Journey With Myself Promotion : Promote to win a top level domains + Hosting!

This is a promotional giveaway where you could win the following prizes: Top Level Domains [Like *.com *.org *.in etc] Premium hosting for 1 year Many domains This promotion will run from Sunday, 12th October’ 2011 to 31st October’ 2011 00:00 hours (mid-night). Result of the promotion will be announced on within a week and prizes will be distributed to all the winners in the next 3 weeks’ time.

Every Day is A New Day

New day.. New office location.. New Seat.. So many new things happened to me before this new year comes. Newness always brings enthusiasm and excitement. Hope this New Year also comes with hand full of surprises as Every Day is a New Day indeed..!!!

12 Most Famous Love Stories of All Time

When: 31 BC Where: Rome and Egypt What’s So Special about Their Love: These two had a love so strong, war was waged against them to break them up. When Mark Antony left his wife, Octavia, for the mesmerizing Cleopatra, Octavia’s brother Octavian brought the army of Rome to destroy them. These two lovers were so entranced with each other that they committed suicide rather than be apart- the ultimate Romeo and Juliet true love story.

Mahatma`s Teachings

I like both the movies MunnaBhai MBBS and Lage Raho MunnaBhai. I dont know about the Gandhi`s political decisions but I believe in his teachings to the nation.

Universal Truth about Boys............lolz!!

Now i truly admit, Google is very very very smart......

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

New Fund Offers

Schemes Regular

Name
Open Date  Close Date
Download-A-Form Order Forms 30-09-11 14-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 30-09-11 14-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 30-09-11 14-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 30-09-11 14-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 22-09-11 05-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 22-09-11 05-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 27-09-11 11-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 27-09-11 11-10-11
Download-A-Form Order Forms 27-09-11 11-10-11

Mutual Fund New Fund Listings

Scheme
Fundclass
NAV   Returns(%)
Equity Diversified
 10.00    0.01
Gold
 9.54    -4.65
Money Market
 1026.08    10160.77
Equity Diversified
 8.74    -12.60
Debt - Short Term
 1031.39     3.14

Friday, September 30, 2011

Indian Credit Cards Review 2011

The Indian credit card market is red hot at the moment. With the market predicted to grow at 25% until 2012, and just 25 million adults having credit cards (out of a billion population) every single bank on the planet wants a piece of the pie. The consumers in India enjoy a huge number of choices of cards. Sides, the banks and the consumers see a lot of problem between each other. India does not yet have a unique nationalized id like social security number in US, or Tax File Number in Australia for all of their citizens. The problem for the banks with this is that there is a huge risk to give out these credit cards that can never be traced if the holder changes his or her address. The consumer on the other hand complains about exorbitant hidden fees, fines and non-existent customer service. There are still not a lot of regulations for the credit card industry. Any one on the road is given a credit card (even by non-bank employees who work as sale sub-vendors to banks) with out any proper checks or verification (a la US sub-prime mortgages). Well but India is one market that any bank cannot ignore, so as time goes by proper regulations will be put in place to get things in order. The idea of this article is to give a list of credit cards out there for the consumers in India and their features.
The growth potential for Indian credit card industry.
The article reviews card of the top banks operating in India like Citibank, HSBC, Barclays, ICICI, HDFC and a few others.

Availability of Information and ease of use of the bank websites

The information in this article is directly from the banks websites (as of 14th May 2009).

Here are some comments about the website itself.

HSBC
The HSBC site was very easy to use and had the information like interest rates and fees easily accessible. They were just a 3-4 clicks away. The entire website was laid out in simple direct format with nice little examples. They had a 7 page “Terms and Conditions” page hidden behind a small font link. There were some unpredictable links to some important pages that worked on and off.
Make sure you read the terms and conditions
Citibank
The Citibank website was a little sluggish and little more complicated. Getting the interest rate information required 5 or more clicks. The website’s credit card looked more like a marketing flyer rather than information brochure. The website was trying to make you special while all you needed was the interest rate on a card. Links to some important pages when clicked took for ever to show up. All the rates and fees for every single card were listed on the same page.
Looked more like marketing flyer than information site.
More than 5 clicks to get to the rates and fees.
ICICI
This site was easy to use and had the information like interest rates and fees easily accessible. They were just a 3-4 clicks away and were organized on the same page for all Credit cards offered. The site offers you a usage guide, even though the idea was right the execution was all wrong. Take a look at this, the title says “How to read the Monthly Credit Card Statement” but has nothing other than a screen shot of mock statement and a few 2 liners. They have explained the obvious and not described complex items. There are so many numbers on the screen and it’s hard to tell what is what.
No proper details on the User Guide
HDFC
This site was having quiet a bit of information on its site. The key information like interest rates and fees were accessible in 3-4 clicks. The website had detailed, separate fees and rates section for each card. They had a FAQ and Credit Card Usage Guide section. FAQ had 6 question and answers but the Usage Guide did have a lot of information on there. It explained by text alone (no screen shots) the terms in the statement.
Barclays
Have to give it to them they had the shiniest site among all, but couldn’t find the rates and fee even after fiddling around the site for sometime. The information on the website looked more like marketing flyer rather than plain simple information. The terms and conditions were listed in a malformed PDF file that had to be downloaded. The rates and fees information could not be found any where on the site.
Terms and conditions as PDF file, that was so awkwardly sized, with tiny fonts.
Kotak
This one website there is nothing to complain about. The website is created beautifully and all the required information is carefully organized. Information related to rates, fees, benefits, FAQ and examples illustrating scenarios are built around the credit card. Finally found a website that satisfies all the criteria.
Kotak has a well designed, organized,website. Simplicity seems to be the objective of the site.
Explains in simple terms how you save.
Enough on the websites, now for the credit cards themselves.
Basic Credit Card Guidelines
  1. Having too much plastic is not good for your financial health. As much as you can try to avoid having too many credit cards.
  2. Carefully monitor all the credit cards you have through online banking (Paper statements are a pain).
  3. Register for SMS or email alerts if your bank offers them.
  4. Try to avoid taking cash advance they charge you very high interest for cash advances. If need some money, try to apply for a personal loan that are offered at a much lower rate.
  5. Always pay off the minimum balance for every statement cycle.
  6. Try to pay off more, even if it a very small amount you would save a lot of money in the end.
  7. Try to get add-on cards for family members rather than having separate cards, so it is easier to monitor your credit cards.
Info: Recommended credit card below are for low credit spending individuals, who do not tend to spend too much using credit cards and follow the above guidelines.
The conditions for recommending these credit cards are a combination of the rules below,
  1. Low Interest Rates - Your card might have any amount of sugar coated features but this is what counts the most.
  2. Low Fees or No Fees - Some banks might give you a low interest rate but for a high annual fee, so watch out.
  3. Benefits - Anything else does not matter than the above two (1&2), but if you get added benefits why not? But you should never pay higher fees or interest rate for the benefits. The benefits might be cash back, fuel surcharge, air miles, shopping discount,...
DEUTSCHE BANK SMART GOLD CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 2.95%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits: Choose from 4 options Shopping - For shoppers,Travel - Frequent Flyers,Party - For consumers frequenting restaurants, bars, pubs, Theatres,Home-Utility Bills Groceries,
Free Security Insurance - Protection against unauthorised transaction and fraud
Deutsche Bank Smart Gold Credit Card - One of the most balanced card
SBI GOLD CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 3.1%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits: Cash Back 2% on all purchases,Balance Transfer-Low Interest options available
SBI SILVER CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 3.1%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits:Cash Back 2% on all purchases, Balance Transfer-options available
BOBCARD EXCLUSIVE YOUTH CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: Joining Fee of Rs 750/-, No renewal Fee for next year
Interest Rate: 1.99%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits: Personal accident insurance free, Medical Emergency withdrawal allowed
There are several variation of this card, also take a look at them for best choice.
BOBCARD EXCLUSIVE WOMEN CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: Joining Fee of Rs 750/-, No renewal Fee for next year
Interest Rate: 1.99%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits: Personal accident insurance free
Con: Only for women.
This is only for women, but there are several variation of this card, also take a look at them for best choice.
BARCLAYS BANK SMART BUDGET CREDIT CARD

Best Features

Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 2.95%
Fuel Surcharge: Waived in all outlets
Other Benefits: Free Cash Advance for a limited time,
0% Balance Transfer, consolidate transaction over Rs 5000 and pay them as EMI
Cons: Available only in metros and for businessmen.
Barclays - Balanced card
KOTAK MAHINDRA FORTUNE CREDIT CARD

Best Features

Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 3.1%
Fuel Surcharge: Waived in all outlets
Other Benefits: Interest free cash withdrawal for 48 days (flat fee 149 for 10000 applies),
Railway surcharge 1.8% waiver for online or in person ticket booking,
Discounts in select flights and hotels,
Consolidate transaction over Rs 5000 and pay them as EMI-no fee no interest for 3 months,
No fee transaction on any VISA ATMs.
Cons: Available only in metros and for business.
KOTAK MAHINDRA TRUMP CREDIT CARD

Best Features

Fees: No fees forever
Interest Rate: 3.1%
Fuel Surcharge: Waived in all outlets
Other Benefits: Interest free cash withdrawal for 48 days (flat fee 149 for 10000 applies),
Railway surcharge 1.8% waiver for online or in person ticket booking,
Discounts in select flights and hotels,
Consolidate transaction over Rs 5000 and pay them as EMI-no fee no interest for 3 months,
No fee transaction on any VISA ATMs.
Cons: Available only in metros and for businessmen.
Two well balanced cards from Kotak Mahindra Bank.
BOBCARD VISA/MASTERCARD CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: No Joining Fee, Renewal Fee of Rs1000/-
Interest Rate: 1.99%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Other Benefits: Personal accident insurance free
NEXTGEN BOBCARD GOLD CREDIT CARD

Best Features
Fees: No fee forever
Interest Rate: 2.5%
Fuel Surchage: Waived in any fuel outlet
Con: Only for students.

Marketing Models in Internet Marketing




The concept of Internet marketing began in the nineties. As technology developed, more consumers began using the Internet for entertainment and research. Businesses adapted to this trend and began advertising their products and services online. Internet advertising boomed with the growth of major search engines including Google, Yahoo, and MSN. People of all demographic groups use the Internet, and companies can easily access a variety of vertical markets.
Internet marketing is growing in leaps and bounds, and advertising strategies are developing. Strategies include search engine marketing (SEM), affiliate marketing, email marketing, display advertisement, social media optimization, online public relations, mobile analysis, viral marketing, web analytics, and interactive advertising.

Search Engine Marketing

This tool optimizes your online marketing by helping you promote your products and services. When people use search engines, they type particular keywords. Companies work with these keywords to make sure that their products are prominent in a user's search result. They market themselves by identifying key words. Search engine marketing can use paid search methods, local search methods, and product search methods.

Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a web-based technique that utilizes a network of companies or websites. Businesses and websites will market other businesses and websites. This marketing practice rewards affiliates. Affiliate programs compensate relationships in three ways: Cost per Sale (CPS), Cost per Click (CPC), and Cost per Action (CPA).

Display Advertising

Banner ads are display advertisements that are targeted towards a page viewer. Banners are strategically placed where people will see them. You can design and display advertisements yourself, or you can hire a professional. Banners can help your company achieve instant results.

Email Marketing

Email marketing is simple and effective. Businesses can use email marketing to maintain contact with existing clients and to seek out new customers. Emails can be generated quickly to a wide variety of demographics. Companies can send targeted emails based on shopping history, geographic location, and personal information. Sometimes, people prefer to receive emails over other forms of communication. In any case, email marketing comes with drawbacks. Excessive and unnecessary emails are referred to as spam and can be problematic to users and businesses. Because of spam, some email inboxes are set to automatically sort and delete emails from online marketing campaigns. People do not always read email advertisements and will delete them instantly.

Social Media Optimization

Social media optimization (SMO) is a term that refers to a combination of different techniques that are used to promote a business or company. This type of marketing focuses on social networking tools like Facebook, MySpace, or Twitter. Social network sites provide access to a wide variety of people with different backgrounds and interests. People from all over the world join these sites to maintain contact with their friends. SMO matches advertisements with social media users. For example, you can pay to target college students, parents, men, or women.

Interactive Advertising

Interactive advertising describes both online and offline tools that businesses use to recruit potential clients. Offline methods include direct sales calls, interactive television, interactive kiosks, and mobile devices. Email marketing, keyword optimization, blogging, and social networking are some of the online techniques that are used for interactive advertising. You can also choose to use other online methods like video advertising and animations.

Online Public Relations

Public relations help businesses gain exposure and credibility. Businesses employ strategies to connect with the public and ensure that people know what is going on. Companies can present their activities strategically to promote themselves. Online techniques include press releases, article marketing, email marketing, blogs, and syndication.

Viral Marketing

With viral marketing, companies use word-of-mouth and popular social networks to spread awareness of a product. These can be photos, videos, songs, or text messages that capture a viewer's interest or attention. In general, viral marketing techniques will capitalize upon something catchy. These could be parodies of songs, movies, or celebrities. Viral marketing can help a company increase its product or service sales.

Mobile Advertising

Mobile advertising makes use of text messaging. The advantage of this method is that people are likely to read their text messages. A growing number of people have internet-enabled phones and can click directly to a company's website. Mobile advertising is becoming increasingly cost effective.

Ad Serving

Ad serving allows you to be more strategic in how you display your advertisements. This technology allows you to determine what ads make the most money, and you can monitor how all of your advertisements perform. You can use ad serving technology to come up with an effective advertising plans and to increase your efficiency. You can save money by being precise.

Web Analytics

Web analytics include statistical and demographic reports for websites. You can collect data about the number of people visiting your site as well as their personal information. Through web analytics, you can customize your website to expand your markets and to meet the needs of your client base.