…the ‘other’ Osama?
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Hah. Yes well I thought I would just take the bull by the horns here. (Texan term) It’s a bit of a story that I discuss after the link.
The Up-Side of the name? Customer relationship theory recommends that you change your name to something simpler, so that it is easier for your customers to remember you after you meet them. The name has to ‘stick out’ among all the others the customer hears that day. It makes sense, but I guess I will never have to worry about that.
And now the story:ÂÂ
I was in the states 5 years ago when 9/11 destabilized the world’s geopolitical balance, and when this name became known to every person on Earth.
In the days just afterwards, most of the Americans I met were surprised to hear my name, but you have to consider something. Despite however you might choose to (dis)agree with America’s foreign policy, capitalism, sense of values, or military agenda, you have to know that most American people (esp a lot of people in Austin, Texas) are very very good at heart.
So I happily remember that I never got any trouble from the people because of the name, and only appreciate their concerns when they said ‘Well I hope no one bothers you.. good luck’. Although, ironically it did become annoying when someone asked for the thousandth time “Does anyone bother you with that name?”…. I felt like I was trapped in an endless Verizon ad. [... and all the Pakistanis who have lived in the states just nodded in concurrence...]
Still, I have had some trouble (on tech support phone calls or here and there) and surprisingly even from people in Pakistan.
So, just to set things straight to begin with, no. I’m not ‘that’ Osama. Neither am I affiliated, nor ever was, nor wish to be, associated with any groups in the world whose religious responsibilities are lost so easily they even forget how to control their Nafs.
Now with that out of the way… let’s talk technology, business, operations, entreprenuership, marketing strategies, manufacturing, professionalism, corporate culture and a lot more. It is almost like an IBM ad… this is the ‘other’ Osama.
2:08 pm
Hi Osama! Since I was one of those people around you at that time who tried very very hard not to ask that stupid question and instead ended up asking you if you had a nickname you preferred, I am glad you saw the humor in it. Admittedly, I was surprised you didn’t want to be called Bob or something. But you’re right, nobody will forget you. And anyway, it is a nice name, and its yours, so why not use it? by the way, missing you in Austin! but I guess since the world is flat after all, you’re not too far away… You’re writing is very good and insightful, I am looking forward to more of your blog.