www.laidoff.com – New biz idea

With the recession already here and lay offs starting in earnest, how about a website which offers resources, information  and services to managers who are impacted. Basically a 1 stop (and first stop) shop for managers who lose their jobs. Range of services can cover – legal, tax planning, counselling, resume writing, small business start-up advise, re-skilling/ education assistance.

Services can vary depending on the level. For example, for  heavy hitters/ senior managers  who get laid off with million dollar packages one can design networking holidays  which help them take a break, chill and meet start ups/new ventures looking for angel investors/ mentors.

While both laidoff.com and laidoff.net domains are taken, there is not much on either of the sites. They are just parking there till someone buys these domains. Can potentially be a good extension for a brand like “www.monster.com”.

Design Thinking : A Simple Primer

“Design as differentiator. Design enables premium pricing. Design is more than aesthetics. Great Design Makes People Love Your Company. Design is not an after thought, not a veneer you add to the core product to make it look cool”.

We have all heard this before. Graphic and Industrial design firms have been around for sometime and it is now well accepted within the business community that good design enables product /brand /experience standout leading to superior business results. What is new is the concept of “Design Thinking”.

WESTIN does it again : Puts us to sleep

 Westin has taken the high ground again in helping travellers get a good night’s sleep. They were the first to focus on this key need of frequent travellers via their hugely successful Heavenly bed campaign. They extended the “Heavenly” brand successfully via “Heavenly shower” and “Heavenly crib”. Now they have tied up with Philips to create a concept room in their Chicago property which uses special lighting technology ( blue-light ActiViva lamps)  to help travellers manage/reduce jet lag.