My next venture would be on BIO Fuel / Energy


These am intensely doing research on BIO Fuel and BIO Energy… Me along with a friend have decided to do a pilot project for next six months on this…

Today my friend visited me to Coimbatore and we had nice half day conversation… We collaborated all the information we have done till date…

Again we are meeting in Chennai during 1st Dec and we might. One up with a clear road map for next 6 months… In coming months will update you all about the nuances Bio Fuel & Energy…

Forsee a need for leaders in Cogzidel


A lot of our initiatives are slowly yielding dividends and with my gut intuition if everything’s well we might need to expand our team drastically…

For now we are well placed in filling slots with freshers but with experienced we really slog it out… If things catch up we might have to triple our operations team size…

But such a drastic growth will create a huge imbalance until we start working on our people’s leadership skills… We must even work hard with our existing leaders to enhance their skills…

So, what is it that is expected out of a LEADER???

  • Must be a risk taker….
  • Must be a decision maker and take hard decisions during tough situations…
  • Must be communicative with his team, managers, client and support departments…
  • Love failure and must quickly take lessons and fix them or take control over situation…
  • Good in team building…
  • Speed in executing new things, in learning…
  • Ability to take control over situations…
  • Must be a good Learner…

It is time to look for talents who has the zeal to become a leader… From then have a herculian task in the training process and am expecting the support of my HR to make things a success…

Busy Monday


Got up by 8 AM and immediately stung into routine and got ready by 9.30AM… Then started the day by receiving a call from my BDE team leader Senthil and from then I wound me calls by 6.30 in the evening with a 20 min lunch break… So, who all I spoke to?? Let me list for my records;

1.) Senthil – Business Development Team Lead CT
2.) Ramesh – Products Team Head CT
3.) BalaKrishnan – VP Marketing CT
4.) BalaMurugan – CEO CCS
5.) Major Karthik – Head Of Operations Madurai CT
6.) Vaidegi – SMM CCS
7.) Sangeetha – Delivery Head CCS
8.) Meena – HR CT

And by the time it was evening and checked my email, FB and made some calls to friends… Then again it ws calling time with night shift folks for assigning task and collection updates… Overall the day ran without any stress or strain…

Thanks Sushma & Karthik for making my day enjoyable


The day started without much hype or enthusiasm… My mom asked if I wanted to join them for shopping and I promptly denied…

Was thinking on ways to be engaged during the day… That is when I got a call from Gopiraj an acquaintance(Karthicks friend) enquiring about my progress and he asked for my address to visit me…

In couple of hours my aunt said I had some I had some visitors and I didn’t expect in dream that it was Sushma & Karthik… I was speechless for some time and really humbled as they drove from Chennai – Coimbatore just to see me…

Then Karthik asked if he can take me out and I was doubly thrilled… After convincing my mom I got the permission to go out…

I wore my shorts and rolled a shawl around me… The dressing combination was so pathetic and even I couldn’t bare my attire but I had no choice…

First we went to a Reebok store to buy a tracks and my agony started here as the security came inside asking what was I hiding inside the shawl… Then after showing my injured shoulder he apologised…

From there I took them to RS Puram and I made a lot of mess on the route and took them in a wrong route… Finally we reached RS Puram by asking for right route from the cops…

Since Sushma wanted to visit Brookefield Mall we didn’t get down and instead we drove to the mall… I was feeling soo awkward with my attire and my friends forced me inside the mall…

Likewise most of the eye balls were on my awkward dressing… Everyone was wondering why this guy was wearing a shawl when it was hot outside…

Then went inside Nike showroom and both the attenders gave me a damn and they were busy attending other customers… Then I asked one of them if they could assist me and he attended me without any interest… When I enquired about a basketball trouser; he said it was 1300 bucks with a ugly expression… When I asked him to bill ot and gave my cars he was startled for a moment..

Then when I tried to sign the counter file my shawl fell down and only the he realised I was injured… Immediately attention of both the attenders were on me to cross sell :)…

Then went to Tommy HilFiger and thought would have same reception… But I was carried away as they didn’t show any prejudice seeing my attire… THen I got a stroll from there… Then we went round the mall and started back… As always we thought of asking for a discount while paying for the parking and we were mouth shut when we were just charged 10 bucks unlike in Chennai where malls do day light robbery on parking fee…

Then we went to Hotel Reaidency for lunch and I was given a pleasent welcome by the staff… But after having lunch and while we were walking back 3 ladies were talking in telegu and were mocking at me… The funny aspect was both my friends mother tongue is telegu and they understood the mockery they made and translated it to me… It seems they were asking if is it severing that much??? And they were all looking at me and laughing…

After hearing them and seeing them curiously watching me we 3 started laughing even bigger which made them feel shy / embarrassed and they walked away…

Then they dropped me in my house and they drove back to Chennai… Though it was a small 3 hour time out it was really memorable and I really enjoyed seeing people showing different reactions on seeing me…

I really thank Karthik and Sushme for giving me such a wonderful experience and for visiting me…

Hence forth I’ve decided to wear crazy outfits and confuse people… I really enjoyed the experience of being in an embarrassment :))…

A non boring day


Woke up early in the morning as I was eager to get discharged… Though I loved to stay in the hospital for the hospitality and pretty mallu nurses…

From the morning it was too engaging as mom my came to hospital to take the reins of responsibility from my father… Then I it was time to dress up the operated place by the junior doctor…

Then it was some councelling session from the senior doctor on the progress and fuTure…

Then it was physiotherapist turn to teach me some exercise which I have to do until next follow up… Though painful and tough it is very important because operated wounds will heel in 10 days… But recovery lies on the exercise I do… This night be the longest rehab process…

Then it was dietician who advised on the diet to be followed during the time of recovery… As always they asked to avowed fried and junk foods as they slow the heeling process…

Then I asked to take a x-ray and I didn’t know who reviewed it.. Then bill got ready and we vacated by 1 PM…

From there went to medical store in Ramanathapuram, Coimbatore where medicines are sold at 16% discount and we brought all the medicines here instead of the pharmacy in the hospital…

Then went to Supermarket and Fruit shop to get things for next 4 days… From there staight we came to my uncles house…

Then it was some time for office work and by now it was evening… My dad was preparing to travel back to Chennai and was advising me to be responsible during the rehab process… After doing my exercise, dad’s sendoff and after watching the movie Walking Tall… I’m signing off this day with this blog…

A day in Hospital


After the surgery I spent a whole day in Hospital… I was given back the screws which were lying inside me for 5 years…

It was a whole day spent with my father and enjoyed the beauty of coconut groove and a dog kennel behind my room…

I must really thank god for giving me such a wonderful father was so selfless… The way we took care of me made me feel ashamed for hurting his emotions a lot of time…

This is another occasion my father showed how far he loved me and I’m thankfull to god for giving such a wonderful person as my dad…

All I wish is god gives me an opportunity to keep home happy henceforth…

Then it was some time On iPad, watching TV and taking some short official and courtesy calls…

Finally the day got over with my uncles visit where in we all shared what we are upto and some lighter moments…

Overall it was worth only for the reason that I spent a day long with my father and I feel happy for that…

UnderGoing an Arthroscopy (surgery) today


I’m undergoing an Arthroscopy (surgery) today on my right shoulder… The reason for the surgery is to fix a damage caused by previous surgery which I did 5 years back…

So what is it all about???

A decade back I skidded from a two wheeler which started causing frequent dislocation on my right shoulder… Over time the number of iterations started increasing… So, it was recommended to go for a Key-Hole surgery where in loosened capsules on the shoulder were to be screwed and tied…

Then over a period of time moments on my right hand has been restricted and use of that hand has also been limited… Limited usage of the hand has resulted in damage of muscles which has changed my body posture… Also I couldn’t do 25% of the work in a day because of restricted moments… Another effect is I couldn’t play or go for physical workouts…

After 5 years of follow up with the doctors who performed the surgery I couldnt see any respite… I was always told everything was fine… Then I even took physio councelling and treatments… Again there was no respite…

By this time I met a old family friend who is a Doctor specialised in ortho… He referred me to meet a specialist in Coimbatore… After tarough review I was asked in to go for an Arthroscopy (another surgery)…

With all previous experience I took some time to decide and went for 2nd and 3rd opinion… All doctors recommended a surgery…

Now I’ve decided to go for a surgery and it is happening today by 1.30 PM in a hospital in Coimbatore…

With the blessings of almighty and well washers like you I hope surgery will be smooth and I get recovered quickly…

Sachin Tendulkar Completes 22 years of International Cricket


Sachin completes 22 years of International cricketing career… Here are 100 reasons why India loves him…

1. He has always made India proud
2. He has countless records
3. He is a great ambassador of the game
4. His career has been controversy free
5. He has the most selfless game
6. He makes a century whenever we ask him to
7. He is going to win us the World Cup
8. He is a great role model
9. He has sacrificed his personal life for his country
10. He has never sledged against any other player
11. Of his self-effacing modesty
12. Of his love for the game, for the country
13. He puts his country above himself
14. He says he is an Indian and not just a Marathi manoos
15. He always respects his parents and coach
16. He has never endorsed alcohol and tobacco products
17. He has entertained us for over 2 decades
18. He has always believed in hard work and not shortcuts
19. He has given the game and country whatever he could
20. He is the best batsman in the world
21. He sponsors 200 underprivileged children every year
22. Of the social causes he supports
23. He raised Rs 1.02 cr via twitter only in a few days for the Crusade against Cancer foundation
24. He is simply a treat to watch
25. He has changed the face of Indian cricket
26. He can bowl leg break, off break and medium-pace
27. He is the greatest wizards of the willow
28. The word pressure does not exist in his dictionary
29. He is a great team mentor
30. He silences his critics only with the bat
31. He doesn’t want to retire anytime soon
32. Bradman was reminded of his own game by Sachin
33. Brian Lara thinks Sachin is the best batsman
34. He is the only player to score a 200 in ODIs
35. Wisden ranked him the second greatest Test batsman of all time, behind Donald Bradman
36. Only he has scored 50 centuries in Tests
37. He is the only player to score a century in all three of his Ranji Trophy,Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy debuts
38. He was the leading run scorer in the 1996 & 2003 world cups
39. He has proven that cricket is a ‘gentleman’s game’
40. He is a living legend in the cricketing fraternity
41. He is the only batsman in the world to torment Australia
42. He has scored centuries against all test playing nations
43. He was the first overseas cricketer to play for Yorkshire
44. He was gifted the Ferrari 360 Modena by Fiat through Michael Schumacher
45. He has won the most number of man of series and the man of matches in ODIs
46. He scored a century at Perth when he was 18 when all the other batsmen struggled
47. Of his never say die spirit
48. Of his insatiable hunger for runs and victory
49. His desire to dominate the opponent
50. Of his commitment and dedication for his team and country
51. He never shows disrespect to the national flag
52. He is the Einstein of cricket
53. He is responsible for making cricket a religion in India
54. He was named by Sir Don Bradman in his dream team of all time
55. He has the most number of runs in ODIs
56. He has the highest number of centuries in ODIs
57. He was the first one to make 10,000 runs in ODIs
58. He is the highest run scorer in world cups
59. He is the only player to be in top 10 ICC ranking for 10 years
60. He is the only cricketer to win the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri
61. Time magazine named him as one of the Asian Heroes in November 2006
62. He has not let his stardom affect his nature
63. Encourages youngsters of other countries also
64. He can play all the shots that exist in a book of cricket
65. He is calm and composed on and off the field
66. He is compassionate
67. He is has an impish smile
68. No matter what his age, he will always look and talk like a kid
69. He is respected by all bowlers of all eras
70. He won the Man of the Series award in the 2003 world cup
71. He remembers all of his test dismissals
72. He autographs with his left hand even if he is right handed
73. He fielded for Pakistan as a substitute during a practice match against India at Brabourne Stadium in 1988 showing his love for the game
74. Being 5’5”, he can smash even the tallest bowlers of the world
75. He has the most number of fifties in ODIs
76. His most man of the match awards are against Australia
77. He has played in 90 different grounds across the world
78. He has inspired and will continue to inspire youngsters day after day
79. He was honoured with the rank of Group Captain by the Indian Air Force
80. If you meet him he will not refuse to give you an autograph
81. He always looks up towards the sky after scoring a 50 or 100
82. The way he balances his professional and personal life
83. He is one of the most down to earth cricketers
84. He never forgets to thank his teachers and coaches who played an important role in his life
85. He plays for his country and not for money
86. He does not put himself above the game
87. He has never been a part of any controversy
88. He has always been a great father and family man
89. He is one of the highest respected cricketers in the world
90. He has a stand named after him at the Wankhede Stadium
91. He captained his IPL team Mumbai Indians to the finals in 2010
92. He played a match winning innings against Pakistan in the 2003 World Cup
93. He carries the hoped of a billion fans on his shoulders
94. He has the largest fan following in the country
95. He surely deserves the Bharat Ratna at the age of 37
96. He plays the sport in the right spirit
97. He considers the victory of his team primary and his personal records secondary
98. He is going to score his hundredth 100 soon
100. He is responsible for making cricket a religion in India

Adventures of TinTin OOpS Kaviraj


Weekend went to a movie and really enjoyed watching The Adventures of TinTinKaviRaj… Since Kavi’s adventures were big; it overshadowed the movie :)…

  • First Kavi started his Adventures from booking tickets… He booked 4 tickets on four different seats…
  • Second was his wonderful driving… His driving has always been an adventure for people who accompany his… In face I can write a novel when it comes to his driving…
  • Third was when we attended a bachelors party of a friend before the movie… Mr.Kavi vomited what all he consumed… This is rare and the first occasion I saw my icon vomiting…
  • Fifth the fight he pulled with all of us for a particular seat… He pushed every one who was walking to win over his seat… W found no logic as we all had to sit at different corners to watch the movie…
  • Sixth during the interval break I saw Kavi going to restroom… I went to a different corner to buy some ice-cream… I didn’t know from where he jumped… He came took the ice-cream and ran… Te shop keeper was caught with shock… Then I told him he is my friend and I’ll pay for that :)…
  • Seventh was when he drive back… It was such a foolish rash drive… I was not scared but my other pal were really caught with fear :)… It was a drive of flying over the speed breakers, cutting across the cops, teasing the payment walkers…

For a moment I didn’t know why at all we went to the movie as my friend entertained us with his adventures which were much interesting the movie… Hence forth we have decided to gspend time with Kavi rather than spending money on movies or parties…

I thank Kavi for entertaining us the evening….

Cold Calling Experiences by Sivaraman Natarajan


This is what transpired during one of my calls –  

Me: Hello, Good Morning!
Receptionist:  Good morning Sir
Me: I am Sivaraman calling from company – Y
Receptionist: Okay…
Me: Can I please talk to Mr. X?
Receptionist:I would need his badge number
Me: I am sorry. What is that?
Receptionist: All our employees have a badge number Sir. You have to give me that
Me: Sorry, I don’t know Mr.X’s badge number. Can you look him up in the extension directory please?
Receptionist: Let me see…(a min later) Sorry Sir, I cannot find him
Me: Can you please find Mr. W then?
Receptionist: Mr. W? This is regarding?
Me: This is regarding a business meeting
Receptionist: What business Sir?
Me: Can I please talk to him directly about it? (ending with a smile)
Receptionist: Hmm…I am putting him through. Please hold
Me: Thank you! 
W: Hello, W speaking, who is this?
Me: Good morning Sir! I am Sivaraman calling from Y. I got your reference from ____. Is it a good time to talk to you? Can I have 5 minutes of your time?
W: (a little hesitating) Yes…What is this regarding? 
Me: Sir, this is regarding….blah blah..

This is one experience where I got to handle 3 objections and got rewarded ultimately. When making calls, it is important to handle certain objections, especially if we are calling the board number and talking to a receptionist. 

Objection: Mr. X does not work here/Mr. X is in a meeting/business trip/on vacation
Counter: Can I talk to Mr. W then?
Objection: He is not available today/He is not at his desk
Counter: Is he on vacation?/Is he in a meeting?/When can I call again?/Can I have his extension number?/Can I have his email id please?

The idea is to get as much information as possible in a single call. It can get really annoying to a receptionist if we assume a rigid/matter-of-fact tone. One has to respect the time of a receptionist.

When we get to the person we want to talk to, we ideally get a maximum of 5 minutes, so, we should get to the objective of the call as quickly as possible. 

Homework before calling is paramount. 

The success rate of cold calling is not very high. Hence, it pays to be persistent and methodical. Cold calling should always be complemented by direct mailing and follow-ups to be effective.