BANKING on the BRAND: HSBC

HSBC, Europe’s largest bank by market value, has been named the world’s most valuable banking brand according to the Banker magazine’s Top 500 Financial Brands listing. It was also the only bank featured in the study to achieve the highest possible triple ‘A’ brand rating. The strength of the band depends on the bank’s focus on emerging markets. A great example of this was the launch of HSBC Premier in September last year. Premier customers now have the ability to open accounts in 37 different countries and HSBC assist them wherever they are in the world using their network of branches and dedicated relationship managers. The benefits offered by Premier Banking Services include free travel insurance, preferential lending rates, and improved customer service.
But, what it takes to be the best banking brands?? Credit card oriented bank brand display the highest proportion of brand value to market capitalization. This is because emotional and image related factors are significant drivers of demand in this sector. Consumer-focused banks generally display a higher brand value to market cap than corporate-focused banks. This is because consumer banking involves more emotional and image related factors than business and wholesale banking. Investment and wholesale banks display surprisingly large brand values. This is because banks of this type do not need large retail networks, infrastructure and similar tangible assets. Much of their value is intangible and the two main assets are key personnel know-how and the corporate brand itself.

HSBC as a brand has been always on the forefront of creating and subsequent sponsorship of a new advertising channel: the ‘airbridges’-the gateways linking aeroplanes and passenger terminals - at major international airports. The bank’s ‘Managing for Growth’ strategic plan has reaped huge rewards in growing the earnings, shareholder returns and the overall global footprint of the business in the past.

CEO’s and SUCCESS

Everything is in a constant change. The business and the way the business is conducted has seen a sea change, a complete transformation in the last decade. To ensure success is consistent, CEOs balance the risks and opportunities of competing and collaborating in a world where globalization, technology, and rapid social change are transforming the business landscape. There are many factors which contribute to the change in business environment and are definitely the point of contention for the CEOs. These include Business Confidence, Mergers and Acquisitions, Global Risks, climate change and North America/Asia Pacific region. The fear of a global downturn has emerged as the number one threat to growth because of the recent global credit crunch and the heightened risk of recession on business confidence. The countries in the south Asia are turning to be a major contributor to the global growth. Last year, China overtook the US as the greatest contributor to global growth, measured at market exchange rates. It’s interesting to see that the developing countries in Asia are turning out to be the major hubs for business success. Despite fears of an economic downturn, CEOs continue to recognize the strategic importance of overseas expansion. However, interest in M&A is highest in Asia, where CEOs are the most confident, and where Asian companies have increasingly become acquirers rather than the acquired. Obstacles to M&A activity were headed by cultural issues and financial considerations. It’s a fact that the global risks has fallen in the past 12 months. The world turning to be a global village has resulted in diversifying the opportunities and thus diluting the dangers occurring due to local difficulties. The CEOs believes that climate change is less of a threat to their business than last year, with only 34 percent of them worried about the impact of climate change. But, as expected, CEOs are concerned about energy costs, although they are also taking notice of the impact on the environment.
CEOs continue to believe that people are a key factor in achieving success, but that it is difficult to find people with the right combination of skills. CEOs globally said that combined technical and business experience, global work experience and leaderships skills are the most difficult areas for their companies to recruit. As far as collaborative business networks is concerned, CEOs now regard them as a defining principle of the organization of the future, although actual implementation is still lagging behind these expectations. They also stress the fact that governments and regulators could make significant improvements ― particularly in matters of labour law, tax regimes and, to a lesser extent, education. However, despite all the talk about Sarbanes-Oxley and other financial regulations over the last few years, CEOs are less concerned about requirements for listing of public companies for new listings.

For more, please visit “Emerging markets and economies: The 11th Annual Global CEO Survey”, PWC.

If I say....

There are certain things which we do not say thinking of the consequences. Everytime we are asked of something, we tried to portray as if everything is fine and the reasons cited are extremely honest. But do things changes or what is the probability that if I say what I wanted to say will not affect my life and it will go smoothly. Why you want to leave the company was a question I was asked by Ernst and Young and my answer was because the line of business of Ernst coincides with my interest area which is true but not enough to give me a job. But, if I would have spoken the truth, can it guarantee a safe place in the organization. If I would have said about the politics played with me in my previous organization by my ex-manager and the mental trauma I underwent because of that and my current company is nothing more than a compulsion to me just because I left that company and didn’t have a job, will Ernst and Young would have recruited me??

There are lots of things which you come across when you are in an interview. And, being in the corporate field for the last 2 years and having attended numerous interviews, I could say there is no way a company could judge the real potential of an employee asking these questions. There is no specific way to measure whether the candidate fits in an organization. Even if I had a bad experience with my ex company I can never abuse or malign it in front of the other company who is taking my interview as it is not politically correct. What seems to be correct is purely a fake picture that the HRs considers as the valid reasons for an entry in an organization.

Where do I see myself after 5 years is a question posed by most of the employers? Well, I saw myself as a person who could easily go up the ladder just because I was quite confident about my abilities when I joined HSBC and yes, I made it a reality giving my 100% to the project I was working for, took initiatives and maintained a good rapport with all employees. But, due to a dirty trick played by someone, now I am somewhere else trying to build my career again from scratch, just to have something in my resume which can earn a job which I want. I have lost my 2 years in an attempt to see myself what I thought. Did my honesty pay?? No…..But, I have to fake everytime whenever someone asks me the question and my obvious answer is “ Well, I would like to see myself as a strategic consultant in an organization where I could exercise my existing talent and benefit the organization”.

Taking the right candidates is a challenge for sure when it comes to the HRs. But, more than that posing the right question to the candidates is much more important. Don’t judge a candidate asking a wrong question but judge them asking a question where they can do justice to themselves and to the organization. Commitment to an organization comes only when there is a mutual benefit. Attrition exists everywhere but that can be tackled when proper employee counseling takes place in an organization by the HRs. The first round of interview before selection is just an attempt to read the profile and not judging the person.
The next time when you ask, “How do you fit in the organization??”, think twice. Because, fitting in the organization is just not what the candidate thinks, it also depends on the project he works for, his line manager, circumstances around him and a lot many factors.

Sensex says, STICK to your STOCKS

The market is volatile. A sudden fall initiated a fear in the mind of the investors. Reliance IPO excitement almost resulted withdrawal of from the secondary market. The market noticed large outflows of FIIs adversely impacting market sentiment. In such a scenario, what could be recommended investment strategy for long-term equity investors?

The strategy is to remain unfazed by near-term market movements and invest in mid-cap funds. Key is to maintain a balance of mid-cap funds and actively managed funds in building long-term portfolios, alongside themes such as Infrastructure, natural resources and gold. The market is uncertain and definitely there is no reason to worry about your portfolio if it is diversified. In a volatile market, mid-cap funds have always performed better and if the funds are managed by fund managers having knowledge on which funds to invest, and then surely it’s a win-win situation for the investors. It’s necessary to keep a close look in the sector funds which are not sensitive to global trends which potentially give rise to such fluctuations. It gives an indication of the sectors performing in a volatile market situation and when the market is stable or upbeat. India is surely in the midst of strong domestic growth. With a positive indication of conducive global monetary environment coupled with stable domestic macroeconomic factors, monetary policy going forward is widely expected to support economic growth. Market performance over the medium term will thus benefit from the strong growth story as well as the increased investment interest it shall attract from both domestic as well as global investors.

JUST PUNCH IT

Business is a catchy affair!! Glamorizing business certainly helps to boost the profits. The best way to glamorize is Punchline. Before anyone could think of what you want to sell, your punchline should convey the message. Sometimes, a punchline makes a lot of difference in selling of a product in the most unconventional market. If I think of selling a Deodrant in a cold country, how would I sell it through a punchline?? I might market it something as “ Let the Fragrance matter more than the Odour”. This simple punchline solves two issues:
1)Deodrants should not only be used as a Odour removing spray.
2)And, your deodrant’s fragrance is too sensual.

Sometimes, a catchy punchline conveys your organization’s vision and mission.Sometimes its easy to differentiate a product's target market just by seeing the punchline for e.g.
Kingfisher:Fly with the good times
Deccan Airlines:Simplyfly

Deccan is an airlines for masses and Kingfisher for Classes.For a common man, there can nothing be more attractive than "Simplyfly" and for the men of class,they obviously fly with the King and its always a good feeling with Kingfisher.A punchline conveys more than a product use or value.It reflects sometimes an organization's culture.Just make your product near to your customer just by saying "LOCAL" wherever they are in the world.A simple punchline just convey the organization's message accurately.Nike-"Just do it"-There is no other better way to boost the self-confidence the way Nike has put through their famous Punchline. Thus the ad line simply communicates that using Nike can improve your performance by enhancing the self-confidence.IBM ThinkPad- " I think, therefore IBM"-Here IBM tries to say that if you have the capacity to think then you should go for IBM ThinkPad, the Punchline exactly conveys the message.

So,ready to punch!!!

Consultancy MODEL

Every Consultancy follow some practices and models to deliver effective solutions to the Clients.Before operating as a Consultant or having your own consultancy,prepare a checklist:
1)Your Clients,Markets and Business trends.
2)Knowledge of technologies and how the implementation of these technologies will affect the Business Strategy,
3)Alliance with key supplier inorder to fully understand their products and servives.

Generally,consultancy begins with addressing business strategy creating opportunities for programmes of business change.These programmes address the design and implementation of new technologies along with change management.During the Consulting lifecycle or process,business benefits and key success factors are articulated and measured which leads to business performance at the end.The key elelment is a consulting is programme management which includes either Change Projects led by Business Consultant or Technology Projects led by Technical Consultant.The Change Project encompasses the benefits,business acceptance and support,cultural change,communication and traning needs and implementation while Technology Projects focus on infrastructure,development projects,technical acceptance and production support.

Banning BLOGS..Thoughtful STRATEGY!!!!!!

That day when I tried to access my blog from my company's PC,I was schoked to see the result on my screen.To my amazement,the access was denied. Its not the situation in my company,but there are many companies where the employees are restricted to access BLOGS. The point to ponder is why such a step is taken by the organizations???

Blogs are viewed as "KNOWLEDGE BANK" today ,a place where you can access information easily along with discussing on issues.If we take a close look into the trends, then Infosys,Accenture,Thoughtworks encourage their employees to involve themselves in Blogs.But, there are few companies like mine who sees BLOG as a threat.Some possible reasons could be:

1. Leakage of confidential company information by the employees.
2. Blogs are taken as a source of entertainment when they are not working.
3. Sometimes, the employees participate in discussion forums and use of their time for self knowledge than organization benefit.

But,again the question arises why only BLOGS especially Blogspot.While most of the companies are using Blogs to encourage greater co-ordination between management and employees, its also being viewed as a potential Data Threat for others. The possible solution is to block some blogs which have pornographic or content not beneficial to the employees. Banning BLOGS not only suppress the knowledge of the employees but also is harmful for the orgaizations also.A thoughtful startegy....well,think again!!!

Metrics of FINANCIAL Performance

1.Primary Reserve Ratio= Expendable Net Assets/Total Expenses

The Primary ReserveRatio measures the financial strength of the institution by indicating how long the institution could function using its expendable reserves to cover operations should additional net assets not be available.

2.Return on Net Assets Ratio= Change in Net Assets/Total Beginning Net Assets

The Return on Net AssetsRatio measures total economic return and indicates whether the institution is financially better off than in previous years. A decline may be appropriate if it represents an institutional strategy to fulfill its mission. An improving trend indicates increasing net assets and additional reserves which provides financial flexibility.

3.Net Operating Revenues Ratio= Income before Other Items/Adjusted Net Operating Revenues

The Net Operating RevenuesRatio indicates whether the institution’s operating activities resulted in a net deficit or surplus for the year. The ratio measures whether available resources are sufficient to fund operating activities.

4.Viability Ratio= Expendable Net Assets/Total Debt

The ViabilityRatio measures the ability of the institution to cover its debt as of the balance sheet date, should the institution need to settle its obligations.

5.Debt Burden Ratio= Debt Service/Total Expenses

The Debt BurdenRatio measures the financial strength of the institution by indicating how long the institution could function using its expendable reserves to cover operations should additional net assets not be available.

6.Bond Ratings:The Bond Ratings indicate the institution's debt is considered high-grade, high-credit quality.

Managing RISK while Consulting

Consulting has always been a difficult task when the problem of the Client is huge and complicated.Its obvious that the greater the problem,the more the Client ready to pay for it.If a Consultant wish to undertake higher value-added engagements, he is likely to expose itself to greater risk.The bigger the organization,bigger are the issues,more time required to understand the organization,lot of analysis.In the above scenarios,Risk Management is a real necessity.

The key to good risk management is an early assessment of where the risks may occur.The best way is to categorize risks to Clients,Engagement,Methodologies,People and Fees/Contract.The power structure of the Client needs to be understood.The pre-conceived notions of the Clients can create a clash.Its always necessary to understand your client especially in big organizations.Especially, in a big organization,nature of engagement is important.It could be that a solution in a big organization is being sought for an immensely difficult issue.The likelihood of finding such a solution must be assessed.Methodologies that are well proven reduce risk.Its always necesaary to match the skills of the Consultants with that of the staff in the Organization.It helps in understaning the problem better and co-operation among both the parties increases.Finally,there should be a clear cut understanding of the payment procedure,clauses,liability terms n conditions.

A good risk management leads to a better Consulting!!

The BEST Companies to work for!!!

Its time for the Companies to conduct Surveys and Research.Its time again for the companies to see themselves as the Best Company to Work.Its time again for the Companies to be in the RAT Race and put all their efforts to be the BEST Company to work.But,my concern is whether the companies effort really helping the employees and the organization.Suddenly,everything is changed during the survey.The senior management closely take a look at the employees of the organization to MOTIVATE and provide GYAAN to vote their organization.Whether the Survey just consider the "SMILING FACES" or also consider the "DEJECTED MINDS".Are the efforts of the organization have just turned as a TINSEL WORK like "Koffee with GM", conducting Fashion SHOWS and Tournaments for the Employees, providing global opportunites just to stop the employees from leaving their organization.Everyone talks about hiring the Best Talent,training and organizing them,but whether the Best Talent hired are used effectively or the best talents takes a pleasure in spending most of the time in Cafeteria,chit-chatting near the Vendor Machines.

Whether the "BEST COMPANY" really exists or is just a misnomer which takes its shape during the Surveys and suddenly there is a fullstop after that.A thing to ponder for sure....!!!!