Monday, June 29, 2009

The "NEW" Interview™

As we all know things are changing everywhere around and nothing remains constant then why do people (a.k.a. Candidates) think that the interview is also still the same old story, still the screwing session where the Interviewers screws the interviewee... My boy things are just making a head-way towards a different direction. The "NEW" interview is now not about answering the same old: Tell Me about yourself, and your hobbies, blah, blah, blah... things are changing and so is the interviewer!! So just let me tell you some interesting facts which the interviewers are demanding in most of the interviews this season.

Control the interview:

Man it’s not only you who's watching Raghu and Rajeev Ram scarring contestants away on the prime time show Roadies, the interviewers is also fond of watching such shows. So please be aware of the fact that even he/she might start screwing you like the "Twin Nightmares". It has been commonly found that students prepare themselves for FAQs in an interview, and they have been seen to have panicked when the first question was not the traditional "Tell me about yourself?" Don't let an interview turn into a rote question and answer session about your greatest accomplishments and your biggest weaknesses. Try to take your interview to newer heights by telling something which you might generally be afraid of telling in an interview. Do present your weaknesses and failures, and in a way such that it comes up as your Strength.
Like at the Maha-CET interview which I had appeared in Mumbai, my co-interviewee was a college drop-out but had cleared the written round with a whooping percentile. When raised the question, the guy immediately got over the panelist by saying that he preferred a work-experience rather than a degree in our so-called FLAWLESS EDUCATION system. The guy brought out all the flaws that he had felt while in college, this impressed the panelists to such an extent that he was awarded 15 out of 17 in his interview!
So the fact is that just don’t think it would be wrong to take a stand, do it if you are perfectly prepared with all the facts.


History classes a Big No No:

Please don't start blabbering about your past performance and achievements. I mean giving basic information about your past is required but don’t just convert the interview into a tea social or something like that. Just try and focus on your future. Let the panel have a clear idea of what you intend to do. But be cautious, don’t again jus start with high unrealistic plans and don’t dream of being a Ambani or Tata (even if you do dream, don’t let the panel get any idea of this), ‘cause even Ambani wasn’t aware of his journey.

Please don’t keep on exaggerating your past achievements that’s all I can say.

This is all for today, will get you some more on the same topic. Now please let me sleep

Byee….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz………….

Friday, June 19, 2009

10 Reasons for Starting Business duri...


10 Reasons for Starting Business during Recession.


Regardless of what people around you (including the media) may say, right now is the best time to get into business. Just go back and look at the economic slowdowns throughout history. Most recessions in the post-World War II era last an average of 10 months, followed by growth cycles that last an average of 50 months.

What this means for the startup is there's no better time than right now to get going and start pursuing your business dreams--in anticipation of the next period of growth.

So with a nod to David Letterman, here are my top 10 reasons you should start your business now--despite the current downturn:

  1. Everything is cheaper.
    Let's face it: There is great value right now in this and in world markets. This is the right time for fantastic deals in virtually every category, from land and equipment to commercial office space, personnel and labor. As asset prices have been knocked down, there is no better time to get into the real estate or financial markets, or even heavy equipment and construction. Some people have waited years to find value in these markets--and now that time has come.

  2. You can hire more and better-qualified people.
    In an era when even Microsoft is laying off, you can find great resources at affordable rates. Thinking about getting your high-tech startup off the ground? There are plenty of engineers waiting to be hired. Thinking about forming a professional services firm? There are many accountants and attorneys looking for their next opportunity.

  3. People are looking to change suppliers
    From a cost perspective, everything is on the table for most companies. Even if your prices are higher, if you can come in with greater value, you have a good chance at winning new business. You also have the advantage of being the new kid on the block when it comes to pitching your products and services. Many companies are desperate to find new partnerships with new companies that have a different, better or more innovative way of delivering those products and services.

  4. Ownership equals tax incentives.
    Business ownership offers a variety of tax benefits that aren't available to employees. While taxes should never be the sole reason to go into business for yourself, it should be one reason to add to you "benefits of business ownership" list.

  5. Family and friends don't want to (or can't) invest more money into the stock or real estate markets.
    That means they may be willing to finance a portion of your new venture, or the expansion of an enterprise that has proven itself over time. The main benefit is that they know you and have a relationship with you--and if you have a solid business plan that delivers real numbers, your chances of raising the capital you need increase exponentially.

  6. Suppliers are giving better credit.
    Because the credit markets have virtually shut down, the B2B credit flows are keeping money circulating out of sheer necessity. That means a bullish outlook for companies looking for good terms on stock and/or inventories. The main advantage is that all parties have more incentive than ever for finding true win-win situations that allow for cash and stock flow. When everyone is looking to survive, great deals can be had.

  7. You can get good PR by showing you are going against the trend.
    The media loves aberrations, and if you are optimistic by expanding or getting into business now, you would be in that category. That means you can generate some great PR by demonstrating your "alternative" view of the market.

  8. You can buy everything you need at auction.
    In addition to everything being less expensive, you can find great deals at auctions, especially in terms of any large equipment and office furnishings. Auctions are also a great place to find hardly used or "gently" used restaurant and bar supplies at great prices. These days, you may even be able to get deals on fleets of vehicles and trucks for a delivery service or hauling or construction company.

  9. You can find great "low money" or "no money" down deals.
    This is simply being aware of good opportunities others have buggered up, and finding deals where you could get an entire business simply by taking over a lease (along with all the equipment). Many business owners want out at any cost, meaning you can negotiate great win-win deals that allow the current owners an escape while giving you an opportunity to turn around what could be, if run right, a very viable business.



    And finally . . .

  10. You've lost your job, and you have to do something.
    Sometimes, the best business decision is the one you are forced into, and the incentive (as well as need) for income is often enough to push those previously "on the fence" to strike out on their own. There's nothing wrong with being in this position; it simply means there is greater urgency to do something that will start to generate income as quickly as possible.


There's no better time to start than the present, especially if people around you are more comfortable with their own list of reasons why they shouldn't start pursuing their own business dreams right now. It only means you'll be facing a lot less competition.

This essay was selcted from the entrepreneur.com