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DIGITAL MARKETING: AN IMPERATIVE FOR B2B COMPANIES TO STAY AFLOAT

U nprecedented times, volatile economy and disrupted markets– These traits now mark the business environment the latest pandemic situation has brought upon us. As we continue to tirade against the odds, our economies and businesses continue to languish. B2B businesses are no exception. As these businesses are re-inventing their marketing and communication strategies to keep pace with the changing situation and to proactively converse with their customers, they are ensuring they exercise control over their narratives and manage their brands too. Underpinning the importance of digitization, B2B companies are now looking to invest more on re-designing their websites, actively stepping up social media presence, churning out compelling, quality content and shifting to virtual trade fairs and exhibitions. A recent survey conducted by McKinsey & Company of B2B businesses across 11 countries in seven sectors and across 14 categories of spend came forth with some imperative findings: Cons...
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Vietnam – The hidden South- East Asian jewel

As I boarded my flight from Siem Reap, Cambodia to reach my second and final destination – Hanoi, Vietnam during my nine-day South-East-Asian jaunt, little did I realise that this under-rated country is going to be one of the best hosts ever. Vietnam was everything - It was both mesmeric and exotic. It’s staggering natural beauty, coupled with cultural complexities and spirited megacities, carved out an alluring picture in my mind and Vietnam will always have a special place in my travel diaries.  During my five-day stay in Vietnam, I chose only to stay in Hanoi, the capital city, and visit the neighboring attractions. If you are a lone traveler or you intend to explore the place without muss fuss, I strongly recommend that you stay in the bustling Old Quarters at Hanoi. Old Quarters is a riot of restaurants, markets and long-winding streets. On the one hand, the Old Quarters hosts a slew of old buildings and government offices, (drawing inspiration from the French architec...

Cambodia - Flirting with the past

Cambodia, for some reason was always on my bucket list. As I chalked out plans to embark on a solo trip to this ancient beauty that long wooed visitors with its ancient temples and chaotic past, I didn’t really know what to expect and I decided to go without much fuss. But I knew this trip was going to be different – different from all the other ones that I have done in the past. Cambodia seemed everything to me – from backpacker party pads to upmarket resorts, from intriguing temples to a haven for local street food, offering cultural, historic, spiritual flare to inquisitive souls. Since I was on an eight-day trip and I had two countries on my bucket list, I decided to hit Siem Reap first.  My first stop at Siem Reap had to be Angor Wat – a place that I have always romanced. History tells us that Angor Wat, is officially the largest religious structure in the world. This UNESCO protected site, built on a site measuring 402 acres, was originally constructed as a Hindu templ...

Toys ‘R’ Us to soon become a passé?

If reports are to be believed, America’s oldest and favourite toy store Toys ‘R’ Us will soon shut shop in many countries in which it operates in. While a slew of reasons ranging from bankruptcy to expensive debt service, stiff-necked competition from ecommerce and big box retailers to loss-making stores are cited as the reasons behind the proposed closure, the store has not officially confirmed the reports on a possible closure (that might become effective at least in a few countries).  As a parent, I have had fond memories shopping at the stores, be it the USA, UAE or even in India (in our own namma Bengaluru). Whether the store will shut its doors to its customers now, or in later months to come, the fact remains that the 69-year-old toy behemoth will remain an iconic toy store for many.  Toys ‘R’ Us, which sells toys and baby products across 1,600 stores in 38 countries, forayed into Indian market last October with much hype. Its 20,000 sq ft. store that opened ...

Cause I’m a woman

It's quite ironic that we live at times when we get groped and molested every day, get eve teased every day, get brutally raped every day, get 'ignored' at work place and get branded as ‘incompetent’ sometimes when compared to the men folks, of course!  But this day we get flooded with “Happy Women’s Day’ messages from all quarters: known and unknown, sometimes with some free wine, free flowers, free food… so on and so forth! Give it a thought: Why would I want to be wished “Happy women’s day on one particular day in an entire year? Absurd right? If you really appreciate me or my efforts, you will respect me every day, you will think me worth the praise you might want to shower on me every day! Let’s face this: Women have always been the epitome of strength, grace, courage, beauty, love, care and compassion and will continue to do so irrespective of whether you give her a 'Women's Day' or not, whether you give her a free lunch or a drink or no! All of...

Celebrating 100 shades of women!

Picturesque lush lands, green beaches covered with white sand and clear waters, jungle-topped mountains.. she longed to be in one such ‘heavenly’ places… a paradise  where you could spend the whole day staring at the crystal clear water or while away time sipping green tea, while exploring unique verdant regions that showcase knock-out views. One’s ability to find solace with oneself in some far, uninhabited, untouched land is an art in itself- the constant craving for solitude, a bliss. Radha longed for this very solitude, to be able to be drifted away to a lonely plant- uninhibited by the race of human beings.. the only race that judge and misunderstands their peers easily, the only race who form judgments based on erratic, illogical, absurd parameters. Radha closed her eyes for a moment, in an attempt to focus back on ‘realty.’ She had seen a perfect dream. She looked away to see through her window – the children’s park was already abuzz with activities and people- ira...

From a Wedding Planner's Blog

  So it was late in the night when my good old 'girlie' Felexie rang me to ‘spill the beans’ that she has finally given that much-awaited nod to her long-time boy friend Alex. Yes, they were getting hitched. Excited she was and so was I. This time not only as a wedding planner but also as it was my best friend’s wedding – we had waited for this day from quite some time now. I could literally feel the excitement as Felexie kept checking with me as to how we should go about preparing for the big day. She trusted me and I decided to make her special day the most memorable one for the lovely couple and all of us around! The D-Day wasn’t too far and yes in my mind I had started jotting down notes. Yes, the preparations had begun. So we began our planning and made a few meetings both with the bride and groom to-be. While Alex wasn’t sure of the nitty gritties, I was surprised that Felexie had things very clear (in her mind at least). So we decided on the dates to shop for the d...