Hi Friends,

Even as I launch this today ( my 80th Birthday ), I realize that there is yet so much to say and do. There is just no time to look back, no time to wonder,"Will anyone read these pages?"

With regards,
Hemen Parekh
27 June 2013

Now as I approach my 90th birthday ( 27 June 2023 ) , I invite you to visit my Digital Avatar ( www.hemenparekh.ai ) – and continue chatting with me , even when I am no more here physically

Sunday, 9 February 1997

CORPORATE DATABASE

In our business (as in any other business) creating and updating/ maintaining a client database is vital.
This is all the more important in our business because, for us, quite often, a "client" becomes a "candidate" and a "candidate" may become a client.
 And since every person, whether a client or a candidate works in a COMPNAY, we need to create / maintain a COMPNAY DATABASE as well.
With these COMPANIES (and with specific individuals within these companies) we need to correspond dialogue for following reasons/ purposes :
1. To market our services (Mailing Campaign).
2.  To foreword bio - data’s of specific "candidates" who, we feel, could be of interest to that company (or a set of companies), either for their
    - Existing operations
       Or
    - Their expansion/ diversification projects.
Such "unsolicited" bio - data sending would focus on what "products/ services" the company is already engaged in or expected to engage in, based on published information.
3. Normal business correspondence once a company has already become our client.
4. Contacting (mostly by phone) a particular executive in a particular company to find - out his interest in changing.
Such contact would almost always be in the nature of "head - hunting" against specific requirement given to us by a client. In such cases, client has indicated his "search - parameters or preferences" in terms of
    . Type of industry/ specific companies
    . Functions/ Designation
    . Product or Service exposure
    . Edu/ Age/ Salary etc. etc.
So we come across a situation where
    . COMPANY DATABAE
       &
    . CANDIDATE DATABASE
Overlap
We also have this situation where
a) Both corporate Database and the Executive (Potential candidate) Database are compiled from a large no. of diverse sources.
b) Both these databases are compiled piece - meal, partially slowly over a long period of time
c) "Data" about both of them (i.e. the company and the candidate/ Executive) are continuously changing.
 e.g.
For an Executive
Following data keeps changing
    . Age                 (annually)
    . Edu.                (Occasionally)
    . Designation      (Occasionally)
    . Salary              (annually)
    . Function           (occasionally)
    . Responsibility    (occasionally)
    . Knowledge        (continuously)
    . Skills               (continuously)
    . Location           (occasionally)
    . Employer          (occasionally)
For a Company
   . Name                (Rarely)
   . HO Address        (Rarely)
   . Directors MD/ CMD(Occasionally)
   . Plant location    (Rarely)
   . Products/ Services (Regularly)
    . Sales Turnover (Annually)
    . Collaborations   (Occasionally)
    . "Industry" / "Group"  (Rarely)
    . Executive working
      in the company 10% each year
    . Financial / mfg
     . Parameters      (Annually)
So we come to realization that
    . "Creating" corporate & candidate databases is a SLOW process
    . Some parameters of both the databases keep changing FAST.
    . Volumes involved are ENORMOUS
Therefore, at best of times
    . Both Databases will be
    INCOMPLETE
    INACCURATE
By putting enough no. of RESEARCH / DATA ENTRY Operators on the Job, all that we can ensure is that these data bases, do not become completely OBSOLETE!
This will be an ever - expanding, continuous, constant effort.
But as long as we keep this up ELENTLESSLY (equivalent for BREATHING which never stops for even a second), we can live with in accuracies which are MANAGABLE.
It will happen that, on the basis of our databases
We send out a letter to an executive and find that it does not reach him because he has "moved" and not updated his address in our database.
We phone an executive at a company where he is working as so - and - so (as per our database) and find that he has left that company one year back and no one can (or will) tell us where he has joined.
We send an executive's biodata to the personnel chief of XYZ Company and find that the chief has retired/ resigned and gone away.
We would have to live with such "inaccuracies". In a fast changing world, there can never be an Up - to - Date database! And if anything,
    . The ' RATE OF CHANGE' will only accelerate.
    . So if we are to depend upon traditional methods of updating these databases (viz. Research & Data Entry on our own - using our own resources),
 then,
We are fighting a LOSING BATTLE!
Because,
Our Resources (of research & data entry) can never keep - up with
    . Growing volumes
Accelerating "changes of status" (of dozens of parameters about each executive and each company).
We could like this problem in only one day.
The these companies and these executives to continuously update their own databases THEMSELVES !
    . Put the ball in the court.
    . Get them to do the dirty work.
    . Place the onus on them well said!
    . But HOW do we get them to do this?
    . And WHY should they do it?
    . And WHAT benefit do they/ will they, get by doing it?
HOW?
1. Give them "remote - access" to our database (only their own) and ask them to create After/ Modify/ Delete/ Add/  Update from their own computers
2. Get them to phone our "head - set wearing" data entry operators and give instructions about changes to be carried out
              OR
Deposit their "change instructions" in our VOICE - MAIL box.
3. "Voice - recognition" takes over
WHY?
Corporate & Executives will do this (initial entry & subsequent updates) only if they stand to (personally) benefit  from doing it.
Time is the most precious resource on earth and everyone tries to priorities its USE based on the perceived benefit to himself or to the organization that he is working for.
Therefore,
Unless we introduce in our system, a strong element of
BENEFIT
(to the individual concerned - acting
for himself or on behalf of his employer - company),
He is unlikely to take the trouble (and waste his time) of updating the database on his own.
But he will do it if the BENEFIT is
    . Considerable / Great
   . Immediate
    . At no EXTRA - COST.
WHAT?
That brings us to the question of "what" benefit can we offer him for taking this trouble?
 Let us list the Benefits that we could possibly offer:
TO THE COMPANY (who becomes a MEMBER)
Remotely shoot "queries" to our database and "locate" suitable candidates against their requirements (most of whom were required "yesterday" - hence the urgency)
 "Value - Added Services" such as
    . "Job Descriptions" for thousands of unique jobs
Remote "drafting" of recruitment advertisements
    . Compensation surveys
    . Organization charts
    . Corporate Data of any other Company/ Industry
    . Labour union Agreements (Scanning & OCR)
Names/ addresses of Engineering & Management colleges / Institutions all over the country, listing the courses being offered.
 Campus Recruitment (student data of graduating class at each college - replacing effort to go thru dozens of placement Broachers received each year).
 If we can succeed in integrating into our own database), DART/ CMIE/ DATAL STREET JOURNAL databases on 1000       Companies)
    . VRS (Voluntary Retirement Schemes)
    . Standard Letters
    . Appointment
    . Confirmation
    . Termination
    . Personnel & Administrative practices of diff. companies.
There can be many more value Added Services. Again, to begin with, most of these BENEFITS are aimed at the PERSONNEL - MANAGERS. Aim is to make them our SPOKESMEN and let them
push the idea (of 3P club membership) within their organization.
For a reasonable ONE - TIME effort to create their own database on our server - either by
. Filling in forms
       . Entering in floppy
       . Remote log - in
    and
For a very little REPEAT effort annually to update their database, they could get a free access to a vast are of personnel function related information, just for the asking ! using this info, they could "leverage" themselves in t corporate hierarchy, as never before!
BENEFIT FOR THE CANDIDATE :

For a candidate who undertakes to
    . Fill in a floppy or
    . Remote log - in entry
To create his database - and
Further undertakes
To keep it updated every year, following "Value - Added Services" can be offered (free?)
 . Job Bulletin Board. (Remote Login)
 . Non 3P Clients
 . 3P Clients
 . Compensation - Trends 
 (Industry - Function - location - Age)
 (Designation - Edu. Quali - Wise)
. Organization charts
. Job Descriptions
. Key words
. ARGIS
Automatic Resume Generating Intelligent Software to help him write a Resume
Corporate Database
To prepare himself before appearing in an interview with a given company.
. Interview Tips
. Mailing - Campaign (PAID SERVICE)
Under this, after scanning "non 3P client" Job bulletin board, an executive may instant 3P to send out his bio data to 10/15 companies of his choice.
. Several other value - Added - Services can be thought of.
Following Points Must be noted :
1. At no point/ time, our service should enable.
. A candidate to contact client
. A client to contact candidate directly.
This must always be thru US.
For this reason, we shall never do what INTELLIMATCH and many other companies are doing viz.
. Allowing candidate to "post" their resumes on the server.
. Allowing companies to post their "Jobs" on the server.
and then permitting them to contact each other directly.
. Like a newspaper (advt - space), they only collect a RENTAL for use of electronic - space, for a given period.
These comments were made 9 months before we launched our website.
For executives, we have provided "EDIT RESUME" Feature + automatic 6 monthly EMAIL reminder.
2. Both the companies and the executives MUST update their own database, once - a - year (we can specify dates -        staggered to reduce load.
They will be permitted FREE access to the value - added - service, only for a period of ONE YEAR from their last        update.
After that the access may be totally banned / denied or made available for a FEE.
Only such stipulation can keep database reasonably up - to - date
3. No executive will be allowed to "access" database of any other executive.
Software may allow each executive to create his own server PASSWORD, so he is assured of data - security.
HOWEVER,

Irrespective of this PASSWORD, all databases will be accessible/ searchable/ maniputable by 3P. 

h.c.parekh

CORPORATE DATABASE































Saturday, 25 January 1997

COMPANY (ADVERTISER) RELATED WORDS

We are in the process of enhancing our Information Systems capabilities to meet the challenges of increased competition and changes in the market place.
 We are the largest _____ manufacturer in the country with aggressive plans for growth in the ____ segments.
The Company's _____ plant is fast expanding from an assembly facility to a full - fledged manufacturing complex.
 The ______ department is responsible for the planning and implementation of the various expansion programmers of the unit.  Separate teams are engaged in process and investment planning. Capital budgeting, project evaluation, machine and equipments planning as well as the procurement, installation, commissioning and proving of machines at sites..
 ------ a plant which is seeking to achieve international standards of manufacturing excellence, quality and  productivity.
 ______ the flagship company of _______ is a leader in Indian _____ industry with an annual turnover of Rs. ____ cr. In order to meet its growing demands, it wishes to recruit.
 We are a member of the premier worldwide _______ group.
 Today, we are a multi - divisional company, with varied activities ranging from _____ To  ____ with total       commitments to environment protection.
We are presently the fastest growing ______ company in India and the first _____ Company in the country to be accredited with ISO 9002 certification.
 _______ Limited is a subsidiary of _____ of ____. A multi - faceted company, ____ has through ____ decades, built successful businesses essential to India.
 The _____ division of _______ is hallmarked with distinctive products with international linkages.
 The business requires _____ at various locations to cater to its ambitions growth plants.

COMPANY (ADVERTISER) related words / phrases
    . Current turnover / Annual turnover
    . Multinational Company
    . Multinational Group
    . Leadership Position
    . One of the top
    . Technology leadership
    . Reputed Company
    . Largest
    . One of the largest
    . Diversified
    . Fabricating Critical Equipment for .....
    . Turn - key projects
    . Product - range
    . Technical Collaborations in the pipe line
    . Augment
    . Blazing new trails
    . Revolutionizing
    . State - of - the art plant
    . We are India's .... Private sector company
    . We are a diversified group with interests in......
    . ISO 9001 Certified
    . Indian's leading International Engineering
      Consultancy Organization
    . Committed to delivering worlds class engineering,
      Procurement and construction management services
    . We are an associate of the reputed....
    . We are recognized globally as leaders in .......
    . We are a reputed multinational Corporation with diversified business interests, having multi - divisional operations.
(Company) PRODUCT - RELATED WORDS - PHRASES
    . Premium quality
    . Product - range


h.c.parekh

JOB/ POSITION RELATED WORDS

Responsibilities include sales forecasting, negotiating and closing sales and assisting customers with commercial and product supply issues.

 Ideal candidate would possess at least 5 years of post - qualification professional experience in a competitive   marketing environment.

The above position provides exciting opportunities to deal with the leading brands.

The position calls for close interaction with customers at their workplaces

A fair amount of domestic travel and occasional foreign travel are associated with the jobs.

The work culture in the office promotes the personal use of computers and E - mail with minimum secretarial assistance.

 He / She must have energy and drive to.........
Commercial Operations / Commercial activates
Sales Offices
C & F Agents
Monitoring the movement of Stocks
 Debtor Control
 Budgeting
MIS reports

Design and Operations of..........
 He should be conversant with ___ formalities

 Preventive maintenance
Predictive
Selection, installation, maintenance and trouble shooting of process - control and safety instrumentation in chemical plants.

 Experience in electrical maintenance and trouble - shooting is desirable.
The job involves implementing product line strategies and handling product quality and performance issues with customers.

 Assenting customers
Managing evaluation programs
Technical Support to sales effort
Product environment

Development and execution of Sales Strategies required achieving the overall business plan objectives.

Pre tendering
Tender Preparation
Negotiation
Order Execution

Familiarity with
 Developing distributor network
Formatting business
Institutional selling
Handling distributor sales

Application of IT
Proactive and business embedded role

Provide innovative IT enabled business solutions

Process Planning
Investment Planning
Capital budgeting
Project evaluation
Machine and equipment planning
Procurement
Installation
Commissioning
Proving

Programming
Indirect and direct taxation
Centre excise Law and Procedure

Fast track
Specialist
Prestigious
Rules & Procedures
Responsible position
Computer literacy
Functionaries
Necessary Prerequisites
At all levels
Excellent growth Prospects
Relevant experience
 of which, at least ---- years would be
Profile centre
Project execution
Foreign language
[Familiarity with working in a computerized environment would be an added advantage]

The mandate to manage
 Manage the external environment
Improve the bottom line
Cost - reduction
Productivity
Hard - core experience
Relevant experience

Planning & design
Forecasting
Scheduling
Materials
Preparation & Checking of drawings.

 Engineering Specifications
 Shop - Planning
 Procurement schedule
 Progress - measurement system
 International standards
 International codes
 International quality standards
 To deal with clients
 Quality Assurance
 Inspection
 Non - destructive testing (NDT)
 Destructive testing (DT)
 Testing
 Quality
 Third - Party inspection

 You will need to closely liaise with.........
You will work in following areas........

Hand - on experience
Knowledge of TQM
Computer Skills

This is a senior position demanding great deal of initiative, decision - making, planning, interpersonal and managerial skills.

The ideal candidate should be a..........


Exposure to........ Will be an added advantage.

h.c.parekh