TMC DOING THE RIGHT BRANDING FOR 2019 ELECTIONS

Only one regional party in India is choosing the right path to get into a complete national party from mere regional, its TMC. The way the TMC supremo is leading the way to confront the ruling party is phenomenal!! Its projecting to be in the forefront in the opposition, in fact the voice is more laud and clear than that of largest opposition party The National Congress.

The message is loud and clear. TMC's effort to position it in a different league and project it to be a best alternative in the upcoming elections, mainly Loksobha 2019. Its a commanding differentiation and to my view it will gather maximum attention despite TMC supremo's different hindi accent during speeches. The way she is managing the party with a wide vision despite many controversies,  is gaining more ground for the party.

I have written the above from a unique positioning observation only, I do not represent any political party, 

CONSOLIDATION OF GEO-POLITICS AND GEO-ECONOMICS CAN GUARANTEE IMPROVED QUALITY OF LIFE

SBI is going to consolidate by merging with  other PSU banks to make a larger entity. This will create a giant in Indian banking system while the smaller banks' operating efficiency will be increased manifold. The bigger entity will have huge financial prowess, increased geographical presence, a ocean of skilled bankers with a negotiating power a level above. 

This process can be replicated in global geo-politics. In Asia, we can have two power centers India and China after merger of the countries free to choose their power side. For example, Afghanistan, Srilanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan may consider to merge with Indian side whereas South Korea, North Korea, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan etc. may consider to join China side with a common Central government on each side. Each power center should sign a 5-10 year treaty among its member countries to be within the selected side for massive progress. The power center should act like a sovereign country with common Central bank, free trade across borders including ocean, central defense system, pro-active democracy, centralized education and research system etc. I know there are huge challenge in maintaining different flowers in a single garland. But, if it is success, it will massively upgrade the quality of common people's life of each power center with increased negotiating power in the global trade.

This is a step ahead of the present entities like European union, ASEAN etc. which are formed to make the regional systems more efficient. 

This practice can be replicated in other continents after testing a initial success. 

Enriching the Indian EconomicThink Tank is the need of the hour

I was tracking the news of the announcing of new RBI governor this time as as every other business geeks. A star in the system was replaced and the system will continue to be in safe hands. 

But is it enough to fill the existing void spaces to run the show?? Absolutely not. First, the country deserve to have a defined Mission and Vision statement with a quantified success target with a deadline. For example, The per capita income (nominal) of the country will be 8000 in 2020, the contribution of green energy will be 40% of the total energy produced in 2020, to come up with pilot less fighter jet by 2025, so on.

The stars who are being replaced like Dr. Rajan, should be engaged in advisory or executive roles directly working with the policy making. We just can not afford to loose them. Efforts should be in line to attract top talents in finance and economics world over to India and building a galaxy which will lead to a ray of greater success the world has ever realized. 

The country should run like a corporate structure with a defined mission and vision, distinct and effective roles of Marketing, Finance and Economics, Operations, a clear road map with actions to be recorded, updated and analyzed continuously. 

Railway Budget 2010 - a step forward to the future

Railway budget is seemed to be promising. The focus is on building the infrastructure. The increase in number of trains, introduction of high speed trains, establishing manufacturing plants, providing health care services are all in sync with the social development. So, here is the synergy which aligns the physical & social infrastructures very well.

The private players need to come forward to work on a PPP (public private partnership) basis. The boost in Railway revenue will definitely reinforce our GDP in the coming years.

Do we need a CMO for our cabinet?

We have ministry of finance & a ministry of human resources development which manage well the finance & talents. But the leverage of these efforts can not be obtained unless we integrate the different departments' effort of communication. Our tourism has well communicated & got the result of surge in tourists flow from domestic as well as international destinations. But how much have we marketed our defense products or space innovation. Even we can export our railway, power utility or telecom expertise to under developed nations. But all we need is to communicate through a single window to maximize the impact.

“DO THE NEW” - Borrowed tagline?

UPA budget 2009 stimulated the vibrant Indian telecom market. The 3G services licenses will be distributed soon in the market. The market challenger Tata Teleservices (approx. 10% market share) is all set to storm the 3G services market by making an alliance with DOCOMO, Japan. The later is known for delivering superior value added services based on its advanced mobile technology. The brand essence ‘trust’ (Tata) is reinforced with the ‘lifestyle’(DOCOMO) to enrich the lives of the nation & will lead its new generation.

The initial brand essence of the new identity “Tata Docomo” is perceived to be ‘uniqueness in experience’ what the print adds & the new website says “ Do the new.” But isn’t the idea borrowed from “Do the Dew” campaign? Yes, PepsiCo adopted the tag to revive Mountain Dew in the 90s. Let us see what kinds of TVCs will be designed by the advertisers to communicate NEW……..

WHICH COFFEE WILL START YOUR DAY?

US coffee market has been vibrant due to domestic competition among three rivals – Starbucks, McDonalds’ & Dunkin’ Donuts. Starbucks is the most sought after brand consumed by a majority of Americans.  But McDonalds’ adopted frontal attack to have a category extension & a significant US coffee market share. They penetrated the café market by launching “McCafe” format with lesser price than Sturbucks & it offers beverages (coffee) along with burgers.

But this time Starbucks has been attacked badly by Dunkin’ Donuts. They adopted Viral marketing strategy to spread the news “In a recent national blind taste test, more Americans preferred the taste of Dunkin' Donuts coffee over Starbucks”. They have used social networking sites like Face book, Twitter & YouTube to form fan clubs to spread the message quickly. This type of comparative advertisement has not been adopted in US coffee marketplace before.

India is a growing market for café business. CCD & barista have a created a significant branded café market. But the Market is not as vibrant as US. I hope the major foreign café chains will come soon to India & make the market more competitive.