Parinaz Billimoria's Blog

Words by themselves don’t sell. Words by themselves don’t affect a decision. Then what does?

A word is simply an amalgam of alphabets. Therefore, by itself it doesn’t really do anything or can, for that matter. The response it triggers is what decides the fate of a business. This ‘response’ will make a sale. Not words – by themselves. Words are important. Very important. But words aren’t responses themselves. The moment we understand this, we will make fewer mistakes.

This theory helps in crafting a language that relates to the emotions of people rather than just corresponding to the brand and its products. This way it arouses the buying instincts. This is the voice of a copy. So, instead of reading your copy repeatedly aloud or adding or deleting words to enhance language, feel it. Note down the emotions that a word triggers. Forget how big or small it is, how simple or complicated it is or how easy or difficult it is. In your first draft, write what you feel and in the final submission, feel what you write! Hell Yeah… it works!

If a word extracts a response that you are aiming for. Then your copy is above average. Congrats.

Hopeless minds… Now how hopeless is that? A lot… I must say! But the mind is hopeless because most of times it thrives on logic and practicality. Heart chooses to be different. HEART — not just a hollow muscular organ that pumps the blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation, but something much deeper than the anatomy — it is a center of love, a treasure of light, a giver of life, the safest abode for your inner voice, and the sole answer to every question that life poses to you. Above all, it is full of HOPE. Much hopeful and inspired than any other incredible thing on this earth — living or dead.

Ever wondered why is it always ahead of the mind and it’s manipulations? Why do people say ‘listen to your heart’ and never ‘listen to your mind’?

BECAUSE THE MIND IS HOPELESS AS MUCH AS IT IS LOGICAL. And this is an unknown, sad truth that we all attempt to hide under the sheets of reality.

What is reality? Reality is nothing more than an experience of who you are. Our relationships, our careers, our beliefs, our ways of thinking, etc. are all an expression of who we are. And who says reality demands logic or practicality. Reality doesn’t demand anything. It is only waiting to be created. And creations are a matter of unfolding — unfolding what lies inside you. When a decision stems from love and forgiveness, the reality (i.e., the real you) comes alive. The problem is that we don’t have the courage to walk the course of our dreams. We tread to fear into the dark. We are so comfortable with our lives, that even the thought of trying to do something offbeat scares the shit out of us!

So what do we do? Sleep every night like a dead horse and wake up every morning like robot on a mission. I agree that it does get you money, food on the table, and security. But what about HAPPINESS? If Smith didn’t pursue happiness, he would never have found it. I am not against the concept of earning money to fulfill your family obligations, my point here is that while you are working like a machine, find little time to pursue your inner happiness, your purpose, your calling, YOUR LOVE. Believe me, I did that. And I found some thing that nothing else could ever give me — Happiness. That’s what reality and life is all about.

Guess what? Money doesn’t bring happiness but happiness definitely invites money. Money will follow your bliss. Just take a step and pursue Happiness.

I found writing amid the most tedious jobs I did in order to survive and make my family survive. I found my purpose amid the most hopeless moments.

So here’s to the hopeless minds — when you say I can’t, that’s when I will — because my mind is in pursuit of excuses to remain where I am, whereas my heart is in pursuit of reasons that will give rise to happiness :-) :-) :-)

Hi everyone,

Copywriters always have one thing in common — an unfinished book, specifically in their second drawer. Yeah!!! I also have at least 5 stories running wild (causing my insomnia) in my mind and pricking me to jot them down somewhere. Is it easy? Of course not! But writing a book has been and is my DREAM. Since I am into Advertising, working day and night, I managed to finish a small eBook.

What the book is all about?

Over the years, I have discovered there is no single formula to achieve a life of contentment and joy. But there are only tools, which empower and remind us of our abilities and the powers we possess. The biggest problem is that we are unable to be our true selves. We are constantly trying to be someone who is accepted and loved by others. But this is not happiness! This is camouflaging your power to be who you are and giving in to the inessentials. I was doing the same for 24 years. In 2007, I came across these magical accoutrements. Since then I have been expressing my emotions as I am, experiencing myself as I am, and living my life as who I truly am.

During Law Studies, One of my friends introduced me to a world of possibilities. I was amazed to see that a world actually existed outside my fears, my insecurities, and my limitations. A world of self-love, self-confidence, and possibilities. This is the world that my soul longed for, that my body needed, and that my mind desired. And, therefore, it made its appearance in my life.

An intelligent and capable, but always nervous, extremely fearful, and apprehensive girl I was. My encounter with the world of potentialities turned me into a confident, positive, and courageous girl. That’s who I became — my real self, who was always suppressed and unheeded to. I became ME. My anger, my emotional wildness, my defeats, my desires, my moments of embarrassments, etc. were no more a shame for me. They defined me as much as my other positive emotions did.

With this new awareness, I started ACCEPTING my ‘own’ self, for once! I became more patient towards myself.

I discovered that may it be any issue — whether it is weight, looks, low self-esteem, mental or physical health issues, or any kind of problems in life; it all stems from not loving yourself enough, from not accepting yourself to the fullest, from not forgiving yourself too much, and from not having the courage to acknowledge and face your fears. The unfortunate part is that we don’t know HOW TO. But the fortunate part is that there are infinite ways to do this. You only have to launch an intention and willingness to improve. And the secrets to attaining what you desire will appear in your life.

Self-help books appeared in my life (when I actually wanted to change) and helped me immensely. They didn’t act as instant noodles to the hungry aspects of my life, but they changed my ways of looking at situations. They gave me courage to evolve and transform my life into a life that I wanted to live! They slowly introduced me to Laws of Universe. They assisted me in finding my life purpose. They made me aware of the power of our thoughts, choices, and inner voices. They prodded me to seek a journey of self-search. They were my tools, my reminders, my sagacious co-creators.

And then there was no looking back. This magic of finding me amid so much self-doubt and self-criticism is what inspired me to pen down my encounter with nature’s gizmos. From self-berating to self-forgiving, from ‘living for others’ to ‘loving myself,’ and from nervousness and anxiousness to tranquility and confidence, this book is a collection of the articles I wrote for an Indian Newspaper, just out of my joy to write and share! And, unknowingly, changed thousands of lives. So here I am! Sharing (worldwide) all those observations, learnings, bits and pieces I gathered on my journey to self-improvement. Of course, the journey hasn’t ended yet. It’s just getting better!

I am not completely free of all fears, but they scare me less. In fact, sometimes not at all! In being your real self lies the greatest joy. A truth I found on my way.

Have a good time reading my gathered insights and have a better time improving!

I have reminded myself of me. Now, it’s your time to remind yourself of you!

Now, if you have liked my little journey of falling more than seven times and getting up every time I slip, here’s the link to the journey’s Bits and Pieces that changed my life:

Bits and Pieces that will transform your life

Have you ever wondered why you are so obsessed with hot pink colour or the necklace that you got eight years ago from Goa? Well, if you are wondering then the end to your bewilderment is here! And if you aren’t, then congrats, you get answers even before you ask for them. Maybe it is your sun sign! Isn’t it amazing?

I always wondered why I was attracted to orange, though I didn’t ever use it. One day, I came across an article which spoke about zodiacs & their fashion sense; it mentioned Leos love orange colour & sigh!!! Now I know why do I pick up the orange first! Look below for some Zodiac fashion sense: Leo: (July 22-August 21) Leo the lion loves everything flashy & loud. Sequins & furs, bold colors, satins, silk & oversized jewelry define these luxury lovers. They are a fire sign. They are attracted to orange & shades of red & purple. Striking angular shapes, sharp cuts, bold and dramatic clothes are perfect for this confident star sign. They wear anything and everything that makes them the centre of attraction! virgo Virgo: (August 22-September 21) Perfect, clean, organized & versatile. Navy blue, beige, cream & white are some of their favourite colors. Bright colours, furs & bold jewellery are a complete no for these detail lovers! Stomach rules Virgos. Belts help them put their entire ‘perfect’ look together. Shabana Azmi is a perfectionist. Her style is tastefully gracious & tidy. Libra Libra: (September 22-October 22) Librans are Purple lovers. They appreciate beautiful stuff. This sign mostly opts for lacy shirts and skirts, pretty floral, feminine dresses and lots of jewelry.  Librans love perfumes and colognes. They dislike flashy stuff. Many love black & red too. And they have a beautiful smile! Scorpio Scorpio: (October 23-November 21) Sexiest of all, this sign loves to dress. They reveal some part of their body, not making it obscene though but naturally seductive. Scorpions love brown & deep red. Very passionate about everything whether its love, sex or clothes. Sexy high heels and thigh high boots are favourite footwear for Scorpio women. Aishwarya Rai is a perfect scorpion woman with loads of natural oomph. Do I need to say more? Sagitarius Sagittarius: (November 22-December 20) Practical & a sporty look is adorned by these comfort lovers. They look for more comfort than fashion. They also buy clothes preferably within their budget. Royal purple is the colour for these gregarious people. Sagis have amazing legs. Skirts & frocks look great on them & of course, it flaunts their oh-so-sexy calves! Tennis shoes, oversized t-shirts are their favourites. Capricorn Capricorn: (December 21-January 19) Shades of grey, brown, tans, some blue and khaki are traditional Capricorn colours. The goat loves comfortable & luxurious style of clothing. Briefcases & purses are their status measurers. Little black dress is cappy’s favourite. They love showing off their figures. Forest green is the colour for this sign. They always believe their instincts for dressing up right. Always! Aquarius Aquarius: (January 20-February 18) Aquarians love to create their ‘own’ rules. 60’s and 70’s clothing is a favourite. They mix and match everything and break all fashion rules. They think everything they wear is hot & in vogue. They love colours. As the sign itself includes ‘aqua’, their favourite colour is aqua. Aquarians like to be different. They think whatever they wear is “cute”. No doubt we adore the pretty - Preity Zinta, an aquarian. Pisces Pisces: (February 19-March 20) Pisces rules the feet and therefore many Fish are absolutely mad about shoes. Women love romantic fashions; chiffons and shimmering materials. Their color is greenish blue so you will find sea foam green and sea blue hues in their wardrobe. They adore jewellery and often wear too much at one time, adorning themselves with gold, silver and precious gemstones. Shoes should be pretty little pumps or sandals. Aries: (March 21- April 20) – Aries is a fire sign & loves red, & shades of white. They prefer sharp cuts, military cuts. Aries rule the head; hence many of them wear stylish hats, scarves and hairclips. They are elegant & usually trend-setters. They love a classic look. They earn fame in the corporate world due to their impeccable dressing sense. Lara Dutta is a perfect example of elegance without overdoing anything. Pastel necklace – taurus Taurus: (April 21-May 20) Neutral colours and earth tones are best for a Taurian. It is an earth sign. This sign loves necklaces, scarves & things that accentuate the throat & neck, the ruling parts of the body. Comfort is very important. They like pretty pastels. They love to buy expensive clothes, but wait for the sale! Pooja Bedi is a perfect example of a Taurian lady. Gemini Gemini: (May 21-June 20) These little twins represent a balance of just everything. They can carry off anything. Their closet is full with just almost everything – from worn out jeans to the most expensive dress! Bright yellow is their favorite. Hands rule this sign, therefore bangles, bracelets and rings fill their accessory rack. They love purses. Shilpa Shetty is often seen in yellow dresses & accessories. Reversible jackets, skirts that double as dresses or trousers that transform into shorts are perfect for you. Cancer Cancer: (June 21-Juky 21) Cancerians rule the moon. This sign is obsessed with silver, shades of white and shimmery pastels. They love everything that is beautiful, soft & vintage. Every piece that they wear has a story behind it. They can wear a single thing for years & never get bored of it; neither gets tired explaining the story behind it. Grandma’s wedding ring or the first pair of denims that they got from their first salary. It all carries a lot of value. They love silver, pearls & have an eye for vintage. Priyanka Chopra, a crab,  is often seen in shimmering dresses. Published on: http://www.jammag.com/the-fashion-zodiac/

The Fashion Zodiac – Maybe it is your Sunsign

Target Audience: Potential Employers, Owners of Ad Agencies, Creative Heads, HR Departments, anyone and everyone who wants to hire a very creative, hard working and persuasive person.

My copy is crafted to sell a lawyer and sales person as a Copywriter to an Ad Agency in an alag style:

No, No! wait… I haven’t killed Serendipity. It died in June 2006 as soon as I joined Law College. I took up a sales job with an international lingerie brand to support my law studies. The killer was none other than the Universe. The universe was executing its plan of making me exactly who I am capable of being – a future Copywriter.

When I announced my love and passion for Copywriting, people reacted in the same old fashion – ‘How can you? Law, sales… What are you up to?’ I wish I could throw some oil paint on their lime-shaped faces. I am UP TO realizing what I am made for. This is what got me digging the grave and finding out – why GOD put me into law and sales? I had to find the plan.

And I found it. It was my growth in process.

I don’t carry any formal training or prior experience in the industry; law and sales were no less than solid trainers. They introduced me to the right side of the brain after acquainting me with some of the unbeatable techniques of the left side. Resourceful use of creative ideas is the basis for a good business. To make it less boring, I have put down ten points out of the zillion things that the two taught me.

My growth process:

Honesty is the FIRST policy! – No amount of creativity or innovation can ever replace honesty. The quality facilitated not only my best seller position in the store but also my most lovable status among my customers. My suggestions, compliments, and recommendations to my customers were genuine. The sales did not increase in a day, but it built a very STRONG RELATIONSHIP WITH MY CUSTOMERS! It produced loyal customers. When I sold five pieces of lingerie instead of seven, my manager frowned; she recognized the value of honesty when the same customer with more people returned to our store .
Research is my new blood group – Both – law and sales – taught me an invincible way to procure consummate results, and it was to dig deep. Research made my cases strong and gave me confidence. Our fraternity, in both the fields, knew what worked once will work 99% of the times, whether it’s customer psychology or a case study. They emphasized that if you don’t find a way, dig deep and then deeper. Advertising is an outcome of good research.
Moving ahead is the only constant thing – If killing wasn’t a crime, I would have killed almost all the annoying clients in the store, and some of the most nauseating opponents in the courtroom, but they showed me the significance of perseverance. Working continuously despite the impediments (with a serene smile and an unruffled appearance) is the ONLY way to conquer the undefeatable. It taught me patience, acceptance, perseverance and incorporation of their suggestions into my work.
Self-motivation should be a part of school curriculum – As cliché as it may sound, motivation is one thing that rejuvenated my team and me (I was promoted to Team Leader in Sales) every time we sulked for not achieving our targets. When the management couldn’t do much for us, we adhered to self-motivation. It worked wonders. I take the positive and the negative as a motivation. I am close to Advertising – always motivated and fresh!
Sell, Sell and Sell some more – All said and done, at the end of the day we had to sell, sell and sell some more. Every Company wants good sales. Vitamin ‘M’ is needed not only to survive in the market, but also to revitalize and expand the brand. Advertising is selling! My selling skills with a witty, intellectual and creative sense of connecting is what makes people laugh, love the product, buy it and then to stick to it.
Our work is an image of ourselves – My love for Metaphysics has helped me understand my inner self. It’s a branch of science that helps us know ourselves at a spiritual level. It is an interesting and essential psychology in itself. It’s not possible to know the target audience when you are clueless about your own self!
A closed mind is an epidemic. You can prevent it. – Keep your mind and ears open even when you are quiescent. Absorb the essential and release the clutter. Ideas and inspiration tread quietly, don’t let them pass by!
Hard work does not have a twin – Efforts and attitude go a long way.
Writing – Ideas, words, and pen – together create Miracles.
Don’t try and fit in. Belong! – When we try and fit in, we fall prey to mediocrity; when we belong, we truly encompass who we are and excellence then becomes a habit.

I am 28 years old; I can think, talk, write and walk. I don’t walk with a stick; I am mentally sane except when I am thinking, and I think while I breathe! I wrote this so that you call me for an interview ;-)

Parinaz Sharukh Billimoria.

Email id: parinazbillimoria@gmail.com

Chai, hot pakodas, and romance. Does all this sound familiar? Bingo! You guessed it right! It’s the monsoon time. But apart from the clichés, the season also brings in a life-size adrenaline rush for all fashionistas.

And this time it’s about extra-bright colors.

Neons from Rs. 150 to 350

Neons are completely in vogue at Colaba Causeway, Mumbai’s favourite shopping adda. The street is filled with neon tops, slips, hoodies, leggings & shoes ranging from Rs. 150 to 350. Here’s a quick look at some hottest stuff that caught my attention in spite of heavy rains, an unmanageable umbrella & my big fat brown bag!

Neon bright orange top at Colaba C’way

This cute little light neon orange top (left)features a scoop neckline, small chest pocket, & a racer back. It’s soft & made of cotton. Looks great with blue denims. Priced at Rs. 150/-

Available at the shop right below Walton Road sign, Colaba Causeway.

Tank tops neon orange Colaba

Knotty neon orange tank top (right)features a scoop neckline & knots at all corners. Deep-cut & black-lined sides, oversized fit. Looks awesome over a plain white or a plain black tee & light blue denims.Priced at Rs. 150/-

Available at the shop right below Walton Road sign, Colaba Causeway.

Neon Green tank top at Colaba

This Neon green tank top (on the right)features a scoop, black lined neckline & a racer back. Looks cool with black skirt or black denims.

Priced at Rs. 150/-

Available at the shop right below Walton Road sign, Colaba Causeway.

Neon orange tank top (below) features knots at the shoulders, asymmetrical hem & scoop neckline. Looks hot worn over a neon green bra strap & denims.

Priced at Rs. 150/-. Available at the same shop.

Neon with Asymmetrical hem

neon cheque leggings Colaba C’way

These flashy leggings feature neon orange & black checks & a thick stretch panel at waist.

Priced at Rs. 350/-. Available at Trendsetter (opposite Bombay Dyeing), Colaba Causeway.

 

Published on: http://www.jammag.com/fashion-the-neon-mania-from-150-onwards/

Black, black, & black. Are you tired of the same old black dress that you must have worn zillions of time to a Party? I was tired too. So I came up with three different looks to add some life to a plain black piece of clothing.

The Seductress Party Look:

Turquoise blue is one of the hottest colors. A plain black dress with long sleeves can be paired with turquoise heels, turquoise gem stone gold/silver ring, a pair of long turquoise gold/silver earrings, a turquoise beaded diamond watch and a ruffled silk box clutch. Gets all eyes set on you!

The Barbie Brunch Look:

Pink flats, a pink sling bag, pink bangles and pink clips immediately turn you into a ravishing Barbie doll. From pale pink to bright pink, all shades of pink go well, depending on your comfort and taste. Black and pink set a different fashion statement.

The Elegant Sporty Look:

It is believed that black, sport and elegance never go together, but if we put it right, it can. If you are a daring leo girl who loves to flaunt the unicorn tattoo on thighs, then a black micro mini dress with grey sports shoes, grey headband and a grey hand band with a high ponytail is all it takes to craft a sporty elegance look!

Express who you are with every piece you wear. I just did!

 

Published on: http://www.jammag.com/partywear-add-life-to-the-same-old-black-dress/

Delicately joined together, the subtle grey and light pink baby shells are as refreshing as the beach, the beers and a massage! The fine necklace is called ‘Shellie pinkaby.’ A mix of champagne pink, pale pink, cameo pink, orchid pink, rose quartz, and pastel pink; tan brown, camel brown and wheat brown; ash grey, silver, and timberwolf. The coiling streaks and intricate designs on the shiny surface of the shells make it sophisticated and beautiful. The nature’s magical sketching in the form of twirling details on some of them can never be duplicated. It’s hand-made, which makes it even more special. It is available at Swange outlet, South Goa. It is priced at 1500 Indian Rupees.

A fusion of chic and class. Wear it! Flaunt it! Be it!

Success is failing in what you don’t want to do.

Love is never out of stock.

To be is to be.

Heart is the strongest mind.

Logic says 1+1=2

Love says 1+1=1

‘I am done’ is the best beginning.

A bitch is a female dog.

When someone doesn’t realize your value. Show him your price!

Pain is useful.

To serve is to surpass.

‘I am free.’ Repeat this everyday.

I don’t understand the concept of ‘Some people are born genius.’ We all are born perfect. Genius is a outcome of will, hard work and dedication, and not genes!

I am selling to write. Soon I will write to sell!

‘Thank you’ – an epitome of contentment and a pinnacle of abundance – soothes me amid the whiners and the complainers, the corrupt and the dishonest, cheaters and bilkers, rapists and gangsters, love and betrayal, and too much and too little.

Gratitude is the quality of being thankful and appreciative.

Gratitude is the highest form of prayer. It puts us into the highest form of vibrations. According to Physics, everything is energy. Energy vibrates at a particular frequency. Therefore, we offer vibrations to the universe. There are positive and negative vibrations. Optimistic emotions like cheerfulness, self-love, gratitude, love etc form positive vibrations, whereas pessimistic emotions like guilt, anger, sorrow, criticism, etc give rise to negative vibrations. Love and gratitude rule the emotional scale of feeling good.

As soon as we say ‘thank you,’ we create a whirlpool of potentialities and possibilities for us. This mantra is so powerful that it can turn a hurdle into an opportunity. It is a great affirmation too.

It is said, ‘Whatever you appreciate is yours.’ Gratitude is the highest form of appreciation.

The benefits of saying thank you:

It is psychologically advantageous to give thanks. Recent studies reveal that gratitude has positive effects on our mental and emotional state. It helps the person cope with stress and corporate pressures. It positively affects neutrons in the brain.
It is an important means to spiritual development. Counting blessings, being content and joyful, loving and being thankful prepare a path to spiritual growth. It makes us more peaceful from within. When we thank the LORD, we are reassuring ourselves of HIS protection and guidance. It reinstates the existence of HIS love.
It improves social relationships. Thank you is an acknowledgment of a person’s help and his efforts. It stimulates a part of the brain that is hungry for acknowledgment and appreciation; thus, the receiving person feels good about it and is ready to help you in the future.
Last but not the least, it enhances your self-image. When you use this mantra, people know that you come from a well-mannered and respected family. It demonstrates your polite and courteous nature. It definitely makes the chicks go bonkers! ;-)

Try this little exercise:

At the end of the day, thank GOD or the Universe for 6 things that really made your day or things that you are grateful for. Slowly after a week or two, increase the count from six to eight and then to ten. And one day you will be grateful for everything you have and for everything you are!

Thank you is like saying ‘I love you’ to the universe. It replies ‘I love you too’ in ways you can never imagine! :-)