Whats the most frustrating thing while driving on Indian roads (Or even as a non-driver)? I am sure each one of us would have their own set of 'frustrations'.
“These fellows cross the yellow line onto your side. Sick guys. One day I will just bang into them.”
“Why do people keep honking even when there is a traffic jam ahead”
“These bikers! The way they drive!!! Don't they want to reach home.”
The only time I ever heard anyone look at the great Indian road experience positively was during one of those talk shows on a news channel. “I find that there is a lot of energy on Indian roads.” The lady who told this was a visitor from a foreign land and I am quite sure that she generally looks at life positively!
It is also interesting that otherwise polite people start shouting at other drivers once they are in the driver's seat. Though the other driver is probably at fault on many occasions, I wonder if our shouting makes a difference to him or her. And yes, I have done some shouting myself at times.
I think the best thing one can do while driving on the Indian roads is to expect the worst. Yes, expect everyone to cross the yellow line onto your side and come scaringly towards you. Expect people to honk even when there is a huge traffic jam ahead! Thats the only way to come out happy after a long drive! Having any sort of expectations of others driving behaviour is not going to yield anything but frustration. After all, the cause for rash driving by other drivers is not under our control.
So I will head out onto the roads tomorrow morning again. Hopefully without any expectations from other drivers.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Marriage Season
It’s that time of the year again! When the inbox is full of wedding invitations.
I have received six or seven invitations in the last few days. I guess given that it’s been three years since b-school, this is peak time for the “Wonderful Day” as marriage invitations put it.
It is interesting to note that in marriage invitations, more often than not, the educational qualifications of the bride and bridegroom are mentioned along with their name. I wonder if this happens in any other country but it is quite understandable in India where education in some ways shows your status in society and is still a major means for the ‘good’ life.
What is also interesting is when the person who is getting married is your close friend, one gets verbal (Phone call) or written communication (Orkut scrap or mail or SMS) with varying degrees of threats to come for the marriage.
Some are requests, “Please try to see if you can make it.”
Some are outright threats, “Agar tu nahi aaya to achcha nahi hoga” (If you don’t come, you will have to face the consequences.)
Some assume you are coming, “Ok, so which flight are you coming in?”
It is difficult to react to these statements especially when one knows that is difficult to make it. I usually end up giving a global general answer! It is difficult to go for every marriage invitation one receives.
I also know of few married people who only go to those weddings where one of the bride and bridegroom came to their marriage!
Overall, I suppose marriage hopping is quite a pleasant experience for most people, a chance to enjoy and catch up with friends.
I think to myself, If only we could cut down a little bit on some of the outright lavish stuff during marriages… But then who defines what is lavish and what is not lavish? Hmmmm.
Even if we don’t cut down on the lavishness, I do hope we cut down on the ‘ticket size’ of the “gifts” that are given by the bride’s parents to the new couple.
And to end on a radical note, maybe one day marriages would be 50:50 jointly financed by the bride and bridegroom’s family instead of the current skewed pattern of spending primarily by the bride’s side.
Economics theory says that anything in short supply would become more ‘expensive’. If onions are not available in the market, the price goes up. Fairly simple. Similarly, If India’s gender ratio continues to skew more and more towards males, the day a bride’s family starts demanding ‘gifts’ from the bridegroom’s family may not be far away!
I have received six or seven invitations in the last few days. I guess given that it’s been three years since b-school, this is peak time for the “Wonderful Day” as marriage invitations put it.
It is interesting to note that in marriage invitations, more often than not, the educational qualifications of the bride and bridegroom are mentioned along with their name. I wonder if this happens in any other country but it is quite understandable in India where education in some ways shows your status in society and is still a major means for the ‘good’ life.
What is also interesting is when the person who is getting married is your close friend, one gets verbal (Phone call) or written communication (Orkut scrap or mail or SMS) with varying degrees of threats to come for the marriage.
Some are requests, “Please try to see if you can make it.”
Some are outright threats, “Agar tu nahi aaya to achcha nahi hoga” (If you don’t come, you will have to face the consequences.)
Some assume you are coming, “Ok, so which flight are you coming in?”
It is difficult to react to these statements especially when one knows that is difficult to make it. I usually end up giving a global general answer! It is difficult to go for every marriage invitation one receives.
I also know of few married people who only go to those weddings where one of the bride and bridegroom came to their marriage!
Overall, I suppose marriage hopping is quite a pleasant experience for most people, a chance to enjoy and catch up with friends.
I think to myself, If only we could cut down a little bit on some of the outright lavish stuff during marriages… But then who defines what is lavish and what is not lavish? Hmmmm.
Even if we don’t cut down on the lavishness, I do hope we cut down on the ‘ticket size’ of the “gifts” that are given by the bride’s parents to the new couple.
And to end on a radical note, maybe one day marriages would be 50:50 jointly financed by the bride and bridegroom’s family instead of the current skewed pattern of spending primarily by the bride’s side.
Economics theory says that anything in short supply would become more ‘expensive’. If onions are not available in the market, the price goes up. Fairly simple. Similarly, If India’s gender ratio continues to skew more and more towards males, the day a bride’s family starts demanding ‘gifts’ from the bridegroom’s family may not be far away!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A dog's life
As I returned home from another day in the office, the lone stray dog which lives in front of my house, was wagging its tail as usual.
I keep a few biscuits in the car for that dog which I feed it after I park the car. Naturally, the dog gets excited every time its sees my car approaching. I personally find it quite amazing that the dog is able to recognize my car from quite a distance.
As I gave the usual quota of 4 biscuits to the dog, I found that the dog had hurt its leg badly. It was limping on three feet.
Yet, until I saw closely, I could not make out the difference. The dog's behaviour hardly changed that day, even though one leg seems to be lifted off the ground due to injury.
I cant think of many humans including myself not changing our behaviour when one of our vital organs is not functioning properly. We would probably take some action to get the problem rectified. We would tell everyone we meet the next day on the hardships faced by us because of this ailment and expect back sympathy or atleast kind words from others.
Coming to think of it, there is lot much we can learn from dogs, atleast the non-biting ones!!!They never seem to lose enthusiasm, always wagging their tail at every opportunity. Even if you hit them, they come back wagging their tail. And for a stray dog, not knowing where your next meal will come from is not likely to be a very comforting experience.
I wonder why so many then, so many idioms and colloquial phrases in various languages portray dogs in a poor light. People we don't like are often referred to as dogs. Maybe it is because of the few odd dogs which have the tendency to bite.
Coming to think of it, it can be argued that a dog is never born 'wild' (i.e. the type that keeps barking at humans and bites on occasions). It is probably the circumstances in which they are born or some incidents in their life that makes them that way.
Given this situation, maybe the humble dog deserves better. Atleast the one near my house does. Lets see if I can do something about it...
I keep a few biscuits in the car for that dog which I feed it after I park the car. Naturally, the dog gets excited every time its sees my car approaching. I personally find it quite amazing that the dog is able to recognize my car from quite a distance.
As I gave the usual quota of 4 biscuits to the dog, I found that the dog had hurt its leg badly. It was limping on three feet.
Yet, until I saw closely, I could not make out the difference. The dog's behaviour hardly changed that day, even though one leg seems to be lifted off the ground due to injury.
I cant think of many humans including myself not changing our behaviour when one of our vital organs is not functioning properly. We would probably take some action to get the problem rectified. We would tell everyone we meet the next day on the hardships faced by us because of this ailment and expect back sympathy or atleast kind words from others.
Coming to think of it, there is lot much we can learn from dogs, atleast the non-biting ones!!!They never seem to lose enthusiasm, always wagging their tail at every opportunity. Even if you hit them, they come back wagging their tail. And for a stray dog, not knowing where your next meal will come from is not likely to be a very comforting experience.
I wonder why so many then, so many idioms and colloquial phrases in various languages portray dogs in a poor light. People we don't like are often referred to as dogs. Maybe it is because of the few odd dogs which have the tendency to bite.
Coming to think of it, it can be argued that a dog is never born 'wild' (i.e. the type that keeps barking at humans and bites on occasions). It is probably the circumstances in which they are born or some incidents in their life that makes them that way.
Given this situation, maybe the humble dog deserves better. Atleast the one near my house does. Lets see if I can do something about it...
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Customer is not always right (Nor is the seller)
The title of this quite opposite to what we learn in our MBA. The customer is always right isn't it.
Well, my little work experience in three years and my own behaviour as a customer has lead me to believe that the customer is not always right. Only gods and goddesses are always right.
How many times have I seen people calling their telecom service providers to reactivate their outgoing call services after they failed to pay on time. “I was out of the country.” and "I never got the bill” are some of the excuses often given. Even though the reality may be different.
Same goes for credit cards. “Please reverse the late payment charges because I dropped the cheque on the last day. If you have not got the cheque, thats not my problem.” Again the reality maybe that the cheque was dropped a day or two after the last date. If so, the service provider has every right to charge late payment as per terms of agreement originally agreed upon.
“Lets see what they will do. I will teach them a lesson if they do XYZ.” some of my friends dare companies. Probably I have also done the same many times.
By writing this I am not saying that all the companies in this world are always right. Definitely not.
All I am trying to say that at the end of the day customers are human beings who have their own self interest in mind, and rightly so. Even companies are made up of human beings and again have their own self interests. These self interests often drive behaviour.
To think that any party is always right is being naive.
What is more important is that when a dispute arises between seller and buyer, it is amicably resolved based on the terms of agreement between them.
Unfortunately the terms of agreement itself is fully loaded against the buyer many times! Read any home loan document and you would know what I am talking about!!! Some of these terms of agreement can be reworded into one line. “Whatever happens between us, good or bad, it is always the buyer's fault.” Instead of wasting paper on those huge agreements, both buyer and seller can sign under this one line. There wont be much difference!
Well, my little work experience in three years and my own behaviour as a customer has lead me to believe that the customer is not always right. Only gods and goddesses are always right.
How many times have I seen people calling their telecom service providers to reactivate their outgoing call services after they failed to pay on time. “I was out of the country.” and "I never got the bill” are some of the excuses often given. Even though the reality may be different.
Same goes for credit cards. “Please reverse the late payment charges because I dropped the cheque on the last day. If you have not got the cheque, thats not my problem.” Again the reality maybe that the cheque was dropped a day or two after the last date. If so, the service provider has every right to charge late payment as per terms of agreement originally agreed upon.
“Lets see what they will do. I will teach them a lesson if they do XYZ.” some of my friends dare companies. Probably I have also done the same many times.
By writing this I am not saying that all the companies in this world are always right. Definitely not.
All I am trying to say that at the end of the day customers are human beings who have their own self interest in mind, and rightly so. Even companies are made up of human beings and again have their own self interests. These self interests often drive behaviour.
To think that any party is always right is being naive.
What is more important is that when a dispute arises between seller and buyer, it is amicably resolved based on the terms of agreement between them.
Unfortunately the terms of agreement itself is fully loaded against the buyer many times! Read any home loan document and you would know what I am talking about!!! Some of these terms of agreement can be reworded into one line. “Whatever happens between us, good or bad, it is always the buyer's fault.” Instead of wasting paper on those huge agreements, both buyer and seller can sign under this one line. There wont be much difference!
Joke 1
Q) Why do CDMA users talk less compared to GSM ones?
A) Because CDMA technology is from Qualcomm (Call kum = Less calls in Hindi)
A) Because CDMA technology is from Qualcomm (Call kum = Less calls in Hindi)
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Living on the financial edge
Coming fresh out of b-school and moving into work, I was at the peak of my enthusiasm. After 18 to 19 years of studying and learning, now was the time to 'prove' oneself and make a mark in the corporate world I thought. So it mattered little that my first day on the job was just a week after our final exam at business school. (Some of my friends had almost three months off)
After a month of training I was told by the HR manager, “We have a vacancy in Vijayawada for industrial lubricant sales. You will be moving in there. Congrats.” and out came the hands for a handshake.
I had insisted all along during my training phase that I wanted to be in industrial sales team. Finally, I had got it!
In those initial days, 'proving oneself' was the only priority. Every thing else can wait. So out went any sense of financial discipline. I had pretty much no clue when salary came and if and when it got spent. “Savings can wait. I have a long career ahead.” I used to think in those days.
Things were so bad that I did not claim any deduction under HRA by showing rent receipts. I was too busy 'working' to bother about these minor details! Of course, since there were no savings, there were no investments...
It was only after a year when I switched jobs and moved to Chennai that I realized that I was in financial trouble. I had to take loans to cover my initial costs of relocation. Taking money from your parents after one starts earning somehow did not go down well with me. Even though I had every plan to return it 2 to 3 months down the line.
To get myself out of the financial mess, I read a few books and magazines and started out. It was clear from my initial reading that at a young age I needed to be invested in the stock market especially with a booming economy. Further since I did not have time to do research to pick stocks for investing I took the mutual fund route.
Two years down the line, I have a much better financial position. With enough cushion to take care of any unforeseen financial disaster.
I hope the above story does not sound like a self glorifying tale. I am sure other people have done better with their finances than I ever did.
Now, I try to help out other people facing problems not different from my own earlier in my career. And going by experience, there are many in financial distress! Typically young people in financial distress have no idea how much and where they spend their salaries, over spend on their credit card, have taken loans they cannot service without drastically cutting down on their lifestyle and have very little clue how much, where and why they have invested. Investments usually mean saving Rs. 100,000 for tax saving purposes typically around December when the company asks for proof of investments.
Based on my experience, the key to getting out of this financial distress is to make a monthly income – expense statement. Basically, to get to where you want to be, you need to know where you are. Basics of strategy formulation.
Just making the income-expense statements throws up startling facts. I know of people who were spending more than they earned without ever realizing it. And some who were just accumulating money in their bank account because they were spending a small portion of their income.
After knowing where you are, you need to know where you want to be. What are the goals in life and when do you want to reach that goal. Example: - Buy a house in 5 years. This goal means that the person needs to save up enough for the initial costs of house purchase. And also have enough income to service the EMIs thereafter. Other goals could be taking a world tour, buying a car, saving for retirement, even donating for charity etc. Each of these goals means that one needs to save X amount of money today to have Y amount of money in Z number of years.
Typically X will be in thousand of Rs. while Y would be in lacs or millions or even crores. Thats the power of compounding of interest i.e. Interest on interest.
One the current position and future goals are clear, one needs to get there. There are various ways to save money. Mutual Funds, ULIPs, PPF, NSC, Fixed deposits are some of the ways. One needs to choose these instruments based on primarily five things, the returns needed, the risk taking ability of the individual, tax savings required, time period of investment and the liquidity expected i.e. the ability to withdraw the money when needed.
For every person, the means or the type of investments to make differ. My strategy for example over the last two years has been to invest in tried and tested tax saving and open ended mutual funds. Mainly because I am willing to take risk and wait for the returns to come. Off late I have started parking funds in cash management funds which give relatively lower returns (Returns much higher than a bank account though) but high liquidity i.e. I can withdraw the money whenever I want without any additional charges, almost like a bank account.
Hmmmm. Too much gyan I suppose. I guess end of the day it eventually boils down to whether you want to do it. Being disciplined now for getting future gains. Easier said than done.
After a month of training I was told by the HR manager, “We have a vacancy in Vijayawada for industrial lubricant sales. You will be moving in there. Congrats.” and out came the hands for a handshake.
I had insisted all along during my training phase that I wanted to be in industrial sales team. Finally, I had got it!
In those initial days, 'proving oneself' was the only priority. Every thing else can wait. So out went any sense of financial discipline. I had pretty much no clue when salary came and if and when it got spent. “Savings can wait. I have a long career ahead.” I used to think in those days.
Things were so bad that I did not claim any deduction under HRA by showing rent receipts. I was too busy 'working' to bother about these minor details! Of course, since there were no savings, there were no investments...
It was only after a year when I switched jobs and moved to Chennai that I realized that I was in financial trouble. I had to take loans to cover my initial costs of relocation. Taking money from your parents after one starts earning somehow did not go down well with me. Even though I had every plan to return it 2 to 3 months down the line.
To get myself out of the financial mess, I read a few books and magazines and started out. It was clear from my initial reading that at a young age I needed to be invested in the stock market especially with a booming economy. Further since I did not have time to do research to pick stocks for investing I took the mutual fund route.
Two years down the line, I have a much better financial position. With enough cushion to take care of any unforeseen financial disaster.
I hope the above story does not sound like a self glorifying tale. I am sure other people have done better with their finances than I ever did.
Now, I try to help out other people facing problems not different from my own earlier in my career. And going by experience, there are many in financial distress! Typically young people in financial distress have no idea how much and where they spend their salaries, over spend on their credit card, have taken loans they cannot service without drastically cutting down on their lifestyle and have very little clue how much, where and why they have invested. Investments usually mean saving Rs. 100,000 for tax saving purposes typically around December when the company asks for proof of investments.
Based on my experience, the key to getting out of this financial distress is to make a monthly income – expense statement. Basically, to get to where you want to be, you need to know where you are. Basics of strategy formulation.
Just making the income-expense statements throws up startling facts. I know of people who were spending more than they earned without ever realizing it. And some who were just accumulating money in their bank account because they were spending a small portion of their income.
After knowing where you are, you need to know where you want to be. What are the goals in life and when do you want to reach that goal. Example: - Buy a house in 5 years. This goal means that the person needs to save up enough for the initial costs of house purchase. And also have enough income to service the EMIs thereafter. Other goals could be taking a world tour, buying a car, saving for retirement, even donating for charity etc. Each of these goals means that one needs to save X amount of money today to have Y amount of money in Z number of years.
Typically X will be in thousand of Rs. while Y would be in lacs or millions or even crores. Thats the power of compounding of interest i.e. Interest on interest.
One the current position and future goals are clear, one needs to get there. There are various ways to save money. Mutual Funds, ULIPs, PPF, NSC, Fixed deposits are some of the ways. One needs to choose these instruments based on primarily five things, the returns needed, the risk taking ability of the individual, tax savings required, time period of investment and the liquidity expected i.e. the ability to withdraw the money when needed.
For every person, the means or the type of investments to make differ. My strategy for example over the last two years has been to invest in tried and tested tax saving and open ended mutual funds. Mainly because I am willing to take risk and wait for the returns to come. Off late I have started parking funds in cash management funds which give relatively lower returns (Returns much higher than a bank account though) but high liquidity i.e. I can withdraw the money whenever I want without any additional charges, almost like a bank account.
Hmmmm. Too much gyan I suppose. I guess end of the day it eventually boils down to whether you want to do it. Being disciplined now for getting future gains. Easier said than done.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Top Heavy
"Lets go for full meals. Its been a long time." my friend told me just before lunch.
We were the only two people in office that holiday, a day after Diwali.
"Even I have not had meals for long time now." I thought to myself and agreed to go.
Usually we avoid eating "full meals" for lunch. Well, what is this "full meals" or "Saappaadu" as they call in Tamil. It is basically a meal, typically served on a banana leaf with generous portions of rice. Rice is had with liquid accompaniments like "Sambar", "Rasam" and "Buttermilk" along with the veggies of course and sometimes sweet.
I think the most attractive part of full meals for a large number of the population is the "unlimited" quantities. You can eat as much as you like for around Rs. 25 to 50 in a decent restaurant depending on the level of 'poshness'.
For some people like me, even the "limited" portions that is served initially is more than enough to fill one and a half stomach. I have never had to ask for additional stuff to eat and utilize the "unlimited" opportunity being offered. I also know of some friends who eat so much on such "unlimited opportunity" occasions that the restaurant may even decide to change its pricng strategy for the meal!!!
Now, the problem with having this full meal for lunch is the subsequent sleep and decreased productivity in office. I read somewhere that as the body fights to digest all the food we eat, blood and oxygen supply is diverted to the stomach leaving the brain little or no choice but to shut down temporarily making us feel sleepy.
Biology theory apart, the reason I am writing this is different.
While we were having the full meals, we could not help but notice the shortage of manpower at the restaurant. There were very few people serving the different components that make up a full meal. The result was hungry customers shouting in order to attract the few guys who were serving food.
Another interesting thing was that there seemed to be lot of supervisors around, calling out to the few guys who served the food to come and serve some particular customer who was getting angry.
"This seems to be a top heavy organization!" I told my friend pointing out to the higher proportion of supervisors.
Actually, the crisis situation in the restaurant probably warranted that some of these supervisors got their 'hands dirty' i.e. start serving food themselves temporarily to ease the situation atleast in 'rush hour', the afternoon meal time. But they chose not too. Maybe because they were 'supervisors'. Or maybe because they never thought on those lines.
On my way back to office, I though to myself. If ever I was faced with a similar crisis situation wherein I had to get my 'hands dirty', what would I do? Will I supervise the limited resources available or will I supervise AND jump into the fray myself or maybe just stop supervising and help in getting the job done?
No easy answers again. A small incident in a restaurant can pose some big questions....
We were the only two people in office that holiday, a day after Diwali.
"Even I have not had meals for long time now." I thought to myself and agreed to go.
Usually we avoid eating "full meals" for lunch. Well, what is this "full meals" or "Saappaadu" as they call in Tamil. It is basically a meal, typically served on a banana leaf with generous portions of rice. Rice is had with liquid accompaniments like "Sambar", "Rasam" and "Buttermilk" along with the veggies of course and sometimes sweet.
I think the most attractive part of full meals for a large number of the population is the "unlimited" quantities. You can eat as much as you like for around Rs. 25 to 50 in a decent restaurant depending on the level of 'poshness'.
For some people like me, even the "limited" portions that is served initially is more than enough to fill one and a half stomach. I have never had to ask for additional stuff to eat and utilize the "unlimited" opportunity being offered. I also know of some friends who eat so much on such "unlimited opportunity" occasions that the restaurant may even decide to change its pricng strategy for the meal!!!
Now, the problem with having this full meal for lunch is the subsequent sleep and decreased productivity in office. I read somewhere that as the body fights to digest all the food we eat, blood and oxygen supply is diverted to the stomach leaving the brain little or no choice but to shut down temporarily making us feel sleepy.
Biology theory apart, the reason I am writing this is different.
While we were having the full meals, we could not help but notice the shortage of manpower at the restaurant. There were very few people serving the different components that make up a full meal. The result was hungry customers shouting in order to attract the few guys who were serving food.
Another interesting thing was that there seemed to be lot of supervisors around, calling out to the few guys who served the food to come and serve some particular customer who was getting angry.
"This seems to be a top heavy organization!" I told my friend pointing out to the higher proportion of supervisors.
Actually, the crisis situation in the restaurant probably warranted that some of these supervisors got their 'hands dirty' i.e. start serving food themselves temporarily to ease the situation atleast in 'rush hour', the afternoon meal time. But they chose not too. Maybe because they were 'supervisors'. Or maybe because they never thought on those lines.
On my way back to office, I though to myself. If ever I was faced with a similar crisis situation wherein I had to get my 'hands dirty', what would I do? Will I supervise the limited resources available or will I supervise AND jump into the fray myself or maybe just stop supervising and help in getting the job done?
No easy answers again. A small incident in a restaurant can pose some big questions....
Monday, November 5, 2007
Jab we think
After watching ‘The Simpsons Movie’ a few months back, I stepped into the theatre to watch. ‘Jab we met’
Since there were no tickets, I and two other b-school friends decided to go for the Sunday early morning show.
Quite a few people were watching the 9.15 AM show.
“This can happen only in Chennai. So many people for a movie so early in the morning.” One of my friends said. We all agreed.
It is also no coincidence I think that Chennai airport is at its busiest from 6 AM to 7 AM. Probably one of the few cities where people would get up so early to catch a flight!
As we watched the movie, a particular scene in the movie had me thinking. There was a discussion around following the heart versus following the brain while facing tough situation in life. One of the protagonists suggested that whenever life throws up a problem, following what the heart says needs to be followed. There was no need to 'think' deeply and further confuse oneself. (I hope I understood what the movie was trying to convey!)
But what is this “Follow your heart”? The heart can’t think can it? Surely the heart itself is controlled by the brain.
I vaguely remembered that during my biology classes in school, I had read about the left and the right part of the brain. Scientists believe that the right part of the brain is the 'creative' part. Maybe I am wrong, but I think in layman's terms the right part of the brain is essential if we want to write poetry, paint etc. The left part of the brain on the other hand is the 'analytical' part. Probably required most while solving those dreaded derivative problems in XII standard school!
Coming to think of it, perhaps our education focuses more on the right part of the brain than the left. I mean, Maths, Commerce and Science were always the focus atleast in my schooling days.
Rephrasing the predicament faced by the protagonists in the movie, I suppose the real question should be whether to follow the left or the right brain while solving a problem.
I think the answer as in many cases lies somewhere in between. We need to use both.
How do we use both parts of the brain effectively? That would the topic of another article some day!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Quasi Malls?
Virtually every one of us would have walked into one of the spanking new malls across the country. The larger than life corporate store it seems, has replaced the friendly neighbourhood shop. The mantra seems to be to provide everything under one roof.
But have these malls always existed in every city? Even before the corporates came calling…
Almost every Indian city has its signature markets for certain types of products. Computers and gadgets is a typical case in point.
“Electronics? Go to Ritchie Street” a Chennaite would tell you. Nehru Place in Delhi and Chandni Chowk in Kolkata are other such examples.
Many of these markets consist of small “Hole in the wall” shops. On the outside one would think that each shop would be able to stock only limited number of goods. You won’t get the range that a large mall provides. But walk inside and ask for any gadget and the chances are that the seller would nod his head and reach for the phone.
One or two phone calls and wallah.... “The price of the model you want is Rs. xyz Sir.”
How does a tiny shop able to act like a large mall offering any variety of gadgets. The answer is networking.
Each shop may not be big in size but is able to act like a mall offering thousands of varieties of goods just by informal 'networking' with other stores. Networking ensures that any product available with other shops in the area can be sold by the shop where the customer enters. Networking translates to a concrete benefit to the customer; No need to walk out of that store for any of his electronic gadget requirements. The shop is virtually a mall as far as the customer is concerned, a quasi-mall.
Maybe there is a lesson in this for modern retail.
But have these malls always existed in every city? Even before the corporates came calling…
Almost every Indian city has its signature markets for certain types of products. Computers and gadgets is a typical case in point.
“Electronics? Go to Ritchie Street” a Chennaite would tell you. Nehru Place in Delhi and Chandni Chowk in Kolkata are other such examples.
Many of these markets consist of small “Hole in the wall” shops. On the outside one would think that each shop would be able to stock only limited number of goods. You won’t get the range that a large mall provides. But walk inside and ask for any gadget and the chances are that the seller would nod his head and reach for the phone.
One or two phone calls and wallah.... “The price of the model you want is Rs. xyz Sir.”
How does a tiny shop able to act like a large mall offering any variety of gadgets. The answer is networking.
Each shop may not be big in size but is able to act like a mall offering thousands of varieties of goods just by informal 'networking' with other stores. Networking ensures that any product available with other shops in the area can be sold by the shop where the customer enters. Networking translates to a concrete benefit to the customer; No need to walk out of that store for any of his electronic gadget requirements. The shop is virtually a mall as far as the customer is concerned, a quasi-mall.
Maybe there is a lesson in this for modern retail.
Putting things in perspective
“What yaar, these xyz people are earning so much.” we often hear. Probably I would have used these same words many times over the last 5 years.
“So what’s the C2C?” The inevitable question pops up whenever old b-school friends meet up.
It is interesting to observe how we often compare ourselves to those better off than us and feel bad that our life is not as good as theirs.
“That guy is working less than me. I will also work less like him and earn the same salary.”
“He has a Honda Accord. I will drive a Jaguar one day.”
“What a bungalow. Hope I had a house like this.” are some of the sentences often heard.
I personally have heard fewer people say, “I am so lucky I was born in a ‘good’ family. I had the opportunity to a good school, a good college, a good b-school and get a job with a salary which atleast 95% of my countrymen do not earn.”
Remember the first few pages of our CBSE NCERT text books, one of which had Gandhiji’s Talisman in a beautiful border (Talisman means something which has magical powers). So it went,
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Those days as school children it probably had little meaning. Students and teachers alike were more concerned with finishing of the rest of the text book, preparing for the inevitable exams. I personally stopped over on that page a few times in my school days but never really thought deeply about it. I hope others did!
But now I realize that the Talisman or the learning from it may be the key to that little happier life.
Always comparing oneself to those better off than us due to whatever reason, is rarely going to help us feel better or happy. Only when we keep reminding ourselves that the very fact that we are reading this article on a computer using Microsoft Word makes us amongst the luckiest on this earth. Many like us around the world probably never saw a computer till now.
In other words, putting things in the right perspective or comparing our life with those who are far worse off may help us in being a little happier. Happier not in the sadist kind of way, but feeling lucky that our life is much better. Practicing this over a period of time may even make us act to try and lift these unfortunate people who never got the opportunities that we had.
As I finish write this, I am again reminded of that 80’s song by Phil Collins, “It’s just another day for you and me in Paradise.”
“So what’s the C2C?” The inevitable question pops up whenever old b-school friends meet up.
It is interesting to observe how we often compare ourselves to those better off than us and feel bad that our life is not as good as theirs.
“That guy is working less than me. I will also work less like him and earn the same salary.”
“He has a Honda Accord. I will drive a Jaguar one day.”
“What a bungalow. Hope I had a house like this.” are some of the sentences often heard.
I personally have heard fewer people say, “I am so lucky I was born in a ‘good’ family. I had the opportunity to a good school, a good college, a good b-school and get a job with a salary which atleast 95% of my countrymen do not earn.”
Remember the first few pages of our CBSE NCERT text books, one of which had Gandhiji’s Talisman in a beautiful border (Talisman means something which has magical powers). So it went,
"I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to Swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away."
Those days as school children it probably had little meaning. Students and teachers alike were more concerned with finishing of the rest of the text book, preparing for the inevitable exams. I personally stopped over on that page a few times in my school days but never really thought deeply about it. I hope others did!
But now I realize that the Talisman or the learning from it may be the key to that little happier life.
Always comparing oneself to those better off than us due to whatever reason, is rarely going to help us feel better or happy. Only when we keep reminding ourselves that the very fact that we are reading this article on a computer using Microsoft Word makes us amongst the luckiest on this earth. Many like us around the world probably never saw a computer till now.
In other words, putting things in the right perspective or comparing our life with those who are far worse off may help us in being a little happier. Happier not in the sadist kind of way, but feeling lucky that our life is much better. Practicing this over a period of time may even make us act to try and lift these unfortunate people who never got the opportunities that we had.
As I finish write this, I am again reminded of that 80’s song by Phil Collins, “It’s just another day for you and me in Paradise.”
'Customerize'
On the way to Hassan from Bangalore there is a little town called Kunigal.
I was there twice last Sunday on the way to Shravanabelagola, an ancient Jain monolith situated on a rock.
Before starting we were reliably informed by our friend, “There is a Kamat Hotel on the way. Have your breakfast there. ”
After negotiating Sunday morning blues and Bangalore traffic, we reached this little town at 10 AM very very hungry. We could not locate the famous Kamat hotel on the way.
There are not many ‘good’ restaurants in Kunigal, our driver told us. We will have to ‘manage’.
After a few enquiries in Kannada by the driver, we were able to locate Hotel Sowmya on the state highway in the busy town centre.
The restaurant looks like any other in a small town. The tables were pretty neat and clean. The same could not be said of the floors though. Based on some previous experience, I though to myself, “Usually restaurants in small towns serve authentic country food…”
As expected the food was good. But the highlight was the waiter. Speaking fluent English and serving all what we ordered in record time, we really could not ask for more.
I decided that given the lack of other eating places, evening coffee on our return should definitely be had here.
On our return, I sat on the same bench and asked for coffee. And immediately a super jumbo cup of coffee arrived; double the size of the normal coffee he served in the morning.
This waiter remembered that I had two cups of coffee in the morning since I found the serving to be small (I mentioned that to him). He immediately customized his cup of coffee for me in the evening…
…And he did not forget that I wanted strong coffee with less sugar.
The holy grail of marketing, customizing your product to meet each individual customer’s need…
What the best companies in the world were trying to do investing million of dollars, this person was doing without any investment in the small town of Kunigal on the way to Hassan.
I was there twice last Sunday on the way to Shravanabelagola, an ancient Jain monolith situated on a rock.
Before starting we were reliably informed by our friend, “There is a Kamat Hotel on the way. Have your breakfast there. ”
After negotiating Sunday morning blues and Bangalore traffic, we reached this little town at 10 AM very very hungry. We could not locate the famous Kamat hotel on the way.
There are not many ‘good’ restaurants in Kunigal, our driver told us. We will have to ‘manage’.
After a few enquiries in Kannada by the driver, we were able to locate Hotel Sowmya on the state highway in the busy town centre.
The restaurant looks like any other in a small town. The tables were pretty neat and clean. The same could not be said of the floors though. Based on some previous experience, I though to myself, “Usually restaurants in small towns serve authentic country food…”
As expected the food was good. But the highlight was the waiter. Speaking fluent English and serving all what we ordered in record time, we really could not ask for more.
I decided that given the lack of other eating places, evening coffee on our return should definitely be had here.
On our return, I sat on the same bench and asked for coffee. And immediately a super jumbo cup of coffee arrived; double the size of the normal coffee he served in the morning.
This waiter remembered that I had two cups of coffee in the morning since I found the serving to be small (I mentioned that to him). He immediately customized his cup of coffee for me in the evening…
…And he did not forget that I wanted strong coffee with less sugar.
The holy grail of marketing, customizing your product to meet each individual customer’s need…
What the best companies in the world were trying to do investing million of dollars, this person was doing without any investment in the small town of Kunigal on the way to Hassan.
Karma Yoga and Hospitality Industry!
Some of us would have heard of Karma Yoga. It focuses on performing one’s duty or dharma while not expecting any rewards in the process. Karma Yoga states that one can attain salvation or Moksha by following this path.
It is not often that one gets to see Karma Yoga in practice. It is definitely easier said than done. How often have we ourselves done anything without expecting some return, at least a thank you from the person who we have helped…
I was in Kolkata last month on official duty. While starting from Chennai itself, the weather forecast for Kolkata was not too great. But no one could have been prepared for what lay ahead!
My first day on tour, a Monday, turned out to be a near disaster as most people I needed to meet had not turned up in their offices. We decided during the early part of the day that I would need to cut short the tour and go back to Chennai. Tickets were quickly rebooked in the evening.
Of course the highlight of the evening was the India Pakistan Twenty20 final. Special arrangements had been made at office to watch the match on an overhead projector! Anyone who has seen a cricket match in Eden Gardens even on TV knows that an India Pakistan final match seen with 20 odd ardent Bengali cricket fans is bound to be quite an experience. And so it was with India wining a thriller!
Happy and contended, amidst bikers standing on motorcycles waving the Indian flag, I walked back to the guest house in which I was staying. I had called the guest house many times in between the match to ask them to arrange for dinner and taxi for the next day. I am sure they were also watching the match, but the person never seemed to mind me calling him again and again.
Only half way on the return walk to the guest house did I realize that the rain had been pretty heavy. Waist deep water lay ahead of me. It was pretty clear that the guest house would be atleast knee deep under water. Only then I realized that the person in the guest house would have been going about booking my taxi and cooking dinner while his guest house is drowning under water.
As I walked back into deeper waters, I called up the guest house to ask if the water will get above knee deep water. You see I can’t swim and would not like to test those abilities on Kolkata’s roads. After having reassured myself of the water levels I returned to the guest house, stepping on a few clogged drains in the process.
The guest was indeed under knee deep water with everything from dirt, carpet pieces to insects floating all over. However, not once did anyone whom I spoke to over phone earlier, ever indicate this situation. They just did whatever I asked for even though I am sure they had their hands full. “All your stuff had already been shifted to a first floor room sir. When can I get you dinner?” the receptionist asked. Even in this extreme situation, no one seemed to show any sign of disappointment. No anger at weather gods or the Municipal Corporation or plain bad luck. Only focus is the guest.
On further enquiries as well, there was no blame game. “This never happens here Sir. The drain got blocked this time I think. It will be ok by tomorrow morning.” He said in Hindi.
The night was spent eating a full dinner cooked by people in knee deep water and thinking about the happenings of the evening.
In between I also checked and double checked the arrangements they had made to ensure that I can catch my 8 AM flight the next day. “If waters recede a taxi would come to the gate, If water does not recede then a hand pulled rickshaw would get you out of this road where taxi would be waiting for you….” Given this kind of well planned reply I was sure I would be able to get out next day!
The next day at 5.30 AM, water had not receded; and bang on a hand pulled rickshaw was standing at the gate. But after I managed to board the rickshaw one guy with a broad smile and tattered clothes brought my mobile phone I forgot in the room!
All this happened without even a sign that they were expecting a tip or a thank you.
Maybe this was Karma Yoga at work I thought…Amazed at their attitude, I left the guest house. They just won a customer for life. Ancient principles applied to the real world.
At Chennai I thought maybe the employees at the guest house would not have been so kind to me had India lost the match; plunging them into disappointment. But I will give them the benefit of doubt. Even batsman in a cricket match gets that.
It is not often that one gets to see Karma Yoga in practice. It is definitely easier said than done. How often have we ourselves done anything without expecting some return, at least a thank you from the person who we have helped…
I was in Kolkata last month on official duty. While starting from Chennai itself, the weather forecast for Kolkata was not too great. But no one could have been prepared for what lay ahead!
My first day on tour, a Monday, turned out to be a near disaster as most people I needed to meet had not turned up in their offices. We decided during the early part of the day that I would need to cut short the tour and go back to Chennai. Tickets were quickly rebooked in the evening.
Of course the highlight of the evening was the India Pakistan Twenty20 final. Special arrangements had been made at office to watch the match on an overhead projector! Anyone who has seen a cricket match in Eden Gardens even on TV knows that an India Pakistan final match seen with 20 odd ardent Bengali cricket fans is bound to be quite an experience. And so it was with India wining a thriller!
Happy and contended, amidst bikers standing on motorcycles waving the Indian flag, I walked back to the guest house in which I was staying. I had called the guest house many times in between the match to ask them to arrange for dinner and taxi for the next day. I am sure they were also watching the match, but the person never seemed to mind me calling him again and again.
Only half way on the return walk to the guest house did I realize that the rain had been pretty heavy. Waist deep water lay ahead of me. It was pretty clear that the guest house would be atleast knee deep under water. Only then I realized that the person in the guest house would have been going about booking my taxi and cooking dinner while his guest house is drowning under water.
As I walked back into deeper waters, I called up the guest house to ask if the water will get above knee deep water. You see I can’t swim and would not like to test those abilities on Kolkata’s roads. After having reassured myself of the water levels I returned to the guest house, stepping on a few clogged drains in the process.
The guest was indeed under knee deep water with everything from dirt, carpet pieces to insects floating all over. However, not once did anyone whom I spoke to over phone earlier, ever indicate this situation. They just did whatever I asked for even though I am sure they had their hands full. “All your stuff had already been shifted to a first floor room sir. When can I get you dinner?” the receptionist asked. Even in this extreme situation, no one seemed to show any sign of disappointment. No anger at weather gods or the Municipal Corporation or plain bad luck. Only focus is the guest.
On further enquiries as well, there was no blame game. “This never happens here Sir. The drain got blocked this time I think. It will be ok by tomorrow morning.” He said in Hindi.
The night was spent eating a full dinner cooked by people in knee deep water and thinking about the happenings of the evening.
In between I also checked and double checked the arrangements they had made to ensure that I can catch my 8 AM flight the next day. “If waters recede a taxi would come to the gate, If water does not recede then a hand pulled rickshaw would get you out of this road where taxi would be waiting for you….” Given this kind of well planned reply I was sure I would be able to get out next day!
The next day at 5.30 AM, water had not receded; and bang on a hand pulled rickshaw was standing at the gate. But after I managed to board the rickshaw one guy with a broad smile and tattered clothes brought my mobile phone I forgot in the room!
All this happened without even a sign that they were expecting a tip or a thank you.
Maybe this was Karma Yoga at work I thought…Amazed at their attitude, I left the guest house. They just won a customer for life. Ancient principles applied to the real world.
At Chennai I thought maybe the employees at the guest house would not have been so kind to me had India lost the match; plunging them into disappointment. But I will give them the benefit of doubt. Even batsman in a cricket match gets that.
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