“The most important thing in defining child sexual abuse is the experience of the child. It takes very little for a child’s world to be devastated. A single experience can have a profound impact on a child’s life. A man sticks his hand in his daughter’s underpants, or strokes his son’s penis once, and for that child, the world is never the same again.” 
― Laura Hough

Child sexual abuse or molestation is one of the major social problems affecting India not just today but for many centuries. So what really is it? Child sexual abuse is involving a child in sexual activity without their informed consent or understanding of it. It violates the laws of social taboos of society.

The Publication of a report by MWCD entitled ‘Study on Child Abuse India 2007’  revealed that; 53% of children in India face some form of sexual abuse. Only 6% of children report being sexually assaulted. 50% of child sexual abuse cases showed that the abuser was in a relationship of trust with the child. Child abuse is camouflaged in secrecy and there is a conspiracy of silence around the entire matter.  

Sexual offences in India against children are committed via many situations, such as; forced marriages, Child trafficking, employment, footpath dwellings, pornography, household servants, Indian jails and through offering girls to the temple of goddess Yellamma situated on the border of Maharasthra and Karnatake as a ‘Devadasi’, throwing her into the prostitution trade. The condition of child sexual abuse is by far the worst in city slums, footpaths and jails, where children are sexually exploited by figures called ‘dadas’ and neighbours. Due to the lack of juvenile jails in India, child convicts are kept in normal jails, where sexual abuse is inevitable. Jail staff and convicts would sexually abuse them mercilessly. During the 1980’s, India witnessed a spree of child adoption by foreigners. It was later found that many of these children were working as household servant as well as being sexual targets of their adopters.

Although, many laws relating to the above offenses have been passed through, none of these laws are proving to be a deterrent. Figures of child abuse are rising every year. Most recently ‘The Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012’  was passed by Lok Sabha. This act has been drafted to strengthen the legal provisions for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. For the first time, a special law has been passed to address the issue of sexual offences against children in India. Yet, before such cases can hang on the countries justice system, it is buried by many sources along the way. Many victims find it extremely difficult to take action against child abuse in India. Police disregard the complaint, Doctors advice not to pursue legal action in order to avoid social stigma. Parent’s and family members also avoid reporting due to fear of being dishonoured in society.

According to CRY (Child Rights and You), Every year in India; 8,945 children go missing, 500,000 children estimated to be forced into the sex trade, approx. 3.3 million child commercial sex workers are between 15-18 years old, approx. 2 million child commercial sex workers are between 5-15 years old, children form a total of 40% of total population of commercial sex workers. 80% of these children are found in; Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Bangalore. 71% of these children are illiterate. It is therefore plausible that a meld of; poverty, age, gender, vulnerabilities, lack of care for children, lack of schools and safe harbours create situations that inhibit children to be sexually exploited.

The problem with India and its Child sexual abuse figures is the lack of importance for it. There are very few counselling centres, knowledgeable and trusting police officers, genuine medical experts, trained teachers and activist that can contribute in reducing child sexual abuse. By pumping more awareness of the situation and exploring educational methods, child sexual abuse can be tackled. However, this can only work by developing the nations understanding between wrong and right. A country that suffers from excessive corruption and poverty may take a while before such figures of Child Sexual abuse is lowered. Up until then it is important to educate and spread awareness against it.

After 515 days of travelling through South India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Laos, North India, Burma and Vietnam, I’ve come out the other end of this voyage a much different person than the one I was when I waved my family goodbye at Darwin Airport on December 25, 2011. And now I post this final blog post from overseas, on the very last day of this amazing “holiday” (dubbed The Gypsy Tour by my family).

Talking about changes, for one – my body has changed: I’ve unfortunately gained more than 10 kilos as a result of the combined efforts of a dedicated foodie hellbent on sampling every tasty morsel each country has to offer, and a dysfunctional birth control contraceptive… If I’m honest this change does bother me but I know I’ll go home and hit the gym and eat normal food and soon be back to where I was before – I wouldn’t take back any of the amazing food
that I ate because who knows when I’ll get that chance again. My hair has thinned greatly, another result of the aforementioned birth control; but hey, it’ll grow back soon enough so I’m not too concerned. Although these above two changes were unplanned, I did also make a few conscious decisions to permanently change my body, none of which I regret at all. I now have 2 tattoos that I love; permanent reminders of my time overseas and memories I carry with me everywhere.

But despite all these obvious physical changes, I truly feel that the greatest change to this small town Aussie girl has occurred on the inside – in my heart, in my soul, and in my view of the world. I’ve learnt things about myself that I could never have hoped to have learnt without stepping out of my comfort zone, and releasing the safety switch on my life – that is, leaving the town I’d called home for everyday of my life up until 515 days ago.

Now I’m the person I want to be, not the person I was. And it’s a wonderful feeling to get out there in the world and meet people who have no idea about where you’re from, what you’ve done or who you are – and they love you for you. I’ve met some amazing people, people I could (and have) stayed awake with until the sun comes up talking, sharing, connecting… And I’ve bumped into some old friends during this trip and felt truly blessed that even after all the time and distance we can still pick things up right where we left off. So many friendships lose that sparkle, but I feel so blessed to have such great people in my life through it all. You know who you are

Lessons learnt as a Vagabond:
I learnt that I worry about the small things too much.
I learnt that I don’t need to physically be in the company of my loved ones to feel their love, and that I can survive just fine out in the big bad world on my own.
I learnt that I love being independent.
I learnt that you can spend everyday with the best person in the world, but eventually that person is gonna start to piss you off. Knowing when you’ve reached this point and need some time apart is paramount to successful tandem travel.
I’ve learnt that there is more important things than counting every cent.
I’ve learnt, also, that there is more important things than shelling out top dollar for all the fancy extras. Cheap places often hold the most character.
I’ve learnt that two people can have the exact same experience, but view it completely differently. It’s all about your attitude.
I’ve learnt that Asian countries do things different – but just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong. There’s a method in their madness.
I’ve learnt that our governments have lied to us (especially America’s!)
I’ve learnt how to adapt to change. FINALLY.

I went to India expecting to hate it – Instead it was my favourite country of this whole trip and I can’t wait to go back a 3rd and probably 4th time. It’s something that needs to be experienced yourself to understand it – it’s definitely not the country I expected it to be. Amazing.

I went to Sri Lanka without even knowing that a giant tsunami destroyed so much of this beautiful island country, and the local people carry the scars of that loss everyday – they still haven’t recovered properly.

I went to Thailand thinking I knew what it was all going to be about after my last trip, but still learnt so much about the culture and the people (without even really scratching the surface of all the little quirks of Thai people).

I went to Laos very briefly for a visa run with no intention of learning anything, but visited the top rated Trip Advisor activity and had my eyes opened to their unfortunate past – the silent victim in the Vietnam War, Laos just happened to be a country in the wrong place at the wrong time and had millions of American bombs dropped on their peaceful country just because the pilots couldn’t find their target in Vietnam so they “offloaded” their unwanted bombs onto innocent Laos… Bombs are still going off today, and I had no idea.

I went to Burma (Myanmar) knowing nothing, just that there was a lady trying to free the oppressed people – and I met the kindest, most sincere and innocent people I’ve ever met. They have suffered great injustice by their own people, while the world sat by and let it happen (too busy interfering with other countries no doubt) – they are finally getting freed thanks to the amazing and unstoppable efforts of Aung San Su Kyi and it was so special to visit that country during such a pivotal time in their history.

I went to Vietnam knowing they had suffered loss during the Vietnam War, but I leave knowing SO much more about how deep the American’s war on this country has hurt and kill generations of Vietnamese. They are still hurting – between Agent Orange deformities on their babies and their daily interaction with rude foreigners, many locals have acquired a chip on their shoulder, but I have also seen some great kindness from some local people who just want to forgive and forget what happened. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here.

Times when I thought I had it all figured out on this trip, it all went to the dogs. And times when I thought for sure that I was going to die on a particularly dangerous bus ride, or I’d be spewing this questionable street food up for hours, or knew without a doubt that all our shit was about to be stolen – it never happened. I was told by a psychic just before this trip that I had a guardian angel looking out for me on this trip, keeping me safe and that this trip was going to change my life forever… She wasn’t wrong.

515 days, and it’s almost all over. 515 days and soon we will see faces we haven’t seen in years, and try to put into words all that has happened. I’m grateful that I know so many of my nearest and dearest follow our blog and have read about this incredible journey so they know through what I write, how we’ve felt about this journey… God knows I couldn’t say it in words any better than I have written here.

To the friends we’ve met along the way… Thanks for the memories.
To the family members and friends back home who cheer for us and are proud of everything we do and support us no matter what… Thank you for understanding and being patient.
To my family and all your weddings bringing me home early… I hope you know I bloody love you otherwise I wouldn’t be ending this amazing trip!

And to Brett… There are no words to express how much your love, constant support, encouragement and smiles mean to me. I can’t imagine my life with anyone else, ever. We are a great team and I am thankful everyday that I have you in my life.

So, it’s hometime. Guess I’ll be seeing you all real soon…

With love in my heart and tears in my eye, for the last time from foreign lands…

- Belle

Thank you Instagram  (how I love you) the inspiration and connections just keep coming.

Photography: Rayyiu Radzi

Pride flag supported by umbrellas at Queer Azaadi March, Mumbai 2009

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 1

1. What is Search Engine Optimization(SEO)?

2. What is Internet Marketing ?

3. How do the Search Engines works (Google, MSN, Yahoo etc)

5. Uploading & Managing a website.

6. Understanding SEO of Static and Dynamic Websites like HTML, Word Press, Joomla, Drupal, Dot Net etc.

6. On Page Optimization Techniques

7. Off page Optimization Techniques

8. Link Building

9. Directory Submission,

10. Social Bookmarking(SBM)

11 Classifieds Submissions

9. Website and SEO analysis Tools

10. Article & Press Release Submission

11. RSS Submission

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 2

1. Keyword Research tool, Keyword Planning, Analysis & application on Website

2. How to Promote a website on Multiple Keywords on Search Engines

3. How to Control & manage your Website through Google Webmaster.

4. Site Map Creation

5. How to Remove Virus From Website

6. How to Fix website Errors – It helps to speed up the performance of website

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 3

1. How to Analyzing Web Traffic to your Website with the help of google analytics.

2. Learn techniques to promote your website keyword with the Help of Analytics.

3.. Learn how to Earn from live Adsense programme

3. Google Adwords

4. Learn Overall web Site Optimization to Get high Traffic and queries

6. Google Business Center – How to Add your Business in Google business Listings

7. How to list your website on Google Maps

8. Basics of SMO to target huge traffic

Final words

SEO is a technique to optimize a website and increase its global presence on WWW. Learn good skills either your self or from an expert and optimize a website to business over large keywords. Topics mentioned over are used by every SEO experts and beginers should also learn well. And join a SEO company india to get more skills and work under experts guidance.

“Haba Anne that’s not the way o”.
Or
“Where are you going now”

To which I always answer;

“Sit there and wait for me to find it, you know I have no idea”
Or
“I know where am going, this is just another road to avoid those stupid roadblocks”

It all depends on my mood. But it is a fact universally acknowledged that I generally do not know where am going (for the most part).

hahaha she can’t read a map: Photo Source: http://www.clipartof.com

“Which way back to the lake”?

The person just thrust the map of the walk route into my hands and walked off. I threw my head back in the middle of the road and laughed heartily. Someone caught up and asked me what was so funny.

“Hahahaha she can’t read a map”, I said.

This nice looking guy walked off rather quickly, he probably thought I was a crazy person, talking about myself in the third person and cracking up so much at myself.

Let’s face it, I am in trouble. How can I advance career wise and excel in the field if I cannot figure out what is what on a map? GPS devices do not count. I use them occasionally, and they speak. I do want to learn how to read regular non-speaking maps. I wonder if there is a software that can help me.

This video says about itself:

Dubai‘s Dirty Little Secret

Aug 5, 2007

The Middle East’s boomtown is built on the backs of exploited foreign workers.

From daily The Morning Star in Britain:

Dubai workers continue strike into third day

Monday 20 May 2013

by Our Foreign Desk

Thousands of workers employed by Dubai’s largest construction company Arabtec stayed out on strike for a third day to back wage demands today.

It was a rare labour protest in the Gulf emirate where trade unions are banned.

An strikers’ spokesman said that the walkout began on Saturday and the workers were determined not to end it without a pay rise.

“They are upset at the low wages and also about not being paid for overtime work,” one striker said, claiming that workers at his site were only paid between £105 and £124 a month.

“The protest started in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Workers in Dubai have also joined,” he said.

“We have not been working for the past three days,” added one worker from a labour camp in Dubai Investments Park.

“Staff salary was increased but not ours. We want at least a 200 dirham (£35) increase in our salaries,” said the worker, who earns a monthly wage of Dh800 (£143). People have come from the labour court and negotiations are on.”

Most manual workers in Dubai are migrant contract labourers from south Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, and strikes are rare, though not unheard of.

The strike is not the first labour dispute to affect Arabtec. In 2011, 70 workers were arrested on charges of instigating a 3,000-man protest over wage demands.

And in November 2007 around 30,000 Arabtec workers went on a 10-day strike to demand a pay increase.

From GulfNews.com:

Arabtec workers back at work after protest

Thousands were demanding overtime pay and a salary increase

By Bassma Al Jandaly, Senior Reporter

Published: 00:24 May 21, 2013

Dubai: Thousands of workers employed by Dubai’s largest construction firm, Arabtec, who stopped work demanding a salary increase and overtime pay are back at their worksites after being promised their issues will be sorted out.

On Saturday the Arabtec workers in Abu Dhabi stopped work while the company’s Dubai workers joined in on Sunday — also demanding they receive overtime pay and a salary increase.

The workers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and other countries stayed in their accommodation.

Related articles

• United Arab Emirates construction workers strike for more wages (lefuturistedailynews.com)
• Dubai workers hold rare strike for more wages (aljazeera.com)
• UAE hard-hats launch historic strike (rinf.com)

Kotalli Theyyam

From the series taken at the Theyyam Festival at Kotalli, Kerala, India, 24 February 2013.

Why do such talented players indulge in such cheap activity?Are they not paid enough?I don’t think so.Right from flight tickets to checking  them in  at 5 star hotels,everything is taken care of.Some of these guys are paid more than what they actually deserve.

Sadly enough  this has been going on for a long long time and just when we were about to watch the games with genuine interest, this  is what we are rewarded with, the headlines on TV reading “3 CRICKETERS CAUGHT FOR SPOT FIXING” .Are these guys trying to rip off people?some people spend a fortune to catch a glimpse of one cricket match and is this what they deserve?The board as usual seems to be turning a blind eye towards all this thinking that one day all will be forgotten.

Well, if this this the direction that they are heading in,then god save Indian cricket.Personally i feel if superstars in the form of a  Rahul Dravid or a Sachin Tendulkar hadn’t emerged , the game would have died a long time ago in this country.Thanks to them , the sport here is still alive and kicking .Well, i hope that the same excitement and fervor is got back in the game that we all still love and practically call our own.

This is very cool. I love it when awesome things happen around the world. It makes me want to be a part of it

Personally I am extremely cynical of big money capitalism, of which Coca Cola is the most notable example. Numerous are the instances where Coca Cola has been found to be at the unethical end of the human spectrum. Where big money capitalism is rampant, rarely is there room for human virtues to take precedence in actions that otherwise are imperative, like the reasons in the Pakistan-India divide that Coca Cola now seeks to exploit.

Most of us take things at face value, seldom do we question things, and even more seldom when it is Coca Cola – probably the world’s best known soft drink. John Pilger, the world renowned documentary film maker and writer did a documentary on the soft drink giant, it’s powers and the economic stranglehold it has on poor third world economies. Like the scandals that have erupted of late of the unethical practices of large Multi National Corporations in the textile trade in Bangladesh, Coca Cola is not new to it’s experience in being one of the most unethical MNC’s in the world. Such is the power of Coca Cola that most Socialist or indeed Communist countries have managed to curb Capitalism in most cases, except in the case of Coca Cola.

That Capitalism at its core is a very unethical system that fundamentally operates on the basis of oppression in one form or the other to accrue profits is not contestable. Therefore, it is quite obvious with the most callous brevity that this seemingly ‘good’ project of Coca Cola should be seen not for what it looks like on the surface.

For mostly obvious reasons (at least for some of you), I remain extremely cynical, and with good reason that this supposedly good gesture of Coca Cola is underpinned by clandestine economic interests that far outweigh the human virtues it seemingly portrays to be abundant.

This is a quick end of work rant to release the suppression I have felt by being inundated through a whole plethora of tweets in support of this campaign, with time I will hopefully update this.

]]> http://livinglargetinylot.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/a-white-temple-overlooking-a-lake-birla-mandir-and-hussain-sagar-lake/ Tue, 21 May 2013 15:30:36 +0000 rutujak http://livinglargetinylot.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/a-white-temple-overlooking-a-lake-birla-mandir-and-hussain-sagar-lake/

I can’t believe I have not posted about the two popular attractions of Hyderabad: Birla mandir and Hussain Sagar lake.

Chances are you have seen the photos of a huge Buddha Statue rising above calm lake when you have searched for Hyderabad attractions. That lake is Hussain Sagar lake. Its an artificial lake built to solve the cities drinking water problem by Qtub Shah dynasty ( the ones now rest in Qtub Shah Tombs).

Along the lake on one side are gardens and parks known as Tank bund.  In the evenings, you will find young couples in love, families out for a stroll and friends making fun of each other and things around them all along the lake front. There are chaat-walas and ice-cream sellers. And a lot of traffic driving past noisily. Its quiet only after 10 pm or before 8 am; that’s when it makes for a pleasant walk ( if it isn’t smelly;))!

There are boat rides offered to the tall Buddha monument from Lumbini Park - a small urban park with laser and light show and musical fountains. We have not taken the ferry though I know my cousin is known to take the last boat ride fairly often. She mentioned its not as crowded then and it beautiful to watch the lights of necklace road (stretch of road between NTR gardens and Sanjeevaiah park) twinkle at night.

Birla Mandir is a beautiful white marble temple dedicated to Lord Balaji and is built on top of a hillock overlooking the Hussain sagar lake. Built by Birla foundation, it offers spectacular views of the lake, tank bund, various administrative buildings, flyovers and even Lumbini Park. It is a quiet place to contemplate life as the traffic goes by below.As with all Birla temples, security is tight, photography is restricted and even cellphones are not allowed inside.

Almost everyone visiting us wants to see both these places. Luckily they are very close to each other. A late afternoon temple visit, followed by a drive around the lake is perfect prelude to dinner in Ohri’s Tansen or at the Eat Street. I have seen folks go post dinner once the traffic has died down and then enjoy ice-cream at one of the many carts that are around.

If you have no other plans, why not visit Hussain Sagar this weekend?

“Hi, my daughter Mady is 12-years old. We live in southern central Mali in Africa. Thanks to the scholarship program now my child is getting the education and school materials that I couldn’t afford. I take part in the community development projects so that many others like Mady can continue their studies.” (Story source: Plan International) Join ‘mY FaTHer’ illustrations at https://www.facebook.com/myfatherIllustrations

Razia succeeded her father Shams-ud-din Iltutmish to the Sultanate of Delhi in 1236. Iltutmish always said, “My Razia is better than my sons”. It was true; while his sons were enjoying youth, Razia was actively participating in the Administrative matters of the kingdom.

Once when Iltutmish was busy with the siege of Gwalior, he had entrusted the government in Delhi to Razia. On his return he was very much impressed by the way Razia had run the empire. At that very moment he declared Razia as her heir. It was the will of the king that after his death Razia, his daughter should succeed the throne. But the Muslim people were not happy with this decision.

When Iltutmish died, Rukn-ud-din Firuz, one of his sons, usurped the throne and ruled for about 7 months.

Ruknuddin was all wasted after he got the control and the throne. Muslim nobility with reluctance agreed to allow Razia to rule the empire.

She was an efficient Sultan working for the betterment of the empire but like her father, most of her time was spent infighting rebellions. She had personally led the army to many places like Punjab and Multan.

She is also having many controversies on her name. She was supposed to having feelings for one of her advisers, Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut, an Abyssinian Siddi slave.

In her battle with Altunia in Bhatinda, Yaqut was killed and Razia was taken into prison. There she decided to marry Altunia. In her absence, Razia’s brother Muizuddin Bahram Shah took over the throne. After Razia married Altunia, they had a battle with Bahram to take back the empire. Both Razia and Altunia were defeated in the battle (Oct.1240). Both of them fled to Delhi and on reaching Kaithal, the remaining forces abandoned them. They both fell into the hand of the jatts and were robbed and killed (October 1, 1240).

Controversies did not leave Razia’s side even after her death. There are three claims regarding her grave.

First claim is that her grave is in Old Delhi, in courtyard, Bulbul-i-khana, Shahjahanabad. Haryana also claims to be having tomb of Razia in Kaithal.Third and the most recent claim is that her African slaves Paramour are buried at Tonk in Rajasthan.

Her reign was just for three years yet her bravery, struggle and her undaunted spirit has been preserved in the treasures of history.

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 1

1. What is Search Engine Optimization(SEO)?

2. What is Internet Marketing ?

3. How do the Search Engines works (Google, MSN, Yahoo etc)

5. Uploading & Managing a website.

6. Understanding SEO of Static and Dynamic Websites like HTML, Word Press, Joomla, Drupal, Dot Net etc.

6. On Page Optimization Techniques

7. Off page Optimization Techniques

8. Link Building

9. Directory Submission,

10. Social Bookmarking(SBM)

11 Classifieds Submissions

9. Website and SEO analysis Tools

10. Article & Press Release Submission

11. RSS Submission

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 2

1. Keyword Research tool, Keyword Planning, Analysis & application on Website

2. How to Promote a website on Multiple Keywords on Search Engines

3. How to Control & manage your Website through Google Webmaster.

4. Site Map Creation

5. How to Remove Virus From Website

6. How to Fix website Errors – It helps to speed up the performance of website

SEARCH ENGINE OPTIMIZATION – Part 3

1. How to Analyzing Web Traffic to your Website with the help of google analytics.

2. Learn techniques to promote your website keyword with the Help of Analytics.

3.. Learn how to Earn from live Adsense programme

3. Google Adwords

4. Learn Overall website Optimization to Get high Traffic and queries

6. Google Business Center – How to Add your Business in Google business Listings

7. How to list your website on Google Maps

8. Basics of SMO to target huge traffic

Final words

SEO is a technique to optimize a website and increase its global presence on WWW. Learn good skills either your self or from an expert and optimize a website to business over large keywords. Topics mentioned over are used by every SEO experts and beginers should also learn well. And join a SEO company india to get more skills and work under experts guidance.

The principle…simple….STOP & THINK!

Tip of the Day !
May 21, 2013
Dangers of becoming a ‘Do it all by myself!’ Entrepreneur!

9 out of 10 times as an entrepreneur you will be better off getting paid professional help for taking care of your non core functions. It doesn’t have to be super expensive. But you will end up being saving time, money and make faster progress on things that you want to focus and spend time on.

One of the most common mistakes that technology focused start-ups do is not getting the appropriate help for Product Strategy and Marketing.

These critical functions when done right, can help in many ways, some of them being:
Identifying the right customer and market segment.
Building the right product by putting yourself in customers’ shoes.
Putting the development team on right product development road-map.
Identify partnerships for expanding product offering and increasing product adoption with large customer base.
Position the Product in a way so that customers of the product can relate to it.
The principle…simple….STOP & THINK!
Stop
Think
Observe
Proceed

Dangers of becoming a

‘Do it all by myself!’ Entrepreneur

One of the perks that I get as part of leading a company that focuses on starts ups is that I get to meet with a number of eager beavers. These are typically founder, co-founders or part of the core start-up team that has embarked on an exciting journey.

They are all about action…now or never, just do it, should have been done yesterday… type of attitude. Nothing fundamentally wrong with this attitude, but this attitude should come with a warning label of ‘Don’t overdo it’ and more importantly ‘don’t overdo it by trying to do it all by yourself’.

To help entrepreneurs prevent from being in this dangerous situation, I ask them to follow the principle that was taught to my elder son when he was in first grade.

The principle…simple….STOP & THINK!

His school emphasized so much on this principle that they would give out STOP & THINK award at the end of school year.

There’s a reason why this principle of STOP & THINK is applicable in case of startups and especially the technology focused ones in India is for a few reasons:

1. They focus on their organizational strengths and put all their precious resources toward that. For example, most startups (the core team) are extremely technology focused. This means that the little precious resources they have are exhausted in writing the last line of core for beta or buying software or getting that one additional developer to speed up development. More often than not this leads to no resources, mostly money, being left for other critical activities like Product Strategy, Product Marketing, Sales, etc.

This leads to the next reason…

2. Since there is no money / resources left they venture into attempting to take on tasks that are not their core strengths.  In the example that I mentioned, it would be a person focused on technology trying to get into Product Strategy, Marketing and Sales activities. Due to these none core skill set activities that they perform, they not only lose focus on core activities but badly botch other key activities that are not core to them.

A thoughtful balanced approach…

In my view, here is what start-ups need to do…

Every time there is a task or a type of activity that you have performed…STOP & THINK…ask yourself the following 5 questions:

1. Do you have skills to perform that activity?
2. Is the right activity to be focusing your time and attention on?
3. Is it going to take you away from your core activities?
4. Are there other related activities that might come up?
5. Is this activity going to end up being huge time sink?

9 out of 10 times as an entrepreneur you will be better off getting paid professional help for taking care of your non core functions. It doesn’t have to be super expensive. But you will end up being saving time, money and make faster progress on things that you want to focus and spend time on.

One of the most common mistakes that technology focused startups do is not getting the appropriate help for Product Strategy and Marketing.

These critical functions when done right, can help in many ways, some of them being:

1. Identifying the right customer and market segment.
2. Building the right product by putting yourself in customers’ shoes.
3. Putting the development team on right product development roadmap.
4. Identify partnerships for expanding product offering and increasing product adoption with large customer base.
5. Position the Product in a way so that customers of the product can relate to it.

(Product Strategy and Marketing are topics in themselves and I will elaborate my thoughts on them in the next couple of blog articles.)

If not done correctly and at the right time, lack of Product Strategy and Marketing can spell doom on the startup because…

1. Team has built technology that the user doesn’t want.
2. The technology is cool but cannot be monetize
3. Team has run out of resources to make any course corrections.

If you are one of those technology focused entrepreneur, then I strongly recommend that you take a balanced approach and pull in experts where needed, when building your products and services, early on.

Remember you are sufficient for your idea, but call on experts for running a successful business built on that idea…

More Tips found here: https://www.facebook.com/WebDesignSolutionsUnlimited and our Biz site here https://webdesignsolutionsunlimited.com/

Sources: Blue’s Research team (me),
Trak.in – India Business Blog    and Aditya Bhelande great article write up

More Tips found here: https://www.facebook.com/WebDesignSolutionsUnlimited

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His father, Sheikh Qurban Husain, was the Amil who also taught the young Engineer Arabic. Later, Engineer studied all the major religious works and scriptures by eminent scholars. He graduated as a civil engineer from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, and went on to work for nearly two decades in the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

In the early 1970s, he sought voluntary retirement from his BMC service and plunged into the reformist movement in the miniscule Dawood Bohra community, estimated at around 1.20 million worldwide.

via Scholar and Thinker Asghar Ali Engineer Dead | Art & Culture | www.indiatimes.com.