BEED INSIGHTS Issue 04
December 2015
The year 2015 began with a lot of promises and optimism; investments were coming in, the tourism industry was flourishing, and hydropower deals were being signed. The economic outlook for the country was therefore upbeat.
IN THIS ISSUE
However shortly after, an earthquake struck the country and the economy took a major hit. Subsequently, protests started in the Madhes region following the
Management Consultant
promulgation of the constitution, and the country was faced with yet another crisis as border points were shut down; bringing trade to a standstill. Since then,
Leveraging Technology for Tourism
Nepal and Nepali’s have been facing very challenging times. The ongoing crisis is huge lesson to managers and businesses on learning to
11 Ways To Become A Better
Making of the Pavillions Himalayas
Management Lessons from 2015
cope with these challenges practically. One glaring lessons is to focus on our long and medium term goals and not only on short term goals. Let 2016 be a year
The beed Experience
where we put the past behind and we work together in recasting our economic
Book Feature: Winning Global Markets
and management goals by building on to the resilient strength that we have developed over the year. Wishing all our readers a wonderful holiday season and a very Happy New Year!
Book Feature: The Art of Social Media
In the world of management consulting, there is a constant need for knowledge building and growth. Each time there is a new business problem in any industry, a solution must be found. This undoubtedly provides numerous opportunities of exposure and challenges
which
builds
up
experience and profile. I feel quite fortunate to have been part of several such assignments both at the local and international level, where
working
across
diverse
industries has put my capability
11 WAYS TO BECOME A BETTER MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT
manpower
consultant
but
a
management consultant, the next question comes back to square one: “So what exactly do you do?”
WHAT I ACTUALLY DO AS A MANAGEMENT
and bandwidth to the test. While there are times when the job gets extremely challenging and you end up working really long hours to ensure that clients are at peace, these
are
also
times
which
showcase your caliber.
CONSULTANT?
To me, one of the best things
If I were to tell people that I advise
about my job in the consulting
companies on the standardization
business is that it has provided me
and planning of finance, I am more
with inordinate opportunities to
When asked what it is that I do, it
likely to be taken as an accountant
grow; not just at the beginning of
is often with a sense of irony that I
or auditor. As there is an entire
my career, but also in the years
explain
a
gamut of work that consultants
that have followed. The most
management consultant, as the
undertake, and terms familiar to
rewarding part of the job is when
term “consultant”; in Nepal is often
people only scrape the surface,
you see that the knowledge you
synonymous with the growing
explaining it can become quite
put together and shared, the
number of consultancies in the
difficult. To put it as simply as I
relationships
education and foreign employment
can,
engagements, and the inputs you
sector.
assist managers and businesses to
SUDIP BHAJU
about
my
job
as
management
consultants
you
built
during
provided come to fruition.
achieve their goals and objectives Subsequently, I am often asked
by
and
Having worked as a consultant for
questions like “Where do you send
business problems, identifying and
over six years at beed, here are my
people?” On clarifying that I am
seizing new opportunities, and
pointers on how you could become
not an educational consultant or a
improving business performance.
a successful management consultant.
solving
management
1. MAINTAINING DISCIPLINE:
the clients even when they have
many
Discipline is an important aspect of
not really sought for help. We
unanticipated problems arise and
the
circumstances
when
business.
This
merely tend to do it to maintain a
because of the varied nature of
personal
and
relationship and rapport with the
the
professional discipline. Adhering to
client from a courtesy perspective.
different. You need to make a call:
time and being punctual while
It is also important to note the
what is the right solution and what
meeting
kinds
Sometimes
is the right way to achieve that
extremely important. Although your
clients ask for services which are
solution? These times call for you
client
waiting
not mentioned in the contract. If
to use your own judgment. You
especially in Nepal, where being
these services are not paid for and
should not be scared to make this
late by 15-20 mins is considered to
are additional to the scope of work,
call but rather feel empowered to
be normal, they will start adhering
it does require additional time to
make a decision if it provides value
to it once they are aware of your
manage it which adds to the work
for both the parties.
punctual behavior.
already in hand. Hence, you have to
consulting
includes
both
project
may
deadlines
keep
you
is
of
requests.
work,
each
problem
is
be conscious and decide what the
6. COLLABORATING:
2. UPDATING CLIENTS AND
right time to address the issues is
Consulting requires different skill
MEETING DEADLINES:
and prioritize on issues that need to
sets for different tasks. Sometimes
Keeping the client updated about
be addressed immediately. Do not
these skills may not be present
the progress of the project and
rush into solving requests without
within the team and you may need
meeting deadlines are also very
planning and do not overdo it.
an expert’s advice. Even though
important. Every week a short
expert guidance comes with a cost,
email or a conference call with the
4. PRIORITIZING WORK:
one should make sure that no
client, will keep the client up to
Prioritizing tasks is the key to
compromises are made to achieve
date about the project status. This
success and delivery in this job.
the
will also allow you to seek help (if
Every morning, try and run through
Collaboration with an expert on
required) from the client before it
the tasks you need to complete
matters will provide higher value
gets too late. If you are not able to
during the day and list them down
and the client will always respect
meet deadlines due to un-avoidable
by prioritizing the important ones
the value that comes in from this.
circumstances,
to
first. Then accordingly you can
Personally,
appraise the client on time and
commence your work. At the end of
collaboration
discuss the same with them, as last
the day, always make a point to run
people in projects very productive.
minute red flags can affect client
through the to-do list of the day
The knowledge that they bring on
behavior and have a negative
and tick tasks which are completed.
board with their experience in the
impact on your relationship.
If something is left undone then
field is priceless and incorporating
make
is
them into your solution becomes
3. DEALING WITH REQUESTS:
completed within the week so that
valuable to the project. They
Finding the right balance and being
there is no carry-over work for the
become your sounding board and
conscious
next week.
you can always discuss your ideas
of
you
the
need
time
when
requests come in is very important.
sure
that
the
task
required
insight/direction.
I
have with
found
experienced
freely and get great insights which
We rush to help or try and provide
5. MAKING JUDGMENT CALLS:
you and your team alone would
additional services (pro-bono) to
During consulting, there will be
not have thought of.
7. TEAM WORK: Working
as
hold a
the
team
back.
Also
11. ENFORCING CONTRACTS:
management
debriefing helps the team know
In our part of the world, contracts
consultant in a firm is quite
about the work being done,
are merely considered to be a
different from working as an
insights and findings in your
formal
independent or freelance consultant.
section could help other team
agreements usually tend to be
When working in a management
members in their work, and also
based
consulting firm it is the team that
the whole team is made aware of
relationships between the client
leads the assignment and the
the project status and progress.
and the consultant. People often
whole team that is involved in
document on
while
understanding
and
fail to draw an addendum in case
resolving the client’s problems. In
9. MESSAGING PLATFORMS:
of changes in the scope of work.
the consulting, there may be times
Both instant messaging platforms
Usually flexibility is indoctrinated
where you need to provide solutions
and emails are useful collaboration
and
to clients across spectrums which are
tools for office communication.
neglected. This, I believe, is one of
not completely under your domain.
Instant messaging these days are
the major reason for emergence of
Therefore,
taking lead over emails because it
conflicts as verbal agreements are
important to work as a team, hold
facilitates
information
made and no record/minuting per
discussions and brainstorm together to
exchange. People often tend to
se is done. This provides no further
come up with effective solutions.
check their emails pretty late.
legal recourse and leads to a major
While working on a team, it is
When you communicate through
loss and a bitter experience for
important to split the work based
an instant messenger, you can get
both the parties.
on one’s strength and expertise
an immediate response which
and develop a collaborative way of
reduces chances of misunderstandings
In conclusion, I must say that the
working. You should respect the
with quicker back-and-forth of
ability
contribution of each team member
replies. If these interactions result
dimensions of consulting is the
and
in
you
best skill you can have, because
accomplishments of the whole
should make sure that the points
the more clients you work with,
team rather than only yours.
of discussion are minuted and sent
the more variety you will find in
out as an email later for reference.
their ideas and expectations. It
it
be
becomes
focused
very
on
quick
important
discussions,
8. DEBRIEFING AND PLANNING:
contractual
to
clauses
manage
all
are
these
goes without saying that you
When you are working in a team
10. CREATING BACKUPS:
develop this skill with experience,
and the work is distributed, it
Backing up your work is crucial in
but I hope I have pointed you in
becomes very important to discuss
consulting, which sometimes takes
the right direction.
and debrief each other on the
a back seat. We forget, we ignore
progress of the project. It is the
and
performance of the team which
sometimes we happen to lose the
will lead to successful completion
information that was gathered
of
each
with a lot of hard work. Therefore,
individual needs to put in their best
ensure backups are created for the
effort and ensure that there is a
data as your work is your wealth
proper synergy of work. Individual
and you would not want to lose
planning becomes as important as
the wealth that you have acquired
group planning so that you do not
over the years.
the
project,
hence,
we postpone,
and
then
SUDIP BHAJU
LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY FOR TOURISM SUBRINA SHRESTHA The implications of technology and online information on a country’s
tourism industry are immense with countries spending large portions of their marketing budget on creating online content and technology. I came to realize this while working on a project on the Rwanda tourism industry. The task was simple: we had put together a thick volume of information on tourist attractions in the country, and all that was left; was to put it on a website. However
contrary to our expectations this turned
out
to
be
the
most
challenging part of the assignment. Choosing information and presenting it on a website and mobile app in the most fitting way would shape how prospective
visitors
looked
at
Rwanda; and decide on whether to go there or not. As I sat at my office desk staring at the work-in-progress
homepage and wondered how we could make this happen, I realized this was the first of many days that I would spend on that page.
USING TECHNOLOGY TO INFORM
for domestic or international travel.
as new avalanches. Lack of an
Today, destination
are
official information dissemination
shaped by user reviews in travel
system along the trail therefore
forums, and routes are navigated
resulted in some people hastily
by Siri, Cortana and Google Now. In
abandoning trips midway. More
this maze of information, countries
crucially,
proactively put up information on
aware of the risk and implications
websites and publish free apps to
of bad weather and the dangers
attract new tourists as well as
that might lay ahead.
choices
others
weren’t
fully
inform them on the destination and other
travel
components
that
visitors will need while traveling.
Given that mountaineering and trekking is one of the largest sources of income generation for
Updating information is particularly
Nepal,
important in adventure tourism
investments be made in ensuring a
where visitors need to be aware of
safe and informed trip for visitors.
various
weather
For instance, investments can be
conditions. While camping overnight
made in developing a concrete
at Deurali during a trip to the
information
generation
and
Annapurna Base Camp just in
dissemination
mechanism,
like
March 2015, I remember hearing
regular radio contacts with trekkers or
loud rumbles which our guide
their guides.
claimed to be of avalanches nearby.
online portals are full of videos on
The very next morning a group of
Nepal’s mountains, culture and
trekkers abandoned the trip and
festivals, and this kind of positive
factors
like
it
is
essential
that
Social media and
headed back. Although we were a
publicity ought to be backed by
Researching a destination online
bit unsure we continued with the
good facilities on the ground.
before visiting it has become
journey. On the way we could see
These
common practice in this age, be it
debris from the earlier night as well
necessarily come entirely from the
investments
need
not
government.
Given
a
good
and animals, and still receives
the immense opportunities made
business case of selling weather
more than 1.5 million visitors a year.
possible by placing technology at
data, private investment can be
the
forefront
of
the
visitors’
encouraged and tour agencies and
While
with
experience. We are yet to see our
guides
to
nature resources can leverage
museums adopt interactive technology,
subscribe to these services. For instance,
what they have to boost their
our trekking trails equipped with
HoneyGuide, an app which provides
tourism industry, others can use
real time information dissemination
offline information on some of the
technology to expand this sector. I
systems, our mountains guarded
famous trails of Nepal provides
was left mesmerized with the
with well-equipped rescue teams or
data on the trails, weather and
Wings of Time – the lights and
even garbage management systems.
other relevant information. Private
water show at Sentosa Island -
players
are
which
adopting
technology, which
can
be
mandated
stepping
in
and
countries
blessed
and
We have an opportunity to reshape
is
utilizes lights, water cannons and
the industry ahead of us. Given the
encouraging to witness. Technology
sound effects to tell a simple story
recent earthquake, it is now crucial
therefore offers such immense
projected with the sea as the
that the heritage we rebuild adopts
opportunities that entire tourism
background. On the other side is
advanced architectural technology
businesses are now being built
my memory of Annapurna Base
to ensure that they remain intact if
around it.
Camp, a heavenly experience on
another earthquake were to hit the
its own, which would have been
country. We need to have a futuristic
USING TECHNOLOGY TO
far better had technology been
vision and build an appetite to adopt
ATTRACT
leveraged
new methods of packaging and
Technology has a wide spectrum of
trekking arrangements.
usage in the tourism industry that
adapts
technology
for
these
kind
of
creating tourism products And maybe few years down the line we
goes beyond the lone website and
TOURISM & TECHNOLOGY
can sit around the Dabali in front of
accompanying mobile app. Dubai’s
IN THE NEPALI CONTEXT
the Hanuman Dhoka Palace and
Burj Khalifa and Palm Islands,
Nepal, already blessed with natural
Malaysia’s theme parks and KL
heritage, can massively leverage
tower are some examples of how
technology
and
focus
countries have become top tourist
enhancing
visitor
experience.
destinations
of
Tourism products that provide the
technology. Malaysia is not as well
best of nature and technology can
endowed with natural resources as
be
Nepal, but they have managed to
tourism sector has been slow in
leverage technology to create
adopting
attractions like water, amusement,
leveraging it to its benefit.
The
wildlife and theme parks; which is
same
and
now considered as one of the most
packages have been on offer for
famous tourist destinations in the
far
world. Malaysia’s Sunway Lagoon;
encouraging to see new products,
one of the oldest theme parks in
such as the zip line at Pokhara and
the country, is full of exciting rides
sky diving at Mt. Everest, at the
along with a wide variety of birds
same time we are yet to capture
on
the
back
created,
however
Nepal’s
technology
tourism too
on
long.
created through holograms that tells a story of our ancestors and our culture right where it happened centuries
ago
preserved
durbar
it
with
is
SUBRINA SHRESTHA
the
well
and temples
standing right behind.
and
product While
witness an augmented reality field
MAKING OF THE PAVILIONS HIMALAYA RAJU TULADHAR Having survived the death road with 22 other passengers on a TATA Sumo (which has a max capacity of
11 passengers) from Ghale Gaun, we finally arrived at Besisahar,
internet. I was quite surprised to
employees, guests as well as the
Lamjung. The bulldozer -terrorism-
see such beautiful properties, and I
local community. Pavilions was to
built road from Ghale-Gaun to
realized this was not just any
become
Besisahar had shaken all of us, and
ordinary boutique hotel we were
sustainable practices and eco-
we all complained of back aches.
talking about. I was now excited to
friendly operations. The operations
After wrapping up our work in
meet the visionary Mr. Douglas.
of Pavilions was to be genuinely
Besisahar, we then moved towards Pokhara for discussion of a new project.
a
leading
model
of
and visibly an eco-friendly “Green While my back was hurting like
wash” and not “White wash”. The
crazy and my head still buzzing
idea behind this project was to
because of the Mojitos we drank
create a hybrid luxury boutique
On our arrival at Pokhara, we
the previous night, I just had
realized that we were in for a treat.
enough time to take a shower and
Over a pitcher of Mojito and
make it for the meeting with Mr.
munchies, we had a small briefing
Douglas at 8 am. With a folder in
session on the development of an
one hand and a bike helmet on the
eco-friendly luxury boutique resort
other, Douglas too arrived exactly
expectations of the guests by
in Pokhara. While the briefing was
at 8 am. After 25 years of living
showcasing the natural beauty of
going on, one thought was running
here, Nepal still hadn’t got the
the region and providing the
in my head -“Not another so-called
better of the Englishman.
guests a meaningful and rewarding
As any typical conversation in
return to nature as well as
Nepal would start, our conversation
philanthropy fulfillment experiences.
began with discussing the political
Douglas, being a philanthropist,
scenario of Nepal and drafting of
emphasized on the resort’s “give
Next morning we were scheduled
the constitution (which was a hot
back” goals to the Himalayas. The
to meet Mr. Douglas Maclagan to
topic then). I guess the ice breaker
goal was to provide 50% of the
discuss “The Pavilions Himalaya”
for any conversation in Nepal is
families in the village direct benefits
project. Before dozing off the
the discussion of the political
and sustainable employment within
previous night, I had made an effort
scenario. Douglas then explained
the resort. Besides that the resort
to research the Pavilions Himalaya
how Pavilions Himalaya would be
was to contribute more than half
Phuket and Bali properties over the
an example for the hotel industry,
of its profit to the community
eco
resort
in
Pokhara
again,
especially when most of the existing hotels are already having a tough time”.
hotel and a village farm resort capitalizing on the hotel brand, Pavilions, to attract individuals, couples,
groups
Pavilions
was
and
set
school and health post.
to
families. exceed
Douglas insisted that we go for a
Association. This got me thinking
approved. The other FDI approvals
site visit to get a sense of what he
as to why a company cannot
from Nepal Rastra Bank happened
was talking about. The two of us
dictate its own objective especially
in the same manner but we learnt
rode on his bike through the
when it is for a good social cause.
here
bumpy Pumdi Bhumdi road which
The CRO office maintained that
continuous follow up is the key for
would lead to the resort. The
this charity objective was to be
success in a bureaucratic environment.
Pavilions Himalaya, Pokhara was
removed
too
The biggest lesson is one has to be
set to be nestled in a picturesque
remained adamant on having this
an instant story teller of ironies at
village surrounded by farmland,
as an objective. As the saying goes
these government institutions to
forested
where there is a will there is a way,
get their attention so that the
and after much haggling and
approvals are granted in the
convincing people at the CRO, the
shortest period of time.
hills
and
a
gushing
mountain fed river.
but
Douglas
that
persistence
and
The Pavilions assignment began
registrar agreed to make an
with registration of the company
exception and have the charity
Pavilions Himalaya has managed to
“Pavilions
Private
clause as a secondary objective.
set new standards in terms of
Limited” at the Company Registrar
The Pavilions Himalaya was then
environmental friendliness as it is
office (CRO). During the entire
finally established as a company.
predominantly off the grid. It
process
The bigger task at hand was
generates its own electricity and
particular to mention that one of
getting
Direct
uses biogas for the restaurant.
the main objectives of Pavilions
Investment approval from the
Water is harvested, then recycled
Himalayas was that 50% of its
Department of Industries (DOI)
through wetland gardens in each
profit
charity
and Nepal Rastra Bank. Though the
villa, used for toilet flushing, and
purposes. The aim behind this was
government of Nepal introduced a
then in turn feeds the biogas plant.
to eventually develop a Pavilions
One Window system to facilitate
The resort also grows its own
Foundation set-up as the daughter
Foreign Direct Investment, what
organic produce which literally
philanthropic arm of the resort
the government does not tell
comes off the land, in the pot, and
which would then have a grant
investors is that this one window
on the guests’ plates. Pavilions has
available for disadvantaged and
leads to many doors. The irony is
set a new benchmark for eco-
vulnerable women, under two
the number of rooms is directly
friendly resorts in the country,
themes–Protection and Education.
proportional
of
something that should act as a
The file keeps
yardstick for others in the same
Himalaya
Douglas
would
go
was
for
very
the
bureaucracy.
Foreign
to
the
level
This objective of the boutique
moving from one department to
hotel was not very well received at
another within the DOI until many
the CRO as the objective of
of the documents are torn and
contributing more than half of the
tattered. One will also learn that
company profit did not fit into the
that the lowest ranked personnel
standard
format
Memorandum
and
of
the
of the department – the peon -
Articles
of
holds the key to moving one’s file
Association. Questions were raised
industry.
at the desired F1 pace.
as to why such an odd objective was
to
be
Memorandum
included and
in
the
After numerous cups of masala tea
Articles
of
and haggling, the FDI was finally
RAJU TULADHAR
MANAGEMENT LESSONS FROM 2015
who we have not met or talked to
complemented
for ages, but have been offering
management and leadership skills.
support be it by getting in touch
Be it putting together a rescue
during the earthquake or providing
operation for a hospital, or running
fuel that they have managed to
a program at a time when hiring a
procure in the recent crisis. It is
vehicle is expensive or practically
SUJEEV SHAKYA
perhaps a good time to re-strengthen
impossible.
these ties and introspect on who your
people who will use these issues as
real friends are.
an excuse not to deliver, and then
All Nepali’s want to forget the year 2015. The earthquake in April caused unprecedented human and economic loss, and the crisis resulting from the blockade since September has further compounded the damage. While everyone has been caught up in dealing with the after effects, with the New Year fast approaching it is now time to ponder
over
some
of
the
management lessons we could learn from this year’s events.
OSCILLATE YOUR VIEW: Like switching between a 30,000 feet view and street view on Google Maps, we need to form different perspectives on our own lives, goals and objectives. We have remained on street view for the bulk of this year; constantly looking at and dealing with immediate problems and
solutions.
However
it
is
with
There
the
are
right
always
there are others who will succeed
SILENT CRUSADERS:
to deliver as if there were no
There are those silent crusaders in
problems. This is a good time to
life, who are never seen or heard
look within your team members
of, but continue to do things that
and determine who have these
they
skills. What is it that they have and
know
best.
During
the
earthquake, there were people at the airport tower who continued to
others don’t?
work ceaselessly and volunteers
HUMILITY IS THE WINNER:
who
to
put
things
Take a look around at the silent
an
ability
that
crusaders, those who are not
pleasantly surprised everyone. At
comfortable with compliments or
the same time, there have also
those
been people busy clicking #Relfies
without taking note of time.
(selfies with relief materials) post-
Natural disasters always provide
earthquake, or people making extra
people with an opportunity to look
money by financing fuel in the black
at their relative insignificance in
market. It is the silent crusaders
comparison to what nature can do,
who go the long haul. If you are one
and can also help you realize how
of them, be proud of the same.
little control you have over many
managed
together
with
who
work
relentlessly
things in life. The ones with egos
COMPLEMENTING KNOWLEDGE
will always burst like bubbles,
WITH
while the humble ones will remain.
MANAGEMENT
&
essential that we not lose our long
LEADERSHIP SKILLS:
term vision, or the ability to foresee
Each year thousands of people
opportunities and problems from a
graduate the same courses and
30,000 feet view, as it is only then
with similar grades, be it doctors,
that progress will be made.
engineers, accountants, lawyers or people with degrees in political
STRENGTHENING TIES:
science or social science. Why is it
The earthquake provided opportunities
that some of them stand out? It is
to get back in touch with friends
because
their
knowledge
is
SUJEEV SHAKYA
THE BEED EXPERIENCE ANUP SUBEDI It was during my penultimate semester of undergraduate studies that I first got to know about beed. I was exploring opportunities to pursue after my graduation, and after a brief research on beed, I
ANUP SUBEDI
was determined to be one of the beeds. A few days after joining, I realized beed was a lot more than what I had signed up for. As days passed there were many new things that unfolded. It must be its DNA dream, achieve, and celebrate -
and its work culture that sets it apart from any other organization in Nepal. Something that caught my attention when I first toured the beed office was the beed
professionals are readily available
beed also frequently organizes
for discussions or feedback when
events, guest lecture sessions, and
required. I think it is very rare to
knowledge series, which facilitate
experience such a work setting in
knowledge and experience sharing,
the
and discussion on different economic
world
of
consulting
and
issues. As a result, one often gets
business.
to listen to industry experts, The other thing that caught my
entrepreneurs, writers, and individuals
attention at beed was the relative
with
lack of competition among co-
backgrounds, giving you key insights on
workers. When I chat with my
various industries and experiences.
experience
from
various
friends who are working for the big four firms in the United States,
At a glance, my three years at beed
they often talk about how excessive
does not sound like a long one but
competition among co-workers creates
it feels like a real achievement if I
an unhealthy work environment
were to closely review these years.
that leads to workers resenting one
Over the ensuring period, I have
another. However beeds believe in
been fortunate to have gained
the success of the team rather
extensive experience by being
than
and
involved in various projects and
Few days after joining
competition is harnessed to facilitate
assignments across a variety of
growth rather than resentment. The
sectors. At the end beed is more
beed, I realized beed
seating arrangement and the fact
than just projects and assignments
was a lot more than
that beeds are always ready to
where you get to experience more
help each other excel and grow
than what you bargained for,
what I had signed up
has led to a very friendly and lively
rather it has been a key milestone
for.
work environment.
in my personal and professional
lab (an open workspace). This seating arrangement takes working in a team to a whole another level. However, I soon got the concept behind the beed lab, as working became much easier as experienced
personal
success,
journey.
WINNING GLOBAL MARKETS:
BOOKS TO WATCH
HOW BUSINESSESS INVEST AND PROSPER IN WORLD’S HIGH-GROWTH CITIES”
KABITA CHAUDHARY Every once in a while, we read or hear about “national budgets” or “national plans” being formed, but have you ever wondered what would
happen
if
the
word
“national” was replaced by the
From these cities, we can see that
For me, the best part of the book
cities and MNCs have had a positive
is that it challenges some old
impact on each other as they have
beliefs. The book is supported by
helped each other grow.
strong reasoning and facts, and I realized how vast the opportunities
But then the question arises, why
are for cities and MNCs if they
are these cities chosen by MNCs?
work together. MNCs provides
This
is
because
these
cities
opportunities like employment,
largest
target
investment, infrastructure, cheap
population which gives opportunity
and easily assessable products and
for MNCs to constantly grow! And
good life style to cities, and cities
what does the city get in return? It
provide MNCs opportunities like
gets the best deals or the cheapest
large
products (they can afford).
financial
represent
the
government
or “city plan” was made and
may
think,
“What
ultimately pull the country onto the
comes to planning, as growth of
path of development, especially for
cities is remarkably higher when
a developing country like Nepal,
city specific plans are developed
are now the big market players and they are found in all the growing cities of the world. Cities in India like Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Mumbai have grown like never before and one of the major reasons for this is the presence of MNC’s
like
Wipro,
Genpact,
Accenture, HCL and Microsoft.
and
growth of cities and MNCs to
important than nations when it
Multi-National Companies (MNC)
incentives
strong case for the symbiotic
books shows why cities are more
implemented.
infrastructural
To sum it up, the book makes a
difference does it really make?” This
than when national plans are
and
best
commercial support services.
implemented instead of a national
You
population,
resources, best working force,
word “city”? What if a “city budget”
one?
target
and helps us understand how we This book therefore highlights the
can use our strengths, and lessen our
shift
weaknesses to attract MNCs to
of
economies
from
the
developed to developing countries.
As
the
authors
believe
begin operations here.
that
developing countries will be the heroes of tomorrow, they suggest that MNCs start investing in them before it is too late. On the other hand,
the
book
also
advises
developing countries to start work towards tapping into the potential of their cities. KABITA CHAUDHARY
THE ART OF
up an asymmetrical profile picture
your content. It is very important
(because
one
for an organization to have an idea
SOCIAL MEDIA
“makes a picture less interesting”),
of the reach of their posts. Reach is
to building your foundation, to
a good indicator of how well you
optimizing your profile, and finally
are getting your products or
effectively integrating social media
business name out in the public
and blogging. In between all this,
and into people’s newsfeeds. One
the book also talks about the small
might have shared the right article
components - such as “how to
or post, but all the effort would go
respond to comments”,” how to
to waste if it does not reach the
avoid looking clueless” and most
right audience.
KASHU DHAKHWA From the moment I saw the cover of this book, I told myself that I had to read it. Kawasaki definitely
knows how to market himself. A picture of him grinning in the first chapter makes you familiar with the man and it is easy to picture
a
symmetrical
importantly “how to get more followers” - where individuals or
This chapter gives you 19 easy
organizations mostly go wrong.
ways to perfect your posts. It talks about being valuable which comes
him guiding you till the end. The
in
book says it is for power users, but
because it makes posts “irresistible”.
already tested themselves on social
For instance a reader will be more
media. The book consequently helps
interested and eager to read posts
you organize your social media
that have titles such as “How to
activities by creating a system of sharing,
Completely Change…”, “Five Essentials
re-
of…” or “Ways and Tactics to…”.
sharing (is caring) and calendaring posts.
informative,
Being sly is also given a priority
is more for the ones who have
finding,
forms:
analytical, helpful and entertaining.
after reading the book I feel that it
planning,
four
The best part about this book is that it contains only primary information.
The book is filled with nuggets of
Kawasaki and Fitzpatrick are not
information, and readers would be
interested in theories that prove
well-advised to have a notebook
one tactic is better than the other.
ready to jot down the “tricks” they
Nor do they overwhelm you with
think is important for them. It is
examples of how some organizations’
also very important to understand
tactics made them famous in the
that applying all the 123 tips (yes!)
world of social media. In fact, the
that Kawasaki and Fitzpatrick have
authors follow their own suggestions
mentioned is not the way forward.
and recommend tools that they
Readers would rather focus on
have worked with or are linked
implementing a few things before
with marketing strategy.
Kawasaki and Fitzpatrick rightly suggest that there is a sense of suspense for the readers in all these titles and it has a higher chance of getting “clicks”. Similarly, using
#hastags,
multilingual also feature high on
the list.
Chapter 4 on “perfecting your posts” was one of my favorite chapters
step by step guide - from putting
because it talks about polishing
active
(sharing and re-sharing), being
moving to the next. The book has a flow in that gives a
being
KASHU DHAKHWA
Contact Us
Coming to the end of the book and the last chapter of “how to put everything together”, the authors provide a great framework on what needs to be done and what it takes to have a good social media presence. Of
beed management
course, for them it is easier to do what they do, because both are gurus of
P.O Box 7025
the social media space. But you cannot really argue or criticize with what
Krishna Galli
they have suggested. The book is a stepping stone in your quest to being a
Lalitpur - 3
full-fledged social media expert, and as such has spelled out the ultimate
Nepal
secret recipe(s) in such simple words.
(+977) 1 - 5548400
The Art of Social Media is a book which is full of tactics and strategies that Kawasaki refers to as “Great Stuff, No Fluff”. It points you in the right
direction to be better in the social media arena. For beginners who are
beedinsights@beed.com.np
overwhelmed by too many choices, as well as those who want to improve their social media game, this book is a constant source of reference.
Visit us on the web at www.beed.com.np
in the business of positive transformation
beed management is an international management consulting and financial advisory services firm working in Nepal, Bhutan and Rwanda. Since its establishment in September 2008, we have served over hundred clients in over 20 industries.
Nepal Economic Forum (NEF) is not for profit organization initiated by beed aiming to be Nepal’s premier private sector led economic policy and research institution.
beed leadership center (BLC) works on the positive transformation of individuals, and explores the domain of leadership development through selfdiscovery.
NEF strives to re-define the economic development discourse in Nepal, and works towards strengthening the Nepali economy.
BLC conducts leadership programs for different individuals & organizations.
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