Taj Mahal - 7 Wonders of the World
by Bernard Ablola
Sep 21, 2009 India 2009, MBA
Our first full day in India begins with the road trip from New Delhi to Agra, to visit the Taj Mahal. The roads in Agra are crowded filled with people, camels, cows and monkeys. Cars and bikes cut in and out of the two lane highway. Our driver presses the horn like a musical performance. Light taps of the horn tell cows to move. Harder strikes of the horn signal to the aggressive drivers to get out of our way.
The first glance of the Taj Mahal through the doorway is truly breath taking. The white marble looks almost fake, a painted portrait or Disney replica. As we get closer to the Taj Mahal each step presents us with a new view, a different angle and perspective.
Breathtaking
This is one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen in my life, truly one of wonders of world.
As we walk closer to the memorial our tour guide explains the story of emperor Shan Jahan’s love for his wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died giving birth to their 14th child. This was his tribute to her. It took twenty years and twenty thousand men to build. This explains the persistence and resilience of the people.
If there is one place to see before you die, a bucket list, of some sort, visit the Taj Mahal. It was truly an unforgettable experience.
Marble Museum
Today, I witnessed the Billy Mays of India (RIP Billy). He wore a blue shirt and had facial hair and proceeded to pitch us on the quality of the marble pieces he sold. He even spilled soda on the table to demonstrate the quality of the product. Effective marketing engages the consumer, tells a story and removes and barriers to purchase. The Indian Billy Mays educated us, then sold us on the quality of his product. He presented the wow factor by taking the product and throwing on the floor to demonstrate its durability.
With 1.1 billion people, the second most populous country in the world and a quarter billion people in the middle class that is growing, India is an untapped market of opportunity. In the next couple of days we will see how companies are profiting from this expanding country.
I love marketing and advertising in any form and can quickly learn from others and apply it to my business. As a marketer I would suggest being open to being sold. Listen to the telemarketers, watch the entire infomercials and read the direct mail pieces that come to your door. Become a student of marketing not only in the classroom but in the real world setting. Your business will benefit from it.
Bernard
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