I was reading through the Hawkins app -
The first chapter is on the Big Bang, what was the universe like at the beginning of time?

The answer / explanation written below read:

Science seems to have uncovered a set of laws that within the limits set by the ‘uncertainty principle’, tells us how the universe will develop with time, if we know it’s state at any other time.

These laws may have originally been decreed by God but it appears that he has since then left the universe to evolve according to them and does not now intervene.

Alternate theory in understanding and interpreting this:

I think when God creates us,
He created us in a matter and dimension that respond to certain laws created to be activated in this dimension and point in time.
But that would mean that instead of being in our universe, aliens exist in other different dimensions and don’t time travel but dimension travel to reach us.

Which also means our efforts to go find other life in this dimension according laws of the universe function we will only find beings that look like us. And never like any other thing that movies show as aliens. As their laws of existence and universal laws determine the shape of energy in matter and equivalent of what life is in shape and structure possible in that dimension.

Which only make two things valuable -
Time and dimension.

We might be able to time travel in the future
We may not find other life in this dimension

Which means this dimension is circular and anyone who tries to leave earth never return but will eventually go find the other earth  in this dimension. Only thing being the difference in life cycle and stage of that earth we would have actually time traveled and reached a different state of earth - cornering it alien land.

Which can mean the the Big Bang is a continuous processes and that every thing defined by minute a new universe is born. And that the big bang hasn’t ended but life is existing in the explosion of the universe and may end when the big band ends

Maybe it’s regulated by the force of the bang and that is what regulates life and energy of alive force to being or put into motion and speed at which we’re capable of functioning.

Which means other dimensions are other explosions parallels happening to ours. Creating different laws of the universe for that dimension within the energy of that explosion.

And then spontaneously going on Big Bang is happening over around each other and life has to find a way to jump between two bangs to find other life. And that can’t happen as the force and energy around us that cause atmosphere or space restricts us from dimension traveling.

So the only way to tell if we ever cross into another dimension is of the basic 3 laws of the universe are found changed.

So effectively the only thing we’ve e found out till now about matter around us are the various applications of time to various matter in this dimension causing certain actions or reactions in retrospect.

We will be able to time travel but not find other life in this universe.

Maybe the Hubble telescope is able to look through dimensions and not time and space in this universe? Which changes the theory of what we mean by

But it is also possible that when we jump into another dimension, we may not be able to survive and the principles of that universe / dimension creating life may be completely different.

And we will that means be in need to first be able to observe that dimension / universe from a distance and understand how their laws of the universe exist. Understand them from a distance and then do test runs to try to survive  physically in that universe / dimension.

Making ends meet - Natural Progression of Technology and Ideas

There are some great tech products on the market today. Products that offer very focused content based solutions for people in different life stage. 

But, there seems to be a stagnation in the natural progression on these platforms... 

I wonder why that is, maybe there is a lack of 'need analysis' or too narrow a view of looking at the tech and start-up ecosystem since new startups seem to be popping up filling need gaps in place of these existing companies diversifying their brand offerings?

Let me state a few observations based ideas on the existing Indian ecosystem at least; 

1. PopXO should think about offering a pregnancy and parenting councillor on chat/call for women. Work that audience base! Be its best friend.
2. PopXO should also think about offering peer counsellor for women and girls on chat/call. Tap into its 85% audience base that is outside its top 10 metro cities and needs this kind of support that currently brands are becoming custodians of giving. 
3. Hyperlocal players like Grofers / Big Basket should push the agenda like Zomato/BigF/ Food Talk India are doing in the food space for 'in hotel dining' to increase 'in-store footfalls' in retail brand store in key cities. As marketing competition is already high there and the option of malls is available. 
4. Same way, eCommerce sites like Amazon / Flipkart can also offer in-store shopping opportunities with local mom and pop stores / big bazaars, west side gourmet etc. Feel this will / can work out well with measuring sales/footfalls in offline stores during campaign duration or as always-on components for consumers to avails better discounts in store (in turn helping build stronger brand preference). Also helping e-commerce companies capture a larger number of people from offline to take them online. This will work majorly for electronic brands and CPG / FMCG brands? 
5. Myntra / Jabong / Nykka should integrate with Eleve/Plixxo for user-generated photos/videos of wearing their products in exchange for redeemable points. (For UGC Submission.) Help create mini infomercials to help retailers turn their Insta / FB / Snapchat stories into sales leads. 
6. Practo / 1MG / Parentune - option diversify their product offering as a solution to new parents / young or old couples. They can do this by starting gifting options on e-commerce sites which can be gifted. These gifts can be in form of a set number of doctor consultation on chat/video call / phone call. 

Isn't this the role of a good product marketing manager? Whats the use of only upgrading current features when the overall intent and purpose of trying to be category leader is defeated in the broader sense? 

If you find these interesting, comment below and let me know your views and takes on the same!

These great platforms ensure that your learning never stops

If you’re like me; “In between jobs” then this is defiantly for you. Otherwise also, if you have this constant desire in the back of your head to learn more, do more with your free time, to look for ways to gain that competitive edge, then here’s the thing for you. 

I’ve been accessing and going through these bunch of new websites and apps, (because what’s more convenient than your phone?) that help build up skills for the job industry, giving you certifications that you can add to your LinkedIn and sometimes even PG certification! What's even better is that some you can complete at your own pace! 

So without wasting more time, here’s my list of Top 8 apps/sites that are truly awesome for learning: 

1. Simplilearn; want to learn the basics of programmatic? No problem. And get a certificate for it while you’re at it. Paid but inexpensive. 

Website Link: https://www.simplilearn.com 

App version available: Yes

2. Instareads; Don’t have time to read books? Still, want to know the gist? Here’s your answer. Free is good, the paid version is even better. Pocket-friendly. 

Website Link: https://instaread.co/ 

App version available: Yes

3. Khan Academy; well, this is good for you and good for your niece! Polish up those basics physics and math skills again, only this time with animation and examples. And it’s free! Also has courses on entrepreneurship as well. 

Website Link: https://khanacademy.org 

App version available: Yes

4. Primer; Google's gift to every CMO/CXO/ Marketer and entrepreneur! In a bite-sized app that’s constantly updated to help you keep up with the times! It’s free! Download now, never delete it! 

Website Link: https://www.yourprimer.com/in

App version available: Yes

5. CreativeLive; learn from the masters. Short courses by industry experts, some free. Some paid. But alternative learning doesn’t get better than this! 

Website Link: https://www.creativelive.com/

App version available: Yes

6. GradesDontMatter; it’s new, it’s the Indian version of CreativeLive and The Master Class! But very relatable. The courses are cheap (199/- all access is being offered at the moment) no completion certificates thought. 

Website Link: https://www.gradesdontmatter.in/  

App version available: Yes

7. Swayam; this one deserves a special mention and a standing ovation. An initiative by Ministry of Human Resource Development of India, in collaboration with everyone from IIM Banglore to IIT Bombay! This form of Education is called MOOC's - "Massic open online course". It’s free! And courses offer certificates and PG diplomas! Can life get any better? Why the heck isn’t this advertised more? 

Website Link: https://swayam.gov.in/ 

App version available: Yes

8. edX: Similar to Swayam, this is an international MOOC platform, here you can obtain certifications in a verity of interesting courses from everyone from Berkely to MIT. For a small fee, you can then give an online test and obtain certification from the said university or college.
Website Link: http://edx.org
App version available: Yes

Download them now! And if you find them interesting, share your thoughts with me in the comments below!

PS: More interesting apps, that didn't make it to my top 8 list:

• Blinkist
• Audible by Amazon
• AudioBooks
• EDUCBA
• Mimo 
• Coursera 
• CreativeLive
• Lynda
• Udamey 

Dfaq with Zomato! - Part 1

They say you should keep your friends close, but your enemy's closer! Especially true - when you're out to run an empire! i.e.: Case and point - Zomato

Off late, the battle between Zomato and Swiggy has been steaming up. 

They were in talks on merger a while back but my best guess is, it was an attempt to look at each other's books and processes. After all, if Zomato is the King of the North, Swiggy is the Empress of the South. (and heck women have always proven to be more efficient rulers throughout history! But more on that later)

I'm a long-standing user of Zomato. Probably a 'whale' amongst users; like they say while defining mobile gaming user type. But its far more out of necessity than out of actually liking the app now. Its become an evil I cant do without. At least for the time being.

As an outsider, even a customer with one eye closed (looking at any form of digital screen connected to the internet) can tell that both Zomato and Swiggy have up the ante on new user acquisition. And from the looks of it, Swiggy is dominating this fight right now. 

But lots of users and F&B brands seem to suddenly be favouring Swiggy in North India. And Zomato's greatest weakness right now is not being able to address their concerns. i.e.: the concerns of its biggest stakeholders - its existing users!

To my understanding, either their brand team is trying to do everything at once, (like trying to eat all the french fries, the burger and drink the entire soda can in one big gulp) without any prioritization of agendas or clear focus. 

Whatever be the case, if they continue this way, they will definitely be going down as a case study in Indian business history soon; as 'The leader who lost the right to its opinion holders'.

No, I'm not going to give any 'gyaan' on what they can do better (no one is paying me for it), but I'll like to gently point out notorious things that they are doing off late; 

1. They have taught their CRM team the art of lying and defending their position instead of addressing customer issues. 

- CRM team responses are also very fake and repetitive (like banging your head against the wall an expecting a different outcome each time)

- Their social media team is far more receptive than their CRM and PR team; post something on Twitter to the founder and people get in touch with you way faster. (even if they don't take adequate action ahead of that) 

- The PR team or whoever the hell it is sending sorry packages to customers, which doesn't even care if the wrong sorry note is sent to the wrong customer.

2. They decided to take on new challenges, i.e.: Zomato delivery, and now they are causing business losses to F&B owners. 

- Reducing delivery radius so that they can deliver food quicker

- Quietly switching restaurant ordering off when they don't have staff in an area to pick up delivery in a certain area

- Creating new features like kitchen hygiene ranking and asking F&B partners for money to rank high up in them for a year. 

3. Not being intuitive enough in developing and launching new features on the app like they used to. 

- I'm not able to use the rating filters under subcategories 

- I'm not able to find half the items as they haven't been tagged to restaurants 

4. Doing dumb things like turning the app clour blue for people who pay them for Zoamto Gold service where all they do is highlight the BOGO offers. 

- Have they taken a look at their selves in the mirror off late? I think not. Plus they haven't been looking at what other competitors have been doing either. 

- Food Talk India - is able to partner with brands and curate interactive events that Zomato hasn't been able to do. 

- Big F and Food talk India have been giving far better in restaurant dining offers than Zomato by a MILE! Why the heck will I avail a BOGO on a single food dish at a restaurant when I can opt for 15 - 20% off on entire bill or 1 + 1 on the buffet instead? 

I'm not done yet. Part 2 coming soon. 

Finding a niche - creating exclusive product videos for Amazon Sellers

Game plan: Someone needs to fill this gap. Here's an idea that you're free to pick if you have been looking for ideas around e-commerce. 

1. Category: E-commerce product listing videos (AMZ, Flipkart, Snapdeal, Paytm)
2.  The task: Product video creation for A+ listings
3. Who's doing it: Big brands, start up's, 
4. What would it need: 
• An iPhone
• An SLR camera,
• A tripod,
• A shooting Gimbel, 
• Some reflectors,
• A solid base for keeping the same
• A background.
5. Internal cost: 
• a = effort cost per hour of shooting/scripting/angles/feature call outs
• b = effort cost for video linking / cropping / music addition / tool / hardware tools) 
• c = base number of videos needed to make the videos for free as the creator 
• d = internal cost
• a + b / c =  d
• d x 2 = minimum external cost 
6. How many people: 
• 1 person  - shoot + V/O
• 1 person for editing and clean up = 2 people job
7. How will this service be promoted: 
• Youtube pre - rolls 
• Google Search Ads
• Facebook ads 
• Blogger integrations
• Direct connection with e-commerce portals for connecting to sellers
8. But will it work?
• Let's find out. 

If you end up using this idea, do let me know! 

THNIX - The Smart Period Underwear you need to buy right NOW!

Ladies! If you haven't stumbled upon or visited the below page yet, you're evolving backwards!

Link: https://www.shethinx.com

What really is innovation and technology? This is one of my favourite questions to ask people.

Many readers usually believe that innovation is directly co-related to smartphones, apps and gadgets. When in fact, it is everything that humans have found a way to evolve inorganically for the benefit of mankind.

This can be in term so of design, texture, material, ideas, ways of doing things, ways of communication or simply just anything that enhances or makes human life better.

Before I introduce you to Thinx, I'll like to give you a deeper perspective into what tech and innovation 'also' mean, regarding things and items you may be able to decipher from your day to day life.

E.g.: Switch cigarettes - after years of struggling and simplifying the thin cylinder of finely cut tobacco rolled in paper for smoking, and decades of consuming it the same way, we now have a choice!

Either you smoke a mild, or you smoke a mint. You don't have to purchase two different packets. You don't have to go looking for the mint ones separately, but instead, you now have the power to switch the flavor at the press of a button.

That my friends are innovation. If he smokes regular's and she smokes mints, they finally have a middle ground by picking up a new packet where they only have to buy the 'one' pack.

It’s easier on the pocket, it is easier to share, it's taking smoking social in a way even. (finally giving a chance changing consumption habit for smokers) And that truly is innovation.

Now coming to Thinx - like condoms have evolved for the better over a period of time, so have menstrual hygiene products.

Five common things everyone struggles with when it comes to menstrual hygiene products are:

1. Comfort

2. Capacity

3. Compactness

4. Sanitation

5. Recyclability

While a whole range of products exists out there today, from pads to tampons, to silicon cups, there isn't anything out there yet that really defines 'comfort' like Thinx does!

Now, a lot of brands DO in fact say that they are comfortable, but that’s usually the case when they are defining themselves in the eco-system of the already existing menstrual hygiene products. But can something really compare to being as comfortable as your soft cotton panties? Not really.  

Thinx has gone ahead and broken the barriers with just that. Imagine if someone told you that soft cushy panties were ‘it’ for your periods? Half your PMS is bound to stop right there, isn’t it? The whole hassle of checking your behind or the paranoia of having to change in an every few hours is quite exhausting itself!

Now imagine someone told you that like your panties you can put your period panties into the washing machine for wash (minus any detergent) every month, again and again. Yes, Thinx does exactly that as well!!

Not only do they come in different cuts and capacities, they are ultra-comfortable and promote bacteria free environment for your vagina during your red days.

Being in India, I was thoroughly sceptical but decided to go ahead and purchase them. They came perfectly packed (very nice women positive packaging) in my chosen colour – black. (though they are also available in beige).  And in a single line, I can say – they changed my life. Periods aren’t going to be the same for me ever again.

I got three panties so that I can wear one while I have a backup and one may be in wash, and it worked out perfectly. I didn’t have to care about how I sat, where I was or what I was doing. The best part is – I forgot I was on my period!

Later, I put them into my intimate ware washing machine on spin and voila, two new panties at for the next day. They do take a bit time to dry up but I did the smarter thing by ordering three.

Another thing I like about them is that they come in different capacities, the shorts can hold up an entire day of heavy bleeding (two tampons worth) while the thong is for the lighter days ( the equivalent of 1 tampon). And trust me; no drips, no fuss, no smell, no feeling of wetness.

What else can I ask for? My advice to all women who enjoy social liberation to adopt these panties. After all, they promote the epitome of women liberation.

Driving sales using expiring social media content

As social media consumption continues to rise and the big players are monopolizing the market, we can expect significant changes in social starting this year and beyond. Specifically in the changing landscape of expiring content. 

How can brands leverage the mediums

Online POP-UP shops for instant discounts and sales

1. Facebook
2. Twitter
3. Snapchat
4. Instagram
5. WhatsApp

Logistics

Requirements:

1. •Free stock on products that be put on sale using brand channels.
2. •i.e.: last season collection / res-stocked products.
3. •Active of platforms where expiring content is visible
4. •Access to these assets
5. •Pre buzz about upcoming sale
6. •Key engagement date / commutative day based offers is a plus
7. •On going brand campaign is also another plus
8. •Owned or co-owned e-commerce portal

• Expiring sales code generation method
• time bound code generation for mass usage that have expiry time on certain day/date

Brand and Consumer motivation?

Brand:

1.Exclusive over and above purchase from loyal followers.

2.Way to measure the worth of spending on gaining followers by the brand.

3.Gauge ability to set up pop-up sale more easily using owned e-commerce portals

Customer:

1.Additional discount for followers/customer over and above the e-commerce sale.

2.Less effort cost, yet more incentives for being a follower.

3.Increased reason to believe in the brand or engaging with it in the future. 

What brands will earn in return:

1.Earned social media engagement

2.Sales drive

3.Followership across platforms

4.Unique database

5.Increase product discoverability

6.Boost mobile based sales

Ideal Channels: 

1.Brand owned channels – owned e-commerce portals

2.Co-Branded channels – e-commerce partnership stores

3.Co-Branded channels – wallets and payment gateways

*more thoughts to continue*

The mystery behing re-branding our home grown brand - Kabab Mistri

A lot of experimentation went down before we got our second bands 'Kabab Mistry' to Deli NCR. 

My opinion was that the original logo was powerful in itself, while our agnecy and the husband thouht otherwise. (Men i tell you) 

Hence, started the run to prove ourselves right. 

The idea: Using the orignal logo, and changing to tone of the images and the way text was to be written on it, decided to give the kababs a more international franchise feel. After all that's what you feel, when you hear the brand name. (That maybe you've heard of it before, that there must be a long decades stabding legecy behind the

Uber Eats in India - A local start

Uber Eats - Is it a close possibility in India? 

Uber is doing a great job of branching out its services, using transport as its core service. 

But while it does so, and rapidly across many countries, India remains a challenge. Unlike a lot of markets where the delivery charge is a norm just link packaging charges and service fees, Indian's are at the stage where they expect the delivery if their e-commerce orders (which has now ticketed down to their food orders) to be expected as free of charge. 

Why so? Because with the likes of Zomato, Foodpanda, Quickly, Delivery in the market, competing to make revenue through bulk sales rather than by providing better or upgraded services (ok, ok with Foodpanda express delivery for the lack of other players trying as an exception) where they charge a commission for delivery from the food partner rather than the customer depending on the radius or the distance of the order delivery rather than the size of the order. (really, like what?!) here is a way Uber can enter the urban market for food delivery and make a niche business out of it. 

As news is, Ola is currently in the processes of making its attempt number two doing food delivery where they previously planned on doing custom daily menus basis various locations in the top metro cities (where we're sure their endeavour was to make very large margins by not disclosing the vendors they were using for food - and hence totally overlooking the fact that really guys?.. believe the people would pay for food and not worry or care about where or who it was produced by? You believe Zomato runs out of novelty value, don't you? Bad dog...!)

Any why the hell would anyone pay for the delivery as a proposition anyway? Ok, you will deliver in a car, or an auto or a weather proof safari for all you car, (and customers don't) and then ask them to shell out extra bucks for the service? ITS THE SAME FOOD!

It's ironic really that no one's paying attention to the product they are trying to map their base service (transport) with really. Much rather trying to think from the revenue angle first because ya - someone liked the sound of it. 

There is a niche service in Delhi NCR that no one has had the courtesy to explore. Namely - "My Butler"

What's so great about this service you ask? Their module as managed to crack the entire paying a premium for catering to different food partner orders + distance of delivery or the order mechanics. 

No please, it's not another delivery partner. And no the guys don't show up in butler uniforms to deliver your order (which might I add something anyone who owns a driver outfit from Uber can pull off with an additional pair of cotton gloves!)

My butler is a service that has focuses of delivering food from the niche, Creme de la Creme of Delhi food circle creators and curators. Yes, curators, meaning high-end grocery stores and brands directly that aren't part of the affordable luxury for the middle class Indian. 

Like what you ask? Good question: 

Ever been to a by reservations only restaurant in Delhi which usually has a waiting list of weeks before you get a table? 

Guppi by AI, Le Bistro du parc are such examples. Now imagine craving for their food at work!
No way do they believe in the delivery module, the cutlery, hospitality, and seating is half the experience after all! And the food won't be half as good once packed, parcelled and slightly cold (or so they think). No anyone potentially craving for theri food would mean them having eaten it before, which is no brainer. They carry hearing or cooling bags as required by the nature of your meal, a small but game-changing equipment and they deliver quite quickly.

Now imagine what happens when a person such as a Uber adapts itself to curate such a module? All those places where you previously couldn't go or send someone to pick up food on your behalf, voila! they are accessible! All those places you thought were too far off and couldn't serve you for dinner, despite booking a day in advance, that becomes a reality! Uber Eats could bridge the gap between the what you cannot have and what food delivery can mean.

Now that's an adaption idea worth invensting in and adapating for Indian market. India is deifnatly ready for this. 

Indian Diwali ideas and emotional pegs

Everyone is going to struggle with last minuted ideation for Diwali at work :) Here's some much need help!

What:

Diwali is that time of the year that signifies some of the below key moments (Indian and Abroad) –

1.       Coming together

2.       De-clutter

3.       Lighting up

4.       Gifting

5.       Sweet Diwali

6.       First Diwali away

7.       First Diwali alone

8.       First Diwali together

9.      Green Diwali

10.    Going home for Diwali

11.    Remembering childhood wali Diwali 

Interpretation for the usage of the same –

1.       Diwali is the time of the year when in most Indian homes, the processes of house cleaning begins. As much as it is tedious, it consists of the entire family coming together to clean the house and symbolically sweep negative energy from the house as a family.

2.       This processes is then followed by the lighting of Diya’s to show the way for Goddess Laxmi and Lord Ganesh to make way into their homes signifying wealth and property. Indian temperament is such that it needs fear based conditioning to get people to de-clutter their homes. i.e.: Laxmi and Ganesha don’t entertain dirty houses, nor do they grace them.

3.       In the same way, Diwali is also a big gifting occasion for Indians, which signifies the arrival of Laxmi and Ganesha to homes.

4.       Diwali is also signifiers of new beginnings and new initiatives. Often celebrated as ‘First Diwali’ post marriage, post having a kid, post young independence (first Diwali alone).

5.       Diwali is also the time of the year when most brand and association with talk about reducing pollution. i.e.:

a.       Air pollution – don’t burst crackers

b.      Noise pollution – don’t burn crackers

c.       Land pollution – garbage and residue post-Diwali crackers

d.      Green initiates – plant a tree this Diwali / clean Diwali for health of kids (lung diseases are most prevalent) (kind of thing medical brands would pick up)

e.      Pet related – due to noise, air during and cracker - garbage post - Diwali

6.       Indians are also known to save slowly throughout the year and buy / invest in new meaningful gifts and things (spend during the Diwali sale period) such as gold, electronics, cars, new furniture etc.  Also famous for association with auspicious new beginnings -  ‘Shubh Aarambh’ and ‘Shubh Labh’ moments. (the kind of thing Cadbury uses)

7.       Similarly Indians abroad also heavily saving up to go home that one time of the year with gifts for loved ones. (kind of thing airline bands would use)

8.       Diwali for adults and grandparents is also associated to remembering the good old days, when they were young and they pulled pranks and celebrated Diwali with their childhood friends.\

a.       Which can be spun off in the direction of revisiting old friends for your aged parents / grandparents to meet with on Diwali. (the kind of thing Google might use) 

b.      Can also be around new beginnings with old friends / Re connecting with old relatives and family members.

Idea pegs for Diwali –

#BringBackDiwali

#BringHomeDiwali

#LightUpYourDiwali

#DeclutterDiwali

#GoodOldDiwali

#NayiDiwali

#PuraniDiwali

#MasoomDiwali

#RusBhariDiwali

#BuchpankiDiwali

#BuchpanWaliDiwali