- Manjeri
Advertising is a holistic profession,” says Shaji Kizhakathra and explains, “Whatever one does in advertising has to have a holistic mind towards the consumer and brand because there’s hope embedded in it, not just the hopes of the brand owner, but the hopes and prayers of employees and their family behind him. A branding agency is catalyzing the growth of one company.” According to Shaji, advertising is a profession that needs the patience to understand how the tastes of the consumers are being changed. So, you will have to engage with people all the time, to observe consumer behavior patterns and ensure how your stimuli are effectively influencing them, through a progressive path.
I consistently encourage my clients to infuse passion, energy, and a touch of provocation into their brand promotion, transforming it into a firebrand. It’s not just about initiating change but sustaining that essence, especially when dealing with high brand value. The approach should be a beautiful spark that fuels movements, ignites enthusiasm, and sparks captivating ideas or debates—leaving no room for ifs and buts.
Shaji Kizhakathra was fortunate to be part of projects that, after initial discussions, he could transform into ‘Reformative Initiatives,’ delicately crafted to evoke positive change and elevate society. These endeavors unfolded in various contexts—social, economic, political, or organizational—aiming to enhance existing structures, refine processes, and shift paradigms for a more beautiful and improved world.
Ema is an acronym that means the eyelids that protect eyes. It is an expatriate’s association born in Dubai, UAE, as an initiative of some youngsters in Dubai, including Shaji Kizhakathra.
The Indo-Arab Creative Art Festival, a collaborative initiative driven by passionate Indian artists residing in the Gulf region, aimed to provide a platform for their talents amidst demanding work schedules.
The City of Hospitality and The City of Warriors of Yore – combining these two to create a proud feeling among the citizens might work out as a great initiative for empowering society against all inhuman activities and atrocities against women and children.
OxyGenerations, a collaborative concept developed by Oxygen in partnership with Apostrofo’s consortium and Bangalore IIM-incubated SDM company Series-5 Labs. Led by CEO Sarochandra Bhooshan, Economist Sugeeshma Chembreri, and Shaji Kizhakathra,
The genesis of Apostrofo’s Consortium emanated from a profound consideration for the clients, recognizing that their quest for tranquility and unwavering focus on business objectives could be actualized through the consolidation and harmonization of their myriad requirements onto a singular nexus.
It was a joint initiative, an awareness campaign against drugs and narcotics, by Manjeri Vayapaari Vyavasaayi (youth), a fraternity for young entrepreneurs, Manjeri Police, and Shaji Kizhakathra’s Apostrofo.
In the dynamic realm of consultancy, clients often assert an unwavering belief in their comprehensive understanding, striving to assert dominance in the consulting dialogue. Simultaneously, the market tableau reveals a backdrop of mediocrity, where numerous players employ deceptive rhetoric, promising the moon while surreptitiously siphoning resources.
When some clients, even before the conversation kicks off, proudly share, ‘We’ve achieved all this without any external help,’ I can’t help but smile. It’s those unfiltered moments that make me think, ‘Imagine where this client could have soared with their incredible potential if they redirected their focus from minutiae. Alas, some journeys take scenic detours without even realizing it.
I have observed that what is happening today is that an overemphasis on rhetoric and unrealistic promises to clients often leads to wasted resources and lack of measurable returns. By contrast, my approach aims to foster a strategic, synergistic, and ROI-driven path, avoiding the pitfalls that hinder progress in a business landscape. Drawing on 25 years of experience, I encourage clients to initiate a conversation, allowing for a thorough exploration of their needs and goals. This includes a complimentary SWOT analysis, a service I provide without charge.
I have always been fascinated by modern quotes. Why do renowned quotations captivate the human spirit? Is it the enchantment woven into their words, or the allure emanating from esteemed personalities or celebrities who speak them? Individuals often cling to these profound utterances, much like the meticulous artistry seen in the advertising realm—wherein a brand is tailored to perfection through effective brand communication.
Here are some thoughts to ignite our business conversation and shape the future over a cup of tea. Let’s tee off to a greater distance together.
“In Today’s era of volatility, there is no other way but to re-invent. the only sustainable advantage you can have over others is agility, that’s it. Because nothing else is sustainable, everything else you create, somebody else will replicate.”
“At least 40% of all businesses will die in the next 10 years… If they don’t figure out how to change their entire company to accommodate new technologies.”
“The last ten years of IT have been about changing the way people work. The next ten years of IT will be about transforming your business.”
“It’s no longer the big beating the small, but the fast beating the slow.”
Embarking on the journey of blogging was an unexpected twist in Shaji Kizhakathra’s life’s narrative, sparked by an unforeseen encounter with Chickenpox some 15 years ago. Confined to his home for two weeks due to its contagious nature, Shaji found solace and inspiration in the words of poet Kuzhoor Wilson, a cherished friend immersed in the world of blogging.
What captivated him about blogging was its democratizing essence – transforming anyone into a publisher capable of creating a community of readers. Shaji’s inaugural blog, “Eyes-On” (http://shajizone-eyes-on.blogspot.com/), swiftly gained attention within the advertising fratern…
swiftly gained attention within the advertising fraternity. In those early days, he would eagerly await the 5 AM arrival of the Khaleej Times, a daily newspaper in Dubai, capturing 4-5 ads through snapshots. The process involved meticulous manual entry of content text and, subsequently, his personal evaluation of each advertisement.
His lens also extended beyond the confines of his home, capturing moments during his daily drive to the office. This initiative not only gained widespread recognition but became a profound learning experience for Shaji Kizhakathra. As he shares his experiences in this blog section, his primary objective is twofold – to continually expand his knowledge and, more importantly, to resonate with entrepreneurs and students through insightful case studies. Here, he hopes to weave a tapestry of learning and inspiration that leaves a lasting impression on all who engage with it. Welcome to Shaji Kizhakathra’s world of reflections and discoveries!
Shaji Kizhakathra, the strategic branding and marcom specialist, seeks to broaden his horizons, connecting with diverse minds across borders to exchange knowledge and ideas.
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