Sridhar R

As part of our Creative Block Busting programme, we spend time talking about how to look at new ideas. We emphasise that there are only plus points and practical implementation concerns to an idea. There is nothing called a dumb idea.   Of course, no one was willing to accept…

If you want to oil the marketing engine, you must first know what is the right oil for the purpose. Ideas are  oils that help the marketing engine operate efficiently and ensure that it never stops.   What kind of ideas are especially suited to keep the marketing engine going?…

How do you create a customer experience, you may ask. Here’s an experience that businesses could learn from. Note: Don’t expect how-to tips or the usual client success stories. Read on.   This happened seven years ago. My friend and his wife performed the wedding of their only daughter. The…

I often face this problem.   How do I improve my workshop to make it more effective or interesting? Or How do I improve an article I have just written? My clients want to know how to improve an existing process or a product. I am often asked to improve…

“What are you working on?”“Hi Prasna*. I am designing a brainstorming session for one of my clients.”“You are wasting your time and you are wasting your client’s time as well.”“That is a rather strong statement to make. What makes you say that?”“Frankly I have never seen anything worthwhile coming out…

"Good morning Prasna.*" "Ha, I thought you had forgotten me. You are busy wasting time on Facebook." "Prasna, don't be so old fashioned. Any way I need some help. I want to talk to you." "What is this about?" "It is a about a new way of working with clients."…

When I started out on my own in 2000,  I had to constantly look for ideas to promote my work,  though I had little money.  Ten years after starting up, I find that I am continuing the effort, because it makes business sense and is fun. As Shakespeare said “Charm…

Years ago I read a book called “Teaching the Elephant to Dance.” The key concept in the book is captured in this metaphor the author describes.Apparently when elephants are trained in a circus, their legs are tied to a stake by a chain. Even after the chain is removed the…

“Good morning!” I heard the familiar voice and I knew it was Prasna Rao. “Morning Prasna. Where were you all these days?” “Remember, I am the one who asks questions.” “Ok, please ask your question then.” “Remember the Ogilvy party you attended last month?” “Yes, it was nice.” “Remember you…

“Do you know how to create a wow?” Prasna asked me on the phone yesterday.“I think so.”“Have you created a wow, recently?”“I think so”“Can you then write a post on ‘How to create a WOW!’?”“Yes. Why do you want me to write about it?”“Because ‘wow’ has become a cliché and…