Atul Srivastava

Some interesting takeaways: 1. Despite fintech being a "hot" space, only 4 brands out of 15 (<30%) are viewed favorably by Indian consumers 2. In the entertainment space only 3 Indian brands are ranked positively again despite Bollywood being so popular. So what differentiates winners from losers? My view is: 1. user friendliness 2. consistency of delivery 3. broad range of options to suit every user Anything I'm missing? #brands #india #consumer #fintech #media

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As a marketing enthusiast, while reading through a few marketing case studies and recent ad campaigns, I noticed a unique change in consumer behavior towards campaigns to what was a few years back, so I just felt like listing it down here: ·     Due to the ever-increasing use of social media among the Indian public, it became easier for brands to reach out to prospective consumers via social media, which was then well exploited by many companies, leading to brand fatigue among consumers. Therefore it now becomes imperative for marketers to come up with disruptive marketing strategies to keep up with the marketing scenario. For example: Asian paints: A brush of nostalgia and cultural relevance Link: https://lnkd.in/dikZYd4A The given ad helped the brand effectively tackle the risk of becoming a household name synonymous with paint, lacking an emotional connection with younger audiences. ·      There has been a growing concern about advertisement campaigns being overlooked by the young audience on account of being overexposed to it day in and out. It is significantly a problem specific to this decade due to the advent of a highly competitive landscape with participants much more than ever before. This issue was once very well tackled by the marketing team of Samsung by implementing the idea of flipvertising which is one of its kind in the domain. o  So let us understand what is flipvertising- Instead of figuring out ways of reaching out to the audience directly, the company devises a strategy to incentivize the ones who figure out how to make themselves a target of its online advertising. So Samsung launched a series of ads that were centered on a feature of the Flip 4 phone (Product). The one who gets all the features right as obtained from the ads will be awarded with a free smartphone. In that way, the Consumer becomes enthusiastic to learn more about the brand and its products to alter the social media algorithm in his/her favor helping them win the expected prize. #marketing #adcampaigns #innovation #disruptivemarketing #brandfatigue #flipvertising

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🏆 **Management Lessons from KKR's IPL Victory** 🏏 If you're looking for a masterclass in management, take a page from the Kolkata Knight Riders' playbook. Here's how their winning formula can be applied to the corporate world: **CMD - SRK:** - Cool, composed, and confident. - He never interferes with the professionals' work. Instead, he shows up to cheer the team and boost their morale. - Lesson: Great leaders trust their teams and provide unwavering support. **CEO - Gautam Gambhir:** - Aggressive, professional, and dedicated. - He even offered to resign when he wasn't performing. SRK rejected the resignation, showing trust and belief in his abilities. - Lesson: True leadership is about accountability and the courage to take bold steps. **Employees - The Team:** - Highly paid, highly motivated. - Inspired to give their best performance every time. - Lesson: Invest in your people and create an environment where they can thrive. **And the Result?** - Three-time IPL champions. - Record holders for the longest winning streak in IPL history (14 matches). The synergy between SRK's charismatic leadership, Gambhir's strategic acumen, and the team's relentless drive exemplifies how diverse strengths can come together to create an unstoppable force.Remember, it's not just about having the right people; it's about creating the right culture. **Biggest Lesson:** - Just focus on doing your job. Individually we are tiny together as a team we are giant . Sometimes, simplicity and trust in your team are the keys to victory. हर एक परिणाम में big management lesson नहीं होता है भाई 😊as GG said Just Dare to Dream !. Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo | করব লড়ব জিতব 🏆 #KKR #Leadership #Management #IPL #Success #Teamwork #CorporateLessons #LeadMK

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At Mangalam & CamPure, we have done IT everywhere! Movie Theatres, Car Parking’s, Ro-Ro, Toll Booth, Residential buildings, Airports, Corporate Offices and even in TEMPLES! WHAT! DONE IT????? Yep Yep Product Sampling – What were you thinking? 😉 Sharing an image of a unique activity we did across all reliance retail stores, known as “Power of 9” The unique strategy by the legendary Damodar Mall and team was conceptualised as “Sugar at Rs 9/Kg” – If a customer purchases products over Rs 1,499 he/she gets a SWEET option to purchase 1 Kg sugar at just Rs 9 (as against Rs 50-60/Kg for any reputed brand) This worked as a wonderful hook for Reliance to grab customers as “sugar available at Rs 9/Kg”, spread through word of mouth and helped position Reliance as the "Go To" modern trade store. Slowly this concept was broadened so brands could also sample their products and customers would be given an assortment of valuable products to purchase from, at just Rs 9. Since sampling has been a major cornerstone in our strategy of growing CamPure, we had to double click on this opportunity: - This isn’t forced sampling, customer has to SELECT your product from an assortment and PAY for it, therefore each sample is actually desired by the customer! - Ability to run analytics and see how many New to Brand/Products sample receivers actually went on to become customers later - Increased visibility at prominent spots within the store and also the opportunity to expose the brand to those who don’t frequent our category shelves routinely. Have you used any innovative sampling techniques? Please do share! #retail #fmcg #consumerinsights

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The ethanol industry in India is at a crossroads. 3 murky things we uncovered by working deeply with the ethanol supply chain for pharma manufacturing in India: 1. Purity Paradox: While pharma-grade ethanol requires stringent purity levels, we uncovered a murky underbelly of substandard suppliers peddling impure, potentially contaminated ethanol (technical grade used as fuel mix having traces of carcinogens). 2. Regulatory Blind Spots: Lack of robust testing and enforcement has allowed this low-quality and hazardous ethanol to infiltrate the supply chain. Only drug makers that need to adhere to international pharma giant standards due to collaborations use the right quality of ethanol to manufacture their drugs. 3. Sustainability Sabotage: The prevalence of molasses-based ethanol produced via antiquated methods is not only environmentally unfriendly but also supply-constrained and puts indirect strain on the agriculture economy. What happened with Indian spice brands, getting rejected by international food control bodies and massive rejection of export orders is forthcoming for the ethanol industry; specially in a time where the pharmaceutical industry is going to have to face the music with covid vaccination and drugs. #ethanol #bittertruth #bigpharma #exports #supplychain Apex Hatchers

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This is it...the Supply Chain episode you've been waiting for from The Watson Weekend. Our special guest, Rajeeb Mohapatra has a stellar career marked by innovation and operational excellence. Rajeeb is the visionary entrepreneur behind Redefined Logistics. As the founder, he's spearheaded a groundbreaking direct manufacturer-to-consumer (M2C) model, empowering mid-market retailers with a competitive edge in delivering high-quality international products to U.S. customers efficiently and cost-effectively. Tomorrow at 12pm ET, Rajeeb, Rick and I are going all-in on some of the hottest (and sometimes controversial) topics in Supply-Chain: - Section 321: When a Loophole Becomes a Rabbit Hole: Unpacking the De Minimis rule and its impact on international trade, including loopholes being exploited by major players such as Shein and Temu. - Last Mile Is So Last Year: Analyzing the complexities of modern eCommerce and logistics, and discussing the challenges and opportunities in the realm of fulfillment. - AI and Innovation in Retail and Logistics: Delving into how technology is transforming the industry, including Walmart's deployment of self-aware forklifts and the need for companies to reskill rather than upskill for AI. Set your reminders, mark your calendars, and tune in this Friday for an engaging and always entertaining Watson Weekend Live! Link in the comments. #watsonweekend #supplychain #logistics #ecommerce #retail

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From my last 19 years experience in various forms of retail supply competition in power distribution sector in different states across India, I can confidently state that Game theory is not just for board games! In retail supply competition, power distribution companies can benefit from understanding and implementing game theory principles. By considering their competitors' potential moves and strategizing their own, companies can optimize their pricing, distribution and marketing strategies. This can result in a more efficient and competitive market, ultimately benefiting consumers. Understanding game theory can give power distribution companies a strategic advantage in the retail supply competition. #GameTheory #RetailSupplyCompetition #PowerDistribution #Competition #karnpallav

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The Ritual Effect Book Summary Habits are what we do , eg brushing our teeth, growing our hair etc. Rituals is how we do it and what memorable code we build into it. Here's a wonderful book on RITUALS from Harvard Business School Professor Michael Norton He looks at rituals in a wide array of areas - Food, Sports, Relationships, Family situations, mourning, work and healing. Enjoy shiv www.shivshivakumar.com

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With QCom being the buzz word this quarter, every whatsapp group I’m on is inundated with brands wanting to get listed. Lets delve into 10 strategies that can pave the way for your brand to make the cut in this uber competitive landscape. 1. DEMONSTRATE SALES ON AMAZON AND FLIPKART: Market places have no shelf space constraints and therefore no entry barriers. The least QCom category managers expect is for your products to be available there, well optimised and with good listing qualities scores. 2. SHARE ANALYSED DATA: The more granular sales data you can synthesise and share the easier it becomes for the CM to take a decision: channel wise, account wise, city wise, reorder data etc 3. IDENTIFY AN OPPORTUNITY: Build a case study on your category across QComm: which brands, which SKUs, what price points, search led/browsing led, what keywords and volumes across google and Amazon, availability key pin code wise in key cities and what gaps are visible. Would be good brownie points for the CM to represent a new opportunity to their +1. 4. PITCH ONLY YOUR HERO PRODUCTS AND SKUS: This could literally be 2 out of your portfolio of 20 products, keep the clutter less and enable your CM to focus! 5. INVEST IN VISIBILITY AND OFFERS: Accept that you will not break even on your first sale. Support your NPI ask with “consumer offers that are really too good to be true” and invest in impression driving campaign. CMs have targets from a visibility perspective as well, brands hesitate to invest, get ahead of the curve by aligning yourself with the CMs goal. Maybe even go the extra mile and offer 6 months exclusivity to the first QCom that’s ready to bite. 6. CONSIDER LAUNCHING WITH A SAMPLING PROGRAM: Again, a target for your CM, also gives them the ability to gauge the feedback that comes in from the survey and further build confidence in your offering 7. BUILD SMALL QUANTITY SHIPPERS: QComs are constrained for space, design your shippers with fewer units inside them which doesn’t become a point against your launch. You may even get single digit requirements, take it and just get started, if your product has merit the ARS will grow! 8. Offer to run performance marketing campaigns DRIVING TRAFFIC FROM THE INTERNET TO YOUR LISTING ON THEIR APP! Imagine being able to recruit new users for the app altogether because of your brand! 9. CONSIGNMENT BASIS: Another lever to pull if nothing else works, but I dont recommend this, there is no ownership at CMs levels 10. WARM CONNECT: Don’t simply call/whatsapp/email/linkedin your potential CM directly, hustle and find a way to be introduced by someone who has weight and will go the extra mile for you to setup a whatsapp group, organise a face to face meeting, do a joint call etc. What are some other strategies that could help you catapult ahead of the rest? PS: Do you smell an opportunity for a consulting/broking firm that specialises in getting products listed? #fmcg #retail #QComm #FMCG

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I am thrilled to announce that I will be speaking at the Celerity Supply Chain Tribe Conference & Awards 2024. Join me for a discussion on "Elevating India's Future through Integrated Infrastructure Development in Road, Rail, Air, Seaways, and Waterways." The logistics sector significantly influences India's economic development, making it one of the fastest-growing industries. India has the potential to revolutionize its socio-economic landscape through integrated infrastructure that includes roads, rail, air, seaways, and waterways. This comprehensive approach not only promotes economic growth but also enhances connectivity, reduces logistics costs, and improves the quality of life for millions. Don't miss out on shaping the future of India's infrastructure at the conference! #CeleritySupplyChainTribe #InfrastructureDevelopment #IndiaFuture

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#532. Managing Brand Equity is a topic that I recently taught the batch Bharathidasan Institute of Management Tiruchirapalli . Further the transition from Twitter to X was one of the key examples we discussed. The Restage to X has been disruptive to say the least with its Share Holder value moving from 44 Bill to 19 Bill. Now, it would be unfair to attribute the erosion in market value to just a name change. However, reasons which may be more pertinent are: 1. The uncertainty around the new business model that Elon Musk is keen to pioneer in calling it a "reverse start-ups" 2. The loss of talent with the massive lay offs and uncertainty of its future and hence it's ability to attract the best talent in the future. 3. Customer & Partner confusion on what the service stands for and what changes they might expect in the future also reflecting in loss of Ad Revenue. However, Elon Musk shouldn't be surprised given he himself claims to have over paid and estimated its own valuation at 20 Bill. Call it a self fulfilling prophecy. Now, much like other gambles that Musk has taken in the past, if someone has the determination or appetite to turn the story around its definitely him. However, what's your view? Is the rebranding to 'X' a wise decision? What do u believe is the real reason for the shift in equity? Do you expect Twitter or X to bounce back? #brandupwithbajaj #thepracticalmarketer

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Unlocking India's Potential: A Strategic Coaching Approach Guiding India towards its zenith requires more than just vision—it demands a strategic coaching approach. As a seasoned management coach, I thrive on uncovering hidden gems within the executive ranks. Today, I embark on a unique challenge: how to coach my own country to reach its full potential. India's narrative is one of promise and complexity, driven by its youthful population. At 57, bridging generations, I bring a blend of experience and forward-thinking to the table. Delving into this coaching scenario, I propose a multi-faceted strategy: 1. Building Strong Foundations (Hardware): Imagine the transformation of India's infrastructure—revamped roads, railways, and healthcare facilities forming the bedrock of progress. Visualize cutting-edge farming technologies and educational hubs nurturing innovation and prosperity. 2. Crafting Adaptive Systems (Software): Let's reimagine policies and systems that evolve with the pulse of society. Prioritizing education and skills development, while embracing disruptive technologies like AI and IoT, is essential to fueling efficiency and innovation. 3. Empowering Effective Governance (Operating Systems): Envision a cadre of capable bureaucrats and dynamic leaders at the helm, driving transformative change. Identifying and nurturing leadership talent ensures strategic execution and sustainable progress. We all need to understand for sustainability and progress entrepreneurship to be supported by single window clearance because they can generate employment, contribute to India by direct and indirect tax and grow GDP. Moreover, I advocate for a bold call to action: inviting all patriots to voluntarily step into the political arena or bureaucratic roles. Their fresh perspectives and expertise could revolutionize policymaking and governance. As a management coach, my goal extends beyond individual growth to orchestrating systemic transformation. By addressing these pillars—hardware, software, and operating systems—we can unleash India's true potential on the global stage. #india #progressiveindia #politics #coaching #youth

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A lot of Indian startups with foreign registered offices across US, Singapore etc are shifting their registered entities to India due to reasons like rising valuations in Indian markets and operational efficiencies. In the recent past, Phone Pe, Zepto, Groww, Pine Labs have either moved their registered offices back to India or are in the process of redomiciling back to India. It is important to structure the whole transaction of reverse flipping from tax and commercial angle as it involves navigating through complex regulatory and taxation issues of both the countries. https://lnkd.in/gVsdvdDG

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Hi Fam, Just completed a must read... Rama Bijapurkar's "We Are Like That Only" is a must-read for understanding the Indian consumer market. The book offers deep insights into the diverse and complex behaviors of Indian consumers. Bijapurkar explores economic and social factors shaping trends, and provides practical marketing strategies backed by real-life case studies. Clear and engaging, this book is a valuable guide for businesses looking to succeed in India.

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My #Book on #Production and #Operations management as per AICTE and MAKAUT syllabus (and as per syllabi of many other Universities) is out for sale now at Amazon and physical Stores. Read this to learn about the latest best practices: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT https://amzn.in/d/02BRN6vh

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India is on the brink of becoming the next manufacturing powerhouse! And here's why: 1/ Golden Era of Industrial Boom: Increased merger and acquisition activity, supportive government policies, expanded production capacity, and significant investments from private equity and venture capital are driving India's industrial growth. 2/ GDP Growth Projection: India is on track to become a US$5 trillion economy by 2025, reflecting the robust potential of its industrial sector. 3/ Infrastructure Development: The government's substantial capital expenditure on infrastructure development for FY2024-25 signals a commitment to enhancing the country's infrastructure, crucial for manufacturing growth. 4/ FDI Inflows: India attracted substantial FDI inflows in FY 2023-24, with top contributors including Mauritius, Singapore, the USA, the Netherlands, and Japan, reflecting confidence in India's manufacturing potential. 5/ Trade Agreements: With over 42 trade agreements, India has positioned itself as an attractive destination for international trade, facilitating global market access for its manufacturing sector. 6/ Corporate Tax Reforms: Slashing corporate tax rates to 15 percent for new manufacturing units demonstrates the government's commitment to creating a favorable business environment and attracting investment. So why should every founder be thinking about getting their goods manufactured in India? Simple – because we're on the verge of something big. If you want to be part of the action and tap into all these opportunities, let's chat. #manufacturing #production #indian #sourcing

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Unlocking Opportunities in Manufacturing India stands at a pivotal moment with a 3-5 year window to capitalize on the China +1 sourcing strategy. Countries like Vietnam have surged ahead, leveraging their demographics and proactive strategies, India holds unique advantages. Products made at the quality and price points of those from China are highly sought after by global buyers. India still offers favourable cost structures and substantial government support in the form of funding and subsidies for setting up manufacturing units. In today's world, tech and e-commerce often dominate the entrepreneurial landscape, yet there's immense value in the foundational approach of previous generations. Before the internet, aspiring business owners naturally gravitated towards manufacturing, contributing significantly to society and job creation. The manufacturing sector presents a vast, largely untapped space. Venturing here could mean less competition and greater opportunities for innovation. Embrace the contrarian approach—while everyone rushes towards the digital frontier, consider the profound impact and potential of making something tangible. If you're contemplating starting a business, think beyond the digital. Think about making something. Think about manufacturing.

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