IndianMaze

This old trick seems to be forgotten in the current economic environment.........

There is a side effect of every medicine just as there are always pros and cons for every decision. Coupled with this, excess of anything is harmful. India has perhaps one of the largest numbers who can read/understand English. English is very closely associated with the "Developed World". Hence, our English media is greatly influenced by the "Developed World". It actually goes further from media to individuals. The more "cerebral and globally connected" individuals are all a ball of gloom. R written large on their faces and expressions. There are enough reasons given, even for India. - Current slowdown - Approaching elections - Job slashes - Next monsoons To me it is a clear sign of clouded mind. It is so visible in the English newspapers vs local language papers. Headlines in English media all talks about - losses, layoffs, slowing demand, US companies going down under etc. Language papers talk of recent elections and promises, banks slashing interest ra...

Yesterday was an eye opening day. Event was an unexpected behaviour from a teenager who is crazy about plants; particularly Bonsai. UTK is more concerned about his plants on getting up than brushing his teeth. He has enriched his library with books on plants, does experiments with plants including grafting, pushing for aerial roots of many plants and so on. On his school annual fest, he was truly amazed to see the variety of bonsai on display. He wanted to get at least one for home despite resistance from his family members who were already complaining about space taken by plants. UTK "gently" persuaded to go and buy bonsai from the farm house who had come to the school exhibition. On selecting a particular piece, he asked " How much is this for? and, this one; and this one..." He narrowed down his choice to two plants. One was at Rs 150 and the other at Rs 500. He was thrilled (as these were quoted at Rs 200 and 750 at the school festival) to find a bargain. And th...

Public sentiment moves in extremes, were the prophetic words used in my induction to the world of PR. Ever since, I have seen very few departures from the words of wisdom. But once in a while, there is a voice that describes the situation as it is rather than as it is believed to be. In this particular incidence I am referring to the economic condition prevailing in India. Stock market crashed by more than 70% from its peak. Neither the peak was justified nor, I think, was the trough. Yes, there may still be a few skeletons in some cupboards but those are unlikely to impact either the whole industry or the whole economy in any significant manner. Banks also seem to have got some better sense prevailing and the practice "have money, will not lend" being given a go bye. Inflation is down (should go down further very significantly as POL corrections are brought in line with prevailing prices) and so are interest rates. Manufacturers are reducing prices by large fractions as inpu...

One of the best tips I got in a crass "non-management" style was from a first generation successful entrepreneur when we got talking about clean ups required in organisations. His advise was "all clean up has to start from the highest point, even at homes..". How true! Now look at the response to the current crisis by the top. - The 3 senior most management looking for bailout of their respective companies flew in personal jets - Immediately after the bailout package running in tens of billions, an exclusive overseas golf party lasting many days with spouses, helicopters and gifts in line. Expenses calculated at about $ 1.5 millions - Closer home in India, happened to be meeting some top guys (all men incidentally). Cosy controls - only mineral water on table for self and guests, imported juices and soft drinks, entertainment at top restaurants. - Heard at the airport "What non sense! How can you send me this car? Don't you know I am THE group CFO! Send m...

There are enough doubting Joneses everywhere and India is no exception. My co passenger on a nearly 50% occupancy flight said " Kuch hobe na " in chaste Bengali accent when we got talking about the citizen journalism and consumer pressure groups. It is three weeks to the tragedy of Mumbai and I am glad that "short lived memory" is not so short in this case. Churchil had IInd World War, Gandhi had satyagraha , Indira Gandhi "Bangladesh creation", Manmohan Singh "Nuclear treaty". Is there a new chapter being written in India where the hero is going to be the consumer. I was glad to know that NBA has formed a code of conduct for disaster reporting. Even better was a channel that showed more fire, both actual and verbal, than better sense prevailing; moving to conducting an sms and web based poll if media crossed its line in coverage of Mumbai tragedy. What pained me was the same show of fire when covering news bit on Pakistan. My appeal to ...

People (and politicians in particular) believe that public memory is short and as long as one can get a couple of weeks pass, people will get back to "life's like that". This appears to be a part of popular Indian way of life "यहाँ सब चलता है". On the question of accountability - does it rest with only politicians and public service (servants). Mumbai attacks seem to have changed the way we keep our short memories. Just in aid of those who would like to change the system, let me propagate public accountability of those who are neither politicians nor in government . It is about media accountability. I received an emotion charged mail. It made me think that even without the emotional outburst, there is something to ponder about. What will be the results? Will the "culprit" own up? Will the concerned organisation "take action"? Will the action be in line with action demanded from the establishment? Quote Appalling journalism. Absolute blasphem...

I was in discussion with a group of youngsters who had gathered for a training programme. As expected discussion moved towards the difficult economic scenario in India and how to cope up with all this. The steps (as suggested by various members of the group) that they will take are: - will not go to cinemas - no parties - no flying (on holiday and otherwise) - only window shopping - less eating out and then they could not go further. This is the reality of today's youth who are likley to be facing difficulty for the first time. This, in my opinion, is true for urban middle/upper middle class offsprings. Back to dinner last night where in more mature (in age if not otherwise) people were talking of cost cutting steps initiated: - cut communication cost, use internet as a replacement - replace travel with video conferencing - if must, travel by train - no entertainment - no more "strategic" investments (that do not generate cash immediately) - minimise cash burn - stop...

Over the sumptuous dinner at one of the great regional cuisines of India amongst colleagues and ex colleagues, the talk started as usual. Catching up with the old times, people who we all knew in common etc. But there was a difference, mood was sombre. A little too quickly, talk moved to the two most common heard out issues that I thought may not come up. Mumbai attacks and cost cutting by organisations. Former was in a corner of the table where talk was all about the attacks and who all someone in the group knew and their versions. One of the most elaborate one was from the interview conducted by National editor of Forbes, Bob Lenzner, with the survivors Michael and Anjali Pollack. Well worth going through. Video link http://video.forbes.com/fvn/topstory/bl_pollack120408 Quote Mine is a story so improbable that if it were made into a movie, no one would believe it. It begins innocuously enough with a dinner reservation with another couple (Shiv and Reshma) at a leading restaurant in ...

These days, there are two topics of discussion. One about the national security and issues related to it and second, economic scenario and its impacts on individuals (own and in the organisations they work in). Jobs are difficult to come by. Packages are not as great as they used to be. How do students in B schools etc tackle it: - toppers are more worried about how much money will they make - others are looking at beyond placement cells - companies that were shooed away till last year are being treated with great honour - some students have resorted to contacting their freinds, long lost uncles, relatives etc to seek a favour On talking to a few CXOs, it was clear that making contacts to seek favours actually works to the detriment of the candidate. They all agreed that people is the key concern for them to run a business. They clarify quickly that it is all about RIGHT PEOPLE. How many students are actually writing to the organisations specifically demonstrating how they can add val...

There was an interesting chat going around in the company. Usual topic of the times - how to cut costs? Solutions : Mundane points which are as visible as to anyone with a sight of 2/6. Recycle paper, book tickets in advance, get cheapest fare, pool cars, print on two sides of paper, etc. Normally, I resist from talking buisness at home but when TV is on and I am watching a business channel, how can kids be immune to corporate doings? My children beat any journalist when they start asking questions. They can be nasty (in questioning) but calm. I had to sit up when my daughter asked, "Dad, what is economy drive? " I knew that more missiles are on its way. Next few questions were - Why talk of cutting costs now? Why build up costs anyway? Why office lunch costs Rs 100 per person when food in school canteen is available at Rs 25? Why office people use top class stationary and writing instruments? "My Rs 5 Linc Ocean Gel writes as good as the your fancy Rs 20 pen." Why...

One of the biggest impact is the push that citizens are making on the politicians. Most have received the SMS targetted at Mr Raj Thackrey. The pressures have taken toll of Home Minister at the Center, NSA escaped by a whisker, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra is gone, Chief Minister is on his way-out after getting additional flak for keeping company with bollywood stars on a trip to Taj Mahal hotel. The latest that I got on SMS today was Our forces will take care of the people coming by boat but who will take care of people coming by vote. Hope it is the turning point where politicians are made accountable. Quick to add that many of pictures appearing in media (both TV and Print) are too ghastly to be published. They are doing a great job but do go overboard at times. Is media listening? I am conscious of that fact that I am adding my own behaviour to the blog but hey, I am also an Indian consumer.

After the gloomy TV coverage that lasted full three days, we wanted to relax for a while and decided to have an evening out. My son was very quick to respond, " No five star, no crowded places, no food courts, no Connaught Place, no Karol Bagh...". I am left with the thought that how much quick learning happens amongst the youngsters. Absorption is immediate. My only hope is retention is not long lasting. This was also observed in a career counselling programme organised by a school on last Saturday and kids were clearly tarumatized by the exposure to terrorist attacks. One child said, "does it matter what I become? Life is very uncertain!" Another quipped "Why should we not become a politician to get rid of bad in society!" But for the intelligent counsellor who tackled these questions very effectively, kids would have taken wrong impressions and possibly started going down an undesirable path. What do parents do? Talk, talk and talk WITH the kids. Listen...

Reams of paper, scores of channels, 72 hrs of non stop coverage, paralysis by analysis. My only moment of self satisfaction. For the doer who claims no PR, coverage etc An anonymous NSG commando's response to "How difficult was the operation?" " हमारे लिए कुछ भी मुश्किल नहीं है " " Nothing is difficult for us" Of all the mantras, it is the spirit and confidence that makes a difference. Salute to the "doers"

Worst ever attack on Indian soil. Touching the soul of ordinary citizens. With bomb blasts, train blasts and now this attack I think not a single family is untouched by the tragedy for there is someone known who has suffered at the hand of terrorists in these cases. Panic is hitting the streets. One of the junior of a friend lost life today, two cops known to a close friend lost their lives. A freind's wife was in complete hysteria last night when she heard Taj attack and her husband being in Taj for a function. She could not even hear when he called to say that he was in Taj Land's End in Bandra and not in Colaba. She kept on yelling "come back, come back". There has been non stop coverage in all TV channels across the country. What was happening at one of the leading newspaper in the capital whose editor decided that this news is good for a byline and anchor story has to be on Delhi elections? Citizens - both directly and through media should start pushing the syste...

I had heard stories from my grandparents as to how people come together in difficult times. My granny's favourite was about 1962 war when the whole country was moved by the leadership and contributed to the cause of building the country. She also used to talk about people giving up land for building Bhakra Dam voluntarily and in many cases for no consideration. I also heard recently one industry leader talking about Indians rallying around a cause in difficult times. I was clearly moved with emotion when departmental people in my organisation came together and voluntarily agreed to cuts in expenditure to contribute in tough times. I wish and hope this is the case in other organisations as well. अब दिल्ली दूर नहीं With this spirit, we are not far from a turnaround.

I had visitors from hills over the last few days and my better half has been coaxing me to take them out for a lunch and show the marvels of Gurgaon, The MALLS. I have been avoiding it like plague as going on a sight seeing trip to a mall is not my cup of (green) tea. She warned me, "tomorrow is the last day that guests are here and under no circumstances I am gonna cook sunday lunch. Enough is enough, move your heavy body and take them to the largest mall in India with 1 km of shopping on each floor". I am still not sure whether the objective was to avoid cooking, being a guide to guests at home or a clear signal to exercise to be in shape. Like a student preparing for the competitive exams, I had no choice but to listen to Ma'am. After the customary drive, wait at the security at The Mall for about 10 minutes, queue of 14 cars before me to the B2 parking, I landed at the prized mall grinning like a kid who has found a box of sweets. One went through explaining Lladro, N...

Marriages are made in heaven and celebrated on earth. The timings appear to be rather odd. It has been reported that Delhi celebrated 17,000 weddings over the 4th weekend of Nov, 2008. I had the (mis)fortune of having 7 invites. All mandatory to attend. So it was a game of musical chairs and hours spent on the chaotic jammed roads of Delhi. Delhi farm houses with more than 100 food stalls at one end and 20 food stalls with at least three cuisines at the other end were decorated to meet the stringent demands of discerning friends and relatives for whom food is a yardstick of how good the marriage celebration is. Look at the recession time: The minimum guest arrangements were for 400 people and max for 2,000 people. On a little more probing, the food cost per head ranged from Rs 700 to Rs 2000 per person. Averages can be misleading but for the simplicity sake doing some basic maths Marriages 17,000 Guests@ 800 Food @ 1,000 Decoration@ 5,00,000 Jewellery@ 1,00,0...

Truth prevails is an old adage that seems to be losing its relevance in the current sentiments. Still I am confident that "Truth shall prevail". Hopefully, sooner than later. The case in point is the investor confidence in the stock market. Indian markets are aping the performance of the stock markets of developed world. In fact, the possible loss in indices is reasonably predictable in the last few weeks based on what happened on the previous day in Europe and US. Are the situations similar? Are Indian businesses facing the same situation as companies in western world? Are Indian corporate giants going bust like crackers in Diwali? Have companies of great repute and history in India have filed for bankruptcy? Has any company in India reported loss of sales (top line) in double digits and evaporation of profits? Slowdown yes. How bad is India? Is it comparable to West? It has baffled me as to how convenient has it been to be infected with "western sentiments" virus ...

I was very happy to see today's newspapers in the Capital. In particular I am referring to the supplement on Luxury goods with Business Standard mentioning that tough times are good for true luxury products. But the more interesting one is in ET mentioning restaurant sales up significantly in the last 1 week. I had mentioned these two sectors as possible gainers in the slowdown time in my post of 12th November http://indianmaze.blogspot.com/2008/11/downturn-who-are-gainers.html? Incidentally the same question came up in an interesting lunch over panchratna dal, sham savera..... What is bugging top managers at this stage was the hottest topic over lunch and surely fresh green chillies added to the discussions. More on that later when I have some more time at hand. It's off to routine chasing the long to do list of mine.

Are there buyers waiting to buy things with a waitlist of 4-6 months in the current times? Honda Hybrid's recent action and response both have left me with more questions than answers! A 38% discount leads to a jump in sales by 100 times (30 cars in 4 months vs 100 in 4 days) and that too for a future delivery to be completed by March 31, 2009. Takeouts - - Honda has been able to liquidate all the stocks imported into the market - will have these cars run on Indian roads and give complete inputs on the performance on an ongoing basis - tested the price elasticity for the car - a similar multipoint research would have costed at least 50 % of the cost incurred by this method (assuming hiring Booz or McKinsey or so) But are consumers buying it because it is "cheap" or "value for money" or because there is a hefty discount and so a great short term bargain to flaunt! Time will reveal what is the insight but I am keen to know. Comments welcome.

After a trip to the financial capital of India, Mumbai, I landed in the flashy city of Delhi. Of many people that I met and talked to in Mumbai, the discussion hovered around the difficulty faced by people in stock market, economic issues, tough times, tightening the belt, lay offs (declared and not declared), sectoral impact etc etc. In a nutshell "get into the shell for safety". Then I met Rajan S, a dear friend. I knew that he has lost a good more than 50% of his investments in stock market and was expecting a similar response that I witnessed in Mumbai. I was all set to ensure that I remain as balanced as possible. "Hi, welcome to my newly decorated home" he exclaimed. "I went and bought two easy chairs, 5 decorative pieces, 5 pairs of trousers for myself along with 5 shirts, kids wardrobe has been replenished, wifey has bought some sarees and suits and not to talk of new curtains; all in the last fortnight" he went non stop "there are such great ...

Few friends were drowning their sorrows in the respective preference of drinks at a club. This is usual but for the venue. Normally, these suited friends would be seen in the 5 Star bars and drinks would be Single Malts, Rose wines etc. Club menu offers limited choices and almost half the prices offered by 5 Star bars. Expected. The interesting bit was when one asked "what would people do when they want to save money but still pass time?" Opportunity strikes in most adverse circumstances. To cut a long story short, consensus was that people will spend more time socialising at home with families and friends and consume more food (part home cooked and part packaged/ordered from nearby restaurant) and consume more media. I sense an opportunity for TV channels (more time spent), magazines (more readership per copy and time spent), radio, video rentals. Does it mean more DVD players being sold? why not? Are creative guys working on it? Opportunity for more advertising?

Professional hazard - air travel is certainly one of the hazards. Travelling is considered as one of the high stress activities. However, it also has an aura of glamor and glitz amongst loads of people. What are the bases of selection of a flight by an executive - usual ones - schedule - punctuality - comfort (seat width, pitch etc) - food - "service" (it is black box to put anything and everything in there) not spoken about ones - mileage points - incentives - smarter/attractive pursers/hostesses But is there any customer delight....... I met Alan M on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai and got chatting on availability of alchohol on Indian domestic flights. Since all flights are "dry", I asked him as to what is the reason for chosing Kingfisher? Alan smiled, and then actually burst out in a loud laughter. He asked " Do you really want to hear the truth?" "Of course" was the prompt response. Alan came to India for the first time in October last year ...

Prompted to post after reading an interesting piece on Indians and recycling from somebody in UK. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Opinion/Columnists/Sudeshna_Sen/The_biggest_footprints/articleshow/2902630.cms

1984 - reminds one of very many things - a book, famous though - first Apple Macintosh goes for sale - United States President Ronald Reagan , during a voice check for a radio broadcast remarks "My fellow Americans, I'm pleased to tell you today that I've signed legislation that will outlaw Russia forever. We begin bombing in five minutes". - Discovery takes off on maiden voyage..... so what is important about the year in India and/or to Indians - biggest riots post independence happen - Bhopal disaster and now the story unfurls - first Indian in space - new age leadership (in Rajiv Gandhi) - first signs of opening of economy (Modvat etc surfaced as a concept) I am told by psychologists that more than 95% of intuitive learning happens by the age of 7. So, if I was born in 1984 (alas I am much much older), I would have reached close to saturated intuitive learning by 1991. So it is about the turning point in Indian economy in 1991 that most if not all of us know. Wh...

I was foxed when I was told that the meeting is fixed for "sharp" 10 am. There is nothing sharp about either the meeting or 10 am. Habits die hard and as usual I carried my trusted companion which has helped me retain a cover on my head that helps keeping cool in summer and warmth in winter - a book. Does it matter which book is it? I have read more books by default waiting for 10 am than by design. So it was, meeting started with a cup of tea at noon. Great start, I said to myself. Thankfully the biological needs will drive the meeting to a closure before the scheduled duration of 3 hours. Anyways, lunch at 1 is far more critical. I go into time machine and recount the meaning of time across various trips in parts of our great country. Meet at 10 means - sometime in the morning after mid morning tea and before lunch in the seat of power city - after stock market opens up in a fiercely tea loving "dry" city - planning to take 8.14 fast, reaching at 9.44 and then sh...

Over the much touted by management but insipid lunch in the canteen on the 3rd floor of the office, our marketing manager was seriously hot. It, unfortunately, was not because of the special small green chillies on the table. "I hate that bloody b!@#$%^" in a hushed tone. "Swears by A programme but will not advertise on it. DOUBLE STANDARDS." We all hate but practice. The case in discussion is language. Why is that language of comfort amongst family/friends is different from colleagues? Even if so for a valid reason - is one more valuable than the other. English Medium School English comics English novels are all valued and paid for at a higher level than the language ones. English newspapers attract a much higher advertising rate than a vernacular one. Why double standards? How do we price our offerings? How and why Hindi TV channels command a higher price than English ones? Food for thought.....

Sex, greed, dishonesty, lies,superstitions.........DEATH We got to talking of difficult situations arising out of children's' behaviour. My colleague, Panks, narrated a (horror) story. On accompanying his father to a family bereavement, this child asked as a matter of fact what happened. On getting an answer that grandpa's younger brother died, he shouted in the presence of the whole group "That's not right. Grandpa is older and should have been dead first." Normal outcome - shut the child by hook or crook (a spank here and there), shut the mouth with one hand, lift with another and evacuate faster than hurricane evacuation. On another occassion, I was chatting with my South African boss during a long journey in the serene mountainous drive through the Scottish Highlands and the discussion arrived at Indian culture and social behaviour. As usual, provoking is the name of the game in such scenarios. He got on to the journey of testing my limits of mental toler...

There is a great deal happening on the tech front both by techies and more importantly by non-techies. A sms lands on my odd sized and odd shaped but reliable and efficient Nokia (market leader in India), "Pls sms me yr mob no. as I lost all numbers in my prev ph and dont know how to tfr to my E90". I did not know whether to laugh or cry! What is the message about? - to find my mobile no which is meaningless as I received it on my mobile number, or - about change of the phone by the person or - about possessing E90 It also reminded me of a nice conversation with a tall fast growing professional who is a flashy personality (FP) FP - I need an advise from you (with a serious face) D - How can I help? FP - I travel a lot. D - Hmm FP - Can't do without a computer D - Hmm (guessing where it is going) FP - Travelling is very stressful and is back breaking. D - Hmm...hmm...hmm FP - Blackberry does not fully open all attachments D - Hmm...hmm....hmm ...

Over a great looking meal on the table, discussion roamed around the good food that all love. The occassion was to drown ones sorrows after a beating from the boss. Spirits had to be lifted up. Choice was to sit in the room and sulk or better go for a good meal. Decision - unanimous - f#*$ it - lets have good drink and food. Life has its own tales. Especially when you have a group of 15 gathered from various parts of country - chants like "Ekach Lakshya", "Surya Ast - x state mast". Some of them still sulked that they can't enjoy the party as it is a tuesday. One did not drink, a few others did not eat non veg and one claimed to be on a fruit diet. Then the penny dropped. Indians in different parts treat different days differently. In some cases, it is tuesdays (popular in North and East), in some it is thursdays (West) or fridays (South). Consumers have their own reasons to have their behaviors and that effects the markets significantly. Over the pegs of Captai...

Life takes turns..... a little too swiftly in Indian consumers' case. I was having discussions with a close friend yesterday evening while sipping a large cup of Black Assam Tea brewed perfectly by the expert from the pantry (more on that a little later in the post). The discussions went to media industry where both of us have personal and professional interests. He was very interested in niche channels of interest that otherwise get lost in the sea of offerings. He was very keen to move from one DTH operator to another as his favourite channel was not being shown. We got discussing new channels and the future of channels in India. Back to the choice issue after sipping more of delicious tea, we got to look at the comprehensive offerings made by two of the leading DTH operators. It just so happened that none of the two had a full choice of this friend of mine. Now the issue came that actually there are a few of his (and his family's) choices that are not available on either of...