Monsoon has been BAD

Monsoon has been BAD

Thursday Feb 23: Toronto – It finally happened, what we all feared, Monsoon Communications finally went BAD.

The North York Civic Centre was buzzing with anticipation to hear what Daisy Wright, renowned career coach & the author of the bestseller: 'No Canadian Experience, Eh?‘ had to say in her bold presentation topic, BAD.

Gautam Nath, Partner, Monsoon Communications, was there to listen and take away what Daisy so neatly packaged as BAD – Be Bold, Be Audacious and Be Dynamic.

Applying her philosophy to the business, it was apparent to him how Monsoon had been BAD.

BOLD - in setting up shop in Toronto to address strategic & communications needs for organizations interested in the Multicultural Markets. With fluctuating budgets, changing scenarios and diverse consumer needs, it was indeed a BOLD step to set up shop. We go where no man has gone before.

AUDACIOUS - in getting out there and taking steps to be involved at the forefront. It was Monsoons fearlessness and drive to venture out and be noticed that helped the company rise from being a new kid on the block to someone to be reckoned with. Monsoon today, stands tall among 15 or 20 year old veterans in this market and is equal to the best. We bring mainstream advertising standards to ethnic markets.

DYNAMIC – With the dynamic nature of the customer and Canada’s immigration numbers, we are nimble and we are quick. We stay at the edge of technology bringing both traditional and new age media to our clients. We understand smart technology and its advantages and challenges.  

We are BAD and we believe in going forward with one mission – when you think multicultural marketing, you think of Monsoon Communications.

Daisy helped set the room on fire. Everyone was challenged into thinking how BAD they could be. Eager to go back into the world and be BAD, eager to show Canada how we newcomers were not just BAD and far more BAD than we were ever before.

The discussions got quite interactive with CAMP (Communications, Advertising and Marketing professionals) members asking Ms. Wright clear and direct questions straining to gain insights from her every word. They hung on to her experiences and her powerful stories  as a newcomer to Canada. It is always good to hear from someone who has been there and done that.

Rogers Television crew were on site, capturing every moment to sharing with a broader audience at a near future date.

Everyone was upbeat, with batteries recharged and eagerly waiting to get out there and to be BAD.

One anecdote that I found quite cute from a marketing perspective was a story Daisy mentioned she had heard about, a prospective employee purchased and sent a prospective employer a shoe. Yes a shoe! Neatly wrapped and sent along with a note and a resume. The note said, “They told me to get a foot in the door. Now that I have my foot in the door, I request if you could read my resume because I think I am a great fit for your organization and can contribute to your present and future success". The employer was so taken aback by this approach, that she made it a point to go through the resume and to meet the person face to face.

Thank you Daisy for an insightful evening, thank you CAMP for bringing it all together and when you think of multicultural marketing – Think of Monsoon Communications.

Internationally Educated Professionals (IEP) 2012 Convention Toronto

IEP 2012 came and went, organized by PCPI Canada, this annual event saw 1700 registrations yesterday.

Silma Roddau and her team brilliantly organized yet another smooth operation that left every delegate breathless.

The day started early at 0830 hours with Christopher Alexander, the Chair of PCPI, opening the convention followed by an address by the key sponsors.

Then came the keynote speaker Lionel Laroche, who entralled the audience with his effective and humorous presentation. Lots of food for thought and sparkles were left behind for the audience. CBC Television captured the moment and broadcast a short clip the same evening.

AnneMarie and Dwight Drummond, entrees from CBC eminence, mCeed the day with their charm and eloquence. CBC rocks!

Then three IEP's were invited to share their journey and yours truly was one of them.

Samuel, Gautam and Vinod, 3 IEP's had our moment in the sun and shared our golden nuggets with the large audience. They hung on to every word as we represented their vision and their journey ahead.

Break time followed and the group then broke into the breakaway sessions. Eminent speaker panels led each session and the delegates divided themselves among the rooms to imbibe knowledge on their subject areas.

The marketplace was buzzing with over 50 booths representing agencies and colleges all aiming at enriching the newcomer experience in Canada.

The lunch boxes were a welcoming break after such intense sessions that they were devoured in an instance. Then, with satiated stomaches, the delegates ventured forth to attend the afternoon keynote address.

Donna Messer is no novice, she immediately had everyone up in their seats, buzzing with excitement and eagerly hanging on her every word. Truly an eventful day, no one wanted it to end and yet, there was another surprise, an afternoon breakaway session for skills building that delegates had difficulty deciding which one they wanted to attend.

Rhonda capped it all with her culture cover and some happy souls left with prizes for Their day of discovery.

The IEP convention gives every attendee some fresh food for thought, a few new contacts and hope in their hearts. Don't think they met their soul mates even if Valentines Day is around the corner but surely showed them the light at the end of the tunnel.

We welcome the first white weekend of the season, temperatures are ever so cold, love lies in the heart and good food in the stomach. We are proud to be snug at home and look forward to our new and beautiful life in Canada.

Thank you IEP for keeping us warm.