Robert Scoble and Shel Israel (courtesy of JD Lasica)
Want to know how blogging is impacting the world of business? Keen to find know all about the secrets of blogging success while learning about its possible drawbacks?
Well, do check out Naked Conversations by Robert Scoble and Shel Israel.
Sprite Shower – a great example of experiential marketing (courtesy of Exact Drive)
How do you market a theme park, museum, or holiday resort? Do the traditional 4 Ps of Product, Price, Place and Promotion still work?
The answer certainly lies less in your marketing mix and more in what I’d call your Experience Mix.
Courtesy of Channelnewsasia
Right now, the biggest news in Singapore is the latest episode of the NKF saga, where the new management team is taking legal action against the old, especially former CEO TT Durai, for gross misappropriation of donor funds and other shenanigans. I will not elaborate on the details of this case as you can probably read it everywhere in the media.
What struck me particularly hard about this case was the issue of ethics and integrity. Of course, TT Durai himself was guilty of multiple transgressions, and he admitted as much himself.
Yes, I am back online! It sure feels good to be connected again, after last fortnight’s scary episode.
First, I must share that I took childcare MC leave today to bring my kid to the paediatrician. He was the latest victim, together with my wife and I, of some gastric related flu. It was some affliction that probably spread around when we last visited Bangkok. We went to his favourite Dr Yeo at the Killiney Family Clinic, and got some medicine for diarrhea, vomiting and related symptons.
Anyway, I spent about 2.5 hours this morning helping him to put together his gift from Auntie Karen – a nice big Peter Pan playset featuring one of the islands in Neverland. Finally managed to fix it amidst lots of grunting and straining over the intricate parts, but the look on his face was well worth it thereafter.
Everybody who has been following the news will know that this was the exact same period of time when nine bombs went off recently hours before the countdown in Bangkok. This led to an outcry amongst the politicians, especially ousted Thai PM Thaksin Shinawatra, who violently objected to being linked to this. There is now a big debate going on about who was responsible for this spate of violence, with at least many believing that it was not the work of the Southern Muslim insurgents whom Thaksin tried hard to quell.
My relatively new Dell PC has just refused to boot up last night and this morning, and I suspect that there is a hard disk failure. Of course, this meant that I can’t blog or participate in anything online – heck anything that requires a PC. I can’t even get into the CMOS/BIOS thing by pressing Del or F9 which means something big time is screwed up inside. It could be something related to the rain, power surges (although my adaptor is supposed to have protection), or maybe even physical damage related. Grrr…..
After the initial hyperventilating, stewing and steaming, going into denial, uncontrollable sobbing (Ok I exaggerate), I started to see things in a more philosophical manner. The good thing (yes, there is a silver cloud in the lining) is that I am rediscovering the joys of spending time away from the screen, playing with my son, and admiring God’s green earth. Also, I guess I will read more – I still owe Ivan that book review!
The last time my old PCs hard disk died, I remembered taking an online hiatus for about a month or so. Life changed then for me. I spent more time talking to my parents, more time exercising, and more time reading. In addition, I rediscovered the joys of the simple things in life like a walk in a park, and just plain ol’ staring at the ceiling daydreaming.
What’s your PC/hard disk failure experiences like?
William Troy Taylor’s wedding-inspired masterpiece at the Singapore Garden Festival.
What are the secret ingredients behind a successful show able to attract the masses and become the talk of the town? How does one stand out from amongst the busloads of events, all competing for one’s share of mind, time and wallet? Are all festivals the same or are some destined for greatness while others, doomed for failure?
My recent visit to the Singapore Garden Festival triggered some fresh insights on what makes an event or exhibition delightful and memorable. Much of it, as you may have guessed, comes from months and weeks of hard behind-the-scenes work.
Merry Christmas dear visitors! Hope to add some yule-tide cheer with some greenery here.
I was recently invited for the Singapore Garden Festival as part of the delegation from the Association of Singapore Attractions. Despite only having an hour-and-a-half to do a whirlwind tour, I was left gushing after the amazing experience. The National Parks Board has done many things right this time around for the festival.
Here are some highlights of the show for the benefit of those who missed it.
Even fish mongers treat you like a god!
A key reason why I enjoyed my recent vacation to Hokkaido so much was the customer experience. Let’s face it. Japanese service quality is light years ahead of ours. Almost everybody I know who visited Japan raved about it. However, they do also have certain chinks in the armour as you would see later.
First, let’s talk about what great service is. Delightful service goes beyond being polite and courteous. It looks at ensuring that every single touchpoint to a customer is taken care of. It emphasises being quick and responsive to customer’s needs. It empowers staff to be flexible and to take quick remedial action in service failures. It pays close attention to the fine details and little nuances.
Came across this quirky bit of thinking by Copyblogger about how the legendary Mark Twain (the artist formerly known as Samuel Langhorne Clemens) will make an excellent blogger and perhaps even content marketing guru!
Try to apply these gems to blogging – heck, any form of content marketing or writing – and you will understand the wisdom of the man.
“Whenever you find you’re on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.”