Pure Inspiration

 

This blog post isn't going to be about yet another event that's happening in the region, or another post about a raising talent. This one is going to be about a person nothing short of being inspirational. Someone I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday and through her presentation opened my eyes to what I haven't been aware of around me.

Yes, we maybe sympathetic and we may justify our acts of pity as help or assistance to those less fortunate then us. Yet yesterday was an inspirational talk by Shaikha Mahmood Al Jassasi that not only made me tear for the first part of the presentation, but for my heart to ache towards the sheer struggle and determination that she showed against all the odds.


Shaikha has been born blind and her parents accepted this difficult fate making sure that her upbringing is not different than any normal child. She would play and run with other children her age and felt normal without realising that there is a world out there beyond her reach. She struggled with her education since at the time there was no place for the sightless within the educational programs locally. Through her nine years of being away from her family she developed herself, learned Braille, became confident with her abilities and a determined individual who wanted to show the world around her that she simply existed, that she can be more for herself and her society.

She achieved high grade during her academic years, and is now currently holding a position as a Web Content Specialist in ITA. Her presentation was a portrayal of all that she experienced but her message within was greater in that she wanted to show those present the struggles and strains of someone who is blind. That we as a community are blind and they are the ones who have the motivation to achieve. I say that we are blind not that we cannot see but we are shortsighted when it comes to dealing with people who are considered "different". They may not have all their physical abilities but we should never disregard them as human beings, as productive players in the community and as achievers despite all the hindrance they may have.

Bless Shaikha for being a role model for those who are like her, and bless her for showing those able of body that she can achieve just as they can if not more. Bless her parents who didn't simply fold their arms and shelter their child in a unforgiving society, that they provided all that they could to witness her achievements.

Take a moment to think of those who may be born different than us. I know that yesterday through Shaikha's presentation I thought of my daughters and kept saying "what if?"...A million questions played in my thoughts such as; would I have been able to provide for my child? Would I have been able to protect her from the harshness of the world?

What would you have done?

Thoughts to ponder

Visit the Al Noor Association for the Blind website here
Shaikha introducing an English course for the blind news article here

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alizz islamic bank Safety Event

 

Being part of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety the Safety First organisation in Oman has a goal of reducing the number of road traffic accidents and fatalities by 50% by 2020. 

 

Based on this the alizz islamic bank , a socially responsible bank and Safety First will launch an exciting new initiative on Wednesday at Muscat City Center. The event will commence at 11am with a media conference followed by raffle draws.

Be part of making out roads safer with alizz islamic bank

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Oman FM Interview - Part 2

Oman FM - Interview Part 2

Here are some of the talking points mentioned during the interview:

What's the advantage of Social Media?

Social media is a tool that allows for the user of any platform to build engagement, generate dialogue and enhance general outreach to customers. It gives your marketing strategy a voice, due to interactions and personal aspect that cannot be achieved via print media.

Suddenly, you have a product, promotion or image that responds directly to the consumer without delay, and from a human/individual prospective.

Why a blog?  

Simply Exposure

Blogs are a great tool to utilise, since they allow to make your brand appear more regularly, foster a direct relationship between consumers and corporations, and a great way to engage your target audience.

You  have a platform that can "feel" and interact based on the interest that it generates.  

What are your future plans?

I would like to believe that the sky is the limit, since social media marketing and advertising isn't something that's going to go away anytime soon.

I would like to enhance my knowledge and exposure to social media strategies and marketing activities. Where I can implment knowledge and methods to increase a companies methodology in using social media. Anyone can open a Facebook page, instagram account and have a presence on twitter, it is what you do with those platforms that actually can generate increased revenue and sales, plus create a branding image to your product.

There are no boundaries with social media.

Thank you Tariq Al Barwani for this opportunity and looking forward for future radio collaborations with 'Knowledge Talks' related to social media. I will also upload the voice recording of the interview onto the Aishelaqtta Vblog.

Link to see Part 1 of the interview

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Omani Kummah (Cap)

During my Oman FM Interview a caller asked if they could feature this story on my blog. I was very intrigued since it was a fascinating story.

After a little research and and web searching I realised that the story had been featured in the local newspaper, and that my fellow bloggers have posted about it. Yet as everything else it didn't seem to have generated the right publicity, thus I decided to shed the spotlight on it again.


Amani al Raisi, a Grade 12 student of Al Amerat School came up with the idea of making the biggest Kummah in the world.

The inspiration came from Amani's mother, who helped with creating the huge ambitious task. It took 18 months to stitch, which contain over 200,000 stitches and is over five metres in circumference with it being 1.75 metres in height and 1.68 metres in radius setting the world record for the Largest Kummah according to the World Record Academy. She had the assistance of Ojas Bhatia and Rohit Jadhad.

Can you imagine?! A school girl wanting to create such a ambitious project, and intending to gift it to His Majesty for National Day. These are young achievers that need to be celebrated and encouraged to do more.

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Oman FM Interview

 

 Aishelaqtta is a social marketing platform which allows for organizations, small ventures, and local talent to portray themselves to the local community. As an integrated concept of social networking, it is where the outreach grants exposure to a broader spectrum of consumers.

As a prospect for business future of such a integrated platform Aishelaqtta is looking to expand into creating and establishing social marketing strategies for organizations, events, and start-up local ventures. As using social media can not only increase reliability and build your image in the virtual world, but it’s also effective in increasing revenues, and number of customers.

It was a pleasure and great experience to be invited by Tariq al Barwani to talk on Oman FM radio during his radio show ‘Knowledge Talks’ which focus on sharing IT related concepts and knowledge. I must commend Tariq for being very professional and reassuring me during the interview (started off a little nervous).
We had a 1 hour casual talking session, with callers calling in expressing their interest with the blog, social media and wanting to promote their work using Aishelaqtta as a platform.

Oman FM - Interview Part 1

Here are some of the talking points mentioned during the interview:

How easy is it for someone to have a presence online?

Its very easy for anyone to open up a blog, or any social media tool yet the key with having an online presence is being able to brand yourself on the web so that your online presence can be used to your advantage.

How can you do this?

• Create an identity. What you do and who you serve to separate yourself from the rest of your those who blog around you. A web presence (blog/website) is another way to showcase yourself and what you represent.

• Consistency is key. Sync your web identity on all platforms.
• Content. You can have the best content in the world, but it might not give the right impact since you might be targeting the right audience. Identify your content and structure it so as to fit on different platforms based on your the presence you create.

How is social media important for businesses and the government?

The use of social media is not a marketing tool, but an interactive medium that allows exchange. Its not a static print issue, thus it gives everyone the possibility to talk to each other, exchange opinions, while getting rid of all the corporate hype and false promises typical of brand advertising.

What platform should a organisation or person use?

The platform you choose depends on what sort of a presence you want to generate on social media networks, you need to do a little research to see what best fits your audience so as to enhance your exposure. E.g. a Fashion blogger should enhance her presence using tumblr, pinterest and instagram yet not so much on twitter.

Organisations should use a platform depending of the audience they want to target, which will lead to more revenue and brand exposure that best suits the cooperate identity. Research time needs to be invested so as to determine the correct platforms, that would reflect the image that the organisation wants to translate online.

To be continued...

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Oman FM - Knowledge Talks

 

I'll post about my interview with Tariq Al Barwani on 'Knowledge Talks' an IT related knowledge sharing program which airs on Oman FM 90.4

 

Post coming soon...
Stay tuned!

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What is Social Media?

Social media is a fundamental tool for building engagement, generating dialogue between you and your customers and should be a essential part of your outreach program.

What social media “enthusiasts”(that’s what I like calling them) do is work with you to build up a social media marketing existence across several platforms, so as to reinforce your brand positioning, engage with your audience, manage conversations to ensure that it drives people to your site.

It’s a not your basic ‘let’s run an event’ and let the people know about it.

It’s beyond that concept where we can create strategic concepts, which lead to your event or end product marketing with the added bonus of one-to-one interactions.  It also gives your marketing strategy a voice, due to interactions and a personal aspect that cannot be achieved via print.

Imagine that suddenly you have an event, product, cooperate organization that responds directly to the consumer without hesitation, and from a human/individual aspect. These responses are either from someone who has either experienced the situation, knows more about the information being given, or have a direct link to get your get you an answer.

Examples of recent promotional schemes: Shangri-la Full Moon Dinner, Grand Hyatt Bloggers Competition, Shangri-la Taste of Asia and Insta8oman.

 

Aishelaqtta Up Coming post: The Common Social Media Mistakes

Aishelaqtta Previous post: Social Media IQ

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Korean Cultural Extravaganza

Korean Embassy in Oman is organising the Korean Cultural Extravaganza in commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties between Oman and South Korea on April 21st at 7:30 pm, Oman Auditorium - Al Bustan Palace-A Ritz Carlton Hotel.

 

 

The Korean Cultural Extravaganza will showcase three different cultural performances: The Gwangdae (traditional performing arts), Coreyah (folk music group presenting a fusion of traditional and modern music) and Morning of Owl (ranked as number one B-boying team focuses on storytelling and dramatic interpretation)

 

 

 

Admission is free for all.

Doors to the auditorium open at 6:30 pm.

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Ghedex-Jobex-Trainex Exhibition

 

Global Higher Education, Training and Job Opportunities Exhibition is a landmark event dedicated to Higher Education, Technology Education & Vocational Training and Omanisation & Job Opportunities.

 

The most comprehensive event of its kind held annually in the Sultanate of Oman, under the patronage of the Ministry of Higher Education and the Ministry of Manpower, GHEDEX, TRAINEX & JOBEX is an excellent opportunity for students, graduates, job seekers and those seeking education opportunities abroad.  Source

 

Ghedex- focused on higher education.

It provides and excellent opportunity for further educational institutions to promote educational programs allowing ease of registration and enrollment to both the Omani and expatriate students in Oman.


Trainex-focused on training and learning opportunities.

It serves to prepare nationals seeking future job prospects in specialised industries, and provide a quality environment for exhibitors to showcase valuable information to students and professionals looking to enhance their careers.


Jobex- job opportunities exhibition

This exhibition section offers valuable information, advice and opportunities for candidates interested in career development. It allows visitors attending the exhibition to consider the possibilities available in the job market.


Also available within the website is an opportunity to win a laptop if you register as a visitor for the exhibition. If you want to see last years event report

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Summer is ON!

The heat is on at full force for the last few days, with high levels of humidity.

Must say that I definitely don't miss this weather, and cant help but wonder how the coming months are going to turn out. There are less and less activities on the agenda with the summer getting on the high but I do look forward to what might be on offer with summer packages from hotels, travel agents and even summer school programs.

I am sure would love to travel this summer but it seems that we might be stuck since we are moving house, and Ramadan is round the corner. Dreading the move in the heat!

Keep posted as to whats coming up on the blog, and the instagram account since I will keep updating on whats on offer. I heard from a little birdie that the Grand Hyatt have something great coming up in terms of a competition and prize this time is expected to be HUGE! so don't miss it.

Don't forget your sunblock and whatever else you may need to stay protected. Also keep hydrated with allot of H2O.

How are you planning to survive the summer heat?
Stay cool and safe..


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Food Safety Week

 

Food Safety Week 2014 - An Exhibition which will offer visitors an insight into the latest  technologies, services and products to food safety challenges. It will be held from the 21st-23rd April at the Al Bustan Palace, A Ritz Carlton Hotel with workshops to be held on the 21st April.

Food Safety Week event will bring Oman’s food industry leaders, food safety professionals, regulators, food distributors, academia, consumers and other relevant sector professionals to discuss the growing concerns over food safety and quality, foster cooperation and collaboration between government and food business operators in order to improve food safety practices in the country and to enhance consumer awareness in relation to food safety and health. Source

To see program for the conference click here


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Winners of Grand Hyatt Social Media Competition

You may have heard the news from my fellow bloggers, but here it is again just in case you didn't catch it.

The winners of the Grand Hyatt Truly Asia Social Media Competition are:

Congrats!!!

I have looked through the results of the competition, and noticed two of the names mentioned on the Aishelaqtta blog. Great going visitors since I also understood that they increased their chances by visiting the other participating blog pages. FatSu, Oman Collective Intelligence, Muscat Mutterings, Andy in Oman and The Duncan Adventures)

Stay posted with the local bloggers, since we were informed of a few up and coming competitions that will be running over the social media channels. Also keep a look out on the Grand Hyatt facebook page for upcoming announcements, and offers.

You never know you might be the next in line to win more than just a hotel stay :) did I say too much?

Head over to the Aishelaqtta's instagram account to view pictures of the offical opening of Desigual in MGM. Ohhhhhh and for those of you attending Insta8Oman see you later today (more info are on the blog and instagram account-registeration invite mentioned)


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Social Media IQ

Is it just my imagination, or does it suddenly seem that everyone is a social media “expert”?

 

Social media, Social media marketing, social media networks and social media tools are a few phrases that are being tossed around a lot recently, specifically in the local community. Yet are times its difficult you address to the true concept of social media. Its not about opening an account of Facebook, twitter, instagram and any other social media platform and its definitely not based on the number of followings that you generate or when you actually established your social media accounts!

If you think that your a social media"guru" just due to the above mentioned points, then your giving the whole concept a negative representation. Social media is an instrument of communication, just like a newspaper or a radio, thus your concept should be based on sharing information and interactions based on whats being shared.

 “You are not a social media ‘guru’ if you have the ability to create a Facebook business page, Twitter account, and have a couple of social media apps on your smartphone.” Source

Every now and then I have recently found those who consider themselves "social media savvy". Yes, you might have a huge following, you might be approached for social media marketing or advertising but then do you really know what it takes? Lets saying you have over 2000 followers on instagram but probably less that 100 tweets a month then don't get delusional that your actually a proclaimed expert.

Social media is a growing trend, and doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon as a marketing concept. Yet set a strategy of your use of social networks, create a concept that people can recognise as your own.


Consider this the next time you want to delve into labels

Have you constructed full-scale campaigns focused on strategically expanding a client or employer’s social media presence? Within that framework, did you do the painstaking research necessary to thoroughly understand the content your audience desires? Source

I don't claim to know the first thing about social media concepts or marketing strategies, but I am adamant to learn and develop to what's available.

Let me hear what's you thoughts are and what you consider a "social media expert" really is.

Something to think about...

Aishelaqtta Up Coming post: What is Social Media?

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Back to the Blogger World

I decided on a mini break, and since my kids were on Easter holiday from school it was time for me to entertain them. Though I did keep other followers updated via the Instagram account which is slightly more active due to its ease and access.

There is so much to catch up on seeing that I haven't posted for about a week!

I loved watching my notifications as visitors came by to participate in the "Hyatt Truly Thai Social Media Competition " where entries are considered to win a weekend stay in the Grand Hyatt, Muscat. Then there was Comex Exhibition which was running from the 7th of April, which was on of the top hits for the blog roll.

Things to look forward to in the coming week, and month....

Well, we can start off with Insta8Oman, which will be held at the Opera Galleria tomorrow! The whole event is structured based on the social media tool. If your interested to attend then all you need to do is head over to the instagram account, and take a snapshot of the invite. Simple! click here for post info

Another event on the agenda is the ever beautiful "Full Moon Beach Dinner" which I've posted a few pictures about via the instagram and will be held on the 15th of April. Click onto the link if you want to see last months picture coverage by Andy in Oman. I always enjoy seeing his detailed pictures about any event covered by him.

Finally I ended my week break by attending the Omantel Media Day where again I have posted pictures on the instagram account and a detailed post should be coming up probably by the end of today.

Hope that you had a great weekend, and will be able to attend the two event mentioned that will be running during the week. Its a not to be missed event on both accounts.

Later.....

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Hyatt Truly Thai Social Media Competition

Well, seems my fellow bloggers went ahead with the competition, and I am one of the last ones to post it. Have been feeling under the weather for the last few days and thus getting online for a blog post was the last thing on my mind.

The Grand Hyatt decided to spice things to celebrate the Truly Thai food festival. They have organised a social media competition with the help of fellow bloggers, which will run to the 12th  April and your chance of winning a one night stay for 2 inclusive of breakfast! 

I'd say thats a sweet deal, and all you need to do is answer a simple question via responses/comment with your contact info. 

The question assigned to Aishelaqtta is as follows:

How many times has guest Chef Supattra Boonsrang been featured at Marjan restaurant in Grand Hyatt Muscat?

• 1 time
• 3 times
• 2 times

More info can be found in the hotel website 

Dont forget to check out other blogger to increase your chances, you can like to them directly via my blog roll (on the right side of the page) 

Good luck!

Comex 2014

The much awaited Comex 2014 will be held on the 7th to 11th of April in the Oman International Exhibition Center. The event is organised and managed by OITE and led by the Information Technology Authority of Oman.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The exhibition will also include a conference, which will take place in the Golden Tulip Hotel located right next to the exhibition center.

"COMEX Conference in its firth year will focus towards real time communication applications and services available for the businesses to transform employee engagement and productivity through Mobility. In this track, attendees will hear from visionaries and thought leaders from throughout the mobile ecosystem, while taking part in discussions on exploiting the massive opportunities in the mobile real-time communications market." Source

There will be two pavilions within the exhibition one targeting business enterprises and the other focused on shopping visitors.

"The Business Pavilion provides a regional platform for business enterprises and their target audience to network, develop collaboration and partnership with government and private entrepreneurs. The growing importance of COMEX coincides with the tremendous progress and development of the ICT sector in the Sultanate with the multiplication of operators and users in recent years." Source

"The Shopper pavilion is used as a launch-pad for many of the latest products and solutions introduced for the first time in the region. Over 75,000 eager visitors throng to view and purchase these exciting innovations in technology easily available under one roof." Source 

A relatively new feature within the web-site is "Comex Matchmaking" where those visiting the site can register as exhibitor or visitors, used to indicate your actual interest in attending the exhibition, matching you with the right vendors.

 

In addition to all this there is an additional pavilion dedicated to eGovernment which "supports the inspirational vision of the Information Technology Authority to transform the Sultanate of Oman into a knowledge-based society. It brings together relevant government institutions which showcase their shift from traditional methods to digital transformation, to the general public." Source

For a list of exhibitors click here

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