My experience with Chillibreeze...

My experience with Chillibreeze… began one fine morning, when I found myself delving into links of the Chillibreeze website. The first thing that catapulted me into browsing the website was the name, Chillibreeze...very intriguing. Well, to give a formal introduction about myself before you begin wondering who am I and what am I writing about, I am a freelancer. Writing creative and semi-technical articles is one of my strong inclinations apart from the Market Research background I possess. I approached Chillibreezee as a writer, when I visited the office. In the beginning, it was the name that intrigued me; the interior décor fascinated me even more. If you ever visit the third floor of the office, the bright paint on the walls, the amazing paintings made me feel energetic, positive, warm, comfortable and confident.

Before I deviate into a tangent I did not intend to, let me proceed. Chillibreeze gave me an opportunity to submit an article for their website (the article about Indian management gurus titled, ‘Indian Management Personalities’ - A Synopsis’). After it was approved and published online on the website, I was contented. Their interactions with me were very professional yet informal…can it be more comfortable?

As I approached them as a writer, I did not anticipate an offer for a research project from them. I must add here, that they effectively used available talent. This was great, not only was I fulfilling my writing interests, but was also developing on my market research competence. This project entailed conducting Internet Research, analyzing the data in-depth and presenting the project report. There is one appreciable factor, I was amazed to notice the extent of autonomy provided. I found the whole operation very organized. I interacted with the client directly, keeping everybody I was accountable to at Chillibreeze ‘in the loop’. Whenever I was hesitant or required advice, I would get guidance immediately. And whenever they felt I deviated they would advise me appropriately, which I feel is very significant. This is my view…’one can only grow, through constructive criticism’…

Overall, I am very satisfied and I am eager to do more work with Chillibreeze. At the end of the day, the way you feel about yourself and about the people you work with matters most! 

An additional note I would like to add is that, the way in which Ralph and Joanna open their personal lives by sharing their joys spreads a wonderful feeling of ‘home away from home’.

Thanks and you will see me often on this blog..

Regards,

Rachana.

Comments

[veena sateesh]

I can't wait to start writing. i am a Big C survivor, still battling it, and love to write on diff subjects. Have worked as a journalist,my stories and poems and articles usually get accepted.I also teach communication skills,including writing skills. I would love to interact with others of the fraternity. Am feeling very excited, as this is what I have always wanted to do.
Rgds,
Veena Sateesh

[Rachana Mallya]

Dear Peter,
I am sure the silence does not mean "you just aren't good enough"!!...i guess it is more like an unspoken bond... :-)...though i have not being working with Chillibreeze for the past year, i surely look forward to contributing articles. I have read the new post on volunteers required for the Collaborative Book Project on Social Entrepreneurship. This is an interesting and relevant topic of discussion and writing.
Regards,
Rachana.

[peter woodman]

Hello Chillibreeze,

Your comments on the pleasure generated for working with Chillibreeze has impressed me no end. Thanks to your obvious enthusiasm I have also sent in my application through the specified form. Alas, no response from anybody! Does silence from the chilli factory mean " Sorry Pete, you just aren't good enough"? I would really appreciate a response, positive or negative, it doen't matter.

Thanks

Peter

[Reem]

Hi Rachana,

That was a great post. I know exactly how you feel since I've worked extensively with Chilli Breeze and I was working at Stylus, which is the parent company, for a long time before I shifted to my present job. It's a wonderfully warm place and even working full time at Stylus is like working within one big family. The degree of autonomy you are given and the amount of respect given to your work by everyone is phenomenal. And even though I don't work there anymore, the bond is so strong that it doesn't really matter where you are, Chilli breeze remains an important place for me. It's incredible how they have got writers, from all over, together to work towards a common purpose...great writing!

[Rachana]

'How To Have a Beautiful Mind' by Edward de Bono...thats the book I am currently reading that influenced me in painting a rosy picture. But I agree with you Joanna, it is full of ups and downs...
Speaking of books, some of the other books I have my eye on are, 'The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness' by Stephen R. Covey, 'The Culting of Brands: When Customers Become True Believers' by Douglas Atkins, 'Lila: An Inquiry into Morals' by Robert M. Pirsig (The author of 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' and one book I am eager to read is 'The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid' by C.K. Prahalad (no, I have not yet read this book!).
If anyone has suggestions about other interesting books or reading material let me know...
Rachana.

[Joanna]

Rachana your experience with chillibreeze sounds so wonderful it makes me want to go there!!! I will agree that your Huge Research project went well.
For all of you other writers out there... be ware: Life with chillibreeze is full of ups and downs -- but try us out anyway!

jo