The arrogance of creation

"We know the number of stars in the universe is something like one followed by 233 zeros. Given that number, how arrogant to think ours is the only sun with a planet that supports life, and that it's the only solar system with intelligent life."

— Edward J. Weiler, NASA Director, Washington Post newspaper, 20 July 2008

When we as advertising and creative folks come up with an idea that we believe is absolutely unique, brilliant, memorable and remarkable, how confident are we that we are the only ones thinking about it / have thought about it / will think about it tomorrow? We are not the only brilliant people in this world with a brilliant idea. Chances are there may just be someone else at the same point on time (or a little before/after you) thinking of the same idea.

Everyone wanted to explore the world and sail to an undiscovered land, when man first set sail on the seas. 

The ones who landed first and planted their flag were the ones who have gone down in the history books.

The one who is remembered is the one who does it first - who makes it happen first. And plants the flag. 

So the next time we have a brilliant, amazing, unique idea... let us make it happen.

Remember, the funny little "Dear Optimist, Pessimist and Realist, while you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it! Sincerely, The Opportunist." It ain't that funny when you're on the receiving end.

The Seinfeld Strategy

"Show after show, year after year, he performs, creates, and entertains at an incredibly high standard. Jerry Seinfeld produces with a level of consistency that most of us wish we could bring to our daily work."

Here's a thoughtful piece about his productivity, performance and consistency, and how they led to his incredible success.  

http://www.businessinsider.com/use-seinfeld-strategy-to-stop-procrastinating-2013-7

Some very cool words of inspiration. I loved it!

A beautiful story about customer experience, from an unexpected place

Anna durai owns an Auto Rickshaw (similar to Taxi) in Chennai City, in Tamil Nadu, India. 

All auto rickshaws take people from one place to another.

What makes his auto from others is that he provides a lot of things inside the auto for his passengers.

That are...

1. Free mobile battery charger

2. Watch TV for free of cost

3. Free WiFi

4. Free books and magazines to read

5. Bumper prize contest for customers! To win surprise prizes!

6. Refer a poor child for studies / CSR

7. And discounted fare for teachers and on special days such as national holidays and festivals.

8. Mobile and landline recharges are sold as well.

Anna durai is now 29 Years old.

His main goal is to make his customers feel happy and he feels customer satisfaction is highly important. 

The vehicle is WI-Fi enabled and if you're not carrying a laptop or smartphone to connect to the internet, Anna durai will slip you a 10-inch tablet. He carries an internet dongle attached to a WI-Fi router and offers free access to the internet. "Most people who take my auto to work at IT companies and I know that access to the internet is important for them," Annadurai says. "It takes about half an hour to cover the distance between Thiruvanmiyur and Sholinganallur. Why waste that time?" says Anna durai

The auto also has slots for magazines and newspapers that contain the latest editions. Anna durai spends 4,000 Rupees a month on subscriptions to 35 various news publications. There are dailies for the customers who need to keep up on the news, weekly magazines for passengers who are taking a long ride, and glossy fortnightlies for those interested in lighter reading.

Annadurai spends more than 5,000 rupees to give his customers an auto ride like no other in the city, yet makes a good living, taking home a profit of around 1,000 a day. "That is more than enough for a bachelor like me," he says. "I drive from 8am to 1pm and from 5pm to 11pm," he says. He charges 15 Rupees for the 11km route he covers, while other auto drivers demand 20 for the same distance. "Money really isn't too important to me," he says. "What gives me pleasure is that people remember me and are grateful for the service I offer," he says.

This guy should be on TED. And brands could learn a lesson or two!