DNA of Apple – so rightly put by Bono

There are dreams that you Search for. There are dreams that Search for you. Some adore Steve Jobs. Some despise him publicly. But what most companies try and fail - is to emulate the core DNA of people & innovation that represent Apple. I had written an earlier blog post on how to 'Fight Off…

iOS App, eCommerce Store OR Digital Agency?

If given a choice of becoming an entrepreneur and opening your company, which one would you opt for - - an iOS app that makes an effort to solve a problem in a known domain; and commercialize it OR - open an eCommerce store selling (say, CD/DVDs, books, mens/womens/kids clothing) OR - open a digital…

Some Terrible Decisions by Apple in 2012

You may say - some terrible decisions by Apple. Or, some terrible decisions by the CEO himself - Tim Cook in the past few months. As a long time Apple follower and fan; simply put, this is quite hurting. And most disturbing of all - not sure Steve Jobs would have permitted any of these.…

iPad Mini – Did Apple Really Need It?

Apple iPad Mini. Priced at $329. Understood - Apple wishes to compete with Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD and Google’s Nexus 7; but the question is - 'Did Apple really need this one?' I believe this is a terrible decision by Apple. And Steve Jobs if alive, would have had been extremely mad. Before he died,…

ELITIFY – For the Successful Man

Snake Skin Patterned Wallet from Etro at Rs. 22,900/- or an artificial leather Wallet from an unknown brand at 50% discount for Rs. 1,999? Which one do you prefer? Are you a premier customer or a bargain hunter? Read on if you're the former; you can visit Jabong.com OR Myntra.com if you're the latter. In…

Emailer from Jabong – Sums Up Indian E-commerce Scenario

NB: This blog post is NOT directed against any company, person or group(s) in particular. In fact, I myself have purchased over 25+ items from Jabong.com in the past 4 months. 🙂 Customer Service is impeccable. This promotional mailer from Indian e-retailer Jabong.com (Rocket Internet venture launched in late 2011 in India) pretty much sums…

Creating a Referral Program for Your E-commerce Website – Sher Singh Way

A B2C e-commerce site ideally revolves around 4 core aspects: a) a shopping experience b) a social sharing experience c) a referral (invite) experience d) a loyalty program experience A Dot.com that can do these 4 effectively, will survive the 'Dot.com bust' when it comes, which it surely will in India. Sooner or later. Result…

8 Things To Do if you’re Planning for a Startup (and WHAT NOT TO DO as well) (Startup Series: Episode 6)

You've a great idea. A financially viable business model (on paper). A few key team players in mind (to get on-board). And on verge of securing a good amount of VC capital. All set for the next Facebook? Twitter? Pinterest? Unfortunately NO. Having worked in India for a few startups - whether B2B/B2C - have…

The Only Book Steve Jobs Had on his iPad 2

Steve Jobs loved reading books - mostly spiritual ones. However, the only book that Steve had downloaded on his Apple iPad 2 for regular reading was - Autobiography of a Yogi. It is an autobiography written by Paramahansa Yogananda (January 5, 1893–March 7, 1952) in 1946, in which he discusses his life story,and which introduced…

E-commerce in India – Flipkart in Trouble? (Startup Series: Episode 5)

UPDATED: Facebook stocks slide further and now at the lowest ever. Shares of the No. 1 social-networking company ended the day down $3.14, or 11.7%, to $23.70, which not only notched a new low but also marked a nearly 40% decline from the company's initial public offering price. (SOURCE) I had recently written a blog…

Dot.Com IPOs – Should One Invest? (Startup Series: Episode 4)

UPDATED: Facebook stocks slide further and now at the lowest ever. Shares of the No. 1 social-networking company ended the day down $3.14, or 11.7%, to $23.70, which not only notched a new low but also marked a nearly 40% decline from the company's initial public offering price. (SOURCE) Facebook IPO. IntraSoft Technologies (123Greetings.com) IPO.…

Quality Education – Why Is It Important?

Whilst interviewing for a Fortune 100 company in India, I still remember, the VP - HR had asked me - 'Oxford? Why? You couldn't get that education in India? Why waste money there?' I still remember asking - 'What's that supposed to mean? Oxford is the oldest university in the English speaking world. Aren't you…

iPhone’s 5-Year Anniversary: The most *successful* phone of all time

The Apple iPhone completed its 5-year anniversary on June 29, 2012. Read reports of widespread anxiety amongst Apple fans from around the world - to celebrate this day. Unfortunately, Steve is not with us anymore; but am sure, looked down on Apple proudly from the heavens. No mobile device in the history of electronics has…

Blowing Your Trumpet – A ‘Think Different’ End of Season SALE Announcement

In the world of END OF SEASON SALE advertisements / Facebook CPC ad promotions / email marketing newsletter promotions and what not, a Brand that dares to 'Think Different' - Sher Singh shows how to get creative enough, without spending much to announce its End Of Season SALE to its customers - new and old.…

Probability of Going Viral

Creating a 'viral video' to promote a brand/product/service is just NOT possible. Creating a video that has a powerful emotional connect, delivers a strong brand message and top class in quality - is possible. Whether it goes VIRAL or not; cannot be intrinsically controlled. When does a video become a 'viral' video? Well, there's no…

Time has come for Steve Ballmer to GO?

Microsoft is languishing at the bottom of the table when it comes to creating sustainable, creative, and innovative software. Not something that is new. Been there for a while. Steve Ballmer - since becoming CEO in January 2000 hasn't done much. Besides the stock sliding further and further towards oblivion. Is it time for Steve…

Why Pinterest Visits are Slowing Down

There's nothing more irritating in this world than when you wish to showcase your portfolio or photos to your friends, and the site doesn't load or fails to load the images. Simply looking - you just look like an idiot. And once the moment passes, no one practically cares after a certain point. Amongst all…

Most *Social* Celebs on Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Who are the most LIKED / FOLLOWED / PINNED celebrities on Facebook, Twitter & Pinterest respt? Well, as of today, 10 June 2012, following are the biggest players on the social networking sites - FACEBOOK: 1) Eminem - 58,222,221 Likes, Singer, M 2) Rihanna - 57,263,637 Likes, Singer, F 3) Lady Gaga - 51,834,276 Likes,…

Consumerification of Games – Latest Fad?

Have seen 'social gamification' of ideas, concepts and thoughts. Social gaming coupled with mobile is more or less the future. But consumerification of gaming - well, really didn't hear of it since Angry Birds burst on to the scene of things. Well, some may call it a disruptive idea. I call it a fad. Read…

Nokia 808 PureView smartphone – too pompous?

Nothing against Nokia. But checked out the latest Nokia 808 PureView smartphone reviews. Not a bad effort at all. But the question is - is this smartphone worth its price? INR 32,000. And why on earth would someone need a 41-MP camera smartphone? Its best to purchase a camera and use it rather. Just my…