THE FIRST BUSINESS & EMPOWERMENT MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST
April 2011
ARAB
WOMEN & REVOLUTIONS An Inside Look
GENERATION Y
The highest performing workforce in history! How We Mobilized Before
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EDITOR'S NOTE
CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT
sksolh@pushmag.me
“Those who can’t change their minds can’t change anything.” – George Bernard Shaw To live your freedom, it is helpful to stop and ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and then notice whether, given the options, you are choosing what you really want. Sometimes, the exercise of freedom involves dealing with a double edge sword; all choices may lead to outcomes that are in some way painful. But the real pain is that of feeling powerless and denying your freedom.
""Be not afraid of changing slowly; be afraid only of standing still."" Chinese Proverb
Intentions and the words we speak are powerful. When we say we are going to do something, we set energy in motion. When we fail to act or complete our intention, we drain our energy. We lose our power. In his book ‘Nobody’s Victim’, Christopher J. McCullough explains, "In order to live your freedom, you must first accept reality. These are the choices, and given those choices, which do I choose? Whether the option you select is pleasant or painful does not alter the fact that, given reality, this is your preference.” I’m not necessarily talking about politics. I’m talking about life in general. Are you being taken by the “wave” – going with the flow in general? Or do you have clear opinions on everything that comes into your life, every decision you make and every activity you are involved in? At some point in anybody’s life, I truly believe there has to be a moment of clarification – an epiphany where you question everything in your life and then you decide what changes and what remains. Don’t be a victim because it’s easier; don’t be a sad story, don’t pity yourself and don’t make excuses. You either want to take control of your life, your thoughts and your future, or you don’t. Make that one decision today.
Samia El-Solh Editor-In-Chief
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FEATURE
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TABLE OF CONTENT
FEEDBACK feedback@pushmag.me
SUBSTANCE
008 Arab Women NGOs 012 Taming the Male Ego at your Workplace 014 Inside the Mind of Gen Y 016 Outlasting Your Competition (and getting their customers!)
POSSIBILITY
018 Notorious Flops 020 Are you Change Resistant Quiz 022 Through the Grapevine: Word-of-Mouth Marketing
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FEATURE
030 WOMEN UNITED:
Their voices have been heard; their presence has tipped the scale. But will women reap the rewards of their involvement in recent revolutions?
GEEK CHIC
FELICITY
024 Tweet and Let Tweet 028 Spreading the Word with or without the Net
052 Breaking News
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
054 Small Talk 055 Recipe 056 Social Pages 061 Not so FAQ 062 Your Chinese Horoscope 065 Brain Gym 066 Conferences 067 Exhibitions 068 Classifieds
MAMAPRENEURS
034 Censoring the News 038 Signing Off on Motherhood
CULTIVATION
042 Capturing Hearts and Minds 044 Money Madam 048 Woman of the Month 049 Book of the Month
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Samia El-Solh
International Liaison Rania Tabbah
Managing Director Dania Boustany
Senior Graphic Designer Ralph Waked
Operations Manager Manal Nakhle
UAE Chief Bureau Rym Ghazal
Chief Editor Richard Labaki
Editors Pierce Benedict Neil Soans Sherry Tenorio
Responsible Manager Ali Zeineddine
Contributing Writers Nour Samaha Toleen Badawi Raja Sfeir Money Madam Alana Sharara Editorial Consultants Alias Publishing
Dubai Advance Media samar@advancemena.com evelyn@advancemena.com Regional Sales sales@pushmag.me Printer Raidy | www.raidy.com
Media Representatives Beirut Ahmad Bawab ahmad@pushmag.me
“The reason why I am writing this email is because I just bought your magazine and its content really interested me. It is both inspiring and motivating to see this one of a kind magazine reach the Middle Eastern countries. Your editor’s note in specific (about time) caught my attention. So quoting your ideas, I hope this email won’t be a waste of your time.” Jennifer ,Lebanon “I've been following your work on PUSH Magazine, and have to say that i am impressed by the outcome really good effort. I ordered the first issue and I enjoyed reading all articles cover to cover. Any plans for distribution in AD? As a female business owner trying to expand my business, I believe that women entrepreneurs do need such a magazine where they can share their experiences, learn from others and contribute to the betterment of Arab women in general. Keep up the good work and good luck!” “I loved the article [Stocks We Love], which made something that is difficult for me to understand really interesting...” Diana L. “'Stocks We Love' is a very precise article and highlights really interesting information!” Ana A.
Bechara El-Khoury st., Sayegh Center, 6th fl. - Beirut, Lebanon - Tel/Fax: (961) 1 204 577, 330 803 info@pushmag.me - www.pushmag.me - Copyright - All rights reserved 2011 Alias Publishing accepts no liability for any unsolicited material. Opinions and views contained in PUSH’s editorial content are not necessarily those of the publisher’s or the magazine. No Part of this publication in whole or in part there of can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publisher in writing.
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ARAB WOMEN NGOs IN THE SPOTLIGHT Highlighting amazing initiatives taken by NGOs across our region By Pierce Benedict
DEFINITION OF AN NGO
A non-governmental organization (NGO) is any nonprofit, voluntary citizens’ group, which is organized on a local, national or international level. NGOs perform a variety of service and humanitarian functions, bring citizen concerns to governments, advocate and monitor policies and encourage political participation through provision of information. Some are organized around specific issues, such as women rights, environment, human or health. They provide analysis and expertise; serve as early warning mechanisms and help monitor and implement international agreements. It is with the notion of liberating and empowering women in this part of the world that regional NGOs and Women Associations have been sprouting for the past forty years or so. And the results have been real, tangible and substantial. Individually and collectively, NGOs have become catalysts for change by bringing women’s concerns to the forefront. Moreover, their impact has affected the local/regional business arena. PUSH magazine has identified eleven associations, which span the entire region – from Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Iraq and the UAE. They all deserve the mention and truly merit the spotlight, for they have all tirelessly worked (and working still) towards identifying, training, coaching and assisting the inevitable placement of Arab women in the boardrooms – and not in the bedrooms. In this issue, we shed light on three of these NGOs; more NGOs will be highlighted in the upcoming issues. PUSHMAG.ME
SYRIA - MAWRED (Modernising & Activating Women’s Role in Economic Development) Advocacy Modernizing and Activating Women’s Role in Economic Development History Mawred is a Syrian non-profit and non-governmental organization launched in 2003, under the patronage of H. E. The First Lady Mrs. Asma Al-Assad. Mawred consists of a continuously increasing number of female entrepreneurs from all over Syria. Aims • To transform the experience, skills, talents and capital for women who want to make a difference in their business projects. • To h e l p d e v e l o p a n d u p g r a d e e x i s t i n g businesswomen’s projects through the application of modern technology and contemporary management practices. • To improve socio-economic and professional conditions for women. Achievements The first pilot project, the “MAWRED Business Incubator” was launched as a unique venture in Syria. It provides consultancy and support for fledgling and existing businesses and helps women entrepreneurs. Others are: • “Zawaya” Syrian Handicrafts Marketing – launched on the internet and in malls. • “Kingdom of Kids” – kids entertain kids in new ways while their parents attend work. • “Teb’a Mayyel” – newsletter concerning art, exhibitions and theatre. • “Know Yourself” – kids reading center. • “Dababis” – sewing booklet for children Contacts Website: www.mawredsyria.org E-mail: info@mawredsyria.org
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EGYPT - ADEW (The Association for the Development and Enhancement of Women) Advocacy Putting Women on the Public Agenda History In 1987, a group of development professionals launched a pioneer micro-finance project. And soon after, the group replicated the project's success in low-income areas of Cairo. ADEW aimed at a target group that was particularly vulnerable: Low-income women of female-headed households. Aims To empower women: • through the provision of micro credit loans, providing training and job placement. • through skill enhancement sessions, literacy classes; awareness, health and social sessions. • by familiarizing them, supporting and providing awareness regarding their legal rights. • to build networks between themselves, services, and government bodies. Achievements Over the past 23 years, ADEW has emerged as both an influential grassroots organization and a leading advocate for women's rights. Today, in addition to credit programs, ADEW offers literacy programs, health services, and legal awareness seminars. ADEW operates from 15 offices in five different areas with a staff of 200 members. Contacts Website: www.adew.org E-mail: adew@link.net, adew@adew.org
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SAUDI ARABIA - COUNCIL OF SAUDI CHAMBERS History The Council for Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (founded in 1980) is the official federation for the 28 Saudi Chambers. The Council’s role is in the development of the national economy through the cooperation and coordination with the Chambers of Commerce. The Council also assists in the protection, preservation and development of the business sector in the Kingdom. Aims • Enhance the business sector participation in the economic and social development. • Develop and promote exports specifically, in addition to external trade in general. • Develop the external economic relations and enhance commercial partnership with friendly countries. • Contribute to the development of existing industries in Saudi Arabia and facilitate the setting up of industries. Achievements A worthy achievement is the National Women's Committee, which was established in 2005 in response to royal directives to set up a committee of women with enough experience to coordinate with the relevant facilities to encourage private sector activities. Creating an integrated work environment in all economic activities for women and strengthening their permanent contribution to the national labor market. Contacts Website: www.csc.org.sa
Express yourself and do it with style KSA: Al Rasha International, S.T. Dupont Boutique (Jeddah & Al Khobar), Tanagra UAE: S.T. Dupont Boutique (Dubai Festival City), Tanagra, Al Jamal (Abu Dhabi) Kuwait: S.T. Dupont Boutique (Avenues Mall), Tanagra Oman: Capital Stores Bahrain: S.T. Dupont Boutique (City Centre & Seef Mall), Yaquby Stores, Tanagra Qatar: Ali Bin Ali, S.T. Dupont Boutique (Royal Plaza), Tanagra Egypt: S.T. Dupont Boutique (City Stars & Mohandeseen), Beymen Jordan: Abu Shakra Trading Yemen: MAM International Iran: Kafi Stores l
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THERE ARE ALWAYS SOME MEN WHO ARE INSECURE ABOUT THEMSELVES AND MAKE IT A POINT TO BRANDISH THEIR MASCULINITY • ALTHOUGH MOST OF THE EMOTIONAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN AND WOMEN ARE SOCIALLY CONDITIONED (RATHER THAN INNATE), THERE SEEMS TO BE SOME OBSCURE LAW, WHICH MAKES MEN BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE SUPERIOR TO WOMEN ACROSS VARIOUS BOUNDARIES
According to the American Heritage Dictionary, the word “Cocky”, which means overly self-assertive or self-confident comes from the word Cock: An adult male chicken; a rooster. Hence the expression, “He is so cocky”. PUSHMAG.ME
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Taming the Male Ego at your Workplace E
ven though there has been a definite shift in trends over the past few decades, the corporate world is still largely male dominated. So while the gender gap has been bridged, it would be naïve to say that it doesn’t exist at all. There are tomes of literature around the differences between men and women, so this won’t be another “Mars vs. Venus” write-up. Instead, we present some simple ways to deal with the male ego. Women do have tremendous influence over men; however, men come in different shapes and sizes. Consequently, there’s no clear-cut way to deal with them or their egos. Developed men have an internal sense of integrity, honor and fair play, and they could care less about gender as long as their female counterparts are able to handle their jobs well. Such men actually avoid passing judgment and voicing their opinions until the woman gives results. However, there are always some men who are insecure about themselves and make it a point to brandish their masculinity. But understanding why they do so goes a long way in alleviating the problem. The eco no mi c influen ce of women has caused male dominance to recede. And what triggered male ego clashes at the workplace is the fact that women
continue to gain economic independence. Although most of the emotional differences between men and women are socially conditioned (rather than innate), there seems to be some obscure law, which makes men believe that they are superior to women across various boundaries. The easiest way out is to cave in and allow the man to take charge, thereby stroking his ego. But a man’s ego is like a feral cat; no matter how many times you pamper and feed it, it can never be tamed. If a man is flaunting his ego, trying to keep it in check or confronting it will only make matters worse. It will put him on the defensive or make him feel the need to reassert his masculinity. Most men don't just do their jobs; they are their jobs. So any attack on their work is a direct attack on them. That's why criticisms need to be presented very carefully and always when the man is in a good mood. Strike up a conversation about the situation and nudge him in the direction that is a concern to you. Even though it is often (correctly) said that the most important woman in a man’s life is his mother, he does not want to be reminded of this within the corporate world. So don’t patronize him. Speak to him only when necessary and keep it entirely work related. Rather than offending the guy by calling him on his behavior, you will be able to conduct yourself and your business in a smooth way. Contrary to popular belief, boardroom power play is not always about the bedroom. A man’s sense of self is defined by his abilities and accomplishments. He is more interested in things than emotions or people. The feel-good factor of achievement is very important to a man and as long as this is taken care of, a man will feel good about himself. Keeping this in mind will help a lot as you deal with the male egos around. Make him feel good about himself by complimenting his good work and efficiency. You can even go a step
further to notice the qualities he has and express them to him. Do so with caution though, you don’t want him to get the wrong idea. This is not suggesting that women should spend their lives caressing the male ego. Emphasizing a man's positive qualities is acknowledging the complete picture of who he is and what he has already done right. Assertiveness, intelligence and a solid work ethics are neither gender nor race based, and promotions should not be either. The truth is that some women work better than some men in the same job and vice-versa. Yet communication problems and inter-gender issues cannot only affect employment choices, but can also affect the productivity of a gender-diverse corporate environment. Most women do not want special favors, but demand to be rewarded when they accomplish positive results. Don’t forget: As a woman, you can always combat genderbiased injustices by working hard, honing your skills and making yourself indispensable. This way, even the most oldfashioned and chauvinistic man will gain your respect. And once you do that, he’ll eventually treat you as an equal. By Neil Soans
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Inside the Mind of Gen Tulgan notes that Generation Y (those born between 1978 and 1990) is the most high-maintenance workforce in history. But he also argues that those belonging to this generation have the potential to be the highest performing workforce in history
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ftentimes, we hear of the term Generation Y. And in our minds, we have preconceived notions concerning those who belong to this category. We think of the young, spoiled, cool dudes who want to climb the corporate ladder swiftly; they are the ones who wish to experience everything that they could possibly dream of and taste fun in every single aspect of their lives. Yet, these notions may be debatable generalizations. Best-selling author Bruce Tulgan, for instance, debunks dozens of myths such as young employees have no sense of loyalty, won't do grunt work, won't take direction, want to interact only with computers and are only about making money. In his book ‘Not Everyone Gets a Trophy’, Tulgan notes that Generation Y (those born between 1978 and 1990) is the most high-maintenance workforce in history. But he also argues that those belonging to this generation have the potential to be the highest performing workforce in history. The book has taken on more than a decade of research, and it has managed to reframe Generation Y at a time when many employers are struggling to engage, develop and retain this category. According to Tulgan, the key to recruiting, retaining and managing this generation is not only to make the workplace more "fun”. He actually argues that the key to winning the respect of this generation, and getting the best effort out of them, is to manage carefully their expectations by never downplaying any negative aspect of a job. And he tries to explain to corporate leaders that those belonging to Generation Y put huge importance on their personal life; consequently, the job they have must accommodate this aspect. A report published in 2010 highlights the need for management practices to develop in order to suit a growing percentage of Generation Y in the workforce. ‘The Future of Work’, produced by the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA), found that Generation Y expect greater freedom in their working environment.
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If they are granted that freedom, they become more committed. And they become more likely to work harder and for longer. “The latest working generation, Generation Y is different to previous generations [Generation X and the Baby Boomers] in their expectations and assumptions,” concludes the IPA’s report. “They don’t want the long-hours culture of presenteeism and working at the same desk.” Chances are you have many members belonging to Generation Y in your company. Therefore, you need to know how to handle them and how to deal with their long list of needs. After all, they don’t have the same approach to work as that of their older colleagues. Here are some tips on how to manage Generation Y based on Professor Ellen Miller’s research fi n d i n g s i n ‘ T h e R e fl e x i v e Generation’ (an in-depth study of the impact and effects of Generation Y in the workplace) presented by the European Professional Women’s Network of London and the London Business School. 1. Be their mentor Those belonging to Generation Y prefer to self manage, and they expect managers to play the role of mentors. “Companies should provide structured autonomy for their G e n e r a t i o n Y s t a ff , w h e re supervisors and managers serve as coaches and mentors to nurture constantly the need for learning and growth,” says
Michelle Brailsford, President of the European Professional Women’s Network of London. 2. Give feedback quickly Due to the role of technology in their lives, Generation Y members expect both immediate and constant feedback. Tell them how they are doing on a regular basis – don’t wait until review time. 3. Watch out for itchy feet Nearly 90 percent of Generation Y members describe themselves as loyal to their employer. But that doesn’t mean that they will stick with you forever. On top of that, they are highly adept at reinvention. So if their needs are not met, they will reinvent themselves and move on.
Generation Y expect greater freedom in their working environment. If they are granted that freedom, they become more committed. And they become more likely to work harder and for longer
4. Provide challenges Check to see if the Generation Y members in your department are significantly challenged. And if they aren’t, find something that will challenge them. 5. Make work fun Generation Y members expect to enjoy their work. Spending more time with colleagues than with family and friends means that co-workers become friends. The environment at the office is highly important to this generation. So make it welcoming and fun. 6. Don’t discriminate “Since they have not experienced gender discrimination growing up – neither at school nor in society – they don’t necessarily expect it in the world of work,” explains Brailsford.
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8. Encourage technology “Companies need to allow Generation Y members to leverage their technology skills,” says Brailsford. That’s Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and so on. Don’t restrict access to these sites, because you think that this is “socializing or time away from work. Generation Y often does not have sharp boundaries between work and social, and often integrate work into their social experience – and thus help grow grass-roots company visibility,” Brailsford adds. 9. Offer personal and professional development Generation Y members are interested in continually improving and developing themselves. They want the autonomy to shape their own careers. And that means providing the tools to allow them to develop personally and professionally so they have options regarding where they want to go. 10. Allow international mobility Generation Y members go where the work is, and often – because of university and online connections – have friends and contacts overseas. They see themselves as part of the global village, and they will appreciate being considered for international assignments. By Sherry Tenorio
7. Be family friendly Both Generation Y women and men expect to remain in employment once starting a family. Make it easy for them; the family friendly policies will also improve the working lives of your older employees.
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OUTLASTING H YOUR COMPETITION
(and getting their customers!)
If your studies show that your competitor’s brand name has a high equity value and the customers will have a hard time switching to your organization, explore the idea of acquiring that brand if the price is right
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ere you are sitting in a board meeting and your board members present you with a situation. Your competition is facing business difficulties. In short, the board wants a piece of the action; they want to attract those soon to be service-less/productless customers. Naturally, your competition can either regain their position or completely go belly-up. But until they figure that out, you need to act fast to lure in the customers. So what do you do? Although the options are endless let’s explore the following: • Depending on the time constraints that you have, it would not be such a bad idea to survey or research your competitor’s competitive advantage. Why did their customer choose them instead of your organization? If you’ve been in the business for sometime, it is most likely that you have this information on hand. • Train your team to be better than that of your competitor. Always work on developing your team through product knowledge, soft skills and personal development. Always maintain a one-step-ahead-ofthe-competition approach. Keep your outlook on your industry fresh so you always stand out from the crowd.
• Find out what is causing your competitors to struggle. If the cause has anything to do with your company, then this would be a good time to perfect this advantage within your organization. Also, ask yourself if you can potentially face a similar struggle. If so, solve it before it becomes a problem. You have the advantage of learning from your competition. • Act fast because during times of change customers are at their most vulnerable stage. Many customers do not like change. And if they feel that their service or product provider is undergoing change, they will be at their most vulnerable time. At this stage, conversion to your brand becomes highly possible, especially if your company has a stable image. • If your studies show that your competitor’s brand name has a high equity value and the customers will have a hard time switching to your organization, explore the idea of acquiring that brand if the price is right. But exercise caution with mergers and acquisitions, because that could potentially put your organization in jeopardy. Nonetheless, it is a valid option. • Should acquisition be too drastic of a move to explore, look into purchasing
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your competitor’s customer database/CRM. This is usually helpful to reach them through direct marketing, e-marketing and other tools. • Incentive, incentive, incentive. Customers might need a reason to leave your competition, but they also do need a reason to come to you and not go elsewhere. Here are some options to consider: a. You can offer highly discounted products b. You can offer free trials; potential clients could test your products or services c. And my favorite; you can do something completely out of the ordinary – something that would make them think twice before deciding not to come to you. One way to achieve this, depending on logistics, is to honor contracts and special offers from your competitors. It’s a bit different and can potentially cost more than the other options. But the returns can be high too. It might have a positive impact on your brand and you could gain loyal customers.
The aforementioned are some of the available options, however, the key here is not choosing an actual idea that your company will implement. Ideas come and go, but it’s the principles that outlast any idea. Any company seeking to increase its market share is a company that should become a customer-centric company. And in order to achieve that, a company must create a customer-centric culture. For your board members, there are quick fixes like the incentives and workshops that can be implemented immediately. However, one must proceed with caution; customers do not like to feel that they are attached to a monetary value. The ideal way to increase a company’s customer base is through a true and genuine vision that serves the company, the customer and the community at large. One of my all time favorite books is ‘Built to Last’ by Jim Collins and Jerry I. Porras. This book talks about visionary companies – how they stood out from all their competition and how they withstood the test of time. In fact, they became stronger throughout the years and integrated themselves so well that they became part of our culture. Are you amongst those visionaries? By Toleen Badawi
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Customers might need a reason to leave your competition, but they also do need a reason to come to you and not go elsewhere Any company seeking to increase its market share is a company that should become a customercentric company
• Look into offering training and free workshops to your customers. Get them interacting with you; engage them with your products and services. PUSHMAG.ME
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NOTORIOUS FLOPS
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omeone once said, “Flops are part of life’s menu. Everyone makes mistakes. High achievers learn by their mistakes. By doing that, an error becomes the raw material out of which future successes are forged. Failure is not a crime. Failure to learn from failure is.” This quote applies to individuals but can equally apply to corporations.
Mistakes were made and lessons were learned on the path of growth
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Many large companies were once a small business that managed to fulfill a certain need with products and/or services. However, mistakes were made and lessons were learned on the path of growth. Some of these mistakes are small enough that the public rarely ever knows about them while other mistakes became case studies that were taught in universities around the world. One of the most famous mistakes occurred when The Coca Cola Company wanted to introduce a reformulated coke – “New Coke” – after doing much research and taste testing in the market. The results were far from expected; in fact, they were shocking. The same market that considered the taste of the new coke to be better than the old coke went up in roars for the old coke. The public began to call and send angry letters to
Coca Cola. Within a few months, Coca Cole withdrew all the “New Coke” products off the market and reintroduced Coca Cola Classic. In this instant, what The Coca Cola Company failed to do is understand the brand of Coca Cola beyond the taste factor. Research on the “New Coke” case study showed that the Coke brand and the consumer’s association with the brand held equal importance to the taste. It was also indicated on www.thecoca-colacompany.com that during the 1980’s, the “cola category was lethargic [and] consumer preference for Coca Cola was dipping, as was consumer awareness.” Therefore, if Coca Cola had not made such a move to reinvent itself it would not have gained such valuable insight into the bond between the consumers and Coca Cola. Such a move actually reignited the consumer’s bond to Coca Cola Classic.
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Some of these mistakes are small enough that the public rarely ever knows about them while other mistakes became case studies that were taught in universities around the world
In the same decade, Johnson & Johnson faced a problem with one of its products: Tylenol – a painkiller that accounted for 17 percent of the company’s net income. In a matter of days, seven people died in the Chicago area from taking Tylenol. Many believed that Johnson & Johnson would not recover from this incident. But the company made history with what it did next. According to ‘The New York Times’, Johnson & Johnson recalled “31 million bottles of Tylenol capsules from store shelves and offered replacement product in the safer tablet form – free of charge.” It was indicated that they were the first to recall a product. Although Johnson & Johnson spent more than $100 million to recall and re-launch Tylenol, they became an admired and trusted brand. And this helped them recover in the stock market in just two months. After this incident, safety seals were introduced and the market became a safer place. This incident also solidified Johnson & Johnson’s place in the market. While Johnson & Johnson chose their consumers over profit, Ford did the complete opposite. In the Early 1970’s, there were rumors that the Ford Pinto was experiencing “gas tank ruptures” when hit in a rear-end collision. When the recall coordinator brought this matter to the recall committee, they voted against recalling the car due to lack of evidence. The ironic thing is that, according to www.mindfully. org, during the preproduction crash test, Ford learned that eight out of 11 Pintos “had suffered potentially catastrophic gas tank ruptures on impact. The fuel tanks of the three other cars had survived only because they’d been shielded from a set of studs that did the puncturing.” Yet again, the recall committee voted against recalling the car. However, this time the reason was that “small cars are inherently unsafe.” And as Ford president Lee Iacocca put it, “Safety didn’t sell.”
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public trust and a lawsuit that cost Ford $125 million (later reduced to $3.5 million.) Although this was a very harsh lesson for Ford to learn, they too have made history. In this instance, Ford learned a valuable lesson in public opinion and trust. Moving back to the 1980s (where I’m starting to believe that it was the decade for risky business moves), Universal studios approached Mars Inc. to get permission to use M&Ms in their upcoming film. The director was looking for a cross-promotional opportunity where he would use M&M as a product placement in the movie. And in return, M&Ms would promote the upcoming movie. The movie in mention was Steven Spielberg’s ‘E.T.’, and M&Ms would have been used in the scene where the boy befriends E.T. and uses the candy to lure him into the house. But M&Ms refused this proposition and simply declined. Afterwards, Universal studios approached Hershey’s to use a new product called “Reese’s Pieces”. The deal was done and Hershey’s sales, as a result, skyrocketed – tripled in a couple of weeks. Although declining the offer was not M&Ms smartest move, this decision did not jeopardize them as opposed to the Tylenol incident or the potentially fatal Pinto. Nowadays, we hear of less forgiving mistakes – Blockbuster Videos, Netscape and Lehman Brothers. But then again, they too will become case studies. And they too will become lessons learned. Never should we fail to make mistakes – for if we do, we will unmistakably fail. By Toleen Badawi
Ford eventually decided in 1977 that it would be cheaper by a count of “three to one” to pay the families of those who were injured or killed than to fix each car. However, the impact of this decision caused a lack of
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ARE YOU CHANGE RESISTANT? Some people in this world simply don't handle change very well. They prefer stability and routine. Such people would rather know what to expect than deal with the potential chaos that change brings. Of course, there are those who simply love the excitement of change. They find it stimulating and freeing. These people enjoy the new pace and they recognize that chaos is part of the fun. So what kind of person are you? Not quite sure? Take this quiz and see.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Go through each question as quickly as possible. Don't put a lot of thought into the answer; just pick the first one that rings true. Make note of your answers on a piece of paper. When I think of change, I feel: A) Anxious B) Excited
I believe change is: A) Something to avoid B) Inevitable
The thought of changing jobs: A) Makes me sick B) Is intriguing – so many possibilities!
When policies at work change, I: A) Have a hard time getting into a new routine B) Pick them up quickly and easily
I think people who force me to change: A) Make life difficult B) Keep me on my toes
Change is another word for: A) Disaster B) New
When my environment changes, I feel: A) Unsettled B) Free
When new people are hired at work, I feel: A) Worried about the team dynamic B) Happy to have a fresh perspective
I believe people can change: A) Nope B) Yep
NOW, ADD UP YOUR ANSWERS: If you have more A's: It was probably obvious when you were going through this list that you lean more heavily on the "change resistant" end of the spectrum. That's perfectly ok! There are plenty of us who love routine and find comfort in stability. But change does happen and when it does, you need to be capable of handling it. The next time life shakes things up a bit, try to focus your energy on handling the situation, not fighting against it. If you have more B's: You "get" change and you like it! That's because you don't fight it; you simply understand that it's a part of life. You see change for what it is: Opportunity. You have a good handle on what it takes to get through turbulent times and your attitude will only help you along the way. When life throws you a curveball, you think fast and reach for it. Keep up the great work.
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So does this mean that companies are wasting their time and money on advertising? Not necessarily you want to promote; it could be a product like a cosmetic, a service like financial consultancy or an experience like a massage. Yo u c a n c o u n t o n i t b e i n g spoken about at some point or the other. Brands like Harley Davidson, KFC, Hotmail and Apple have built a global identity for themselves thanks, in a large part, to this system of referrals. But as far as successful examples go, there is one that not only built itself almost entirely on word of mouth but is also an essential tool in WOMM today.
ord-of-Mouth Marketing (WOMM) is more significant today than ever before. It is the age of information, where the word is spreading fast and through many mouths: Cell phones, e-mails, chat rooms, blogs and varied instant messaging services. But beware; this sales tool is very much a double-edged sword. People love to talk about anything and everything, such as the latest movie, a recent holiday and even the neighbor’s new car. It doesn’t matter what
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We’re talking about Facebook. Seven years ago, no one knew about this social networking site. Then, Mark Zuckerberg and his fellow computer science students were still developing the concept intended solely for Harvard scholars. Membership to the website was gradually opened to students of other universities and, eventually, to the entire wired world. As of January 2011, Facebook has more than 600 million active users. How did you become yet another number in this mind-boggling statistic? Think about it; you were either “invited” by a friend or heard about the site through word of mouth. Also, a Harvard graduate like Zuckerberg is George Silverman. This renowned mathematician/ statistician is a proponent and a pioneer in Word-of-Mouth Marketing. According to him, as discovered in numerous studies, with almost every
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category of buyers, word of mouth has been proven to be what is known as the “proximal cause” of purchase – the most recent thing that happened just before purchase. In one particular study, sited in Philip Kotler’s marketing bible, of 7,000 consumers in seven European countries, 60 percent said that they were influenced to use a new brand by family and friends. In fact, further research has shown that wordof-mouth can be seven times more effective than print media, twice as effective as broadcast media and four times more effective than sales personnel. In her book ‘The Regis Touch’, marketing guru Regis McKenna says, “People are deluged with promotional information, and they are beginning to distrust it [advertising.] They are more likely to make decisions based on what they hear directly from other people including friends, experts or even salespeople. These days, more decisions are made at the sales counter than in the living room armchair.” So does this mean that companies are wasting their time and money on advertising? Not necessarily. A good ad campaign has the power to trigger off a powerful word-ofmouth phenomenon. However, in the words of Bill Bernbach, considered the father of modern advertising, “A great ad campaign will make a bad product fail faster. It will get more people to know it’s bad.” Studies have shown that a customer pleased with a product or service will tell an average of three people about it. But, more importantly, an
unhappy or frustrated customer will tell around 11 people about the negative experience. Also, bear in mind that when most people ask for a reference, they are more likely to first inquire if there were any problems with the product or service. So assuming that your product/ service is good to start with, how do you make the most of WOMM? You need to get people talking. C re a t e a b u z z a b o u t y o u r company or what you have to offer. A humorous campaign is one way to go grab attention. Wendy’s did it once upon a time by cheekily asking, “Where’s the beef?” In this manner, they built their brand name and displayed the competitive advantage their burgers had over McDonald’s. Another way is to give something a w a y f o r f re e l i k e t h e c a r company Chrysler. To introduce its LH series, they offered new cars for a weekend to 6,000 top business executives. Not only did their decision to do so receive coverage in the media, their follow-up surveys showed that 98 percent would recommend the car to a friend. And at least 32,000 people now knew about the car, because of that weekend’s test drives.
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A customer pleased with a product or service will tell an average of three people about it. But, more importantly, an unhappy or frustrated customer will tell around 11 people about the negative experience for three years, and the conclusions (published in the ‘American Marketing Association’s Journal of Marketing’) were that referred customers have a higher contribution margin, a higher retention rate and are more valuable in the short and the long run. So what’s the last word on WOMM? It is a low cost tool that is most effective when combined with other methods of marketing and forms of promotion. But, don’t just take our word for it. Go ahead and ask someone else. By Neil Soans
A referral program is one more option to explore. The system w o r k s b a s e d o n p ro v i d i n g incentives to existing customers to bring in new ones. Much like in the way a top German bank paid customers 25 Euros for each new customer they brought in. A study was conducted on 10,000 customers of this bank
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and Let
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owadays, businesses need to succumb to the digital revolution – otherwise they will die off. The importance of the social media networks, especially Facebook and Twitter, has been highlighted in tons of forums, workshops, events and others. But for many of the business owners, whose cyber knowledge is probably humble, using social media networks to improve the business is probably futile.
Having a Twitter account – just to say that you follow the fad – would achieve nothing. And if you think that your Twitter account could boost your sales in an instant, then you might be better off not creating it at all. The social media account that allows you to say a piece of your mind in 140 characters is more about building relationships rather than generating sales. Like in any case of business development, the latter would come if you have been successful at doing the former.
The social media account that allows you to say a piece of your mind in 140 characters is more about building relationships rather than generating sales PUSHMAG.ME
Thus, the true value of “tweeting” your thoughts is having that power to keep your existing and potential clients interested in your business. Properly cultivated and loyal Twitter followers can become an invaluable source of leads and sales over time. Instead of running un-targeted commercials or newspaper ads (or even in addition to these techniques), you can immediately reach out to a group of people who want to hear from you. That is why you need to be very careful and selective with your “tweets”. Your message has to be about what matters at the company – product launches, recent sales, discounts, events, hottest items, latest releases, joint promotions and collaborations. However, not all of your “tweets” should be about such matters. The worst “Twitter crime” a business can commit is making its feed a constant, uninterrupted sales pitch. All but the most diehard of customers will soon tire of this and “un-follow” your account. So in order to keep people around and interested, it helps to “tweet” periodically about things that have nothing to do with selling your products/services.
This includes your company’s opinion about industry trends or events, your company’s reactions to major headline news (don’t overdo this one though), words of praise for worthy competitors, critiques of alternative products/ services, giveaways or contests. The right message is not the only key ingredient in making your Twitter account effective and productive; it is very important that your “tweets” are exciting, interesting and must never sound dull or boring. Remember: The idea is not using Twitter as a permanent web-based ad. It is about giving prospects and customers a reason for tuning in and staying on top of company activities. Thus, it is not just about what you “tweet” but also how you “tweet”. Using a robotic, monotonous voice on Twitter is a guaranteed recipe for being ignored. Moreover, don’t assume that your business Twitter account must be funny (although it probably wouldn’t hurt). The idea is that you want to develop a “voice” and use it consistently. Your
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“tweets” should have a distinct feel in order to keep your followers coming back for more. This will differ by business/industry, but never forget the importance of “tweeting” in an interesting way. Given that your message, tone and style are significant in giving impact to your “tweets”, you must also know of certain basics that could help you enter and survive the “Twitterdom”. For example, you must always remember that it is about quality and not quantity. No matter how many times you update your followers, if your “tweets” are appalling then you will just end up losing them. So don’t bore them with unnecessary stuff. Also, keep in mind the old adage: “First impressions last”; the same thing could happen when you’re starting in Twitter. Your first 140 characters are very critical. In the cyberworld, you cannot have too many chances to redeem yourself. So ensure that your “tweet” will catch your target’s attention. Finally yet importantly, interact with your followers and the people that you follow. The account is not made to act as an advertising billboard. It should be quite interactive, so be ready to tag your followers, “re-tweet” interesting content and simply flow into the conversations. And sooner than you would expect, your followers would start getting closer to you. And your aim to build relationships would be achieved. Undoubtedly, Twitter works for many businesses. But it may also not work for everyone. The single most crucial element is to
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utilize Twitter in enhancing relationships with your existing and potential clients. Twitter is a dynamic and engaging medium for your brand’s message. It might require some time to get the hang of it, but it is well worth the patience.
TWITTER IN BEIRUT! There is no denying that the Middle East has been conquered by the Twitter mania. In fact, the global one-day event “Twestival Local” had been recently concluded in Beirut. PUSH had the chance to discuss with Sana Tawileh and Stephanie Terroir, organizers of the event, the various aspects pertaining to the influence of Twitter in our region.
Why did you choose to do the event here in Beirut, and why now? Beirut is not a ‘newcomer’. The team of volunteers has been very active in the past and this is the third time that they put their city on the Twestival map. Twestival Local is a global event that takes place in one day only [March 24] around the world. Its main purpose is to have as many cities as possible join forces to make a real difference within their local communities. All events are individually organized by teams of volunteers who aim at raising funds and awareness for a specific local cause/charity. Nine cities in the Middle East are participating: Beirut, Damascus, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Jerusalem, Riyadh, Tel-Aviv and Tunis.
Properly cultivated and loyal Twitter followers can become an invaluable source of leads and sales over time
Is Twitter as popular here as in other countries – why or why not? Having three years of experience with Twitter and Twestival, we noticed that the Twitter community in Lebanon reached peak level in 2010. This is when industries, brands and news agencies started contacting experienced tweeples for their online experience for more exposure. As for charity and social aspects, the effect of Twitter has started to become meaningful. Today, Twitter in Lebanon is as popular as in other regional countries [like the UAE.] But it is used differently. Even before the revolution, the ‘tweets’ from Egypt were initiated by political activists;
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The idea is not using Twitter as a permanent web-based ad. It is about giving prospects and customers a reason for tuning in and staying on top of company activities
tweets from the UAE were very structured, business and PR oriented; tweets from Jordan were very ‘educational’ – where leaders/politicians decided to go all online for country reform. And tweets from Palestine were always related to activism and human rights. The tweets from Lebanon cover all subjects and domains – maybe because Lebanon is a privileged country in the region; one that has the highest level of freedom of speech compared to others. But from what I know/observed, Twitter took a bit of time to pick up in the Middle East in general. For one, it was banned in certain countries. The Lebanese Twitter community started growing at a very slow pace, but it quickly caught up with the UAE [who were initially leading the way.] I felt that it happened/“viraled” overnight.
Are there more women than men tweeting? We don't have access to accurate statistics regarding Lebanon. But from my experience, it seems that women, if not higher in numbers, are more active on Twitter. Twestival Beirut is run by five women. But out of pure observation, we would say that the community is fairly balanced in terms of gender participation. Women in Lebanon are not shy when it comes to voicing their opinion aloud and/or openly participating in conversations – which might not always be the case everywhere else in the region.
So how does Twitter help you or your business? We used twitter to spread the word on cultural and artistic events in Lebanon [and the region.] Twitter can help us reach different communities. We also use Twitter for recruitment; most of computer nerds and developers are easy to
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reach on Twitter. Twitter is like a 'Megaphone'; you should use it with the right words and the right tune. Otherwise, you won't be heard clearly.
Can you state three main advantages of Twitter? It is an easy, fast and cheap way to attract readers, followers and attention to your cause, your brand or your website [even if it's tricky.] But there’s more – it has great reach and amazing accessibility; it’s real-time and has too much information about almost anything. And finally, it calls for the social good. Twestival is a great example on how technology is leveraged to improve the lives of people. Another good example would be the latest crisis in Japan where people rallied en masse on Twitter to support/inform people on the ground or anywhere else in the world. By Sherry Tenorio
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SPREADING THE WORD With or without the Net T
Has technology become the decisive factor in the success of a given political revolution in our age?
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imes may change but one thing remains constant: The human need to communicate with one another. And this need becomes more acute in times of change or turmoil. Undoubtedly, technology has taken communication to a completely new level. And its instrumental role in the unfolding of political revolutions has been felt tremendously in recent months. Both Twitter and Facebook are now considered vital tools in the orchestration of uprisings, as the two social media networks continue to connect people of common causes/motives with each other. Consequently, organizing efforts in that regard is becoming easier and surely more effective. But what about the people in ancient times – how did they communicate and come together under a specific cause? Well, one thing is for sure: Communication between them was never an easy endeavor. In times of hardship, they had to utilize basic methods in spreading the word. One of the oldest modes of communication over long distances is smoke signals. American Indians, for example, communicated using this method and each tribe had its own signaling system. Another ancient mode of communication was the beacon – fire lit at specific locations on high places. A Beacon could be regarded as an ancient form of optical telegraphy. A heliograph is also another form of visual communication, which was developed in Ancient Greece. The system is a solar telegraph that sends a signal using flashes of sunlight reflected by a mirror. The flashes are produced by briefly pivoting the mirror or by interrupting the beam with a shutter.
But in the sixth century BC, a leap in the realm of communication between humans was achieved: The postal system (claimed to have been originated in Persia.) The system consisted of several stations spread across the kingdom. The message carrier would ride from one post to the next, where he would swap his horse with a fresh one (for maximum delivery speed) and continue on his journey. Then a century later, the Persians started using pigeons to send messages over long distances. Pigeons were effective as messengers due to their natural homing abilities. The pigeons were normally transported to a destination in cages where they would be attached with messages. Then the pigeon would naturally fly back to its original home where the owner could read the mail. All such ancient methods certainly pale in comparison to our current telecommunication systems, whereby information and thoughts are transmitted and received in milliseconds via the internet, mobile phones and others.
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But the main question remains: Has technology become the decisive factor in the success of a given political revolution in our age? “People protested and brought d o w n g o v e r n m e n t s b e f o re Facebook was invented,” renowned author and writer for ‘The New Yorker’ Malcolm Gladwell asserts. “People with a grievance will always find ways to communicate with each other. How they choose to do it is less interesting, in the end, than why they were driven to do it in the first place.” Gladwell’s input on the subject is accurate considering the fact that when the ex-president of Egypt Hosni Mubarak blocked internet access and SMS text messaging services during the recent demonstrations, the protestors resorted to different methods of communication. The blackout imposed by the state was to disrupt communications between the demonstrators, but the organizers utilized another medium to manage their ranks and guide the momentum of the crowds: Comics! Unknown authors created a 26-page guide titled ‘How to Protest intelligently’ in order to inform protestors about the basics of revolution. The guide contained tips on how to deal with the massive crowd, how to tackle tear gas canisters and other vital data. And the most striking feature of the guide is the illustrations that convey enthusiasm and communicate c o m p l e x i d e a s t h a t w o rd s cannot properly express.
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So in short, advances in technology as represented by the internet and other mediums can indeed affect the momentum of political revolutions in a positive manner. But to proclaim, for example, that social media networks could make or break a revolution is certainly a misconception. People will always resort to ingenious ways to achieve their ends and impose their rightful will upon their leaders and governments – even in times when this might appear as farfetched and improbable. The will of the people always prevails! By Raja Sfeir
When the ex-president of Egypt Hosni Mubarak blocked internet access and SMS text messaging services during the recent demonstrations, the protestors resorted to different methods of communication
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WOMEN UNITED THEIR VOICES HAVE BEEN HEARD; THEIR PRESENCE HAS TIPPED THE SCALE. BUT WILL WOMEN REAP THE REWARDS OF THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN RECENT REVOLUTIONS?
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hoever says that women shouldn’t go to protests because they will get beaten up should have the honour and manhood to come with me on the 25th of January.” Those were the words uttered by the 26-year-old Egyptian activist Asma Mahfouz in her now-famous video blog, which is considered as one of the triggers for moving people to join the uprising in Tahrir Square. “I’m making this video to give you one simple message: We want to go down to Tahrir Square on January 25th. If we still have honour and we want to live in dignity on this land, we have to go down on January the 25th,” she declares in her video. Asma is but one of many women who took to the streets during Egypt’s revolution. The voices of countless women in the recent uprisings, which have spread like wildfire across the region, are being heard loud and clear. Women have been at the forefront of these protests, standing up defiantly in the face of riot police and shouting out for freedom and the downfall of the regime. They have now become a force to be reckoned with. And many female activists have been referred to as individuals responsible for the success of the revolutions. With social media tools at hand, women have made the effort to be heard – be it through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or personal blogs. By constantly alerting the rest of the world of their movements and the situation on the ground, they have proved to be an accurate and passionate source of information.
The voices of countless women in the recent uprisings, which have spread like wildfire across the region, are being heard loud and clear PUSHMAG.ME
Revolutions are not new to the Arab world; in the last 150 years alone, the Middle East has witnessed a number of uprisings. But because we live in a male-dominated society, the role of women in these past uprisings has been barely mentioned throughout history. But the truth is women have played a significant role. There have been numerous women in the past whose efforts should not be dismissed. Regarding the recent revolutions, Farah Salka, a member of Nasawiya (a feminist collective based in Lebanon) still cannot believe how far women have gone to make themselves heard. “These revolutions have been beyond a dream come true! And how women have fought equally with men – it has been beautiful,” she says. “But it is also hard for me to speak about it, because what has
happened is only something I used to dream about. I never thought it would happen in my lifetime.” Farah was quick to point out that, at the same time, it should not be too much of a surprise to see women play a significant role in changing the system. “These women are just as much a part of the society as everyone else. Men go out to the street to oppose the regime and the economic problems, which affect both men and women equally,” she explains. Images and footage from Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, Libya and Bahrain display women standing, chanting and shouting for serious change in the system and for equal rights. At one point, it was thought to be impossible. But women were sleeping in Tahrir Square for nights on end next to men. Both men and women share similar goals and want to bring change to the country. According to Imane Eddbali, a 2 2 - y e a r- o l d M o r o c c a n activist/blogger and medical student based in Paris, the role of women has changed remarkably with regards to making their voices heard – thanks largely to modern-day technology. “We are all equal when it comes to the internet. We have the same tools, the same capabilities; women, like men, blog and talk about what they see, what they face and make their message reach people,” she explains.
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“The internet has become the unavoidable platform where everyone can be heard as long as they know how to put things together. I think that people are looking for other sources of news, and the successive revolutions proved it many times; tracking the ‘raw’ information from its source has become the trend. Educated women have understood that too. They talk about what they witness, what they live, what they feel [most of the times in English to reach as many people as possible], and that’s worth hundreds of reports by mainstream media channels.” For the past two years, and especially since the uprisings started, Imane has been spending endless hours on her computer, day and night, tracking the news and spreading it through her network to help raise more awareness. “I’m sensitive to everything regarding the Arab world. But one thing that I am particularly concerned about is the unity movement in Palestine,” she says. “I have been there since day one; saw it struggle and face more critics than support. And I’ve done my best to help it grow on my scale. I am proud of what it has become – of how many people it has gathered – and I will be there to feed the impulsion until it succeeds.” In her opinion, the Arab world has now reached a stage, especially with regards to women, where it is equivalent to where the Western world was during the middle of the 20th century. “In a mostly Muslim Arab world, the cultural interpretation of religious dogmas has long kept women in the domestic fields. But we are getting there; we are clearing the table from all that cultural weight. And now, more and more women have access to education, work in fields that used to be mostly occupied by men, and are able to prove that they can be just as successful as them.”
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What she observed in the recent events was the representation of women at each demonstration. “In every single protest, you could see women regardless of age and social standing walking with men side by side – just as concerned about their countries, their future and their lives,” she maintains. While overjoyed by the role of women in the recent uprisings, Farah Salka is keen to point out that the post-revolution changes are far more crucial than the revolution itself, especially regarding the role of women. “It is very important to note that in most revolutions, everyone gets so excited to see all the women in the street. But once the revolutions are done, everyone forgets and then go back to the same patriarchal system,” she adds. “The system almost tricks women into joining, but then the changes don’t happen. Hence, it is necessary to point out that women’s participation shouldn’t end when the revolution ends. Their role starts properly after the end of the revolution, as this is when you can assess whether or not the new system will be better or worse for women.” Taking Egypt as a case study, she points out that now will be the time to assess whether the revolution will have a tangible effect on the lives of women, especially regarding political participation and sexual harassment. “Only when we can abolish all the restrictions on women can I then say the revolution has succeeded; it is a whole package where it is all or nothing,” she asserts. “Are the same men who were with the women on the streets during the uprisings going to ensure their support for women to get their rights after the revolution?” With the situation still being precarious in Egypt and Tunisia, and with the possibility of a civil war breaking out in Libya, women are working overtime to guarantee their positions in both civil society and the political system. The future of women and their role in the Arab world is now being determined. And only once they have secured their place and ensured their equal rights can the revolutions be considered a success. By Nour Samaha
“In every single protest, you could see women regardless of age and social standing walking with men side by side – just as concerned about their countries, their future and their lives” “It is necessary to point out that women’s participation shouldn’t end when the revolution ends. Their role starts properly after the end of the revolution, as this is when you can assess whether or not the new system will be better or worse for women”
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CENSORING THE NEWS
Should you or should you not shield your child from the negativities of the world?
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candals and swindles, homicides and genocides and natural and manmade forces of destruction constitute “news” on television today. Unlike the reel world, the content of a news channel does not come with a 15+ rating. In the absence of a censor board, what do you do? As a parent, the remote is in your hands.
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BAN THE BOX Pop queen Madonna did not allow her children to watch any television in their younger years. As shocking as this stringent step may seem in this age, there are other parents who follow this rule in their respective homes too. Pulling the plug completely, they believe, encourages young minds and bodies to be creatively and physically active. Substitutes for educational TV programs that the kids may miss can be easily found in one’s local library or on the worldwide web. There are sites, like Unplugyourkids.com, which offer craft ideas, science experiments and book recommendations to stimulate a child’s interests in a variety of subjects. SHOW AND TELL Along with her multicultural family, actress Angelina Jolie has adopted the unrestrained approach when it comes to her kids viewing the news. In an interview on the CNN channel, Jolie admitted to exposing her children to graphic images. But she defended her decision by adding that she explains to them the causes and effects of these events. And at times even involves them in the steps taken to make a difference to the distressed, like packing flashlights and food for a floodravaged region.
Your preteen child has probably developed the ability to analyze varied scenarios, so you can allow him/her to watch the news – but always in your presence. skills needed to comprehend the situation. Young minds are easily influenced and are prone to imitative behavior. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children below two years of age should not be exposed to any kind of television, and those older should not watch more than one or two hours of educational programs only. Because when it comes to graphic images of destruction on the news, they tend to be repeatedly shown. In fact, the constant barrage can sometimes be too much for adults as well.
SO WILL IT BE ALL OR NOTHING? If you look for expert opinions, you will find advocates for both of these extreme points of view. But what they all agree on is that:
“If children see recurring photos of any disaster, they will think it is happening all over again; they cannot understand concepts like the permanence of death,” explains Dr Karen Olness, professor of pediatrics, family medicine and global health at Case Western Reserve University.
The first couple of years in a child’s life are critical for their brain development. C h i l d re n a re l i k e s p o n g e s , soaking up what they hear and see, but lacking the thinking
Harvard Medical School psychiatrist Alvin Poussaint agrees. “Children lack the ability to distance themselves from tragedies shown on television; they internalize and personalize
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Children are like sponges, soaking up what they hear and see, but lacking the thinking skills needed to comprehend the situation it instead. When they see someone pulled from the rubble, they wonder, ‘Could that be me? Could that be my mom or dad?’” As adults, we rely heavily on the news as our primary source of information. And while you may want to protect your children from its harmful effects, you may not want to keep them completely in the dark about the goings-on in the world. If your child is below six years of age, it is best to administer the truth in small doses. They don’t need to “see” it for themselves, as the news on television is usually sensationalized and is never a true representation of events. So without allowing them to view the news, tell them about certain occurrences – sparing them the gory details and being as inexplicit as you can be. Even if your child is between the ages of six and 10, they are still vulnerable. They may be able to tell the difference between fantasy and reality, but they lack perspective. Their fears won’t be of monsters in the closet but of being kidnapped. It would be wise to use your judgment about how much TV news you want to expose them to. Help them develop a realistic sense of danger; explain to them that just because there was a robbery in the neighborhood that doesn’t mean it is a common occurrence. Make sure to limit their exposure to gruesome reviews of crime and injury. Your preteen child has probably developed the
“Children lack the ability to distance themselves from tragedies shown on television; they internalize and personalize it instead. When they see someone pulled from the rubble, they wonder, ‘Could that be me? Could that be my mom or dad?’”
ability to analyze varied scenarios, so you can allow him/her to watch the news – but always in your presence. Later, have a discussion at the dinner table. Ask him/her thought-provoking questions, like “Do you think what happened was right? And why?”, “How would you make a difference?” and “Do you think that story was aired to increase ratings or because it was newsworthy?” Also remember to share your feelings on the subject; it is an opportunity to instil in your child your sense of values and beliefs. Use the news to teach your children positive aspects like social responsibility to help them better understand world issues and to understand when it is time to switch off. By Neil Soans
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who says that she wasn’t the only one of the new batch of graduates to have agreed to this clause. “I thought it was legal, and so I just accepted it as it is my first job.” According to the contract, if she was to get pregnant, she risked losing her job. Well, the poor young woman did end up getting pregnant and lost her job.
SIGNING OFF ON
MOTHERHOOD Who knew that writing “single” in the marital status box on job applications could be one of the few times being single actually works in your favor!
According to the contract, if she was to get pregnant, she risked losing her job. Well, the poor young woman did end up getting pregnant and lost her job PUSHMAG.ME
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here is the unspoken belief within the working force that a married woman is a liability, as she can get pregnant and need time off from work at any point. Who knew that writing “single” in the marital status box on job applications could be one of the few times being single actually works in your favor! Sometimes you can actually see a suppressed sigh of relief when potential employers hear you declare that you are single and ready to be dedicated to the work at hand. No “family reasons” kind of excuses to be expected from a single employee – male or female. That is sometimes used against a single person as well, with the married one with kids getting priority in breaks and late shifts at work. It can get annoying for a single woman to keep hearing how a colleague of hers needs the weekend off again because one of her children is “ill” or “has exams”. If the single person speaks out, she sounds selfish and cold for wanting the weekend off as well. Now let’s look at the other side: What some married woman face in the working force.With job markets still recovering from the economic crisis, some married female employees are finding themselves being exploited within both the private and public sector, but are keeping silent out of fear of losing their jobs. Fatima, 21, said that when she joined a public company in the UAE, she had to sign a contract in which she agreed “not to get pregnant” for the first two years of her work. “I was told that it was the probation period for any new female worker,” explains the young Emirati,
Of course, it is illegal to force a woman to delay her pregnancy or refer to it except when discussing maternity leave. The Labor Ministry and the Federal Authority for Human Resources are always adamant that any clauses penalizing women for getting pregnant while employed constitutes a violation regardless of the nature of the job. “Labor Law has no such condition and any company forcing any new or old female employee, no matter if she is local or foreign, to sign such an agreement is breaking the law and the employee has the right to complain against it,” says an official at the Labor Ministry. Generally, female workers are entitled to maternity leave with full pay for a period of forty-five days, including both pre and postnatal periods, if she has completed “not less than one year” of continuous service with her employer. A female worker who has not completed the previously mentioned period of service shall be entitled to maternity leave with half pay. It may sound cold and calculating, but employers think in terms of money and investment. And so they sometimes discriminate against a woman based on her marital status – something they never do with men. By Alana Sharara
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CAPTURING HEARTS AND MINDS D Many leaders make the fatal mistake of talking too much and listening too little
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oesn’t it feel euphoric to be in charge of a team that supports you fully and is willing to go with you all the way in achieving the vision that your company has laid out? Sure it does! But to become the effective and inspiring leader that you want, and to be able to convince your people that you are the one they ought to follow, you need to develop and hone your communication skills. Poor communication is the main cause for failed relationships in professional life. And without great relationships at the workplace, one’s success as a leader becomes almost impossible. Leaders must invest in their communication skills; otherwise, they will never be able to motivate, inspire and lead. Great communication comprises two fundamental elements: Context and delivery. The former is about adjusting the leader’s frequency to that of her followers/employees. And the latter is all about packaging the message in a language that they could comprehend.
How your communication skills as a leader could make or break you CONTEXT The art of listening: No other skill is more fundamental than listening intently to your people. Many leaders make the fatal mistake of talking too much and listening too little. But how could one understand any situation and make proper evaluations if she does not listen closely? Always remember that communication is not just about talking. When those who follow you feel that you listen and do understand them, they will be more transparent in disclosing their views/opinions/feelings/thoughts to you. And this is very important. Comprehending human psychology: As a leader wishing to communicate effectively, you need to keep in mind many of the principles pertaining to human psychology. Aim to boost the confidence of your employees by showing your trust in their talents/capabilities. Appreciate and praise their work and efforts. Offer them hope of a better future, and motivate them to realize their fullest potential. Most importantly, make sure that you make them feel special. So always use your words wisely and constructively to achieve the aforementioned ends.
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Great communication comprises two fundamental elements: Context and delivery Be attuned to emotions: Gauging the emotional status of others is crucial. A leader needs to pay close attention to the facial expressions, body language and tone of voice of those whom she wishes to lead; all such elements offer insight into the mind/mood of her people. DELIVERY The right tone: The way you deliver your words plays a major role in effective communication. Adjust your tone to fit the emotional state of those under your command to make the right impact. Sometimes, how you say things could be more important than what you actually say. Address with conviction: When you speak in order to influence, make sure that it is with enthusiasm. Allow your body and face to convey lively gestures and expressions. Maintaining eye contact with those whom you are addressing is vital.
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Sometimes, how you say things could be more important than what you actually say
And eventually, the truth will come out and credibility will b e a d v e r s e l y a ff e c t e d . S o make sure that you only utter the truth, even if doing so i s c o s t l y. M o re o v e r, b e i n g consistent in your opinions on various topics and staying away from contradicting yourself is crucial to gain the trust and understanding of your people. As a leader of your team, department or entire company, you will find yourself having to communicate with a wide array of people – inspiring employees, negotiating with clients and others. Your success in dealing with all of them depends solely on how advanced your interpersonal skills are. And contrary to common belief, communication skills could be developed through practice. By Raja Sfeir
MASTERING THE VOICE I n h i s b o o k ‘ T h e P o w e r o f Ve r b a l Intelligence’, Tony Buzan highlights the importance of controlling one’s voice for effective and impactful communication. He recommends that we study and observe our voice in order to improve its range of skills. Checking qualities such as voice energy level, variation, projection, pitch (high or low), tone ( s o f t / w a r m / h a rd / c o l d ) a n d g e n e r a l sound quality is crucial. And this could be done by recording your voice on audiotape, asking for feedback from friends or simply trying to be selfaware of this issue. Then rate yourself on a scale of 0 -10 on each of these areas, before starting the improvement process. Playing vocal games is also recommended in order to expand the width and strength of the voice. Once a day, experiment with different vocal sounds, volumes and variation – you could do so in the privacy of your car or shower. Alternatively, singing could give you the aforementioned benefits. Sing to express your feelings – be it positive or negative.
The great policy of honesty: Oftentimes, leaders take the route of manipulation in order to persuade their followers. But this path of deceit and lie cannot last for long or yield long-term results.
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MONEY MADAM
PROTECTING YOUR INVESTMENTS
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nderstanding the effect of risk on your investment portfolio is of paramount importance. It is even more pertinent in the wake of the recent natural disasters in Japan and New Zealand, civil unrest in North African and Middle Eastern countries. In fact, for people living in the Middle East, risk is something that must never be taken lightly. The Middle East is a hotbed for unpredictable political instability, as the last few months have shown. The masses have risen and voiced their grievances. They were met with a range of responses from their respective governments – from token appeasements in the name of increased subsidies to all out violence. So what does a Middle Eastern investor do to cushion the blow of such destructive events? The answer lies in risk diversification outside your backyard. People in most Western societies have had the ongoing privilege of long term peace since the ravages of World War II, giving them the opportunity to find long term solutions for their nations’ futures in the form of industrial, financial, scientific leadership and so forth. The Middle East on the other hand, is still an emerging market trying to develop the right political, economic and social infrastructure to ensure PUSHMAG.ME
prosperity. Unfortunately, this road map to prosperity is riddled with revolutions and all out war. As a resident of this area, you would do well to hedge your bets. In this spirit, let us see what we can do to spread our risk and maximise our returns. When developing an investment strategy, it is important to look at the global picture to see which markets are regarded as safer bets. We cannot play the nationalist card and blindly put all our hard earned savings in one place. It simply is not a viable solution, considering the economic and political upheavals that have taken place over the past four years. You can start by breaking down geographic areas and scanning the political, economic and natural landscape. It is important to also understand the economic cycle of these areas to ensure that you do not find yourself in the midst of a bust as you put your money into the market.
Dollar in value due to worries of Japan’s future inability to fulfil its export commitments and an expected increase in imports as it begins rebuilding its country. Since then, the Yen has stabilised on the back of international support in an attempt to re-establish investor confidence. Many international companies with exposure to Japan were also badly hit, with shares in some of the world’s biggest luxury goods companies tumbling on concerns that high-spending Japanese consumers would stop shopping as a result of the disaster. Japan accounts for about 11% of global luxury goods sales. London-based Burberry for example, generates 7% of its sales in the region; its shares were down as much as 6% in the wake of the disaster. In Paris, shares in LVMH were down by more than 3%, whilst Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent owner PPR dipped nearly 2%. There are fears that demand for luxury goods could be seriously impacted in the short term.
Let us look at the recent Japanese and Middle Eastern crises for illustration. The Japanese Natural Disaster Case Study The March nuclear crisis in Japan caused an outright dip in global stock markets. In Tokyo, the Nikkei Index dropped by almost 11% in one day. Below is a 6 month chart of the Nikkei Index. As you can see, the Nikkei crashed on the 16th of March to a low of 8530 points vs. The February 16 high of 10,855 points amidst the Tsunami and Earthquake disasters that led to thousands of deaths and the destruction of nuclear reactors leading to uncertainty and panic. The Yen soared against the US
The Libyan Case Study And Its Effect on Oil Prices Global oil prices rose sharply in the wake of Libya’s political troubles due to its inability to produce oil at normal production levels and the oil embargo imposed on it by the international community. If the crisis continues for a long period of time - as is most likely at this point -, this can negatively affect businesses and consumers as a whole, taking its toll on profit margins for airlines, other transportation companies and businesses heavily reliant on the commodity to perform normal business activities. The clever investor should certainly pay attention to this commodity and try to take advantage of the high
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prices - particularly since we are seeing uprisings all around the Middle East – from Syria, Bahrain, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and potentially more to come. High oil prices could continue for some time to come.
SO WHAT DOES A MIDDLE EASTERN INVESTOR DO TO CUSHION THE BLOW OF SUCH DESTRUCTIVE EVENTS? THE ANSWER LIES IN RISK DIVERSIFICATION OUTSIDE YOUR BACKYARD
The Cumulative Effect As you can see from the chart on the right, March’s de-stabilising events have led to another hike in Gold prices due to increased demand against global rising inflation, economic uncertainty and political instability within North Africa and the Middle East. At the time of writing, gold touched $ 1,430 per ounce. If things continue as they are, we can expect Gold to reach higher highs beyond the $1,500 mark as demand remains robust for this precious metal.
JAPAN ACCOUNTS FOR ABOUT 11% OF GLOBAL LUXURY GOODS SALES... THERE ARE FEARS THAT DEMAND FOR LUXURY GOODS COULD BE SERIOUSLY IMPACTED IN THE SHORT TERM
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More dramas continue to unfold in the form of the European Sovereign Debt crisis, rising food prices and overall inflation risk. So where does that leave your portfolio? Investors are currently seeking protection by putting their money in Emerging Markets such as China, India and the Asia Pacific with a view towards long-term growth in these regions. As Middle Eastern residents, you would do well to park your money in an offshore US Dollar account until the dust settles. Buy property abroad. Seek protection through Gold and consider the abovementioned Emerging Markets for the time being. Select blue chip US stocks are also worth considering. Finally, stay safe and pray for a quick solution to the madness we are currently facing. You can now follow TheMoneyMadam on twitter or contact her at: moneymadam@pushmag.me
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WOMAN OF THE MONTH
Rosie the Riveter R
osie the Riveter is a representative figure of the American woman who worked in trades/industries to aid the war efforts in World War II. During that phase, women joined factories that were mainly manufacturing supplies and ammunitions for the soldiers, who were fighting in Europe against the Nazis and the Pacific Ocean against the Japanese. Women, in fact, replaced male workers who had to join the military service – the number of working women increased by fifty percent in four years as a result. The American government mainly targeted ordinary homemakers through its campaigns to support war efforts, and targeted their husbands as well. After the war ended in 1945, women went back to occupying traditional jobs – administrative positions and others. Nevertheless, some maintained their jobs at factories and in maledominated industries. Rosie the Riveter is now considered a feminist symbol in America.
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BOOK OF THE MONTH TODD STRASSER The Wave
‘T
he Wave’ is a novel that recounts a real incident, which took place in a Californian high school in 1969. According to the teacher, Ron Jones, no one talked about it for three years afterwards. "It was," he said, "one of the most frightening events I have ever experienced in the classroom." This incident simply disrupted the entire school. The novel dramatizes the incident, showing how the powerful forces of group pressure that have pervaded many historical movements and cults can persuade people to join such movements and give up their individual rights in the process – sometimes causing great harm to others. The full impact of what the students lived through and learned is realistically portrayed in the book. Ben Ross (a fictionalized name) is the history teacher who, in an attempt to help his students comprehend how the German people could have allowed the Holocaust to take place, carries out an experimental class project. And so, Ross set about creating an environment in which a sense of power is derived from unity and individuality is dampened by the pressure to conform. This is achieved via imposing his authoritarian rule and utilizing slogans and chants. The results were very surprising to Ross, as the students became enthralled with the experiment – referred to as “The Wave”. This book does a great job in shedding light on an important phenomenon that has affected humans and societies throughout history: How the power of group dynamics could lead to dire consequences if applied wrongly and how, as a result, people could act in disharmony with their moral compass.
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I
n the digital age that we currently live in, it’s almost impossible to go about our daily lives without being constantly inundated with tons of information as they constantly bombard our senses. Various technologies have given us the ability to access the news on the net as well as on smartphones. While this is good for people who believe that knowledge is power, there is a thing as too much information. Here, we present a case for the other side of the story – sometimes, ignorance is bliss.
There are a few avenues to access the latest information and these can actually be used to enhance your news viewing experience without leaving you down in the dumps
Got kids? Refer to page 034 to see how the news is effecting them
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Pick up any newspaper, switch on your favorite news channel, log on to a newsblog and chances are you will encounter news on the Middle East crises, some recent natural disaster and a slew of all the latest crimes in the vicinity. Fact is, the news is often quite depressing and there is very little uplifting information that is prominently featured as a headline. It’s almost as if we are naturally attracted to the negative and miserable aspects of the human race. It really shouldn’t come as a surprise that we often find our heads overloaded with all the white n o i s e . B u t why should this be a concern? Quite simply, it’s a recipe for getting you down in the dumps. After all, constantly reading, hearing or watching stories about the misfortunes of people, recession woes and misdemeanors can put you in a negative frame of mind that is disheartening to say the least. This can be avoided by allowing yourself to read the essential information without getting into the gritty stuff.
the others. Most sites have this feature enabled and make it easy for readers to access news. Twitter: Believe it or not, but Tw i t t e r m i g h t b e j u s t w h a t you need to get a quick dose of info every now and then. It works similar to RSS feeds; you can follow your favorite news sites and receive breaking news information as they h a p p e n . A d d i t i o n a l l y, you can always detach from all the serious stuff and get interesting trivia as well.
Constantly reading, hearing or watching stories about the misfortunes of people, recession woes and misdemeanors can put you in a negative frame of mind that is disheartening to say the least
So how does one maintain a balance between information that is necessary while tuning out what is not? Since there is no acceptable excuse for not being aware of the world around you in current times, you can always select what to absorb. There are a few avenues to access the latest information and these can actually be used to enhance your news viewing experience without leaving you down in the dumps.
RSS feeds: RSS stands for ‘Really Simple Syndication’ and that’s pretty much what it is. These feeds work to integrate various sources into a single reader that allows for viewing on a single interface. Users can subscribe to these websites and receive updates in real time. This allows you to get topic specific information that doesn’t test your tolerance levels; you can simply click on the article you wish to read and ignore
Topic specific updates: Most of the leading news websites are now equipped to send you a mail when a particular subject of your interest is revised. This allows you to subscribe and keep track of information that is relevant to you. All you need to do is select what you’d like to read about – it’s that simple! The aforementioned tips are just a few methods for you to utilize in your quest to minimize the exposure to negative or unnecessary news. And if you wish to learn about what to do when it comes to your kids’ exposure to negative news, read our article ‘Censoring the News’ also featured in this issue of PUSH. By Neil Soans
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Thursday 14th of April
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SMALL TALK
NERDY FACT
Copernicus
Copernicus' highly significant book that brought about the beginning of a new development or era, ‘De Revolutionibus Orbium Coelestium’ (On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres), published just before his death in 1543, is often regarded as the starting point of modern astronomy and the defining epiphany that began the scientific revolution. His heliocentric model, with the Sun at the center of the universe, demonstrated that the observed motions of celestial objects can be explained without putting Earth at rest in the center of the universe. His work stimulated further scientific investigations, becoming a landmark in the history of science that is often referred to as the Copernican Revolution.
TERM OF THE MONTH " Junk Science " Junk Science is a term used to describe false/misleading research that is offered as real science, but which was not obtained using the accepted scientific method. The term “junk science” is often applied to deceptive environmental and health studies.
WHO ARE YOU CALLING A FOOL? Interesting things that have happened on April 1st!
Taco Liberty Bell In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in ‘The New York Times’ announcing that they had purchased the Liberty Bell to “reduce the country's debt” and renamed it the “Taco Liberty Bell”.
Left Handed Whoppers In 1998, Burger King ran an ad in USA Today, saying that people could get a Whopper for left-handed people whose condiments were designed to drip out of the right side.[ Not only did customers order the new burgers, but some specifically requested the “old”, right-handed burger.
Apple buys the Beatles Bob Lefsetz released an April Fools' Day letter which had rumours circulating around the music industry.
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Barbecued Chicken Burritos A Delicious and Easy Lunch
T
hese burritos are something of a Tex-Mex wonder: Tangy barbecue sauce, some roast chicken (or rotisserie chicken) and vegetables, all wrapped up in tortillas. Preparation
Place a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, barbecue sauce, beans, corn and sour cream; stir to combine. Cook until hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Assemble the wraps by placing a lettuce leaf in the center of each tortilla and topping with one-fourth of the chicken mixture; roll as you would a burrito. Slice in half diagonally and serve warm, with lime wedges. Nutritional Facts per serving Calories: 353 Cal Fat: 9 G (3 G sat, 3 G mono) Cholesterol: 82 Mg Carbohydrates: 40 G Protein: 33 G Fiber: 5 G Sodium: 579 Mg Potassium: 39 Mg
1 2-pound roasted chicken, skin discarded, meat removed from bones and shredded (4 cups) 1/2 cup prepared barbecue sauce 1 cup canned black beans, rinsed 1/2 cup frozen corn, thawed, or canned corn, drained 1/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream 4 leaves romaine lettuce 4 10-inch whole-wheat tortillas 2 limes, cut in wedges
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The Gendered Effects of Globalization in the GCC No issue facing policymakers in the GCC is more vexing than dealing with the cultural impact of globalization. Globalization is viewed as a major threat to national identity, Arabic language loss and cultural degradation. This perception permeates public debates and is reflected in a number of policy prescriptions aimed at managing the effects of the globalization. However, little is known about the psychological effects of globalization and how they are experienced by the younger generation of men and women in the GCC. Dr. May Al-Dabbagh presented the culmination of a three year research project about the gendered effects of globalization in the GCC, which was funded by the Emirates Foundation, during a lecture held at The Dubai School of Government. In three experimental studies, conducted jointly with Professor Hannah Riley Bowles from Harvard University, the gendered psychological consequences of priming local and global culture among men and women in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are tested. Using the lens of negotiation as a proxy for entitlement, participants were asked to analyze a compensation negotiation from the negotiator’s and evaluator’s perspectives. Priming local culture, gender
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effects on negotiation replicated U.S. studies: Arab women (versus men) were less inclined to negotiate and paid a higher social cost for negotiating. However, in the global (versus local) context, Arab men were more reticent to negotiate and paid a higher social cost after negotiating for higher pay—reflecting lowered social status. Results also showed the emergence of a new negative stereotype about nationals in the global context which applies more to men than women. The results of these studies have important implications for education, employment, nationalization, and gender equality policies in the GCC.
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Lingerie... Naughty Costumes... and More
Looking for agents/distributers in the Middle East - info@icandygirl.com - PUSHMAG.ME www.icandygirl.com
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ART DUBAI WRAPS UP IT’S FIFTH EDITION 21 MARCH 2011 The largest and most diverse edition to date, Art Dubai experienced strong sales during its 2011 presentation from 16-19 March and attracted more than 20,000 guests, with a 30 percent increase in international visitors. Underscoring its role as a vital cultural meeting point connecting the Middle East and Asia with the rest of the world, Art Dubai 2011 was attended by curators, collectors, gallerists, artists, museum directors and more than 60 museum groups.
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THE YWCA CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY Women in most parts of the world celebrate International Women's Day on March 8 of every year. And for this occasion, the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) in Lebanon organized a ceremony to honor Claudia Marchalian for her effective role in highlighting problems faced by Lebanese women in specific and society in general. Through her work as a scriptwriter, actress and critic, Marchalian has been able to shed light on various social problems and rarely-tackled women issues. This ceremony was held under the patronage of Minister Mona Ofeish and was supported by Alfa. Attending the event was a wide array of dignitaries, directors, actors and presidents of associations/institutes concerned with women’s issues.
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NOT SO
For general business advice or office etiquette questions, email us to: feedback@pushmag.me
How much money do I have to save before I can think about starting a small business? Huda M. – Jordan Dear Huda, You need to be able to sustain the running cost of your business for eight to 12 months without any income or profit. So to estimate an amount, you need to know how much you will actually be spending on a monthly basis. My colleagues always discuss politics at the office. And in Lebanon, this usually leads to a religious/sectarian discussion, which could sometimes make me [and others] feel uncomfortable. What's the best way to handle this? K.H. – Lebanon Dear K.H. Ask your boss where you can put a "NO POLITICS" sign. If he/she doesn't share your feelings, put one in your cubicle or on your desk so that you can make a statement.
* Since we have been receiving numerous questions regarding t h e p ro s / c o n s o f w o r k i n g with a spouse, PUSH will be covering this topic in-depth in a later issue.
I'm a mother of three, and I recently decided to go back to work. My husband wants me to come work with him at his company. I'm not sure about this idea, even though at first it sounded like fun. But is it wise to work with your spouse? N.B. – UAE Dear N.B., The question is relative and certainly depends on how compatible the couple's personalities are under the pressures of the workplace. And what also counts is the willingness by the parties involved to make the partnership work. One of the major reasons as to why you should not work together is to keep your worlds separate. This way, you get to come home to each other every night and share your experiences. On the other hand, working with your spouse could have its advantages: Let him witness the smart and sophisticated side of you. You've been a housewife for the past X amount of years; maybe it's time for you to go explore that part of your personality and see how it goes. One thing is for sure: If you find out that you don't work well together, QUIT immediately and find a job elsewhere. You don't want this to negatively affect your marriage.* PUSHMAG.ME
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YOUR CHINESE RAT
OX
TIGER
RABBIT
WORK: When things fall into place too easily, you become wary. But try to enjoy the interesting developments for what they are. And perhaps, you will learn to trust that maybe some things do come easily.
WORK: Being forced to
WORK: When unexpected twists change everything, you will have to reconsider certain arrangements. Oftentimes, such developments force you to consider a completely new approach to both existing activities and long-term objectives.
WORK: Urgent as various
Born in the year: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
LOVE: Recent
circumstances have raised questions that’ll keep you busy for some time. This is encouraging you to explore new approaches in terms of close relationships. And the more you discover, the less worrying these new events will seem.
HEALTH: Complicated as certain dilemmas may be, facing up to them frees you from conflicts that you have assumed to be insurmountable. Frank discussions may be difficult, but it is a vital first step to overcoming your dilemmas.
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Born in the year: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009 organize elements in your daily routine at work is challenging. And although plunging impulsively into unknown ventures may be out of character for you, doing so now will be more informative than you can imagine.
LOVE: When you feel that
fundamental elements in your love life are spinning out of your control, you act swiftly and expect instant results. With the foundation on which plans are made shifting regularly, life will be a lot easier if you regard whatever you organize as tentative.
HEALTH: You may have
been ignoring certain tricky situations either because you don’t know what to do or because such situations make you so anxious that you cannot bear to dwell on them. Either way, the current circumstances indirectly force you to face them head-on.
Born in the year: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
LOVE: It is not surprising
Born in the year: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 decisions might seem, show interest but make no firm commitments. Better to be free to consider what you will be focusing on in the future. The resulting insights could lead to a major rethinking about your priorities.
LOVE: It might be
if those around you are panicking. Be supportive, but avoid giving advice. What suits them one day might not the next.
tempting to deal with certain issues as swiftly as possible, especially as some could instigate lengthy debates. Avoid jumping to conclusions.
HEALTH: This month marks a period of deep personal reflection. So distance yourself from others, especially those closest to you. You are feeling very sensitive and their well-meaning advice could be confusing.
HEALTH: For some time, you have been doing all you can to avoid altering your way of living. However, nobody can keep things as they are. Accepting this is the first step to a better, more liberating life.
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HOROSCOPE DRAGON
SNAKE
HORSE
GOAT
WORK: Because you like to organize your own plans, you will sometimes reject arrangements that fall “magically” into place – even if they are in your best interest. Rather than battling with destiny, go with the flow.
WORK: Aimless as certain conversations might sound, most are worth considering. The information derived from these conversations will become crucial to the structure of your life – beginning a decisive cycle.
WORK: It might seem unwise to agree to everything thrown in your path. But this approach is probably ideal to the current range of fresh ideas, offers and developments. Just ensure that others know your decisions are tentative.
LOVE: As much as you
LOVE: While the Snake type has a taste for drama, dwelling on and revealing your own vulnerable feelings is another matter. You will soon realize that those feelings you most dread to acknowledge can easily be dealt with through frank discussions.
WORK: The feedback has been encouraging, but there has been no follow up. Do not worry at this stage, for others are in the midst of a serious assessment of their own priorities and cannot give proper thought to the future before this is completed.
LOVE: Waste no time in figuring out where you went wrong in dealing with a developing relationship. And do not make the mistake of assuming that you will be able to put complicated issues to rest in one lengthy discussion.
Born in the year: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
dislike accepting the idea that somebody has been dishonest, you may have no choice but to deal with this fact. You probably fear that by pondering the problem, you would reach the conclusion that ending the relation is the best option.
HEALTH: You have every right to complain about other people’s words or actions. But instead of being annoyed, be forgiving. Unmerited as it seems, forgiving others will work wonders.
Born in the year: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
HEALTH: Even minor
dilemmas constitute an invitation to examine arrangements that you have regarded as fundamental to your health. Always maintain an open mind.
Born in the year: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
HEALTH: Take things easy whenever possible rather than rushing about like a headless chicken. Failing to calm down and focus could be detrimental to your overall health.
Born in the year: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
LOVE: Recent unpleasant encounters may have made you question whether it is worth bothering with new acquaintances. But this could be easily resolved if you manage to raise the issues in question early in the month. HEALTH: Do not jump to conclusions at this early stage, for you could be wrong. Do something out of character: Compare notes with others.
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MONKEY
ROOSTER
DOG
BOAR
WORK: At times, your humor has gotten you into trouble. But now it is your greatest asset. Use it to jolly up certain individuals – freeing them from a grumpy mood triggered by recent differences in opinion.
WORK: Changes have been in the air, but you have fended off the most disruptive developments. While exploring absolutely everything may seem a waste of time, such a tactic holds remarkable promise.
WORK: During this month, a series of rather challenging events will both clarify certain existing concepts and bring new opportunities your way. You are advised, however, to avoid making any hasty arrangements.
WORK: Certain individuals are upset. While you can ignore some, those with whom you are closely involved are another matter. They need to be inspired and it is your duty to figure out how to do it.
LOVE: You correctly sense that certain fundamental issues have not been raised. And you are obviously feeling uneasy about taking things further until you know more. You need not worry too much, for the situation is bound to bring matters to the surface.
LOVE: Finding a balance
LOVE: You have a gift
LOVE: Saying what is
Born in the year: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
HEALTH: Once you
understand that the arguments others make have nothing to do with logic, everything else will make sense. But while you are biding your time until you learn more, they are taking action and it is not always well thought out.
PUSHMAG.ME
Born in the year: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
between laughing off disputes and taking loved ones too seriously is not easy. Yet if you can manage it, you will glide through unruffled. Ultimately, the intention is to make peace and not war.
HEALTH: Many are too lazy to make the effort required to deal with this disruptive but worthwhile period. If you are to do their work, they will expect you to come to their aid every time they snap their fingers. And this will be taxing on your system.
Born in the year: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
for knowing how far you can push tense situations without actually triggering a crisis. But now, so much is in transition that your instincts have been clouded. So whatever the situation, inquire about the intentions of others.
HEALTH: You are
concerned about the dilemmas close friends, l o v e d o n e s a n d even colleagues are facing. Try not to get sucked into this vortex. Offer y o u r help, while remaining as emotionally detached as possible.
Born in the year: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
on your mind could be a problem for you. Ideally, your discussions should not merely cover practicalities. Go deeper than usual. Consequently, you will encourage others to reveal their feelings.
HEALTH: Sometimes, obstacles are merely problems to be overcome – challenges to test your wisdom. You have an instinctive understanding that a lasting solution is preferable to a quick fix. Changes in circumstances mean that your priorities are bound to change.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
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4
7
1
8 1
2 1
7 4
9
3 6
6
7
5
2
8
9 5
9
SUDOKU
2
065
2
3 3
Which one of the five choices 1-5 is the top view of the figure 6?
4
8
6
1
2
3
4
5
6
PUSHMAG.ME
066
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
CONFERENCES LEBANON
Apr 14-16 Impact of Integrated Clean Energy on the future of the Mediterranean At Lebanese University, Rafic Hariri University Campus Lebanese University & Medgreen Society 961 3 445 428 | salame@ul.edu.lb Apr 19-20 E-Banking Conference At Movenpick Hotel Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group 961 1 780200 info@iktissad.com | www.iktissad.com May 25-27 Beirut international Franchise Forum & Exhibition Al-Iktissad Wal-Aamal Group 961 1 780 200 info@iktissad.com | www.iktissad.com June 14 The Lebanon Summit At Four Seasons Hotel Economist Conferences 44 20 75768550 cemearegistrations@economist.com mea.economistconferences.com
INTERNATIONAL DUBAI Apr 10-14 Fifty Ninth UITP World Congress & Exhibition Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com Apr 11-12 The Private Equity International Middle East Forum Private Equity International 44 20 7566 5450 Nicholas.l@peimedia.com www.peimedia.com Apr 11-13 Sixth Annual Middle East Retail Banking Forum Fleming Gulf Conferences 971 4 3902764 events@jacobfleming.com www.fleminggulf.com Apr 18-20 Third GCC Police and Army Organizational Leadership and Economic Excellence Conference Datamatix Group 971 4 3326688 info@datamatixgroup.com www.datamatixgroup.com
PUSHMAG.ME
Apr 20 Eighth Leading CEO Summit Datamatix Group 971 4 3326688 info@datamatixgroup.com www.datamatixgroup.com Apr 24-27 Sixth Annual GCC nationalization Summit 2011 IQPC Middle East 971 4 364 2975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae Apr 24-28 Eighth CSR Summits IIR Middle East 971 4 3352437 register@iirme.com | www.iirme.com Apr 30 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Meed Conferences 971 4 3900049 events@meed.com | www.meed.com May 1-4 Second GCC Municipalities and Towns Development Global Competitiveness Strategy Development Conference Mondial Conferences& Exhibitions info@mondialconference.com www.mondialconferences.com www.meed.com May 10-11 Trade Tech Middle East Worldwide Business Research 971 4 365 4103 jeniffer.sy@wbresearch.com www.wbresearch.com May 16-18 Infrastructure Investment World Mena 2011 Terrapinn 971 44402500 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com www.terrapinn.com May 17-18 Sixth Annual Syndicated Loans Middle East Conference Euromoney Seminars 44 2077798729 www.euromoneyseminars.com www.terrapinn.com ABU DHABI Apr 10-14 Customer Service Forum2011 IIR Middle East 971 4 3365161 info@iirme.com | www.iirme.com Apr 24-27 Disaster Management& Crisis Response 2011 IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae
QATAR Apr 24-25 Fourth Middle East Risk Management Forum 2011 Fleming Gulf Conferences 971 4 3902764 events@jacobfleming.com www.fleminggulf.com May 16-17 Seventh Annual Project Finance Forum 2011 Fleming Gulf Conferences 971 4 3902764 events@jacobfleming.com www.fleminggulf.com May 16-19 Customer Service Excellence Summit Doha IIR Middle East 971 4 3352437 register@iirme.com www.iirme.com BAHRAIN Apr 18-19 The Financial Technology Market Media Generation Exhibitions 44 1423 524 545 info@meftec.com www.meftec.com May 16-18 Infrastructure Investment World MENA 2011 Terrapin 40 20 7092 1000 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com www.terrapinn.com JORDAN May 20-22 World Economic Forum on the Middle East World Economic Forum 41 22 8691212 middleeast@weforum.org www.weforum.org EGYPT May 29-Jun 2 HR Summit Cairo IIR Middle East 971 4 3352437 register@iirme.com www.iirme.com SAUDI ARABIA Apr 9-11 Outlook Saudi IIR Middle East 971 4 336 5161 info@iirme.com www.iirme.com KUWAIT May 8-11 Third Annual Production Optimization Middle East Summit IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae www.iqpc.ae
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
EXHIBITIONS LEBANON: Apr 12-14 EGM on Standardizing Information Society Measurements in the ESCWA Region ESCWA 961 1 978035 www.escwa.un.org Apr 14-17 Imeet At BIEL International Fairs & Promotions (IFP) 961 5 959 111 info@ifp.com.lb www.ifpexpo.com
INTERNATIONAL DUBAI Apr 21-23 The Money Expo Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com May 2-5 Eighteenth Arabian Travel Market Exhibition 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com May 2-5 Arabian Travel Market Reed Exhibitions 971 (0)2 444 6113 ria.andaya@reedexpo.ae www.reedexpo.com
Apr 15-18 Forward At BIEL Events and Exhibition (E2) 961 1 339 020
May 3-5 Gulf Educational Supplies & Solutions Dubai World Trade Centre 971 43321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com
May 18-22 Beirut Boat Show At La Marina Joseph Khoury International Fairs & Promotions (IFP) 961 5 959 111 info@ifp.com.lb | www.ifpexpo.com
May 10-11 Call Centres Show 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com
May 20-22 Made in Lebanon 2011 At QUALITY INN Hotel - Tripoli Exporise Fairs 961 6 425555 info@exporise.com www.exporise.com May 24-28 The Garden Show and Spring Festival At Hippodrome Beirut Hospitality Services 961 1 480 081 info@hospitalityservices.com.lb www.hospitalityservices.com.lb May 31-June 3 Project Lebanon At BIEL International Fairs & Promotions (IFP) 961 5 959 111 info@ifp.com.lb | www.ifpexpo.com May 31-June 3 Energy Lebanon 2011 At BIEL IFP Lebanon 961 5 959111 info@ifpexpo.com | www.ifpexpo.com June 22-26 Outdoor Lebanon At BIEL IFP Lebanon 961 5 959111 outdoor@ifpexpo.com www.ifpexpo.com
May 10-12 Dubai International Property & Investment Exhibition & Conference Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com May 17-19 The Office Exhibition 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com May 17-19 The Hotel Show 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com May 17-19 Facilities Management Expo 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com | www.dwtc.com 31 May-2 June China Sourcing Fair 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwc.com | www.dwtc.com ABU DHABI Apr 17-20 City Build Abu Dhabi IIR Middle East 971 4 336 5161 info@iirme.com | www.iirme.com
May 9-11 Interiors UAE Channels Exhibitions 971 4 282 4737 bob@channelexhibitions.com www.channelsexhibitions.com May 22-25 Fifth Annual Cost-Effective Sustainable Design& Construction Middle East IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae SHARJAH Apr 5-9 Mideast Watch & Jewelry Show Expo Centre Sharjah 971-6-5770000 info@expo-centre.ae www.expo-centre.ae SAUDI ARABIA Apr 10-13 Saudi Communications Riyadh Exhibitions Company 966 1 2295604 info@recexpo.com www.recexpo.com May 16-19 Gitex KSA 2011 Riyadh Exhibitions Company 966 1 2295604 info@recexpo.com www.recexpo.com May 21-24 Faรงade Design and Engineering Saudi Arabia IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae QATAR May 2-5 Project Qatar 2011 IFP Group 961 5 959 111 mgebrael@ifpqatar.com www.ifpqatar.com May 2-5 MAKINAT Qatar IFP Group 974 4329900 info@ifpqatar.com www.ifpqatar.com May 22-25 Stadium and Venue Design and Development Qatar IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae EGYPT April 27-30 the Third Round of the Mega Real Estate Exhibition and Forum ACG-ITF 202 27538401 info@acg-itf.com | www.acg-itf.com
067
Apr 27-30 Next Move ACG-ITF 202 27538401 info@acg-itf.com | www.acg-itf.com Apr 27-30 Cityscape Egypt IIR Exhibitions 971 4 3365161 info@iirme.com | www.iirme.com May 10 -13 Wood World Arabian Group for Development 202 3037 257 info@agd-exhibitions.net www.agd-exhibitions.net SYRIA Apr 6-8 Vet Expo Arabian Group 963 114433444 arabiangroup@net.sy www.arabiangroup.com Apr 7 International Building Materials and Technology Exhibition Al Yaman Fairs 963 213623000 alyaman@net.sy | www.alyaman.com Apr 25-29 Wedding Expo Arabian Group 963 114433444 arabiangroup@net.sy www.arabiangroup.com BAHRAIN Apr 26-28 Gulf BID Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions 973 17 299123 www.gulfbidexhibition.com KUWAIT Apr 11-16 The Real Estate &Investment Exhibition Top Expo Group 965 249 5335 info@topexpo.com www.topexpo.com May 25-June 2 Kuwait International Trade Fair Kuwait International Fair 965 25387100 info@kif.net | www.kif.net JORDAN Apr 7-9 The Wedding Show Events UniLimited 962 6 5656550 info@eventsunlimited.com.jo www.eventsunlimited.com May 9-12 Project Jordan Ifp Jordan 962 6 5607900 info@ifpjordan.com www.ifpjordan.com
PUSHMAG.ME
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
068
Connect with companies about your CSR Project! YAWE WANTS TO HELP YOU PITCH YOUR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IDEA TO COMPANIES! The Cisco Entrepreneur Institute is a global initiative to help entrepreneurs start, grow and IT-enable their business. It provides:
• Entrepreneur-specific business
training developed by Cisco® in cooperation with Stanford University, Cornell University, and My Own Business, Inc.
• A resource center where
entrepreneurs can find sound business advice, mentoring, and services
• Internet business solutions • A connected community of
entrepreneurs in Lebanon, the region, and around the world
Workshops offered by the Cisco Entrepreneur Institute at AMIDEAST/Lebanon: Starting a Business Growing a Business iExec Enterprise Essentials iExec Public Sector Essentials Entrepreneurial Mindset Career Essentials Computer Literacy
INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES: For investment inquiries or to enlist your project email: bizops@pushmag.me
1- E-commerce: An online interactive website that targets men & women of all ages. Great earning potential, minimum risk! For more info refer to code 001FD 2- Brand Launching: Retail/Franchising opportunity! Unique “theme” Boutique. Original concept & design. Looking for investors/agents/distributors in the MENA area. For more info refer to code 001IC 3- Investors Needed for a High End Bridal Center- A Dream Come True for every bride! Bridal services, from A to Z. Design, concept & execution completed & ready for execution. Looking to open in Lebanon by 2011. For inquiries refer to code 001RT
8 6 9 3 2 5 4 1 7 1 7 3 5 8 9 6 2 4 4 9 2 6 3 7 5 8 1 5 8 6 2 4 1 7 9 3 6 1 8 7 5 4 9 3 2 7 2 5 9 1 3 8 4 6 9 3 4 8 6 2 1 7 5
PUSHMAG.ME
The right figure is number 3
BRAIN GYM SOLUTION
2 5 1 4 7 8 3 6 9 3 4 7 1 9 6 2 5 8
SUDOKU SOLUTION
For more information: Allyson Jerab Email: ajerab@amideast.org Phone: 01-989901 ext: 234 Web: amideast.org/lebanon
To submit your project, or for more info, Please email us at: csr@yawe.org