Business is Marketing

Slowdowns may hit the best of them, but not necessarily the rest of them! Any company, regardless of its size, can return to sustained profitability if it gets its basics right Southwest Airlines is one company that never fails to inspire. Today, more than ever before, we can learn a lot from the way this company, which was once a startup with cash flow problems, became a hugely successful enterprise – that too in a business where it’s difficult to even break-even; forget about making profits. Think about bad times, turbulence, upheaval; Southwest has seen it all. From fuel shocks, to interest rate changes to the worst of all – the 9/11 attacks which psyched customers away from flights – Southwest has braved every storm and has come out stronger each time. Its probably got something to do with Herb Kelleher’s (founder Southwest) mantra. He says, “In good times, manage as though bad times are just around the corner, because they are sure to come.” It’s life and it’s normal. It may seem ...

Depending on which way you look at it, the global economic slowdown presents both, a dampener and an opportunity. Either you can choose to cut your losses and run for it; or hang in there and carve a scrumptious pie for your brand. Some tips for the strong-hearted... What’s common to Hyatt Corp., Burger King Corp., Microsoft Corp. or FedEx Corp. or CNN or MTV? They all debuted when the economy slowed down. Yes it’s true, a lot of today’s well-known and successful organisations were born during a slump! IT’S THE TIME TO BE CREATIVE It’s said when things slow down, that’s when true winners emerge and they almost always beat the competition by creating something new, something unique. Topping the list is Apple. The company worked on iTunes, iPod and its retail stores during the last slowdown and once the growth momemtum returned, Apple was ready to destroy and crush all competition. Now is the time for one to innovate. Now is the time when creativity shouldn’t be sacrificed at the cost of...

Strikes are a company’s worst nightmare. Look after your people in bad times & they’ll return the favour when the tide reverses All the Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi addicts heaved a sigh of relief when on 19th November the industry workers called off their strike. Federation of Western Cine Employees (FWICE) had called for the strike demanding higher wages, better work conditions, and more. As a result, TV channels were forced to begin repeat telecasts of various shows. Of course, not everyone heaved a sigh of relief. Some wished that the strike would go on forever, as they had just about started sharing some family time. And then TV was back! Whatever the feelings – a strike is not one of the best things to happen. It hurts everyone – workers, company and customers. Yet, incidences of strikes and lockouts abound in corporate history. Paradise Found, Paradise Lost If there is one place where many dream of working, it’s in a Ferrari factory. It’s ‘Paradise Found’ for many when they get r...