This is about a panel discussion we were attending at the Tie-World conference in California (May 16/17 ‘08). The panel on 'To VC or Not to VC' threw various perspectives on the issues and did a wonderful task. Salil (Bay Partners), Peter (KLM Capital) and Jasvir (Sufi) were crystal clear about possibilities and connected concerns. Ron Weismann from Apax - one of the amazing speakers on that panel, introduced Venture Incubators. The moral of the discussion was: Go to a VC ONLY if you need them. For money or any 'other reason'. This 'other reason' is what we are still trying to figure out.

For instance, one important 'other reason' could be to seek strategic advice. Well, with the sense of supreme confidence (a.k.a. arrogance!) we have, it's difficult to justify that as reason enough for dilution.

The next in line was a good one that really had us thinking: Access to markets. Connections. Well, though not quite new or path-breaking a thought, but yes, there's merit in that proposition. And it may just seriously justify dilution. However, it did leave us with a set of new questions that need to be answered, to answer the first.

And hopefully some of you can shed some practical light and brighten our day: How does one 'approach or structure' a VC relationship proposing dilution in return for access to markets? Do the VCs bite into it? Do they find it worthwhile?

Well, it does leave us with these questions yet! Wasn't life easier with answers being as conclusive and unavailable for comment, as the ones that Eggfirst leaves you with :)

As I ran towards the men's room to unburden myself and was just about to shoot the pot, I saw a very interesting thing written on the wall right in front of me. It was a dialogue from a movie; it read, “Not bad for a human.” – Aliens (1986). It got me grinning. Relief plus laughter! That was one of the most satisfying leaks ever taken.

Here's a quick lowdown on what transpired between the two parties:

Indian was playing a 'test' match against Australia in Sydney. India's Harbhajan Singh was batting. Harbhajan Singh is known for his short temper. After a particular over got done, Andrew Symonds from Australia muttered something to Harbhajan. Not the one to take things lying down, Harbhajan gave it back to Symonds. Now, it is alleged, by Symonds and other Australian players, that Harbhajan called Symonds a monkey.

This one word - 'Monkey' has been the keystone of the controversy. For the Indian, Harbhajan Singh, a monkey is just another name kids call each other by while teasing. But that's the Indian culture. Distinctly different from the Australian. In Australia, calling an aboriginal (Symonds is an aboriginal) 'monkey' would be considered a racist slur (it's as good, or rather as bad, as calling a black man 'negro'). Symonds filed a complaint with the match official and Harbhajan was handed a three match ban.

Harbhajan and Symonds come from different cultures where the denotations of certain words, like monkey, are vastly different. We can learn an important lesson in communication - it's imperative to keep in mind the sensitivities of your audience. You ought to know how your audience will soak in your communication.

Read our take on the pros and cons of outsourcing offshore.

"It's been six years since college and no luck as yet. I don't think has made anyone for me." Her friend tried consoling her with the clichéd PMA (Positive Mental Attitude, sic) blah blah. Naturally, it didn't help cheer the girl. Then quickly changing tact, he said, "Hey, I think God really loves you and doesn't want to share you with anyone!"

Now, that did the magic turning the whole thing around. The girl was smiling wide on hearing that. And so was I.

As they say, the medium is as important as the message. 'Packaging' your communication is vital. Being boring is passé. You and I know what the reality is, and so does the girl. But the emotional mind just wants to hear things it does.

Strangely enough, most consumer decisions are dictated by the emotional mind, and then rationalized by the intellect. Isn't the Whopper® from Burger King, with more than 600 calories, proof enough!

Recently, I was on a personal visit to the Mumbai (India) branch of the Bank (described above). Right at the entrance, I saw a bottle of a hand sanitizer with a message that read, “Clean your hands with this hand sanitizer before entering our premises.” My first reaction was, “That’s insulting!!” Are they telling me that my hands are dirty and would contaminate their premises? This ain't a hospital, is it? I understand the concern for employees. I understand the need for a 'clean' environment. But what’s with the arrogance? The intention may be fair, but the way it was communicated was distasteful and quite insensitive. How about being a little friendly and warm while communicating. Something as simple as, “It’s your bank. Let’s keep it germ free.”

Being direct is one thing; being outright offensive is another. Never undermine the importance of communication. No matter how big a company you are.

I recently visited Croma to buy an electrical appliance. In there, I was pleasantly surprised to read a poster that said, “Keep smiling, you’re on camera!” It immediately brought a smile on my face. The warmness with which they conveyed a blunt message is really commendable. I started pondering and recalled their brand slogan, which says, “We don’t sell. We help you buy.” Their slogan reflects how they put customer service before everything else. And the message, “Keep smiling, you’re on camera!” is so perfectly in line with their brand slogan! Three cheers for Croma.

The SMS campaign did leave an impact and the experts say it did help the candidates to garner votes. This is the power of communication!

LIC saw an opportunity and seized it. Their logo consists of two hands (forming a ‘hand cup’) protecting a flame. Now, what LIC did was placed each ‘hand’ (the logo element) on either side of the doors of the local trains. So when someone sees it, it looks like the two hands of LIC are protecting the people hanging from the doors. Isn’t that what insurance is all about? The message conveyed. Bravo, LIC!

Since it’s a small time place and already quite popular, advertising wasn’t really the solution. Instead, the owner came up with an ingenious plan. He provided all the traffic cops in the vicinity with an elevated podium. The podium had the directions to Uncle’s Kitchen printed on it. Traffic cops would stand in the podium, bang in the middle of the road, to monitor the traffic. The spot was unmistakably noticeable! Everyone coming to the area would now definitely know where Uncle’s Kitchen is. Well done, Uncle! You’re driving the traffic right into your kitchen.