Vashistha Diwan Speaks

Turned on Boulevard 26 with Automatic Mode!!

2011-10-08T02:42:00.000+05:30

Et al,

Its been two days since i started feeling ancient, loosing hair quickly, some getting white, kids calling me uncle...Woaaahhh i turned 26!!! OMG, i cant believe , i still feel am a 20 year old , enjoying my college days with all the memories afresh. I think i need a makeover :P

It was 18 when i had decided i want to be an entrepreneur in my life, no matter what i do , what scale i do , i always thought i will be an entrepreneur. I had plans of starting my own company by the age i was 25 and here i am 26 Without Control. Its time i get aligned to my dreams and start building it, as they say its never too late :)

One thing which i have learnt is , once one gets into a white collar decent paying job. A layer of cushion starts wrapping up us and one becomes too lazy to get out the cushion and venture out alone. The risk appetite reduces and one looks forward to last day of the month for more cushion to be added in the bank account.

I think i need to get my thoughts aligned, come out of cushion as soon as possible, gobble up more risk and do what i have always dreamt to do. I have to switch the Automatic mode off and get onto Manual mode to get control and steer my car wherever i want and stop wherever i like :)

"Time to switch to Manual Mode ASAP"

Regards,
VD

Chaos!!!!

2011-05-28T22:45:00.000+05:30

Let me warn you before you start reading, i am just writing this to format my conscious mind. Couple of days back i attended this session on Self awareness in my company and came to know there are three states of minds 1. Conscious, 2 Sub conscious and 3. Unconscious. Conscious mind is what is in our hand and when you are upset that's when u need to refresh it. Yes and that is what i am right now "UPSET" and i don't know why, multiple things going in my mind and am not sure what to do.In the sessions we were told that Oxygen (Deep Breath) helps us clear your mind and one can think calmly, but it aint helping me either.

I m stuck with a question of what lies Ahead?? Whats next?? Where do i go from here?? Personally and Professionally both. I hope by the time i near the end of the blog i will erase the Chaos which is there. And as i wrote the previous statement i suddenly felt better. Its after a long time that temper has hit me so hard and i don't know what to do :(

I think its been very long since i laid my hands on a book, i worked on my B-Plan and i talked to my old buddies (PS: All of them feel i have become busy man and i don't have time for them. I apologize for not being in touch). I think i need to take all this up on priority.

I feel better now, think will go and have some ice-cream at Baskin Robbins :)

Thanks for reading.

Yours Always,
VD

Special Thanks to S. Anthony Iannarino

2011-04-10T11:01:00.001+05:30

Its been long since there has been some activity on my blog (Thanks to my super work load :) ). The objective behind this post to convey special thanks to S. Anthony Iannarino who has been my motivation since quite a time now. He is a true Sales champ and his work across the Globe is a proof of it. Do visit his websites:

His blog is a must read for people in Sales / Presales profile.

Thanks Anthony for the Colossal support.

Regards,
Vashistha

"Jugaad"

2010-06-26T11:56:00.008+05:30

I lay awake at 6 am in morning and was wondering what to do and then this hit me, Why not pay some respect to the most common word used everywhere and everyday in India "Jugaad".

So i decided to talk to few people and ask them what is the thing that comes to their mind when asked "What is Jugaad?".

Asked almost 120 people on what is the first thing that comes to their mind about Jugaad, and following are some of the answers i got. I was Amazed.

• Setting

• Arrangement

• “Kaam Chalau”

• Next to Perfect

• Getting things done not in straight way

• Trap

• “Totta”

• Business

• Innovation

• Convenience

• Management

• Managing things out of the way

• Break-fix

• Patch

• “Maal”

• Quick solution

• Temporary solution

• “Jhol”

• Sales

• “Bechna”

• Bullshit

• Compromise in quality

• Makeshift solution

• Workaround

• Art of living in India

• Indian railways

• “Pataka!!”

• Politicians

• Frugally

• Small trick that will make a "BIG Difference"

• Adjustments

• Manipulation

• Way to make things happen in India

Of all this responses the most instant was when i asked one of my friends "what is Jugaad" and he replies within a second with a Name of my classmate and i was rolling on the floor and laughing. :D :P

To summarize Jugaad is a quickfix or workaround or temporary solution to almost any problem. It is the way of making things happen in India

I believe we should have "Jugaad Day" just like valentine's day, friendship day etc. But the challenge is to select a specific day as we celebrate this day 365 days a year. Instead i suggest we should wish each other "Happy Jugaadu day" instead of Good Morning everyday :P :D. Guess it will help not only during morning but address all the problems throughout the day. For e.g. problem at office/college "Kuch Jugaad laga na, khatam karte hai". Problem with bike or car..you tell your mechanic "Kuch Jugaad ker ke abhi ke liye chalu ker de".

And above all "Happy Jugaadu day" gives you assurance that whatevar happens throughout the day , whatever problem crops up, there will always be "Jugaad" for it.

Dedicated to all the Jugaadus across India. I guess the system will break down if the word is removed from Indian Dictionairy.

Thanks to all the people who provided me inputs to write this blog.

Jugaadus feel free to add valuable comments to the Post!!! :)

Jugaads,

Open Letter to key Fast bowler of India and KKR

2010-04-11T00:01:00.003+05:30

Mr Sharma,

I sometimes really wonder if you even look at your stats before coming to play a match. i actually dont understand what is wrong with you, why do you even play cricket. Just finished watching KKR vs RCB match and your stats are 4 Over , 46 Runs....Unlucky you missed a half century by 4 runs, But i am sure with such bowling performance you will surely make record half centuries. Just look at your stats in all the 3 IPL's below

IPL 2008
Matches: 13, Overs: 42.1, Runs:329, Wickets:7, Best bowling: 1/7
IPL 2009
Matches: 11, Overs: 43, Runs:297, Wickets:11, Best bowling: 2/15
IPL 2010
Matches: 7, Overs: 25, Runs:236, Wickets:7, Best bowling: 2/33

I could have mentioned your batting and fielding stats but these were better. You neither bowl well, nor bat or field well. I wonder why do you even play cricket.I think you should play cricket only in Computer games and that to at easy level, then you stand some chance to gain some respect. I am also tired of your attitude, what is it in you that even after getting hit for six you go and stare at the batsman. In first place i dont get that with such a fabulous physique why did you think of becoming a fast bowler, i think your hair bounces more than the balls you bowl. At least let your hair motivate you.

Initially when you were picked up for Indian Team , i felt you will be India's future, but looking at your past performance i feel sad for you. I was the most happiest person when i came to know you aren't selected in the WorldCup T20 Squad. To avoid more wrath from people of India, i think you should step down on your own. Go Practice hard and come back well composed. All the very best.

And ya please don't take up any commercial ads, and in case you go for it, please don't speak, your voice scares my pets off. And also never even think of being a commentator.

Regards
VD

Strictly for Rich

2010-01-02T14:37:00.006+05:30

!!!!!!!Wish you and your Family a very Happy New Year!!!!!!!

Its 2010 and i hope it turns out to be a Marvelous year for you and you grow exponentially every day:-). Its been long time since i scribbled on the blog, thanks to the tight work schedule. Its a holiday today and am lazing out at home with friends. We had a mind blowing party on 31st night, Thanks to Karan, Aniket, Vishal, Sid, Rohit and Divya. You people must be wondering how is all the above text related to the Blog Title. Thought i will wish you all happy new year first:-)

Well, few days back i was reading some news on various business models when this brain wave struck me. But this is strictly for People who have lots of money and are ready to take Infinite risk with the money. The idea is like you start a company and your business is to buy franchises of various Business (across industries). I will elaborate, After a thorough market research you identify a Tier 2 city, and you buy a franchisee of food outlet (E.g. McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dominoes etc), Next you plan to setup a bookshop (E.g. Crossword). Next you get into Investment , you may open a Reliance money outlet, After that you do some more market research and realize there is a need for a gym here and u open another franchisee and so on for different sectors.

This was a sample example. In order to build a successful model, you will have to research thoroughly on the need of the place, spending power of people, Competition in the market, Investment to Return ratio, openness of people to new idea, Operational and Capital expenditure, Administration and Logistics issues, Connectivity (Travel and Information) and many more micro and macro economic factors. There may be a case where after a solid research you realize its only feasible to open an insurance franchisee in a particular place (And then you realize the investment you have put in research is quite high which in turn will reduce your ROI). You will face lot of challenges while implementing such a model, but i strongly feel you can earn significant profit if this model is implemented after comprehensive research.

People like me who don't have so much capital to implement this kind of model, this model is our inspiration and motivation to work really hard and gather the capital required to be able to implement such a model. All the best to everyone.

I am looking forward to your valuable comments on this model.

Regards
VD

World of Entrepreneurs

2009-08-15T18:07:00.006+05:30

As i eat my Potato cheese wrap, i wonder it has been long time since i updated my blog.Let me come straight to point. Few days back i was sitting idle and this thought came to me. Its regarding Entrepreneurship.

What i believe is every single person in this world is an Entrepreneur. I repeat everyone, every person is an Entrepreneur. Everyone manages their life as a business. Let me take an example of a housewife. She manages her home, takes care of finances, daily dealings with maid, grocer, plumber, electrician etc etc. She manages the house as a business.

One can map activities of Life to Business.

Manage Income and Expenses (Finance)
Sell your skills and market yourself to get better job/business prospects (Sales and Marketing)
Manage your investment in real estate, equities.
Manage people like servants, cook etc whom you hire to provide services to you. You give them salaries, give them leaves, bonus etc (HR)
Negotiate to buy stuff for you, your family and home

Every Human being on earth is an entrepreneur and has capabilities to star their own company It is only a matter of identifying the potential in YOU.

We should rename earth to "Entrearth". It is a "World of Entrepreneurs".

It lured me into Temptation

2009-06-27T23:56:00.012+05:30

It was a Saturday morning and a holiday and i was wide awake at 8:00 am in morning. All roomies were sound asleep and i didn't know what to do. I had plans for the day, i had to go to buy a second hand bike. Somehow i managed to pass the time till 10 and still everyone was sleeping.

"Chal Varun uth, bike lene jaana hai" i told varun, In deep sleep he told me "Dopahar ko chalte hai abhi sone de" and he was off to sleep again. I went to wake up Raghu "Chal raghu uthja bike lene chalte hai". "Yaar raat ko late soya, dopahar ko chalenge" he told me and was to back in his slumber again. It was a bright sunny day and perfect time to go out. They woke up at around 12:30. I called up Vishal (My Roomie at Symbi for 2 yrs and a very good friend, and a very helping guy) so that he can assist us in getting bike as he is a localite.He was not well and refused to come.

I called up Aniket (Symbi Junior, Read his blog www.theitaxis.wordpress.com ) so that he could assist us in getting the bike as only he could speak marathi. We were supposed to go to Raasta peth (Area in Pune where we get lots of second hand bikes). Aniket would come by college bus to E-Square (Popular Multiplex in pune) and from there we would go together to Raasta peth. Finally everyone got ready and we left at 2:30 from home. Me , Raghu and Model (Varun) were waiting for Bus to E-Square. And suddenly it became cloudy, Black clouds started floating above our heads. "Maine bola tha tum log ko subeh chalo, ab baarish me gile hona" i cursed raghu n varun as they giggled looking at each other. We waited about 15 min for the Bus and there was no sign of it. Finally we took an Auto. As soon we sat it started drizzling. It was raining and Raghu and Varun were squeezing me in the auto from both sides so they didnt get wet. By the time we reached E-Square it had started raining pretty fast.In 5 min Aniket joined us.

It was raining cats and dogs and with mice running in our stomachs we were waiting to get another bus to Raasta peth and it was impossible to go out to see bikes. So we decided to roam in Kakade Center Point(Shopping Mall). We started roaming around going in different shops thats when we discovered a Gaming parlour and Raghu was the first one to rush in. Then we discovered a Pool table and everyone was like "bike ke liye kal jaayenge aaj pool khelte hai aur fir gher chalte hai". You should have seen expression on my face. Then we decided to play for sometime and if rain stopped we will go for bike. We bought the membership for parlour for 200 Rs and started playing pool costing 35 rs a frame. Team was I and Model Vs Raghu and Aniket. First game we lost with my score of 1. Now after loosing i wanted to win the second game. This time after the game started varun potted 4 balls in a row and we were looking good, and suddenly he potted the Black ball, We had lost, The frame was over but before the supervisor could see we placed the black ball back on the table. We continued and lost the Game. Thus we had lost 3 Games by playing 2 games.

It was already 4:30 and rain had stopped. I thanked god for it. This people had made full plans to go back home. Finally we took a bus to Raasta peth. There was some drizzling going on but it was ok. And guess what we reached Raasta peth at 6, it is only 30 min drive, We were completely famished.

There are Auto consultants in Raasta peth who have these second hand bikes, if u like any bike they talk to the owner and you can directly negotiate with the owner. There are lot of consultants and around 2000 bikes lying around, Any bike you want, you will get it. I wanted to get a Yamaha. At first shop there was a Yamaha Enticer and Yamaha RX 100 available. We went on to various shops and roamed for around 30 min and after looking at lots of bikes i finally had 2 options Bajaj Pulsar 180 2003 model and Yamaha Enticer 2003 model, Both costing 23,000. Raghu and Varun took test drive of both the bikes and left the decision on me. I am big fan of Yamaha and decided to get YAMAHA ENTICER. Raghu Negotiated the amount and deal was freezed for 21k.

Raghu and Aniket took a bus and reached home, i and varun went to temple, then gurudwara, got some sweets and went home. Finally i bought a bike after a dramatic day. Thanks Aniket, Raghu and Varun for helping me get a bike. And i am in totally in love with the bike. I feel like King when i drive it. I plan to get into Cruiser Segment only if i plan to get another bike.Have a look at the Pics of the Bike. The guy in Yellow T-shirt is Aniket.

"Yamaha Enticer proved the significance of its name. Yamaha did Entice me (Lure me) to buy the Bike."

Regards
VD

Short, sweet and quickie

2009-06-17T22:24:00.007+05:30

I wish i finish this post quickly. I have finished my dinner and m too tired to write but there is a bug in me which is not letting me sleep n making me write this. By end of second sentence my hands have started getting in motion and my brain refuses to think and my heart is trying to do the brain's work but can't as it ll be short of blood supplies to other parts of my body. Anyways where was i, well forget it.

Ya so i plan to read my novel everyday before sleeping but am too tired when i come back from office and am unable to plan.......so forget reading.....But Leaders are readers.........and i too like them can't stay away from reading:) and ya Blue is cool. Faithless here i come, oh that's the book which i am reading by Karin Slaughter. Excellent book. I recommend it.

Well now my heart is refusing to think, my brain has stopped wrrrrrittttttinggggggg and my hands are refusing to send blood to my heart for writing..........ohhhhhhhhhh...I think i should go to sleep.Good Bye
God Bless All

Yours Lovingly
Vd

Note: This post is an "Upkaar" to my blog and an E-waste. Please Ignore and ya Blue is really cool.

A perfect Welcome

2009-06-07T09:55:00.014+05:30

Its 10:00 am as i write this and its second day at my pune home. Its a 2 BHK spacious flat and 6 of us are stayin together i.e. Abhishek(Jackie), Raghu(MRV), Varun(Model), Vaibhav(Balloooo), Vedik and obviously me:).

I arrived at pune station at 10:25 pm on 5th june, the journey in the train was not much fun so no point talking about it and the was not feeling good as had left home so all this feelings took over me in my train journey anyways. Here i was at station waiting for Raghu and Vishal (Sher - my roomie at Symbi). Then i saw raghu, i cant describe it...i was so happy....i remember hw tough it was when we left the college...and here we were together. we went out an were waiting for vishal at Commesum and we see him coming with couple of bags which i had left at his place. WOW its feels so exciting to meet them after 2 very long months. Vishal had some work at home so he dint accompany us. I and raghu took an auto to our new flat on baner road, we had to pickup jackie from FC road. Met jackie, he was leaving forUS next day for a project. Three of us sat tight in auto with my luggage, 3 Large bags, 1 laptop bag and guitar. We had an argument with the auto driver for the charges (like we have it everytime). I was in no mood to argue and paid him the sum. The area seemed nice and peacefull and here i was at my New Home.

Nice spacious flat and newly painted and yes very good ventilation. A new Tv with Big Tv connection, 2 Fridges only one working;), kitchen full of shoes. We are still to organize the house and some stuff is still to come. Me and raghu had our dinner. Model, ballu and vedik were not there at home. i switched on the TV and we were watching england vs netherland match. Varun came home followed by Vaibhav and Vedik. Vedik is vaibhav's friend and now our friend and he being a gujju it was easy synchro with him:). We watched the match as England lost, upset in first match at worldcup. Balloo went to sleep as he had a medical checkup in morning. We all retired to bed at 3.

i woke up at 8 in morning everyone was fast asleep, balloo had left. I was planning to write all this stuff but didnt feel like writing. i freshened up and played mafia wars for some time. i had tol leave at 11:30 am for some work. Everyone woke up and we had some chat andi started getting ready. Jackie also had some work out so he got ready and we took a bus to university and then took and auto from there to senapati bapat road.

I met aniket and rohit (Symbi juniors and very good friends). i finsied my work at around 3 and it was raining hard. First rains for me this year, i took an auto to our flat and reached there. Everone was waiting for lunch. We ordered food from Faasos. I and raghu went out to buy some stuff for the home till the food arrived. We also got some Cad B (Famous Rich Chocolate dring in punen and our favorite too). Raghu got a call from Varun and told him "Jaldi aao Faasos waala wait ker raha hai". We were surprised why is he waiting for us. But then varun told raghu "Hamare paas paise nahi hai". Fact is we had taken all the money to buy the stuff and this poor Faasos Guy and our friends were waiting for us while we were roaming around and getting CAD B. We hurried home and paid the sum. Then we had petful of lunch and had CAD B afterwards to give the meal a perfect ending.

Jackie was supposed to leave at in evening for mumbai, he had a flight from Mumbai - Frankfurt - Chicago - Kansas City. And we were planning to go to college. It was 6 in evening and jackie was ready to leave. Swapnil (Our Band Drummer), Nehaji and khushboo had come to meet.Everyone bid Jackie a Bon voyage. As we had plan to visit our campus as some of our collegeues are staying there until they get their final locations. Vedik dropped varun to campus on his bike and then he had some work so left. I got in car with Jackie and he dropped me at wakad bridge and Sid (symbi junior, Basist of our band and one of my fav junior) came to pick me up from there. Raghu arrived 45 mins later on varun's bike.

It was wonderfull to be back on campus and our memories got fresh. Met Ashish (another roomie at symbi). Man we had gr8 time at Symbi. I regularly used to update Bhatia (as we call Ashish, Kale bhatia to be specific) on his area of interest (For more details about area of interest contact him).Also met Madhan (Bhatia's competitor), Dinap, Sherry, Ravindra, Arun and mohsin (Star cricketer Ironicaly). Met some of juniors also. Super juniors were playin cricket and i and and bhatia couldnt resist and went on for a match. I felt so good to be on the field after long time especially after losing in semi-finals.

I cant describe the feeling of being back on campus. Met Rahul (kakade) he got placed and seemed very happy. Heavy downpour started and we went on to play Table Tennis. Met Dipen (my gujju friend) he used to love playing Table tennis and basket ball. Met buddha(Barun) when he was back to campus. The first question everyone asked was "Kitni baar bimaar hua 2 mahine me". Met Raagini also and as usual we all started teasing her. Kunal was going to reach late and Maddy (Madhan) was goin to pick him up.

It was time to bid adieu to campus and we all headed back to campus with Bhatia, swapnil coming back and lalaji (Rakesh) planning to join us at home. Everyone gathered at home and we had full plan to watch India first match with Bangladesh. We had nice dinner after lalaji and Bhatia finished with their drinking. Match too ended on happy note with Yuvraj's bllistering knocj and couple of amazing catches and Ojha bagging MoM award for his 4/21 on his debut.

And the Day also ended on a very happy, excitng , amazing and wonderfull note. I am simply short of words. Thank you all for making my day, a day to remember.

Yours Lovingly,
Vd

VD's 40:30:30 Investment Concept

2009-05-22T16:49:00.005+05:30

I have come up with a investment concept, VD's 40:30:30 Investment Concept as i call it. It is like this, at any point of time you want to invest in Stocks divide the money you have for investing in a ratio of 40:30:30. Invest 40 % money in stocks you want to buy. Keep remaining amount as it is, don't invest it. It is up to you whether you want to invest it for long term or short term. If the market goes down by 15-18% invest remaining 30% of money and if it further goes down by 15-18% invest the last 30 %. If after investing 30 % at any point of time market goes up you can sell your stock if you want and book profit thereby reducing loss from original 40% invested money and then you can again invest 30 % when market goes further down.

Now if the market goes up you can sell the stock to get profit and re-divide the total amount in 40:30 :30 ratio and invest it. Or you can keep the stocks and the amount which is left i.e. 60 % of total amount, you can redivide the amount in 40:30:30 ratio and invest it and keeping the existing stocks.

It is up to you to sell stock at whatever rate you want and book profit. You can use this principle if you don't want to keep stop loss. I feel by using this concept you can keep your portfolio away from heavy losses when market starts going down. You can also earn profit when market goes up and invest more with less risk with this concept. You can use this concept at any point, whether you are just starting to invest or you have been already investing.

I use this concept when i invest my money and it has been amazingly helpful to me during tough times. Moreover do strong market research before investing in any stock. The concept has worked with me and it is not necessary it works with everyone because it also depends on person to person and in scripts they invest. I feel this concept may lessen your risk in investing.

Disclaimer: This is only for information and the author is not liable for any losses be it direct, indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages caused by using the information, or as a result of the risks inherent in the stock market. No warranty or guarantee is given regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information provided here.

KKR Signs off in Style

2009-05-21T13:34:00.003+05:30

KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders) have given a killer blow to Rajasthan Royals and have pushed them out of Semi finals. In spite of being last on table in the series and losing 10 matches, they bounced back heavily in their last two matches knocking off last year's Champions and Runner-up to sign off in style. Against Chennai Super Kings they chased the highest total in series so far and McCullum came with the fastest 50 in IPL 2009 and i must not forget the amazing contribution of Hodge in the match and throughout the series. What an amazing game that was. Then KKR did it to the defending champions restriciting them to a total of 101, thanx to excellent bowling. Rajasthan Royals did fight back and were right back into the game but Shukla played gem of an innings to take Kolkata to a Happy ending. Kolkatta signs off in style and hopefully will back next year Re-Reloaded and do wonders on and off field.

KKR Rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Korbo Lorbo Jeetbo Re!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reloaded

2009-05-20T11:51:00.003+05:30

Hello Everyone

Am back with the post after a year.............its been long time and i have pushed the restart button for blogging world. its RELOADED now and i choose to name so coz am a KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders fan for people who don't know). Well i promise to keep you people updated with new posts. Enjoy and Take charge

VD

Someday - Nickelback

2008-05-19T15:26:00.004+05:30

hey all

Am back with new post......i just saw the video Someday by nickelback.........it is first time i heard this song........wow what a video it is and the song is also beautifully sung.....i had to watch the video couple of times before i actually understood the video....i recommend this video to everyone...beleive me its amazaing and the song is tooooooooooooo goooooooooooooooood......here's d link..jst chek out d song and put your comments

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c9RmtC-8mI

Vashistha

"Tough Times never last, but tough people do" - Robert Schuller

2008-05-11T11:34:00.000+05:30

hi all

This is my first blog am writing......n it feels proud to join the group of bloggers.....i just read a book Tough times never last but tough people do by Robert H. Schuller
What a amazing book it is...it explains what is the secret ingredient of tough people that enables them to succeed?Why do they survive tough times when others are overcome by them?why do they soar when others sink?....This book explains the power of possibility thinking and beleive me it really helps...i like one of the statments "Dont say take care, people who take care never get anywhere......instead say Take charge, Take control"....Winners dare to dream. They commit themselves to it, they dare to try, to take risk and most importantly they beleive "If its going to be, its up to me"
After reading this book i have come to know answers about various things i had in my mind.....i know now how to get anywhere i want....this book has helped me lot to learn about myself and how to actually go ahead with the idea that comes in mind.....the idea that comes to you is just life a seed..it has to go through various phases like nesting, testing etc to finally give a sweet fruit...the book provided me with lot of motivation and has helped me change lot of things about me

People i make a sincere request to everyone please read this book.........Beleive me it will be really helpfull n it provides with a strong motivational force which will help you to reach your goals

Vashistha Diwan