Smile narrates the real life story of an MMA fighter - Elias Boudegzdame. The French-Algerian who became the first ever, Brave Combat Federation Featherweight Champion.

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Account Managers play a key role in connecting the business with the clients. On an operational scale they are the pipelines for the services to flow on a structured and regulated basis. Account Managers are capable of adding value to the services while making an impact to the clients and the way they do business. Communication plays a key role in account management. Though the results may be the same, communicating the value that have been added to the client’s business in a precise, quantitative and timely manner makes a huge difference. The following are three of the communication strategies that constantly helped me during my tenure as an Account Manager.

Focus on Growth
Communicate what matters to the client the most. Key aspects of communication must focus on the targets provided by the client and by ways the value created by the service offered to the client helped them to achieve their actual goals and targets. Make sure that you speak numbers and results. Focus on growth and targets on realistic terms. Account management is also about trust.

Value time 
You may lose your resources which you can regain, however time once lost is lost forever. Value the time that the client has invested in your business. Communicate timelines on a regular basis and keep the client informed about every stage of business. For meetings, calls and reports be punctual and make sure that the time set apart is given due importance. Never walk in to a meeting late or unprepared. If you have an excuse then communicate it at the moment of incident itself. Be transparent, let the client understand that you are someone who are reliable even during an adversity. However make sure that the excuses are reversed with quality of effort and results that you deliver.

Listen More, Talk Less 
Account management is also about understanding. Create a communication framework that allows your client to speak more and explain their requirements better and with clarity. Different clients have different targets no matter how similar they seem like. Assumptions weaken the quality of services your business can offer. The purpose of communication is to bring two businesses together and to understand each other even better and to create new opportunities.

Communication is one factor that separates a good Account Manager from a great Account Manager. More than offering services, they strengthen the bond between the business and the client by ensuring that both parties grow and thrive. The role translates more to that of a leader who can bring the best of both parties and take them towards new horizons.

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On the birthday of the gentle giant, John Lucas there are more reasons to remember him. An athlete who towers over the rest of the mortals always gives moments to cherish for his fans and well wishers from time to time. One such remarkable moments that really earned him respect is during the BodyPower 2016. Representing ESN supplements and Omtex Sports at the expo, John gained quite a lot of fans. The popular giant with a friendly smile is one of the most patient athletes and who never miss out a chance to give his fans a reason to smile.

During the 2nd day of the BodyPower Expo, John Lucas and Sanesh Singh took to the stage dancing to popular Bollywood music that made the crowd go wild. The athletes were escorted from the stage to the VIP section by the security as soon as the show was over. And as he was leaving the stage, the plight of a young fan who was trying to reach him caught his attention. The child was unable to reach near his favorite athlete and was visibly disappointed. His mother was trying hard to console him. Then to the surprise of the crowd, the #GiantNation athlete himself reached out to his young fan through the crowd. John spend enough time to bring a cherishing smile to his face. That was not the end, John patiently posed as his mother clicked a photograph of her son with the gentle giant. And on this day 30th May I wish the Gentle Giant a very Happy Birthday :)

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In the modern day business environment, the entire gamut of client relations boils down to the point of client experience as a vital element of business excellence. By delivering the finest experience, the business can leverage smoother transition of operations with minimum chances of conflict. When it comes to client experience, gamification is one of the most sought after process that can leverage automation into a positive experience.

To start with, Gamification is the process where the user is encouraged to interact and engage with aspects of the brand or product through elements salient to game-play. Each interaction will typically earn points, placings and rewards similar to a game play environment leading to increased levels of interaction and engagement with the brand. The elements of gamification takes away the monotony from repetitive tasks managed through automation and enhance levels of interactivity while developing opportunities for the users explore the brand in detail.

Nudge is a concept in behavioural science, political theory and economics which argues that positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions to try to achieve non-forced compliance can influence the motives, incentives and decision making of groups and individuals, effectively than direct instruction, legislation, or enforcement. Nudging can provide a directional stimulation without directly engaging the user. In other terms nudging reinforces the judgement of the user to act according to the best option available. When gamification is designed to nudge the customer into a positive experience, the results can be unlimited. However the entire process revolves around how the gamification is designed to create the user experience.

If the customer is not efficiently nudged or nudged too much, it could result as a negative experience or as a hindrance to the overall user experience. If nudged too much, the customer is intimidated to seek alternatives since the experience makes the message aggressive. The optimum level must be ascertained per user by assessing their individual behavioural aspects by using artificial intelligence. However this could get too intrusive and can let the users feel their privacy is curtailed. When it comes to nudging, balance is the key for success.

The key aspects of successful gamified nudging strategies are that they must be gentle, empowering, directional, purpose oriented and invitational. The strategy must compliment the end goal of the user and guide the user to follow the process with least resistance.

The key idea is not to redirect the user but to stimulate the drive in user behaviour towards seeking the best option available. Since gamification can subliminally drive messages across powered by effective nudging, it is the right tool to engineer a result oriented user experience.

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User experience is the totality of experiences a customer undergoes while interacting with the business or an entity through possible channels of communication or interactive platforms. This could be a website, online communication tool or an application. The thumb rule is that users must not be forced to follow a path but be allowed to explore and experience the channel while they are directed subliminally towards the target. So it is a must to set clear and achievable user experience goals.

Resurrect Yourself

Easter is not a day but an emotion. Seldom do we realize the power of resurrecting an idea or a part of our soul that was long lost in the tides of time. It is one of the most empowering and rejuvenating feelings a human being can ever experience. What stops us from this holy reunion or resurrection is the fear and lack of hope. Life is miserable at times and the powerful waves of time had knocked us down from time to time. And every experience in life had taught us that it is not wise to go against the force. We learn to become timid and adjust our lives to the brute force that envelops us. However, we can become who we are only through strength and faith. It is the faith that had moved mountains and brought the mighty to their knees. Only then we realize the power of the force that animates us.

It is the spark within those souls who sought to uphold their belief in humanity and truth that drives this world forward into the light. Many of those who had been burned at stakes by the church itself have resurrected to lead the world into the light. Faith cannot be stopped and truth cannot remain hidden, not even by the strongest force who said to have represented the best interests of God. Only through faith and love we can realize the idea behind Easter. Liberation. It is through liberation and truth we can understand the man, the prophet and the son of god who dared to sacrifice himself standing by his views about equality and love. Yes, we hold the key to our happiness and destiny, only if we embrace the truth within ourselves and the nature around us. A man can be killed no matter if he is sent by the god himself, but ideas embodied in truth will always resurrect and resonate for time immortal.

Poetry in Stone

Life in the city is a subliminal imprisonment. Imprisoned by the habits and behavioral patterns linked with the intricacies of a culture that is driven by marketing. This is how wanderers are born. Hardcore renegades who seek to redefine the set parameters. I chose not to waste my time in a mall or a pub or with never ending meetings. I ended up in a small village 75 kilometers away from Bangalore. Prefer the name to be undisclosed. After few cups of tea and some friendly conversations I ended up in a temple complex that was over a thousand years old.

At times it is astonishing that a civilization so advanced existed a thousand years ago that can challenge any superiority claimed by modern day structures. I was never religious hence my thoughts went beyond the gods in the temple. For hours, all I could think was how all those basic geometry, mathematics, physics, art, geography and architecture made sense when applied into the equation of the structure. A shrine made in rock over a thousand years stood there mocking a generation that cannot build an apartment to last 50 years. That too with all the claimed advancements in science. It is humbling to realize that our biggest folly is to complicate matters that are really simple and to take the problem to a level where it multiplies into another series of problems.

Each column of pillars gleamed with the wisdom of a bygone era and was communicating to us from beyond a point lost in time. Yes quality and art can always transcend time. Answer to many of the questions that we ask over and over again, lies in the past. A past where human beings knew to fear the nature and respect it. A past where thoughts were put into action and pace was replaced with quality. A past where perspectives were wide and sought ways to nurture generations yet to come with wisdom, knowledge, art and the richness of heritage. For many more years yet to come, these monuments will whisper in our ears who we really are and what we are really capable of achieving. Only if we have the heart to listen and a perspective that can transcend those narrow ideologies that imprison us. May be not all who wander are not lost. 

There is a teacher in every soul

More I know about cats the more I admire them. Gentle, wise and highly adapting philosophers who are one of the most patient teachers I had ever came across. While their bigger relatives were nearly hunt towards extinction, they stayed among the notorious human species leading a life on their own terms. Many times, cats come across as reliable friends but with conditions. The reality is that these are the same conditions that govern our lives in the society.

A cat emphasizes the fact that nobody owns anybody. We are just here for the while and all that we can do is to make the stay worthwhile. There is always a sense of equality when you deal with a cat. Every cat believes that there is no being that is superior, however they are wise enough to avoid those harmful and unreliable ones while appreciating the company of those who can add value to life. With cats karma reflects instantly. It is our actions that earn us respect and respect is not a commodity but the reflection of our integrity solidly bound with ethics. And in the world it doesn't matter what your personal legacy is, but unless you treat life around you fair and with respect you will not be respected. 

Govind Singh at BodyForce MMA Fight Night

"Bahout Bharosa Kiya Hai Alan Sir Nei, Mujhe Consider Karke" (Alan Sir has put a lot of faith in me by considering me for this fight). When Govind completed his sentence, the room was silent and every heart in that room sunk a little with disappointment. Everyone in the gym was sure that Govind will not be able to train for a month. But Govind's words resonated with hope that convinced everyone in the gym that he had already switched his gear and he won't back down. 
Govind Singh is one of India's finest flyweight Mixed Martial Arts Fighters hailing from Uttrakhand. Trained by none other than Alan "The Bull" Fenandes, Govind Singh is one among the promising MMA talent from India riding a three win streak at the moment. Govind was scheduled to fight at the Super Fight League 43, against the veteran Anoop "Gujjar Tank" Kumar. It was then the disaster struck. The sheer focus and dedication of Govind had to face the ultimate test, may be the toughest he had faced so far. Govind had broken his shoulder ligament and was rendered unable to train while advised not to fight. 

Govinds injury highlighted in the X Ray

Govind Singh at SFL 39, BodyPower India 2015

Govind Singh with his Coach Alan Fenandes

Note

Jew Street

Paradesi Synagogue, Fort Kochi

Jewish Cemetery, Mattancherry

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We are privileged to be living in an age of visuals and communication. The power of visual communication have grown exponentially and social media is brimming with content to captivate the target audience. One profession that got transformed the most due to the intervention of the digital age is that of a photographer. Technology enabled users to takeover the role of a photographer instantly with few swipes of a finger. Powerful communication tools equipped with cameras and editing software changed the way photographs were composed and circulated. The traditional business model of a professional photographer have faced severe challenges due to the change in technology. Owning a camera may not ensure an individual their livelihood anymore. So did digital age and technology decimate a profession or made it even more professional? In my opinion, photography had never been through better times.

Let me open my argument with a simple statement. Technology cannot replace creativity. From time to time inventions have replaced existing technology, however the human element behind the technology was hardly replaced. The industry have not changed but accessibility and the mode of operations did change to a great extent. Demand for quality photographs have increased manifolds resulting in opportunities for the specialized professionals. At the moment an individual can compose an image with a few flicks of their fingertips, however to compose an image that will captivate the minds of the audience and drive in a message that will make certain change still requires creativity and a set of specialized skills. That means, the role of a photographer have changed from that of a bystander with a camera to that of a problem solver. A successful photographer is the one who shoots the right perspective at the right moment while communicating the intended message to the right target audience.

In the digital age, to survive as a photographer one is required to be an artist, promoter of ideas and a student - all at the same time. To retain the artistic perspective while communicating sensibly and right to the point have redefined the power of visuals. The trend is organic which keeps evolving from time to time and from message to message. Unless a photographer is willing to learn constantly and evolve, one cannot ride into the future with the same unbridled passion they started their career with. Keeping up is tough and many who started clicking a decade ago have changed their interests or have adjusted to the changing trends. At the very moment a photographer can succeed financially only if they can provide creative perspectives to enchant the audience and achieve the goals of communication, while reducing the costs to an extent of saving even taxes and legal liabilities while adding value to the perspective of business.

In other words a professional photographer must go beyond clicking a photograph for their client. One must understand why the client needs the image and try to provide a professional solution that is viable, appealing and can yield results. A certain business acumen is required to manage multiple aspects of the business of photography while keeping the art alive. The message is simple, one can either change the world or be changed by the world.

A Random Note

Life is beautiful
Keep Hustling 

The Perfect Frame

Poetry: Hari Bhagirath

Macho King Randy Savage

Macho King Randy Savage - Oooh Yeah! 

When colors fade

Fitness Photography by Hari Bhagirath

• Soft boxes
• Shoot-through umbrella
• Lights
• Reflectors

Stressed?

Stress is a part and parcel of our daily lives. Stress affects our productivity, lifestyle, health and social relations. Different individuals develop varied mechanisms and solutions to cope up with stress. However, not all methods are healthy or offer a final solution. To endure in the long run, effective and qualitative strategies must be implemented to combat the issue of stress. When deciding which option to choose to combat stress, it is helpful to think of the four As: avoid, alter, adapt or accept.

There is no definitive principles to combat stress because each individual is unique, however the fundamentals remains the same while dealing with the issue of stress.

Stress management strategy: Avoid unnecessary stress
We must realize that not all kinds of stress could be avoided. It is not healthy to avoid a situation that needs to be addressed. However, there are incidents where in we invite unnecessary stress into our lives there by complicating our reactions and add pressure to our professional and personal lives. The following points will focus on tips to avoid unnecessary stress.

• Learn to say “no” when required – Never bite more than you can swallow. Know your limits and plan accordingly. Whether in your personal or professional life, taking on more than you can handle is a recipe for stress.
• Avoid people who stress you out – Avoid people or circumstances that add undue stress into your lives. Limit the amount of time you spend with the individual or figure out a permanent solution to tackle the issue.
• Take control of your environment – In many cases the cause of stress is the reluctance to change. Keep the options open and accept and adapt to circumstances with an open mind.
• Avoid hot-button topics – Avoid those topics and situations that can make you upset or irate from social interactions. May it be religion, sport or politics, keep them off from your conversation list as long as it can affect the equilibrium of your tranquillity. If a subject gets you to repeatedly argue with the same interest group, avoid the topic or excuse yourself when it’s the topic of discussion.
• Focus on your objectives – Analyse your schedule, responsibilities, and daily tasks. Schedule and have clear plan of action for the day. Avoid those tasks that are unproductive or hinders progress of your objectives. Also it is essential not to spend time spreading negativity.

Foot note - Love what you want to promote than attacking what you hate.