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For years, I have watched how it works. You go to school. You get good grades. You graduate. You get a job. As luck did not have it, this did not happen to me.
After hundreds of job applications and seven interviews (yes 7!!) in two continents, it was obvious I was not going to get a job through conventional means.
On a January evening, I was on my way to watch Avatar with a friend. She was accompanied by a friend of hers who run a brand consulting firm (my major was in market research). After some small talk, we ventured into talking about the brand industry, technological changes, economic and political situation in Kenya, and so on till the movie began. And so again, as luck did not have it, the Avatar movie had no sound. An early exit resulted in my new friend asking me to send him my resume, which I did as soon as I got home. In the email, I also asked whether I could be of use to his company. He immediately replied back. Seven hours later, I was walking to what would be my first job for the next 22 months.
During this time, my interest in brands has grown. I also became interested in technology and design.
My goals have now shifted and I am on a new career path...which isn't Market Research
Job Hunting Tips
1) Ask for help from anyone. People generally want to help others.
2) Do not be afraid or ashamed of starting your job from the bottom. If you want to be a graphic designer at your dream company, and all they have is a front office position, take it. Once you are in, you are in! You can now work your way to graphic designer dream job.
3) New opportunities bring forth new interests. Always learn something new.
4) If you want to do something..anything, JUMP!!! And don't look back.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Realignment
Recently, a change in direction occurred in my life. Very few people know about it, 10 people actually. With my penchant for market research, I conducted a quick survey. 6 people were very supportive, 2 people were “mildly” supportive, with the remaining 2 not supportive at all, with an added side of “Is this guy out of his mind?”
My future now has a new path, a new vision and a new destination. Scared shitless, obviously! Happy, definitely! Sad, no doubt! However, these emotions will help me cope and reach my new destination. With preparation and planning, I will achieve my new goals.
Same goes for a new brand alignment. Your vision and goals should be planned and mapped out. Having direction will get you to your destination faster and with less hustle and stress.
How will you align yourself today?
Others:
What I am reading: The Designful Company ~ Marty Neumeier
What I am listening to: Kid Cudi ~ Mixtape
My future now has a new path, a new vision and a new destination. Scared shitless, obviously! Happy, definitely! Sad, no doubt! However, these emotions will help me cope and reach my new destination. With preparation and planning, I will achieve my new goals.
Same goes for a new brand alignment. Your vision and goals should be planned and mapped out. Having direction will get you to your destination faster and with less hustle and stress.
How will you align yourself today?
Others:
What I am reading: The Designful Company ~ Marty Neumeier
What I am listening to: Kid Cudi ~ Mixtape
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Change Through Brand Migration
Last Saturday, a client invited me to their "Migration Party". The journey to this important event started 18 months ago. It included market research into the industry, where the results determined that brand migration should be carried out. This included a new company name, a new logo design including look and feel of collateral (business cards, letterheads, PowerPoint slide etc.), carrying out several workshops with the organisation to educate them on the values of branding, re-writing the mission, vision and values of the company and so on. Little did I know how this afternoon "party" will affect the owners and employees of the organisation.
On arrival, the parking lot was sectioned off. Tables and chairs were adorned with tasteful decorations. A chef was manning the weber with various marinated meats already sizzling in the afternoon sun. Foods and drinks furnished two tables. All was merry, there was a buzz in the air that something was about to happen. As Account Manager to this organisation, my welcome greeting would put most weddings to shame. Drink in hand, I proceeded to mingle, dance and take photos of the festivities.
An hour and a half later, everyone well fed, the COO and CEO made short speeches on the importance of this journey and this event. Most of the employees echoed how the brand migration exercise had also changed their perception and outlook for their future in the organisation. Next, was the main event. All stationery, products and anything that had the old logo, was gathered, thrown into a bin and set on fire. Now, most would think this is pointless. However, the magnitude of setting fire to bring in the new change is significant. The symbolism of this act proved to all that 'it was really happening'. This was evident to everyone, and silence followed…as everyone reflected on the journey to this point...and what lay ahead.
Moments later, everyone turned to the entrance of the office. The MC welcomed everyone to the new company and shortly thereafter, the CEO cut a ribbon tied to the door to mark the occasion. A new company was born. In their ‘new’ office, employees were presented with a gift bag containing their contracts in the new letterheads, card holders with their new business cards inside, a hat and executive business shirt complete with the new logo. They all broke out in song and dance (to Kidum) and the new organisation proceeded to party the afternoon away.
What’s the point of this post? Honestly, I didn’t want to go for this event. It was a Saturday! There was a Tri-Nations game I was missing! I had a high school re-union to attend! As I was driving home, I was glad of what I had been a part of. And glad to be a part of it. It made the torturous 18 months worth it. I had just witnessed the transition of an old company to a new company. Similar to a bride and groom before they become husband and wife. The moment from lighting the old stationery on fire to cutting the ribbon to dancing was truly incredible. Change is difficult for anyone, but the moment you embrace it and accept it, endless opportunities await you. And this company will be better for it. Because it’s not the change in the name, logos and business cards, but the change in people that will be the difference.
PS:
• Book ; Magical Worlds of the Wizard of Ads by Roy H. Williams
• DVD ; Trevor Noah – Daywalker 2 (South African Stand-Up Comedian)- Hilarious!
On arrival, the parking lot was sectioned off. Tables and chairs were adorned with tasteful decorations. A chef was manning the weber with various marinated meats already sizzling in the afternoon sun. Foods and drinks furnished two tables. All was merry, there was a buzz in the air that something was about to happen. As Account Manager to this organisation, my welcome greeting would put most weddings to shame. Drink in hand, I proceeded to mingle, dance and take photos of the festivities.
An hour and a half later, everyone well fed, the COO and CEO made short speeches on the importance of this journey and this event. Most of the employees echoed how the brand migration exercise had also changed their perception and outlook for their future in the organisation. Next, was the main event. All stationery, products and anything that had the old logo, was gathered, thrown into a bin and set on fire. Now, most would think this is pointless. However, the magnitude of setting fire to bring in the new change is significant. The symbolism of this act proved to all that 'it was really happening'. This was evident to everyone, and silence followed…as everyone reflected on the journey to this point...and what lay ahead.
Moments later, everyone turned to the entrance of the office. The MC welcomed everyone to the new company and shortly thereafter, the CEO cut a ribbon tied to the door to mark the occasion. A new company was born. In their ‘new’ office, employees were presented with a gift bag containing their contracts in the new letterheads, card holders with their new business cards inside, a hat and executive business shirt complete with the new logo. They all broke out in song and dance (to Kidum) and the new organisation proceeded to party the afternoon away.
What’s the point of this post? Honestly, I didn’t want to go for this event. It was a Saturday! There was a Tri-Nations game I was missing! I had a high school re-union to attend! As I was driving home, I was glad of what I had been a part of. And glad to be a part of it. It made the torturous 18 months worth it. I had just witnessed the transition of an old company to a new company. Similar to a bride and groom before they become husband and wife. The moment from lighting the old stationery on fire to cutting the ribbon to dancing was truly incredible. Change is difficult for anyone, but the moment you embrace it and accept it, endless opportunities await you. And this company will be better for it. Because it’s not the change in the name, logos and business cards, but the change in people that will be the difference.
PS:
• Book ; Magical Worlds of the Wizard of Ads by Roy H. Williams
• DVD ; Trevor Noah – Daywalker 2 (South African Stand-Up Comedian)- Hilarious!
Monday, July 25, 2011
Why Bland TV ads don't work!!!
Yesterday (Sunday 24 July 2011) while waiting for Citizen news at 9pm, something strange happened?!? During the break between the Tusker All Stars show and Citizen news at 9, I was bombarded with an onslaught of TV adverts, none of which I remember 15hours later. Well...maybe the IPO for British "something" which is being launched soon, I think I saw LeBron James(sprite) and thats it.
The last memorable TV ad that I remember was "utahama lini". Brilliant and simplicity in execution, the ad recall was high. Before that, was the gargantuan effort by Safaricom "Niko na...", with its catchy tune and showcase of Kenya, was nothing short of EPIC. Whatever you think about the Safaricom TV spot, the recall of this ad will remain high in consumers.
Other than these two TV ads I've mentioned, I cannot think of any other that was memorable this year. 99 per cent of the TV ads I have seen this year are all bland, forgettable and unmemorable. Which brings me back to how I barely remember any TV ad last night. Why is it that Kenyans 'like to play it safe', 'settle for second best', 'do what the competition is doing tweaking this and that', and so on? Why, why, why?
The following point covers why we get bland TV ads;
- Misunderstanding the basic concept of Brand Differentiation. If you want to stand out and be remembered, you have to be different. When everyone goes left (banks with blue as corporate colour), YOU go right (bank adopting red as corporate colour). It is as easy and as simple as that.
Learning from history has always fruitful. Our TV ads are crap, because we do not do this due diligence. Companies such as Apple and Coca-Cola, have different marketing strategies from their competitors, who only seem to happy to copy and paste these strategies. Having similar TV ads only aids in increasing the brand value of the giant companies, i.e. Apple and Coca-Cola.
So, corporations and everyone out there, I implore you to change and be different. Challenge the status quo, and make interaction with your consumers more memorable. Otherwise, there will be no one who remembers what happened between Gaetano's silly moustached mouth blabbing and a sultry Julie Gichuru introducing the news.
What I'm currently doing;
Book - currently reading "Buyology" by Martin Lindstrom (for the third time)
TV Series - Game of Thrones; epic and a must watch
PS: Please follow @ahmedsalims on Twitter and help #FeedKe by donating as little as 250/- to feed a family of 6. It is your right and duty as a Kenyan to help your fellow Kenyans. Haki yetu.
The last memorable TV ad that I remember was "utahama lini". Brilliant and simplicity in execution, the ad recall was high. Before that, was the gargantuan effort by Safaricom "Niko na...", with its catchy tune and showcase of Kenya, was nothing short of EPIC. Whatever you think about the Safaricom TV spot, the recall of this ad will remain high in consumers.
Other than these two TV ads I've mentioned, I cannot think of any other that was memorable this year. 99 per cent of the TV ads I have seen this year are all bland, forgettable and unmemorable. Which brings me back to how I barely remember any TV ad last night. Why is it that Kenyans 'like to play it safe', 'settle for second best', 'do what the competition is doing tweaking this and that', and so on? Why, why, why?
The following point covers why we get bland TV ads;
- Misunderstanding the basic concept of Brand Differentiation. If you want to stand out and be remembered, you have to be different. When everyone goes left (banks with blue as corporate colour), YOU go right (bank adopting red as corporate colour). It is as easy and as simple as that.
Learning from history has always fruitful. Our TV ads are crap, because we do not do this due diligence. Companies such as Apple and Coca-Cola, have different marketing strategies from their competitors, who only seem to happy to copy and paste these strategies. Having similar TV ads only aids in increasing the brand value of the giant companies, i.e. Apple and Coca-Cola.
So, corporations and everyone out there, I implore you to change and be different. Challenge the status quo, and make interaction with your consumers more memorable. Otherwise, there will be no one who remembers what happened between Gaetano's silly moustached mouth blabbing and a sultry Julie Gichuru introducing the news.
What I'm currently doing;
Book - currently reading "Buyology" by Martin Lindstrom (for the third time)
TV Series - Game of Thrones; epic and a must watch
PS: Please follow @ahmedsalims on Twitter and help #FeedKe by donating as little as 250/- to feed a family of 6. It is your right and duty as a Kenyan to help your fellow Kenyans. Haki yetu.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
When The Client Gives Up On You...
40-minute meetings now take less than 5 minutes!
Your Clients address you without a smile!
No more handshakes when greeting each other!
No one is happy anymore, its business business business!
You are thinking when will this project end!
Payments are late!
The list is endless...
All these happen to us, not just with clients but with other people in our lives. The questions running in your mind are so many, that you lose your train of thought...and alas, you are still in the meeting with said clients.
First, as professionals, we must do what we have always done and see the job through no matter what.
Try discussing what brought "us" to this point. Sometimes it can be rescued, sometimes it is futile. You have nothing to lose by asking.
If the client is tired and wants to move on, investigate how the project can be wrapped up...with or without your help.
In the end, you did your best. Thats what you were asked to do and you did it to the best of your ability. Case closed. No hard feelings. On to the next one.
*Special shout out to Kabeyu for helping me out last night. Client was very happy. Cheers.
**Book currently being read - This week it's a series of articles by Martin Lindstrom www.martinlindstrom.com
***Can this CJVetting and DPPVetting be over and done with already!!!
Your Clients address you without a smile!
No more handshakes when greeting each other!
No one is happy anymore, its business business business!
You are thinking when will this project end!
Payments are late!
The list is endless...
All these happen to us, not just with clients but with other people in our lives. The questions running in your mind are so many, that you lose your train of thought...and alas, you are still in the meeting with said clients.
First, as professionals, we must do what we have always done and see the job through no matter what.
Try discussing what brought "us" to this point. Sometimes it can be rescued, sometimes it is futile. You have nothing to lose by asking.
If the client is tired and wants to move on, investigate how the project can be wrapped up...with or without your help.
In the end, you did your best. Thats what you were asked to do and you did it to the best of your ability. Case closed. No hard feelings. On to the next one.
*Special shout out to Kabeyu for helping me out last night. Client was very happy. Cheers.
**Book currently being read - This week it's a series of articles by Martin Lindstrom www.martinlindstrom.com
***Can this CJVetting and DPPVetting be over and done with already!!!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Touchy Clients
Ever had those clients that are not afraid to tell you how they feel about your work, your discipline, how you respond emails etc etc. Unfortunately all my clients are like that. But there very few clients that come around that really give it to you and you keep asking yourself "Why did I come to work?" Fortunately, I have three of them. These are the clients who tell you how the logo should be, what colour you should use and so on. Since they know what they want, why were you hired you may ask?
Being a "silver-lining-kind-of-guy", I love what I learn from these clients because it makes me better at my job, the domino effect felt by my other clients. Here are a few pointers/ideas/ideals whatever you want to call it, that help me deal with "touchy clients".
1. Remember you are helping the client. They should never tell you how to do the work they hired you for. If they keep this up, then its time to end the relationship period.
2. Research, research, research. You must know more about the industry your client is in, to better aid them differentiate their offering and positioning. When showing knowledge during meetings, the client is likely to put his trust in you when you make decisions.
3. Write everything down. In meetings, emails, texts etc etc. Have a paper trail and ensure that you have signed approvals/signoffs on work/milestones when reached.
4. Always have the clients best interests at heart. Put yourself in their shoes and empathize. After all, its their company, their baby, their everything.
5. If all else fails, get your tongue lashing and take it like a man/woman. People dealing with clients should have a hard shell and NEVER take things personally.
Whatever ideals you may use from the above or maybe you have your own ideals, remember to have fun and never give up. Whatever the case, you will get better at your job.
Being a "silver-lining-kind-of-guy", I love what I learn from these clients because it makes me better at my job, the domino effect felt by my other clients. Here are a few pointers/ideas/ideals whatever you want to call it, that help me deal with "touchy clients".
1. Remember you are helping the client. They should never tell you how to do the work they hired you for. If they keep this up, then its time to end the relationship period.
2. Research, research, research. You must know more about the industry your client is in, to better aid them differentiate their offering and positioning. When showing knowledge during meetings, the client is likely to put his trust in you when you make decisions.
3. Write everything down. In meetings, emails, texts etc etc. Have a paper trail and ensure that you have signed approvals/signoffs on work/milestones when reached.
4. Always have the clients best interests at heart. Put yourself in their shoes and empathize. After all, its their company, their baby, their everything.
5. If all else fails, get your tongue lashing and take it like a man/woman. People dealing with clients should have a hard shell and NEVER take things personally.
Whatever ideals you may use from the above or maybe you have your own ideals, remember to have fun and never give up. Whatever the case, you will get better at your job.
Apologies!!!
It has been almost six months since I wrote anything on my blog, and for that I apologize. It could be said that I had nothing to write about but its pure laziness which is currently being rectified.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Living Digitally!
Who would have thought our lives will be run and managed digitally! I'll say I had a fair inkling, but that's thanks to my friends in the ITC sector. Everything and anything is online, can be found online or will be done online. As the quote goes..."there's an App for that." Some daily uses include;
- Online banking i.e. checking balances, transferring money and so on
- Social networking
- Writing your blog post
- Finding anything i.e. Mocality
- General daily living - facebooking (yes, it's part of your life), photosharing, getting up-to-the-minute news around the world, twitter, LinkedIn and so on
With the current drop in call rate by mobile phone providers in Kenya, competitive advantage will be gained from services provided and roll out of 3G. Data IS the way this decade. The introduction of smartphones (high and low end) will be advantageous to all in accessing certain services we have now and those yet to come.
So the abundant supply of phones (hopefully the era of having 2-4 phones will cease), will become part of our lives...just like taking a shower!!! And the emerging and developing economies will lead the pace.
- Online banking i.e. checking balances, transferring money and so on
- Social networking
- Writing your blog post
- Finding anything i.e. Mocality
- General daily living - facebooking (yes, it's part of your life), photosharing, getting up-to-the-minute news around the world, twitter, LinkedIn and so on
With the current drop in call rate by mobile phone providers in Kenya, competitive advantage will be gained from services provided and roll out of 3G. Data IS the way this decade. The introduction of smartphones (high and low end) will be advantageous to all in accessing certain services we have now and those yet to come.
So the abundant supply of phones (hopefully the era of having 2-4 phones will cease), will become part of our lives...just like taking a shower!!! And the emerging and developing economies will lead the pace.
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