Better business with MAPS

BUSINESSPEOPLE can get an edge in the digital world by creatively improving their brand’s image – and their own personality – with help from celebrities and experts in the new Dhurakij Pundit University course Media Appreciation and Product-Service Strategies (Maps).

Knowledge of technological advances in communications is as important these days as talent and personal appearance, and combining that with the proper strategies can give any business a boost, says Dr Darika Latthapipat, the university’s chancellor.

The short-term course Maps promises to be a boon to business administration when the digital media are crucial in building brand image, popularity and revenue. The course was recently announced at the school’s International College of Social Sciences and Communication with encouraging words from On-Usa Lamliengpol, former chairwoman of the Leo Burnett Group Thailand and president of the Advertising Association of Thailand.

Also on hand were celebrities Prairpan Tumwattana, Kornkanok Yongsakul, Rasvadi and Reudiampai Kuansongthum, Apinara Srikanchana, ML Rangsithorn Bhanupan, Varavuth Laohapongchana, Natthapol Chulanggun, Piyarat Kaljareuks, Unawan Tungkarawakun, Panisara Arayasakul, Pawarisa Penchart, Cheeranut Yusanon, Karin Satayu, Wethaka Siriwattana, Warit Tipakomut and Saranyu Prachakrich. Kornkanok Yongsakul, founder of the Institute of Personality Development, led a workshop titled “Improve Your Personality to Become a Talented Business Runner” featuring marketing gurus Srihatai Bhramanee and Vitsanu Wongsinsirikul. Dhurakij Pundit students also presented a fashion show.

Beginning next month and lasting into September, the Maps course is based on a “3S” concept – Survival, Success and Sustainability – by which a business plan for the modern era is developed, focusing on using digital media to build brand awareness and thus increase sales. Some of the cleverest minds in business management and entertainment will be providing advice on selecting appropriate and effective media channels.

In her workshop, Kornkanok recommended that you should always start any kind of meeting with a sincere smile, because it’s in the first 10 or 15 seconds that people form an impression of your personality. It sounds simple enough, but there are three “levels” of smiling when it comes to communicating with other people, she said.

There’s the smile that doesn’t reveal the teeth, another showing a little of the teeth, and a third – “the most impressive” – that begins with a “knowing” smile lasting three to five seconds, while “smiling with your eyes” at the same time. Kornkanok likened it to flowers slowly blooming.

Other tips included avoiding flashing a smile immediately, because it might seem insincere, and maintaining eye contact. If for some reason you don’t want to look directly into the other person’s eyes, she said, just focus on their forehead or eyebrows, but looking elsewhere, especially downwards to the floor, is a display of diffidence.

If greeting someone with a wai, which traditionally entails lowering the eyes, glance at them when you finish and then say hello again, Kornkanok said, to show your pleasure at meeting them and underline your good intentions.

“In developing your personality you have to start with a positive attitude coming from the inside,” she explained. “Try to build up your confidence and don’t be afraid of people – you don’t want to show any signs of nervousness, like looking down or fiddling with your hands. You have to remain confident, and a great personality will be reflected in that.

“The way we dress also reflects our personality. Consider your body shape and choose the right outfits. Add a brightly coloured item to stand out a bit. Blazers are a must for meetings, for that professional look. Women can replace an A-line skirt or high-waisted skirt with flared trousers to look more stylish. Men’s business suits should have one-centimetre-thick shoulder pads to look sophisticated.”

 

Offer to School

- The Maps course comprises 12 sessions held on consecutive Fridays from 1 to 5pm, |beginning on July 1. |It costs Bt89,900.

- Register with Dhurakij Pundit University at (02) 954 7300 or (084) 699 9516.