Stupid Me.

Hi,
 
Yesterday was an eventful day. I had a meeting at Deira, Dubai at 12 PM. After the meeting, which went on well, I took a cab to go to Bur Dubai.
 
I had some small talk with the cab driver, and came to know that he was basically from Fallujah, Iraq. He was saying that his family was in Fallujah, he was trying to bring them to Dubai… but has been unsuccessful so far.
 
The fare to my destination was 13 Dhirams. I opened my wallet and gave 20 Dhirams, but he mentioned he did not have the change of 7 dhirams. I usually carry some change in my leather bag… and I opened the leather bag and paid 3 dhirams in change.
 
As soon as I stepped out of the cab, I realized that I had forgot my wallet in the car. Also I did not know number of the car… Stupid me…
 
I immediately called up the national taxi office and gave a complaint regarding the loss of my wallet. The complaint cell executive mentioned that they can only confirm once the vehicles come back to HO late evening, and, if the driver hands over the same to the lost and found department. They asked me to call back around 4 PM in the evening and check out on development, if any..
 
I was disappointed… and was cursing, how stupid of me to carry so much cash (more than $500) and how I could forget it in the cab… the whole afternoon I was wondering what to do.. in case, I do not get the wallet.. which also had my credit cards, important papers etc. I was praying, hoping that I would get my wallet…
 
Till evening when I did not get a call from the cab office, and neither did the driver turn it.. and the building he drop me… I had lost all hope of getting it, and was wondering if the driver would have taken all the monies and thrown the wallet into the Persian Gulf… Stupid me…
 
Evening I called the office, and they said that none of the drivers who turned in at 4 PM returned any wallet… the slim hope I had was fast fading away, and then I decided to visit the National Taxi office, to make an request in person.
 
The company executive, Mark, was kind enough to let me know that they would do their best to trace the driver and followup on my case… The cars did not have a GPRS system (I’m told that Dubai Transport has the facility) that can trace the car details on the path and time I mention.
 
Mark, then suggested the time-tested method of identifying the driver by the photograph, and they had more than 1000 photos in their driver databank.. I was looking for sitting the whole night to search the databank… I started to browse the photos, and casually mentioned that the driver was from Iraq… and lo, that made their work easier as they can search the driver details by their nationality. The search was narrowed from more than 1000+ to just over 20 J.
 
I could identify the driver, and when the office contacted him on his mobile, he replied negative about commuting that particular way, at that time… then I had to convince the office that the driver was the same guy… and the vehicle was a Toyota Camry – manual drive; and when they checked the file on vehicle that driver had taken… it turned out to be a Toyota Camry… well, the person was zeroed on… but the wallet was still not found.
 
They called up the driver again and asked him to search the vehicle again… and then after 20 minutes when called again… the cab driver replied in affirmative that the wallet was lying under the front seat… phew, my prayers have been answered.
 
The driver told that it would take an hour for him to reach the office… and I decided to wait. I was wondering about the incident and trying to find out what should be done to avoid such circumstances… and what can be done…
 

Always check your belongings before you alight the vehicle
Have a small talk with the driver. It helps to be friendly with them
The taxi services should have a tracking system to help them locate the vehicle.. depending on the location or time.
Report, the loss immediately.
If possible, make a visit to the Offices of the cab, things tend to move smoother and faster, when you are there in person
Don’t lose hope…
Have faith… and don’t forget to pray
 
 
After an hour or so, the driver arrived and handed over the wallet to me…. I was so happy, to find it again.. I offered him 100 dhirams for his truthfulness… he declined … saying “you happy, I happy”… and I realized, he would have been hurt… for I put a price on his honesty….
 
As I said before… Stupid Me. 
  


_Santosh

Stupid Me.

Hi,
 
Yesterday was an eventful day. I had a meeting at Deira, Dubai at 12 PM. After the meeting, which went on well, I took a cab to go to Bur Dubai.
 
I had some small talk with the cab driver, and came to know that he was basically from Fallujah, Iraq. He was saying that his family was in Fallujah, he was trying to bring them to Dubai… but has been unsuccessful so far.
 
The fare to my destination was 13 Dhirams. I opened my wallet and gave 20 Dhirams, but he mentioned he did not have the change of 7 dhirams. I usually carry some change in my leather bag… and I opened the leather bag and paid 3 dhirams in change.
 
As soon as I stepped out of the cab, I realized that I had forgot my wallet in the car. Also I did not know number of the car… Stupid me…
 
I immediately called up the national taxi office and gave a complaint regarding the loss of my wallet. The complaint cell executive mentioned that they can only confirm once the vehicles come back to HO late evening, and, if the driver hands over the same to the lost and found department. They asked me to call back around 4 PM in the evening and check out on development, if any..
 
I was disappointed… and was cursing, how stupid of me to carry so much cash (more than $500) and how I could forget it in the cab… the whole afternoon I was wondering what to do.. in case, I do not get the wallet.. which also had my credit cards, important papers etc. I was praying, hoping that I would get my wallet…
 
Till evening when I did not get a call from the cab office, and neither did the driver turn it.. and the building he drop me… I had lost all hope of getting it, and was wondering if the driver would have taken all the monies and thrown the wallet into the Persian Gulf… Stupid me…
 
Evening I called the office, and they said that none of the drivers who turned in at 4 PM returned any wallet… the slim hope I had was fast fading away, and then I decided to visit the National Taxi office, to make an request in person.
 
The company executive, Mark, was kind enough to let me know that they would do their best to trace the driver and followup on my case… The cars did not have a GPRS system (I’m told that Dubai Transport has the facility) that can trace the car details on the path and time I mention.
 
Mark, then suggested the time-tested method of identifying the driver by the photograph, and they had more than 1000 photos in their driver databank.. I was looking for sitting the whole night to search the databank… I started to browse the photos, and casually mentioned that the driver was from Iraq… and lo, that made their work easier as they can search the driver details by their nationality. The search was narrowed from more than 1000+ to just over 20 J.
 
I could identify the driver, and when the office contacted him on his mobile, he replied negative about commuting that particular way, at that time… then I had to convince the office that the driver was the same guy… and the vehicle was a Toyota Camry – manual drive; and when they checked the file on vehicle that driver had taken… it turned out to be a Toyota Camry… well, the person was zeroed on… but the wallet was still not found.
 
They called up the driver again and asked him to search the vehicle again… and then after 20 minutes when called again… the cab driver replied in affirmative that the wallet was lying under the front seat… phew, my prayers have been answered.
 
The driver told that it would take an hour for him to reach the office… and I decided to wait. I was wondering about the incident and trying to find out what should be done to avoid such circumstances… and what can be done…
 

Always check your belongings before you alight the vehicle
Have a small talk with the driver. It helps to be friendly with them
The taxi services should have a tracking system to help them locate the vehicle.. depending on the location or time.
Report, the loss immediately.
If possible, make a visit to the Offices of the cab, things tend to move smoother and faster, when you are there in person
Don’t lose hope…
Have faith… and don’t forget to pray
 
 
After an hour or so, the driver arrived and handed over the wallet to me…. I was so happy, to find it again.. I offered him 100 dhirams for his truthfulness… he declined … saying “you happy, I happy”… and I realized, he would have been hurt… for I put a price on his honesty….
 
As I said before… Stupid Me. 
  


_Santosh

Stupid Me.

Hi,
 
Yesterday was an eventful day. I had a meeting at Deira, Dubai at 12 PM. After the meeting, which went on well, I took a cab to go to Bur Dubai.
 
I had some small talk with the cab driver, and came to know that he was basically from Fallujah, Iraq. He was saying that his family was in Fallujah, he was trying to bring them to Dubai… but has been unsuccessful so far.
 
The fare to my destination was 13 Dhirams. I opened my wallet and gave 20 Dhirams, but he mentioned he did not have the change of 7 dhirams. I usually carry some change in my leather bag… and I opened the leather bag and paid 3 dhirams in change.
 
As soon as I stepped out of the cab, I realized that I had forgot my wallet in the car. Also I did not know number of the car… Stupid me…
 
I immediately called up the national taxi office and gave a complaint regarding the loss of my wallet. The complaint cell executive mentioned that they can only confirm once the vehicles come back to HO late evening, and, if the driver hands over the same to the lost and found department. They asked me to call back around 4 PM in the evening and check out on development, if any..
 
I was disappointed… and was cursing, how stupid of me to carry so much cash (more than $500) and how I could forget it in the cab… the whole afternoon I was wondering what to do.. in case, I do not get the wallet.. which also had my credit cards, important papers etc. I was praying, hoping that I would get my wallet…
 
Till evening when I did not get a call from the cab office, and neither did the driver turn it.. and the building he drop me… I had lost all hope of getting it, and was wondering if the driver would have taken all the monies and thrown the wallet into the Persian Gulf… Stupid me…
 
Evening I called the office, and they said that none of the drivers who turned in at 4 PM returned any wallet… the slim hope I had was fast fading away, and then I decided to visit the National Taxi office, to make an request in person.
 
The company executive, Mark, was kind enough to let me know that they would do their best to trace the driver and followup on my case… The cars did not have a GPRS system (I’m told that Dubai Transport has the facility) that can trace the car details on the path and time I mention.
 
Mark, then suggested the time-tested method of identifying the driver by the photograph, and they had more than 1000 photos in their driver databank.. I was looking for sitting the whole night to search the databank… I started to browse the photos, and casually mentioned that the driver was from Iraq… and lo, that made their work easier as they can search the driver details by their nationality. The search was narrowed from more than 1000+ to just over 20 J.
 
I could identify the driver, and when the office contacted him on his mobile, he replied negative about commuting that particular way, at that time… then I had to convince the office that the driver was the same guy… and the vehicle was a Toyota Camry – manual drive; and when they checked the file on vehicle that driver had taken… it turned out to be a Toyota Camry… well, the person was zeroed on… but the wallet was still not found.
 
They called up the driver again and asked him to search the vehicle again… and then after 20 minutes when called again… the cab driver replied in affirmative that the wallet was lying under the front seat… phew, my prayers have been answered.
 
The driver told that it would take an hour for him to reach the office… and I decided to wait. I was wondering about the incident and trying to find out what should be done to avoid such circumstances… and what can be done…
 

Always check your belongings before you alight the vehicle
Have a small talk with the driver. It helps to be friendly with them
The taxi services should have a tracking system to help them locate the vehicle.. depending on the location or time.
Report, the loss immediately.
If possible, make a visit to the Offices of the cab, things tend to move smoother and faster, when you are there in person
Don’t lose hope…
Have faith… and don’t forget to pray
 
 
After an hour or so, the driver arrived and handed over the wallet to me…. I was so happy, to find it again.. I offered him 100 dhirams for his truthfulness… he declined … saying “you happy, I happy”… and I realized, he would have been hurt… for I put a price on his honesty….
 
As I said before… Stupid Me. 
  


_Santosh

Product Launch

Hi..
 
Yesterday (July 19) evening went to a car launch party... KIA motors was launching its new sedan "Cerato" in the UAE markets...... There was an Audio Video presentation about the
car.... and interviews with some current users... the ad 'talked' about the owner's aspirations, and beliefs... and how it is reflected in the purchase of the car...

Made me wonder… what is the importance of a Product Launch? …and what are the hallmarks of a good product launch…
 
Broadly speaking, a product launch is targeted at 3 types of crowd…
 

The distributors… or the channel-men
The prospective buyers
The media – for informing the general public
 
 The objective:
 
The 3 reasons for a launch is
 

New market – Old product
New market – New product
Old market – New product
 
 
I have heard my professor in my management class giving the example of how advertising is like a bulb in a room, with a pretty girl inside… well, using this analogy for a product launch, I can say that the bulb is a Spotlight.
 
The whole concept of the event revolves around the product… The venue/event theme reflects the emotional aspect of the brand positioning. In this case about the car being speedy, sporty, family, reliable, and economical..
 
The event is also a good time to gauge the initial reaction of the public, and get the primary feedback. The feedback helps the salesman to prepare for the kind of questions they will face… and the company can train them beforehand in those aspects.
 
This is also a time when you can collect the details of the people present and improve the databank… a good idea (which, was NOT there in the KIA product launch) would be to pass on questionnaire, which could also ask if they would be interested in knowing more about the vehicle.
 
Also some carry-back items can be given.. which would consist of the product details, mementos which would act as reminders… (KIA gave Key-chain L and T-shirts)… I guess a better memento would be something like a Music CD/ Audio Tape, that has some popular numbers and also interstitial ads about the product can be added…
 
And last not the least, see that the people are well fed J…. Which surely was the real highlight last night…
 
...and just in case you want some more details on the Car...
 
Kia will be offering customers,  Cerato - the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines featureing an optimum balance between performance, economy and clean emissions.
 
the new Cerato has a much longer (2610 mm) wheelbase, and offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessors. Customers will be able to choose from different equipment levels (LX and EX), two petrol engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) with automatic transmission
 
The all-new 1.5 CRDi diesel engine, which produces a maximum of 102 ps, will be available for the UAE market. It is based on the power unit used in the Kia Carens, and develops 112 ps and an impressive 245 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm.
 
The LX model equipment includes: tinted windows, ABS anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, centre console storage box, electric front windows, four two-way audio speakers and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants. The EX builds on the LX specification by adding numerous items, including: twin front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, remote central locking and theft alarm, driver's seat height adjustment and lumbar support, rear seat folding central armrest and storage box, rear cup holders, twin front-mounted audio tweeters, overhead console with map lights and sunglasses holder and courtesy 'puddle lights' in the front doors.
 Extra-cost optional equipment includes: dual-mode traction control, trip computer, heat-reflective solar glass, powered glass sunroof, leather upholstery and a choice of 15 inch or 16 inch alloy wheels.

 
thanks... take care... and peace

_Santosh

Product Launch

Hi..
 
Yesterday (July 19) evening went to a car launch party... KIA motors was launching its new sedan "Cerato" in the UAE markets...... There was an Audio Video presentation about the
car.... and interviews with some current users... the ad 'talked' about the owner's aspirations, and beliefs... and how it is reflected in the purchase of the car...

Made me wonder… what is the importance of a Product Launch? …and what are the hallmarks of a good product launch…
 
Broadly speaking, a product launch is targeted at 3 types of crowd…
 

The distributors… or the channel-men
The prospective buyers
The media – for informing the general public
 
 The objective:
 
The 3 reasons for a launch is
 

New market – Old product
New market – New product
Old market – New product
 
 
I have heard my professor in my management class giving the example of how advertising is like a bulb in a room, with a pretty girl inside… well, using this analogy for a product launch, I can say that the bulb is a Spotlight.
 
The whole concept of the event revolves around the product… The venue/event theme reflects the emotional aspect of the brand positioning. In this case about the car being speedy, sporty, family, reliable, and economical..
 
The event is also a good time to gauge the initial reaction of the public, and get the primary feedback. The feedback helps the salesman to prepare for the kind of questions they will face… and the company can train them beforehand in those aspects.
 
This is also a time when you can collect the details of the people present and improve the databank… a good idea (which, was NOT there in the KIA product launch) would be to pass on questionnaire, which could also ask if they would be interested in knowing more about the vehicle.
 
Also some carry-back items can be given.. which would consist of the product details, mementos which would act as reminders… (KIA gave Key-chain L and T-shirts)… I guess a better memento would be something like a Music CD/ Audio Tape, that has some popular numbers and also interstitial ads about the product can be added…
 
And last not the least, see that the people are well fed J…. Which surely was the real highlight last night…
 
...and just in case you want some more details on the Car...
 
Kia will be offering customers,  Cerato - the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines featureing an optimum balance between performance, economy and clean emissions.
 
the new Cerato has a much longer (2610 mm) wheelbase, and offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessors. Customers will be able to choose from different equipment levels (LX and EX), two petrol engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) with automatic transmission
 
The all-new 1.5 CRDi diesel engine, which produces a maximum of 102 ps, will be available for the UAE market. It is based on the power unit used in the Kia Carens, and develops 112 ps and an impressive 245 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm.
 
The LX model equipment includes: tinted windows, ABS anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, centre console storage box, electric front windows, four two-way audio speakers and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants. The EX builds on the LX specification by adding numerous items, including: twin front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, remote central locking and theft alarm, driver's seat height adjustment and lumbar support, rear seat folding central armrest and storage box, rear cup holders, twin front-mounted audio tweeters, overhead console with map lights and sunglasses holder and courtesy 'puddle lights' in the front doors.
 Extra-cost optional equipment includes: dual-mode traction control, trip computer, heat-reflective solar glass, powered glass sunroof, leather upholstery and a choice of 15 inch or 16 inch alloy wheels.

 
thanks... take care... and peace

_Santosh

Product Launch

Hi..
 
Yesterday (July 19) evening went to a car launch party... KIA motors was launching its new sedan "Cerato" in the UAE markets...... There was an Audio Video presentation about the
car.... and interviews with some current users... the ad 'talked' about the owner's aspirations, and beliefs... and how it is reflected in the purchase of the car...

Made me wonder… what is the importance of a Product Launch? …and what are the hallmarks of a good product launch…
 
Broadly speaking, a product launch is targeted at 3 types of crowd…
 

The distributors… or the channel-men
The prospective buyers
The media – for informing the general public
 
 The objective:
 
The 3 reasons for a launch is
 

New market – Old product
New market – New product
Old market – New product
 
 
I have heard my professor in my management class giving the example of how advertising is like a bulb in a room, with a pretty girl inside… well, using this analogy for a product launch, I can say that the bulb is a Spotlight.
 
The whole concept of the event revolves around the product… The venue/event theme reflects the emotional aspect of the brand positioning. In this case about the car being speedy, sporty, family, reliable, and economical..
 
The event is also a good time to gauge the initial reaction of the public, and get the primary feedback. The feedback helps the salesman to prepare for the kind of questions they will face… and the company can train them beforehand in those aspects.
 
This is also a time when you can collect the details of the people present and improve the databank… a good idea (which, was NOT there in the KIA product launch) would be to pass on questionnaire, which could also ask if they would be interested in knowing more about the vehicle.
 
Also some carry-back items can be given.. which would consist of the product details, mementos which would act as reminders… (KIA gave Key-chain L and T-shirts)… I guess a better memento would be something like a Music CD/ Audio Tape, that has some popular numbers and also interstitial ads about the product can be added…
 
And last not the least, see that the people are well fed J…. Which surely was the real highlight last night…
 
...and just in case you want some more details on the Car...
 
Kia will be offering customers,  Cerato - the 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines featureing an optimum balance between performance, economy and clean emissions.
 
the new Cerato has a much longer (2610 mm) wheelbase, and offers significantly more cabin space than its predecessors. Customers will be able to choose from different equipment levels (LX and EX), two petrol engines (1.6 and 2.0 litres) with automatic transmission
 
The all-new 1.5 CRDi diesel engine, which produces a maximum of 102 ps, will be available for the UAE market. It is based on the power unit used in the Kia Carens, and develops 112 ps and an impressive 245 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm.
 
The LX model equipment includes: tinted windows, ABS anti-lock brakes, 60/40 split folding rear seat backrest, centre console storage box, electric front windows, four two-way audio speakers and three-point seatbelts for all five occupants. The EX builds on the LX specification by adding numerous items, including: twin front fog lamps, heated door mirrors, remote central locking and theft alarm, driver's seat height adjustment and lumbar support, rear seat folding central armrest and storage box, rear cup holders, twin front-mounted audio tweeters, overhead console with map lights and sunglasses holder and courtesy 'puddle lights' in the front doors.
 Extra-cost optional equipment includes: dual-mode traction control, trip computer, heat-reflective solar glass, powered glass sunroof, leather upholstery and a choice of 15 inch or 16 inch alloy wheels.

 
thanks... take care... and peace

_Santosh

message in the blog

Hi,
 
I'm  interested in Marketing, Advertising and Branding... I had been working in the media and related industry... mostly in Sales and Marketing... Have been involved in online branding too. I’ve spent quite a bit of time, almost my whole “Web” career, in (or working closely with) marketing departments who’ve been focusing on either developing an new brand or revitalizing an existing brand...

If any of you guys out there having similar interests can touchbase me...maybe, you could help me in giving your insights on the subject(s)..  The more purpose of this blog is to reach out and "Learn... and... Share"


_Santosh

message in the blog

Hi,
 
I'm  interested in Marketing, Advertising and Branding... I had been working in the media and related industry... mostly in Sales and Marketing... Have been involved in online branding too. I’ve spent quite a bit of time, almost my whole “Web” career, in (or working closely with) marketing departments who’ve been focusing on either developing an new brand or revitalizing an existing brand...

If any of you guys out there having similar interests can touchbase me...maybe, you could help me in giving your insights on the subject(s)..  The more purpose of this blog is to reach out and "Learn... and... Share"


_Santosh

message in the blog

Hi,
 
I'm  interested in Marketing, Advertising and Branding... I had been working in the media and related industry... mostly in Sales and Marketing... Have been involved in online branding too. I’ve spent quite a bit of time, almost my whole “Web” career, in (or working closely with) marketing departments who’ve been focusing on either developing an new brand or revitalizing an existing brand...

If any of you guys out there having similar interests can touchbase me...maybe, you could help me in giving your insights on the subject(s)..  The more purpose of this blog is to reach out and "Learn... and... Share"


_Santosh

some interesting blogs

Hi,
 
Just created my own Blog... and abt time I made it...
 
Thought I could share some cool blogs that gave me some insights into my fav. topics - marketing, advertising, branding etc...
 
 
http://mercury.blogs.com/radio/
http://www.adverblog.com/archives/cat_branding_online.htm
http://fusionbrand.blogs.com/
http://www.ihaveanidea.org/

_Santosh

some interesting blogs

Hi,
 
Just created my own Blog... and abt time I made it...
 
Thought I could share some cool blogs that gave me some insights into my fav. topics - marketing, advertising, branding etc...
 
 
http://mercury.blogs.com/radio/
http://www.adverblog.com/archives/cat_branding_online.htm
http://fusionbrand.blogs.com/
http://www.ihaveanidea.org/

_Santosh

some interesting blogs

Hi,
 
Just created my own Blog... and abt time I made it...
 
Thought I could share some cool blogs that gave me some insights into my fav. topics - marketing, advertising, branding etc...
 
 
http://mercury.blogs.com/radio/
http://www.adverblog.com/archives/cat_branding_online.htm
http://fusionbrand.blogs.com/
http://www.ihaveanidea.org/

_Santosh

My Profile

Santosh E. G. 
 

PH: (+971)065744185
Mobile:: (+971)050-4564197
E Mail: mypostbox@www.com

"An endeavor to perform, to improve, and to grow."
 
 
Objective
 
With a Masters degree in Management and about 8 years experience in Media and associated industry, I seek to offer my services in a professional and progressive organization. With a strong inclination towards systems and penchant for taking up bigger challenges, I look towards a performance based career growth.
 
Areas of Specific Interests
 
ü        Brand management
ü        Marketing
 

My Profile

Santosh E. G. 
 

PH: (+971)065744185
Mobile:: (+971)050-4564197
E Mail: mypostbox@www.com

"An endeavor to perform, to improve, and to grow."
 
 
Objective
 
With a Masters degree in Management and about 8 years experience in Media and associated industry, I seek to offer my services in a professional and progressive organization. With a strong inclination towards systems and penchant for taking up bigger challenges, I look towards a performance based career growth.
 
Areas of Specific Interests
 
ü        Brand management
ü        Marketing
 

My Profile

Santosh E. G. 
 

PH: (+971)065744185
Mobile:: (+971)050-4564197
E Mail: mypostbox@www.com

"An endeavor to perform, to improve, and to grow."
 
 
Objective
 
With a Masters degree in Management and about 8 years experience in Media and associated industry, I seek to offer my services in a professional and progressive organization. With a strong inclination towards systems and penchant for taking up bigger challenges, I look towards a performance based career growth.
 
Areas of Specific Interests
 
ü        Brand management
ü        Marketing