Few of my friends called me to Twitter. Had known this company for sometime but didn't have so much energy to start something else again. I was already using Orkut, Facebook, LinkedIn for Networking; StumbleUpon for time pass; knol and blogger for writing articles etc. I was actually over packed.
But Bibek and Lokesh inspired me to join it 5 days ago. I thought of giving it a try. But a greedy Marketer came to existence, when I read that the success out there is to increase the followers! I thought of a strategy for it with all the analytics I have been doing. The result -- 563 followers till now.
Here is my strategy. It has three principles.
1. People usually reciprocate the favor done to them.
2. People who follow other people like you have high chances of being your follower.
3. The chances of conversion are more with more chances given to people.
Implementation Steps:
Step 1 : Go to the Twitter profile of people who are like you.
Step 2 : Follow all his followers
Step 3 : Everyday check who is not following you at FriendorFollow; if someone does not follow you, un-follow him and then again follow him.
Remember people wont know when you un-follow him, but he will keep on getting mail when you follow. Do this till someone follows you. Test his patience or his arrogance what ever you may call :D
My Plan is to get 20k followers in 3 months. Let me see if I can get that. Do you want to do the same? Let me know if you implement this strategy. Would like to know if it works for you or not.
Good Luck!! Happy Twitting.
Want to add me at Twitter. Please do it now.
Showing posts with label General Analysis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label General Analysis. Show all posts
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Cover Your Ass or Kick Ass
When you work in a Consulting Environment, you are always challenged to perform. And mostly when you work being a client contact person, its more critical. To survive and grow in this environment, all you need to do is -- follow the following principle.
Cover Your Base (CYB) or Cover Your Ass (CYA)
This theory says, whatever you do never leave anything patchy. Never go wrong. Forget about performance but be stable and perfect.
But again, can you grow if you just keep following this? If you just think or care your ass, how will you work to solve the greater business problems. Serious issue huh!!
Well. Don't worry, there's a solution too. Follow the new principle -- Kick Ass.
Forget about your ass (leave it open), and go on kicking others ass. And all you need to do to follow this principle is to remember its two postulates.
2. The world is full of asses.
Fair Enough!!
This theory says, whatever you do never leave anything patchy. Never go wrong. Forget about performance but be stable and perfect.
But again, can you grow if you just keep following this? If you just think or care your ass, how will you work to solve the greater business problems. Serious issue huh!!
Well. Don't worry, there's a solution too. Follow the new principle -- Kick Ass.
Forget about your ass (leave it open), and go on kicking others ass. And all you need to do to follow this principle is to remember its two postulates.
1. Life's purpose is to kick as many asses as possible.
2. The world is full of asses.
Fair Enough!!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Have Dollars, Sell It OFF
US Economy is in problem, everyone knows it. First the sub-prime crisis, then the overall Financial Crisis due to liquidity crunch, and now overall economy in recession. No one should be unaware of this fact.
But are you following the Financial Markets? If yes, then you must be knowing that value of USD is increasing w.r.t. all major currencies of the World. Surprising huh!!
Earlier when the sub-prime crisis started people throughout the World just got panicked and lost their confidence in US Economy. They started doing transaction in other currencies, and selling whatever dollar they have. In this period, Indian Rupees went stronger against dollar from Rs. 45 per dollar to Rs. 39 per Dollar in 4 months window.
This was obvious as people had more confidence in Indian Economy than US. But suddenly dollar value started rising while the US Economy was going from Bad to Worse. Investment Banks collapsed, then the major banks went into crisis and now Auto Companies are in the verge of collapse, the employment scenario look gloomy; but still dollar rises.
Few argue that these things are obvious because by this time other World Economies went into crisis. But are other Economies worse off than US? It is not specially when I consider Indian Economy. Europe and Japan are in recession; but China and India are not. So, why does value of dollar increases against these currencies?
It is all because US Economy dominates the World, and specially whole of Asia is run by American Investments. When the American investors had bad time at home, all they could do is sell overseas operations or buy dollar from outside and fund their US operations. The impact is so huge that US Govt. had to sell hundreds of billions of dollars to few of the Economies to control the dollar shortage. Korea South, Taiwan and others took about 30 to 50 billion dollars each from US; but still the money market seems skewed towards dollar shortage.
This could lead to serious consequence of dollar collapse in coming days. And it can only get more serious if US govt. have actually pumped more dollar by printing it to fight the crisis. With more dollar floating in the market than it was a year back and patchy economy brought by sub-prime and mortgage crisis, all we can expect is a steep correction. I expect it to fall at-least by 30 to 40% against all major currencies as soon as the markets starts getting normal. This however wont be so bad news for US Economy and the US Companies; but it will hurt the general public, the consumers.
So my suggestions general US population is that, just sell the dollar off. Buy some Indian Rupees or Euros, and wait for one year to get a huge bonus. May be it will bring some cheer for you at the end of the crisis. Else you will again lose, lose the value of money you have, and lose the opportunity gain that you could have got.
Good luck!!
But are you following the Financial Markets? If yes, then you must be knowing that value of USD is increasing w.r.t. all major currencies of the World. Surprising huh!!
Earlier when the sub-prime crisis started people throughout the World just got panicked and lost their confidence in US Economy. They started doing transaction in other currencies, and selling whatever dollar they have. In this period, Indian Rupees went stronger against dollar from Rs. 45 per dollar to Rs. 39 per Dollar in 4 months window.This was obvious as people had more confidence in Indian Economy than US. But suddenly dollar value started rising while the US Economy was going from Bad to Worse. Investment Banks collapsed, then the major banks went into crisis and now Auto Companies are in the verge of collapse, the employment scenario look gloomy; but still dollar rises.
Few argue that these things are obvious because by this time other World Economies went into crisis. But are other Economies worse off than US? It is not specially when I consider Indian Economy. Europe and Japan are in recession; but China and India are not. So, why does value of dollar increases against these currencies?
It is all because US Economy dominates the World, and specially whole of Asia is run by American Investments. When the American investors had bad time at home, all they could do is sell overseas operations or buy dollar from outside and fund their US operations. The impact is so huge that US Govt. had to sell hundreds of billions of dollars to few of the Economies to control the dollar shortage. Korea South, Taiwan and others took about 30 to 50 billion dollars each from US; but still the money market seems skewed towards dollar shortage.
This could lead to serious consequence of dollar collapse in coming days. And it can only get more serious if US govt. have actually pumped more dollar by printing it to fight the crisis. With more dollar floating in the market than it was a year back and patchy economy brought by sub-prime and mortgage crisis, all we can expect is a steep correction. I expect it to fall at-least by 30 to 40% against all major currencies as soon as the markets starts getting normal. This however wont be so bad news for US Economy and the US Companies; but it will hurt the general public, the consumers.
So my suggestions general US population is that, just sell the dollar off. Buy some Indian Rupees or Euros, and wait for one year to get a huge bonus. May be it will bring some cheer for you at the end of the crisis. Else you will again lose, lose the value of money you have, and lose the opportunity gain that you could have got.
Good luck!!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Economic Crisis, Liquidity Crunch and Cash Bubble
Wait for few months more and you will see growth. Growth in all quarters be it stock market, or the economic activity. Its not because everything that has gone wrong for last one year in US is getting back, and also not because World governments have been doing a lot to being economy back on track. But because of one evil that exists now-- CASH BUBBLE.
We have been hearing about people selling whatever commodity they have. From stocks to metals, from houses to currencies everything is being sold. But if you consider the principle of Trade, is it possible to sell without people buying it? No right!!
Even if we consider it is possible, if people are selling in such an huge extent and not buying, where the hell they are keeping the money? Banks!! No way, all banks are facing liquidity problems and it is understood that people are not parking their cash in Bank too. They are just keeping cash with themselves.
This phenomena has increased also because of many market analyst suggesting people to keep cash at times of crisis. This is a good suggestion, but is cash a commodity whose value remains same? No. People are forgetting this fact. But thats fine, I am not discussing that today.
I see all of my friends to relatives, from employees to organizations all are saving cash. Ofcourse this do not include who are not able to finance their own operations, but the others who have good disposable income. They are not spending or investing.
Above it, governments are printing more and more cash. From US to EU, from China to Japan, and from India to Kuwait everyone is pumping money to the World economy. But still economy is not growing and consumption of products are coming down. Where the hell is the money going? I am surprised!! Are you also??
Well I found the answer, money is in the hands of people. Banks and Govts don't have it. This has in one side created a cash crunch, and the other side CASH and DISTRUST BUBBLE. Its just few months for it to burst, and then we see a lot of economic activity around. After all none of the recessions have remained for more than a year and this too will not remain for long.
If you have cash, then today is the time when you will have to invest. ICICI Bank share is at Rs 300 or Cisco share is at $20; chance to own huge number of these high value share may not come again. I expect there will be at-least 100% increase in stock prices of these sound functioning companies. Don't be late, just buy it and be patient for the cash bubble to burst. Move early and be at the top. Or wait for others to join in and get lost in the crowd. Choice is yours.
We have been hearing about people selling whatever commodity they have. From stocks to metals, from houses to currencies everything is being sold. But if you consider the principle of Trade, is it possible to sell without people buying it? No right!!
Even if we consider it is possible, if people are selling in such an huge extent and not buying, where the hell they are keeping the money? Banks!! No way, all banks are facing liquidity problems and it is understood that people are not parking their cash in Bank too. They are just keeping cash with themselves.
This phenomena has increased also because of many market analyst suggesting people to keep cash at times of crisis. This is a good suggestion, but is cash a commodity whose value remains same? No. People are forgetting this fact. But thats fine, I am not discussing that today.
I see all of my friends to relatives, from employees to organizations all are saving cash. Ofcourse this do not include who are not able to finance their own operations, but the others who have good disposable income. They are not spending or investing.
Above it, governments are printing more and more cash. From US to EU, from China to Japan, and from India to Kuwait everyone is pumping money to the World economy. But still economy is not growing and consumption of products are coming down. Where the hell is the money going? I am surprised!! Are you also??
Well I found the answer, money is in the hands of people. Banks and Govts don't have it. This has in one side created a cash crunch, and the other side CASH and DISTRUST BUBBLE. Its just few months for it to burst, and then we see a lot of economic activity around. After all none of the recessions have remained for more than a year and this too will not remain for long.
If you have cash, then today is the time when you will have to invest. ICICI Bank share is at Rs 300 or Cisco share is at $20; chance to own huge number of these high value share may not come again. I expect there will be at-least 100% increase in stock prices of these sound functioning companies. Don't be late, just buy it and be patient for the cash bubble to burst. Move early and be at the top. Or wait for others to join in and get lost in the crowd. Choice is yours.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Economic Crisis to Analytics
Economic Crisis has hit the World. Now it is not only the US Crisis but a Global One and like never before all the World Governments are doing their best to minimize its effect. Financial Institutions are worst hit followed by Real Estate. This has drilled down to other industries, and now from Telecom to Retail every sector is affected. What has been the effect on Analytics Industry?
Analytics as an industry seems to have got boost. I see a lot of Job Vacancies for Marketing Analytics and Risk Management everyday in all medias, be it in Web (Naukri.com, LinkedIn etc.) or Newspaper (I read Times of India and Economic Times). Even more surprising is to see many Analytics and Business Intelligence start-up companies coming up.
I am not sure if this is the trend everywhere or just in India. But it is really surprising (yet true) that Analytics Jobs are everywhere wherever you see.
Does this mean when Economics fall, people realize the importance of Analytics?? I have no answer but I wont be surprised if someone proves it.
Long back I had read a comparison of importance of Three Major Professionals -- Engineers, Doctors and MBAs with Economists and Sociologists. Let me share with you guys here.
When a country is poor and is having lots of social and economic issues, the people who earn the highest are the Doctors (e.g. most Africa, Asian LDCs) followed by Engineers and MBAs. In these Economies, Economists and Sociologists hardly have any role to play.
When country starts growing the importance of Engineers rise, and their salaries too. They overcome the Doctors and at later stage MBAs overcome all (e.g. in India, China etc). Till this stage Economists and Sociologists role is very limited. (I hardly see any economist making a news in India!! Surprised? Well, don't be. Its the reality)
Now comes the developed World. People hardly want to study Technical subjects (got to know from my friends; but not first hand knowledge). And most Technicians are from Underdeveloped and Developing Nations who serve these economies. This is so normal as Doctors and Engineers have very limited role to play here. Infrastructures are there, and system is there. Here managers rule, and Economists and Socialists rule more. Because this is the time when the society needs values with value creaters, and thoughts with philosophers.
When I remember all these stuffs and I see the increased activity of Analytics Industry in the Crisis Time, I feel its the Analysts Time. The time has come, and we have got this rare opportunity and we should capitalize on it.
By the time Crisis ends, Analytics should establish itself as an Important Business Function on the line of Marketing, IT, and Operations. This would mean every big organization having a CAO (Chief Analytics Officer) along the lines of COO and CMO.
Is this possible? I feel, yes. With the Software Biggies (Oracle, Microsoft, IBM) bringing BI Solutions and many specialized BI and Analytics companies bringing great EDM products this is coming to becoming a reality. Not to forget is the contribution of smaller Analytics Consulting Companies that actually uses (and helps clients to use) these tools to bring efficiency to Business.
What is your take on it? Are you with me? Or against me? Please share your feedback and comments here.
Analytics as an industry seems to have got boost. I see a lot of Job Vacancies for Marketing Analytics and Risk Management everyday in all medias, be it in Web (Naukri.com, LinkedIn etc.) or Newspaper (I read Times of India and Economic Times). Even more surprising is to see many Analytics and Business Intelligence start-up companies coming up.
I am not sure if this is the trend everywhere or just in India. But it is really surprising (yet true) that Analytics Jobs are everywhere wherever you see.
Does this mean when Economics fall, people realize the importance of Analytics?? I have no answer but I wont be surprised if someone proves it.
Long back I had read a comparison of importance of Three Major Professionals -- Engineers, Doctors and MBAs with Economists and Sociologists. Let me share with you guys here.
When a country is poor and is having lots of social and economic issues, the people who earn the highest are the Doctors (e.g. most Africa, Asian LDCs) followed by Engineers and MBAs. In these Economies, Economists and Sociologists hardly have any role to play.
When country starts growing the importance of Engineers rise, and their salaries too. They overcome the Doctors and at later stage MBAs overcome all (e.g. in India, China etc). Till this stage Economists and Sociologists role is very limited. (I hardly see any economist making a news in India!! Surprised? Well, don't be. Its the reality)
Now comes the developed World. People hardly want to study Technical subjects (got to know from my friends; but not first hand knowledge). And most Technicians are from Underdeveloped and Developing Nations who serve these economies. This is so normal as Doctors and Engineers have very limited role to play here. Infrastructures are there, and system is there. Here managers rule, and Economists and Socialists rule more. Because this is the time when the society needs values with value creaters, and thoughts with philosophers.
When I remember all these stuffs and I see the increased activity of Analytics Industry in the Crisis Time, I feel its the Analysts Time. The time has come, and we have got this rare opportunity and we should capitalize on it.
By the time Crisis ends, Analytics should establish itself as an Important Business Function on the line of Marketing, IT, and Operations. This would mean every big organization having a CAO (Chief Analytics Officer) along the lines of COO and CMO.
Is this possible? I feel, yes. With the Software Biggies (Oracle, Microsoft, IBM) bringing BI Solutions and many specialized BI and Analytics companies bringing great EDM products this is coming to becoming a reality. Not to forget is the contribution of smaller Analytics Consulting Companies that actually uses (and helps clients to use) these tools to bring efficiency to Business.
What is your take on it? Are you with me? Or against me? Please share your feedback and comments here.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Why Do Europeans and Australians Over React?
When there was bombings in London and Madrid, there was no big cry in India or any Asian countries. It was taken as a security failure and everyone believed that the respective countries will take care of the situation.
Now when there is terror attack in Mumbai, touring English Cricket Team choose to leave India citing security reasons. They left the 7 ODI series in the middle with India winning the series 5-0. Was this done to save it from becoming 7-0? Or is it usual practice of pulling touring team back? I am not sure of it.
England and Australia are masters of pull-out. They have done similar things with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe earlier. Now they have done to India. Should not this be reciprocated by these Asian nations saying they wont tour those countries too? Or is England safe and Asian not safe for Cricket?
England, Australia and New Zealand have even started talks about shifting World Cup 2011 from Asia to Australia-New Zealand at the time when more than 80% of World Cricketing budget come from Asian four. What does this signify? I have some serious reservations against the bias people outside have against South Asian Nations.
Europe's over reaction stories are plenty. Once Europe used to be one of the best destination market for Nepalese Hand Made Mats, and many people took bank loans to produce these high quality Mats. The economy was booming, and Nepal was gaining good here. Suddenly a news came from European Union regarding banning of Nepalese Mats for use of Child Labors. It was a great step taken by the Developed and Civilized Nations to preserve Child Rights, which ended many villages around Kathmandu into becoming Banks' NPAs. It not only harmed the children but their parents too.
Shocking!! This is a reality. Europeans and Australians often Over React. These are just few example. And no one knows when their rights or environment agenda comes to hurt you. Anyone knows why they do it? Or it is us who does not do it?
Now when there is terror attack in Mumbai, touring English Cricket Team choose to leave India citing security reasons. They left the 7 ODI series in the middle with India winning the series 5-0. Was this done to save it from becoming 7-0? Or is it usual practice of pulling touring team back? I am not sure of it.
England and Australia are masters of pull-out. They have done similar things with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe earlier. Now they have done to India. Should not this be reciprocated by these Asian nations saying they wont tour those countries too? Or is England safe and Asian not safe for Cricket?
England, Australia and New Zealand have even started talks about shifting World Cup 2011 from Asia to Australia-New Zealand at the time when more than 80% of World Cricketing budget come from Asian four. What does this signify? I have some serious reservations against the bias people outside have against South Asian Nations.
Europe's over reaction stories are plenty. Once Europe used to be one of the best destination market for Nepalese Hand Made Mats, and many people took bank loans to produce these high quality Mats. The economy was booming, and Nepal was gaining good here. Suddenly a news came from European Union regarding banning of Nepalese Mats for use of Child Labors. It was a great step taken by the Developed and Civilized Nations to preserve Child Rights, which ended many villages around Kathmandu into becoming Banks' NPAs. It not only harmed the children but their parents too.
Shocking!! This is a reality. Europeans and Australians often Over React. These are just few example. And no one knows when their rights or environment agenda comes to hurt you. Anyone knows why they do it? Or it is us who does not do it?
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Bailout for GM?
There is an article on New York Time today on Bailout for crisis hit Automakers. It is not surprising to see these protectionist voice once the economy is in problem but US Govt. should be very careful in taking these steps. Any subsidy or bailout tend to make people less cautious and careless going ahead. And after-all US Govt. cannot spend tax payers money to bail out the corporates in all sectors.
I see everything bad in the bail-out and for various reasons. Let me list down few.
1. Where does the money come from? Increasing Tax?
Govt. is after-all just a institution, a massive organization with both investors and clients as the people of the country. They hardly have any external source of Income apart from Tax Income. And if they go on bailing out the problematic firms, they will have no options but to increase tax for the General Public.
Bad for government stability. Bad for the Citizens.
2. Bailout can help cure the symptoms but not the disease.
There was something wrong with any company that collapse, or in verge of collapse. How will bail out help ensure that the root causes are addressed. The reasons for GM's financial condition is its poor cars, they are neither good looking like the Europeans nor are fuel efficient like the Asians. GM has one of the poorest distribution channel in India (don't know about US), and the worst amongst all automakers in terms of the after-sales service. You will find a Maruti, Mahindra, Tata or Hundai service center in the most rural areas also. There are Toyota Service Centers in all smaller towns and every corner of big cities. Searching a GM service center will be a real pain anywhere.
More to this, is the increasing expenditure of the US Companies. Asians have build their firms in very cost effective manner while the Americans and Europeans have inherited the high spending culture once gained by political power. This is the root of all cause.
Can bailout address these issues? NO.
My suggestions to the US Govt. and GM would be to work in their own areas. Do not interfere, and don't cry for help. GM's Board should get together sell few unprofitable units to finance their operations and for obvious reasons search a Executive from IBM and replace the CEO.
If GM needs to do anything good in future, they will have to learn from IBM. IBM is one American Company which has mastered lowering cost of operations and is still leading the Software Services area by far margin.
Good cars and competitive GM is better for the Americans and the World. Nothing else is.
----
Good Follow up by Deep Serchan.
I see everything bad in the bail-out and for various reasons. Let me list down few.
1. Where does the money come from? Increasing Tax?
Govt. is after-all just a institution, a massive organization with both investors and clients as the people of the country. They hardly have any external source of Income apart from Tax Income. And if they go on bailing out the problematic firms, they will have no options but to increase tax for the General Public.
Bad for government stability. Bad for the Citizens.
2. Bailout can help cure the symptoms but not the disease.
There was something wrong with any company that collapse, or in verge of collapse. How will bail out help ensure that the root causes are addressed. The reasons for GM's financial condition is its poor cars, they are neither good looking like the Europeans nor are fuel efficient like the Asians. GM has one of the poorest distribution channel in India (don't know about US), and the worst amongst all automakers in terms of the after-sales service. You will find a Maruti, Mahindra, Tata or Hundai service center in the most rural areas also. There are Toyota Service Centers in all smaller towns and every corner of big cities. Searching a GM service center will be a real pain anywhere.
More to this, is the increasing expenditure of the US Companies. Asians have build their firms in very cost effective manner while the Americans and Europeans have inherited the high spending culture once gained by political power. This is the root of all cause.
Can bailout address these issues? NO.
My suggestions to the US Govt. and GM would be to work in their own areas. Do not interfere, and don't cry for help. GM's Board should get together sell few unprofitable units to finance their operations and for obvious reasons search a Executive from IBM and replace the CEO.
If GM needs to do anything good in future, they will have to learn from IBM. IBM is one American Company which has mastered lowering cost of operations and is still leading the Software Services area by far margin.
Good cars and competitive GM is better for the Americans and the World. Nothing else is.
----
Good Follow up by Deep Serchan.
Veggie Drinkers tend less towards Crime
Nepal Police has made a study on the relation between crime and food habit. It says, Veggie drinkers tend to commit less crime than their Non-Vegetarian counter-parts. News coverage here.
This is one of the poorest finding I have seen for long. The concluded the finding on the basis of numbers of number of drinker criminals being veg or non-veg. This is a case of population bias. There are more non-vegetarians in Kathmandu than Vegetarians, and by far margin.
The finding would have been great if they had included approximate numbers for total population, Veggie population, non-veg population, veggie drinkers and non-veg drinkers. The higher number of Non-Veg Drinkers committing crime cannot be a metric at all. They could have judged something else.
If the ratio of non-veg drinkers who commit crime to the total number of non-veg drinkers was high against that for veggies, then there would be some weight in their say.
Sorry Nepal Police. I cannot take your finding.
This is one of the poorest finding I have seen for long. The concluded the finding on the basis of numbers of number of drinker criminals being veg or non-veg. This is a case of population bias. There are more non-vegetarians in Kathmandu than Vegetarians, and by far margin.
The finding would have been great if they had included approximate numbers for total population, Veggie population, non-veg population, veggie drinkers and non-veg drinkers. The higher number of Non-Veg Drinkers committing crime cannot be a metric at all. They could have judged something else.
If the ratio of non-veg drinkers who commit crime to the total number of non-veg drinkers was high against that for veggies, then there would be some weight in their say.
Sorry Nepal Police. I cannot take your finding.
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