juice it

Breaking news--corruption, blackmoney ,scam, 2G, 3G and what not!!The news channel and responsible journalism are being stretched at the seams as I see in a bid to outdo the competition each news portion that hits the screen is breaking news( probably 60% of the variable salary for breaking news) and then it is hyped and beamed multiple times till you get sick and go into coma.The amount of time the news is churned and the crackling voices of the on location correspondent are often irritating.It reminds you of extracting sugar cane juice.Agreed one needs to give inputs and updates about the facts and gather momentum and support.But throughout the day switching any news channel and seeing the same news over and over again is killing.Expressing views, garnering support on issues like corruption, using social networking sites and sms ( which is a money spinner)is good,but ruminating on it is a disaster.Moreover tracking these items that attract eyeballs or TRP's and then leaving them post some behind the curtain agreements makes them drop these issues suddenly.Fail to understand what we mean by responsible journalism.One can see the political bias specific channels have and how news items are dug out from the earths crust and served on a platter.

customer delite

The most sought after phrase and that which makes the rounds across all corporates and the management spending time and money by the tons to ensure this "customer delite".Who is this customer?What is his delight expectations?is he king/is he always right as is always spoken about in training sessions?Is there some place where one can draw a line or is it a shifting goalpost?
Having been here in this line and through the years of meeting "customers"one wonders if there is a real solution of delight or is purely Einsteins theory of relativity that prevails.You come across various individuals with varying demands,reasonable and unreasonable expecting that only if these are met that he would be delighted.Now if you don't live up to his "expectations" then in your audit calls you get rated below par and all the efforts and money put into improving your Customer satisfaction scores go waste.The agencies wont make money if they don't get a chance to work with you, hence they keep you on a roller coaster at times.
The demands based on the demographic and psycho graphic profile would vary and i would say a whole lot matters on how one uses 99% commonsense and 1% luck in handling that situation.The speed of response, the body language, the tone and gestures, the sincerity and empathy shown, the intent to genuinely deliver matters.
One can ask for the world but if portrayed in the right way at the appropriate time would certainly deliver better scores and delighted customers.High end customers don't mind getting their big bucks splurged on a Maserati but would haggle for an accessory or add on and expect that free!!Tons of paperwork and analysis could be avoided if your keep things simple and be genuine.Don't ever sit on the fence and procrastinate.Get out there and solve an issue if at all.Multiple conversations lead to many interpretations so simpler and shorter you keep , sweeter it is.The german way I would put it as its getting to the point in the shortest possible way.
Small things go a long way and we tend to overlook these small things when we go all out to address the bigger parts.This is the issue.The customer has an ego that needs to be massaged no doubt but it might slip out of your scope and bloat!!Then what?deflate it?Instead walk across on his side and view the world from behind his eyeballs and that helps as you live his experience.In short if you treat your customer as "yourself" you would delite him 100% as only you know what suits you best.So get into his shoes and behind his eyeballs and have fun.It gives you another perspective.

power play

power is something that men in particular would like to possess, own and even if not there presume they have and try to flaunt that "virtual"prowess one wonders who amongst the sexes is really powerful.Energy, stamina, strength(mental) and then the physical endurance is it really the male that dominates?What about a day in the life of a working woman in a metro city?Early to rise @ 0500 hrs ,go through the chores, prepare the food and breakfast for the family, pack the bags and lunches for the kids,instruct the maid if she is available or leave instructions,catch the auto or the bus to the nearest metro station, get on board a crowded train even if its an exclusive ladies compartment ,get squashed amongst the bodybags and tumble out on the platform to rush out and catch a share taxi or auto and reach office just in time.Go through the office routine and listen to the gossip and the bosses whims and fancies and then start the journey back homewards around 1700 hrs.Commute and reach home fag tired end of the day, through traffic jams,rains or humidity,dust and stench,push and pull of the journey,finally to receive the family , husband and kids (fancy if you have a pet)and get ready to listen to all the tantrums from help me do the homework ,to i don't like the food. Maybe I need hot bread to be served and the food is too cold etc.You are struggling here to find personal space for your self and you get loaded with tons of pressure that bogs you down mentally and hence when you do get time to think and look for your comfort the whole household is asleep.Do you get what your desire or aspire?God forbid if you get delayed on account of circumstances beyond your control its I can say almost as good as saying " i might as well stay back in office rather than go back and return almost immediately".How does one picture this?Is that easy? is it super human?Is that lady made of a different substance?Is it just plain natural.Then coming to think of it right from giving birth to the very mankind to enduring all these stresses who is then the more powerful and strong amongst the sexes?This is just one of the many instances I am sure one can relate to when you compare them.I salute the ladies who really exhibit this phenomenal grit and determination and yet maintain that dignity and poise not realizing the immense potential that she has within that could be compared with a nuclear reactor with abundant energy.One of them incidentally is my wife.I thank her for the immense courage and support she has given and acknowledge her presence wholeheartedly when we traveled through times in these last 26 years. I am quite sure there are many of us who share this opinion and may or may not have expressed this.If not please do.It would be the best complement a lady would desire in my opinion and well deserved I must say.Those who are amongst the few fortunate families not to be going through this grind I am sure somewhere some lady in your family has gone through this and much more in order for you to enjoy better times today.Acknowledge that.

great expectations

reminds you of Charles Dickens and that title set me thinking.Why do we have to expect something from others?We do something, we expect something in return.We go somewhere we want to be treated in a specific way!If we look at our children we want them to be supermen/women even if we have never come anywhere close to what we ourselves expect!You want to buy something we expect the best at the least price.Why?If our expectations are not met who suffers?The person from whom you expect or you?I think we suffer the most and in fact stand to loose in terms of mental and physical health if we carry it too far.There are relations that break ,people get emotionally disturbed and take drastic steps,some are unable to stand that and all this leads to nothing but your mental peace being rocked.Why then expect?One can have his own views and opinions but you cannot thrust them on others.You push your children in studies, games,and the outside world.I would say give them a chance, explain to them and encourage them to do the best.If they fail ,there is another opportunity somewhere .It will come for sure.One needs to seize it.At least appreciate that he tried his best.He could do better as the benchmark is ours.One compares with himself than with others to keep that competitive spirit up always without effecting your emotional balance.with the crazy pace at which the world is speeding ahead one has to be cautious and measure this.If we do not review this and decide not to change .......my expectations about you get crushed:-))).So be it work,play, personal or professional arena.......set the context....but expect nothing....because if it doesn't happen you continue with the next action.Peace will prevail and we will quieten the decibels that these billions of disturbed minds create.

doting daughters

its been a topic of discussion in many places and in some areas like rajas than a hot debate and bizarre stories one gets to hear about the girl child.I consider them as long term assets who give so much returns on you investing your life for them in bringing them up.They are the apple of my eye as each one dotes more by the day and especially when you start withering they bring about a fresh lease of life .You see them grow from those small cute tiny little babies and then the toddling stages growing up through the teens and finally standing up on their own 2 feet to get married and technically distance them selves as is perceived.But i found this whole experience most exhilarating that taught me so much that they grow closer by the day even after marriage.Its i believe the level of maturity and straight thinking that they have as well as the way you bring them up as "friends"which is very crucial they end up discussing all the highs and lows in their lives and never give us a chance to be let down.They need their space no doubt and they need motivation as well that helps them compete with the peers.All said and done when they stand out amongst the rest of the male community and display grit and determination it gives you a sense of pride.You can be a child in front of them and unwind your childhood memories as you grow old.This livens you up.The care and personal attention is so soothing that you feel convinced that when everyone else may desert you the daughters won't.Nothing against a son but the sheer bonding throughout ones life is definitely enjoyable when one sees this daily.I hope people realize the truth and give regard and respect to the very source of human origin.

cop-a-mania

In the Indian context we find the absurdities that arise at every nook and corner.When we travel we see blatant flouting of traffic rules till such time that we have a cop who really means business(not the side business) and takes the offenders to task.When a new chief of police arrives, new rules set in, tightening of norms and issuance of strict laws etc come into practice.Ask any bystander and he says" ya , this is the newness factor, it will continue for a few days and it will be back to square one!"hmm.So we are so used to it that when you see a team of cops at all intersections stopping all 2 wheelers or for that matter seat belt violators etc it is termed as' oh the target for month is not achieved and hence one is pressurized to issue official receipts instead of the "shortcut" one is used to.And honestly you will find these activities @the last week of the month or mid month when the collection figures(official) are low.But does an Indian citizen need a police to bring him on track!!why is that so ?why can we inculcate good habits and be law abiding citizens and make that a our second nature.It is second nature, isn't it?These are just a few but that would go a long way and help the country in general.Lets not fear the cops or do things because they are there.Help them to help us so that they can focus on areas which really matter and relieve them of the stress they are under.

loopholes

One wonders how the human brain in some cases functions in a very precise and creative manner to dig out loop holes as soon as some rule, governance, taxation law or similar such activity is done.You ban alcohol in a state and you will find the maximum "loop holed "consumption galore.How does this happen? Well!! we have specialized gateways called consultants,advisers who will wring the neck of the legal system till its gasps for breath and prove that the all that what is done is within the "prescribed norms" of the system so to say. Revenue loss to the official exchequer$$$$$$$$$$ !!!!God know how many but the story continues and we as a society remain stuck to some thoughts that are outdated and being constantly violated every minute. What is the point where in a state where alcohol is prohibited, but crime and encounters are prevailing?What in other states where minors are raped ,distribution of porn material is prohibited and censor boards restricting smooches and scenes of violence in the hope that ours becomes a better society?Is it happening?All the so called "protectors " of law are twisting it and the "elected mafia"making a hash of the word"corruption" by legalizing loopholes.Let the law take its own course???how will it when there is so much muck that clogs the system and prevents sane thinking.Even if we do think, can we implement it?Where VIP personnel holed up in Tihar get 5 star treatment what more can we hope for?The entire system seems to be like a sieve and the holes flexible enough to adjust to the pressures from the one who holds it.With limited memory bandwidth and in many cases temporary or selective amnesia people just let things go.If every day one scam or the other unfolds, how on earth can any sane judiciary or for that matter civil society hope to control this cancer.Where on earth are we drifting towards and is there any hope for streamlining this?I too feel the urge to do my little bit but will that help?Who can make that difference?The baba'S gave up the fast and scuttled away from the headlines and so did the 1100 crore headlines that were making the news??any guess how??Political spokespersons seem to flit from 'off the cuff remarks" to "diversion tactics" just pulling wool over the eyes of citizens like us.Life continues!You get up and read the sad,gory headlines every day ,,,,nothing exciting or positive and we start the day with rising inflation, soaring prices,high cost loans and a struggle to keep appointments with the EMI.Do we have the energy to focus on such issues?WHO THE HELL CARES?We can have a million fasts and the situation will still be the same because this cancer is so deep rooted and such a tangle that the "jatadhari sadhus" on the banks of the Ganges would also not have such a tangled hairdo.

Indian panaroma

Take a section of the Indian subcontinent and scan through North down south and east to west .What does one notice?The awesome Himalayas, the mysterious Leh Ladhakh,the pristine lakes of Kashmir,the skiing paradise of Gulmarg and khilanmarg, the towering Chinar trees and the saffron farms surrounded by Apple orchards and Walnut groves.This is just the surface.Skim it more and one comes with revelations which only incredible India boasts of.The rustic desert and sand dunes,the colorful pushkar festivals, the Sariska reserves and magnificent historical landscapes that adorn the silhouette of the pink city.The castles,the forts, the lakes and the powerful presence of the king of the Jungle or be it the Tuskers who are tamed to walk in the urban landscapes or dwell in their natural habitats.The golden dunes lit up in the night and the cultural festivities that bring the entire place to life in the stillness of the dark nights.Look up into the skies and you will notice the twinkling stars that sprinkle diamond dust across the space.The 1.2 billion people spread across the large landmass ,with different cultures, traditions and gourmet that vary every 300-500 kms. Tilt to the eastern landscapes and the green carpeted mountains ,snow capped peaks and deciduous forests with Temples and stupas hidden amongst the dense foliage that receives the highest rainfall in the world.The mysterious terrain with colorful inhabitants and sweetmeats galore that make it the most sought after place -a gourmet delight.The variety of food , the leather industry, the tribal artisans who churn out amazing masterpieces are a sight to watch.The sun temple, the sun kissed beaches , the tiger sanctuaries,the rugged rocky terrains and fascinating waterfalls are paradise.Step aside to the western ghats and skim across the salty terrains of the Rann of Kutch in Gujarat and the Gir forest dotted by the temples of Somnath taking you back centuries,the modern ports and beautiful roads that connect the urban and rural network, one finds sheer magic unfolding in front of your eyes.The Manhattan skyline of the east( Mumbai) and the oxford of the east (pune) just 160 kms apart and the virgin beaches of Konkan leading upto the happening beaches of Goa with coconut trees and white sands that can help you drown your sorrows without getting intoxicated.The southern concoction of 3 states brings in so much diversity that one wonders who needs any part of the world when the world itself is at your feet.The backwaters, the Chinese nets, the seafood specials, the white sand beaches of Kovalam,the spice route of Kerala, the temples across the 3 states and the confluence of the bay of Bengal, Arabian sea and the Indian Ocean tips the balance in favor of--Incredible India.Why do people flock all over the world when the world rests with us.Go ahead explore India and find the hidden truth ,Trust me you will be proud of being an INDIAN.

the dragonball run

The Chinese are all out to prove that they are quick, smart and wanting to step into every possible pie that they see, smell, and turn that into a business opportunity.Take a look at the rate at which you see Chinese products sprawling all over the place across the globe.The best part being they are available at all prices, all qualities, in any volumes.This is really amazing.The flexibility, the government support, the industrious people,and the willingness to learn and play all the games with international rules is an art one must learn.Try finding flaws and banning their products they don't stir a bit.Even if its the USA.The are making their presence felt in an around the perimeter of India be it the highways being built across POK , the oil pipeline from Myanmar to Beijing, the diversion of rivers under the pretext of Hydroelectric projects.All this without batting an eyelid.The high speed trains between shanghai and Hangzhou, the tall skyscrapers blending with the traditional temples and Chinese culture, the food and the art all this and more make them a powerful force to reckon with in these modern times. They are prepared with diplomatic answers for any situation and no one---literally no one is in a position to tame this dragon.Its having a ball and is on the Run breathing fire.Watch it guys its all out to make mandarin an internationally spoken language in the years to come at this rate.What happens behind those semi transparent curtains is the story to watch.I think this Tsunami is more fearsome than the natural calamities that this earth faces.The yuan is all set to be universally traded .Bye bye dollar.And the paper tiger challenge from down under is like stone age spears been thrown at modern age nuke missiles and hoping to win the war.This I must say is HEIGHT OF OPTIMISM.

K-9 tales

Late one evening out in the driveway cruises a rally red Skoda Octavia that blazes the green turf.It was drizzling outside and my friend stepped out and opened the rear door.What a surprise....a basket full of that.4 fluffy Labrador pups just under a month old, from a litter of absolutely pedigree parents.They were tired and hungry and were waiting to land in the warm hands of the next doting parents they longed to be.Who else but us.The fawn colored male, with droopy eyes and innocence flowing all over was the apple of the eye.It cuddled up quickly and licked my face all over till i realized that this was the start of a 8 year long association that became an obsession.Ginger is what we christened him and my daughters and my wife doted on him completely.He was a riot from day one and used every opportunity to slip into every corner around the house and play hide and seek.He snuggled himself in the bed and looked like a stuff toy that fell asleep.The days went by and his training and walk habits made us go for the walk that we had been avoiding due to sheer laziness.Days passed into months and then years and he grew up to be a handsome hunk flaunting his macho image but subtly.He showered so much of love and affection that he not being around for even a few minutes would make us miss him .We gave him a dozen nick names so much so that he responded more to them than his own name.Sheer innocence and playfully faithful.His way of getting things done i didn't learn even in B -school and impressing the folks at home or around was his forte.Visiting the vets and taking a certificate of appreciation from them was almost a habit.No special demands and if we were to leave him and go out that "take me too please" look in his eyes just blackmailed us.Ready to jump in the Innova we bought keeping solely him in mind he enjoyed every ride and sat on the front passenger seat as if he owned it and was chauffeur driven by me.It was his and will always be his.Till the day that we all dread that he decided to leave us and settle in paradise.Not a word of complaint, no trouble and no last minute dash to the vets, quietly and peacefully he lay by our side and bid us farewell.35 kgs of love and million tonnes of loyalty and affection that he left behind are enough to last us a lifetime.Can any one take his place?Do i continue the saga and try to find my GINGER IN SOME ONE ELSE.The arfs and bow wows are no longer heard , the stray dogs outside our bungalow are the only solace and keep us engaged in order to disengage from his memories that are so fresh that at every step one can feel and experience his presence .God bless him and we all wish to thank him for the wonderful time he spent with us and became an eternal member of this family--Ginger Datar

banks-- of India

Nationalized banks....the revival...the change or is it the small whirring of the half bhp motor attached to turn that huge gigantic organization so that it catches up with the rest of the global banks making deep inroads into the monopolized territories.The people within don't change, the creaking chairs and shoddy stools , dusty tables don't change, the attitudes remain dormant and need a 1000 volt shock to make it change.The staff who don't have the basic amenities except the job security has to struggle to get even a peon to clean the cobwebs inside the passages and dimly lit corridors and remove the stench of the loo which is the trade mark.Customers come ....of course they better...where else will they go.And if he does not come , we might get some other gullible guy.Post that even if we don't get one ,we get our salary end of the month, the DA and TA all get credited, allowances must be given or else we will strike,bonuses a must profit or no profit.The total working hours 8 into 5 and half days.Majority of the time the ladies are involved in creating and trying to resolve complex personal issues of self and others so that there is enough juice to spend the free time available.The men trying to find out" aaj saab ka mood kaisa hai",boss ka boss and the union leader ke ghar function hai so must go.Going out on official duties managing truck loads of public money in a dilapidated van that chugs along into all dense and remote areas with guard/s who are visibly tired , aged, underfed and nearing retirement with a salary that is 1/millionth of the cash he is suppose to guard with a gun that has not been used (probably) for a year and is so heavy that it might take a while to get into position by when the inevitable takes place.The smoked fan blades of the wall fans( as AC is luxury and only for a privileged few),barely turn and drive the air through it with huge efforts that jump up the electricity bills.The bosses issue letters which travel down the ranks and get lost.If a delegation visits then all is well.If we don't ever take a systematic approach in training the staff top down the change that is seen may be very flimsy and superficial and only seen in bits and pieces.Why don't we just try to take one thing at a time and educate and drive sense into the people who in turn are going to drive the organization forward.The government, ministry of Finance and commerce has a lot to do.We have the best financial brains but are tied and gagged by the politicking strata who want to have their fingers in the pie. getting something of the ground is a mammoth task.If we make these lean, mean and efficient probably the government may fall. So who wants to do the honors?

circle of influence

As a person ,in a responsible position driving out each day in my car ,with a series of thoughts flashing across my mind wondering as to how do I motivate myself and get all that energy to drive a 500 plus workforce.How can I lead by example?Where do i plug in to get that source of energy to keep the whole system charged?What is going to take place as soon as you walk into office?The dilemma continues and what could have been spent as quality time for my own self is actually wasted in these deep thoughts!Was that worth it?If every individual however big or small in terms of designation and responsibility were to exercise his circle of influence and keep expanding on it, it would be such a wonderful feeling.We remain victims of the surroundings and let them manage you rather than you exerting yourself and influencing the web spun around you daily.Evey individual must know what he is there for when it comes to his individual contribution to the team .If not can he not ask rather than wait to be told?Its simple to point a finger towards any direction wanting to find an easy way out -an escapist as i put it, but little do these people realise that 3 fingers point at them when they point out one.I have a problem....up goes the flag....do i have a possible solution?Can i use my gray cells and exercise my left or right side of the god gifted brain and be creative or logical and not allow the cells to rust......Emotions !!Wow they pour out without provocation as well ....logic needs to be hammered out and creativity gets blocked in a sewer of the run of the mill kind mundane job one does or gets locked into by himself.We allow our minds to be shut.We don't allow a free flow of thoughts and ideas that can spruce up our lives.We get so mechanical that we walk out of bed and start brushing our teeth..!!!Why because i am supposed to do it!!!!Can i have a cup of tea and a shower and then probably brush them before i leave for office?Would that be fresher??Ummm!!! maybe ....maybe not ....but I was told to do this since i was 1 foot tall so i will do only this.period!!.I must grab a coffee and a bagel when I drive out ...its a must .I need that fuel or is it that ,,,,hey the bagel shop happens to fall on the way and i have to spend that money.Habits die hard and habit is second nature that's what they say.Then why not get HABITUATED to also apply logic and reason and contribute positively to change the world and make it a better place for all of us.A billion plus gray matter live and kicking in India alone can make a world of a difference.Even if 10% start others would get triggered.One fine day , some day there will be a big difference.Hope is the biggest contributor.Every small thing you do at work or otherwise please understand it does make a difference to the system and space you dwell in and that in turn cascades far and wide.Where ever you are and what ever you do please exert yourself and expand the circle in a positive way so that it rubs of positively all way through.

care-o-graphs

Many a times if you were to ask an individual especially in a car retail showroom what he aspires to be in the coming 3 years, what kind of an answer would one get?In Mumbai you may see him wanting to scale 1-2 notches higher than his current position plus he may aspire a good jump in his salary etc.In other parts there might be a sedate response stating "manager" or "I don't know" or move to a higher Brand etc.Seldom does one find the urge to explore beyond the boundaries of the city they live in or even the trade he or she is in.Some have the aspirations of being absorbed in the Wholesale /parent company which is a bit difficult as it is assumed that "retailers" are not best suited for the whole sale operations.Hmm!!I wonder if that is true.I would think every person if he gets a feel of the hands on experience of the on ground retail operations he would definitely be a better whole seller.Strategies that are made in the ivory towers or light houses throwing light across the stormy seas,would be better driven and make practical sense if one has been through it.Do we really show a growth path to any of these individuals , even the brightest amongst the lots ?All we see is the band of brothers who keep shuttling between the blocks and switch trade plates every 2 years and coming back to square one in 70 % of the cases.It appears to be rudderless most of the times and or sometimes we see fancy titles distributed without grooming and training or even checking the competencies.What one may learn is through the trainings given by the OEM once or twice a year.( that too if the retailer sends him/her) or may not with the fear that he may learn too much and be an asset for someone else....what insecurity!What a terrible thing to do!Sometimes certificates obtained during training are held back at the retail end so that the candidate has no proof to show his possible employer in case he wishes to switch.The person in turns sticks around trying to find a toe hold in the organization or buys time till he gets something new.If not he sucks up to his superior and becomes man Friday.(I am not a yes man, when my boss wants me to say no i say no:-)).Then come the class of the old timers who stick on better than any glue on earth as they have dedicated their life to be just there.The world for them is the premise they spend 9-10 hrs a day or the city at best with no ambition, no drive or risk taking ability to be some one in life or create his own space.If we go on creating such classes how will we ever get a broad minded, self driven,global thinking leader in this space.Do we have to find degrees in retail management that are taught in the universities that might help churn out such people.Even if they do will they get that space , authority and empowerment to express themselves and get things done when the markets heat up.No career paths in sight and a restricted space doesn't one waste his precious time .You have one life and one great opportunity,and one must really explore and check his own worth in the markets beyond the virtual boundaries one creates for himself.No one really is for you and there is no guiding beacon...its purely what you want to be and how .YOUR TIME STARTS NOW AND IT DOESN'T STOP FOR ANYONE.So if you haven't checked out what you want to do in life with a plan atleast 2-3 years ahead then start now.Personal and professional goals will help you and your family to take charge of the challenging times one is going to face in the future.Don't drive into a blind tunnel. if you choose to do so then have the steering in your hand atleast.

retail professionalism

With the onset of top brands gunning to get a share of the great Indian Pie,spreading their tentacles across the length and breadth of the country and with the newly acquired status of the rich rural population the retail scenario is going beserk.The land prices swell, the costs skyrocketing and then the ever changing demands for better and plushier setups in the best of locations puts a lot at stake.Especially the green backs---or in our case the Rupee.After this gets set then comes the biggest challenge of equipping the same with the finest and smartest set of people to run the show.The OEM or whole sellers generally try to power down their thoughts and ideas onto the submissive retailer and uses the one shoe fits all concept.If not the wholesale flying squads who keep visiting these locations( partly sightseeing and enjoying the free lunches and dinners)apart from spending"quality" time with the retail staff in showing "how they must sell" and how" a customer needs to be attended to',It makes me wonder if the person who belongs to the area where he has set shop should know his customer or he has to be educated about that by those who are located 1200 kms away and take 2 hours plus to fly down for a 6 hour visit? Emphasis on customer satisfaction--again whose customer is he :retail?wholesale? or both?If so who owns him and does he do so with the same passion?Every one is all out to woo the customer and spends tons of money in his acquisition and then spend money in retention and loyalty.Processes are made by one and all and they are more or less identical for similar products but then it boils down to how professionally all this is managed by the retailer????does he have the vision?Does he still remain the lala with his bunch of cronies around who keep feeding information( mostly unwanted and unwarranted gossip).If he does practise what is taught does he value that or does he just implement it because its a must.Do we have to keep accepting what the whole seller says all the time and keep entertaining him during his visits?Does the retailer get a fair chance to demonstrate his thoughts and ideas?A few do take up steps to get that professional makeover and make sincere attempts , but most of the retail units because of the mentality of the owner or his rigidness to change or simply put " not trusting the professionals he hires to execute and carry out the functions "fail to do so.This then becomes a frustrating experience and good people in the system who want to drive and create the change try and subsequently give up the endeavor simply due to the skewed vision and intention of the "owner".Money is the bottom line and ,any which way get me that profit is the motto!!Everything else gets sidelined.If some of them get in the rat race to catch up one to many retail outlets end up in a financial mess or cut a sorry figure on all fronts unable to do justice to any of the franchise he owns.Then come diverse interest and short term gains that suck short term funds out of the system and vola!!!things start falling apart.The pressure to sell and keep your head above the water builds up by the minute, demands increase, costs catapult and the ever savvy consumer is just about getting highly educated on all fronts making rational and irrational demands by the dozens.There begins the vicious circle of survival of the fittest or smartest.Will consolidation also take place in this space?Will the top 5 survive world wide?Will the people and the owners driving it make the difference?Take macdonald, soutwest airlines and others for example.Its gonna be tough....the road ahead.

jazz it up

why so serious-Jazz it up.A very apt tag line for a wonderfully designed car not overly done ,but with smooth shut lines and the aerodynamic contours it can actually shape up your destiny.The tear drop design actually brings a smile to your face when you experience the drive and the comfort of the cocoon that is so safe that it reminds you of the embryo days where body and soul are one.The brilliant colours and the latest technology coupled with the hi tech fuel advantage it does take you the extra mile.The right car, should you choose to flaunt it to your soul mate, or take your family out for a joy ride and zip through the endless traffic without a sign of fatigue due to the sheer ergonomics that put you at peace.The right choice amongst the lot of 4 wheels roaming on the roads this is what I call--Paradise on earth, heavenly and blissful.So bring back the feelings and jump into a Jazz.Uber cool I must say.I agree happiness comes in small packages and so do the equated monthly installments.While you experience sheer pleasure it gives you enough room for your thoughts and sets you on a creative journey to HONDA LAND.

Hot rods

With millions of dollars spent in designing the automobile be it in the 2,3 or 4 wheeler segment we love to test it to the utmost.Here i come in the area of Gujarat where particularly one notices that the sale of 4 wheelers could go up by 35-40% more than the estimated sales if and only if the police become strict by not ignoring a poor 2 wheeler being abused by a gross weight of 350-380 kg apart from fuel and chassis weight as it has 3 and sometimes even 4 adults riding away to glory.Oblivious of the dangers lurking or the sheer sight on the roads, they do add glamor and spice to the otherwise dull surroundings.The same society that is orthodox to quite an extent is a different society when it comes to freewheeling as either sex get sandwiched uncomfortably and zoom across the traffic lines on 2 wheels. If the cops control this it would at least result into a disciplined and safe biking zone .It will also help catapult the new car/used car sales which are a better option, especially to a society which has a lot of joint families.These coupled with driving in the direction opposite to your legally allowed areas is a great fascination.If 2 wheeler companies want to enhance their share they too have a great opportunity.Lets see who is quick-2 or 4.God bless India.

rear view

As we move on in life and look back in the rear view mirror isn't it quite a fascinating experience.One looks back when every one is happy that you came into this world and ironically you are the only one crying.Wonder why?Is it the karmic connection that states ,Oh God!why again do i have to tread this path and go through the roller coaster of life.Your life starts with all the love and blessings and people are falling all over you only to find that a couple of years later they are wanting to trip you.The naive,innocence and cute looks turn into blank stares and later into"read me if you can"ones.The times come when you are being nursed and fed to ensure you become a healthy bonnie baby and later part of life you may be on the bed being nursed and possibly someone there to feed you and look after you genuinely or otherwise in the hope that you pull along in the last lap of life or give up the journey.In your toddler days you are trying to grab things and experience the world under a watchful eye which later on may be watching you still with a sense of amazement at what you have transformed into or with suspicion and fear as to what you are going to be upto next.School and kindergarten in particular ,days of bliss or tears one wonders !You feel lost and want your folks around you whereas you have all unknown 2 feet somethings around you . A few years later you are actually wanting to set free and get that independence which depending on which part of the world you are you may or may not get.If you don't you try all sorts of things to get it.If and when you get it ,it teaches you so much that you either become a stalwart or go in depression.The later years in school and college takes you through tonnes of papers and books with friends and foes,peer pressures and dates and you start getting the first feel of the real essence of life .The girls and guys around you suddenly start being competitive in all spheres and you want to be one up.You are blowing your trumpet in some places or may be hiding your self from these guys so as not to be the target of their bloated egos.Once in college you wait to enter the professional life only to realize that may be college life was better.What happens next is the entry into the mad mad world that sucks you in its vortex and spins you around to such an extent that you loose your bearings and drift with the tide, counter it where possible and get into a rat race-one up manship.The nightlife, the travel urges,the insatiable desire to get more of everything you see and want to get your hands on to .That tends to effect you mentally and physically and makes you ponder ---was this all worth it?Driving on the express way of life you cruise , your speed, you sometimes reach astonishing speeds and take great risks all ultimately to give up and get back to where you started and the cycle continues. The stress you create for your self in that pursuit for so called pleasure ,kills your happiness which may last momentarily.The health that you started as a bonnie baby starts deteriorating much earlier than scheduled due to this crazy indulgence.The peace of mind that you had is no longer there and u wish this all ends.How true!It ends when no one knows when and how.Therefore relax , sit back keep cruising but have a chance to catch a glimpse of the fast fleeting scenes in the rear view mirrors because they are your best moments.Cherish every one of these.Have fun.

Dewdrops

the harsh summers,42 degrees on the outside,an oven at home ,the air condition struggling to make good the 22 degree limits and u sweat like a leaking water tap .Lo behold! u look outside the window and see the swirling dust storms.Look up and u see the dark clouds having an urgent meeting at 30000 feet contemplating whether to give up and let loose or stick around and make us sweat.And the unanimous decision is to break free which results in a thundering decent of raindrops followed by flying papers.dust,and the smell of mud softened by the water droplets that advise our senses that the much awaited monsoons have arrived at last.
strangely pretty close to the meteorology departments predictions for a change.Atleast something is on time here.The residents,office goers ,students,young and old scramble to get wet or not to get wet as per their personal preferences.In the pandemonium that follows what do we see.Clusters of traffic under the trees,bridges,blocking up space,youngsters speeding around as if they just got intoxicated,splashing water and silt on the poor pedestrians.Car drivers trying to scramble home and driving like maniacs or lost cattle,some of them violating rules which is the norm of the day nothing new( without which they don't feel at home),and end up in traffic jams and huge snarls,flying tempers and chaos.Wow what a way to welcome the long awaited rains .Rather than soaking up in its wet and cool arms we act like a bunch of wild unorganized set of idiots.The trees spread their leaves,the flowers bloom silently,the street dogs for once calmly soak up the wetness except us,mankind.Why I wonder do we not have the patience to soak up the god gifted ambiance and let it sink within so that it flushes out the dirt,evil sides of mankind and start afresh to make this world a better place.

fasting guru

Fasting -for the health conscious, for the people who have been advised specific routine ,fasting for those who are superstitious,but those who are having aspirations to politics especially when they are yoga gurus and nothing to do with politics.What do we say about them.?Ramdev baba who has good thoughts , excellent power to influence people with his yogic powers looses all that when he too decides to politicise the "yogic fast route".
Why do people who have the spiritual attainment (so we believe) need to do all this and enter that world which is just not theirs.They could well utilise the powers and influence the public in assessing the truth and the hidden agendas of these politicians and not take undue mileage out of it to gain electronic footage and hog the headlines.What do they achieve?Honestly.Who are they trying to impress?Where is that maturity?They can express their views boldly and candidly ,without the drama of fasting and wanting the PM to meet him?Is he going to have another"G(URU) SPECTRUM SCAM."doing pranaym was and possibly is his only solution to all evils?Shouldn't he be doing that alone.

threshold

The need and wants of mankind are endless or should I say end---unless he decides otherwise.That is the truth.One just doesn't want to stop and he or she just wanna more.Be it money, sex, food,pleasure, joy except the dark alleys of sorrow and despair.One gets to learn all these things as he grows up because he wants to compete with the outside world and not with himself.He goes on acquiring more and more and finds himself restricting his sphere of personal space and happiness.Do you think all rich men in this world are happy, genuinely?Is it a facade?Is it true that they need to keep adding more because of a sense of insecurity, or because they want to provide for their next generation/s?Is so what will the next gen do?Sit back , relax and blow up all that wealth where we have umpteen examples, or multiply it till you get addicted .Meetings at unearthly hours, rushing out to check if all is well at their factories and businesses,meeting all those who matter to ensure they prove to be a support rather than a deterrent e.g politicians,goons etc etc.Where can one stop and is it not enough to dispense the wealth that is not required through charity and other ways to uplift the not so privileged.Paying millions of dollars in tax and appearing in the front pages of the daily news is to show how much one earns and how straightforward one is when it comes to business.Filmstars for one.Warren Buffet and Bill  Gates are truly rich and do a lot for the community and various causes without much hype.Bill gates drew the line as well and modestly stepped out.Azim Premji and Narayan Murthy are other examples who have a well chalked out personal goal and work towards it.Some just can't get over that craze to get the megabucks and would do anything to reach there.....simply anything.Ethics don't matter.What does one want in life to be honest.A house to shelter you( a 10 bedroom mansion is to show others as you require 25 square foot of space to stretch out really).Food to cater to your body twice a day( majority part of the body is water any way) .A 6 course meal and liquor to complement will be food for 10 days considering that the size of the stomach is as big as the closed fist!!!!What about the phenomenal wastage of the food not consumed?Transportation---12 cylinders gas guzzler or a self propelled 2 wheeler may be a bike at that.More and more people are anyway thinking about car pools and biking etc .Clothes to wear !!!What a shame if I don't wear an Armani and go to that meet ,what will they think about me??Hmm....what will they think?It is what  you have to offer on the table using those gray cells given to you rather than the external facade that is flimsy and of no substance.A bunch of genuine friends to hangout with in times of need especially when your life takes you on a roller coaster.The only difference being the more you gun for those mega bucks the steeper and vicious the rides get as you really ride the coasters daily.One may term it as an adventure but is it worth .One can call it being a loser and not ambitious......is it so? Everything has a threshold........shouldn't this as well?