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Thali prices drop slightly but remain high: CRISIL

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thali
Thali (Representative Image)

According to an analysis conducted by the ratings agency Crisil, the price of a typical household thali saw a slight decrease in August compared to the previous month, primarily influenced by a strong comparative base. However, it remained notably higher when compared to the same period last year for the second time in this fiscal year, mainly due to the elevated prices of tomatoes.

The agency’s Roti Rice rate, a crucial indicator for assessing food price inflation, indicated that the price of a vegetarian thali increased by 24% year-on-year, while a non-vegetarian thali experienced a 13% year-on-year rise in cost for the month.

“Of the 24% rise in the vegetarian thali cost, 21% can be attributed solely to the price of tomato, which rose 176% on-year to INR 102 per kg in the month compared with INR 37 per kg a year ago,” according to the agency.

According to the analysis, onion prices surged by 8%, chillies by 20%, and cumin by a staggering 158% compared to the previous year. These price increases contributed to approximately a 1% overall rise in the cost of a vegetarian thali. A vegetarian thali typically includes items such as roti, vegetables (onion, tomato, and potato), rice, dal, curd, and salad. In the case of a non-vegetarian thali, all dishes are the same except for the substitution of dal with chicken. The estimate for broiler prices in August 2023 is forthcoming.

The analysis revealed that the cost increase for a non-vegetarian thali was more moderate, primarily because the price of broilers, which constitute over 50% of the total cost, is estimated to have increased by a relatively modest 1-3% year-on-year.

The report highlighted that a 17% year-on-year reduction in vegetable oil prices and a 14% decrease in potato prices partially mitigated the overall cost of both types of thalis.

Costs may experience a reduction in September due to certain factors, such as the retail prices of tomatoes declining by 50% month-on-month to INR 51 per kg. Additionally, the cost of a 14.2 kg cooking gas cylinder, which was priced at INR 1,103 in August, has been reduced to INR 903 in September.

“This will also come as a relief for consumers,” according to the agency.

Persistent price pressures have resulted in elevated retail prices. The most recent data for July indicated that retail inflation, as measured by the consumer price index, surged from 4.9% in June to 7.4%. This increase was primarily driven by soaring prices of vegetables and cereals, sparking concerns about the overall price situation.

RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das cautioned on Tuesday that frequent occurrences of recurrent food price shocks pose a risk to the stability of inflation expectations. These expectations have been gradually anchoring since September 2022, and the central bank will maintain a vigilant stance in monitoring this situation.

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Country Chicken Co expands its reach in Telangana with the fifth premium outlet in Attapur

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Country Chicken Co
Country Chicken Co (Representative Image)

Country Chicken Co, the renowned brand known for its premium quality country chicken, celebrated the grand opening of its fifth city outlet in Attapur. The esteemed inauguration was conducted by Thanneru Harish Rago Garu, the honorable Minister for Health, Medical, and Family Welfare of the Telangana government. Joining the event were T Prakash Goud, the MLA of Rajendra Nagar, and Shri Swami Goud. The occasion was further graced by the presence of the company’s key figures, including G Saikesh Goud, the Founder and CEO, Mohd Sami Uddin, Co-Founder and COO, and Abhishek Patawar, CSO of Country Chicken Co.

In addition to Attapur, the brand is set to launch two more stores in Chandanagar and Sainikpuri.

Country Chicken Co offers several advantages to its customers. They specialize in providing authentic Natu Kodi (desi chicken) and related products. These chickens are raised in rural backyards and free-range farms, ensuring they are free from steroids and antibiotics. The brand offers three distinct categories of chicken: Village Birds, Free Range Birds, and Nutrisoft Chicken, which serves as a healthier alternative to regular chicken. Additionally, visiting their stores is a delightful experience, thanks to their innovative, odor-free outlets.

Country Chicken Co. boasts a diverse selection of seven poultry varieties, ensuring they meet the preferences of customers from all backgrounds. Moreover, they provide a range of complementary products, including eggs and pickles, which add a distinctive flair to their offerings.

Speaking on the occasion, Goud said, “Our chicken is grown in a natural environment without any steroids or antibiotics being injected.”

Sami Uddin added, “We started Country Chicken Co., two and half years ago, through this we want to promote natu kodi meat which is healthy and are aiming to revolutionise the entire chicken meat industry. We are currently tied up with 15000 chicken farmers, we provide them with chicks, feed, training to breed them and have a buy back arrangement with them.”

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Odisha’s first-ever rail coach eatery set to launch in Rourkela this October

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railway restaurant
(Representative Image)

A cutting-edge, air-conditioned restaurant inside a railway coach is set to debut near the second entrance of Rourkela railway station in October, just in time for Durga Puja. This groundbreaking establishment will mark the very first railway coach restaurant in the state of Odisha.

Previously, these restaurants had been inaugurated in Nagpur, Maharashtra, and New Jalpaiguri, West Bengal.

As per insider information, in January of this year, the Chakradharpur railway division issued a tender inviting interested bidders to establish an air-conditioned restaurant within a rail coach, located near the second entrance of Rourkela railway station. After a competitive bidding process, a Kolkata-based firm secured a 15-year lease contract for INR 2.5 crore. Under the terms of the agreement, the railway authorities provided the firm with an old coach and allocated a 250-square-meter area for the project. Subsequently, the contractor transformed the coach into a brand-new dining experience.

The interior work for the railway coach restaurant is currently in full swing and is expected to wrap up by the end of this month. This restaurant, equipped with a television, is designed to accommodate up to 48 patrons.

Additionally, two street food counters will be situated in close proximity to the railway coach restaurant. The ambiance will exude a rural charm, and a garden area will also be cultivated adjacent to the restaurant.

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Bengaluru restaurants to offer paper napkins only on demand in effort to reduce waste

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Paper napkins
Paper napkins (Representative Image)

In an effort to diminish the daily generation of solid waste in Bengaluru, the hotel industry has called upon its members to decrease their usage of paper napkins.

With approximately 10 tonnes of napkins consumed daily across its 40,000 member establishments, the Bruhat Bengaluru Hotels Association (BBHA) has issued a plea to its affiliated hotels, darshinis, caterers, and flight catering services to reduce consumption and provide napkins to customers only upon request.

The association’s choice to offer paper napkins exclusively upon request, rather than placing them routinely on tables, is tied to concerns over their wasteful usage by the public. Additionally, this decision aligns with the range of initiatives being considered by the hospitality sector to curb wastage, counterbalance the impact of escalating input expenses, and address declining customer traffic. In a recent development, the association conducted a formal meeting to raise awareness among its members regarding the reduction of excessive consumption of paper napkins, electricity, and water.

Acknowledging the decision, PC Rao, president of BBHA, said that post-pandemic there is an increased tendency among people to use paper napkins. “Already, we are generating huge quantity of food waste. In addition to this, we are ending up generating tonnes of paper waste, which largely comprises paper napkins. If you look at our customers’ paper napkin consumption, it’s erratic and very difficult to comprehend. Due to free availability, they tend to grab them and use them recklessly, resulting in a huge mound of garbage.”

Another hotelier, who runs a chain of restaurants, said, “Paper napkins are used for the most absurd reasons. Be it to keep mobile phones on the table or personal belongings, people mindlessly use them. Had it been only for wiping hands, then it would have been acceptable. But if four people are at a table, they end up exhausting an entire pack of paper napkins by the time they finish a meal. We just wanted to regulate its use.”

In the initial phase, all members have been directed to eliminate paper napkins from tables and provide them to customers solely upon request.

Rao said the hospitality industry consumes close to 10 tonnes of paper napkins daily. “While a few purchase it in bulk for a week, others buy it twice or thrice a week. Another problem with paper napkins is storage. The paper waste generated is so huge that in half a day our storage area is filled with bags full of them. Just because we place them visibly on the table, customers grab and use them. What if we do not keep them? They will use their handkerchiefs, which are not only sustainable but can also help cut down on waste generation,” he pointed out.

The association has already conducted an initial series of meetings with Food and Civil Supplies Minister KH Muniyappa and other state government officials to discuss the reduction of food waste and other forms of wastage, such as paper napkins, water, and electricity.

According to reports, the state government has agreed to support the industry by creating an awareness film that can be screened at all hotels and hospitality establishments, in addition to displaying posters on tables and in hotel washrooms.

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B2B Content Marketing: Strategies for Engaging and Nurturing Business Audiences

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B2B Content Marketing

In the world of business-to-business (B2B) marketing, capturing and retaining the attention of your target audience can be quite the challenge. But in this digital age, content marketing has emerged as a powerful tool to engage and nurture business audiences. In this article, we’ll explore effective strategies to create compelling B2B content that not only grabs attention but also builds lasting relationships with your business counterparts.

Understanding B2B Content Marketing

B2B content marketing is all about creating and sharing valuable, relevant content to attract and engage other businesses. It’s the art of storytelling and information sharing tailored to address the unique needs and challenges of your B2B audience. Here’s why it’s crucial for businesses:

1. Building Credibility:

High-quality, informative content positions your brand as an industry authority, instilling trust and confidence in potential business partners.

2. Lead Generation:

Engaging content serves as a magnet for leads, drawing in prospects interested in your products or services.

3. Nurturing Relationships:

Content allows you to nurture and maintain relationships with existing clients, ensuring their continued satisfaction and loyalty.

Effective Strategies for B2B Content Engagement

Now, let’s delve into strategies to make your B2B content marketing efforts resonate with your business audience:

1. Know Your Audience:

Understanding your target audience is paramount. Dive deep into their pain points, challenges, goals, and preferences. Create content that directly addresses their needs.

2. Educational Content:

Businesses are always on the lookout for insights and knowledge. Provide informative content such as whitepapers, webinars, and how-to guides that help solve problems and offer value.

3. Case Studies and Success Stories:

Showcase real-world examples of how your product or service has benefited other businesses. Case studies and success stories add credibility and demonstrate practical applications.

4. Thought Leadership:

Establish your brand as a thought leader in your industry by sharing original research, expert opinions, and industry insights. This not only informs but also elevates your credibility.

5. Visual Content:

Don’t underestimate the power of visual content. Infographics, videos, and visually appealing presentations can convey complex information more easily.

6. Content Personalization:

Tailor your content to the specific needs of different segments within your B2B audience. Personalization demonstrates that you understand their unique challenges.

7. Consistency is Key:

Maintain a regular publishing schedule. Consistency keeps your brand top-of-mind and reinforces your commitment to delivering value.

8. Interactive Content:

Engage your audience with interactive content like quizzes, assessments, or interactive infographics. This encourages participation and deeper engagement.

9. Leverage User-Generated Content:

Encourage your satisfied B2B customers to share their success stories and experiences. This adds authenticity and builds trust.

Benefits of Effective B2B Content Engagement

Implementing these strategies for B2B content engagement yields several significant benefits:

  • Lead Generation: Captivating content attracts potential clients and nurtures them into leads.
  • Brand Authority: Establishing your brand as a thought leader enhances your credibility and reputation.
  • Relationship Building: Consistent engagement through content nurtures long-lasting business relationships.
  • Competitive Edge: Effective content marketing sets you apart from competitors by demonstrating your expertise and value.

B2B content marketing is an invaluable tool for connecting with and nurturing business audiences. By crafting informative, personalized, and engaging content that addresses the unique needs of your target audience, you can build trust, generate leads, and establish your brand as a trusted partner in the B2B landscape. Embrace these strategies, keep your content relevant, and watch your business relationships flourish in the digital age.

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Leveraging User-Generated Content: Turning Customers into Advocates and Contributors

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User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is a hidden treasure that may enhance your brand’s message in the digital age, when trust and authenticity are vital in business. It’s like having a swarm of ardent supporters and donors who actually enjoy your product or service. In this post, we’ll look at how to use user-generated content (UGC) to turn your consumers into enthusiastic brand champions and useful content providers.

Understanding User-Generated Content

User-generated content refers to any content—text, images, videos, reviews, or social media posts—that is created and shared by your customers or users rather than by your brand. It’s the authentic voice of your satisfied customers, and here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. Trust and Authenticity:

UGC is authentic and trustworthy because it comes directly from the people who have experienced your product or service. It’s word-of-mouth marketing in the digital realm.

2. Community Building:

Encouraging UGC fosters a sense of community around your brand. Your customers become part of a larger conversation, strengthening their loyalty.

3. Cost-Effective:

UGC can be a cost-effective way to generate content. Instead of hiring photographers or writers, you’re leveraging your existing customer base.

4. Diverse Content:

UGC offers a variety of content types and perspectives. From product reviews to unboxing videos, it showcases different facets of your brand.

Harnessing the Power of UGC

Now, let’s explore how to effectively leverage UGC to benefit your business:

1. Create a Shareable Experience:

Make sure your product or service offers an exceptional experience that customers are eager to share. The better the experience, the more likely they’ll create UGC.

2. Encourage Reviews and Testimonials:

Actively request and promote customer reviews and testimonials. These authentic endorsements can be powerful motivators for potential customers.

3. Hashtag Campaigns:

Create branded hashtags and encourage customers to use them when posting about their experiences. It helps you track and aggregate UGC.

4. Run Contests and Challenges:

Organize contests or challenges that invite customers to create content related to your brand. This gamifies the process and boosts engagement.

5. Feature UGC on Your Website and Social Media:

Showcase UGC on your website and social media profiles. Highlighting your customers’ content reinforces the sense of community and trust.

6. Engage and Respond:

When customers share UGC, engage with them by liking, commenting, or sharing their posts. It shows appreciation and encourages more contributions.

7. Request Permission:

Always ask for permission to use UGC in your marketing materials. Ensure you have legal consent to avoid any copyright issues.

8. Leverage UGC in Ads:

Incorporate UGC into your advertising campaigns. User-generated images and videos can be more relatable and persuasive than professionally produced content.

9. Monitor and Moderate:

Keep an eye on the UGC associated with your brand. Respond to any negative or inappropriate content promptly and professionally.

Benefits of Leveraging UGC

Harnessing UGC offers a plethora of benefits for your business:

  • Builds Trust: Authentic content from real customers instills trust in potential buyers.
  • Enhances Engagement: UGC sparks conversations and keeps your audience engaged.
  • Expands Reach: Customers sharing their experiences can reach a broader audience than your brand alone.
  • Fosters Loyalty: Encouraging UGC creates a sense of belonging and loyalty among your customers.
  • Cost-Effective: UGC can supplement your content marketing efforts without the cost of professional content creation.

User-generated content is a treasure trove of authenticity and trustworthiness that can elevate your brand’s reputation and drive business growth. By actively encouraging and effectively leveraging UGC, you’re not just turning customers into advocates and contributors; you’re nurturing a community of loyal supporters who amplify your brand’s message far and wide. So, start embracing the power of UGC today and watch your brand’s influence soar.

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Creating an Editorial Calendar: Organizing and Planning Your Content Strategy

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Editorial Calendar

The content marketing landscape in 2023 promises to be dynamic and full of opportunity for organizations ready to adapt and develop. To stay ahead in this ever-changing world, you must keep an eye out for emerging trends and make a commitment to offering value and relevance to your audience . But how do you keep your content initiatives on track, consistently deliver value to your audience, and stay ahead of the competition? The answer lies in crafting a meticulously planned editorial calendar. In this article, we’ll explore the art and science of creating an editorial calendar that will help you achieve your content marketing goals.

Understanding the Editorial Calendar

Think of an editorial calendar as the roadmap for your content marketing journey. It’s a visual representation of your content strategy, outlining what, when, and where you’ll publish your content. Here’s why it’s a must-have for business professionals:

1. Organization and Structure:

An editorial calendar brings structure to your content planning. It helps you see the bigger picture and how each piece of content fits into your overall strategy.

2. Consistency:

Consistency is key in content marketing. An editorial calendar ensures that you’re regularly producing and distributing content, keeping your audience engaged and informed.

3. Efficiency:

Planning your content in advance allows you to allocate resources, collaborate with your team, and streamline the content creation process. This leads to more efficient operations.

4. Flexibility:

While it provides structure, an editorial calendar also allows for flexibility. You can adapt to changing trends or events without losing sight of your long-term goals.

Creating Your Editorial Calendar

Now, let’s dive into the steps to create a robust editorial calendar:

1. Set Clear Objectives:

Start by defining your content marketing objectives. What do you want to achieve? Whether it’s increasing brand awareness, generating leads, or establishing thought leadership, your objectives will shape your content strategy.

2. Know Your Audience:

Understand your target audience’s preferences, pain points, and interests. Your content should cater to their needs and provide value.

3. Content Ideas and Topics:

Brainstorm a list of potential content topics. Consider industry trends, customer questions, and areas where you can showcase your expertise.

4. Content Types and Formats:

Determine the types and formats of content you’ll produce. This could include blog posts, videos, infographics, podcasts, or a mix of these.

5. Create a Content Calendar:

Choose a tool or platform to create your editorial calendar. You can use spreadsheet software, dedicated content management systems, or online project management tools.

6. Set Publication Dates:

Assign specific publication dates to each piece of content. Be realistic about your team’s capacity and resources.

7. Assign Responsibilities:

Clearly define who is responsible for creating, editing, and promoting each piece of content. Assigning roles ensures accountability.

8. Plan for Seasonal and Evergreen Content:

Incorporate both seasonal content (related to holidays or events) and evergreen content (timeless and always relevant) into your calendar.

9. Promotion and Distribution:

Plan how and where you’ll promote your content. Consider social media channels, email newsletters, and any other distribution methods.

Maintaining Your Editorial Calendar

Creating an editorial calendar is just the beginning. To make it truly effective, consider the following tips:

  • Regularly Update: Keep your calendar up to date with any changes or additions to your content plan.
  • Stay Agile: Be prepared to adjust your calendar in response to unforeseen events or shifts in your business goals.
  • Communicate: Ensure everyone involved in the content creation process is aware of the calendar and their responsibilities.
  • Seek Feedback: Encourage feedback from your audience to refine your content strategy over time.

An editorial calendar is not just a scheduling tool; it’s a cornerstone of a successful content marketing strategy. It provides structure, ensures consistency, and allows for adaptability. By meticulously planning your content, you can deliver value to your audience, achieve your marketing objectives, and stay ahead of the competition in the ever-evolving world of business. So, start crafting your editorial calendar today, and watch your content strategy soar to new heights.

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Content Marketing Trends to Watch in 2023

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Content Marketing Trends 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses looking to maintain their competitive edge. Content marketing, a field that has witnessed tremendous growth in recent years, is no exception. To succeed in this dynamic space, it’s essential for marketers to keep a keen eye on emerging trends and adapt their strategies accordingly. 

As we navigate through this year, several content marketing trends are poised to shape the industry. Let’s look at some of the top content marketing trends to watch this year to help business professionals navigate the ever-changing environment.

1. Video Dominance Continues:

Videos are taking center stage in content marketing. Short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are skyrocketing in popularity, making them prime real estate for reaching younger audiences. Additionally, long-form video content, such as webinars, live streams, and video series, is proving invaluable for engaging and educating audiences in a more in-depth manner.

2. Interactive Content Takes the Spotlight:

Interactive content, such as quizzes, polls, and interactive infographics, is gaining traction. It offers audiences a more immersive experience and encourages active participation, increasing engagement and data collection for businesses. Expect to see more brands experimenting with interactive elements to captivate their audiences.

3. AI-Powered Personalization:

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing content personalization. Businesses are harnessing AI algorithms to analyze user behavior and preferences, delivering tailored content recommendations and experiences. This level of personalization not only boosts engagement but also enhances user satisfaction.

4. Voice Search Optimization:

With the increasing adoption of voice-activated devices like smart speakers and voice assistants, optimizing content for voice search is becoming vital. Businesses should focus on creating conversational, long-tail keyword-rich content to ensure they’re discoverable through voice search queries.

5. Sustainability and Social Responsibility:

Consumers are increasingly conscious of brands’ environmental and social impact. Content marketing is aligning with this trend, with businesses showcasing their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility through purpose-driven content. Authenticity and transparency will be paramount.

6. Niche Communities and Micro-Influencers:

Building strong connections with niche communities is gaining prominence. Businesses are recognizing the value of collaborating with micro-influencers who have dedicated followings in specific niches. These partnerships can deliver highly targeted and authentic content to engaged audiences.

7. Content Experience Platforms (CEPs):

Content Experience Platforms are emerging as powerful tools for content distribution and management. They provide a centralized hub for creating, optimizing, and delivering content across various channels, improving content governance and ensuring a seamless user experience.

8. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):

AR and VR technologies are creating immersive storytelling opportunities. Brands are exploring these technologies to provide virtual product experiences, interactive tours, and engaging content that blurs the line between the digital and physical worlds.

9. Content Measurement and ROI:

Businesses are increasingly focusing on measuring the impact of their content marketing efforts. Tools and analytics platforms that offer deeper insights into content performance, customer journey mapping, and ROI calculation will play a pivotal role in shaping content strategies.

The content marketing landscape in 2023 promises to be dynamic and full of opportunity for organizations ready to adapt and develop. To stay ahead in this ever-changing world, you must keep an eye out for emerging trends and make a commitment to offering value and relevance to your audience. Businesses may establish stronger relationships with their target audience, boost engagement, and achieve sustainable growth in the digital world by embracing these content marketing trends.

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Repurposing Content: How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Valuable Marketing Assets

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Content Repurposing

In the ever-evolving world of digital marketing, creating high-quality content is a significant investment. Whether it’s blog posts, videos, infographics, or podcasts, your content represents valuable assets that can deliver substantial returns. But what if we told you that you can squeeze even more value out of these assets? Welcome to the world of content repurposing – a strategy that extends the lifespan of your marketing investments and amplifies their impact on your business.

Understanding Content Repurposing

Content repurposing is like recycling – it takes existing content and transforms it into new formats or versions. The goal is to reach a broader audience, reinforce key messages, and extract maximum value from your initial effort. Here’s why it’s crucial for business professionals:

1. Efficiency: Repurposing content saves time and resources. You don’t have to start from scratch every time you want to create something new.

2. Reach: Different people prefer different content formats. By repurposing, you can cater to diverse audience preferences.

3. Consistency: Repetition is key to reinforcing your message. Repurposing allows you to consistently share your core ideas across multiple channels.

Repurposing Strategies for Business Professionals

Now that you understand the whys, let’s delve into the hows:

1. Identify Evergreen Content: Start by identifying your evergreen content – pieces that remain relevant over time. These could be comprehensive guides, in-depth research, or educational videos.

2. Choose the Right Formats: Decide which formats will best serve your audience. For example, you can turn a blog post into a podcast episode, create a series of social media posts from a video, or compile a presentation from a collection of articles.

3. Update and Optimize: Don’t just copy and paste. Update and optimize your repurposed content to fit the new format. Adapt visuals, structure, and messaging as needed.

4. Extend the Life of Webinars and Events: Record webinars or live events and repurpose them into video clips, blog posts, infographics, or social media content. This maximizes the impact of your knowledge sharing.

5. Ebooks and Guides to Blog Posts: Break down longer guides and ebooks into a series of blog posts or articles. This keeps your audience engaged and encourages them to explore more content.

6. Leverage User-Generated Content: Encourage user-generated content, such as customer reviews or testimonials, and repurpose them in marketing materials. It adds authenticity to your brand.

7. Visualize Data: Transform data and statistics into compelling infographics or charts. Visual content is highly shareable and easy to digest.

8. Create Slide Decks: Turn presentations or speeches into shareable slide decks on platforms like SlideShare. This can boost your thought leadership presence.

9. Social Media Content: Extract short snippets, quotes, or key takeaways from longer content to share on social media. This keeps your audience engaged and informed.

10. Go Live: Use live streaming platforms to repurpose content. Host live Q&A sessions, discussions, or product demonstrations based on existing material.

Benefits of Content Repurposing
  • Cost-Effective: It maximizes the value of your initial content investment.
  • Extended Reach: Different content formats reach different segments of your audience.
  • Improved SEO: Fresh content signals to search engines that your website is active and relevant.
  • Enhanced Brand Authority: Consistency and repetition reinforce your expertise in your niche.
  • Time Savings: Repurposing content is often quicker than creating entirely new material.

Content repurposing is a savvy strategy for business professionals looking to make the most of their marketing assets. By identifying evergreen content, choosing the right formats, and optimizing for each channel, you can extend the lifespan of your valuable content and amplify its impact on your audience. In a world where attention spans are short and competition is fierce, repurposing is the secret sauce that keeps your message fresh, engaging, and evergreen.

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G20 Summit: President’s grand dinner promises specially-curated menu and a sweet affair for delegates

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g20
The ceremonial dinner will be served in bespoke silverware made especially for the occasion.

A “specially-curated menu” tailored to sync with the delicacies consumed during the Indian monsoon awaits the heads of state and other delegates at President Droupadi Murmu’s grand dinner at the G20 Summit venue on Saturday. Preparations are underway and senior managers and staff members of a luxury hotel group are busy setting up the dinner tables at Bharat Mandapam, which will host the two-day summit.

Sources said the ceremonial dinner will be served in bespoke silverware made especially for the occasion.

Read More: G20 Summit in New Delhi to dazzle with bespoke silverware and gold-plated utensils

“We have prepared a specially-curated menu, keeping in mind the culinary delicacies consumed during this (monsoon) season in India. Millet-based dishes will be on the menu too,” a source in the luxury hospitality group told PTI.

Authorities remain discreet about the precise menu, but it is anticipated to showcase the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

Murmu will host the grand dinner at Bharat Mandapam after the end of the summit’s first day. While the details of the menu are being kept “tightly guarded”, the heads of state are in for an “Indian delight” that will leave a “pleasant and unforgettable taste” in their mouths, another source said.

“Sweets of varied kinds such as gulab jamun, rasmalai and jalebi, etc are planned to be served,” the source said, adding that the serving staff will wear a special uniform.

The Indian government has not issued an official statement regarding the menu thus far. However, when questioned about whether the delegates will be provided with custom-made silverware, a source from the luxury hospitality group confirmed in the affirmative.

On Tuesday, a metalware company located in Jaipur disclosed that numerous upscale hotels had placed orders for tailor-made tableware and silverware. These bespoke items are intended for use by foreign delegates staying at these hotels and during the special dinner event.

Laksh Pabuwal, speaking to PTI, mentioned that the majority of the tableware comprises a steel or brass foundation, or a combination of both, complemented by a silver coating. Additionally, he noted that some of the plates designated for serving welcome drinks feature a gold plating.

The company hosted a media preview on Tuesday, showcasing a selection of the silverware. They had previously announced the production of approximately 15,000 pieces of silverware, meticulously crafted by a team of 200 skilled artisans for the summit. According to Rajeev Pabuwal of Iris Jaipur, the designs of these tableware items pay homage to India’s rich cultural heritage and its significant global standing.

“The tableware depict the glorious cultural heritage of India, motifs of flowers, the peacock — our national animal — graces the plates, and other items. The silverware will dazzle the heads of state with their cultural sparkle,” he told PTI.

Some of the tableware will be sent to the luxury hotel group responsible for arranging Saturday’s grand dinner. The group will cater the lunch and the dinner menus at the G20 Summit venue, the sources said.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit will be held at the newly-built international convention and exhibition centre — Bharat Mandapam — at Pragati Maidan on Saturday and Sunday.

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