates have started up like a small aviation company with just 2 Air crafts borrowed from <b>(PIA)</b>Pakistan International airlines. The recent P&L (Profit & Loss) statement shows it has a whooping <b>$ 3.2 billion </b>as profits. An extra billion compared with the overall profits of the telecommunication mammoth Etisalat. How do these corporates make these profits all year( or decade) round? All I could cherish is Emirates didn't had a piggie back ride like Etisalat on a monopoly pitch. But it always had a sovereign clout to boast of. Oil boom era, surplus oil reserves and subsidized rates et al provided a non turbulent sky ride. Oil was selling for <b>$18 a barrel</b> then ! Geographical position of Dubai and its easy access to Europe & Asia ( Other continents too) alike made this a fun ride. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79;">There were customers who are ready to shell more money for a quality sky experience. There were business reasons to do it. Dubai was considered as the business hub. Bahrain somehow hold its blanket as the regions financial hub (Dubai may refute it). How long does this fun ride continue? All I can say is as long as they keep their customers happy. Are they doing it? At least some media reports and customer survey proves otherwise. No doubt the flight load factor keeps better with more happy customers in place. Once averse to budget and economy pricing have started thinking on similar line by introducing FLY DUBAI. Has the airline kept up its motto of low rates is something yet to be heard of. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thanks for your reading.</span><br />
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</span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912553018389550302.post-80754946384460694602010-10-23T00:54:00.000-07:002010-10-23T00:54:49.158-07:00Etisalat Profit Decline<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>MONOPOLY- BOON OR BANE?</b></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently I have come across an article in a leading Arab daily on the Q3 results of Etisalat. The stats shows a drastic decline in the profits of Etisalat in UAE. 1.75 bn from 2.25 bn a year back. They have ample reasons for it but a simple math wont support the claim. Study shows the decline in profit share is due to the aggressive marketing of Du in the region. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The stats is an eye opener for Etisalat. An Expat in this region would tell how the monopolistic approach of Etisalat have hampered the ambition of a common man to be in touch with his/her people in the other part of the world.. The call charges were exorbitant and was considered to be the highest among in the region or perhaps in the world. </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In India we have authorities to take care of the exploitation of market by corporates. Monopoly & Restrictive Trade Practise (MRTP) laws are in place for a check and balance. Hope some restrictive laws would be in place in this region too..... </span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Solicit your comments. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span></span>Antony Konnothhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01950163576877072937noreply@blogger.com0