Thursday, July 16, 2009

Which social media site has the most users?

So, who wins the race to the top by having maximum number of users. Is it Facebook, MySpace or Orkut?


The answer is that at present Facebook is the market leader by having more than 250 million users worldwide. It is being reported that more than 50 million users have joined since April.


Facebook is usually preferred over others as it allows for more privacy in comparison to sites like Orkut. Although security concerns have risen from time to time but the truth is that everyday 120 million people log onto facebook and spend more than 5 billion minutes on facebook every single day. 30 million users update their status at least once a day and 8 million users become fans of a page everyday. And surprisingly enough, 1 billion photos and 10 million videos are uploaded each month. (Taken from Facebook Statistics)


I guess very soon, ‘facebooking’ would be a word in the English dictionaries.

The second to follow after Facebook is MySpace with more than 185 million users.

And other sites follow subsequently.


The growth in social media sites is amazing. It has opened doors and opportunities for individuals and businesses both. These sites have become the perfect platform for marketing your business worldwide.


Furthermore, such growth is proving the all so traditional concept of ‘Word of Mouth’. People are inviting and others are joining the new way of ‘keeping in touch’.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Which countries pollute the most and who is being affected?


Three areas of the world, that is, United States of America, European Union and China account for 50% pollution in the world. 150 plus other countries account for the other 50%.

Looking at the Carbon Dioxide contribution in tonnes per year, out of the World total of 27 million tonnes, USA contributes 6 million tonnes, China and Taiwan 5 million tonnes and European Union contributes 4 million tonnes. (According to WikiAnswers)

China is also a major pollutant because of its use of cheap fuel like coal. Although such sources are cheap but are extremely harmful for the environment.

According to the same source, China leads in the overall pollution in the world. But I believe, USA follows close by. Even in Ocean pollution, China is leading at present.

According to the United Nations, nearly 5,500 people die everyday as a result of consuming polluted water and food. Nearly one sixth of the people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water and 2.4 billion people do not even have access to a proper latrine.

The greatest killer of children in the world is respiratory infections while the second most killer is diarrhea which takes away 2 million children every year. Other diseases are cholera, typhoid and polio.

What has been the use of all the developments in the world if it is killing people so cruelly? With all the inventions, we are unable to provide a safe haven for the children of the world. Its heart breaking when we hear that children die of pollution and its more distressing when we hear that people in Africa die because they have no food and water.

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Social Media Revolution: Facebook, MySpace, Orkut, Twitter!

The traditional marketing media of television, radio and newspapers may remain but the new BIG thing to take everybody by storm is the Social Media!

Within America, marketing analysts now feel that you can target more than half of the country's population between MySpace and Facebook and nearly 80% on 46 other social media sites!

Facebook, MySpace and Orkut are a dream cum true for marketers! It is allowing them to fulfill their dream of directly targeting the customers and the best thing is that the flow of information is both ways. The firms are able to understand people's preferences by the groups they are joining, causes they are fighting for or the sort of quizzes they are taking. This is also helping the adverts to be made more focused and customized!

The Social Media is allowing marketers a global coverage. Now a customer anywhere around the world can know 'Whats happening?', 'Whats Hot and Whats Not' sitting in the comfort of his own home.

Social Media sites are also encouraging and helping the rapidly growing trend of Online Shopping!

And how can I forget! Its bringing people closer to the celebrities. Now a person can write on Paulo Coelho' blog, can ask Roger Federer questions and wish Serena Williams best of luck!

Monday, June 29, 2009

Overcoming Marketing Myopia and doing it the 'Disney' way

'Marketing Myopia', a term which was first coined by Theodore Levitt in 1960, refers to defining the purpose of your business too narrowly. In his article, which was published under the same name, Levitt emphasized the importance of defining the purpose of your business correctly in order to be successful in the long run.

For example, it is important to understand that whitening toothpaste companies do not sell toothpastes but 'smiles' and 'confidence'; car companies do not sell cars but a 'means of transport'; Refrigerator companies do not sell refrigerators but 'freshness'; skimmed product and exercise equipment companies sell 'smartness' and 'high self-esteem'.

For service-oriented industries, defining the purpose of business correctly becomes even more important. This is because, the service industry lacks tangibility and the intangibles have to be defined properly.

Furthermore, in the service industry, it is extremely important that not only are the customers satisfied but the employees are also motivated and happy with their working environment. The idea is that happy employees will automatically make customers happy. This is because the intangibility in the service industry makes the role of the employees that of prime importance.

To further elaborate this point, lets see how Walt Disney is doing it the 'right way'.....Walt Disney defines its business correctly and sells 'entertainment'!

Walt Disney was started as the Disney Brothers Studio by Walter Disney and his brother in 1923.

Walter Disney had dropped out of school at the age of 16 and had struggled his way to start the company, failing many a times but always starting anew with fresher ideas. He never gave up his passion for animation.

Walt Disney Productions has come a long way since then. At present, they have studios, movies, animated films and amusement parks under their esteemed banner.

Walt Disney, along with McDonalds is rated as one of the best service providers in America. This is because Disney follows a motto of loving and satisfying people, whether they are customers or employees.

One of the ways in which Disney does this is by having week long programs of 'cross-utilization'. During this program, the office executives or bosses leave their suits and ties behind and don a 'Mickey Mouse' or any other character costume. They then head to the amusement park to work alongside other employees.

They help in loading and unloading rides, sell pop-corns and hot dogs or do any on-stage job entertainment job.

At Walt Disney, there are no 'workers', only "cast members"; they do not have a 'Human Resource Department', but 'Casting' and they do not have 'customers' but only 'Guests'.

For them, each job is not work but a show to be presented to entertain the Guests. At Walt Disney, they emphasize the importance of the Guest by putting a upper case 'G'.

Even in their offices, informality is stressed. Everybody, including the President wears a name tag but only with the first name.

Walt Disney has set a precedent in the service industry by showing how to get more customers and sales but doing it the 'right way'!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Pakistan's IT sector looks promising

Pakistan's IT sector has been performing above expectations for the last three years, with exports exceeding the set targets for the last two years. Further investment is also expected by the Japanese, especially in Pakistan's IT Park in Karachi.

This sounds extremely promising and reassuring for Pakistanis, especially keeping in mind the rapid growth in the IT sector in their neighbouring country, which to a great extent is concentrated in their city, Bangalore, also known as the second Silicon Valley. India's IT industry contributes on average $ 40 billion annually, which forms nearly 5.8% of their GDP.

Pakistan's IT exports exceeded by $13 million in 2006-07 and by $8 million in 2007-08 and were recorded at $175 million and $116 million respectively. (Figures from Jang group)

In the last two years, the IT industry alongside Pakistan's other industries has seen a decline because of the looming energy crisis. Unless or until the Pakistani government finds a permanent solution to this crisis, many industries will continue to suffer and not reach their full potential.

Despite all of Pakistan's problems, software houses in Pakistan are doing a remarkable job of meeting the targets but this is a sector where growth and opportunities are endless and Pakistan should do its utmost to have its presence felt in the world.

Recession makes car makers look at a new market......China

Some of the automakers missed some of the car shows but there was one car show that none of the automakers wanted to miss and that was the Shanghai Auto Show.

Nearly everybody was there, especially keeping in view that markets in US and Europe has seen a great fall in demand in present recessionary times. Hence, a market as large as China is luring these automakers to find opportunities here, especially for the year 2009.

However, it is also being forecast that this will not remain a very lucrative market for foreign automakers. This is because the local automakers are taking over the market by manufacturing better and more environmentally friendly models. The local manufacturers have a cost advantage over the foreign manufacturers as they enjoy more government incentives. These manufacturers are working to improve quality and make safer cars. They have even started producing electric cars which are more environmentally friendly.

Sony working on PS/PSP phone

For nearly a year now, it is being rumored that Sony is working on a mobile phone / PSP which will allow customers a totally unique gaming experience.

Since Sony has an edge in both these areas, it is quite possible that these rumors will materialize soon into a tangible product!

Till then lets keep our fingers crossed and see where technology is going to take us!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Most expensive lunches!


What is the maximum that you will pay to have a lunch with a person you admire?

While you are thinking about that one, the recent news is that a bidder is ready to pay $ 1.68 million to have steak lunch with Warren Buffet, the world's second richest man. The good thing is that this money will be going into charity.

This auction has been taking place for the last 9 years. This year's bid could not break the record bid of last year, $ 2.11 million.

This money is donated to the Glide Foundation in San Francisco that offers housing, health care and food for the poor. The nine previous auctions have been able to raise more than $ 4.2 million for the charity.

Warren Buffet is himself a charitable person and has donated a lot of his money and fortune to the Bill Gates Foundation and to other charities.

9fingz3te2

Friday, June 26, 2009

Remote Control battles

In more than 91% households, this battle prevails. In more than 12%, this can even get physical. In most of the houses, they are close to becoming World War III. This is the prime fight between siblings and the the major dispute between spouses. I wonder who reigns supreme in your house when it comes to controlling the remote.

But these battles may take a different form by next year. Televisions, by next year, will be providing a remote control free environment. The new technology is known as Gesture Tech and is being launched by Hitachi by next year. Other TVs will then follow subsequently.

Well, how does this technology function? It functions by the gestures of your hand. There is a 3-D camera that will be fit into the television set and will read the gestures of your hand. The gestures and whom the hand belongs to will be fed into the camera. The camera will recognize different hands of different family members and one can be set as dominant.

This technology will allow a person to control not only all the functions of the TV but also that of the DVD, the air-conditioner and the stereo.

Technology might change. But it seems the battles will continue. First, it was for the remote control, now it will be about who gets to do the magic with the hand.

So, here is to happy browsing..........

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Recession forces small businesses to start bartering

Economies are in recession around the world. Either businesses have shut down or have started adopting lean measures to survive in present dire economic conditions.

Now, smaller businesses have started to adopt barter as a means of saving on cash. Firms are exchanging their stock for other fixed assets that they need for example doing a roof job and being paid by a redundant vehicle. Or doing the accounts of a doctor and getting your kidney removed.

This is a good liquidity safeguarding tool and may also help to increase sales turnover. This is because the idle stock bartered may create repeat sales in the future.

The internet has facilitated these exchanges to a very large extent and there are many websites that facilitate businesses wanting to exchange their goods for others.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Orange announces the launch of its latest Android phone, the HTC Hero

The company Orange has announced that it will be launching its first Android HTC Hero phone in UK in early July. Its an amazing phone with amazing features. As it is totally touch based, it even has an Anti Finger-printing screen coating. It will be available in three colours, white, brown and graphite, with orange being exclusive. You can check out it's video on the link given below.

Question is when will it reach the Asian markets? Well that is expected by end of this year.

Check out the preview video on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ixkhFd4BHE

How to develop an effective CV Part 1


For most of us who are either in the process of applying for the very first job or are looking for better opportunities, what you need to realize is that a CV is the very first impression that you will form on your future employer. Employers will see your CV before they actually see you. And as we all know, most of the times, the first impression is the last impression.

In this series of articles, I will share with you pointers and tips that will help you develop an effective and an impressive resume. A resume that will stand out from the rest.

Firstly, what is a CV or a Resume? Although in many countries both the words are used synonymously but in many countries a Resume is much shorter than a CV.

Now what does a CV stand for? CV or Curriculum Vitae is Latin for 'The Course of Life' or 'The Story of Life'.

Now, lets look at important points to consider when developing a CV.

The very first and foremost thing to remember is that your CV and especially your cover letter that accompanies your CV should be adaptive. It should change for every job you apply for, adapting it to include relevant information required for the position. This is because every job has different requirements and you may want to highlight different skills when applying for different jobs.

The choice of words here is also very important. Try to pick up key words from the Job Advertisement and incorporate them in your CV and cover letter. This is also important to remember as many a times, a person who has very few details about the job might be asked to filter out the CVs. These people are actually asked to identify key words only and since they have to ponder through hundreds or thousands of CVs, to make your stand out becomes an even more difficult task.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2......

If there are any questions that you people would like to ask related to the topic above, you are open to write. Also pass your comments.

Slide 5

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

The importance of 'going green'





I am writing this to allow people to transform their myopic vision and to give them the ability to see the ‘much larger picture’. In our daily lives and in the small worlds that we have made for ourselves, we fail to see that our planet, our home needs our attention too.

‘Global Warming’ is a serious issue and simply needs our little time, effort and contribution. The first step is to understand that this is a serious issue. Second is to ask yourself what you can do individually, and then as a group.

For both these reasons, you should watch ‘The Inconvenient Truth’.

It simply puts in a more moral view point to issues rather than the capitalist ones which have ruled the world for the last many years. It appeals to you at a humanitarian level. The simple question that arises in your mind is that, what is the use of all the wealth you accumulate if you no longer have a planet to live in. Or another question is if too much industrialization is causing disasters for millions of people around the world, should we keep thinking about more and more factories or change our focus to more sustainable economic growth.

The answer also lies in more ‘simpler’ lifestyles.

It does not matter that it is the industrialized nations that are contributing more to the global warming phenomenon. What appeals to you most about the film is the honesty of Al-Gore, the man behind the film, who admits to this glaring fact. (More than anybody else, he appeals to the Americans to change). Because when the house will burn, does it matter who started the fire. So when the planet suffers, everybody who lives on it suffers too. For once, this is not a regional issue, it is a global issue and each of us has a role to play.

So question is, what you can do? Firstly, try supporting such causes and secondly, use your information sources to understand the gravity of the situation. Here are a few more things that you can immediately start implementing at an individual level:

1. Make sure that you put off light bulbs, fans etc. that are not needed.
2. Use energy saving lights and bulbs.
3. Use proper insulation in your homes so that minimum energy is used to cool/heat it.
4. Plant more and more trees.
5. When possible, walk down or use a bicycle.
6. Try adopting car-pool sing systems.

I write this with a hope that together, we all would be able to do something meaningful for the Planet Earth, our home.

Mother Earth is calling out to us but are we ready to pay heed???

Monday, June 22, 2009

Contemporary Advertising has taken strange forms

In recent times, creativity in advertising is not only linked to the type of advertisement created but also to where and how you display it. Marketers and advertisers are finding unique ways to advertise in present times.

In a cricket match, for example, everything has an advertisement on it. From the player's uniform, to the bat, to the boundary line, the score board and even the poor wicket has not been spared. You can see 'teeny weeny' ads written even on them.

Recently, an ice cream launched in our country took up unique ways to advertise. They used the event of 'Spring Festival' to launch but then had its name practically everywhere. From the radio to the television, to billboards, to hoardings and they even decided to use the airplane to throw down their lovely stickers.

Another way that has become popular in recent times is advertising in movies. Many a times the product displayed is not real but is later created when the audience start demanding it.

But some producers and directors are of the opinion that products shown in the movies should be real, to make the movie and scene more realistic. For example, James Bond just cannot have any COLA. After all, he is BOND! So it should have a brand name.

James Bond has been one character that has been a great influence in increasing the demand for the products he uses in his films. For example, the car and the watch that he uses in 'Golden Eye'.

In the movie 'Flipper', in a certain scene, everything was perfectly shot, from the dialogues to the cues taken by the dolphin but the only problem was that the brand name of a smashed cola can lying on a dock was different from the company with which it had formed an agreement. This was then graphically dealt with and the new brand name put in.

Marketers and advertisers will continue to come up with new and newer ideas. But everything does not work for everybody. All characters in a movie cannot sell and marketers should be very careful in determining which characters will actually be able to effectively promote their product.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Welcome all!

This is a platform to discuss the latest business news, trends and strategies in the business world. Its a platform where we will learn more about what's happening and then give our own view points.

So here is to learning and sharing!