|
|
|
|
|
Customising the customers
Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart, surprised his competitors when he began offering great services at lower prices. He wanted to give the customers a great shopping experience so that they would keep coming back. The man acknowledged the customer as the one and only boss. You would laugh it off for Sam actually said ‘there is one boss - the customer; he can fire everybody in the company…simply by spending his money somewhere else!’
True, isn’t it? Whether you call it an exaggerated statement or whatever, considering the fact that companies and corporate houses try their level best to woo their clients and ensure they keep coming back, the good old Sam wasn’t wrong! From hosting special dinners, to gifting them with expensive items to even flying them abroad, a customer is supreme to any business, so apart from providing a good service they also have to ensure they don’t lose their way and end up some place else. Anything to get them back! Is it cola? After going through the entire array of jewellery, when the customer reaches the point of making up his or her mind, the owner asks the attendant to get a chilled cola! “Those were the days; cola doesn’t make the customer happy now,” laughs Soli Sethi, managing director, Vishhwas Gemstones, NAC Manimajra. “The old business houses always believed in not only good customer service, but the one that is legendary. They knew that a satisfied customer will tell ten other people and an unsatisfied a hundred others. It is in the best interest of the company to keep the customers happy then.” From giving calendars or sending a ‘mithaai ka dabba’ at their place, business houses and corporate firms have come up with innovative ways to woo their customers. But they don’t serve Cola now!
Customer loyalty
Customers are a smart lot these days; they weigh their prospects and also are particular about the brand before they decide to dedicate their loyalty to the brand. Darpan Kapoor, managing director and co-founder of Kapsons Ltd, believes that good service translates into good business. “We begin with retaining loyalty by providing the customers the best services; we make shopping an experience. In addition to the direct interaction with the customers we also ensure they feel they are part of the brand. Interaction with the celebrities in a high tea meet makes the customers interested in the brand.” Schemes are part of all brands. Likewise, Kapsons have at least two schemes running every season. “Inviting our customers to fashion shows twice every season keeps them attuned with the fashion trends and also gives us a chance to interact with them on an informal level,” he adds. Talking about being informal (in a good sense with the clients), Soli Sethi makes sure that every attendant at his store remembers the name of their client, including the names of their family members! “We also give gifts like i-pads, movie tickets, eating-out coupons to our privileged clients,” says Soli. Manish Jain, managing partner Meena Bazaar ensures there is no compromise on the quality of his service. “A customer is an important visitor; it is our duty to keep him or her happy.” At Meena Bazaar, manish organises special activities on special occasions wherein the clients are entertained with gifts and engaged in fun games. “We have a loyal club of 10,000 members already, who get special offers that are not open to the public.” Ethos believes in being their for their customers, after the sales. Says Chief executive officer of KDDL Ltd and Ethos, Yashovardhan Saboo, “we work on an actively loyalty program wherein we are regular in handling complaints from the customers. Through a specific procedure, the complaints are handled affectively.”
Corporate connection
‘It is easy to keep your wife happy, but keeping a customer happy is a task!’ - A corporate honcho said in a meeting. Corporate companies have a wider client base to cater to, which means double the task. Says Sarang Kanade, chief executive officer, Upper North, Bharti Airtel, “Customer satisfaction is the foremost responsibility of a corporate house.” For customers they have schemes, like Airtel Talk2Me where they organise live chat with celebrities like Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar. Another customer thing called My Song My Story is also a hit. Every business house goes the extra mile to woo the customers, so that they stick with them as long as they last. They also involve the customer’s family in this process. Prem Ojha, business head, Connect, lists a number of activities that they undertake throughout the season to keep their clients happy. “Better innovative products and personalised service is the beginning in this section. We keep them entertained by organising special events followed by dinners. Recently, we sent the winners of Super Jodi contest to Thailand. On other occasions we present our customers with gifts like a Nano car.” jasmine@tribunemail.com
|
|
Chic & cool
The Indian market may still be having teething problems with the concept of celebrity fashion lines; she yanks things forward by curating a website. Malaika Arora Khan plans on coming out of the closet through the closetlabel.com and share some secret pearls of wisdom on the art of styling. The bling item girl, a celebrity making appearances, a host presenting a style show on a music channel; for her fashion forms a strong backdrop of whatever she does.
The e-commerce venture was a natural progression and just waiting to happen since, “It has always been a dream of mine to have my own clothing label.” When The Label Corp approached her with the idea of curating a website, she, “jumped at the opportunity. It is wonderful to be able to help women across the country dress effortlessly and stylishly each day.” She adds, “The website features everyday fashion and essentials. It’s a way for women to be stylish while they go about doing simple chores through the day.” There’s promise of quality tucked in with the promise of quality. “There’s Palazzo and yoga pants; fashionable inners and tops are the heart of the collection. We have also included swimsuits and cover-ups that cater to the Indian body type, trendy sleep-wear and the iconic wrap dress that will be available in a variety of different avatars each month.” That’s not it. The website offers a range of accessories, including jewellery, bags and shoes. As for the deluge of shopping websites catering to the Indian market, “There’s none that I have ever liked. I’m actually extremely intrigued with online shopping, but I have never liked anything available on Indian websites. All that is supposed to change with this venture.” She adds, “I will personally hand-pick and offer a collection of everyday fashionable outfits. In addition, I will style complete looks for women.” At the end of the day, fashion is about being who you are, what you want to convey and not caring about the ways of the world. “What is unique to each woman is her personality. Dress according to what sets you apart, makes you different and keeps you comfortable.” The mix and match theory, which has always been a woman’s best kept secret and shared among the close set of people, finds a celebrity endorsement now. Sense of fashion counts more than labels! “I love mixing and matching. So you will always see me wearing one very expensive item with an affordable one. I don’t care about the price as long as the fit and quality are right.” There may be lot happening on the professional front, but none that she’ll confirm. She’s tight-lipped about other ventures, “Arbaaz Khan Productions and I are working on some scripts right now, so exciting times lie ahead.” manpriya@tribunemail.com
|
|
Designer dream
Reliance Brands Limited has opened its first Supredry store in Chandigarh at the Elante Mall. The store unveils the attractive UK fashion brand inspired by Japanese design influences in vintage Americana style to cater for fashionable customers.
The Superdry store is spread across 2750sqft and exhibits a diverse mix of old meets new. Exposed brick work, distressed timber panelling, iron detailing and oversized rustic tables, all contribute to the distinctive Superdry store image. Amid Superdry's key lines, aged mannequins and iconic campaign imagery are featured; all illuminated by unique 'jam jar' lights to complete the opulence of the new high-end line store. Superdry will offer T-shirts, jeans, sweaters, joggers, shirts, rugby shirts, polo shirts, bags, and accessories for both men and women from the Spring Summer 13 collection in Chandigarh. Superdry clothes are targeted towards young people between 15 to 30 years who are looking for stylish clothing that is uniquely designed and expertly made. The brand has been worn by celebrities from David Beckham and Ben Stiller to Ewan McGregor, Jamie Oliver, Shakira, Mariah Carey and Pixie Lott. —TNS
|
|
|
Par Excellence Any restriction in the movement of the shoulders can hamper the golf swing. Lack of external rotation of the lead shoulder (left shoulder for right handed golfers) can lead to a chicken wing finish which blocks the shot. Similarly, the lack of rotation of the trail shoulder leads to a flying elbow on the backswing.
One of the exercises recommended is to take a dumbbell in each hand and do the 90/90 exercise. This would help as it is strength training. Another exercise to improve the flexibility take a golf club and place it behind the shoulder with the right arm raised (picture 5). Hold the lower end of the club with the left hand. Now, move your right arm backwards by the rotation of the shoulder (picture 6). Repeat the same exercise with the other shoulder. (Grewal has coached several national champions and professionals apart from being coach of the Indian golf team for the Eisenhower Cup (World Cup) in 2008. He is currently the Director of National Golf Academy of India and CGA Hero Honda Golf Academy. If you have any queries get in touch with him at parexcellence@tribunemail.com)
|
|
|
CELEB POINT Here's another mammoth task after the making of a film--the promotions of a film and when the marketing is done by the wizard himself, Karan Johar, you know it's going to be planned in a very special way! A comparatively smaller film for Dharma Production, it's really been on everyone's mind. Gippi, my first film with Karan! The promotions started with us visiting on various telly shows. Though it's a lot of fun, but it's very exhausting too. Long waits, rehearsals, technical problems and by the time you are on stage, the zest has gone down because of tiredness but you have to look exuberant and vibrant. But one thing is for sure, once that magical thing called the camera rolls, everything changes. Exhaustion disappears and you just flow! Our Gippi team visited many sets and a very special one for me was Sabse Bada Dramebaaz because I met a very old friend after ages, the lovely Sonali Bendre. I remember the good old times when she used to visit my house for home-stays and we used to be up all night, indulging in girlie talk. And yes, not surprisingly we had lost touch. Meeting her again was like picking up the threads from where we left off. The most fun thing about the promotions is that because you travel and spend a lot of time together, you end up bonding beautifully, eating together, masti together and giving interviews together! Interviews remind me of being asked this question continuously, wasn't I scared of playing a teenager's mom, wasn't it too early, are not you too young for that? Well, the answer is that I am an actor who believes in variety and dwelling into different avatars. I remember Vidya Balan being asked the same question during Paa and she stood out and later shocked everyone with Dirty Picture. An actor again! We don't like to be bound by images. An excellent role is what matters, the best one in the film. That's my mantra! Be it the sexy journalist in Heroine, the con woman in Special 26 or the gangster in Zilla Ghaziabad and now a vulnerable single mom, it's been a variety I've loved to dig my nails into and I feel privileged that this place doesn't belong to many actresses. It's mine, with the freedom to experiment and the best part I have the love of my audience. Thanks for that faith in me, thanks for letting me try more, thanks for letting me feel like a kid in the candy store! I am loving it! That admiring smile and a reassuring hug after the Gippi screening, most importantly from that man who has the Midas Touch, Karan Johar, matters a lot. I am happy to belong to this big setup of filmmaking, big canvas, big films, big directors! And yes, before you settle down with thinking of me just as Pappi from Gippi, shhhh, I am springing a surprise with my next one..soon! (Dutta is a Bollywood actress)
|
|
|
More than skin deep
Cleopatra's new venture Cleopatra Wellness Clinic organised for the women of Chandigarh. The specially designed workshop offered advantages of free medical assessments and screenings, healthy diet counselling, face mapping, haemoglobin and blood sugar testing, techniques of de-stressing by De-stress Therapy's and wellness diagnosis and stress scan.
The workshop aimed at spreading awareness and providing effective solutions, wellness treatments and a blend of unique therapies. Experts from the field of beauty and health joined Richa Aggarwal and Ritu Kolentine in their endeavour and shared their knowledge with participants and audience. —TNS
|
|
|
Emraan & the Bhatt camp
Emraan Hashmi was launched by the Bhatt family and he owes his career to them. He has been in successful Bhatt films like Murder, Murder 2, Jannat, Jannat 2, Raaz TMC, Raaz 3, Zeher and others. It seems that he may turn down the Bhatts to do a movie with Balaji. His movies with Balaji are Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Ek Thi Daayan. The movie the Bhatts are working on for Emraan is a horror thriller. Emraan had previously said that this movie will roll later this year or early next year as Vikram is still scripting the movie. Mukesh Bhatt clarifies that there is no problem between them at all. He says, "Emraan is our family. He does not have to sign any contract to do a film with us. We have worked on so many hit films together. He is definitely not doing a Balaji film and he has been confirmed for our film with Vikram Bhatt. In between, he did not do a film with us as he was busy with other films, but we are family and we can work together whenever we want. Just last year, we had two big hits with him."
In the confession box…
I am very fond of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone and they are fond of me. Ranbir and I share a special bond. He tells me to live in a better house and that he will find a better house for me. He also tells me to charge more money for my movies. He asks me for advice and gives me advice too. Usually, he wants me to validate what he has decided or what he is feeling. I do not dictate what people should do. Ranbir and I can share anything with each other and we also give each other space. We both are protective of each other. I feel Ranbir is honest and vulnerable. Childhood insecurities I was riddled with insecurities as a child and I lied a lot to make myself look and feel better. Thankfully, the lying habit is gone. Now, I am honest about everything even if it is embarrassing. My father has always been by my side, even when I failed my exams. I have been conscious of what people think of me. People think I am mature and intelligent but actually my failures and mistakes have made me who I am. Middle-class mentality I come from a middle-class background so I am not too used to the idea of being rich and living luxuriously. I still travel by trains. Once I travelled business class because I thought I should not travel economy class as people know me. Then I saw someone else from Bollywood travelling in the economy class and we both were embarrassed. So, now I will travel economy whenever and wherever I want to. I do not know what to do with the money I have. Sunny the mentor I would not have been here had it not been for Sunny Deol's generosity, support, and faith in me. I approached him with a the script for Socha Na Tha because he was looking for a movie for Abhay Deol. I thought I did not have a chance but he heard me out and said he was producing the movie as he heard the narration even before we reached the interval. So, that is how Socha Na Tha got made. Sunny is shy, inhibited, and trusting. He has brotherly qualities and is a true and kind friend. Early struggles I directed theatre in college and came to Mumbai because I was interested in media and movies. I was trained to be a copywriter and was the best in my batch but did not get a job. Then I was a glorified tape boy at Zee TV where I used to label tapes. On the Highway As the name suggests, Highway is set in six different states and captures the journey of two completely opposite people who are brought together by destiny. I wanted to tell the story in a very pure manner and not contaminate it because sometimes your own incapacity as a storyteller comes in the way and you think of shortcuts. I am also trying to discover what it is that this story has always been in my mind. What is so intensely fascinating about it that I have not let it go of it. Randeep and Alia fit the bill perfectly and I'm happy to make the film with them.
Priyanka Chopra is making friends in Hollywood. After Gerard Butler, she has befriended Mad Men hunk Jon Hamm whom she met a while ago in Los Angeles. The stud was in the city for a few days and contacted Priyanka Chopra who made a dinner date with him and took her gal pals Mubina Rattonsey and Shrishti Arya along to join in the fun.
Exotic take
Look who’s back
Apparently Sonakshi Sinha does not like sharing the stage and space with Kangna Ranaut. She stayed in her vanity van and did not go on stage because Kangna Ranaut was already there for a mother's day event. The last party Sona attended was Salman Khan's at a club in Mumbai.
Pair up
Veena loves rassogollas
After Mumbai and Delhi, Kolkata has become the destination for filmmakers and actors who want to make a thriller, a period drama or an unconventional love story. Recently the Bollywood Drama Queen was seen promoting her upcoming movie "Zindagi 50-50" in the hub of Kolkata. Actress Veena Malik was spotted with co-star Rajan Verma at Kolkata City Centre II Mall. Veena is also a part of The City That Never Sleeps, a movie based on night life, being produced by Satish Reddy and directed by Haroon Rashid. Veena said, "Kolkata is a city a joy and the real heart of the city lies in its people. I am glad to come to Kolkata and extremely happy to meet my lovely fans." She admitted that she loves rassogollas. "I love the rassogolla of Bengal. I am here to promote my movie Zindagi 50:50 where I am playing a very challenging role and I hope that people would love it," she added. Veena is going ga ga over the character of a sex worker she played in the film. She says the film is more about a tragedy than boldness and sex.
SRK’s Hollywood fan
|
|
|
Dancing diva
Geeta Kapoor is well-known for her choreography and judging skills on television shows. After switching off from Dance India Dance, she has joined Dancing Superstar. She talks about the experience. I am feeling sad that I will not be able to judge Dance India Dance 4, but would like to add that DID gave me the name and fame. It helped me get recognition. However, I didn’t choose one show over the other; this just came to me and I wasn’t aware if DID 4 would come so I took it up. Tomorrow if Zee calls me for their show, I will go there. How is it working with Ritesh
Deshmukh?
He has grace and is a good dancer, but while he looks for entertainment in an act I look for emotional connect and dance. Does participating in reality shows really help youngsters build a career? Yes, it gives them a platform. Most people don’t get a break but when they appear on TV, it turns their lives around. Many make it big in the career later. I have heard that many open dance schools in their native towns, which is a huge deal. Who are your other favourite stars? Shah Rukh, as he dances like a dream. I enjoy choreographing him as he always makes every step look better. Katrina Kaif, Rani Mukherji, Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit-Nene are the others I love as dancers. Your marriage is one question that everyone asks you? Yes, I don’t know why! I will marry someone when it happens.
After quitting Life Ok’s Savitri, Angad Hasija will now be seen on Amrit Manthan. He will play the role of the new male lead. In the show, Agam will be killed and Angad will play Nimrit’s new love interest. Angad debuted with Rajan Shahi’s Bidaai earlier.
Urvashi Dholakia got the shock of her life when she was stopped by traffic cops recently who thought she was drunk, but in reality she had an apple-flavoured ice-cream that smelled like vodka. She tweeted, "Mumbai traffic cops can't make out the difference of smell between alcohol & ICE CREAM! Kwality's JIGGLY JELLY GREEN APPLE CAN GET U CAUGHT (sic) This apple ice cream apparently smells like Smirnoff apple flavour (sic)."
Just friends
After a lot of speculation over who will play the female lead in Punar Vivah 2 — Aamna Sharif, Ankita Lokhande or Ashima Bhalla — the final name is out. It is Rubina Dilaik of Choti Bahu fame who has been finalised. With Gurmeet Choudhary and Kratika Sengar exiting, Karan V Grover and Rubina will essay new characters.
Going strong
Siddharth Arora aka Beera in Sudhir Sharma's Na Bole Tum Na Maine Kuch Kaha is getting popular by the day. After his debut show Mukti Bandhan, he is glad to have a role that has various shades from mysterious to funny to romantic.
Curtains down
Ek hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai will soon go off air. There has been non-stop buzz about the show, which was doing so well a while ago but suddenly dipped badly on TRP charts. Apparently, the channel and makers tried hard to make it work but as it didn’t, it seems it will soon go off air to make way for the new version of Mahabharat.
|
|
|
Astro turf
ARIES: Your card “Eight of Wands” suggests that extra money is likely to come from somewhere. You will start off in a confident, optimistic mood. Life is not likely
to run according to plan. Tarot message: Take time before reacting. Lucky colour: Deep-red. Magic number: 40 TAURUS: There is breathing space now to get your act together and clear your mind. Family members are co-operative. Romance will lead to much turmoil. Get more rest. Tarot message: New offers must be put on hold. Lucky colour: White. Magic number: 29 GEMINI: Reckless spending repair work around the home. Vitality will be a little low. You Tarot message: Stay positive. Lucky colour: Purple. Magic number: 52 CANCER: Although you have sufficient funds, do not spend extravagantly. Arrangements you made to meet with friends will change at the last moment. A family gathering will be a festive affair. Tarot message: Minor official pin-pricks should be ignored. Lucky colour: Ebony. Magic number: 26 LEO: You will enjoy tidying Tarot message: Stay focused. Lucky colour: Crimson. Magic number: 32 VIRGO: Do not bottle up emotions and become agitated. Plan some fun with your your loved ones. Influential people will like your style. Health issues should be treated right away. Tarot message: Try to balance your budget. Lucky colour: Orange. Magic number: 42
LIBRA: Your personal skills and style of working are likely to shine out and be noticed. A financial matter that has been delayed should proceed smoothly. You will receive a romantic proposal. Tarot message: Don’t dismiss the advice of youngsters. Lucky colour: Peach. Magic number: 28 SCORPIO: Lots of secrets and undercover scenarios will make for an interesting day. Stimulating and thought-provoking ideas will be in abundance. Business will tick Tarot message: Take one step at a time. Lucky colour: Pink. Magic number: 64 SAGITTARIUS: You hardwork and determination will finally pay off. You are in a position to move and motivate others. It is a day to forget worries of the work. Health will be strong. Tarot message: Do not indulge in any false act. Lucky colour: Saffron. Magic number: 30 CAPRICORN: You are in an Tarot message: Be patient. Lucky colour: Silver. Magic number: 27 AQUARIUS: The card “The Page of Swords” reveals that you are noted for your resilience. Romance takes a turn for the better. Keep extra cash in hand to cope with additional expenses. Tarot message: Spend time meeting experienced people. Lucky colour: Rainbow-pastels. Magic number: 63 PISCES: You need more clarity in financial or business matters. It is important that you get expert advice to help you sort out the problem. Creative work is favoured. Tarot message: Don’t waste an opportunity by not exploiting a contact. Lucky colour: Brown. Magic number: 51
|
|
| HOME PAGE | |
Punjab | Haryana | Jammu & Kashmir |
Himachal Pradesh | Regional Briefs |
Nation | Opinions | | Business | Sports | World | Letters | Chandigarh | Ludhiana | Delhi | | Calendar | Weather | Archive | Subscribe | E-mail | |
The 90/90 test is a great test to check shoulder mobility. To do the test stand upright and hold your right arm at 90 degree angle from your side and a 90 degree bend at the elbow. The forearm will be parallel to the ground (picture 1). Now without letting the thorax bend backwards (arching the back) rotate the hand up and back. Note the amount the arm is able to bend back - less than 90 degrees (picture 2), at 90 degrees (picture 3) or more than 90 degrees (picture 4). Now, get into a golf posture and repeat the exercise. If the amount of bend (external rotation) reduces in a golf posture, it would mean that the shoulders are in an incorrect position in the golf posture and this frequently happens when the shoulders are pushed out and forwards and the back is hunched. If the ability to bend the arm backwards is less than 90 degrees exercises of external rotation of the shoulders should be done either with a light dumbbell or with a thera-band. 
Emraan is currently holidaying in the US with his family. He has also done a Dharma movie and has one more with KJo's house. He has entered the big league. Last year, he won rave reviews for his work in Shanghai. It seems that he might be turning his back on the Bhatts and is apparently miffed with the rumours saying that he is back in the Bhatt camp. He will make a decision on his movies only when he is back from the States. 
Imtiaz Ali is intelligent and mature and his success story is inspiring. He talks about his insecurities, his friends, the people without whom he would not be here …
Dinner for four
Shortcut Romeo is the first Hindi film to be shot at Maasai Mara in Kenya in a hot air balloon. The unit got no subsidies from the Kenyan government for the shoot. They wrapped the romantic song with Neil Nitin Mukesh and Puja Gupta in three days only in the mornings because the heat of the day could make the balloons catch fire.
Amitabh Bachchan was the brand ambassador for IIFA for a decade after which they fell out and IIFA said they did not want a brand ambassador anymore. The Bachchan family and IIFA have kissed and made up and they will attend the next IIFA ceremony to be held in Macau this year. All's well that ends well.
Sona’s problem
Ajay Devgn and Kareena Kapoor are currently completing Satyagraha and another film is on the cards for them. Shabinaa Khan is producing a movie for which she has signed on Ajay Devgn and wants to sign Kareena too. The director and script are yet to be locked in. Shabinaa was a co-producer on Rowdy Rathore.
Kolkata, the city of joy, is the cultural capital of India and one of the friendliest cities in the world. A city of amazing depth and contrast, Kolkata is home to one of the world's finest existing specimens of British imperial architecture as well as one the highest concentration of artists, poets and writers around the world. Kolkata's Howrah Bridge is the eye catcher in the world and known as busiest bridge in the world.
Hollywood actress Jessica Chastain is a big Shah Rukh Khan fan. When she was shooting for Zero Dark Thirty in Chandigarh, she and a few colleagues would listen to and dance to Chammak Challo everyday and even learnt the lines by heart. She met Shah Rukh Khan at the Morocco International Film Festival and found that he was very nice to all his fans.
Was it tough to choose between India's Dancing Superstar and Dance India Dance?
Angad’s new role
Ice-cream or alcohol?
Giaa Maanek was seen with Vishal Singh, who was her co-star in her last show Saath Nibhana Saathiya, at a party recently and soon rumour mills went abuzz about the two of them seeing each other. But she categorically stated that they have worked together for so long and are friends.
Playing lead