What's your BRAND??

Olaa My People….
I had a breakfast presentation to attend to this morning and it's kept me quite busy… so if you thought I got tired writing – pole sana!!! :p for you who mailed to find out about today's blog – apologies and I'm glad to know I already got fans who follow "me" blog….. Much appreciated and if we do get to meet I owe you chocolate : ) errmmm if you extra nice it'll be a classy bar :p

That said – I got to learn a lot in today's BRAND presentation. Won't get much in details but will highlight a few things that I thought it's useful to share…..

A BRAND – IS NOT YOUR COMPANY
A BRAND – IS NOT A PRODUCT / SERVICE
A BRAND – IS NOT A LOGO

So what is a BRAND???? A brand is a fusion of Emotional / Functional components of a product / service.

The second thing I want to share is what holds your company / organization / Brand for this matter??? Most people will say financial support (which trust me play a huge role), proper structure, catchy name or logo / location of your business etc…. well these could play a role but the main glue that holds a company is BELIEVES and VALUES!!! People die, structures fall out of place and machineries wear out but a BRAND with principle lives.

I am a brand… You are a brand of yourself. Feel free to email me for more information on Brands…its free ;)

Yesterday I received a complaint from one of FluidFan on our facebook page. He complained about the print washing off especially on our signature logo on the sleeve. What surprised me was it was the United Kenya tee that for us was among the best productions we've ever had… this freaked me out honestly and if he does read this, he'll vouch for this; 5minutes was a lot of time; I emailed him ASAP wanting to know more and how it happened. I made sure I did was to appreciate his honest feedback – this is what will help us improve – FEEDBACK either positive or negative is healthy for your BRAND!!! We are finding ways to replace as he lives in Dubai!!!!
LESSON: accept criticism in your everyday life it will help mould you and what you do for the best!!! always be HONEST!!!

+/- sensitive
This part is getting a little more interesting…. Check out yesterday's comments that were posted both on my profile and on this blog!!! : ) you guys ROCK!!!!

Today Pius and I would like you to know your views on:

Who should initiate a relationship a BOY or GIRL???
(note: in today's modern life)

something to do with the rain...

Olaa…

It’s a beautiful chilly morning in Nairobi and the weather is pretty awesome to sleep!!! From the twitworld we had Mediamadness say “Morning Good people!! So today, im on a go slow! All day kwa kitanda!! Hii baridi Nairobi imezidi : )” along with many others… well unlike MM, I have to be in the office by 6.45am.. not that I like working overtime or forced to be in the office early; its all because the way I was brought up. My mum is an early bird since I cant remember when… :p she has raised my brother and I in a very unique way that it is now that I realize the little things she did is paying off….. I remember even on a Sunday when I never used to work (OH YES I work 7 days a week- BEAT THAT HAA) by 7.30am we all up and ready for breakfast…. I used to use the 5mins excuse and trust me if your late ul end up showering with cold water – and for us Nairobians we know how that feels… so its now part of me to be up by 5am!!!

Yesterdays post "Are you MOTIVATED???" had the most visits and comments in my life of blogging (less than a week) :p but what interested me the most was my new section “+/- sensitive” I had an awesome response not only on the comments but also on my Facebook page. I also got text messages and emails from friends and fans on what to talk about next which to me is a good response and I appreciate your participation. My blogging makes me happy in a unique way; yesterday Priya Patel tweets “@ahmedsalims :) can't wait for todays blog. It looks pretty cool. I might start too :)” Priya is an awesome person who we met in a very strange way…(a story for another day)

Have you ever started a venture and it just dies half way?? The idea varnishes, no more revenue, you either been back stabbed conned lied or you just gave up??? I have been in similar situation before infact more than twice. The fact that I have done it twice clearly shows I dint give in and that’s my advise for you – NEVER GIVE UP!!! It will NOT be easy in any way infact it’l be the HARDEST and most STRESSFUL time in your life. You will have debts to pay, you will have people blaming you, you will have people thinking you’re doing the wrong thing also you will have people trying to bring you down – but do not give up!! When all this is happening, know you are on the right track. James a good friend of mine yesterday told me “Life wasn’t meant to be easy” and that is a FACT that I’m forced to believe!!!

+/- sensitive

Yesterdays question went really well and to my opinion it all depends with how things ended and the feelings that once existed….. That said, I was discussing with a friend in the office about today’s controversial question…..

Would you have an AFFAIR with your BOSS?????

ps: Title named by Farida ;) a good friend who surely will comment on this!!!

Are you MOTIVATED???

“People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing – that’s why we recommend it daily.” – Zig Ziglar. This is among the quotes that inspires me and encourage me with all the tension stress and pressure I go through in my everyday life. Past Saturday I mentioned I had a few meetings then headed to production where my opinion and approvals were required. That was a relief for me knowing atleast the wheel has started moving despite slow…. My reason to say that, for those who followed us on our fan page Fluid Tees, recall a launch that was made on the 16th Oct. the hype online that created curiosity and a buzz which was taken positively all across all platforms. The launch also was a success everyone were impressed and we delivered our promise…but that’s not what it is for me – till date I don’t have the tees ready with me. YES you got that right. Now ask me about stress I can define it for you in all angles. Apparently the world is going through a huge shortage of cotton and its hit developing countries so hard that the end users (being us) are the ones suffering big time.

I spend atleast 15mins everyday going through motivation quotes and relate it to my everyday life… trust me, it helps…..

Yesterday I bumped into one of my 1^st fans now friend, Sir Magudedi :) he was among the first people who bought the Africa Unite tee and jotted on our visitors book “travelled all the way to get a Fluid tee” that’s also part of inspiration that makes me to do what I do to deliver what you want…

Technology never cease to amaze me… you can do all your transactions business deals and even an interview with your cell. Il tell you what, the last blog I posted; it takes 2 to…. was all posted through my cell phone at mid night. One of those days insomnia decides visits you, while you have nothing to do you get this thought you want to share…that’s what happened and I typed the whole thing while laying in bed using my cell. I mentioned interview, a local magazine wanted to know more about what I do and my role in Fluid and more about it – due to time constraints, we had a full interview on BBM. To make it funny, I was at the barbers having a haircut while at it…. True story!!!

+/-

I thought to have atleast one sensitive topic to either ask, discuss get opinions or thoughts about… being a debut I’m not sure how this will go but I guess will let it flow….need your help here though ;)

Btw, symbol +/- is to highlight its either a positive or negative issue but again its sensitive ;) 

Do you think it’s a good idea to be close friends with your X??

Cheers….. 

Its takes 2 to.....

Women have changed in today's world... A point discussed by many including myself!! Long gone are the days a man would love the shyness of a woman. Gone are the days a man will have to earn a woman's love respect and heart. Iv talked to many people and whenever this issue is raised, I tend to get the same response "no more women out there.." Really??? What has caused this? What's different??
I'll tell you what, I think Its the so called new era new life new this new that..that's changed stuff!!
My honest opinion, WOMEN are stronger and must be respected no matter what!! BUT, she needs to acknowledge a MAN's role in her life!!! I'm not saying we go back to the days where a man would hit a woman or sit on her head command order etc... NO!! Just looking back and accepting the fact, despite her success her fortune, her life; a man will always be a man!!! A man has a superior position that not necessarily needs to be bragged about but just acknowledged and respected!!!
If we go back to our religion..any for this matter- they all talk about equality but also point out a Man's position in a woman's life!! That respected we won't be saying what we are saying. Women would walk with pride and dignity, men would respect their wives and treasure the woman they have.
Men are dogs but who are they dogging with??
Let's turn back to being our true unique selves that our Almighty created us for....
Peace!!!
Ps: no offence to anyone, just speaking out my mind!!!

For those who missed it - i thought id share it again!! ;)

Im loving the idea of blogging folks.. I was sharing this video with a friend in Mombasa and thought why not blog it while im at it... "My People"

Finally got to meet Madness

I cant recall the number of people I talked to today aboutmy new blog.... my "about me" says, I'm not all that in writing so to me, its a huge thing... checked my stats and so far....not bad ;) well hope it increases.... :p
Today was among the best local soccer matches to watch. Gor Vs Sony. A good friend in the office was all set for the match(always is) had his Gor tee on with his name printed on it, his ticket in this wallet and priceless energy in him....He was so certain on their win and his commitment and dedication was one I respected.... He called me later in the middle of a meeting just to confirm to me two things, 1 he is alive / safe, and secondly that Gor had actually won the match - leaving them with just a point difference with the no.1 on the table being Ulinzi... i wish them all the best ;)
Today I had lunch with an old time friend some place in town (ssshhhh) and it felt so great catching up from family to present matters.. the lunch reminded me of a quote i once heard "things do change, but people never...they shouldn't unless for the best"
After the lunch I had planned to meet the famous Media Madness at Westgate. I drove straight there and to my surprise MM had succumbed to style with a Fluid Tee and ofcourse there was no way we'd miss noticing each other as i had my UnitedKenya tee on as well ;). We had an awesome meeting and shared loads of ideas (stay tuned to www.fluid.co.ke) that soon il share with you all...
Being a Saturday you expect one to be either bonding, chilling around shopping or sleeping (like what I love doing) it wasn't the case, after my meeting I had to drive to Industrial area to confirm a few production stuff and that's when our President decides he wants to stop the traffic to go home:( its shocking how crazy Saturday can get.... cant he just use a chopper already??? anyway..... well I managed though and got back in time for now the tradition Saturday family dinner... have a blessed weekend folks...
peace.

My 1st Blog...

Olaa...
having being pushed by my good friend, brother and colleague Alex i decided its about time i start blogging. honestly there's this alittle excitement that i finally have a blog that hopefully you all will enjoy reading.... also not to mention alittle fear; will i really manage??? will people like my stuff??? oh well - il try my best ;)

hope you all will be part of this and follow me when i do what i do...
peace and be blessed.

Ahmed.