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Category Archives: Oman
Oman World Fireworks Championship 2010 – Day 1
Who will bell the cat?
Oman ranked 60th on world’s best countries index
Newsweek magazine in a survey ranked Finland the best out of 100 countries to live in. Oman was ranked 60th. The survey measured five categories of national well being: education, health, quality of life, economic competitiveness and political environment.
Countries were also divided into groups based on size and income. Overall, Nordic countries did well in the ranking. Sweden was third, Norway fifth and Denmark 10th, all being small but wealthy. Switzerland was second, while the U.S. didn’t squeeze into the top 10 (ranking 11th). China came in at 59.
In the GCC, Kuwait topped the list at 40. UAE is ranked 43rd, Qatar 54th and Saudi Arabic is at 64th.
Social media is the way forward
On my recent visit to India, a friend asked me: “How are big companies responding to social media in Oman?” Being a social media consultant, for once, I didn’t have a concrete reply. Then again I briefed him the scenario of 2010.
Well, social media in Oman is still in its nascent stage. People are talking about it, only a few companies are keen on adopting social media practice, and rest are ignoring it. A few banks were keen on Facebook, but developed cold feet at the last minute. Reason: they aren’t ready to accept honest feedback which might harm their reputation.
The primary reason for companies to shun social media in Oman is the transparency it gets into the scheme of things. Once you are in, you can’t dictate terms to the users unlike the traditional media which is more of a one-way communication. Businesses in Oman are so used to ‘dictate terms’ that they feel the moment social media is implemented, the privacy of the company is invaded and their reputation hurt by way of honest feedback. They will be answerable to everything and anything about their business and service. Well, they are not quite used to these things.
Companies here should realize that social media gets transparency into their business which is so vital in today’s world. They get to listen to honest feedback which can be used to improve their services and fine-tune products.
Social media is a cool and cost effective way to build a lasting relationship with customers and partners. Unlike the traditional advertising acquaintance, social media helps the company to talk to its customer, and this can help in building relationship for life.
Social media platforms are plenty like Corporate Blog, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr and
Facebook. These are redefining how we talk and relate to one another.
Imagine this. A customer is having problem with his internet connection, and he contacts the telecom company using social networking tools. The company listens to his problem and solves it immediately. Isn’t he a happy customer? There is every possibility of him telling about his experience to his friends. Imagine the kind of goodwill the company generates. Similarly, banks, hotels, trading companies, fashion brands, stores, etc, can reap benefits by adopting social media.
Adopt new technology and embrace change as fast as you can. Be social in every way possible. That is the future.
Startup Weekend Oman
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to be part of a unique programme called ‘Startup Weekend Oman’. It is a platform to connect with other passionate and skilled individuals, and convert your idea into reality.
What is Startup Weekend?
Startup Weekend recruits a highly motivated group of developers, business managers, startup enthusiasts, marketing gurus, graphic artists and more to a 54 hour event that builds communities, companies and projects. It is an amazing opportunity to connect with other passionate and skilled individuals, and perhaps even find a co-founder or two to transform your idea into reality.
Startup Weekend is a non-profit organization based out of Seattle, WA USA. Startup Weekend is a small team of three along with community leaders around the world. Startup Weekend’s primary mission is to be the most valuable and influential organization in startup communities around the world.
Oman is the first nation in GCC and Arab world to organise this programme. I had an opportunity to talk to Donald Desantis, an internet junkie and a Startup Weekend facilitator who had come from US. The level of participation was heartwarming with more than 90 Omani folks registering for the 3-day event.
(Photos: Ali Nasser Mohammed Al Senaidi)
Free wireless Internet service at Muscat International Airport
A report says:
The new Wireless Internet Service (WiFi) at Muscat International Airport was launched by Oman Airports Management Company (OAMC) and Omantel during a small ceremony held at the airport terminal in the presence of George Bellew, Chief Executive Officer of OAMC and Adil Ismail AL Raisi, Vice President of Corporate Customers at Omantel.
Travelers and visitors to Muscat International Airport will be able to use the high speed WiFi service for free and take advantage of surfing the Internet, check personal e-mail’s, communicate with others and find out the latest news, events and developments in the world. The free wireless internet can be accessed by any hardware which supports WiFi technology such as Laptop Computers and Mobile Phones.
Perfect for CBD
Come weekdays, and it is almost hell to find a parking space in crowded Central Business District (CBD) in Ruwi. The Standard Chartered Bank Oman has hit upon a novel idea with a designated car park for the ‘employee of the month’. Brilliant thinking and so apt for CBD.
In Pictures: Cyclone Phet hits Oman
‘Adventure’ marketing and advertising seminar
It was great listening to ad gurus and stalwarts at the ‘Adventure’ marketing and advertising seminar at Barr Al Jissah today.
This one I loved.
5 questions every brand must answer:
1. What is the oblivious truth your brand should own?
2. Therefore, what business are you really in?
3. At whom is the brand aimed?
4. If the brand were a person? Three key adjectives.
5. Branding idea the consumer will want to champion
Some phrases I liked during the course of seminar:
1. Consumer is the world’s most powerful brand.
2. Brands are made in consumers’ hearts, not factories.
3. There is a child in every person’s heart.
4. Ideas grow brands, not media.
5. Consumers are world’s strongest medium.
6. Technology has changed, building brands hasn’t.
7. Brand = goodwill.
8. Living the brand – enjoy the experience.
9. Prosumers – opinion leaders.
10. Brand are not objects, but people.
11. All effective communication comes from collective dreams.
We need more of these events, I swear. Bored with songs and dance stuff.