Meena Kapoor's Blog

is your brand ready for the social media storm?

Astroyogi — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 10:58:19 +0000

Over the last few years, the Social Media has become quite a rage. Initially what was seen as entertainment tool for teenagers has now spread into the lives of us all. Increasinly, life is becoming 2.0. The DELL social media experiment today is a case study and many corporate leaders are participating in the social media race. Corporate blogs increasingly are seen as a tool to interact more effectively with the key stake holders of the company.

Marketwatch reports: The results of the 2008 PRWeek/Burson-Marsteller CEO Survey found that 29 percent of CEOs believe that social media tools can be an effective way to communicate with stakeholders while an equal proportion (29 percent) believes social media outreach is ineffective. The survey also found that CEOs believe social media could be much more useful for building corporate reputation than for driving sales. The survey was conducted jointly by leading PR publication, PRWeek, and Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm.

The CEO Survey reveals that while 42 percent of CEOs personally participate in social media outlets, just 18 percent of CEOs have used social media to engage their company’s stakeholders. These CEOs do not use social media outlets, such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube, to communicate with key stakeholders primarily because these chief executives believe social media is not a “relevant” channel to reach stakeholders (45 percent). “CEOs should understand that many of their stakeholders are active users of social media and that it can be an extremely effective means for communicating a message,” said Mark J. Penn, Burson-Marsteller’s President & CEO. “I would argue that companies that are not engaging in social media are taking a bigger risk than the companies that are.”

While not all CEOs are convinced that social media can be a business communications tool, many agree that the Word of Mouth (WOM) conversations that are often sustained by social media can have a significant influence on their business. CEOs believe that WOM has the fastest growing impact on a business’ overall reputation, with 60 percent reporting its influence has increased in the past three years. In fact, CEOs say WOM is the second most influential medium overall (42 percent), after The Wall Street Journal (51 percent).

Recession Proof Businesses

Astroyogi — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 11:13:31 +0000

There has been so much talk over the last few months referring the market meltdown. To us, my company and team it was like a replay of the dot com bust that happened in 2001. We had just started out and there was the downturn staring us in our face. Getting external funding was out of question. In the last few months i have been asked what our strategy was, now that i look back there was no single strategy but a mix of several tactics. We used our existing resources to create new revenue streams, my design team at one point was creating e greetings for companies, we right sized. I made sure we kept operating from the office, so that the team morale was high! By 2004 channel partnerships began… with websites and later mobile operators. Today Astroyogi is the largest provider of astro vas content to 90% telecom operators in India.

Well more than anything, the decision to go forward and stay focused given that we had no funding was a huge challenge, as the market pundits were saying something very different, and we took a decision to defy logic and stay in the race. We have grown organically till now, and going forward we intend to gain visibility and market share in new markets through global partnerships, and extend ourselves to new technical platforms such as iptv and dth, where we are already doing some work with partners.

We have over 75 partners both internationally and domestically, many of these our major channel partnerships with global players, the remaining are those who have joined our affiliate program. On the VAS side we are tied up with all major telecoms in the country today. The NRI audience forms a large pool of our audience and paid user base, and now with the launches in Southeast Asia, we will have a considerable presence in this part of the world.

Some turn around and say that the business of Astrology is Recession Free! Although we have had a 20-25% jump in requests for career reports since January this year with a large part of that coming from non-resident Indians. It is not just the nature of a business that makes it recession proof or not, it is innovation that that entrepreneurs and the hard work of winning teams that sustain businesses in the dynamic market of today.

Indian VAS industry in 2009

Astroyogi — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 08:22:29 +0000

It is said that Indian Vas Industry will growth at a 50% annually through 2009 and thereafter. India is one of the very few countries to have SMS, now that explains why twitter became a rage in USA! However the Indian consumer now want much more than SMS. Stock updates, Astro Updates, jokes etc!

Customized knowledge services company Boston Analytics today unveiled a new report that forecasts a 50 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) in India’s Mobile Value Added Services (MVAS) industry that will lead to a US$348.8 million market by 2009. The study details how a timely convergence of a saturated mobile voice market, little government involvement, an emerging ecosystem and rich consumer demand will lead to rapid development and adoption of MVAS content within the country

The report highlights the evolution of India’s mobile phone market with a particular focus on the last seven years in which favorable legislation, a rapid decline in tariffs and the commoditization of its mobile phone voice service put cell phones in the hands of more than 100 million residents and left carriers looking for new revenue streams. The stage is set for mobile phone companies to create new growth through the delivery of music and entertainment-related mobile, location-based services, and mobile Internet content to increasingly tech-savvy subscribers.

“India’s booming economy and rapid growth have been well-documented, and although a lot of attention has been paid to its effect on other nations, it is equally important to recognize the opportunities within the country created by the increase in consumers suddenly loaded with disposable income,” said Rashid Bilimoria, CEO and Co-Founder, Boston Analytics. “This report shows how India is catching up with the rest of the world in that it too is demanding creative applications for ever more advanced mobile devices

You can now download the full report by clicking here.

Indians Demand more VAS than Global counterparts.

Astroyogi — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:03:44 +0000

KPMG has come up with a report that says -Indians are more willing to experiment with value-added services, including chatting, video gaming and watching live TV on mobile phones, as compared to their global counterparts.
Asian consumers, including those in India, seem the most willing to use their mobile phones for purchasing music, video games, and watching live TV, followed by the Middle East and Africa and Latin America, global consulting firm KPMG’s ‘Consumers and Convergence III’ global survey found.

However, the developed-market consumers of Europe and North America are apparently less willing.
The survey revealed that there exists a huge potential for mobile chat services, video gaming on mobile and watching live TV on mobile in India.
Globally, 18 per cent of respondents were very likely to use a mobile chat service in the next 6-12 months as against 34 per cent in India, showing growing demand for such services.
The survey revealed as much as 95 per cent Indian consumers were satisfied with their music-download experience on mobile phones as against 66 per cent respondents globally.

“While mobile additions exceed 10 million a month, average revenue per user’s (ARPU) continue to drop. Telecom players recognize rise in VAS revenues will be a key aspect of future growth and profitability,” KPMG India Head of information, communication & entertainment Rajesh Jain said.

About 86 per cent respondents in the country and in China indicated likelihood of watching live TV on mobile phones in the next 12 months, the survey added.

Players in value chain are innovating and focusing on the increasing market size for their products and services, Jain added.

KPMG surveyed over 4,000 consumers in 19 countries world wide, in order to understand the future for the market, revealing global trends and some regional differences.

In India, although the user-base of mobile gaming is smaller, a substantially higher proportion of 63 per cent was satisfied with the service, which reflects gaining acceptance and opportunity for mobile gaming companies as the segment moves beyond the early adopters.

Meanwhile, m-commerce applications continue to face challenges for gaining wider acceptance in the country.

KPMG’s survey revealed that there exists a huge potential for banks to grow their market with mobile phone users, as globally 53 per cent of consumers said they are comfortable with the idea of using a mobile phone for financial transactions.

About 64 per cent of Indian’s surveyed stated that they are “at least somewhat likely” to conduct banking through a mobile device in the next 12 months.

Further, 93 per cent respondents said clear pricing and 94 per cent felt download speed as an influencing factor for the purchase of video clips and mobile TV.

Mobile VAS to rake in 18000 Cr. by 2012

Astroyogi — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:53:11 +0000

Just read this article today, being in the industry one always knew the potential but figures like these are always a pleasant surprise

According to BSNL the revenue gathering potential of VAS would be close to 18000 CR. by 2012.

Predictions by Astroyogi – French Open

Astroyogi — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 10:46:32 +0000

Our astrologers have come up with some predictions yet again, we were right the last time.. lets see what happens now

French Open 2009: 2nd Men’s Singles Semi Final- Prediction

5 06 2009

Roger Federer (Switzerland) v/s Juan Martin Del Potro (Argentina)

World No. 2 Roger Federer is going to meet 20-year-old Argentine Del Potro in tonight’s Men’s Singles Semi Final. Federer has had a shaky run in this year French Open. He was almost at the verge of losing against Tommy Haas. The 5^th ranked Del Potro has been pretty impressive and has dropped only a set so far. However, their head to head meetings clearly favour a Federer win. Their last meeting was on the Madrid Masters where Federer beat Potro 6-3, 6-4. The only chance Del Potro has of winning against Federer is if he makes no mistakes and Federer fails to control his nerves.

Prediction: The match will be tough for Federer but in the end he will beat Juan Martin Del Potro.

Matches played so far: Roger Federer

Rounds	Opponent
1^st round	Alberto Martin
2^nd round	Jose Acasuso
3^rd round	Paul Henri Mathieu
4^th round	Tommy Haas
Quarter Final	Gael Monfils

Matches played so far: Juan Martin Del Potro

Rounds	Opponent
1^st round	Michael Llodra
2^nd round	Viktor Troicki
3^rd round	Igor Andreev
4^th round	Jo Wilfried Tsonga
Quarter Final	Tommy Robredo

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Tags: Astrology, Astroyogi, French Open 2009, Horoscope, Palmistry, Prediction, Tarot
Categories : Astroyogi Says

French Open 2009: 1st Men’s Singles Semi Final-Prediction

5 06 2009

Robin Soderling (Sweden) v/s Fernando Gonzalez (Chile)

Robin Soderling of Sweden who shot to fame by beating the undisputed King of Clay, Rafael Nadal is up against Fernando Gonzalez of Chile. Fernando Gonzalez is always a threat on clay and his sizzling form makes him one of the toughest opponents. In the Nadal v/s Soderling match Nadal was clearly not playing his best tennis. He had it easy compared to Fernando Gonzalez who overcame Britain’s tennis sensation Andy Murray. Gonzalez beat an in form Murray 6-3, 3-6, 6-0,6-4 to book his place in the French open semi final. Soderling too is playing incredible tennis at the moment and demolished Davydenko 6-1, 6-3, 6-1 in the quarterfinal. Tonight’s match between these two amazing players is bound to be a very exciting one.

Prediction: The match will be close but Robin Soderling will win the match against Fernando Gonzalez.

Matches played so far: Robin Soderling

Rounds	Opponent
1^st round	Kevin Kim
2^nd round	Denis Istomin
3^rd round	David Ferrer
4^th round	Rafael Nadal
Quarter Final	Nikolay Davydenko

Matches played so far: Fernando Gonzalez

Rounds	Opponent
1^st round	Jiri Vanek
2^nd round	Rui Machado
3^rd round	Josselin Ouanna
4^th round	Victor Hanescu

FUTURE of Mobile VAS in India – Here to Stay and Grow

Astroyogi — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:31:25 +0000

Let me make this clear at the outset, this prediction is based on facts, market and consumer reports and has no link with stars, planets or anything remotely astrological!~:)

Prediction of mobile VAS in India

Mobile interconnected industries are every day coming up with fresh and ground – breaking mobile technologies. Mobile VAS accounts to 10-12% of the total telecom revenues. Over 375 million mobile subscribers in India, out of which 8-10% of the total mobile subscribers are expected to be GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) subscribers as well.
At present CRBT download and SMS (A2P) mobile VAS seems most popular amongst mobile users. With the launch of 3G services (faster data speed) in India, games download, video streaming, mCommerce, mobile blogs and mobile chat is expected to grow in future. As per TRAI predictions, mobile VAS revenue growth contributing to telecommunication industry is expected to grow to 30% in next 5-7 years, which is way beyond the current contribution of 10-12%.

Many experts are predicting mobile VAS in India to be 1 billion USD market by 2010. Let us wait to watch, what is there for Mobile VAS service providers in 2010. So for all Mobile VAS Providers and users there is good news comping up!

Astroyogi’s Predictions prove RIGHT!

Astroyogi — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:29:22 +0000

UEFA Champions league Prediction

30 05 2009

Astroyogi.com had predicted the final result of the UEFA Champions league in Barcelona’s favour. The UCL is over now and Barcelona did win the match by beating Manchester United 2-0. Barcelona was clearly the better team that day. Luck was definitely on their side. Despite repeated attempts Manchester United failed to score a goal. Messi, Xavi. Iniesta and Eto; all had favourable planetary positions. This helped them fare much better than their rivals. Lionel Messi’s luck had a huge role to play in the Barcelona win. His header almost sealed their victory and dashed all hopes of Man U making a comeback.

Read the prediction that we had made for the UEFA Champions League Final :

VAS Consumption In India – Indian Men Use more..

Astroyogi — Mon, 25 May 2009 10:10:19 +0000

I came across this really interest survey that highlighted the VAS Consumption pattern in India. It was noticed that Mobile VAS including services such as music, playing games, surfing Internet for reading news, sports, stocks are more popular amongst men, where as women prefer using their mobile phones for checking emails, downloading ringtones,wallpapers, browsing Internet through search engines for food services. It is the younger group .i.e. between 20-25 age group of mobile users who like downloading games and ringtones most.

Regular surveys and market research provide service providers, insight about the group of mobile users to target before launching any campaign.

Mobile VAS Users in India

Astroyogi — Wed, 20 May 2009 10:09:36 +0000

Telephony is far beyond voice today, An interesting survey in Early 2009, survey was conducted for mobile users based on various demographics (gender, age, education, income ). Mobile users are spread across all parts of India. Take a look at the summary (statistical reports) of the survey results of two popular services in Mobile VAS: Internet usage and SMS (Voting for TV contests).

Mobile VAS Statistics : India

Almost 63 million urban Indians accessed Internet using their phone in February, 2009.

Checking emails and searching information using search engines are the two most popular reason cited by almost 3 in 4 urban Indians.
16 million urban Indians access Internet on their phone almost on a daily basis.

Another report discussed here is ‘SMS voting for TV contests’. Voting in reality TV shows is the most popular contest type urban Indians participate in by sending SMS to preserved short code. 45 million urban Indians mentioned voting in reality TV shows, the most popular SMS contest/vote type followed by voting in news polls (31.64 million).