Editorial

Hi Team Blue

It’s almost a year since I joined this wonderful family. For the past one year I have been assisting you all as a writer and now I have been assigned the task of heading Culture Curry—the online newsletter of BLC.

For the last 15 days I have been coordinating with my colleagues Pooja and Sneha to bring out an interesting read. This edition carries Mr Mouli’s piece on the year gone by, the phenomenal achievements of BL teams and the year ahead. Prateek gives an insight into the power of Web, while Brix team delves into the importance of market research.

The edition also carries the three best creative press releases picked by one-man jury Mr Jerry David. I congratulate all the three winners ------ Prateek Shah, Shreelalit and Jasleen Kaur. The idea of the contest was not to judge the writing skills of Team Blue.
As the cliché goes, it’s not about winning but about participation.

I thank Pooja, Sneha and Prateek for putting this together. A special thanks to
Mr Chandramouli Nilakantan for finding the time to contribute to this newsletter
in spite of his busy schedule and hectic work. I hope to see contributions from
all the team leaders to CC just as they would participate on linkedin discussions.

We hope you enjoy the articles featured here and look forward to receiving your comments and suggestions for future newsletters.

Warm regards

Srikanth Godavarthi

The future is here

- Prateek Shah

As we move forward in life, it also becomes important at times to look back and connect the dots. Exchange of information has happened in varied ways across different geographies through the ages. In the early times, messages were carried by humans or pigeons as messengers. With no other means or machines, that was perhaps the best they could do at that time. As the world progressed, there were inventions and mails started being sent by the postal department with the help of rail, road and water transport. The bell started ringing soon enough and the fax machine followed.

For the past 15 odd years, we have become well accustomed to our mobile phone and the e mail, and it seems like the most convenient and obvious form of communicating. Considering our complacent selves, we would be happy doing just that, but then unknowingly we were introduced to the new media. Orkut, Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia, Youtube and hundreds of other portals which are hovering all over the web became the playground to millions across the globe. As of today, we stand at 8 million + Indian facebook users, twitter signups have increased nearly 100% since the beginning of 2010 in the country, India makes up for 20% of Orkut’s overall strength and Youtube’s(which celebrated its 5^th birthday recently) popularity can be judged by the 54,253,523 channel views that the Indian Premier League got this season. If this is not reason enough to believe, then look around. The newspaper, the mobile phones, the youth, the businessmen – they are all saying the same thing – online media.

The fact that it is an important tools of communication can be best judged by the changing trends in marketing spends of major companies, by the growing presence of companies across verticals on these platforms, by the simple observation that the media quotes tweets as official press statements and they themselves are super active on the medium.

This is where we were born.

We listen, analyze and engage in all web based communication which help an entity grow. We train, inform and prepare you for gearing up to the new media. We sense, monitor and mitigate any potential crisis on the internet.

With our dedicated team of trackers, developers, analyzers and communication specialists, we are set to change the face of conversation. Creativity at its core, high performance as its mantle, our crust is made up of trust. We are here to usher the future of communication, we are Blue Online.

Catch us on the web at www.blueonline.in , twitter.com/blueonlinedotin , facebook.com/blueonlinedotin .

The year comes to an end

- N Chandramouli

Financial year endings are tough from many perspectives. They are mostly tough because they show the truth – they act like mirrors to every decision, every judgment that the management balanced. The errors and the omissions all come starkly to the open.

However, no matter how truthful the mirror is, it is still a conjurer’s best friend. The mirror can play with light and shade, it can distort and it can even hide at times. The Blue Lotus Group companies performances are a case in point.

Of the various companies let me take Blue Lotus Communications first. We remained mainly flat in our toplines in 2009-10. Though this seems like a very sub-normal behavior for a high-growth company like ours, we’ll make sense of it once the mirror is out. If you look at our performance in light of the fact that last year was the worst year for marketing communication companies when budgets were summarily slashed, our performance was above normal. Plus if you take into account the fact that we nimbly controlled our costs very early on, kept a long-term vision than a knee-jerk one and tightened prudently, we actually saw a doubling of our profits in this financial year. In fact, abracadabra, we made the highest profit ever in this financial. Apart from this our average fee has more than doubled and we’ve acquired very prestigious clients over the same year.

The other companies of our group are far more straightforward. bluebytes doubled its turnover and today has become the leader in its segment. It has become the most preferred information logistics partner to any progressive company and services over 15 reputed PR agencies. We’ve acquired 24x7x365 capabilities and we cover over 1500 articles each day for our clients.

Mustard, which has been buoyed by the spirit of its team-members alone, was brought back from the ICU by the energetic and involved action of the team. It has now making quick wins including some retainer accounts. It continues to service its older accounts steadily as well.

For i9, this was the starting block year and it gained a strong foothold into the entertainment, lifestyle, hospitality business with its clients. It has also made its presence felt in many pitches across its interest areas leaving strong overtones of its acumen.

The next year looks great for the group. Blue Lotus has already clocked in 50% growth over last year on the basis of contracts in hand (and naturally we’re bound to add more business over the year), bluebytes is enhancing its software and its operations to accommodate a 100% growth again, i9 is on the verge of some significant sign-ins, Mustard will also nearly double its turnover, and the newly constituted Brix Market Research has not only made a debut with billings, but is also undertaking one of the biggest studies ever done in India.

All this is not without us having rewarded our people – and having completed two successive Performance Appraisals in the last 6 months has also get us to an aspirational salary for all. We’ve also given substantial discretionary budgets for knowledge acquisition to TeamLeaders to meet the training and education needs of teams.

This is a watershed year for our Group and all we need is focus towards deliveries and client servicing and we’ll go from the neighbour’s envy to envy of the world.

BRIX Market Research

You all might be aware of the recent happenings at Blue Bridge. Yes you are right; we are talking about the market research division of Blue Lotus i.e Blue Bridge which is now an entity of its own and has been renamed as BRIX Market Research. As for us in the research team, it means a lot more than just a mere change of name. We have sown the seeds of a new and fresh concept which will undertake bigger and in- depth research maintaining the authenticity which we were always trusted for.

The rationale behind naming it as BRIX is to portray what we truly are.’ BRIX signifies authenticity and great thinking’.

BRIX Market research provides its client a view of their markets and better understanding of their consumers through quality information, experience and knowledge.

We conduct several studies such as:

1. Customer satisfaction study

2. Consumer perception study

3. Media perception audits

4. Employee perception study

5. Concept testing

6. Tracking studies (Before and after effects of communications in the PR context)

Market Research becomes essential for gaining specific knowledge /information about the client’s target market and the key factors influencing them. If it does not provide new information, it will confirm what is known. Market research should ideally be the starting point of any marketing exercise. Conducting any marketing exercise - be it related to pricing, promotion or distribution of a product or service.

So when a client wants to measure their market performance, know the satisfaction level of their consumers, analyze market dynamics, diagnose the marketing and sales related problems, we help them find the best path to growth.

So, with a fully geared BRIX, you know where you‘d find truly in-depth market research at your perusal.

Your Dream Press Release Contest

- Jerry

In all only 6 entries were received. The 4 subjects of choice, Sania and Media Mania was opted by 3 people followed by Ideal Colleague which was chosen by 2. ‘CSR initiatives by Corporates’ attracted only one entry and ‘Cricket Team as a gift to lover’ had no takers.

COMMENTS: A Press release is forwarded to the media with the hope of it being published immediately. A publishable Press release from the media’s viewpoint should have the following essentials:

· The main news/view should be contained in the first paragraph itself to hold the journalist’s attention

· Having caught the attention, it should be able to convince the receiver about the point you are trying to convey, by about the next paragraph at least

· The language/flow of the release should be such that the concerned journalist is not required to make major alterations or rewrite it altogether

· And lastly, the Press release should be limited to 4 to 6 paragraphs at the most.

RESULTS: Keeping the above as judging criteria, in my opinion, the rating should be as below:

1^st- Prateek Shah

2^nd- Jasleen

3^rd- Shreelalith

Revolution in the PR industry with the invention of ‘Ideal Colleague’

-Prateek Shah

New Delhi, December 21st, 2012: Blue Lotus Communications, India’s leading PR agency today created history by announcing the addition of the latest member to its workforce ‘PRBoT5.0’, an android developed as part of Blue Online Communication’s secret project which was being carried on at the company’s Japan office since 2010. This multi functional part human part robot can travel at sonic speeds and has the ability to be at two places at the same instance through time travel.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N Chandramouli, Group CEO, Blue Lotus said “9 years ago when we came into existence, our motto was to do PR with a difference. With time, we have not only achieved that but gone beyond the realms of reality as well. We are extremely proud to have ‘created’ an in house employee who will cater to all needs and be a big help of existing employees.”

PRBoT5.0, being called the ‘Ideal Colleague’(IC) shall be responsible for doubling up for existing employees by being present in their place when the latter is unavailable due to unavoidable circumstances like being stuck in a jam while on the way to an event, on the other important call when a client concall is to be conducted or even out of office on media rounds when a birthday is being celebrated back at HQ (read cake cutting ceremony).

Elated at the occasion, General Manager HR, Pooja Kaura said “For years I’ve had to hassle with prospective employees with exorbitant demands of wanting the location they like, the money their bosses should get and requiring leaves as if they were getting married every 2 months. While I was interviewing IC, I pinched myself on multiple occasions just to be sure this wasn’t a dream. While my fears did not entirely come true, I momentarily fainted when I got to know that IC was indeed surreal”

While rumours were rife with a ‘superman meets batman’ man doing the rounds of the city for the past few days, but nobody realized the pattern of it being spotted near 5 star hotels with press conferences or media houses where the receptionist does not let PR professionals go in. Talking about the same, engineer at Blue Online, Prateek Shah added “This idea occurred to us back in the summer of 2010 when an internal contest at the organization required us to draft a dream press release. After submission and being adjudged one of the top three entries, the concept gained momentum with support coming in from all corners. Immediately, we started off with the experiment which took less than two years to complete.”

With this, Blue Lotus is set to add more zeroes to their fledgling multi-million dollar business with clients waiting to work with the newest account servicing android on board. It is being believed that everything in the PR industry from the media rounds to concept notes to articles to even press releases is being creatively handled to look like a dream.

For more information, please contact:

Thisis Ajoke

contesttowinrs@dreampressrelease.com

Sania and the Media Mania

- Jasleen Kaur

New Delhi, April 12:That's it!!!Enough is enough. When will this misery going to end. There seems no stop here. After long and series of anticipation finally Shoibh agreed that he did marry Ayesha and now he is going to divorce her and marry Sania. I was so happy not because they were getting married but because finally I shall get to see something good and useful on TV and lifestyle papers again after so long.

It was getting so unbearable that why so hype and what is a common man has to do with all this??? It can’t be a very important GK topic which will be taught to children in schools nor will it create any history. Then why??? They were celebrities alright and people like celebrity gossip but do we need an overdose of same news everyday and everywhere???

Our personal lives may be all messed up, instead of solving our issues we are keen to solve Sania's and Shoibh's private life. Why are we so interested in knowing someone else personal things? Let them do what they want to, they are mature people and can take their decisions by themselves.

Girlfriend ran away, low score in college exams, Parents worried about their child’s future, working professional worried about inflation, problems everywhere but still all are glued and want to know what step Sania and Shoibh will take.

Why we simply don’t mind our own business. West Bengal is worsening because of Naxals but I am sure solving Sania’s personal life issue was an utmost importance.

Do we really lack entertainment and quality programs on TV, that news channels are filling our entertainment dose??? Are we so bored of our personal lives that we are finding relief and spice from these cheesy tactics? Media holds a very responsible position in the society and creating awareness and bringing the truth in light is what expected from them. If they start following the footsteps of entertainment and responsibility takes a back seat, scary for me.

One fine morning I woke up happily with the hope that this drama is finally over and I saw yet another piece, Would Sania Mirza Be Too Hot to Handle For Shoaib Malik? ohh God, tell him to ask for lot of ice, Roohfaza and ACs in Dowry. This way the hotness quotient could be reined in. Let him decide for heaven’s sake that how he will be managing his hot wife.

Again I read somewhere, Sania, Shoaib's honeymoon in Gilbit - Baltistan .

I tore the paper in aversion and went to the TV screen. I went from one blood sucking news medium to another.

If issues like national integrity or related topics have been repeated on TV and print like Sania and Shoibh’s episode then I would have been proud of the constant public glare and media for reiterating the social message in public mind.

My request to all media guys, please act sensibly.

A perfect match made in heaven :- the score stands love all

- Shreelaalit

Getting married to the man of your love is like a dream come true right???... Well it did seem like a nightmare for Sania and Shohaib, and are they happy that the storm has now dwindled away.

It all began when rumors started doing rounds that Sania to marry Shohaib. Things gained momentum because she had just broken-up with her fiancé then. Every body was having a field day; comments came in from opinionated political parties across India. Some even labeled her as a traitor who would soon shift to Pakistan. These things got such precedence that it became headlines on almost all leading papers. Who ever said that sports news was almost on the last pages of dailies?

The drama gained more masala because Shohaib’s - ex wife added more turns and twist to it, then one could experience on the ghats of Mumbai-Pune road. Did any body spared a second to sit and think that what must be going on in the minds of Sania, her family and Shohaib and his family. One thing led to another, then speculations started on her wedding date, the place and even the menu was discussed on a national level. Wow!!!! I guess by now all have realized that any publicity is good publicity. But at what price.

Their marriage finally took place; and photos had to be everywhere. Be it newspapers, TV channels, they all were blabbering on her saree, make-up & jewellery. Ultimately the celebrity designers got to do their PR, by having an opinion on all the fashion accessories that Sania wore on her wedding day.

It’s almost time now that things have settled down. As they say, “alls well that ends well”… and hopefully the wonderful couple can have a new beginning in this important phase of their life. Amen to that!!!!!

NKOTB

1. Soni B – 10th March

Designation : Info Log Executive

I am Soni B. I joined in Blue Bytes family (Bangalore) as an Info Log Executive. I am pursuing my B Com. I love to experience and enjoy the small joys of life. I have loads of friends; they are my biggest strength and I try being there for them always. I am a simple, fun loving girl. My hobbies are no different than usual. I love reading, watching movies, cooking, shopping, travelling.

2. Surya Prakash – 4th March

Designation : Info Log Executive

I am Surya Prakash, I have Completed my PUC, and joined Blue Bytes. Here, people are very friendly, it seems to me like a family. My hobbies are watch movies, playing Carom and reading books. But most of all, I like to spend time with my family. I am a cool guy and like making friends.

3. Anwesha Chakraborty – 1 April

Designation :Jr. Content Writer

Anwesha – that’s what they named me after I was born on the 20th day of July, 1987. I write my last name as ‘Chakraborty’. Music was something that captured my heart since childhood. I stared learning vocal classical when I was 6 years old. To me, music is a medicine, which soothes and cures my mental, spiritual and physical setbacks, in an unbelievably spectacular way. I believe, silence speaks the best words, to those who understand it. I spent the best days of my life in Modern High School for Girls, where I did my schooling till the 12th standard. I got myself involved with an NGO called CINI Asha. My motto in life is to make good use of my creativity, to create something different, something new. I won’t use the words “successful career”; it’s too worldly and cliché. I had always been a rebel against what my logic could not accept. I’d like to use my ‘pen’ to voice anything and everything that I want to – starting from my opinion against some detrimental social norm, to, may be, an ad-jingle. And to me, the key of my success is my ‘pen’. Someone give me the lock – I am hankering to open it!

4. Radhika Sapkal – 4^th March

Designation : Sr. Account Executive

I am generally a happy person (if you hear laughter/giggles, be sure to find me there). Love to talk, be-friend people and generally very enthusiastic, excited, with a fun loving attitude towards life! To try and sound witty all the time is one compulsive disorder I suffer.

I love music (have the ears to understand the rhythm!), dancing (anywhere anytime) and analyze Human Psychology (I know, serious stuff, isn’t it?). Well, yes, also read sometimes, (short stories with big pictures )
I also love trying out global cuisine and am through with quite a few .

I don’t really “HATE” anything or anybody (why should I hate and sulk), when I can gossip about them HAAH!

Do not like people who are pessimistic/ negative about life. People, who back bite, think shallow, no sense of humor and lack integrity, tick me off … totally (in bold)!!!

Apart from the above, nothing different happens with me. I am all great, set and ready to rock.

5. Pooja Raut – 3^rd March Designation :Management Trainee

I love reading books. The fatter the better! I love letting my hair down, though they are not very long, hence love dancing and anything to get the pulse racing. I am a big foodie and love trying out new delicacies.

Hmm…I dislike people who are pretentious. Do not like people who are moody and think that only they have been dealt with life’s painful blow.

Apart from that life’s good and love enjoying every minute of it!

6. Vishal Shah – 8^th March Designation : Account Executive

Likes: Music, Masti, Dhamaal, Food and Partying, Bike riding (wouldn’t mind city street racing), reading self help literature.

Dislikes: A weekend without a party, Taking work home.

What irritates me: Questions being repeated.

What I love doing in my spare time (Though I hardly get any): Creative writing, poems, shayaris, time pass, listening to music, etc.

How my experience has been in Blue Lotus so far (Will it get me a good PA?): Support from seniors and no interference. It has helped me to express myself and take the risks. It also allowed me to work independently.

What can make me better person and performer: Motivation

7. Flovie Martins – 9^th April Designation : Account Manager

I would describe myself as a simpleton, very down-to earth and an approachable person. Though I have a ‘do not give up without giving it your best shot’ attitude, I do not know sometimes when to quit and I constantly push myself over the edge. I firmly believe we are what our environment makes us, so making good friends and being in a positive team is of great importance.

The vibrancy at BlueLotus is applaudable. There’s always someone to lift your spirits wherever you look. Each and every employee comes with a different personality which makes it fun and interesting.

Cheers to the BL family!!

8. Sulagna Ghosh – 1^st April Designation : Management Trainee

Thank you for providing me with an opportunity to share my point of view. After residing for 6 years in Pune, I have relocated in Mumbai. I have just started my journey in Blue lotus and need to explore the organization. Gradually, I am trying to get adjusted in this new city life. Basically, I like my workmates in Blue lotus and they are truly an approachable lot. Officially this is the first time I am getting an exposure in a PR industry and got an opportunity to take responsibility of client. I am trying every possible way to learn core Client Servicing. Apart from that I am hard working as well as fun loving. I hope my journey in Blue lotus is going to be successful and my service will reach up to the organizations’ level of expectation.

9. Nivedita Das – 1^st April Designation : Account Associate

I hereby start my journey with Blue Lotus. Though I am new in Mumbai and still trying to get over with Delhi, being part of Blue Lotus really gave me a proper footing to grow as a professional. I believe it’s just not knowledge but also positive attitude that keeps me going.

I am a romantic person in love with nature, enjoy trekking, and going for a vacation at quiet and peaceful unexplored hill stations. Other than travelling reading a nice book of prose/poetry, watching movie with my husband and playing with my pets chills me out.

Like everyone else I get irritated too. Things which really irritate me are Indiscipline, chaos and shallowness.

10. Girish Fernandes – 22^nd March Designation : Account Associate

5. I have an insatiable curiosity for things, an eye for detail and am quick to grasp concepts. I have always been amazed by the field of communication. I study them, criticize, improvise and appreciate.

4. I enjoy playing with words and know how to turn the right eyeballs to the right message.

3. A keen interest in traveling, a hand for design and a bent of mind that allows me to see the lighter side of things, brew up a suitable mix.

2. I have WORKED in the field of Public Relation for almost three years. If that doesn’t count, let me add, I have happily been part of the field of Public Relations for Three years now. Work, what work?

1. I end my list of self praise by saying I am a quick learner and see no bounds when it comes to completion of work. My time here at i9Communications has been enlightening to say the least. I have been so privileged to work and learn with such a brilliant, magnetic, fully functional, hilarious, and just downright good group of people A.K.A Blue Lotus Communications.

11. Prasad Jadhav – 26^th March Designation: Software Developer

I have done my MCA from Mumbai University. Have been in this software industry from last 2 years but working at Blue Lotus makes me feel at home. Environment here is very friendly. In spare time I like to play chess with computer. I love cricket, but prefer watching only International matches. I like learning new technologies.

I like watching movies and listening to music. I am health conscious therefore avoid tea and coffee and drink milk instead.

According to me solutions are born first and then problems. So every problem has a solution. Lastly, in life you get what you deserve not what you desire.

12. Ajit Khude – 22^nd Feb Designation : Software Developer

Hi, this is Ajit Khude, a Goregaon resident. Living in Mumbai from past 1.7 years. Actually, I am from Kolhapur, one of the most popular places for Marathi movie industry. I completed my education in Kolhapur and M.C.A. from Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune. I have 1.6 yrs of experience in I.T. Industry. I am very lucky man who enjoys life with good and sweet friends.

I like to play carom, cricket, football, computer games, movies and music.

I joined Bluelotus two months back. I like the atmosphere here as compared to my previous company. My experience at Blue Lotus in past two months has been very cheerful. One thing I would like to say is that, here there is freedom to showcase your good work.

I am very simple, talkative, possessive and honest person. I don’t like people who are dishonest.

You can catch me on Orkut, Face Book, G-Talk, (ajitkhude555@gmail.com).

13. Kedarnath Tadkod – 15^th April Designation : Management Trainee

A happy go lucky Goan, with love for the beach, beer and all that makes Goa what it is. Loves bike trips, enjoys hiking and camping. Always in search of adventure on the side. In love with animals (hoping to master the skill of catching snakes, might save a few).

Enjoys being drenched in the first rains as they hit Goa. Favorite places include Dona Paula, Vagator beach and the Chapora fort! Thinks Goan cuisine is the most lip smacking one in the world! And wishes that he can live life in a King-sized bed with a huge TV at hand.

Finds traffic jams, filth, rudeness and hunger an irritation, and firmly believes that politicians need to be culled.

Blue Lotus has been a wonderful experience for me so far. After all not all get initiated into the company with a lunch at The Taj! Looking forward to enjoy this ride.