Verticalization

To really enjoy this post you need some background information on a chap called Bala. You can read about it here.

Anyways, Bala has divided his consulting business into the following domain specific verticals:

1. Food and Beverages: This vertical largely was a result of consistent beverage demand and Bala’s niche expertise in meeting the demand. Being a platinum card holder at various pubs and restaurants, ranging from swanky to quasi-shady, has helped him in integrating the supply and demand.
2. Entertainment: With weekend demand for the entertainment from the teetotaler clients to “i-don’t-have-money-to-booze-this-weekend” types, on the rise, Bala has risen to the occasion by using his supply-side contacts at multipexes and amusement parks, and realized a highly demanding vertical.
3. Automobile: This vertical was a result of Bala’s prior experience with automobile majors. This has helped him in meeting the clients’ need for new and second-hand bikes, as well as spare parts. Bala has also integrated transport logistics with this vertical, because the economic feasibility of operating his Pulsar was only too logical.
4. Finance and Insurance: Very strong, in Auto insurance, with proven expertise in getting insurance for his own bike. Being a local gives him access to a lot of idle funds in times of his clients’ crises.
5. Information Services: Sound knowledge of local conditions, makes Bala a prime choice for offering value added information services, especially cyclone forecasts (includes their source and destination too…clients love this!!), and accommodation information.

But apart from the verticalization, brand Bala has decided to consciously stay away from a potentially lucrative sector, personal care. With client queries ranging from number of underwears to be brought to Chennai, to the possibility of using an iron box in the girls’ hostel, to helpline services for “sambar-rasam-indistinguishable population” and location – spotting services, Bala is seriously pissed off!!

Next in line: taking his consulting services public!!!!