BLUE BYTES : RIDING ON TECHNOLOGY...

Piyush Jain, Business Head, blue bytes, enlightens us as to how blue bytes has grown in business and reputation owing to its stress on innovation and technology.

Once considered as a mundane job, news tracking at bluebytes has now become exciting and sophisticated, thanks to the technology backbone. With slew of interesting features launched in recent times, bluebytes has now been rated as the most innovative media monitoring and analysis service in the country.

This is what Mitu Samar of ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund has to say of us-

“Media tracking services of blue bytes is the most extensive and organized, amongst all service providers in this area that I have come across in past 8 years. Services coupled with enthusiastic team who is not only working to better the services all the time but are also consistently extending the gamut of offerings under this umbrella is commendable. I wish the team bluebytes all the best.”

In fact the technology enabled bluebytes is now a force multiplier for our PR as well. Blue Lotus would probably be the only PR agency where the PR executives do not unnecessarily spend their time frantically searching for their clients’ articles appearing in the papers every morning, they rely on bluebytes to do so. The time saved is better invested in the reading of the papers for story ideas.

Some of the features launched in recent times:

· Bluebytes trends- providing a quick window to the news trend in the last 7 days and past 3 months.

· News hierarchy- the emailer has got more organized with news appearing according to importance of publication in the order - Financials, English dailies, Trade Magazine, General magazine, Regional papers and lastly internet.

· Archive- the archives has been strengthened with the facility to search the entire bluebytes database.

In the pipeline-

· Monthly client report at a click of a button

· Current news across sectors along with the email update

· Advance search on the archive- search within publication, city, headline/ article

News clients added:

The month of November has begun on a high (pun intended) for bluebytes with the acquisition of United Spirits.

Even better was acquiring Taurus Mutual Fund as it is the first client to from our association with Dun and Bradstreet. This will hopefully throw open the floodgates for many more clients.

THE BLUE LOTUS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Darshan recounts what went behind the scenes and to what we call a successful and enjoyable Blue Lotus 6th Anniversary celebrations.

1^st October, 2008. Seemed like an ordinary date for millions, but for some it was a day to cherish. Specially for team Blue lotus. It marked the 6^thanniversary of Blue Lotus. So what special as well as unusual thing should be done to make this day a memorable one. It was a BIG question for the Critical Hands to think of something which will make all the members of Team Blue, remember this day. The current economic scenario coupled with the budget given by me made it more difficult for even the critical hands to come up with an idea and implement it.

The HR manager came up with the idea of celebrating it on a Saturday as all would be more relaxed and there would be maximum participation. Also that everyone should be connected on a con call and Mouli should address all. This was a result of Mouli’s frequent travel and his occupancy in KEIP.

The Critical hands were sure of one thing that whatever they did must connect to Team Blue Lotus across India. Valuable contributions came from Pooja, Rajul and myself. But nothing could fit our budget and expectations.

Then came the idea of celebrating Blue Lotus’ birthday as if it were a six year young kid. Cakes, balloons, gathering, bouquets, etc. Not to forget the decoration competition for Rs. 600/-. It was decided that everyone should celebrate the event at the same time pan India. Then was the time to encounter another difficulty – “the logistics”. We couldn’t manage a single vendor to make the arrangements for cake & bouquet across all our Branches in the given budget. We then asked the office assistants in each of our branches to bring in the cake and bouquet without informing the other team members so that the suspense would not be disclosed. We owe a special thanks to all the office assistants, especially out there in the branches, for making it an enjoyable moment for everybody.

On the D-Day, everyone at the Mumbai office assembled at the open area with a lot of excitement and expectation. Other than a few of us, not many people knew what was going to happen. When everyone had settled, we got Mouli connected to all the offices simultaneously. The plan of the con call was a great success as every Blue Lotus member was able to listen to Mouli’s words on the occasion of our 6th anniversary at the same time. We then participated in the cake cutting ceremony and thereafter everyone proceeded to a get -together lunch.

By the time we completed this Pooja lost a couple of pounds, I lost half of my hair and Rajul, her mental stability. But the way things came about on Saturday, I suppose it was all worth it.

JOURNEY DOWN SOUTH- THE JOY OF EATING

Poornima, our PR executive from Chennai, unearths the secrets of South Indian delicacies and invites us to experience the joy of eating down south.

Food, the main substance of existence has always been a much explored affair. A significant food is so overwhelming that it has become a part of religion too, gluttony is considered a sin, but difficult to resist when it comes to tasty food. So am I when it comes to tasty food…..

Coming to our main area of interest, the South Indian food is a combination of varied flavours and tastes. Each of the four South Indian states is known for their own specialities. Kerala for coconut, Karnataka for sweets, Andhra for spices and a right mix of all tastes in Tamil Nadu.

Traditional Tamil cuisine by which I have survived is known for its balanced mix of the six important tastes- sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent & astringent. For a complete feast and the actual taste, not only all the flavours have to be included but the order in which they are consumed is also significant.

When talking about favourites, my all time favourite is my mom’s special. I have been fortunate to have tasted various kinds of typically yummy Tamil dishes prepared by her with lots of love. Breakfast itself has lots to offer with Idlies & Dosas taking the primary slot. The Idlies when eaten with a little chutney and then dipped in Sambar tastes even better. Idlies also taste good with Groundnut chutney, Kara Chutney, Tomato Chutney, Podi with oil and much more. My other favourite breakfast includes Iddiyapam, Appam with Coconut milk, Suda Kangi with thick Groundnut chutney, Pongal with Sambar, etc.

When I sit down, empty stomach to eat a typical Tamil meal served on a banana leaf, my excitement has no bounds. Curiosity in what we are eating makes the dish even more interesting. Steamed rice is our

main course which comes with lot of tasty accompaniments. Sambar rice with potato fry, Puli kulambu with Appalam, Hot Rasam rice with Lady finger fry/ vegetable Kootu, Curd rice with Mango Pickel has always been by favourites.

Now its Non-Vegetarian time, Sea food has always been my favorite. As Pondicherry is my home town we get fresh sea stuffs to cook. Dishes prepared in Fish & Prawns tops my chart with a lot of other favorites like Chicken 65, karuvaatu(Dry fish), Pepper mutton fry, Chicken Biryani etc. Tamilnadu is known for its non-vegetarian specialities in Chettinadu and Virudhunagar areas.

So want to taste, the first option I give is my home sweet home where everyone is always welcome to savour Tamil food. Also let me suggest few places which have been my favorite food destinations in Chennai- Sanjeevanam a Natural Health Restaurant in Nungambakkam which serves healthy & tasty Meals. Sea Shells Restaurant at Greams Road is known for Grilled Chicken with Chapatti. Ponnuswamy & Chettinadu Hotels for Non–Vegetarian dishes. Murugan Idly Shop/ Vasantha Bhavan/ Saravana Bhavan/ Udipi Hotels for Tiffin items. Hyderabad Biriyani/ Thallapakattu for various types of Briyanis. Pondy Bazaar Kaiyenthi Bhavan for hot Podi dosas.

MY EXPERIENCE AT BLUE LOTUS

Muffadal or Muffie as many of us know him, gives one of the longest and most endearing intro’s in the history of Blue lotus PR. Enjoy the read...

I don't know if I am working or if it’s all just one big party! I joined on the 1st of October which I had no clue was meant to be the founders day at bluelotus. Ever since, each day the team has been like a bunch of friends slapping backs, laughing, teaching and learning as we are going along. When I joined here the only person I knew was Archana Matay, but soon I discovered that I have made neat friends that I wouldn't wanna lose.

Appropriately, the collection of the company's gems is astounding. From a versatile Mouli, to a diligent Archi, an outstanding bluebytes team to an accurate bluepoint, a creative Bishy to humorous Prathmesh and Sutapa with Vandana's charming nautanki to the support of the entire team Mumbai; the acceptance levels have really touched me. In fact, if I began to narrate the virtues of each petal at bluelotus the Culture Curry would be more like sweet sauce! Don't want this to be an acceptance speech, but I figure you get the point.

For those team blues beyond Mumbai toll nakas who are wondering why a level of acceptance would matter so much to me, I take this opportunity to give them a slight intro. My name mentioned in the signature below, can more comfortably be called Muffi. Congenitally I was partially blind and have undergone an integrated education. Academically, I've done that which is enough to fill a thick testimonial file and would like to do that which allows the grey cells on the top to remain active (want a salt pepper look). Now, with the total loss of sight I am here to knock off all the cubicle barriers at blue lotus!

Mouli somehow figured that I would add to the value to the writing work at the company and has welcomed me aboard to scribble. So far, I've written to provide for the clients, but this is the first time I am penning down the way I would like to write. Pardon me readers for my child-like expressions!

I used to love reading. 'Used to' because after I joined here, I realized how much reading is actually involved, a change of heart is inevitable [just kidding]. Had life had it, I would have liked anchoring radio and simply love listening to music. I have quite a worm wriggling in me somewhere and would like to try any adventure sport like rafting, climbing, sky diving, snorkeling, etc. Feasting and keeping fit are the 2 contrasting activities I like balancing. I have no specific dislikes but perhaps, gooie-sticky-drippy-leaky stuff can be accounted for my objects of abhorrence. You asked, "What irritates me?" you must be joking to imagine that would release confidential info on public forum.

I am strict, disciplined, stern, tough, brave, diplomatic and suave, and as anyone can see I can be quite a liar. So, stop thinking too much of which one of the above have been a lie and just buy it all. I have still to try my skills at marketing and will be as masterful at that as can be too. You dare disseminate any false information about me, beyond what I've given. smile!

And still if there has been anyone else at the org who has written a longer intro, I will be glad to write again and out-write my predecessor.

TRASH THE ASH

Shweta from blue Print conveys to us very diligently the Passive effects and Active excuses of Smoking...

“To quit smoking is easy. I have done it a thousand times" — Mark Twain neatly summarizes the dilemma faced by thousands of smokers worldwide.

If you're a smoker, chances are you have recent­ly discovered you have serious creative differ­ences with the Union Health Minister. His ‘beautiful law on paper’ may have thrown your entire life in disarray — you can't smoke in your office, you can't smoke on your way there, and you most certainly can't light up while sipping your end-of-the-day drink at the pub.

As a smoker you read the statutory warning "smoking is injurious to health" each time you pick up your pack of ciga­rettes. You invariably try to stub the words of advice and dismiss it along with the ashes lying in the ashtray. But yes, somewhere along the line, you do make a promise to yourself, give yourself yet another dead­line, which seems to look hazy in the midst of all the smoke you puff out the next moment.

Can a ban or a "grisly" image on a cigarette packet make smokers quit?

Says Shikha Johnson, PR executive, “I hardly smoke, maybe a puff or two but have definitely cut down on the frequency since I feel lazy to go all the way down on the road”

Sutapa, another PR executive with Blue Lotus, is a habitu­al smoker, who has 3-5 ciga­rettes a day and wants to get rid of the habit. But the job itself seems like a "Herculean task".

Moreover she detests the fact that there’s no ‘smoking zone’ in Blue lotus, hence she has to step outside the office building for a smoke. “People see me with mean eyes as if I am committing a crime!”

Clearly, the rules for men and women, when it comes to smok­ing are different. A male smoker is acceptable, macho even. But a woman smoker — at best she's 'liberated', at worst she's of 'questionable' character.

Mr Piyush Jain, Business Head, Blue Bytes, is of the opinion that the ban has surely triggered an urge to quit smoking, and he initially did succeed in considerably reducing this habit.

For some, rules are meant to be broken, Prathamesh (PR executive) and Ravi (Art Director, Design Mustard) are absolutely unaffected by such bans. Umesh Bhogle, Principal Consultant, does feel guilty to smoke in office premises.

I as a BL ‘passive smoking’ employee, find it quite miserable to stop my own colleagues to smoke around me or in the office premises who defend themselves with silly excuses. ‘Why don’t you put a NO SMOKING board’ or simply a ‘I don’t care attitude’!

So all you active smokers out there, stay unhealthy, flaunt your not-so-cool attitude, but let us helpless passive hitters stay fit and survive to tell the tale. So, let’s get active in raising our voices against becoming passive smokers and when you find someone smoking next to you, remember, YOU have to survive to tell the tale...

NKOTbB- NEW KIDS ON THE BLUE BLOG

These New Kids on the Blue Blog share with the old kids of the same block, their likes, dislikes, attitudes and experiences, helping us to know them better.

ADITEE THALE

This is to acquaint myself with all you amazing people from Blue Lotus family. To begin with, I am fairly new to PR with a faint background of journalism, PR and advertising. A recent mass media graduate, I was looking out for a work place which could be home away from home, and bingo, I landed in the most ‘PURRFECTEST’ one!!! Not only am I amazed at the comfort level that I share with my colleagues here but also the work atmosphere that’s conducive beyond words.

Gemini personified, I am super fickle minded, highly indecisive, incessant conversationalist (chatter box is an understatement!) and continuously thinking about god knows whatever! To satiate a person like me it takes a lot of information with a flavour of entertainment and a heavy topping of knowledge. Well amongst other things, observing animals and people are part of my long list of hobbies. I think this is long enough to cover the topic and short enough to keep your interest!!

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DHANANJAY V. BHOLE

This is Dhananajay V Bhole from Blue bytes. I like to go out with friends and have fun. When we meet on weekends, among other things, I like having discussions on many topics.

Whenever I feel lonely I go to Shivaji Park and look at the sun going down under the sea to come up for the next day. This keeps me motivated and helps me in doing the things that I feel are too hard for me to do.

I also have a lot of childhood memories of the Park. It feels good to recreate those memories. I also like to do many more things, but they are too big to mention here, hoping to catch up with the latter. I usually don't get irritated but when thing don’t go the way I plan, I get annoyed.

Unexpected happens when you except. Blue bytes is a really good and supportive team. They have helped me a lot with my work as a trainee. Thank you all for your support.

That's the way of life for me!

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RAHUL GAURKHEDE

I am Rahul Gaurkhede. I have done BSc and MCA from Bhopal. I am working with blue bytes since last 1 plus month on Dot net Technology.

I like all the members of the blue bytes family as they are helpful. I am working well with blue bytes and enjoying my work. In my spare time I like to listen to music, watch movies, TV, studying programming relegated books. I have a lot of interest in web designing and have self-designed four company website and currently online. Also interested in dot net programming.

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SAMPADA GOPAL

Hi, I am Sampada, but you can also call me Sam. I hate just three things in life- Politics, politics and politics. The rest in life is fine.

I believe in giving emphasis more on work than words. I am good in sports and used to play Kabaddi, Kho-kho, etc. In school, I was a champ in Kho-kho. I love latest fashion. I feel it affects your work and happiness. I love eating outside food, like chaat, fruit juices, etc. I enjoy watching TV programmes and especially music channels, subject to time I have in hand. but only if I have time to see. I love to sketch, paint, travel, design, read, dress- up and watch art movies. I also like collecting old as well as new stuff and listening to history of any kind. There are many things in life which I like to do…

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VAISHALI SHAHANE

Hi striking natives, let me introduce myself. A sweet and simple girl, a chatterbox but sensitive and smart. I am Vaishali Shahane.

I like reading books, especially fiction. My favorite book is ‘Outlander’ by Diana Gabaldon. I love music, and that can be of any kind. In movies, I like watching comedies, romantic films and thrillers.

I joined Blue Lotus on 1^st August 2008 and was a bit nervous on my 1^st day when Shefali introduced me to my team members and other colleagues. But later I thought that this is the place to be. My Team Leader is Archana Tomar, one of the coolest persons I have ever met. She is bit moody, yet realistic and smart. My teammates- Sutapa, Amol, Vandana, Swetha, Muffy and Sunayana are nice and supportive. Life is great here; we work together and have loads of fun too. We Celebrate ‘Days’ here, the likes of Independence Day, Traditional Day, Freaky FriDay and many more…

I wish the happiness and joy multiplies in the days to come. Keep Smiling…

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VRUSHALI JOSHI

I am Vrushali Joshi. I completed my graduation in mass media this April from Mumbai University. I joined Blue Lotus from 21^st Oct 08. I am in Team Blue Planet, led by Mr.Umesh.

I live life to the fullest and have a smile on my face 24/7. I love to eat chocolates and ice creams. I like swimming and also adventures.I dislike arrogance & wrong attitude. I like to drive, meet new people and talk incessantly.

I am a ‘Happy Go Lucky’ person and am looking forward to a memorable time here in blue lotus with all of you.

THE NEW JOINERS ALERT

Amit Kumar (15th Sept 2008)

Amit has joined Blue Bytes (Delhi) as an Info Log Trainee.

Sejal Dabhi (21st Oct 2008)

Sejal joins the Accounts Department as an Account Executive.

PHOTO FEATURE- September & October

FREAKY FRIDAY 

Preparations for Pot Luck

Blue Lotus presents - Pot Luck

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DECORATE YOUR OFFICE

Winner of Decorate your work place

Team Bangalore

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6TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

The yummie Anniversary Cake.

The Scrap-Wall...revisiting history 

(Part of Decorate your Work-place)

Also part of decoration for Anniversary

Lotusians enjoying a hearty meal

Mumbai regales in the Anniversary celebrations

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A hue of Blue

Contributions to Salvation Army in the form of clothes 

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TRADITIONAL DAY CELEBRATION ON OCCASION OF DIWALI

The Winners of the Traditional Day Female 

Category- Employees of Blue Lotus, Mumbai. 

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The Winners of the Traditional Day Male

 Category-  Pune- Blue Saints in their saintly attire  

The winning TEAM DELHI with their booty

All that's Traditional is not old.

Team Mumbai in their Traditional Best

P I C - O F - T H E - M O N T H

The most enviable position in Blue  lotus

IN CONCLUSION

So this was how the most hectic and festive months of 2008 were spent and celebrated at Blue Lotus, and as someone rightly said, 'looking forward to many more special DAYS'.

We would like you to send your suggestions, feedback, opinions and articles at sneha@designmustard.com

Also feel free to send some 'out of the blue' photographs of you and your team which can feature in the "pic of the month" .

So until the next edition, adieu from the Culture Curry Team!!!