काश आज भी मैं बच्चा होता

कल बैठे बैठे ऐसा लगा 

समय भाग गया और पता भी न चला 

बच्चे होने का एहसास न जाने कहाँ गया 

मेरे आस पास सब कुछ क्यों धुंदला गया 

कल काम वाला आया था, पूछ रहा था इस सप्ताह क्या बनेगा 

ये कब से मैंने निर्णय लेना चालू किया?

मम्मी की जिम्मेदारी मैंने कब उठाना चालू किया 

आलू प्याज के दाम तो मुझे कभी पता न थे 

आज कैसे मैं मंडी जाके सामान लाने लगा 

कब मैं माँ बाबा के कन्धों से उतरकर उनका सहारा बन चला | 

इतनी दूर आ गया हूँ लगता है कई बार,

घर के खाने का स्वाद भी याद न रहा | 

जब थके हारे शाम को कई बार देरी से लौटता हूँ 

कोई मेरे इंतज़ार मे भूखा घर पे नहीं मिलता 

कई बार तो रसोइया के हाथ के बने खाने मे नमक का स्वाद भी नहीं होता | 

जब कभी खिड़की से बाहर झांकता हूँ 

आँगन मे बचपन भी दिखाई नहीं पड़ता 

कितना अच्छा था बचपन , उसकी मासूमियत का एहसास अब है पता चलता | 

जब सब बड़े कहते थे , बचपन सबसे उन्मुक्त है ,

मैंने नहीं सुना 

जब सब बड़े कहते थे , अभी वक़्त है जी भर के जी लो,

मैंने नहीं सुना 

काश सुन लेता, उस समय उन बातो को 

तो आज इतना बड़ा कभी महसूस नहीं होता 

कोई बस लौटा दो वो दो पल,  फिर न कहूंगा की काश आज भी मैं बच्चा होता | 

आज एक और बेटी विदा हो चली

आज एक और बेटी विदा हो चली,

उसकी बारात आयी लाखों सपने संजो के ,

दूर से बैंड की आवाज़ ने दिलों में खुशियाँ भर दी ,

सखी सहेलियों की खिलखिलाहट छत पे भर गई ,

रौनक से झूम उठा आसमान ,

आतिशबाज़ी से नये जीवन की दस्तक हुई | 

आज एक और बेटी विदा हो चली || 

चल तो पड़ी उसकी डोली धीरे धीरे ढोल और मंजीरों संग,

भाइयों ने हाथ थामा तो डोली खिल उठी,

लाल रंग के जोड़े में छम छम करती जब वो डोली से उतरी,

माँ बाबा की आँखों में सौ सपने भर गई,

सबकी लाड़ली आज आँखों में ख़ुशी के आँसू भर गई | 

आज एक और बेटी विदा हो चली  || 

वो मेहँदी की भीनी भीनी खुशबू अब भी आती है ,

उसकी हंसी अब भी दिल भर जाती है ,

मस्ती और उमंग से भरी उसकी बातें आज भी ताज़ा है ,

लगता है अभी भी यही कही वो इस घर का हिस्सा है | 

ये बदलाव ना उसके लिए आसान ना हमारे लिए है। 

बेटी जब विदा हो चले तब ये एहसास आता है ,

कही न कही आज भी बाप का दिल ये सोच के घबराता है ,

विदा हुई है लाखों सपनो के साथ ,

कही वो सपना टूट न जाये ,

आज विदा हुई मेरी बेटी कही मुझसे दूर हो न जाये | 

आज एक और बेटी विदा हो चली ,

लाखों उम्मीदें लिए नए सफर पे चल पढ़ी 

The Bells of New Year

Source: weclipart

All across the world when the night arrives

on this special day we say bye together and welcome new lights.

The nights are not darker its full of bright lights

Some are man made, some are natural

to welcome the happy times.

With the hopes that this year will be lucky for all

and will bring peace and prosperity never before

We celebrate togetherness and dance/drink away fears all night.

But somewhere between all this

There are lives which has no change

There are people whose day and night are still same

There are families struggling to get a bread even today

There are wives waiting for their husbands who are marching at the end

There are children who are waiting for their parents to be back home sooner

Lonely parents in wait of their loved ones.

Why the pyramid is so skewed 

Why there is no single day when all are one and have equal rights?

A sudden wish came to my mind

Today I will not dance away my fears in this artificial lights.

I will make a difference by helping few children celebrate this day with their parents on time

I will make a difference by caring for those elders who many not see tomorrow's light

I will make a difference in my attitude and way of living

I will make a difference to those who potentially never get a chance to be the one they want

I will make a difference to myself and then may be one day the world will celebrate together

As one entity, as one human being and as one whole unit which we should be.

The bells of new year will ring and slow down

But the music this difference will make remains forever in our heart.

Truth of Life

Source: Seeesaw

When you are sad what you look for most,

Peace, condolence or more pain to travel to that phase called denial?

Denial the first step of every pain or every problem.

To look it in a way that nothing happened

and nothing is going to happen!

Its just a race which will keep on pulling us towards it

Like a high sea tide on rough waters

Like a tsunami on a calm shore

Like a strong wind in middle of nowhere

When we know that at the end we need to fight

Fight with inner self

Fight with pain to sail

Fight with negativity to get happiness!

Then why we run?

Calling it good for us

or just panicking in the moment to soothe our anxious nerves...

We do so many stupid things

that even stupidity laughs and ask is this real you?

Look your self in mirror 

Where is your smile

Where is the calm look

And then you realize

you are walking wrong way wrong direction

The wind has gotten you too far

and you need to learn to sail by yourself

To be the one with humble smile

To be the one who is you

and that fight you are going to choose

as no one can walk your path 

It's just you and only you and always going be you.

करवट

Image Source: Business Insider

दुनिया के दौड़ धूप में बदलती करवट,

हर आहट पे घबराती करवट,

कुछ कर गुजरने की चाह में बदलती करवट,

रातों के कई अनकहे लब्ज़ों को समझती करवट |

सुनते है सभी, कहते है सभी,

अकेलेपन की साथी है करवट | 

कुछ लोगों का हमराही और 

कुछ लोगो की किस्मत है करवट,

पर ना जाने हर किसी की परिभाषा से परे है ,

सुकून के आँचल मैं ढूंढ रही वो उलझी सुबह सी है ,

न चल के भी साथ चलने का वादा करने जैसे एक दोस्त सी है | 

टूटे को सहारा देने की चाह है, 

किसी प्रेमी की बाहों में रहने का बहाना है| 

माँ की गोदी का सहारा है, 

बहनो भाइयो के लड़ने का रास्ता है, 

पापा के पास आके चुपके से सो जाना का किस्सा है, 

किसी राहगीर के लिए धुप, बारिश, और ठण्ड से बचने का आशियाना है | 

हर पहर साथ की नयी परिभाषा है करवट 

आप और हमसे कई ज्यादा भावनाओं को समझने की मिसाल है ये करवट 

दुनिया के दौड़ धूप में बदलती है तो बस ये करवट,

हर आहट पे घबराती और सकुचाती है बस ये करवट| 

What if you need to use a product to introduce yourself?

Recently, I was interviewed by a firm where they asked me to choose a product to introduce myself. Weird as it sounds, it was actually more interesting to perform. For my better understanding and to keep it simple, I chose Eyeliner.

As we all know that Eyeliners are known for Striking color, Giving Bold Look, Long Lasting appearance and it has Brush as a tool to apply. Similarly, I tried to portray my persona with the qualities this product has.

Below is the summary of what I thought, if you have any feedback please do share:

"When we talk about its Striking black color, it gives your eyes a look of attention demanding, the color black signifies the power, strength and elegance with itself and so am I as an individual. Whatever in my life I have achieved or ups and down I came across I always had that inner strength which helped me to succeed and grow stronger. 

As an example I can relate when I was interning in Singapore with a firm, they offered me a full time role but it took about 5 months visa to process due to internal issues within the organization. Rather than crying or thinking about its repercussion’s I did freelance work to gain experience and understand more about Marketing.  This not only gave me strength but also bold nature to face adversities and happiness with both hands just like Eyeliner which gives bold look.

To add Eyeliner main quality is that it gives a long lasting and long wearing look which helps you to look same and always on your mark all the time. I can relate this quality of Eyeliner with dependability as any organization or group or family I have worked with they always used to believe in me that the work assigned will be done on time no matter how hard it will be, there will be a possible solution which I will find our either by myself or consulting others.

To quote an instance once with my former organization Accenture – my Boss had to go on sudden leave of 1 month and we had a deliverable to be presented to client. I had little idea of what needs to be done, rather than panicking in this situation, I learnt the process which needs to be done and with the help of seniors successfully delivered the expected outcome of the project.

Last but not the least the brush is the tool of eyeliner without which its other qualities will not be able to reach out to masses and that tool which helps all my qualities to reach out to you is research ability and confidence. I believe whatever is presented in view of others needs to be well researched and to be present with sheer confidence to leave impact. This is my tool which I always carry with me with smile."

गीला शीशा

Source: Cambellrivermirror

उसने झाँखा मेरे अंदर कह के की तेरा ही साया हूँ,

क्या उसने देख लिया वो सच जिससे मैं घबराया हूँ |

चलता था हिरणी जैसे कभी ये मेरा मन,

लेकिन धुंदला गया सब कुछ जब से खोया मेरा बचपन | 

गीले शीशे की तरह हर कोना मेरा ओझिल सा है ,

कोई इस धुंद को हटा दे मन ऐसा मैला क्यों कुटा कुटा है |

किसी कोने से वोही राहगीर अपने साथ लिए कुछ लाया था ,

जिसने कहके मैं हूँ तेरा साया मेरे अंदर के डर को भांपा था |

लोगों की गुफ्तुगू से पता लगा 

वो गीले शीशे को सुखाने की चाह मे बहुत दूर से आया है |

लेकिन उसके झोले मे छुपे न जाने है कैसे यन्त्र,

ये सोच के मेरा मन घबराया; 

मैं एक पल रुका,सोचा भाग चलता हूँ,

या टूट के चकनाचूर हो जाऊ ये भी मुमकिन कर सकता हूँ |

न उसे पता चलेगा इसके पीछे की सच्चाई ,

और न मैं होऊंगा खुद के सच से रूबरू, जो शर्मसार कर देगा मुझे दर बदर 

हो सकता है ये देख के वो न पोंछे मेरे बिखरे आंसू ,

समेट ले अपने बस्ते को और चल पड़े आगे कही किसी ओर |

हर कोई अपनी इस गीले शीशे की परछाई से क्यों भागता है ,

जब कोई उसे हटाने आये तो उससे ही क्यों घबराता है ?

सच क्या इतना मुश्किल 

या झूठ इतना शक्तिशाली है? 

क्या ये ऐसी ऊर्जा है जिसने सूरज की रौशनी भी धुंदली कर डाली है ?

हर किसी का साया आज एक गीला शीशा है ,

पूरी तरह बेरंग और ओझिल अस्तितत्व से कई दूर |

क्यों न हम वो राहगीर बन जाये ,

चलो सबसे पहले खुद की ही मदद करे और इस शीशे से ये पर्दा हटाए |

नया उजाला नया सवेरा लेके आये ,

कुछ रंग भरे सबके जीवन मे ,

इस गीले शीशे को भी मुस्कुराना सिखाये | 

इस गीले शीशे को भी मुस्कुराना सिखाये | 

बेटियाँ

Source: i2

राह तकती निगहाओं से पास बुला लेती है ये बेटियां 

रोशन करके ये जहाँ सब कुछ भुला देती है

अस्तित्व से जुडकर हमे बड़ा बनाती है

पर खुद क्या है सबसे छुपा लेती है |   

कुछ दूर चल कर जब मैं थक जाता हूँ 

पानी की तरह शीतल कर जाती है ये मन 

ऐ खुदा क्या खूब बनाई है तूने भी ये बेटियां 

जैसे किसी राहगीर को मिला हो पानी से ही जीवन  |  

जब नन्हे पैरों तले वो मेरे घर पे आई थी 

मोहल्ले मे जशन की तोपे चलाई थी 

आज जब बारी आई उसे विदा करने की 

क्यों आँखें है मेरी नम   |  

ऐ खुदा क्या खूब बनाई है तूने भी ये बेटियां 

लगती खुदा की भेजी हुई मरहम  |  

पिता हूँ चाहे मैं पर माँ का प्यार भी देना चाहूँ 

जहाँ भी जाये वो उसके संग हर ख़ुशी न्योछावर कर दू 

दूर नहीं होती कभी ये बेटियां 

ऐ खुदा क्या खूब बनाई है तूने भी ये बेटियां  |  

माँ जैसा शीतल मन, बहन जैसा प्यार 

उसकी हर बात पे याद आ जाता है हर रिश्ता हर बार 

कहती है पापा क्या सोच रहे हो इतना 

क्यों न सोचु मैं भी आखिर हूँ तो तेरा पिता  |  

कई शायर गायक कवी इस रिश्ते के बारे मे लिखते है 

इसके गहराई को समझे ऐसे कम ग़ालिब यहाँ रहते है  |  

शुक्रगुज़ार हूँ तेरे इस प्यार का 

जिसने मुझे एक इंसान से पिता बनाया 

चलती हुई मेरी ज़िन्दगी मे एक ठहराया लाया 

वो ठंडी हवा का झोखा है तू जो हमेशा मुझे याद रहता है 

चाहें कितना भी दूर हो तू 

ये रिश्ता हमेशा बहुत खास होता है  |  

ऐ खुदा क्या खूब बनाई है तूने भी ये बेटियां

भूल जाऊ चाहे सब कुछ 

पर ये हमेशा याद रहेगा 

मेरा अंश है तू 

तुझसे ही मेरा संसार चलेगा | 

ऐ खुदा क्या खूब बनाई है तूने भी ये बेटियां

हर रिश्ते को नये मायने देकर भी मुझसे दूर न हो कभी मेरी बेटियां | 

कोई मेरे तकिये से पूछे

Source: Dream

कोई मेरे तकिये से पूछे मैंने तुम्हे कितना याद किआ,

सांझ सवेरा कट तो गये , पर रातों को कैसे मैंने अपना किआ | 

करवटें बदली , दिन बदले,

पर तेरी खबर न आई ,

हर आँसू का एक सहारा बन इस तकिये ने मुझे नींद दिलाई | 

सुबह उठी तो तकिया रात भर की कहानी बता जाता था ,

नम होता था यादों से फिर भी कुछ बहाना बना जाता था  | 

कोई मेरे तकिये से पूछे मैंने तुम्हे कितना याद किआ,

सांझ सवेरा कट तो गये , पर रातों को कैसे मैंने अपना किआ | 

चंचल यादें जो मन को गुदगुदाएं उसकी खिड़की हर बार बनाता था,

कोशिश करता था एक मुसकुराहट लाने की पर फिर भी मीठी यादो से आँखें नम कर जाता था |

सुबह की मदहोश चादर ओढ़े दबे पाओ उठाता था ,

मेरा तकिया मेरा साथी बनकर तुम्हरी याद दिलाता था | 

उसके इस प्यार को शुक्रिया कहना भी कम है ,

लेकिन उसके इस उपकार के मायने भी न कम है | 

कोई उससे पूछो इन यादों को कैसे उसने समझा है,

एक ना जीने वाली वस्तु ने तुमसे मिलने की चाह को आज तक कैसे संजोये रखा है | 

ये निशानी है मेरी यादो की , तन्हाइयो की और एहसासों की 

बस तुम अब इस तकिये से जानो मैंने तुम्हरा कितना इंतज़ार है किआ,
सांझ सवेरा कट तो गये , पर रातों को कैसे मैंने अपना किआ | 

From XS to Plus Size

Since last year, I have been reading various articles suggesting how to grow your business. But I realized every idea had a limitation and an advantage, so how do you decide what is correct and what is not for you depend upon your Decision Making Skill to a larger extent at the end. Many of you will disagree with me on my point of view towards the same and that's what the ideas and implementation all about.

I have been working with a startup for 2 years now. When I joined, I used to think working on my Sale Lead Generation will help company to grow from XS profit figures to plus size. But until I realized, its a domino effect, your only focus on one aspect of Business effects the rest of Business. To grow, you can't keep on focusing on one window. Its a series of steps to be considered and in return its a recurring cycle where each and every step requires nurture and time to time support.

From Employee to sales to profit to continuous growth in different countries, every step requires detailed focus and implementation of ideas. If you will put faith in your Employees and let them work on their business aspect, the way they want with a minimal interference, you will be amazed to see the flow of ideas and its implementation. Rather then just working on Profit figures, its more important to work on the process to reach there. Online or Offline, both process needs to be tried and tested depending upon your market needs and budget.

Trying to limit you undue expenditure from Plus Size to XS and investing more in the growth can surely help you to achieve what you want to.

इस दिल से उस दिल तक

Source: JpopAsia

कभी सोचा है अगर मैं कुछ ना कहूँ और तुम पढ़ लो,

कभी सोचा है अगर मैं कुछ ना सुनु और तुम सुन लो,

बातों की उलझन या मन का दर्पण,

कुछ तो अलग है हर दिन हर पल । 

ये इस दिल से उस दिल तक कैसे बातें जाती है,

ना मैं कुछ कहती हूँ फिर भी समझ जाती है,

कैसे आखिर अनकही बातें भी सुलझ जाती है,

ऐसा क्या रिश्ता है जो सब कुछ एक कर जाती है । 

क्यों मैं चलती उस राह पे हूँ जिस राह पे तू मिलता है,

आखिर इस दिल से उस दिल तक ये कैसा रिश्ता है ?

मैं लिखने बैठूँ सच तो उसका रूप भी कुछ और है,

मेरे मन के हर पृष्ठ पे एक सुरूर चारों और है |

राहों के मुसाफिर या मेरे रास्तो के हमराही,

कैसे चुनता है कोई जिसके लिए ये जीने के मायने है बदल जाते,

कैसे हम इस दिल से उस दिल तक दबे पाओं पहुँच जाते है 

कैसे तुम मेरी हर बात को बिन बोले ही समझ जाते हो | 

कई बार ऐसा होता है, मन मैं सौ उलझने घर कर जाती है,

हर उलझन इस रिश्ते तो कमजोर करने के भरसक प्रयास में जुड़ जाती है,

पर हर बार ये मुश्किलें हमें और करीब ले आती है,

ना जाने कितने अनकहे अनसुने एहसासों को हम तक पहुंचा के 

ये इस दिल से उस दिल तक का नाता और पक्का कर आती है | 

सागर के किनारे बैठूं या ऊँची इमारतों में ,

हर जगह तुम्हे साथ महसूस करती हूँ,

कहने को हम दूर बहुत हैं, सात समुन्दर बीच किनारे,

पर फिर भी मन की उलझनों को अब बहुत दूर रखती हूँ | 

मैंने सुना था बड़े बूढ़ों से , दूरियां को नज़दीकियों में बदलना बड़ा मुश्किल है,

कइयों बार दूर बैठे एक दूसरे की बातों को समझना बड़ा ही झटिल है,

पर मैं खुदा की मेहर समझू या अपनी बुलंद किस्मत,

इस दिल से उस दिल तक बातें यूँही पहुँच जाती है,

कहना कुछ भी चाहूँ, सब अनकही बातें तुम्हे हूबहू समझ आती है | 

इस दिल से उस दिल तक आज एक बार और कहना चाहूंगी,

खुश तो बहुत हूँ मैं तुम्हे पाके,

बस इसी तरह तुम्हारे जीवन को हमेशा खुशबू बनके महकाना चाहूँगी | 

The Sailing Boat

Source: wikihow

I am 25 and figuring out what is Life,

Everything is so hazy and there is only one dim light.

Where shall I go and which path should I take

Is this the inner me or my thoughts are getting vague!

I have a sailing boat floating in the mid of Ocean

Can someone grab it for me or I have to pull it to the shore with my own inspiration.

Winds are stormy and weather is rainy,

How will I reach, will there be someone as my only rope.

Neither I know how to swim nor how to drown,

I have learnt a lesson there is always a better you waiting somewhere in every Worse.

So how do I find this better me who is sailing my boat alone,

How should I call, so it listens to my voice once more.

What will be the answer to all unknown situations,

Why everyone says "Everything happens for a reason"

Hoping to get my answers, I will sail again this time alone,

Meeting loved ones in the pathway and will create memories once more.

Its New Year and a happy time everywhere,

Hope is always lasting and it will definitely fill our life with happiness this year around!

I will surely be in my own Sailing Boat for the rest of my years
 and will invite you all for a luxurious dine in my new Mansion with new joy and happy tears!

Various Moods of a Lady

While talking to my flatmate last week I realized that we Women are so different! I must say so difficult. Its not easy to understand us at all, what we are saying, thinking, expecting or any thing I can think of.

This space is going to be less if I keep on writing everything peeping in my head, after all I am a lady and I am confused, may be stubborn, may be over thinking, may be independent. 

We have all the colors which a Men can never understand. After all emotions Men count are just - happy, anger, sad (may be) - its too much to hurt their ego to be sad, moody at times.

But we women what all emotions or moods we carry with us. While thinking about this I just thought why don't I create some names and take opinion of the world, understand what they think about emotions a Lady has.

Have you ever seen a women laughing and suddenly crying like a "LAUGHCRY". This is hilarious we women when we are happy can cry as well and we name it as happy tears. Common what are they just stupid outburst of our uncontrolled emotions!

Or you have ever seen a women crying and then suddenly happy like a child, naming it as "CRYHAP". What will you call this a wire spark in our head. 

Sometimes I don't even understand after a happy day how can I just cry after seeing a book or a couple or a missing train, naming it as "ANYTIMECRY". We are crazy and fault is not ours, its into us from birth. Accept it or move ahead we give a shit.

Have it ever happened to you that you were too angry on someone and you had to shout over them but your emotions get a toll over you. So while shouting you actually started crying and that person thinks that you are sorry that's why you are crying. So Men I want to clear this we cry because we are hurt at that time. This a different emotion may be "ANGERCRY" which you guys can never understand.

Not only this when our menstrual cycle arrives DO NOT EVER MESS WITH US, we can screw your happiness and you will never imagine why we are doing that. Its just our hormones which are forcing us to behave like this. Not our fault. This emotion of our is "PERIODEMO". We have mix of mood swings, you can see all at once during this time. If you want to experience just contact your wife.

Last week I discovered a totally new emotion into me "LOVECRY"- which can be for anyone your parents, lover, husband, siblings. Just because you are missing them, or you are meeting them after long or you are just calling them, you can see tiny droplets rolling down your eyes and saying "Hey Friend! I am here with you!". 

So Men these are not the only ones I can think of, these are just the critical ones which you can come across every single day. We have hundreds of other emotions, keep exploring us and we will keep loving you!

Do Internships Really Help post MBA?

Source: Skyschooley

I think this question is posed by each and every student on this earth to someone who has completed his graduation/post graduation or any relevant studies over the time. I was too in the impression till the time I got an opportunity to work with a start up based in Singapore and finally converting it as a full time opportunity.

When we join any institution 90% of students fear about placements. There is nothing else which come in their mind, it all revolves around their future. But have we ever thought about it what else we are doing apart from studies which stands us apart from crowd. There are million of students out there competing every single minute and we are just a part of it. So why a company should hire us? What is making us different? These all stupid or intelligent thoughts runs in our mind every single second till the time we achieve something. 

To give you an idea how internships helped me developed into a Marketing Professional here's my story. Interning at a start up is really difficult as there are no set rules and regulations. Everything is trial and test phase at start.So in a way you learn a lot, not only by peers but by yourself. This internship taught me to apply my marketing tools in a better way and taught a better approach of viewing service industry. I learned about content marketing, social media marketing and many more as I am still learning. Not only this while suggesting marketing strategies I learned that each strategy needs to be financially and operationally weighed along with viability.

I also learned that for every target segment there needs be different marketing strategies because each target segment is different and needs different attention. I also learned how consultative selling is done and why it is necessary for a salesperson to do their homework in terms of problems their target group face so that they can use maximum of that problem.

I also learned about business research and what all needs to be considered while customizing services according to client needs and market. At the last conducting a feasibility study provided new avenue to the company as they are looking for expanding in different business model and also gave me on job experience on working for such studies. At the end company marketing team was built and what all can be the hardships face while selling these kind of informal services were understood.

Internship helped me to develop holistically as I was the only one who was handling Marketing part. I got involved into four aspects of Management which gave me fair and broader idea to deal with things. The areas where I worked were:

·         Brand Management

·         Sales and Business Development

·         Marketing

·         Research

As this industry was totally new to me and I had no experience in selling services, it taught me that there is nothing right or wrong in Marketing. Ideas are being made to try and test. There is nothing like perfect until you fine tune it and try it out. Also it gave me chance to fine tune my software skills along with marketing skills.

The best part of internship was that I was directly involved in signing of deals and execution of strategies proposed by me which gave me a better idea that which strategies can work in which kind of environment. I was also directly involved in working with Owners of the firm which gave me exposure and new ideas for the company. For me it was very fruitful and helped me to become a better professional. Plus you stand apart as you have already put your hands in various domains. I personally believe before starting your career get into some internships and understand what you are good at and how you can fine tune that. I hope my little story helps you a long way.

Porter’s Five Forces Analysis of Anti Ageing Industry in UAE

               

  Bargaining Power of Suppliers

In the anti-aging market the bargaining power of suppliers/distributor’s is very high as the company/brands depend upon their reliable and robust distribution network to make sure that their product is available at the right place at the right time. In Dubai with the increasing number of mom and pop shops it is important for the companies to make their product visible and available at the nearby stores for their customers. Since at the price level almost all products are similar, hence the availability and positioning of your product at eye-level is a very important factor in influencing the buying decision of any customer. If the product is not available it is very likely that the customer will buy the next available substitute. 
Bargaining Power of Buyers

The increasing presence of social media in the society has played a very important role in increasing the knowledge and awareness of the consumer. Hence the consumer of today is much more aware and knowledgeable than ever before, which has also increased its bargaining power. Today's consumer wants to maximize its surplus hence they follow global brands and compare the prices, availability and differentiating factors amongst all competing brands before making any decision. Consumers choose those products that add more value to their money spent. Also the reason that all the products offered in the anti-aging market at same price are relatively same in terms of quality and effect, which gives more bargaining power to the consumers as now they can make their purchasing/rejection decisions instantaneously.
 Threat of New Entrants

The threat of new entrant in Dubai market is low because all the important brands are already present in the city. The barriers to entry into this industry are also high as huge amount of investment is required in terms of time and money to set-up a robust network effectively. In FMCG industry trade relations are very important which is built over time which adds another layer to the complexity to entry for a new player. Since this industry works at very low margins, hence economies of scale is imperative to survive and compete which is again difficult for a new entrant, as it won't be able to displace the current players on the Dubai market instantaneously.
 Threat of Substitutes

In Dubai residents have high disposable income due to which the substitutes available is the market are also larger in number which results in competitive anti-aging market in Dubai. With time surgical and non- surgical technology has also improved resulting in effective and affordable anti-aging treatment. Also the number of anti-aging treatments and clinics providing these treatments has mushroomed. Most of the competitor's product in skin care market is either substitutes or offer identical benefit’s to consumers. Hence this has also created stiff competition for Anti-aging cream market.
Threat of existing competition

The anti-aging market in Dubai is very competitive. Since undifferentiated products are available at same price points hence the switching cost for a customer is very less. To add to this, most of the brands have same reputation in the eyes of customer hence the companies can't bet on exclusive customer loyalty for their brand. Also the companies operating in Dubai in this segment of the market have well established distribution network which ensure that their product are readily available at majority of retail outlets across city which eliminates the possibility of any competitive advantage. 

Nestle - “Good food Good life”

Nestle is a Swiss food and beverage company which is ranked 72 in Fortune Global 500 in 2014. This company has positioned itself as nutrition, health and wellness company with quality taste over the years. Following is the analysis of brand which makes us easy to understand that how Nestle has grown over the years and what they do to make themselves distinguished.

Brand Architecture

Nestle follows Endorsement Brand Architecture which means that all my daughter brands have attributes that I as a Nestle holds. That’s why customers start associating Nestle attributes as soon as they see Nestle in daughter brands.

Purpose

      Nestle is not only famous for its products but also has purpose which is not monetary but welfare of society which is a step towards creating brand advocates. Nestle has CSR initiatives towards climate change, water, energy efficiency, biodiversity, waste and recovery, society, environment, employee safety, rural development programs throughout the world – India, Philippines, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Ethiopia, South Africa, veterinary services, education program. 

Brand Portfolio Analysis

 Product Life Cycle

  BCG Matrix

Product or its Placement

Source: Planogram

Have you ever wondered that how companies decide where products should be placed in retail stores or outlets? Or how companies can increase visual appeal to satisfy their customers’ needs or attract new set of customers!

It was always a big question, product is important or its placement. In my opinion it’s both and we are in desperate need of some magic which can help us with improvised placement of products for our increased sales value and visual appeal to tap customers mind.

I was as clueless as you guys are until one day I came across Planogram. Initially I was startled by the name and purpose but on gradually digging about it deeper now I understand why everyone is running for it from Cosmetics Company to clothing, apparels and fashion.

Planogram turns out to be such kind of programming which is a visual diagram which provides detailed placement of every product in retail outlets making your work easier than before. Detailed placement is not just related to presenting the flow but also which aisle to put, facings of the SKU’s in case you have large number of products and you want to increase their visual display so you need different facings to attract, better and improved point of sales. It provides comprehensive solution to all small and large retailers problem across the world.

Large retailers usually hire specialists for the designing and use of planograms but smaller retailers still depends largely on paper and pen because of its high cost which is a major concern. The various benefits which Planogram provides are not limited to placing of products and increasing sales. It can also be used product replenishment, reducing out of stocks and inventory control. It combines the store needs with consumer needs thereafter increasing your sales and helping you to stand apart in eyes of your consumers!

I am still analyzing this product features and will surely be amazed as I explore more! What about you?

This post is originally posted on http://ideasmakemarket.com/2015/08/do-you-know-about-planogram.html

The Way Singaporeans Live!!

In 1959 Singapore attained its full government and election was won by People Action Party whose leader Lee Kuan Yew who became the first Prime Minister of Singapore. Lee Kuan Yew was the world’s first country Marketing Director who built the “Singapore” as a brand. According to United Nations Human Development Index (UNHD) 2014, ranks Singapore as 9 out of 187 countries with feeling of belonging, vibrant culture, racial harmony, strong ethic and ethnic tolerance. Throughout the world it is famous as holiday, shopping, business and living destination. Due to its cosmopolitan culture it has evolved and grown like no other nation in the world. The majority of the population is dominated by Chinese following by Malays and Indians.

Singapore has seen change in the trends of consumers in last few years, it can be  due to various reasons, few of them can be named as influx of expatriates which creates competition for Singaporeans, increasing spent on tuition fees of children, and increase in e-shoppers aged 25-34 (72%), 15-24 (51%) , 36-49 (50%) as well as 50-59 (34%) with aged 60 and above contributing 23% which include clothes, airline and cinema tickets, books and gadgets, online grocery shopping (Euromonitor, 2014). Also Singaporeans love to travel, dine out, and donate in charities while enjoying weekends luxuriously.

Profiling of Singaporeans:

Infants and Kids:

Parents of these infants and kids are sending their children to enrichment centers from the early age as they believe to develop them emotionally and culturally it is very essential for them where they learn both English and Mandarin as language and they themselves attend parental programs and visit parental websites. Also they have this perception that better the enrichment centers better will be the school in which their child will start his/her education. The uniqueness for this segment doesn’t stop here even baby spa, gym, swimming, yoga, brain training in form of “Shichida” classes is very popular in Singapore.

For kids in the age group of 3-8 years tuition classes are another business which has seen growth. Not only these toys, DVD’s and books are the most selling products for this segment and Singapore Mummy Facebook Page is creating a lot of buzz for such products in the market.

Generation Z (8-19)

This segment of consumers is exposed to mobile phones and they make most use or misuse of it depends upon the marketer who wants to use this information. These teenagers top interest’s lies in music, computers and movies. As Singapore has high household broadband penetration they remain involved in messaging, video games all time. Facebook is most popular social media for this segment of users followed by Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest. But it is interesting to know that aged 17-19 join Linked in account for professional purpose. They also suffer from blood pressure and sugar problems, due to inactive participation in sports where companies can surely target and leverage by promoting healthier lifestyle as it can turn out to be a big gap in economic progress.

Generation Y (20-30)

For this segment it is interesting to know that males have to serve compulsory 2 year military service where female enter higher education or work. Another interesting trend which can be seen is according to Kelly Global Workforce Index younger Singaporeans were switching jobs to find positions that could give them personal growth (41%) and personal fulfilment (29%).

They generally spent on fashion, food and cuisines, entertainment. They prefer foreign brands for all these and specifically for clothes they prefer going to brick mortar store, try the outfit and order online. Skin care is another segment where Generation Y is most loyal in Singapore. They prefer organic and herbal cosmetics along with mass and premium range of products in the market. Society, recommendations from friends and families influences their buying dimensions to greater extent.

Generation X (31-45)

This generation is kind of sandwich generation who are between their parents and children taking care of both segments simultaneously. Though their interest lies in luxurious items, entertainment and better dine out areas. For them their career is also important thus they focus on improving interpersonal skills, technical knowledge as well as use social media widely. Employees are willing to spend money on all these developments and searching for better options to upgrade themselves.

Baby Boomers (46-64)

This segment in Singapore is called the happiest segment as they are happy with whatever they have achieved; happy with the family and the kind of life they live. Before making any purchase their normal trend is to seek recommendation from family and friends. Activities in which they like to involve themselves vary from cooking to shopping. They love reading, cycling, surfing net and travelling to various destinations of the world. This segment of consumers has urge to learn IT and cooking skills for news, interesting places, activities, shopping etc.

Apart from this, the prestigious Hawkers centers are somewhere loosing charm in Singapore due to hygiene factors. Raw food is slowly taking place of other fast food options along with Chinese tea which is claimed as coffee of Singapore.

Now it’s time for companies to utilize this opportunity and expand their horizon to the untouched segments of Singapore - trend is changing you just need to get most out of it!

Originally this article is published on http://ideasmakemarket.com/2015/04/the-way-singaporeans-live.html