Sales - Doing it the right way!

It's often said that when the dust settles, the air clears, in any walk of life - there is something which matters in the end. Something very important. Something very specific that more often than not stands out to be the interface to the world and in the field of Business and Entrepreneurship its that single most cherished and dreaded word - SALES!

Sales often define the sustainability of your business and hence it is necessary to have a strategy that outshines the ones adopted by your competition. It need not be all complex, a simple well structured plans to capture your target audience and effectively implementing your plans is important.

Due to the fast growing consumer friendly technology and the power truly coming into the hands of the consumers, their methods of purchasing is constantly changing. Making your product for sales as visible as possible not in a way to disgust the consumer and creating the right kind of need and curiosity will make the battle go in your way. Make no mistake about it, sales requires time and extra effort to create the right kind of impact, I say this because for a lot of small business and startups, the first few sales are the ones that give them the boost and the needed kick to look forward to a bright future and in this duration, if there is any negativity and the consumer has a mouthful to say, the word of mouth - the age old best method of marketing will make it that much difficult to break the shackles. So extra effort and care should be taken to carry this out effectively.

It's good to see a lot of startups coming up with various unique sales strategy and wanting to get in innovative methods and break the regular norms. It is one way they can stand out.

Here are a few things you can keep in mind when coming up with a sales strategy :

1) Create a sense of Need : This can be very effectively used for both a consumer market and a client market. While it is comparatively easy to attract the consumer market by using inviting ads and marketing methods, the later is difficult since they know the crux of the business. The way you interact should make them commit to the product. Persuade but do not border on arrogance even if your product is a game changer in the industry. The client will see the game changing attribute as you explain it to them because of their experience in the business. In case they fail to see it, you're not SELLING well. Make them feel that they have an upper hand keeping the ball in your court. In business people like to appear over powering even when they have nothing, It's a real test of character and sales will grind you to bring the best in you.

It is through this that you actually demonstrate a true value of your product. This fact of "value" is so important that sometimes this is what will carry you even if you flaw in you're sales strategy. One other way is to create opportunities and expose the product to people who have a conservative mindset. Explain the value that your product offers. Have enough proof to support your claims. This trust that you build and grow will take you a long way in your business.

2) Target Market and Outreach : The more you know, the better it is. Knowing the target market is essential and often is very critical. It often becomes a starting point of your sales and gives you that confidence and a head start. This is certainly not taking an easy way out, but as they say a known devil is better than an unknown angel! Make every sale like it's your first sale. The more you do, the better you get at it. To gain the confidence, you can also sell it to your known circle. Notice, I said SELL it to your known circle. Their inputs and thoughts may add a certain value when you face questions client. You need to know the answers to all the questions. Understand the prospect. Understand their mindset and get a general understanding of their business methods. Sales can be very client oriented that satisfies the expectations of both parties.

Knowing the target audience also helps you go methodically in ways you approach them, so you know what worked and what didn't. While it's safer to repeat what won you the sales, don't hesitate something new that you feel will help in your sales but know what you speak, you don't want to end up taking a plate full and not being able to deliver.

Reaching out to the clients once you have a target audience while keeping an eye out for opportunities can be done is a few simple yet effective ways - Cold calling, emails, personal invites, catalog handouts, networking. Use the resources exhaustively. To start with you just want to know them, get them interested and then gradually speak business. You don't want to meet them and straight off start with business. A person will be willing to buy only if he sees a certain X-factor in your. Otherwise, every one sells. But do you just want to sell or keep a bigger picture in mind and do effectively sales simultaneously?

One of the most regularly used survey result.

3) Be Real and Deliver : There's no reason to fake anything. Stand for what you are and what you offer, Growing is a part of life and you will definitely have your shares of highs and lows. Sales is no different, their may be slumps and staggering highs. Plunder when you see and opportunity and don't be a miser when you things are stacked against you. All that a client would want is your product when they're showing an interest, being as real as possible will help you win the sales. There is a need to assess the risk factor and ensure that you don't turn off the client. The client will always be focused on how effective your strategies and having a hassle free set up sales process will definitely get the client more interested. While knowing your comfort zone, show a keen interest in the client's too. That's a real game winner.

Sales - Growth defines a company's future

Deliver what you promise, I come with an ideology that regardless of how difficult, it's personally important to deliver what I promised. It'll ensure I can have a good night's sleep. You're interactions with the client should make him realize that you are the GO TO person! The thought of an alternate shouldn't even occur to him. The sales process does not end with sales. It's much more than that and of course, there will be objections and rejections, take them all in your stride. Always come back with a solution and better.


4) Monitor : This is something that we often think of but fail to do. While it is personally necessary to know what worked for you and what didn't. It's better to have a mentor, someone who does know you well, someone who can ensure that you are using your complete potential. This kind of grooming is necessary to bring out the best in you, for people who don't have it - look for someone in the space for some guidance. There are a lot of people willing to encourage and give the entrepreneurs a good platform. The other things to keep in mind is set realistic goals, meet targets. Identifying the decision maker both while facing the client and a consumer and getting their attention can prove very significant in sales.

It is also necessary to assess the strategy and break it down into how the sales went, what went your way and what didn't? Did you get what you want? These breakdowns gives you an detailed understanding of your strengths and weakness. They will also help you focus better on the skills you lack. A review process is absolutely necessary for this to go ahead.

In the end, a sales strategy is all about making sure you reach your targets, you hit the right market and makes best of it. Based of the product you sell or the service you provide, a good story to capture the client will also help. Certainly make use of that emotional quotient. Have a clear answer to why you should be someone that the client or the consumer should turn to.

Hit the Sales Target

If you're not taking care of your're customer, your're competitor will.

Sales define your sustainability.

Market Analysis - Ways to master it!

Market Analysis

The Wiki definition of Market Analysis says that it studies the attractiveness of a special market within a special industry. It is also known as a documented investigation of a market that is used to inform a firm's planning activities, particularly around decisions of inventory, purchase, work force expansion/contraction, facility expansion, purchases of capital equipment, promotional activities, and many other aspects of a company.

Based on this I would categorize the study in the following manner:

Analysis

1) Purpose or Reason

- To assess business opportunity.

- To get an understanding of the target market.

- Best understand market penetration

- To understand the trends in the market.

My view is that it is very difficult to win the edge over the market without understanding the market behaviour, A good understanding of the marketplace is necessary to outshine competition and also to effectively implement a Marketing Strategy.

2) Why do a Market Analysis? (Broader sense)

- To understand the need of the product.

- Understanding to focus of the target audience/potential customers.

- To evaluate capital growth.

- To understand the mindset of a customer/customer base.

- To establish an effective market strategy.

- For better customer acquisitions.

- To stay ahead of competition.

Generation of data:

The data can be classified in to ways here, primary and secondary.

Primary data is what we get from surveys, direct interaction with our clients, observation and understanding. More often, this is the most valuable source of data we can generate.

Secondary data is something that we get via the internet, Govt. Campaigns and research. While this certainly adds value to your findings, this may not wholly apply to your case.

A successful venture utilizes both the data to the maximum possible and tries to gain an advantage in the market.

Types of market:

Here I have identified 3 markets -

A) Builder/Re-seller/Wholesaler

- Builders are property constructors

- Re-seller can be like a middlemen/agent who may play a role in mass market sales.

- Wholesaler someone who buys products/items in bulk.

- This is where mass money is.

- Time convenient.

- Money in flow may not be stable.

B) Individuals

- These are the classes we target to whom we can sell our items both individually/complete system.

- Money flow is stable.

- Time focused.

- Cost of customer acquisition may be high.

- Profit is a variant.

C) Industrial

- These are SMEs, SEZs.

- Unit wise target.

- Help form future business clients.

- Money inflow stable.

- Small untapped market.

3) Market Analysis Process:

From the market analysis we can come too an understanding of the people who are willing to buy.

The value proposition document gives an understanding of why a customer should buy our product.

The Competitors understanding gives us an edge in the market.

To better understand the product, it's better to have a look both ways – from the maker's end and also from the customer's end. In simple words, try to answer these questions – What is your product? What does it do? How does it benefit you over the competition? How does it benefit the customer?

It is also important to mention the specs and the characteristics of the product to give a clear picture to the target audience with a microscope.

When the target audience varies in age, sex and usage – a case study that explains the usability for each one of them will really help.

Depending on the type of business you are in, it makes you extremely efficient if you know the mindset of the customers. Questions like why a customer prefers a Brand A over a Brand B, if answered will help you gain the necessary edge.

While it is important to note that a good service and quality products can clearly set your product apart, it is also important to add attributes to your product if possible. In some cases this may be a completely new product or a product range. Always think of “What's next”. The best example I can think of for this is that of a Power Bank over a conventional Battery Charger. The attribute of the power bank is that its portable, user friendly and aesthetically built. Though you may need to charge the power bank using the conventional power supply, people ignore the aspect if they see a true value in it. Like one of the recent surveys said, 78% of the Indian population will spend a little extra for the value and the service we offer (this is quite astonishing considering the conservative mindset that we are thought of). Attribute your product well. It may be you're market capturing run-away hit.

Market Segmentation

Some of the basic modes of segmentation and how they can help you in your venture is listed below:

A) Geographic

- Locality wise product selling.

- Helps you know your target region.

- Focus sales.

- Inter home region area segmentation.

B) Demographic

- Age, sex, income form some of the basic fundamentals to attract sales.

- Focus group sales are a sure shot income generators.

- A wide appeal also helps in mass market sales.

C) Psychographic

- This to me is the most important aspect.

- I remember what Mark Zuckerberg said on this – The word of a trusted friend is the most powerful tool to influence a person to buy a product.

- The power to influence is the key and having the right kind of influence is even more important to drive sales.

- A customer's notions, preset thoughts all play a key role in deciding the format of tackling.

- Along with the above point, a client's thoughts opens up avenues and opportunity to the service provider to provide the best, raise the bar and lift the notch a little higher.

D) Behavior

- Some products may be a purpose oriented design or use case.

- In many scenarios, the client himself would want something very particular that satisfies him even at an emotional level.

- This may also be a case with a mass product. Ex: Women (Even the conservative ones) are moving to the modular kitchens throwing aside the conventional one. You very well know how you're Mother or Wife feels when they get to pick a Modular kitchen.

Social Media Impact

4) Competitive Analysis

Every business faces competition. Acknowledging that they exist and getting an edge over them in as many areas as possible will make your business stand out. You do not have to fear that they may be momentarily be doing better than you, have a path, work on a strategy and proceed in that way to get you a clear edge. Having all these sorted out from the start will certainly help you sail smooth. In simple words, my definition of a business strategy is “destroy your competition”.

A business/start-up must know themselves well, they should also know their competition.

You can also conduct a SWOT analysis on the competitor. A business owner should have answers to few of these questions -

Who are the competitors?

What is their target audience?

How is the customer satisfaction factor?

SWOT Analysis?

What is their market strategy?

Their position in marketplace?

Understanding these factors, you will know where you stand, your marketplace and will also help create a market edge and a competitive edge.

5) Research Analysis

After doing all the above, it becomes necessary to have the data you've collected and organize it.

This will help you create a successful Business Model and Strategy.

Remember: Market Analysis never ends.

An Apology to Women.

Not too long ago I heard the Martin Luther King, Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech once again. Every time I listen to it, it gives me goosebumps. I was down and out, I needed some courage some inspiration and this speech gives me that. A day went by, I was reading the daily newspaper. The news of sexual harassment, women beating and all the non-sense happening to the women-kind around the world just got my blood boiling AGAIN. We seem to have become immune to all these news and unless it happens to one of our loved ones, we seem to give a damn only for a day or two. Of-course, I'm not generalizing! But this is a sad truth. This has to stop. This has to come to an end.

I just saw a video a little while ago, and this happened in NYC.

Will you react only if it happens to your Sister, Wife, Mother or Girlfriend?

Like Martin Luther King, Jr, I have a dream. One of my many dreams. But it is one of my most important dreams and I'm going to do it in the ways I know best. My dream is to see women claim the right to live as an equal, to live free not giving a damn about what the society is going to say, to laugh from the heart, to cherish their dreams. My dream is to create as many Women Entrepreneurs as possible. Lets face it, without a Woman, we Men are NOTHING. Right from giving birth to our death most of us have a woman giving us their attention, love, care and concern. They see our dreams take flight and without their sacrifices and conditioning there could never have been any great men. Women for years in a lot of places have been trained like an animal in a cage - to be controlled literates. In a lot of places where a woman can force this change, please do so. Stick to your dreams. Never back out. In places where a woman can't force this, take the support of a most trusted friend/colleague - can be a male too. There are a few people who really do care. They are your best bet and you need this.

Promote gender equality, give a woman the wings that she needs. She can do much better than a male. Women are not there only for child birth or to satisfy your sexual needs. Each and every girl right from their childhood have their dreams and goals, why is that only that a boy's dreams considered the ultimate? Are you worried that the girl child can do much better than a Boy?
Look at the video and knock some sense in to you're head.

I am taking a stand here because I cant be everywhere. I am taking a stand to help as many women as I can. If it's physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse or just about anything - I am there to help. I urge all men with ethics to do the same. Everything is possible if you put you're mind to it. It's not difficult if you have your minds in the right place.

This is the only way I can fulfill this dream - by sticking my neck out. Not going to be a mute spectator. Enough is enough. This has to stop. and to all the women - You still have a few good men out there to reach out to and if you feel threatened just call out, fight back or yell. There may be a hundred who will watch - screw those spineless bastards. You will still find one person who will stand up and question. That one person is enough to change the herd mentality, and you girls are strong yourselves - Never hesitate to resort to violence when you feel wrongly harassed. You are in no way weaker than a male. Having said all this, I am still yet to find out a solution for all the wrongs happenings to toddlers - I, in all honesty do not have an answer to it now. Vigilance is the only way to move forward. But this has to stop. This is my Dream. Wish and Prayer. I again Urge all Men to act and not just be spectators. I HAVE MADE MY STAND.

To all the women, I say this :

Women, I'm sorry.

I promise to take a stand and I will not go back on my words. Never. Ever.

Women, I Salute you.

You can listen to Martin Luther King, Jr's Speech here :
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/mlkihaveadream.htm

Everything is Negotiable - 7 tips to become a good negotiator.

Negotiation is a fact of life. A true businessman knows everything is negotiable. Negotiation, in my opinion is a contest of will and ability to convince the other party and to come out as a winner. It is a win-lose process. I also believe an effective negotiation should meet the needs of both sides across the table preserving a relationship.

Negotiation also determines how we value the other party and what kind of a relationship we want to have with them. It's essential for a good negotiator to know how to build relationships, to understand what another person needs and what he sees as the outcome and get that out cleverly. It's also a trait of a negotiator to stay calm even under pressure.

A successful negotiator knows a thing or two on what's needed and this is what I feel are the support factors of a negotiator:

1) Be Prepared

Every serious negotiation requires real planing, preparation and a great rapport if multiple people are negotiating the same deal. Negotiation is a great art that you can learn through practice. Think of the all the outcomes, work out various possibilities and the benefits of a certain deal. Having an agenda and sticking to it as much as possible will help you to stay well within what your comfort zone and will help achieve the task you had in mind. Staying in a good frame of mind is quite important. Before a negotiation, have a neat meal and head out with confidence. Try as much not to weaken your stand and also try not to show any weakness or fatigue.

2) Know Your Ultimate

Many times in an negotiation we get so caught in the moment that we forget what our ultimatum is. We often tend to lose track of what we want to achieve in the deal. The best way to go about this is to keep a list of things you want to achieve in the deal / negotiations. Some sort of a road map. Know the client and assess the person you're negotiating with. The style and confidence with which you negotiate will leave a lasting impact. One important aspect of this is to negotiate with a person who can make the final decision, there is no point in negotiating with a person who is just a representative. In all this know the bottom line, negotiate for a reason or make your excuse a strong reason.

3) A Goal High Enough

You are you're own justification, what you want is your desire. Sometimes this may not validate this for the person on the other end, and that's totally okay! Valuing yourself at one end of the table is as important as valuing the person on the other end. Negotiation in other words is compromise, so there can be no deal without a give and take policy. The higher your aspirations are at the beginning, the better you are at closing a deal. Sometimes (most times) it's better to ask for more than what you need. Set right expectations and you shall prevail.

4) Listen and Nod

Only if you are a good listener will you be a good negotiator. Listening here helps you in two things - To negate politely and suggest an alternative if you don't comply with the offer made and also to gather information and understand the mentality of the person across the table. The better you understand a person, the more flexible, creative and comfortable it will be. Remember to respect the good intentions and acknowledge a point being made. Feel free to ask questions and suggest changes, but don't put down the person in the other end. Listen and Speak - helps increase your personal value and that in turns makes you a strong person and the deals will follow.

5) Avoid Emotions

Negotiation is just a show off game and the one who has a higher firepower emerges the winner. Though it can go on for a series of meets and processes where egos and emotions may have a say, it's best to keep it with yourself. No better person to learn this from than Harvey Specter. The more emotional you get attached to a deal, the more it'll drain you out. Any deal is definitely important, but you cant cling on to it. Value the emotions, but avoid it in business.

6) Know When To Shake Hands And Walk Away

There are many cases where you cant get into an understanding with the other person, you need to know that things will not work out the way you want it to always in business. There may also be cases where you'll be embarrassed, not for the deal you offer but simply because the person on the other end does not value it enough. At these times, stand up, shake the person's hand and walk away.

7 ) Patience

You give only 3 options to the other party when you make an offer. They can either - Accept, Reject or Counteroffer. Once you make an offer, wait till they respond, This is in business terms called "Calculated Hesitation". If you begin to re-think before they come back, you're actually negotiating for them. So hold on, give it a pause, wait for them to speak, hear them out. Then go on with the process of negotiating.


Master Negotiator - Harvey Specter (Suits)

Harvey Specter - Suits

Negotiation is a skill learned. 

The more you do, the better you get.

How to be a successful leader!

Leadership skills matter a lot in your everyday life. This is very crucial for your success. Be it a large organization, a small business or just your own family, a person with good leadership skills will change the course of the progress and elevate it to another level.

Let's start some personal attributes that a lot of successful leaders share.

1) Personal Integrity - Integrity is how you behave when no one is looking. It's derived from the math term "integer" which means a "complete entity". Leaders should lead by setting an example. If this is the case, a person automatically becomes a leader in the eyes of others because everyone would be watching. A team, colleagues, employees will naturally trust someone who has this. Integrity is extremely important. Ex - Warren Buffet

2) Listening Skills - Notice I've written listening as a skill. Not all of them have this. Everyone has a comment to make but the inability to patiently listen. A leader will look in the eye of the speaker using the best body language possible, like a nod to confirm the point spoken. Make sure you understand what is being said even if you don't agree with it. Ex - Ratan Tata

3) Communication Skills - Use your tongue wisely. Don't clutter your announcements. Say what you want to say in a few words effectively. Avoiding uncertainty is very important. This does not mean that it should be dictatorial. Just be clear. Back it up with concrete data, examples whenever necessary. It's necessary to inform decisions with confidence and clarity. Ex - Bill Gates

4) Courage - Courage is often misunderstood in our culture. Courage is not overlooking danger. Courage is knowing the danger or shortcomings and acting the right way in spite of it. Courage fulfills your hunger. Courage allows you to look beyond what stops you from getting there. No leader would've been successful without the courage. Courage is the fuel to your journey ahead.
Ex- Nelson Mandela

Here's what I think is constantly in the mind of a leader :

COLLECTING INFORMATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I think it's in the DNA of a leader to gather the maximum information on his domain as quickly as possible. When talking about this to  his colleagues, friends, it makes them think. Brings them to the same page. ANALYSE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED once the information is gathered, the next thing any leader would do subconsciously would be to analyze the information, sometimes the same is shared with a focus group to gather as much information as possible. This is where for some experience counts and for some the gut feeling. Leaders keeps their personal feelings aside and treat every decision like how they treated their first one, only with a lot less commotion. THE WHAT NEXT question always boggles a leader. While it's necessary to complete a task effectively and efficiently to the fullest, it's also necessary to have the what next factor to edge out a potential competition. Have a clear path, be ambitious but not greedy. Do not fear. No one has survived without doing a mistake, constant and repeated mistakes should be avoided. TAKE A STAND, there may be cases where a leader has to make a tough decision. Don't fall back, this is what defines a leader. Once a decision is made, communicate it with confidence and clarity. Do not be consumed with the big picture, minute details and executing it effectively is crucial for your success.

Leadership is a learned skill. 

Everyone can become a Leader.

Find that LEADER in you!

Together as one again

This is just my thought and something that was engraved in me real hard yesterday.

No matter how difficult the going gets, no matter how bad things were - it can always change.

We get so carried away in ego and in anger that we forget the basic essence of life. The bond once formed can never break. You may drift apart and there may be that gap. But the thought of the person and the memories will always remain. Good or bad, they've touched your soul. If a person you loved had drifted apart, how ever hard it gets give them some time. If they've loved you the same way, there can not been a sudden replacement of you. This is of course only to the souls who are as true as you are. Trust your bond. You may feel hell insecure, but stick around. You may feel like giving up, jusy don't! This may well be a lesson in life. It sure is, but at the same time you don't want to lose the person you dearly love. You may not be able to speak all that you want, it's still fine. Bite your teeth and show what you're made of. This may be the lowest of your low but the urge to get back truly will keep you alive and running.

Giving up is simply not an option and settling for less is also not an option. True love should never fade or die. Never take the easy way out. You want to mend things and be like before, even if seems impossible, it's doable.

Point is - Don't give up. Don't lose heart. Things may be tougher than you can handle. Vengeance is not an choice. With goodness in your heart, try to get back step by step!

I myself am waiting for my revival. It's harsh and hard. But if you believe in it and if your conscious is clear, life and realization will make you one again.

Never give up. Get hit, get up and love freely.

I'm not giving up for sure!

*The other person should also somewhere feel the same about you.

The Journey that never ends.

Having multiple partners in crime is definitely a kill! This time around was joined by 2 of my closest friends. The day started at 4 30 for me, woke up washed my bike and set out with my bike and camera. Goutham (Gautam) woke up at 5 and gave me a buzz while I was washing my bike. It was decided that the meeting point was at his place. Khadir was surprisingly on time today, bike rides perhaps are the only thing that makes him punctual! I reached 10mins late and were treated to yummy "Obattu" by Gouti's mum! We left soon after that by 6 15 we were on the road to "Manchanbele"

Khadir (Left) and Gautam (right) on Royal Enfields

The Ride

An awesome bike ride, cold wind hitting your arms, the biking passion driving you, the thump of the bike and the unforgettable beauty of nature just makes you realize life is one heck of a ride!

  

The Road Ahead

As Valentino Rossi said "Riding a bike is an Art - a thing you do because you feel something inside" , I felt that every second I rode the bike. The morning ride to "Jayanagar" 

gave me enough time to reflect back, to think, my regrets, my past and visualize how I foresee my future.

We reached the "Dodda Allada Mara" aka "The Big Banyan Tree" by 7. The early morning ride through the narrow village streets, the folks there looking at you as you ride is simply a flattering feeling.

Had this craving for "Rice Bath" for months  now. I had long missed the taste of the small  time rice bath center very near my  Engineering  college in Kanakapura Road. We stopped at a  shop near The Big Banyan tree and ate "Bisi  Bisi Thatte Idly" and I long quenched my  craving for Rice Bath. After a long time did I enjoy rice bath to its fullest. The quantity of rice couldn't have made me any happier. I seldom eat rice these days, but didn't care a bit and all of us hogged till our tummies were full (always pray the one who puts food on your plate to live long - with so much quantity, I'd say extra long). Had a nice laugh, ended the breakfast with tea (Didn't get pictures of those), the journey resumed.

One of my favorite pictures of these two.

 Soon we were at the sight of the magnificent Manchanbele.....

Magnificent Manchanbele

We stopped there and the bikes had their photo-shoot done.

Post the photo session we continued on our journey having a few laughs. We were soon told that the entry to the Manchanbele lake was now restricted and that special permission was required to get in. We were disappointed but the ride kept our spirits up. As we rode we came across an old forbidden temple. We decided that we'll get in and have a check. Surprisingly the temple, although painted recently inside was shut in the wee hours of the day. If you knew Khadir, you wouldn't take long to know what he was thinking, Yes! our man wanted a photo-shoot (Still remember how he cursed me and Gouti during our Kharagpur trip). Did a few shots -

After the shoot, we went a certain distance en-route Savandurga and headed back home. Goutham had to leave to Chennai.

In a lot of ways, this trip was one that I'll cherish. It was the first time I wore a Jacket that I bought 4 years back thanks to Goutham and Soumya (My Best Friend / Reason for what I am today). Was also the first time I wore the scarf that Aravind Srivatsav bought for me.

Jacket and Skull Scarf

Route map to Manchanbele

Biking is so much fun. It takes away your pain, shows you the world, brings you closer to the people.
Like they say "The world is a book and the ones who do not ride read only a page"

Here's to another day. Another ride and Unlimited passion.

Alone in the end

We're born because of two
Learn to act, talk, walk and speak from a few
Laugh, cry, frown and smile with folks, dear
Until we realize life is nothing but a fluke.

We love many
Marry one (some are lucky)
A soul to ride with
Till the very end.

When its all over
When its curtain call
When we actually realize what life is
The bell rings, we die alone.

Why is it that we have company throughout our lives,
And let to die alone?
Realization, a joke?

A place where no one likes to be

There is a place where no one likes to be

a wide smile yet you may see

pleasing the people

as they walk past him in the alley

His smiles die down

so did his strength and urge to live

as-though nothing is real
he entered a shell 

The art of masking, he mastered,

but there was only one
who saw him at his best and worst
that was the string that was pricking

An oath, he took , to celebrate, to laugh
only once he had his revival
as the clock ticks, seasons change
he awaits for his sunshine 

Why Sisters rock!

If you have a sister, you have a friend for life. Perhaps one of the very few people who'll be loyal to you and never let you go astray. You may have come to kill each other a million times, but patch up later like nothing ever happened. She's the one person you can always go to. The one person who'll never truly let go of you, even when she does a mistake and knows you'll be pissed, she'd still tell you and display a true bond. She'll ask you to come home on time to prevent scoldings from parents, she'll be the savior when you're in a deep mess. She'll be a strong fierceful woman and also become a child with that innocent smile (you cant say no to!) when she wants you to buy her chocolates and dress. She'll also make you eat the food that she's happily left on her plate again to cleverly escape the scoldings from parents!

PS - Never fight for the TV remote, you're losing two wars there - The Remote and The War of Words.

Here's what makes them the best at what they do

1) Undisputed partner in crime 

This combination is the world's best TAG TEAMS ever. Either it's picking on each other, or teaming up against someone else, your sister is the clever brat that you are not!

2) Anything under the sun

You can talk to her about anything and everything, she will in her own typical style give a response and an advise that will make even the most tense matters so damn simple! Though you hang out with your buddies, she's the one for your emotional and practical content. Sisters make living so easy! 

3) In-house role model

A sister is the first person you admire when you come off age! Though she's annoying at times, you'd still love her heaps and bounds. She's inspires you in every walk of life be it career or friends. She knows you better than you know yourself! 

4) Love Guru 

She's the perfect love guru for you! She'll tell in a glance if the girl is worth you, always placing the brother above the girl! She'll tell you bits and pieces on how to impress a girl, She's also your fashion designer often saving you from a disaster that you are! She'll also clear all your confusions about a girl! Perhaps, it's time for the brothers to learn a thing or two and stop being stereotypical (Ahem!) 

5) Keeps your tummy happy

When you get tired of eating the same food each day at home and let your sister know, she'll spring a surprise on you by cooking your favorite dish when you least expect it! A clever guy will take it from there and pamper the sister to have this as a regular in flow. A dish that your sister cooks is equivalent to that of what your mum prepares, except that its more trendy and that's how you like it!

6) Crisis Manager

She's the most efficient manager you'll come across. She'll lie for you when she has to, she'll pamper you to get things her way when she needs, she'll fight for you, she'll cry with you and she'll laugh with you. She's the only reason you are what you are. She's also a companion and the first one you'll ask to accompany you to all the events and boring family functions. 

The list just goes on...

In short - A sister is a friend for ever! For ever and beyond.

Dedicating this Raksha bhandan to all brothers and sisters!

and Oh! Before I let you go, sharing the a video and an image below which are very dear to me! 

and

A still from the movie Agneepath 

Love the above pic so much!


*All images courtesy Google.

Rajini for entrepreneuRs!

"Naan oru thadava sonaa, nooru thadava sonna madri" and "Enn vazhi thani vazhi" dialogues amongst many others still yearn to find a replacement. It's been 10 yrs since some of these amazing, meaningful dialogues were made. The man behind it is our dear "Thalivar" Rajikanth who exemplifies these dialogues into philosophies in a way only he can. The style king.

Still from Basha

Born Shivaji Rao Gaekwad on the 12th of December 1950, there are tons of things one can learn from his life. Surviving through all hardships and coming up in life he strikes a chord with both the classes and masses alike. He is best known for his humbleness and spirituality. His style is impeccable. Often imitated, never duplicated. The climb from a bus conductor to the second highest paid actor in Asia is quite a Himalayan task. He is the SUPERSTAR!

His movies are a festival for his fans. Celebrated with much "doom dham" and not one of his movies miss the jackpot in the box office. The man yet is so humble. I've never seen him in person, but his appeal is so dearing, omnipresent and lovable. Dedicating his success to the lord above and to the people, he has shown the utmost compassion and respect to his fans. "Periyavargale, thaimargale, patrikenanbargale matrum enna vazhavekkire dhaivangazhana tamil makkale" that greets the elders, women and press folks and also to the tamil speaking people who he considers equivalent to the Gods. Rajinikanth to me is a larger than life persona. A universal phenomenon.

Rajini's fans in Japan where he a huge appeal and following.

His songs have been a source of inspiration for many, I have heard stories of people coming out of depression and trying to lead a better life because of his songs and his presence.

Rajini's life and style along with his powerful movie and dialogues can be a one heck of a lesson for entrepreneurs. Here's a few I like :

1) Naan Solrathaan Seiven, Sollathathium Seiven

          "I'll do what I say, I'll also do what I don't say" is what the above line translates to. While this can be misinterpreted, an entrepreneur must be willing to take that extra leap, spend that extra hour to deliver the best. To promise less and deliver more. Rajini's inborn humbleness and difficulties may have led him to where he now. But the actor has always taken care to know his strengths and weaknesses and comes out on top with his dedication and perseverance always.
Lesson here : Be accommodating. Promise less, deliver more.

2) Enn Vazhi, Thani Vazhi

         "My path is my own" is what this powerful dialogue and something I relate to very closely. An entrepreneur is often a misfit for the society, remember this during those times when you're down. Know the rules, but play your own game. Don't get beaten if things don'g go your way. Self confidence is very important. You get knocked down, get back up and fight to live another day and succeed. If you're doing what's dear and true to you, walk through valleys of uncertainty, you'll make it - sooner or later.
Lesson here : You own your destiny. Getting there may have its ups and downs - don't fear.

3) Naa Oru Thadavaa Sonna, Nooru Thadavaa Sonna Madri

         "If I say something once, it's equivalent to saying it a hundred times". Thinking, analyzing, comparing and valuing are a few traits of a successful entrepreneur. This is in general and not only for entrepreneurs, in any working culture, one must have the respect and admiration of their counterparts and colleagues. An entrepreneur should earn the same and show qualities of leadership. So, think and speak.
Lesson here : An entrepreneur should show leadership qualities. Words matter.

4) Kanna Panniga Thaan Khootama Varum, Singhom Singala Thaan Varum

         "Pigs come in a herd but a lion walks alone". This is a dialogue from Rajini's megahit "Shivaji". In the entrepreneur world, pigs are referred to the ones having a crowd mentality and lion as someone who stands up and stays strong. It is extremely important for an entrepreneur to stay strong and stand for what's correct in their entrepreneurial journey. It is very easy to lose track and wander away to a dark place. Also, even when there are adversities and when you lose the ones dear to you because of fear, a true entrepreneur will still withstand the hardships and sail through. It's when you're tested, you'll reveal yourself.
Lesson here : Adversities will come and go. Stay put, stand strong and fight back. Just be a little smart too!

5) Naan Eppo Varuveen, Eppadi Varuveenu Yarrukum Theriyaadu
    Aana Varaveendiya Nerathileye Correcta Varuven

         "When I come and how I come, no one knows.
          But when I need to come, I'll definitely be there on time"
While some find it cool to be late to work, it sets a bad vibe and certainly is disrespectful to others. An entrepreneur when gives his/her word, should stick to it. No matter how difficult it is, punctuality is a must. Time is the most important factor in a entrepreneur's journey. It all play a long role in defining the kind of person you are.
Lesson here : Punctuality is a must. 

6) Pera Ketaale Summa Adhirudhulle

         "Felt a tremor hearing the name?". In a good way, when someone hears your name it should say honesty, respect and gratitude. In this dialogue our thalivar asks the baddie if he got a shock hearing his name when the latter tries to destroy him and he comes back to fight. Everybody has a past and you cannot make everyone happy as Rajinikanth himself said in one of his earlier movies "Nallavana irukallam ana rhombo nallavana irukakudathu" which means you can be a good person, but you cannot always be a too good of a person. Set right expectations and stick to it. A good name and reputation is important. With a good name comes a good business. With good business comes quality work.
Lesson here : People won't do the wrong business with you when you have honesty and gratitude as your morals.

7)   Kasthapadamae Edhuvum Kadaikahddu
      Kasthapadamae Kadaichadhu Ennikum Nilaikyadhu

         "You wont achieve anything without hard work,
           Things achieved without hard work will not last long"
This is my favorite one, hard work is the DNA of an entrepreneur. There's nothing without hard work and dedication. What our superstar says is very true - what is yours will always remain yours, knowledge and sweat can very rarely be substituted. Look around at all all the leading entrepreneurs and businessmen, each one have hard work, passion and dedication in every step they take and every breath they breathe.
Lesson here : Hard work is the key to success. 

There's still so much to learn from the man. He is a mix of gratitude, humility, hard work and excellence.
He is a brand himself. A global icon. An entrepreneur knowingly or unknowingly.

Thalivar Rajinikanth is a legend that will always continue to inspire people for generations.