Readers across genders, I hope I have caught your attention with that title! Originally started in socialist countries to celebrate the achievements of the working woman, today, this day has become a way to celebrate women (and their achievements) in many more ways.

Women have come a long way in 100 years, though, as a colleague pointed out, there is still some distance to go yet. True, but, it is also time to feel good about what has been accomplished.

To put this in context, check out http://www.economist.com/node/6800723.  A friend’s facebook post – Forget India, China and the internet, the 21st century is about Women- helped me find this. 

On another note, Women’s day is a clear example of a marketing triumph- with everyone from President Obama to Google to Air India ( will fly all women’s crew on some of their flights today ) making a statement and deriving  mileage!

So, to all the women out there, and the men behind the successful women, happy women’s day…….

Popularity: 11% [?]

As President Obama’s highly televised visit to India comes to an end, I have put down what I took away, from one of the world’s most powerful communicators, as lessons worth emulating:

1. Preparation matters – One striking feature of all of Obama’s speeches and interactions is the knowledge he displayed of India – be it statistics, or using quotes of Indian leaders, or pronouncing Indian names reasonably well. This was quite impressive and contributed greatly to the rave reviews he got.

2. Emphasizing the right themes: In his position as US President, Obama had to woo India while not jeopardizing existing strategic relationships ( example- with China). Thus, choosing the theme of the world’s two largest democracies building a defining relationship in this century, and reiterating it wherever possible, was smart. It not only made Indians feel proud, but also made the India-US relationship standout on a unique platform.

3. Being inclusive- One thing I observed was that he almost always included Michelle Obama in his addresses in some appropriate way. Likewise, his references were gender neutral. He paid rich tributes to our Prime Minister with whom he obviously shares a great rapport and gave him credit for strengthening bilateral ties.

4. Interacting with audiences – Obama is obviously a great orator, but he also is charismatic, and able to interact with different kinds of audiences with ease. His willingness to do an open house at St Xavier’s college and handle tricky questions ( albeit diplomatically) became a talking point. What was interesting is that, by his deft handling of the event, he had the same students who asked him the tough questions, root for him saying in his position that is as much as he could have answered! We all know the youth are the most difficult to make an impression on, and if he managed to strike a chord with 20 somethings in a country which he is visiting for the first time, that is something.

5. Tone and manner – Sincere, candid, willing to give credit, and most importantly, displaying a sense of humor, including ability to laugh at himself ( be it in his reference to the recent election debacle or his dancing skills relative to his wife), Obama’s speeches had the right mix. Thus, his speech in Parliament received appreciation across parties and personalities- which is a rare achievement.

As business leaders and marketers, there is a lot we can learn from Obama, especially when it comes to engaging an audience. What do you think?

Popularity: 6% [?]

The announcement evoked mixed reactions even in a die-hard Obama fan such as myself. While Obama has done  a lot, I feel he has a long way to go.

After all, the Hall of Fame of the Nobel Peace Prize has such illustrious names – Nelson Mandela, Aung San Suu Kyi, Gorbachev, Mother Teresa. While I cannot question the wisdom of the commitee that chose Obama this year, I wonder whether this is yet another indicator of the world moving to a different model of motivation – encourage and reward efforts well before achievement.

If we have to draw a parallel to the world of business, our work life, does this mean that someone with potential and promise is given, not just opportunities to show his mettle, but also recognition ahead of his time?

Somehow I am not in agreement with this line of thought.

I feel sceptical.

Popularity: 8% [?]

The Obama adminstration has its task cut out in allocating close to a trillion dollars across various segments and ensuring it produces the desired results. We did a study on the stimulus plan recently and here are some key points- tax relief, healthcare, civil infrastructure and energy will receive huge grants. However, there are a few points to be noted – first of all, there is no spreadsheet available which gives detailed break-ups and tallies amounts. Second, in some cases (highway grants for e.g) – if 50% of the grant is not spent within 120 days from Feb 17, then the state loses that money. It is highly doubtful if that can be accomplished and the actual impact on job creation and uplifting of the economy needs to be carefully monitored.

For Indian service providers, this no doub spells opportunities  to go after especially in healthcare, education, clean energy and infrastructure segments. To go after these opportunities will require detailed analysis of the stimulus plan and its implementation to choose relevant targets to go after.

Popularity: 6% [?]