Misc

I am sure readers might have come across this earlier, but since I like the idea so much, I might as well repost it for sake of remembrance.

Ten is the optimal number of slides in a PowerPoint presentation because a normal human being cannot comprehend more than ten concepts in a meeting—and venture capitalists are very normal. (The only difference between you and venture capitalist is that he is getting paid to gamble with someone else’s money). If you must use more than ten slides to explain your business, you probably don’t have a business. The ten topics that a venture capitalist cares about are:

The Brand Gap. Absolutely Amazing. Must read if you are in business :-). It answers some basic questions on branding and breaks some welknown myths. Nice differentiation of strategy vs. branding. I loved the following quote from this presentation:

Execution -- Not Strategy is where the rubber meets the road.

Everybody knows my Wedding Reception was more of a standup comedy show and for no other reason than some witty friends and family that I have got. Ahmed has posted here his contribution to the fun evening which can be found on LivingHalal.com. The Rest as they say, is history.

Seth Godin, Author of the book All Marketers Are Liars, gave a talk couple of days back at Googleplex. The talk, in a way, is directly related to this Blog entry, and that is Passive Marketing (read, telling a story). He starts with an interesting question, Does Technology sell on its own, and follows up in a strong Negation. Instead, he argues, technology just gives a shot to the Marketing.

On March 31st, Islamic Relief along with ICSD is organising Fundraiser for the Victims of South Asian Earthquake. You can find more information about the event at ICSD Blog . Guest Speakers for the event are former captiains, Moin Khan and Rashid Latif from Pakistan Cricket team.

From stuff that I hear a lot lately, I can deduce that the Bubble is back. Startups in every nook and corner and VCs willing to open up their pockets to the craziest idea on the table. Ah, that doesn't sound much different from pre 2000 times. So what's the biggest problem that companies have during the bubble.. Retaining the workforce. Quality workforce needs couple of things to make them stick.

Its total bliss when your football team kicks ass. Reigning champions from last two consecutive years and defending champions this year, trojans are favorites for Sugar bowl. If you missed USC game against our arch rivals Notre Dame, here is the quick recap. Last second touchdown by visiting team SC, took the score to 34-31 helping USC maintain its winning streak. That's some Jaw dropping performance. Kudos to Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush, the star trojans.

Islamic Relief organized Humanitarian Day yesterday at skid row, Los Angeles Downtown distributing food, clothing, vaccines, blankets and providing live clinical tests to the homeless on the spot.