Insights into store design

Hi,

The week that passed by was quite eventful. Happened to meet people from different professions - a home theatre designer, a store designer - to name a few.

The nuggets of wisdom from the store designer inspired me. I have religiously presented her insights out here.

She informed that what one sells and to whom it is sold matters more than anything. A store that sells drugs need to have a design that reflects credibility than one selling garments. The reason many drug stores in India have a barrier (a barricade rising as high as the buyer's tummy) between the buyer and the seller is only to help the seller emphasize the point that "I am responsible" and to also send this subtle message "I will take care of the prescription". She also pointed out that these store designs are fast changing as India matures.

Thanks

Vijay

The power of resilience

Hi,

I had a chance meeting with a senior colleague. When I had worked with him, I admired his approach towards execution.

In choatic business situations, his style had to take the bull by its horns, with well laid plans. He also had a habit of seeing the positive side of a chaos. On a lighter vein, he used to comment that a thorough understanding of a chaos can help you even attribute some positive outcomes to it. He had led a life that had symbolized one thing, which I think every soul needs - "RESILIENCE".

Every time I fail, I think about the positives it unleashes on me and my life. I also have a feeling that with every failure, I only become fortified - to see life as it comes and the surprises it brings.

Thanks sir, for helping me understand the value of chaos and the need to be resilient.

Vijay

Entries in Changethis

Hi,

I got two of my ideas listed at www.Changethis.com. One is on "Shunning the purpose in life" and the other is on "The myth of Permanence".

The first idea is on the need to redefine the way we live. It is a sincere effort to make minds to come out of mere existence. Embracing paradoxes may have the answers to some of the profound questions we ask ourselves. The legendary Fyodor Dostovesky noted that there are some truths that we are scared to tell to even ourselves. The manifesto, if written - as it depends on the number of votes my proposal garners, would be a loud wake-up call.

The second idea tries to question permanence. In the urge to achieve something permanent, energy levels are being spent to an exponential level. A relook at what we leave this world tells us that it is not worth it. Shunning permanence, according to me, is a refreshing way to look at life.

Thanks

Vijay

Being a mom

Hi,

The week before this I had a chance to meet a friend. After sharing mutual niceties, our talk centered around our personal lives. For the first time, my friend informed me that he was raised by his mom. His dad had served the Indian airforce and had died during the Indo-Pak war. My friend had been a baby (1.5 months old) during his dad's demise.

Since then it had been his mom who had supported him. She migrated down South (viewed to be a safer place for women) to raise her son. She landed up in jobs such as cleaning toilets and changing bed sheets in hotels. Her experience in the hospitality industry fetched her a job in one of the Airline companies. That changed her life. The perks, allowances and salary helped her provide proper education to her son.

She finally retired as a Manager in the Airline company. Today her son is a Vice-President in a respectable company.

My friend noted that he had never felt the absence of his dad - thanks to his mom's perseverence and inner strength.

I wondered about the life his mom had led and the story she has got to tell to this world. I bet each of us have a story to tell and it is completely with us to make it truly one-off. One need not have to change the earth's orbit or disturb others' sleep. The world is full of silent achievers, who just do their duties well and in the process make impressive dents in the lives of people surrounding them.

My friend's mom, I am sure, is one among them.

Vijay