Sales Super Saturday (SSS) @ Sep 17, 2011

This time, we enjoyed our Sales Super Saturday at InfoStretch office.  

Agenda for Sales Super Saturday on Sep 17, 2011

10:15 AM : Morning Keynote
10:45 AM : The Magic Called Follow-Up
11:15 PM : Brand Failure
11:45 PM : Biography - Dhirubhai Ambani
12:15 PM : Telephone Etiquettes
12:45 PM : Lunch
3:00 PM : Enterprise Mobility
4:00 PM : Movie / Surprise

My viewpoints to this SSS:

It started with a welcome note, followed by a Europe Sales Strategy Plan shared by our Head - Business Strategy (ISPL Sales Sardar). Hearing at projected sales target for next year 2012-2013 raised our hairs. We all then applied the mantra of Ranchodas Chanchad (Aamir Khan in lead role @ 3 idiots) by saying "Aal Izz Well ... Aal Izz Well ..." 

It then entered into some great sessions as scheduled for the day. I personally liked the content and delivery of "The magic called follow-up" presented by one of our BD team member. The session revolved around the essence of follow-up in sales, classic success stories supporting this strategy & helping to build a long term biz relationship.

We also attempt to do something different @ SSS. This time, we have two new ingredients 1) Recording Luncheon Qs 2) Surprise Event.

Luncheon Qs were A) What's the most embarrassing moment till date? 2) What's your brand identity @ InfoStretch? Two Super Qs..... With equally hilarious and out-of-the-blue answers from each one.

Surprise Event - To decorate your workplace using your childhood photo & craft skills! Some, like me, just appreciated and motivated others with this task...

Instead of movie, we opted for playing cricket @ our parking basement. Everyone tried to show-off they are masters of this game in their own style. Swing bowling like Wasimbhai & Malinga, Spin (Phirki) like Bhajji & Monty Panesar, Batting like Mahi & Mr. Dependable.. Fielding... Ah who does that [not even our Indian cricket team :)].. Everybody looks at each other to get the ball.. 

6 PM and it's time to pack & go...

Yet another SSS ended with great learning and fun!

Will BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) continue to remain key differentiator for RIM?

BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) – the most desired feature from BlackBerry will now be challenged by Apple’s iMessage with the official release of Apple iOS 5. It is expected to get launched in the end of 2011. As mobile enthusiasts are waiting for this release, we hear about Samsung ChatON –  a cross platform mobile chat service to go live in next few weeks (prior to launch of iMessage). With this, Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) competition is getting HOT and Interesting!!!

Let’s try to compare existing BBM with upcoming 2 MIMs that’s creating buzz & going to compete 1on1 soon.

It looks like Samsung ChatON will rule the IM Game, but, it’s too early a statement to make. Let’s see how the upcoming mobile IMs performs on what it claims to out-beat BBM & does mobile users accepts with both hands as they welcomed BBM for years now.