Monday, May 9, 2011

The Untapped Facebook Opportunity in Pakistan


Over the last few days I have been asking my contacts if they are using Facebook as a tool for business networking or business promotion. Despite the fact that Pakistanis are one of the largest Facebook community, but the response to my question is mostly NO!

For older generation, perhaps Facebook is too technical and they generally do not feel comfortable in exploring the opportunities, but surprisingly, the younger generation also marginally uses it as an opportunity tool!

I was reading an article in San Francisco Chronicle that quotes a study conducted by PEW Research Center in the US suggesting that:

“up to 8 percent of the top news sites' traffic now comes from Facebook, which is also one of the top destinations after a visitor leaves a news site, an indication that people are using the Facebook Share button embedded in news stories.”

Further

“CNN, had 5.84 percent of its departing visitors heading to Facebook and 7.05 percent coming from the social network. SFGate saw 3.82 percent of its traffic going to Facebook and 5.74 percent coming the other way”.

These are some astonishing numbers. I am wondering how many business in Pakistan are actually using social media as a Business TOOL? I guess, most businesses are still living in stone age and hence provide supper opportunities for social media experts.

Tweets by Celebrities on Mother’s Day


Tweeting has become an “In” thing. Perhaps this is the reason that on this mother’s day in addition to cakes, chocolates and flowers for mothers, a number of celebrities also sent their love and gratitude via Tweeter.

For example:

Vivek Oberoi wrote: For ur love, guidance, wisdom and strength...Love you maa!

Actress Bipasha Basu, tweeted: "My Mother! Superwoman! Paying respect to the most selfless person in our lives, Mothers! Everyday not just today."

Neil Patrick Harris of How I Met Your Mother “Happy Mother’s Day, everyone! I’m very lucky to have a mom I respect and love”.

Sarlet Kourtney Kardashian tweeted: “Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing mother’s!! Life would not be possible without you! Enjoy your day,”

Actress Dia Mirza wrote; “Every time I think of all that my mother is and does I wonder if I''ll ever make a mother as good as her... My Mommy is the best,"

Lara Dutta tweeted: “To mine, and all the mommies in the world, may today and all your days be filled with unconditional love!, actress-producer Lara Dutta said.

Ex-Australian spinner Shane Warne- “Happy mothers day to all the mums out there-you guys have the toughest job in the world. Hope you get spoilt-to my mum-your the best !!!!!!”

Sania Mirza Malik- “Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful and fabulous mothers in the world..the world is nothing without you all:)”

Well done celebrities, you found time to at least tweet for your moms!

Sunday, May 8, 2011

Tips on Finding a Dream Job


So after my blog “Be an Entrepreneur - Do not suppress your career potential!” I received emails from readers suggesting “there are people out there interested in a job career, I should write for them as well!

So I asked myself, what is a dream job?

1. Comes with loads of money?
2. Provides career growth opportunity?
3. Less volatile?
4. Or all three?

Anyone with very basic intelligence would say yes, ALL THREE. I do not think one should not ask for the best, however, without self diagnostic it is not possible to expect all that falling into your lap!

Market forces together with your education, experience, will to accept challenges and your Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that helps you stand out in competition determines what will be your career opportunities.

I highly recommend James Caan’s book “Get the Job You Really Want”. James was born in Pakistan in 1960. Migrated to UK where he changed his identity. He graduated from Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School, and known for building and selling businesses. He made his fortune in recruitment business “Humana International” with 147 offices in 30 countries.

His book not only addresses the challenges for experienced job seekers, but also provides tools for new market entrants.

Caan says: “It is possible to have the job of your dreams. Together we are going to set about getting you there..”

Enjoy reading and get your dream job.