We take our work very seriously, but being at Blogworks is fun. These caricatures make our email signatures and go on a wall in the office. Tell us what you think :)

1. Rajesh

   

2. Rajika
   

3. Amita
   

4. Manpreet
   

5. Kriti
   

6. Richa
   

I have been thinking...

We abused the financial system for years resulting in the current meltdown - they say a revival will take a year or two; we continue to abuse the Earth, another meltdown looks imminent to me - only there will be no escaping it, no revival.

Can't say that I don't like it - thought it was fun. However, one look at the website tells that they haven't really carried the 'irreverence' logic beyond just the name and the mascot graphic as everything else is pretty mundane and straightforward.

Ironically, the name of the institute - Tathāgat - itself is associated with Buddha.

"Mango Shake Idhar Hai, Aapkaa Dhyaan Kidhar Hai?" teased at least two of the near identical carts I passed by yesterday, driving back from the C.A.'s office. I asked my driver to reverse the vehicle and clicked these pictures. There were four of these carts - 3 parked next to each other and 1 just a bit away - in all their kitsch glory, tempting summer hit pedestrians.

Makes me think why can't the friendly neighborhood kirana stones similarly come together under a common brand, to meet the threat posed by organised retail? Each keeps their sales and profits, but contributes to a common marketing pool and wears the same colours/ brand and sources together.

Any examples of something like this from India. In a way, Amul (or any other cooperative) is exactly that, no?

Here we go...I am back in action after a brief hiatus, thanks to nice things that have been happening in life :).

I was at Full Circle, Khan Market, thanks to a canceled meeting, collecting data on price points at which books in different categories are being sold. Obviously there is a science to it, based on many factors like content, category, author, format & printing, expected sales and more but how do you think the price of a book impacts its positioning/ perception in the customer's mind?

For e.g. are you induced to buy a book if it's priced cheaper than expected OR do you end up doubting it's value instead? Do share your feedback.

Coming back to the picture above...

I was making notes, even as I walked to the cash counter, when I saw these and forgot everything for a bit. What you see above is Love Delhi from the Love Travel Guides series.

I must confess I haven't seen any book, at least at that price point (Rs. 220/- or something) look that 'beautiful'. Packed in a fine silk bag, the book itself is printed on fine hand-made paper. I was amazed at the attention to detail. I didn't buy a copy, as I don't really need another Delhi Travel Guide :), but this really sets a new benchmark in the travel/ tourist/ give-away kind of book variety - where value addition/ looks will likely play a role in making the choice.

BTW - publishing is one of my favourites, when it comes to social media relevance/ impact. No one is doing anything in India, yet.

I really liked the thought and I guess the element of surprise worked in their favour.

More on my surprise marketing theories later (I have in fact experimented quite a bit in the last few months) but then like Sidharth says about Viral videos, surprise marketing is not scalable - what's the surprise if it is popping left-right-centre :).

I wish more marketers were willing to experiment.

I will try and share some on the blog, from time-to-time - situations/ surroundings or branding/ marketing/ communication. The fun variety will be driven by my principle of "laughing with, not at."

I was driving out of Dwarka, towards Gurgaon, when I saw this vehicle. I managed to overtake and requested the driver to stop. The driver and his companion thought I was upset because of a possible mistake they may have made etc. I assured them, nothing of the sort and sought their permission to click.

Given the driving etiquette in our very cultured metros, the day is not far when this would be a real warning, I think :).