International trade

Oil production hike to take effect, exporters say

2007-09-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

The 12 nations comprising the powerful Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) have recently concurred to make the daily oil output higher by half million barrels, starting November, to address issues of growing need for the said commodity. The oil exporters are pressed to come up with such drastic measure in order to hit the oil requirements of countries worldwide. The recent spate of oil price hike was seen as a big contributory factor to the exporters' landmark decision.

OPEC member-countries, which include Indonesia, Algeria, Iraq, Iran, Nigeria, Libya, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, and Kuwait, arrived at a bold move after studying Saudi Arabia's proposition. Saudi Arabia holds a firm clout among the members of the influential group of oil exporters.

Abdullah al-Badri, OPEC secretary general, explained that the group's decision is focused on letting oil consumers realize that oil exporters care about them.

Concerns regarding the jittery equilibrium between oil supply and demand have resulted in steep oil price tags, at times reaching historical proportions. However, even after the oil exporters' group announced the news, the US light crude still surged by 74 cents at $78.23. It is just 54 cents lower than this year's highest recorded price of $78.77.

The International Energy Agency, comprised of the 26 biggest oil consuming countries, have earlier expressed the necessity for oil exporters to effect a higher oil production in order to address the equally high demands for the product.

Meanwhile, the said development has generated mixed responses from experts. John Hall, an analyst working for John Hall Associates, said that the oil exporters' decision is a highly positive move. Moreover, it is expected to alleviate the US economic and stock market woes, which has affected countries around the world. Others, like Addison Armstrong of TFS Energy Futures, also expressed concern about the issue. He said that the oil exporters might flood the global market with too many barrels when there is actually no need for such excess supplies.

Chinese importers to conduct consumer safety talks with US

2007-08-21T11:27:00.001-07:00

After the incessant recall of Chinese-made toys last week, Senator Dick Durbin asked US importers to conduct an inspection on all toys that will come from China. The Democrat senator said that Chinese importers have been practicing negligent standards on safety, which is why American toy firms must let third party companies to inspect the quality of imported toys coming from the said Asian country.

Meanwhile, Zhao Baoqing, a commerce official based in China's embassy in the US, said that inspections of products must be part of the trade deal between importers and exporters. He added that making the third-party inspection on all products coming from China mandatory will undermine businesses of the brand-holders. By the end of this month and in September, delegations from China are expected to conduct talks with the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Food and Drug Administration. Zhao asked the US to cooperate and try to create solutions through diplomatic talks instead of publicizing its complaints.

However, as an alleged reprisal to the damage made to Chinese-labeled products, China has barred pork products coming from US importers. Beijing officials said that pork products from the US may have ractopamine, a pig feed additive and growth hormone that is prohibited in China.

It must be noted that Mattel, a US-based toy manufacturer recalled millions of toys last week after the discovery of lead content in the paint used for the said items. Aside from lead, the toymaker also found that other toys brought by Chinese importers to the country have small magnets that were loose. Playsets including Polly Pocket, Doggie Daycare, One Piece, Batman Magna, and Cars were among the affected toys that were recalled in the US, UK, Ireland, and in some countries in Asia. The said recall of toys was the most recent issue on the series of alarming reports about the safety of products brought by Chinese importers to the US.

Nations feature in international trade issues

2007-08-20T11:49:00.000-07:00

The United States trade office recently urged the World Trade Organization (WTO) to stop China's copyright piracy, saying that last June's bilateral talks with China about its lenient anti-piracy policies and weak anti-counterfeiting measures have failed. China is said to threaten international trade for impeding the businesses of legitimate companies. Music and computer software industries are said to lose billions of sales due to China's inability to curb copyright theft, which affect international trade industries.

Sean Spicer, spokesperson for US trade representative Susan Schwab, said that while they recognize China's efforts to improve its enforcement on intellectual property rights, there are still more issues to be taken into consideration. The US trade office hopes a WTO intervention will force China to impose aggressive means on enforcing international trade standards on piracy violators.

Meanwhile, despite verbal tirades from U.S. officials over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), international trade representatives from the United States, Canada, and Mexico held a two-day talk in Canada to discuss key economic concerns. Among the issues raised are the possibility of granting more goods with duty-free treatment as well as improving trade on steel trade, consumer electronics, and swine.

Part of the issues hurled against the agreement are environmental and labor conditions. However, Schwab insisted that the NAFTA agreement is future-oriented. As of 2005, a US$288 billion surge was attributed to international trade between US and Mexico, while an US$18 billion economic boost between Canada and Mexico was reported.

In another news, members of the East African Community (EAC) finally put aside their differences to come up with a unified decision regarding the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). The document is said to be crucial in establishing the future of the East African nations in the international trade scene.

The EPA is eyed to solve the aftermaths of European Union's (EU) enforcement of the General System of Preferences (GSP) policy. The GSP is among the international trade regulatory rules and guidelines that must be followed and considered by states eying to do business with EU. Meanwhile, beating the December 31 deadline is said to be most beneficial to Kenya with the threat of losing Sh100 billion worth of international trade and investment if EPA would not take its course by the end of the year.

India-Pakistan Global Trade Deal Nears Final Stages

2007-07-06T12:11:00.001-07:00

A global trade pact between India and Pakistan, involving the construction of a $7 billion gas pipeline by 2011, is close to being sealed after officials from both countries concluded their bilateral talks in New Delhi last Thursday. The global trade deal allows India and Pakistan to finance their respective shares of the pipeline traversing their boundaries.

India's Petroleum Secretary confirmed that a memorandum regarding transport costs has already been signed by Pakistan, but the details of the matter will still be discussed in another bilateral meeting in Islamabad come July. Afterward, the two countries will have a meeting with Iran.
Hojatollah Ghanimi-Fard, Executive Director for International Affairs of the National Iranian Oil Company and Iran's representative for the project, is looking forward to the signing of the global trade deal by July.

Iran is home to the world's second largest oil depot. However, possible foreign investments in the country are in peril in the light of looming global trade sanctions due to its refusal to end its uranium enrichment program. Pakistan and India are bent on pushing through with the global trade deal. Jonathan Stern of the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies pointed out that Iran never had the capacity to pursue global trade deals. He said that even if the tension in Iran cools down, investor confidence in the country will never be good.

China Imposes Cuts on Tax Rebates To Curb International Trade Surplus

2007-06-29T09:31:00.001-07:00

China recently enforced cuts on tax rebates in an effort to ease its growing international trade deficit with the United States and the European Union. Tax rebates, which is expected to hit 17.5 percent, had already been implemented in leather, fertilizers, and wood products. However, economists say that the new measure will not cause a major shakeup in the international trade deficit since bumper profits will continue to rise. Likewise, Chinese manufacturers can simply pass on higher costs to consumers in areas where the competition is not stiff.

In the past few months, the United States and the European Union has been complaining about their internal trade deficit, which will hit $400 billion and $170 billion euros, respectively. On the other hand, China expressed its disappointment on the recent international trade sanction which the United States imposed on high-technology military gadgets being shipped to China. Mr. Bo Xilai, Chinese Commerce Minister, said that the measure was against the spirit of economic cooperation.

Uganda And Zambia Call On G8 Leaders For International Trade Assistance

2007-06-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

President Levy Mwanawasa and Yoweri Museveni of Zambia and Uganda respectively called on world leaders to reaffirm their promise of international trade to the entire African continent ahead of the Group of Eight(G8) Assembly this week. Financial aid on Africa as well as other pressing issues on international trade are the main agenda of the Group of Eight's meeting in Germany.

According to Museveni, the requested financial aid can actually harm more than benefit Uganda as it can cripple their efforts to conduct international trade deals. For his part, Zambian President Mwanawasa invited Western companies to take advantage of their local products by investing on local factories to be able to produce quality products. Mwanawasa reiterated his plea for the G8 leaders to pursue their promised financial aid, which they pledged during the G8 Assembly in 2005 held in Gleaneagles, Scotland. The financial assistance is worth $50 billion a year until 2010. In addition, the G8 representatives guaranteed a total debt relief to the Zambia government.

On the part of the Uganda government, President Museveni said that the international trade assistance his country needs should focus on energy and transportation. Uganda experiences frequent shortage of electricity, which is a major deterrent to investments. The railway system is another major development that Uganda badly needs.

Furthermore, Mwanawasa believed in the sincerity of the Group of Eight members on matters concerning debt relief as an aid to international trade. He is hoping that these countries would press on with their sincerity. However, Museveni warned G8 leaders not to interfere with the political situation in Africa. He said that there is no need for such meddling because Africa can manage its own affairs.

Established in 1975, the Group of Eight (G8) is an international forum of countries made up of France, Canada, Japan, Russia, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The group comprises 65 percent of international trade. In addition, the European Union (EU) likewise attends the annual gathering of nations. This year's summit is hosted by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Russia is the last country to join in 1977 when former President Boris Yeltsin aggressively pushed for international trade reforms in the country. Japan will have its turn to host the G8 Assembly in 2008. Aside from the renewal of pledges to AIDS funding, climate change and poverty alleviation are the foremost priorities of the 2007 G8 Assembly.

India And UAE Set Rounds Of International Trade Talks

2007-06-01T07:50:00.000-07:00

India and the United Arab Emirates is set to ink a deal that will improve international trade between them. The bilateral talks will focus on investment opportunities as well as long-term international trade relations. The UAE is one of India's top trading partners, comprising about six percent of total exports.

During the meeting, India bared its desire to establish several Indian banks in the UAE. Indian Commerce Minister Kamal Nath requested for the lifting of international trade restrictions such as work permits and visas. For its part, the UAE, represented by Economy Minister Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, made an inquiry on the anti-dumping policies which India enforced on their products. The demands were accompanied by an agreement to surpass the $12.9 billion worth of exports they accumulated in 2005 to 2006.

US Enforces International Trade Sanctions on Sudan

2007-06-01T07:49:00.001-07:00

In an effort to put an end to the four-year old international trade conflict in Darfur, the United States recently imposed economic sanctions on Sudan. Such action of the United States is targeting 31 establishments and three key personnel who are to be banned from doing businesses with US banks and financial institutions.

The international trade embargo imposed by the US on Sudan received various reactions from the worldwide community. Critics of the imposed sanction such as China and Russia, said that enforcing the embargo is not only unjust but also badly timed. For the leader of the Arab League, the situation in Darfur demanded pooling of efforts from international communities and imposing sanctions was inappropriate.

On the other hand, some countries approved of the action and said they are willing to impose tougher international trade sanctions in order to force the Sudanese government to allow the arrival of more United Nations peacekeeping forces. Currently, there are about 3,000 peace keepers who are augmenting the 7,000 members of the African Union.

Moreover, the United Nations peacekeeping plan is already in its final stages. Once implemented, a peacekeeping force, which is three times the size of the current personnel, will be deployed to Darfur. International trade hostilities between the Sudanese government and rebel forces began in the year 2003. Already, more than 200,000 Sudanese lives have been lost and 2.5 million more have been rendered homeless since the situation escalated into a full blown conflict.

US Imposes Global Trade Sanctions on Sudan

2007-05-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

The Darfur situation has severely strained global trade relations between the United States and Sudan. This is in the light of the recent economic sanctions the U.S. imposed on the African country. The move is aimed at forcing Sudan's leaders to end hostilities in Darfur once and for all. The implementation of the global trade sanction was condemned by government officials of Sudan, claiming it was "unjust" and "badly timed." With the sanction, 31 establishments and three key personnel will be barred from establishing any business with U.S. banks or financial institutions.

The imposing of the sanction by the United States on Sudan received both criticism and approval. China, one of Sudan's top global trade partners, claimed that Sudan needs all the economic help it can get since this is a means by which the crisis in Darfur can be addressed. Likewise, South Africa's representative to the United Nations questioned the purpose and appropriateness of the embargo. South Africa provided 7,000 soldiers to the African Union force assigned in Darfur. In addition, the leader of the Arab League said that the Darfur conflict demands a concerted effort of all world governments and economic sanctions has no place in the situation.

On the other hand, The European Union is ready to implement stricter measures to get Sudan's approval of the deployment of a large United Nations peacekeeping contingent into war-torn Darfur, where 3,000 soldiers are already in the area augmenting the African Union personnel. Moreover, the United States is reportedly proposing an extensive UN global trade sanction. However, the move is expected to encounter rough sailing in the Security Council because of China's disapproval to such move.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, for his part, has requested for more patience as he is already deep in negotiation with the Sudanese leaders to allow the entry of more peacekeepers. A plan, which will launch a hybrid force more than three times the size of the current personnel, is already in its final stages. The peacekeeping force is authorized to attack whenever the situation becomes out of hand. He made no comment on the impact of the US global trade embargo on the current negotiations.

Over 200,000 Sudanese lives have been lost and 2.5 million left homeless since hostilities between Sudanese government and rebel forces began in 2003. A well-renowned US economist believed that global trade sanctions will not help the situation in Darfur. Currently, China and Russia, known allies of Sudan, is ready to negotiate for a total deployment of UN peacekeeping forces in the country. Aside from China, Russia is also a leading global trade partner of Sudan.

US Calls On Chinese Exporters To Adopt New Food Safety Guidelines

2007-05-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

The United States has recently called the attention of Chinese exporters to implement new food safety measures amidst claims that the exporters have been violating food safety standards.

Food safety became a major issue after Chinese exporters allegedly used melamine, an ingredient used in fertilizers and plastics, in one of their toothpaste products. The controversial product was mixed in pet food, instantly killing the animals. This prompted government officials to investigate the issue. Recently, US and Chinese officials met in consultative talks in order to iron out important issues regarding the matter. During the meeting, US officials presented some guidelines that the government wants to implement for their imports. Likewise, they identified Chinese firms licensed to export products to the United States.

Moreover, the United States wants further investigation on the alleged use of melamine as well as tainted toothpaste products that are shipped to Latin America and the Caribbean. For the record, China ranks second among exporters of toothpaste to the United States. For their part, China guaranteed that it would implement strict handling of food exports coming in to the country, particularly Beijing. This is in preparation for the city's hosting of the Olympic Games in 2008.

The previous head of the State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) is now being tried after granting approval of untested medicines. Finally, China has pledged to exert all efforts in order to restore its integrity after causing fear brought about by the alleged poisonous products shipped by its exporters to other states.

Meanwhile, the growing clamor for the implementation of fresh food safety policies was a result of the killer banana that allegedly contains the dreaded SARS virus, which claimed millions of lives worldwide. Domestic banana producers have been greatly affected by the report, which local officials dubbed as "baseless." The total losses is pegged at 20 million yuans ($2.6 million) daily. This has stirred worldwide concern about the presence of melamine in pet foods and toothpaste products transported by Chinese exporters to neighboring countries.

In related events, the states of Alabama and Mississippi have recently prevented exporters from shipping catfish believed to contain the antibiotic fluoroquinolones. In defending themselves, Chinese exporters claimed that the product was allowed entry in China, Japan, and EU and passed the guidelines set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Likewise, 50 persons died in Panama in 2006 after drinking cough syrup with the chemical diethylene glycol, a substance used as a alternative for glycerin, that came from China.

Lamy Sees Closing Gaps between US and EU in Global Trade Talks

2007-05-25T08:30:00.001-07:00

World Trade Organization Director-General Pascal Lamy recently said that he saw signs that the United States and the European Union were close to narrowing their differences in the Doha Development Round. He said last Wednesday that the two parties were gradually bridging their gaps particularly on agricultural subsidies. It must be noted that farm subsidies are among the major issues affecting the progress of the global trade talks. The members of the WTO are pushing hard to complete the negotiations and come up with a global trade agreement before the end of this year.

During a meeting with the press, Mr. Lamy said that differences between the US and the EU concerning farm subsidies were narrowing. Needless to say, he stated that the more important question was whether they were making such progress fast enough. It must be noted that the reduction of farm subsidies, as well as tariffs on manufacturing products, have been among the key factors affecting the movement of the global trade talks.

The European bloc has demanded the US to further cut its farm subsidies, while Washington has insisted that the EU should reduce its duties on imported farm goods. A week ago, Crawford Falconer, who is the chief of the Agriculture Committee under the WTO, released a document, otherwise called as "challenge paper," to all the members of the global trade organization. But Washington criticized the paper, saying that it was not balanced. The members of the G20 and the G33 also expressed a view similar to that of the US.

But the WTO chief said that Falconer's paper could produce the desired effect by stimulating the global trade talks. It must be noted that next week, around 30 ministers will hold a meeting in Paris in order to discuss the future of the Doha Round. The talks would be done on the sidelines of the conference of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Meanwhile, the members of the G4 (the US, the EU, Brazil, and India) are also scheduled to have their meeting in Brussels. The four members of the group play a vital role in the global trade talks. It must be noted that last month, the G4 members held a ministerial-level meeting in New Delhi in order to talk about ways of completing the negotiations. The key players of the Doha Round have also set a new deadline for the conclusion of the negotiations.

Paulson Seeks Movement in International Trade Talks with China

2007-05-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson recently played down the expectations for any major breakthroughs in the upcoming Strategic Economic Dialogue between the United States and China. Needless to say, he said that he was seeking for signs of short-term progress in the international trade talks. He also hoped that discussions between the members of the US Congress and the visiting Chinese officials would help the two parties in bridging their differences. During a conference organized by a think tank based in Washington, Mr. Paulson said that the Chinese government needed to act quickly in revaluing yuan. It must be noted that China has been criticized and accused by some US officials of doing unfair practices in international trade. Particularly, China has been accused of allegedly manipulating the value of its currency in order to gain an unfair advantage in global trade.

It must be noted that the US and China held the first round of their Strategic Economic Dialogue in Beijing in December 2006. The second round of international trade talks between the two countries is due to take place in Washington from May 23 to 24. The US team would be led by Mr. Paulson, while the Chinese delegation would be headed by Vice Premier Wu Yi. During the forum, the US treasury secretary said that the government was focused on achieving long-term goals while looking for short-term results.

According to Mr. Paulson, China has already benefited from the economic dialogue considering that the US has supported the membership of China to the Inter-American Development Bank based in Washington. He said that the international trade talks would cover issues such as the increase of commercial airline flights between the United States and China and the improvement of environmental protection.

Washington is hoping that the economic dialogue would defuse the efforts of the Congress to impose sanctions on some Chinese products. It must be noted that the US legislators have been threatening to sanction China if it continued with its unfair practices in international trade. A month ago, the US government decided to file two cases against China at the World Trade Organization. The complaints covered piracy and restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on some American products. The US also imposed higher duties on Chinese paper exports considering that these products benefited largely from government subsidies, thus gaining an unfair advantage over US paper products. The Strategic Economic Dialogue is expected to improve international trade between the US and China.

Paulson Calls for China to Undergo More Reforms in International Trade

2007-05-21T11:35:00.001-07:00

US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson recently called for China to speed up its economic reforms. Although the US official acknowledged the growing importance of the diplomatic and international trade ties between his country and China, he also urged the Asian nation to do more in its economic reforms. It must be noted that China has faced several complaints regarding its practices in international trade. The criticisms and complaints have been raised not only by the United States, but also by other countries.

In a speech delivered to the faculty and students of Harvard Business School, the US treasury secretary stated that the renminbi, which is China's currency, was a symbol of the pace of the economic reform being undertaken by China. Mr. Paulson noted that China was making a slow progress in its economic reforms considering the high trade deficit between the US and China. It must be noted that the rising international trade gap has been one of the major issues pressuring the Bush administration. In fact, many officials have urged Washington to resolve the country's rising trade deficit with China.

During his speech, Mr. Paulson said that China needed to speed up in reforming its currency system in order to arrive at a situation in which the currency is determined by the market. The US treasury secretary said there were many currencies in the world that were not determined by the market. But he stated that none of them was as important and big as the Chinese currency. It must be noted that the low value of the yuan has been considered by some US officials as one of the factors behind the rising international trade deficit of the US.

Mr. Paulson made the speech in preparation for the second round of the Strategic Economic Dialogue, which he and Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi launched last year. The first round of the talks took place in December 2006 in Beijing. The second round would be held later this month in Washington. The US treasury secretary said that tensions were certain to surface as the international trade ties between the US and China progressed.

It must be noted that earlier last month, the US filed to cases against China at the World Trade Organization. The two cases covered piracy and the restrictions imposed by China on some American goods. The US government has also imposed higher tariffs on Chinese paper products, which received subsidies from the government. The US-China international trade relations play a vital role in the respective economies of the two nations. But their international trade ties have been affected by several issues concerning currency, piracy, and government subsidies on the part of China.

Myanmar-India International Trade Fails to Hit Target

2007-05-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Myanmar and India have been working closely in an effort to expand their international trade. Needless to say, trade between the two countries failed to hit the target for 2006 to 2007. According to reports, international trade between Myanmar and India fell short of $1 billion as a result of the lack of interest among traders from the two nations.

Indo Myanmar Chamber of Commerce and Industries Chief G. L. Goenka said that the final figures concerning international trade between the two countries is yet to be released. But he also stated that trade between the two countries was expected to reach up to $650 million, thus falling short of $1 billion from the original target. The decline of trade between Myanmar and India has been blamed on the lack of interest on the part of Indians to put or increase their investments in Myanmar.

Mr. Goenka said that if Indians give up their inhibitions concerning Myanmar, international trade between the two countries would significantly grow. It must be noted that between 2004 and 2005, trade between the two nations reached up to $341.40 million. But trade between the two countries continued to improve, thus recording a value of $557.68 between 2005 and 2006. According to reports, India's exports to Myanmar is worth $80 million.

At present, India is planning to organize an exhibition for small and medium-scale businesses in a move to boost its international trade with Myanmar. The SME India 2007 is scheduled to take place on November 25 in Yangon, Myanmar. Mr. Goenka said that the exhibition would seek to encourage Indian SME to explore trade and business opportunities in Myanmar.

The exhibition is expected to generate $25 million and to improve the international trade relations between Myanmar and India. Recently, Myanmar has sought Indian investments in some sectors like cement, pharmaceutical, fertilizer, steel, food processing, and IT. Myanmar Ambassador to India Kyi Thein said that his country was willing to deepen its economic and trade relations with India. He added that Myanmar was taking the necessary measures such as improving transportation in order to boost its trade with India.

With its fast-growing economy, India continues to draw the attention of many investors, as well as partners in international trade. During the recent years, India has been focused at establishing and strengthening its economic and international trade relations with other countries. In fact, India is currently negotiating a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Fish Progresses in Global Trade Talks

2007-05-08T13:45:00.000-07:00

The members of the World Trade Organization are making progress in their negotiations regarding the reduction of subsidies in the fishing sector. But sources said that disagreements remain between the United States and Japan concerning ports. Peter Allgeier, who is the US ambassador to the WTO, presented last Tuesday the proposals of the US regarding the total ban on fishing subsidies. The US official made the presentation during the two-day meeting recently held by the Rules Negotiating Group under the global trade organization. According to Mr. Allgeier, immediate action was needed considering that 75% of the world's major fish stocks were exploited above the allowed levels. Fishing subsidies form only a part of the broad global trade talks under the WTO.

At present, Japan is the biggest provider of subsidies in the fishing industry. According to reports, Japan gives an estimated $5.3 billion worth of assistance to its fishing sector per year. The information was released by the Oceana, which is an environmental group based in Washington. Although Japan's representative to the global trade talks considered the US proposal as timely, he still sought for the exemption of subsidies to fishing port infrastructures from the deal.

Sources said that the members of the WTO were making progress in the global trade talks. But they also said that the areas where much progress was being made were of lesser importance compared with the farm and manufacturing issues. The Doha Development Round, which was launched in 2001, has already missed several deadlines due to the failure of the members to reach a consensus regarding certain issues. Two of the major issues blocking the progress of the negotiations are the reduction of agricultural subsidies and tariffs on industrial products.

The US proposal on fishing subsidies was first disclosed in March. The scheme calls for periodic reviews regarding the implementation of the global trade deal. The proposal also allows the WTO to seek the assistance of fishing experts in cases of conflicts between members. Mr. Allgeier said that disagreements still remained with Japan. But he also said that the US took into account the concerns of Japan during the preparation of the proposal. He told reporters that the US government has tried to listen well to the concerns of Japan. Meanwhile, South Korea, which fishing subsidies amount to around $651 million, opposed the plan to implement a broad subsidies ban. The European Union, which is the second-biggest provider of fishing subsidies, also expressed its opposition against the US proposal. The WTO aims to complete the global trade talks before the end of this year.

Brazil Likely to Approve India-Mercosur International Trade Deal

2007-04-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Brazil is expected to formally approve the proposed PTA (preferential trading agreement) between India and Mercosur in the next few months. According to Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, the ratification of the proposed international trade deal was facing a procedural delay. But he stated that the PTA was likely to be approved before or after the visit of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to India in June. The proposed preferential trade agreement is expected to boost international trade between India and the members of the Mercosur.

It must be noted that the proposed international trade agreement has already been ratified by India and the other members of Mercosur except Brazil. The Brazilian foreign minister also vowed to back the efforts of India to protect the agricultural industries of developing countries and the livelihood of small-scale farmers in the on-going Doha Development Round. Mr. Amorim said that he would support the case of special products, which would be excluded from tariff cut commitments. With its booming economy, India, along with Brazil, represents the interests of the developing countries in the international trade talks under the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Two weeks ago, Mr. Amorim attended the ministerial-level meeting that was held by the members of the G6 (the United States, the European Union, Brazil, India, Japan, and Australia). The conference has been aimed at breaking the deadlock in the Doha Round. It must be noted that the negotiations have made a slow progress since they were launched in 2001. Last July 2006, the talks were suspended due to the failure of the WTO members to resolve international trade issues concerning market access and farm subsidies. Although the Doha Round formally resumed in Geneva last January, the WTO has not yet made a significant progress in the talks. Needless to say, the members of the G6 are optimistic about the success of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Mr. Amorim said that his country would back the demand of India for special products in the Doha Development Round. The Brazilian foreign minister made this comment during a seminar organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). When he was asked about the delay of the PTA's approval, Mr. Amorim said that there was no problem as regards the content of the international trade deal. According to him, his country was taking a long time in approving the PTA due to procedural delays. The proposed PTA is expected to boost international trade between India and the Mercosur members. Mercosur comprises Paraguay, Venezuela, Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil.

US-South Korea International Trade Talks Threatened by Looming Deadline

2007-04-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

The US had warned that its on-going free trade agreement (FTA) talks with South Korea were "not going well." The two countries have been racing against time in order to reach an international trade deal. It is very important for the two parties to complete their international trade negotiations before the trade promotion authority of President George W. Bush ends in July this year. The proposed FTA has been aimed at boosting bilateral trade between the US and South Korea by up to $20 billion.

Although the US and South Korea had completed several rounds of FTA talks, the two countries still need to iron out certain issues in order to reach an international trade agreement. It is significant for the two sides to conclude their negotiations before the expiration of Mr. Bush's TPA. This would spare the proposed FTA from being changed by the US Congress during the approval process. It must be noted that Mr. Bush and his South Korean counterpart Roh Moo-hyun talked about the proposed FTA through phone on Thursday last week. During the conversation, the two leaders vowed their commitment to the FTA talks.

Yoon Seung-yong, who is the spokesman of South Korea's president, stated that the two leaders agreed to intensify their efforts in order to reach an international trade deal. According to him, both Mr. Bush and Mr. Moo-hyun exchanged ideas regarding remaining issues affecting the progress of the FTA negotiations. Differences over the textile, agriculture, and automobile sectors are among the key issues that must be resolved by the two parties. After negotiating during the last ten months, the US and South Korea were only able to reach a consensus on three areas out of the 17 sectors included in the proposed FTA.

Although Deputy US Trade Representative Karan Bhatia and South Korea Trade Minister Kim Hyun-chong tried to settle the differences between their countries, they have not been able to make a significant breakthrough in the key issues mentioned above. If the proposed international trade pact materialized, it would be the biggest free trade agreement to be signed by the US since the NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) in 1993. The FTA is expected to boost trade between the two countries. While it would strengthen the presence of the US in Asia, it would enable South Korea to gain a greater access into US markets. The proposed international trade pact is expected to boost the US-South Korea trade by up to 420 billion.

Mandelson Urges G4 to Make Concrete Concessions in Global Trade Talks

2007-03-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson stated on Friday last week that the United States, the European Union, India, and Brazil needed to make concrete offers in the Doha Development Round of Trade Talks. According to him, the four parties, which play a key role in the global trade talks, needed to improve their offers on the table if they wanted the negotiations to be successfully completed by June. During the European Business Summit that was held in Brussels, the EU trade chief said that the World Trade Organization (WTO) needed to see specific concessions in terms of the reduction of agricultural subsidies and tariffs on manufactured goods. It must be noted that the WTO has been aiming to conclude the global trade negotiations before the trade promotion authority (TPA) of US President George W. Bush ends in July this year.

Mr. Mandelson said that the four key players had the responsibility to make concrete offers in order to achieve a breakthrough in the global trade talks. Meanwhile, both the US and the EU are close to reaching an international trade agreement, which is regarded as crucial to the on-going Doha Round. The EU trade commissioner said that the two parties were close to making a deal regarding farm subsidies, import duties, and other sensitive issues. It must be noted that the success of the negotiations between the US and the EU depends on how the two sides are willing to reduce their farm subsidies and import tariffs respectively.

Assistant US Trade Representative for Europe and the Middle East Shaun Donnelly stated that much work still needed to be accomplished in the global trade talks. He said that while the US and the EU played a vital role in the Doha Round, developing countries also had to assume a leadership role. According to him, US Trade Representative Susan Schwab is negotiating with the members of the Congress regarding the possible extension of the TPA.

The trade authority allows the Bush administration to negotiate fast-track global trade deals, which must be approved or rejected by the Congress without making any change. After stalling for several months, the Doha Round resumed last January in Geneva. The members of the WTO are hoping to complete the global trade talks before the trade authority of Mr. Bush ends. The Doha Round, which was launched in 2001 in Qatar, has been aimed at liberalizing commerce and boosting the world economy.

Is Turkey is Economically Ready to Join EU?

2006-12-15T14:40:00.000-08:00

Turkey’s candidature for the European Union is maybe the most controversial and consequently well-analyzed of any in the history of the organization. The topics of the debate are familiar: human rights abuses, overly uppermost military, and the impact of Islam on the one hand, contrary to strategic partner, valid candidate, and the advantages of including a Muslim democracy on the other. The interaction among these factors will define Turkey’s progress toward membership over the next several years.

Notwithstanding, in theory the EU defines membership eligibility rested on a set of impartial criteria that do not take diplomatic issues into account. As Turkey has already been accepted as a part of Europe, it should be practicable to evaluate its performance as compared with these criteria and to the status of other EU candidates, past and actual, at major points in the accession process.

The economic aspects of the entry of Turkey to the European Union are of great significance and need special attention. The given paper aims to provide a short overview of Turkey’s economy and to highlight the major problems concerning GDP, agriculture, manufacturing companies, inflation and currency issues.

Turkey is regarded to have a less middle-income economy. Its per capita is correspondingly small contrasted to the EU. The GDP per capita in conditions of Purchasing Power (PPS) was in 2003 at 28.5% of the EU-25 medium, corresponding to the level of Bulgaria and Romania. Valued in current prices in 2003, the GDP of Turkey was comparable to about 2% of the GDP of EU-25 or just half of the ten Member States.

Turkey is distinguished by large provincial disparities which widely follow a West-East pattern. The richest areas are concentrated in the western part of the country while the poorest ones are at the eastern frontier. The richest province Kocaeli, an essential manufacturing location, has a GDP per capita of more than 90% above the national average (46% of the EU-25 average). At the other edge of the gradation, the poorest regions Agri and Van have only around one third of the national GDP per capita (8% of the EU-25 average). These profits disparities are displayed in the sectoral structure of the areas. The richer areas have significant shares of production and occupation in manufacturing and assistance whereas in most of the other territories agriculture is the most essential derivation of income and employment.

In the late decades some macroeconomic and commercial crises took place in the country, more recently in 1994, end-1999 and early-2001. They have caused to high volatility in aggregate financial activity and interfered with the overall step of growth. Since 2001, more advances have been made in stabilizing the economy and addressing the main reasons of these crises in the last decades. This is especially visible in the resumed enlargement path and the sharply lessened inflation. Nevertheless, this stabilization process is not yet full and some imbalances, such as the broadening external shortage remain to be amended. Further accomplishment of structural reforms would not only help to escaping stabilization crisis, but also let Turkey to attain or even lift its growth potential.

Even though Turkey’s population is appropriately large, its GDP represents just over 2% of the EU-25 GDP. As a result, the favourable economic impacts of Turkey’s membership in the EU are likely to be disproportional, for instance small for the EU-25 as a whole and much bigger for Turkey. The results on the EU will very much depend on the manner the Turkish economy will be able to manage its arrangement for membership.

The admittance of Turkey would display economic defiance, and implicitly chances to all parties included. Overall, EU Member States’ economies would advance from the admittance of Turkey, albeit only minorly. An advance of growth in Turkey should present a positive influence to EU-25 exports

Turkey would advance considerably from its admittance to the EU. Admittance should boost Turkey’s development basically via enlarged trade, higher contribution due to higher FDI, inflows, and higher productivity development due to a change in the sectoral arrangement of output and the accomplishment of structural renovations in line with the more competitive EU internal market setting.

Agriculture is the basic significance to Turkey, both in social and economic conditions. About half of Turkey’s territory of some 79 million hectares is occupied with agriculture, which is hardly ever in line with the EU 27 average (48%). Turkish admittance would be therefore add about 39 million hectares to the EU’s agricultural territory. This would show 23% of the EU-25 agricultural area. In 2003 roughly one third of the labour force was occupied in agriculture, and in the same year the sector showed 12.2% of GDP.

The climatic and geographical conditions across the country allow a broad sphere of various farming activities, and Turkey is a main world producer of (in no especial order) cereals, cotton, tobacco, fruit and vegetables, nuts, sugar beet and sheep and goat meat. Roughly 50% of Turkey’s agricultural territory is given to arable crops (of which about 20% is fallow land and 20% irrigated), 25% to constant grasslands and pastures and 2.5% to constant crops (Cakmak E.H., 1998). There are important regional contrasts in production patterns. The farm structure in Turkey demonstrates similarities with several of the new member countries and with Bulgaria and Romania. In relation to the 2001 census there are about 3 million agricultural investments in Turkey (contrasted to almost 13 million in the EU-25), most of which are family farms engaging family labour. This is down from about 4 million investments in 1991. Numbers for the average size of investments propose that investments are small by EU levels (6 hectares on midpoint contrasted to an EU-25 midpoint of 13 hectares). These figures are numbers of investments and medium size is however not in line with the whole territory. The reasons for this discrepancy are not comprehensible, but they may stem from the exclusion of collective or unused land or defects in the statistical terms.

Maintenance and semi-maintenance farming is an essential characteristic of Turkish agriculture, as is the case in certain areas of the current EU and in Bulgaria and Romania. These farms are typically marked by productivity being low and only a small part of production being marketed. They are hard to reach with usual market and price course, but are decisive for the income defense and life of the most of the country population in Turkey. Turkish admittance would add over 80 million supplemental consumers to the EU-25 total of 452 million, nevertheless with a per capita buying potency substantially power than the EU-25 average.

A compared to earlier acceding state Turkey is bigger, more inhabited and poorer. It is also more argued in market terms than most. The competition of its agriculture and agri-food forms is, in general, less on average than in the EU.

A correct assessment as to what degree the existent CAP system could manage with an accession by Turkey and its connection for financial reserves would need a deeper exanimation, at least as thorough as the one that made in the case of the new Member Countries.

International Trade and Its Barriers

2006-11-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

First we will discuss the concept of trading. The trading concept is centered on the simple activity of the exchange of good or services or both. These exchanges may be the ones that simply take place between two parties within the country or between two different countries. The simple trade, which takes place between two parties, is known as bilateral trade and if these exchanges take place between more than two parties, is known as multi-Lateral trade.

Now let us deal with the issue of what International trade is? It is defined as exchanging of goods and services or both, between two or more partners from different countries (an exporter and an importer).

The country for the purpose of importing and for doing international business, generally uses the following three barriers:

1. Tariff Barriers

This is the barrier put on imports in the form of duties, tax and quotas etc. Due to which the imports are less and the price level of imported products rises and the demand for them decreases.

2. Non – Tariff Barriers

This is the barrier put by the country on imports by restricting quantity of importing. A fix quantity is defined for the importing products that make the price level of the imported goods high and the supply of foreign goods become limited.

3. Voluntary Constraints

This is the last kind of trade barrier in which the country itself voluntarily stops the incoming products. Due to this barrier the country has power to stop the imports coming frequently into the country and limiting the competition with the foreign goods with the local industries.

These three types of trade barriers should be taken into consideration when deciding to trade internationally. Mostly lower developed countries and the developing countries uses these kinds of trade barriers for their international trade and international business. The advantage of these barriers is as follows: -

Country earns foreign exchange by putting Tariff and non-Tariff barriers.

The local industry of the country is protected by the foreign competitive industries.

Less imported goods are brought into the country due to which consumer also buys local products.

The currency remains in the country due to which government gains benefit in the form of revenue.

William King is the director of UK Wholesale, UK Wholesalers and Dropshippers Directory. He has 18 years of experience in the marketing and trading industries and has been helping retailers and startups with their product sourcing, promotion, marketing and supply chain requirements.

India Emerging As A Global Healthcare Destination

2006-11-13T12:27:00.000-08:00

Health is vital for ethical, artistic, material and spiritual development of man. It is very certain that of all the gains, the gains of health are the highest and the best. Traveling abroad for treatment has been an age-old practice. In ancient Greece, pilgrims and patients came from all over the Mediterranean to the sanctuary of the healing god, Asklepios, at Epidaurus. There were spiritual values attached to traveling for getting cured in ancient times that only a few of the privileged lot could afford. With the passage of time and the ease of traveling, people have started traveling offshore in search of faster, cheaper and safer surgical procedures.

Relatively new to the oriental part of the globe, medical tourism has been an age old phenomena in the West and has been supported by highly-developed indigenous health care systems and constant improvements in technology. By upgrading the technology, gaining greater familiarity with latest medical protocols and improving the image in terms of quality and cost, the health-care industry in countries like India and Thailand are attracting a global clientele to emerge as a top medical-tourism destinations.

In a country as diverse as India, the health care industry has capitalized on its rich cultural resource and glorious past. In sharp contrast to the generally impoverished economical background, there are private health care centers that offer sophisticated medical services, comparable to and at times even better than those offered by developed countries. A recent market study forecasts a growth from US$ 18.7 billion to around US$ 45 billion - equivalent to 8.5 per cent of GDP by 2012. India has emerged as the leading country promoting medical tourism.

India's health care industry along with its IT and tourism sector has helped it move into the economic renaissance. It is poised to become a major driver of economic growth as first-world patients, driven out of their own systems by high costs and crowded conditions, look for cheaper places for medical care. The Government of India provides Tourist Visa of short duration and a special Medical Tourism Visa (M) of longer duration (up to 1 year) for persons. Patients are also provided Visa (MX) for their accompanying spouse coming to India for Medical Treatment. New terms such as such as health tourism, health care outsourcing and medical back office support have gained good popularity in the nation.

Medical tourism in India is a business that has been estimated to be worth $2 billion by 2012. What has been termed as "International Patient Care" is already gaining pace in the nation. Private health care units are constantly improvising their health infrastructure and attracting a regular stream of international patients by appending alluring benefits to their package. This seems quite reasonable given the rising costs of treatment in western countries along with increasing demands of an ageing population. Costs of advanced surgeries in India are 10-15 times lower than anywhere in the world that attracts patients from abroad to avail a host of arrangements at an easily affordable rate. A typical package includes air travel, local transportation, translation services, air-conditioned five-star accommodation for the patient and also for accompanying spouse or relative in many cases, together with their personalized choice of global cuisine.

From less than 10,000 patients visiting India for medical treatment five years ago, the market of medical tourism in India has taken a great leap in recent years. It is now worth US$ 333 million, with about 100,000 foreign patients coming in every year. India is well positioned to tap the top end of the global healthcare industry because of the facilities and services it offers and by leveraging the brand equity of Indian healthcare professionals across the globe. "A global healthcare destination" is what even the government is planning to brand the nation and is making economic policies in that direction.

A View on the South African Economy

2006-11-06T09:08:00.000-08:00

South Africa has developed from an agrarian into a modern industrial state since World War II. Today, the economy is well-diversified and the country is capable of producing a wide range of consumer and investment goods. South Africa produces one fifth of the entire production of the African continent.

The mining industry still plays a prominent part. However, over the last few years, the country's economic dependency on the export of raw materials, especially on gold, has lessened.

The economy is based on foreign trade. More than half of the gross national product (GNP) is achieved through exports and imports. By investing in modern production technologies after the apartheid era, South African products became more and more competitive on the world market. In 1996, an export surplus of about 8,7 billion Rand was achieved. Exports consist mainly of mineral raw materials, agricultural produce, chemical products, machinery, electric appliances and vehicles. Import goods are machines, plastic products, chemicals and also vehicles.

Agriculture in South Africa:

South Africa is generally short of water. Only 11,8 per cent of the land is used for intensive agriculture relying on rainfalls. About two thirds of the country is arid or semi-arid. Rainfall is unreliable, and there can be long drought periods, as well as devastating floods. Therefore, irrigation based agriculture is very important and many products, like wine, citrus fruit and vegetables are grown under irrigation.

Meat production is also adapted to the climatic conditions in South Africa. In the arid expanses of the Karoo extensive cattle, sheep and goat breeding on natural pastures is predominant. In the north-west, the farming is confined to goats and sheep, though in areas with more precipitation they also breed cattle. At the coast and near densely populated areas there is also dairy production.

The share of agricultural produce in the GDP is slightly receding and was about 40 billion Rand (5,4 %) in 2004. Altogether, South Africa's agriculture is well developed and can successfully hold its ground on the world market, especially through products like wine, fruit, vegetables and sugar. About one million people earn their living through agriculture.

South Africa's Currency and Finance:

Over the last ten years, the South African Rand has lost almost half of its value against leading world currencies. In 2000 alone, it fell about 25 per cent against the US Dollar, British Pound and Japanese Yen. This occurred despite the fact that the currency was protected by high interest rates (up to 20 %) and despite decreasing inflation. Many investors, who had optimistically bought Rand bonds, came to feel the decline of the currency painfully.

It is doubtful whether the rating of the Rand is justified by economic indicators. The South African currency has become a favorite object for speculators, and many serious analysts consider the Rand to be under-rated by about 15 to 20 per cent.

Tourism which has developed into an important economic factor over the last years, is not the only industry that benefits from the Rand's weakness. The still very important gold mining sector, which has been put under strong pressure through the decline of the gold price, could also hold itself together due to the fall of the currency.

In 1998 the Rand got much stronger again and currently trades 9,80 Rand to the Euro and 7,80 Rand to the US Dollar. Nobody can predict at this stage in which direction the currency will move. The South African Reserve Bank publishes the latest exchange rates daily.

Can A Government Increase the Rate of Economic Growth

2006-10-30T10:50:00.000-08:00

The rate of economic growth measures the annual % increase in Real GDP. The long term trend rate of economic growth in the UK is about 2.5%. TO increase this the govt will have to use supply side policies. However there may be instances when increased AD will also be able to increase the rate of economic growth.

If the economy is below full employment and there is spare capacity within the economy. The govt can use demand side policies to increase the rate of economic growth. For example the govt could use fiscal policy to increase the rate of AD. This could involve cutting taxes and increasing the level of govt spending.

AD= C+I+G+X-M. Therefore higher Government spending will increase AD and lower taxes will increase disposable income thereby increasing Consumption and AD.

Also the MPC could cut interest rates. This reduces the cost of borrowing and reduces monthly mortgage payments. Therefore there will be an increase in the level of borrowing, consumption and investment.

However demand side policies do have some problems, firstly there will be time lags between changing taxes or interest rates and having an effect on AD. Also if consumer confidence is lower interest rates may not have much effect on increasing consumption. Also increasing AD can conflict with the govt objective of low inflation. If the economy is close to full capacity higher AD will cause inflation.

Classical economists argues that higher AD will always cause inflation, because the Long Run Aggregate Supply curve is inelastic.

In the classical model an increase in AD causes higher output in the short run, however as inflation increases, wages and therefore the costs of firms increase causing the SRAS to shift to the left. Therefore the economy returns to the level of Full employment but with higher inflation. Therefore classical economists argue that demand should not be used to increase the rate of economic growth.

However this classical model is not necessarily correct. Keynesians argue that an economy can be in a recession for a long time. This is because of low consumer confidence reducing spending and the negative multiplier effect reducing further the initial fall in AD. Therefore in a recession Keynesians would argue that it is important to increase AD even if a re-flationary fiscal policy causes a budget deficit.

Nevertheless both Keynesian and classical economists argue that to increase the long run trend rate of economic growth it is necessary to increase productivity and shift the LRAS to the right this can be done through supply side policies.

For example the govt can increase the incentive to work by cutting taxes and reducing benefits. However there is no guarantee that lower taxes do increase work incentives. The Income effect means people can work less to earn the same amount of money. Also inequality may increase.

The govt can overcome market failure by increasing spending on education and training, this will increase labour productivity and therefore efficiency in the economy. However this policy will take time to have effect. Also govt intervention may not be very successful because of poor information leading to subsidising of the wrong types of training.

A third type of supply side policy could be to follow a programme of privatisation and deregulation. Privatisation involves selling govt owned industries to the private sector. The advantage of this is that the private sector has a profit incentive to increase efficiency. However there are dangers that a private monopoly may exploit consumers. The example of rail privatisation also showed that privatisation may not be successful, private firms under invested in the network because they took the short term view.

Deregulation involves increasing competition in an industry this has obvious benefits of lower prices and better quality but is difficult to achieve in industries such as rail and water.

Supply side policies may help improve productivity in the long term, there is evidence that since the govts many supply side policies introduced in the 1980s the economy has performed better with inflation remaining low despite growth being strong. However there is a limit to how much the govt can increase productivity many issues are beyond their control, for example it is difficult for the govt to improve technology and working ethics. Also the rate of economic growth is likely to be effected by global events over which the UK govt has no control.

Several Countries Record Rapid Economic Growth while Others Need to Do More

2006-08-25T12:50:00.001-07:00

A recent study showed that Japan's economic growth is right on track thus supporting the decision of the Central Bank to increase interest rates. According to the report, the unprecedented increase of machinery demands last June indicated the improving confidence of companies to purchase new equipments. The Japanese government said that the demand for machineries rose by 8.5% last June, exceeding the rate predicted by economic experts. Deutsche Securities analyst Seiji Adachi said that the result of the study showed that Japanese companies were still confident to make more investments despite the concerns regarding the decline of the US economy. Amidst such optimism, some analysts still fear that Japan's economic recovery might be impeded by the current problems faced by the global economy. It must be noted that the rising oil prices have been the primary factors behind the global inflation.

Aside from Japan, Germany also recorded its highest economic growth rate in 5 years during the 2nd quarter of 2006. According to a recent report, the nation's economy improved by 0.9% from April to June despite the slow down in the export business. The significant development has been attributed to the increase of domestic demand for products. The 2006 World Cup held recently in the country was also seen as a major factor in boosting the nation's economy during the 2nd quarter. According to a research, the one month tournament had renewed and increased the confidence of German buyers. Although trade with other nations weakened during the past months, the German Federal Statistics Office said that the investments in equipment and construction materials have increased thus pushing the economy upwards during the 2nd quarter of 2006. The positive news, then, has indicated that the biggest economy in Europe is finally recovering from a long period of stagnation.

While the economies of Japan and Germany recorded rapid growth, US inflation grew last month due the rising prices of oil, as well as other energy supplies. The Consumer Price Index, then, jumped from 0.2% to 0.4% last July. According to analysts, the increase of the inflation was largely triggered by the 2.9% rise in prices of energy supplies particularly petrol. The core inflation, with the exemption of energy and food supplies, increased by 0.2%, which is lower than what was initially predicted by economic experts.

Zimbabwe's economy is also at a critical situation with its swelling inflation and currency crisis. A few weeks ago, the Central Bank of Zimbabwe decided to slash three zeros from the nation's currency in an effort to address its 1,200% inflation. But what was intended to be a major economic reform ended in a nationwide chaos as Zimbabweans rushed into the streets to spend or deposit their old notes before they would lose their value on August 21. The government has allotted a three week transition period from the old to the new monetary unit. But the fact that it does not permit the people to carry more than $400 in cash has only made the situation more complicated. Now, the citizens are racing against time as they attempt to spend or deposit all their cash to the banks.

Meanwhile, UN officials in Liberia reported that the government and the United nations were reclaiming one of the major rubber plantations in the country. It must be noted that even after the war ended, the Guthrie plantation, which is found in the north-western region of the nation, has remained under the governance of former rebels. Rubber was among the major and the most important export product of the Liberia before the first civil war started in 1989. President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who won the elections last January, has vowed to establish and implement the rule of law in the entire country. With the election of the Ms. Johnson-Sirleaf, the nation hopes that new changes and improvements would be made. She is Liberia's first elected leader after the 14 years of civil war ended. A huge task though lies before the leader who must look for measures in order to revive her country, whose rich resources have been damaged and exploited during the 2 civil wars.

In Thailand, the government announced its plans to enlist with the Madrid Protocol and the Patent Cooperation Treaty next year. According to IPD Director General Kanissorn Navanugraha, his country intends to build an integrated protection of its trademarks, patents, and copyrights. Joining the two organizations would be an important step into making sure that Thai products and inventions would attain global intellectual property fortification. Thailand is currently an affiliate of Berne Convention, an organization that deals with the protection of artwork and literary pieces.

Recently, the Center for Global Development (CGD) reported that among the 21 richest countries in the world, Netherlands gave the biggest amount of economic aid to the developing nations. While the United Kingdom ranked no. 12, Japan got the last place. CGD Chief Nancy Birdsall praised the continuous in flow of donations during the recent years for the reduction of poverty. The CGD said that nations could still do more in order to improve the international economic aid. The United States gave the highest amount of donation. But its aid was the smallest when it was measured against the size of its economy. Though the UK did not rank high in the aid category, it earned the first place in the investment section of the Index due to its efforts to improve technology and to open more employment opportunities to its people. Moreover, the nation got the top score for its efforts to protect and preserve the environment. According to David Roodman, the head architect of the CDI and a researcher of the CGD, if wealthy countries did more in reforming their migration, trade, and investment standards, they would contribute to the improvement of the lives of billions of people over the next years. He added that rich countries could still do more in boosting the economy of developing nations if they were truly devoted to development.

Tbc-world.com - Importers & Exporters database

Several Countries Record Rapid Economic Growth while Others Need to Do More

2006-08-25T12:50:00.000-07:00

Tbc-world.com - Importers & Exporters database

Relating The Macro Economy to Your Small Business

2006-08-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, there is a common notion that persists amongst members of the small business community that their business cycles depend more on local influences than the larger macroeconomic picture. As a small business owner you may sometimes have noticed some unexpected forces influencing your business, sometimes inexplicably for long periods of time.

Lets take a look at how some of the key macroeconomic indicators affect small businesses.

Macroeconomic Indicators And Your Life

The key macroeconomic indicators are:

1. GDP, i.e; Gross Domestic Product
2. Per Capita Income
3. Purchasing Power Parity
4. Inflation Rates
5. Unemployment Rates
6. Balance of Payment
7. Foreign Exchange Reserve
8. Current Account Balance
9. Fiscal Balance

The GDP And Small Business

GDP is the gross output of the entire nation across all sectors. GDP is expressed in trillions or billions of dollars, as the case may be, and the higher value reflects the overall growth over the previous accounting year. So how does it relate to your business? First, the GDP grows because of contributions made by everyone, small and big firms alike, across all sectors. As a result, the individual income grows leading to a higher rate of consumption, which is an all-around win-win situation. Today, over 76% of $12.6 trillion of the United States GDP is by service sectors which include countless small businesses. Interestingly, when GDP was growing negatively, you will recall how small businesses went through the ordeal.

Per Capita Income

Simplistically, Per Capita Income is the mathematical average income of individuals in a nation. This figure gives you a fair idea of your prospects. Lets say that a used car seller can expect higher sales if the per capita income shoots up. An increase in per capita income can be partly thought of as spare income in the hands of middle class families that they want to spend on travel, homes, cars, etc. This means that travel agents, real estate brokers/agents can expect brisk business.

Inflation And Unemployment Rates

Both these indicators are expressed in percentage terms over a corresponding previous term. An inflation rate of 2% represents that the cost of living has increased by 2%. Inflation triggers a tightening of the purse strings. Most people will put on hold, most unnecessary expenses like vacations, car loans, etc. If you are wondering why retailers increase discounts even during Christmas, this could be one of the reasons.

Unemployment, on the other hand, reduces the per capita income and purchase power of society as a whole. A change in fate of retail customers income and employment directly reflects on the fate of retail businesses.

Let's see what Balance of Payment (BOP), Current Account Balance and Fiscal Balance mean to small businesses. BOP is the difference in the countrys external trade payments. A negative BOP tells that the country is importing more products or at higher cost which ultimately burdens consumers in the domestic market in terms of shrinking trade volumes and margins. A negative fiscal balance increases the inflation rate and cost of living, and encourages erosion of capital.

No small business is insulated from economic factors or international events. Reading the indicators right is crucial for survival.

Energy Experts to Settle Gas Price Issue on Global Trade

2006-08-16T14:32:00.000-07:00

Iran, India, and Pakistan recently agreed to delegate experts who would assume the task of resolving the price issue that has been affecting the global trade deal on gas planned by the three countries. According to resources, the huge pipeline project would transport natural gas from Iran to India with a distance of more than 2,500 km. If negotiations would go well, the project could start in 2007. Although the global trade deal was aimed for the benefit of the three parties, both Pakistan and India could not still agree with Iran as regards the price of gas supplies. The three nations, then, agreed to delegate independent energy experts in order to study the situation and come up with a plausible pricing solution.

Under the global trade deal, Iran wanted the gas prices to depend on the changes in the international energy markets. However, both India and Pakistan wanted the gas prices to be fixed. The huge project is reported to cost around $7 billion.

The global trade deal was first proposed ten years ago. But negotiations have stalled due to disagreements in terms of pricing. That was why the three countries decided to appoint special officials in order to settle the issue. The energy experts, who have not yet been selected until now, have the duty to come up with an effective solution during the next 4 to 5 weeks.

The three parties would then resume their discussions on the global trade deal, basing it on the new pricing formula. What is not clear though is whether the decision of the consultants will bind the three countries together. It is possible that one of them may still step out of the deal.

M. S. Srinivasan, India's Petroleum Secretary, said that there was still a disagreement between the two sides as regards gas prices. He added that all the three countries needed to be flexible in order to push through with the global trade deal on gas. Mr. Srinivasan though said that all the three sides remained bullish. While Iran said that it could trade its gas supplies elsewhere, both India and Pakistan responded by saying that they could also seek for other foreign suppliers.

If the global trade deal on gas materialized, India would be able to purchase up to 60 million cubic meters per day while Pakistan could buy as much as 30 million. The energy demand of both India and Pakistan are expected to increase by 50% in the succeeding years. The pipeline project would also be very advantageous for Pakistan since the nation could gain millions of dollars from transit fees. It must be noted that last May, negotiations among the three countries stalled due to the disagreement on gas. But if the issue would be resolved, the construction could begin next year while the operations could start in 2011. Previously, the United States had rejected the proposed global trade deal due to the strategic and financial benefits it would give Iran. However during his visit to Pakistan last March, President George W. Bush showed signs that the US had already dropped its opposition to the project.

http://www.tbc-world.com/Energy_Experts_to_Settle_Gas_Price_Issue_on_Global_Trade.asp

The Basics of Inflation

2006-08-08T11:44:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of talk of inflation in the economic news lately. What does it mean?

Most of us understand the basic idea of inflation -- things cost more than they used to. In fact, that is pretty close to the Webster's definition. It is when prices go up. For example, I remember when I could put five dollars of gas in my little truck and drive for a week. Nowdays, five dollars gets me less than two gallons of diesel.

Inflation is at work.

Inflation has been pretty steady. Just a nice climb. In general, inflation has remained at an average of 3% for the past 30 years. We aren't doing that bad -- some countries have inflation above 1000% in one year.

Yes, sometimes it jumps, like in the 70's. But in general, we are doing well.

Okay, what causes inflation?

Inflation can be caused by many factors. Increases in taxes and government fees can lead to inflation. Things that cost businesses especially cause inflation. When the cost of a business goes up, the product prices go up. When prices go up on products and services, your income goes down (you are spending more of it). You have to work harder and longer to afford the same things. Or hope that you get a cost of living adjustment.

Which causes the business costs to go up and it all starts over again.

Inflation also occurs when your personal taxes, property taxes and sales taxes increase. You ask for an increase in your wages. Then business costs go up and so on.

When things become rare, inflation can occur. The more demand on an item, the more expensive it becomes. For example, if there is a drought and wheat does poorly, the price of wheat goes up. This may cause the price of wheat products to go up.

If interest rates increase, inflation can also occur. The cost to borrow money goes up for businesses, increasing their cost and so on. However, higher interest rates also encourage people to save more and spend less, shortening demand and lowering prices on items.

For the most part, steady inflation is not seen on a day-to-day basis. You usually only see it when you look back. I remember that 85 cent gasoline in high school. But you made a lot less in your job as well.

Why is inflation important to the individual? Well, when you are planning for the long term, it can hurt you a bit.

If you are 30 year old, you are around 30 years from retirement. You plan to retire at 60 with a million dollars. That sounds like a lot of money.

It may not be.

Factor in 3% inflation for 30 years and your million dollars will only buy you around $400,000 worth of goods and services. If you live 20 years after retirement, that's only $20,000 a year to live on.

Sixty percent of your money has gone to inflation. Can you live on that? You will need to save approximately $1.8 million and invest it at 5% after retirement in order to have the same amount of spending money as you do now.

So remember, inflation does really affect you. You should consider it when planning for the future. Other than that, there isn't much you can do. But you must factor it in.

A quick way to factor in inflation is to subtract the 3% inflation rate from your assumed rate of return. For example, if you expect a 13% return on your investment, inflation takes it down to a 10% rate of return. This will give you a picture of the value of your investment.

There are investments out there than benefit from inflation, such as real estate and precious metals. Look into diversifying your portfolio into different types of assets, not just different types of stocks.

Inflation is simply a fact of life. By accounting for it, you are prepared to fight it in the future.

Inherent Mistrust in Globalization

2006-07-28T12:39:00.000-07:00

It is amazing to see the inherent mistrust in globalization and the fact that everyone goes along with free trade, World Trade Organizations and globalization as long as they feel they are getting more out of it and they are putting in. In other words most nations in theory in enjoy the benefits of globalization, but at the first turn of a negative sector rotation, industry change, trade route difference or even a little competition in the world marketplace and all of a sudden they no longer like globalization and start making noise.

It is interesting that even a little bit of change or adjustment can cause a nation to go into hyper-protectionism and he immediately raise tariffs and start a tit-for-tat mini-trade war. It is also human nature to try to get more for doing less. When you put these two innate characteristics together; that is to say that need to maintain control and wanting to get more for less you can see the problems you have with non-Western world thinking of win-win negotiations.

When trying to convince other nations to participate in free trade or globalization initiatives we must understand these facts and study the history behind the cultures of the different participants and how they affect their decision-making. Forcing globalization on a nation whose leadership does not understand the overall picture can lead to disaster and even war. Please consider this philosophical thought in 2006.

Inherent Mistrust in Globalization

2006-07-27T08:14:00.000-07:00

One of the most fascinating and interesting innate characteristics of the human species is the need to maintain control or power over another. Obviously, this is an evolutionary issue, which probably has its seeds within the alpha male pre-programmed behavior.

It is amazing to see the inherent mistrust in globalization and the fact that everyone goes along with free trade, World Trade Organizations and globalization as long as they feel they are getting more out of it and they are putting in. In other words most nations in theory in enjoy the benefits of globalization, but at the first turn of a negative sector rotation, industry change, trade route difference or even a little competition in the world marketplace and all of a sudden they no longer like globalization and start making noise.

It is interesting that even a little bit of change or adjustment can cause a nation to go into hyper-protectionism and he immediately raise tariffs and start a tit-for-tat mini-trade war. It is also human nature to try to get more for doing less. When you put these two innate characteristics together; that is to say that need to maintain control and wanting to get more for less you can see the problems you have with non-Western world thinking of win-win negotiations.

When trying to convince other nations to participate in free trade or globalization initiatives we must understand these facts and study the history behind the cultures of the different participants and how they affect their decision-making. Forcing globalization on a nation whose leadership does not understand the overall picture can lead to disaster and even war. Please consider this philosophical thought in 2006.

The Case for Bio Fuel Tax Incentives in the Market Place for Distributors

2006-07-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

We have all heard of the tax incentives given to ethanol growers in the Midwest of the United States. Some have even called this corporate welfare although it seems to be presently money well spent in that it is helping us break our addiction to Middle Eastern foreign oil. It is also helping farmers and corporate farmers in the Midwest who have seen a tough time due to droughts and world market price changes.

The tax incentives and subsidies to ethanol producers, refiners and growers has sponsored a new industry and this is also helping now with alleviating at least some pressure on the supply and demand issues with regards to the price of oil. Of course with three dollar per gallon gasoline many consumers are not be leaving it. Nevertheless it is helping.

We must also give tax incentives to ethanol, biofuel and Biodiesel distributors and wholesalers if we wish to make sure these new fuels get to market. By doing so it pushes supply ramp up and increases demand. Since some Oil Companies are vertically integrated that is to say own stations and refineries, it serves them also.

This is how tax incentives to distributors and wholesalers can help us in the United States and trying to break our addiction to foreign oil. We have a goal to increase the amount of fuel that we grow and we are meeting those goals presently. But it will sure take a lot to produce that much, that is quite a bit of fuel, this nation uses lots of it.

Eventually we hope to have over 15% of all the fuel that we use as biofuels. We do not have the ability to make that much Bio Fuels right now, but that does not mean we cannot in the future. It would shave the issues of supply spikes temporarily; we will be helping the steady flow. But we must also realize that China is going to be thirsty and the World market for oil will be huge; need to move now to solve this. Please consider all these issues in 2006.

Red China Now Entering World of Industrial Regulations; The Party is Over

2006-07-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

Is Red China finally entering the first world? Is China really interested in solving its pollution problems up of the interests of its major financiers? It appears that China is now putting forth industrial regulations on its larger business community.

Is this the start of an industrial revolution? Is China trying to head off an industrial revolution? Is China trying to actually level the playing field so it can be respected by the rest of the world? Are we seeing a transformation of China and its industrial power?

One has to ask these questions and they lead to so many more. For instance is China or eat about its polluted water supply and it's horrible air pollution? Is China worried about global warming? What do the business people think of all these new regulations because surely they will slow down the growth that China has been experiencing in the last 10 years? Or will this lead to new industries and environmental protection products and services?

It is great to see that China is finally addressing the issues of its water pollution and its air pollution and perhaps this might level the playing field so that other companies in other parts of the world can compete with China's mighty industrial capacity and growth.

This is good news for American companies and also good news for the Chinese people and peasants who were once forgotten. Apparently someone in China figured out that if all the peasants died from the pollution caused there will be no one to work and the growth will stop. What are your thoughts on this, please consider all this in 2006.

Korean Car Prices Rise as Import Autos Get Cheaper

2006-07-21T06:53:00.000-07:00

Korean cars are getting more expensive while their international rivals are becoming cheaper, a survey finds. Thus Hyundai Motor is selling its new Avante VGT S16 Luxury, which went on sale last month, for W1.13 million (US$1=W952) more than the old model. The Kia New Opirus 3.8 is W4.79 million more expensive than the old model, and Ssangyong’s New Chairman 2.8 costs W1.17 million more. Among import cars, the trend goes the other way. Volvo’s new S60 diesel engine model is W15.57 million cheaper than the gasoline engine model. The new Ford Mondeo is W5 million cheaper than the old one, and the Escape 2.3 XLT costs W4.5 million less than the previous version. Both were released this year.

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India: Next Leader of the World

2006-07-19T11:33:00.000-07:00

India: Next Leader of the World

India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second most populous country and the largest democracy in the world. India has a coastline of over seven thousand kilometres, and borders Pakistan to the west, Nepal, the People's Republic of China and Bhutan to the north-east, and Bangladesh and Myanmar to the east. In the Indian Ocean, it is adjacent to the island nations of Sri Lanka, Maldives and Indonesia.

Home to the Indus Valley Civilization, a centre of important trade routes and vast empires, India has long played a major role in human history. Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism, all have their origins in India, while Islam and Christianity enjoy a strong cultural heritage. Colonised as part of the British Empire in the nineteenth century, India gained independence in 1947 as a unified nation after an intense struggle for independence. The country has one of the most diverse populations, wildlife, geographical terrain and climate systems.

INDIA ECONOMY:

The economy of India is the fourth largest in the world as measured by purchasing power parity (PPP), with a GDP of US $3.63 trillion. When measured in USD exchange-rate terms, it is the twelth largest in the world, with a GDP of US $775 billion (2005). India is the second fastest growing major economy in the world, with a GDP growth rate of 8.4%, as of the first quarter of 2006. Wealth distribution in India, a developing country, is fairly uneven, with the top 10% of income groups earning 33% of all income. India's per capita income (PPP) of US$ 3,400 [8] is ranked 122nd in the world.

For most of its independent history, India adhered to a quasi-socialist approach, with strict government control over private sector participation, foreign trade, and foreign direct investment. Starting from 1991, India has gradually opened up its markets through economic reforms by reducing government controls on foreign trade and investment. Privatisation of public-owned industries and some sectors to private and foreign players has continued amid political debate.

India has a labour force of 496.4 million of which 60% is employed in agriculture or agriculture-related industries, 17% in mainstream industry and 23% in service industries. India's agricultural produce includes rice, wheat, oilseed, cotton, jute, tea, sugarcane, potatoes. Major industries include textiles, chemicals, food processing, steel, transportation equipment, cement, mining, petroleum and machinery.

India's large English speaking middle-class has contributed to the country's growth in Business Process Outsourcing (BPO). India is also a major exporter of software, financial, research and technology services. India's most important trading partners are the United States, China, UK, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland and Belgium.

Free Trade Agreement With Oman Disregards Best Interests of U.S.

2006-07-10T15:09:00.000-07:00

Since the United States became a party to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1994, U.S. construct of the Foreign Trade Agreement (FTA) has changed considerably. Such agreements now have a much more profound impact on state and local economies across the country.

Generally, treaties with foreign governments were a vehicle for regulating tariffs and quotas relative to the export and import of products, but within the parameters of U.S. law. However, since 1994, FTAs have expanded to include non-tariff barrier issues and regulated under the purview of international law.

Unbeknownst to most of the public regarding the Dubai Ports World agreement with the U.S., approved by the Committee for Foreign Investments in the U.S. (CFIUS) in February 2006, enabling the country of Dubai to take over port operations of six major U.S. east coast ports, was that the U.S. had been in negotiations for a FTA with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) since March 2005. While members of both houses of the U.S. Congress feigned shock that there was such a deal in the works, that FTA in particular provided the backdrop to allow such takeover of U.S. strategic assets, regardless of national security risks.

Since Dubai verbally agreed in March 2006 to sell its rights in the U.S. port operations to a U.S. entity, which to date does not exist in writing, the FTA with the UAE, of which Dubai is one of its seven emirates, has been put on hold. However, a similar deal with the country of Oman, also negotiated since March 2005, was approved by the U.S. Senate on June 28, 2006. The passage of the Oman FTA, still to be ratified by the entirety of the House of Representatives in July 2006, is considered to enable easier passage of several other U.S. FTAs pending, which include Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, as well as the UAE, among several others.

Unlike other federal legislation, however, the FTA is signed by the President prior to ratification, as President Bush did so on January 19, 2006 with the Oman FTA. Unlike most pending legislation, the Oman FTA is under the auspices of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA). The 2002 Trade Promotion Act allowed for “fast track” status before the Congress which hands over its authority to the President to negotiate the terms of the agreement. The President then hands over to the Congress the finalized legislative package. However, the Congress is not given the right to amend any of the agreement’s provisions but only to take a vote. Also, the Congress must vote upon its passage within 90 days subsequent to its formal submission from President Bush, which was on June 26, 2006.

Yet, due to the complex nature of such an agreement, the rush-to-ratification style lawmaking does little to clarify the voluminous rules and regulations for lawmakers. And passage of such legislation includes irrevocable provisions once the pact is signed. There are arguably three or more major areas of concern with the Oman FTA with the U.S.

At issue are the present labor laws in Oman, its continued boycott of products from Israel and the dispute resolution process which stands to override U.S. national, state and local laws. According to numerous national and international labor rights organizations as well as the AFL-CIO, Oman labor abuse practices are rampant. All workers are denied basic labor rights. They include the inability of workers to organize in order to impact fair wages and safe working conditions as well as humane treatment.

Oman has failed to measure up to the International Trade Organization requirements for fair labor practices. Additionally, 80% of Oman’s laborers are from the South Asian countries of Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, and have no legal rights to demand any changes in labor abuses, as they are foreign nationals. The only stipulation in the agreement is that Oman enforce its own labor laws. Yet, U.S. FTAs with Communist countries or those previously under Communist regimes have far more stringent language concerning labor rights abuses, upon which the U.S. insists. According to U.S. Trade Representative spokesman, Stephen Norton, “We have no reason to suspect that goods made with slave labor would be imported from Oman into the U.S.”

Although Oman assured the U.S. during negotiations that it no longer abides by the Arab League Ban of refusing Israeli imported goods and would disengage from the boycott, such is not the case. Oman’s Directorate of General Customs Mohammed Nasser recently told the Jerusalem Post that “even catalogs of commercial products that mention Israel would likely be seized by Omani authorities.”

And the hot button issue which has not been publicly addressed by the Congress is the potential for U.S. law conflicts under the terms of the U.S.-Oman FTA. Deeply buried in Chapter 11 of the agreement along with Annex 2, establishes that commercial disputes be settled under the realm of International Tribunals. Therefore, commercial activity agreed upon which includes operations of seaports, stevedoring and loading and unloading of goods either by Oman or any foreign entity or country which buys any of Oman’s service contracts or proprietary company interests, would override local, state or national U.S. laws. No distinction is made between commercial interests and those considered strategic national assets of the U.S., with no reference to national security considerations.

The objective of these trade deals, specifically in the Middle East is for the U.S. to garner support with allied nations in the interest of ending terrorism, as is the case with Oman, which is geographically closest to Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. But it could as easily be argued that the U.S is throwing the proverbial baby out with the bath water in approving such lax controls and oversight in such a vast agreement.

And it also can be argued that such agreements with the third world will put the final nail in the coffin for U.S. workers in the textile industry. They cannot compete with slave wages, nor should they. The U.S. has led the way for workers’ rights and wages and in eliminating child labor. Yet, federal trade agreements without enforcement will only continue to erode away any progress realized for workers not only outside of the U.S. but on its very shores.

While much lower energy costs also remain attractive for U.S. multi-national corporations setting up shop in the third world, it does not excuse the U.S. from making demands in the interest of human decency over strategies to accumulate immediate profits. The waiving of 100% of the tariffs, in this case between goods and services flowing between the U.S. and Oman, does not alleviate such U.S. obligations as fairness and decency, which the U.S. has always represented.

While once the world’s watchdog on human rights, the U.S. has given new meaning to “free” trade in 2006. And it comes at the cost of not only the American worker’s quality of life but predominantly on the backs of those third world workers who remain without the right to take a stand. Worst of all, it is but another example of the flagrant failure of both houses of the Congress to realize the ramifications of its members’ inactions and laziness. For if lawmakers were given a questionnaire on the provisions of this latest U.S.-Oman FTA, rest assured that as many as 90% of them probably would take the Fifth.

Business and Market Overview on Brunei

2006-07-04T10:13:00.000-07:00

Business and Market Overview on Brunei

Brunei's economy is dependent on oil and gas and is the third largest producer of crude oil in Southeast Asia after Indonesia and Malaysia. Brunei is also the world's fourth largest producer of natural gas. Brunei's current oil and gas reserves are sufficient at least until 2015. Thus, Brunei’s government has used its oil wealth for investments outside the country for future generations. Furthermore, the government seeks to develop the country's economy beyond on oil and gas but with little success.

Brunei’s GDP was US$5.2 billion with a GDP per capita of US$13,879 in 2004. The economy grew at an average GDP growth of 3.0% annually from 2000 to 2004 driven mainly by Brunei's export of oil and gas and therefore dependent by world oil and gas prices. Inflation was less than 1.5% in 2000-2001, experience deflation in 2002-2003 but inflation eventually crept at 0.9% in 2004. The government is Brunei's largest employer and many of its citizens prefer to work with the government. The country experienced increasing unemployment from 2002 to 2004 but remained below 5.0%.

The industrial sector (mainly oil and gas related activities) contributed towards 56.1% of Brunei’s GDP in 2004. The service sector contributed towards 40.3% while the agriculture sector contributed only 3.6% during the period. Main industries are petroleum, petroleum refining, liquefied natural gas and construction. Major agriculture products include rice, vegetables, fruits, chicken and eggs.

DEMOGRAPHY. Brunei has a small population of slightly more than 370 thousand. Brunei Malays are the largest ethnic group and account for nearly 70% of population followed by Chinese accounting for 15%. Others include indigenous people and immigrants who have settled in the country. Islam is the official religion of the country and 70% of the population practice the Muslim faith. Other religions include Buddhism, Christianity and indigenous practices. The official language is Malay while Brunei’s Chinese community often used the Chinese language within the community. The population is generally proficient in English since schools teach the language and used in higher education, business and the sciences.

Three quarters or 75% of the population live in the urban areas and mostly work in government services, oil and gas industry, wholesale and retail trade and construction. Major urban areas include the nation's capital Bandar Seri Begawan, Muara, Tutong, Seria and Kuala Belait. Poverty is practically non-existent in the oil rich nation of Brunei. Brunei's GDP per capita is half of Singapore but based on purchasing power parity (PPP) it is slightly less than Singapore. Nearly 70% of the households belong to the middle or high-income categories while the remaining 30% in the lower-income category.

INFRASTRUCTURE. Telecommunication services within the country well developed while reliability of services outside from Brunei is good. Internet access is available throughout many parts of the country but broadband services are limited. Towns well connected by roads and crosses the border into East Malaysia. Country served by single international airport at Bandar Seri Begawan.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE. Major trading partners include Japan, South Korea, Australia, US, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Singapore and Malaysia. Much of the imports from Singapore are Singapore's re-exports from other countries. Major exports include crude oil, natural gas, refined petroleum products. Major imports include machineries and equipments, vehicles and vehicle parts, consumer goods, foods, construction materials and chemicals.

CONSUMER USAGE OF TECHNOLOGY. Nearly all homes in Brunei have fixed-line telephones and the penetration of mobile phones by population was 40% in 2004. Brunei's general population have the financial means to install computers in their homes but the penetration in homes is low at 20%. Penetration of internet users is also low at 9% of the population or 34,000 users. Nevertheless, nearly all homes in Brunei have televisions and refrigerators.

RETAIL MARKET. Marketers into Southeast Asia often neglect Brunei as a potential market because of its small consumer population. However, the country has the second highest GDP per capita in the region after Singapore and depends on imports for nearly all of its consumer goods and foods. The estimated value of Brunei’s retail market in 2004 was US$390 million in 2004 of which foods accounted for nearly US$280 million. The "mom and pop" stores and mini markets dominate the retail industry alongside a few department stores and supermarkets. Consumers in Brunei often shop cross the border into Malaysia for wider choices of consumer goods.

FOOD CULTURE. Foods eaten by the Malays tend to be rice with spicy meat and vegetable dishes. However, the people of Brunei are accustomed to Indian foods due to the numerous small Indian eateries across the country. Thus, homes often serve fish, chicken or beef curry dishes. Popular food service establishments include Chinese, Indonesian, Indian, Thai and Japanese restaurants but interestingly few Malay restaurants. Among the younger generation, many are accustomed to western style foods served by the fast food outlets and bakeries.

Prospect And Analysis Of China's Future Economy Growth

2006-06-22T15:09:00.000-07:00

Prospect And Analysis Of China's Future Economy Growth

China will become the world’s safest and largest investment economy in times to come given the following factors: huge market potential, rich labour resources, comparative advantage in labour cost, sound corporate governance and stable government and society. All these factors will further attract the inflow of foreign capital into China. In short, China’s economy will grow even faster in the future.

In the next 15 years, China’s economy will still increase at a rate 7% - 8%. In year 2020, should price index remains the same as today, GDP will amount to USD 4.8 trillion, GDP per capita per capita will reach USD 3,300.

However, the level of GDP per capita is still very low in China at the moment, GDP per capita’s growth is still at a slow rate. GDP per capita will have to be further increased in order to raise China’s standard of living so as to bridge the present income gap between the rich and poor. Satisfaction of consumers’ needs can be the main driver in raising China’s living standards. Domestic demand will increase as the economy grows. Therefore extensive production of goods and services can further push and sustain the economy’s growth.

Moreover, there are abundant human resources in China, and labour cost in China is much lower than the other industrialized countries. China’s education system is also being fast developed, thus more people will achieve higher level of education than in the past. With comparative advantage in cheap labour cost and increase of human capital brought about by education, future for China’s economy can be only even brighter.

China’s labour force will get even bigger as the China is urbanizing at a fast pace, changing from a rural and agricultural society to an urban and industrialized society. Through this transition, more manpower can be utilized. Urban infrastructure will be further enhanced and an increase in urban population will bring about higher consumption level, thus driving the economy further.

The presence of such a big market, coupled by the increase in consumption power of the population brought about by urbanization, will create greater prospects for almost every industry. Market will become more efficient and industries will grow even faster than before. Domestic demand for goods and services will grow, creating better opportunities for production and investment.

Propane Gas Prices

2006-05-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

So you thought the fuel in the white container attached to your barbecue grill is some cheap fuel? You were wrong! Propane is a versatile fuel and it does not come cheap. Today there is a rising demand for propane across many sectors, such as residential and commercial, petrochemicals, farming, transportation, and several other industries.

Propane is extracted from natural gas or refinery gas streams, and its prices vary according to the customer, the season and the region. Propane is produced as a by-product in oil refineries and from natural gas plants. Since propane is produced as a by-product, propane demands cannot be adjusted when there is a demand for propane. Propane can also be bought from the international energy market via pipeline or sea tankers. Propane imports account for about 10 percent of the propane used in the US.

There are several factors that effect propane prices. Some factors are common to petroleum products, while others are specifically related to propane. Propane prices are affected by crude and natural gas prices. However, crude oil seems to be a big determiner of propane costs, since propane primarily competes with crude-oil based fuels in the market. As with any other item, propane prices are influenced by the demand-supply balance. The proximity of supply also determines the price of propane, and customers placed farthest from the major supply are likely to pay more.

The markets are also another big determiner of propane prices. Propane serves different markets, from producing petrochemicals to crop drying in farms, each with its own characteristics and needs. Propane prices in these markets are usually influenced by factors such as the prices of competing fuels, the distance propane travels to reach the user, and the volume of use. Residential demand, for example, is dependent on the weather, and so propane prices usually peak during winters. Today the residential and the commercial sector accounts for about 45 percent of all propane used in the US.

The petrochemical industry uses about 38 percent of the propane in the US. Propane is used by the industry to make plastic, cosmetics, alcohol, fibers and other commodities. With a rise in the prices of propane, the petrochemicals industry can easily switch over to other raw materials. Such a wider choice of this industry is a major driver for propane prices. Moreover, even within the petrochemical industry the demand is regional, because of the high concentration of petrochemical plants in the Gulf Coast region.

Japan As The Gateway To The New World Order

2006-05-18T07:15:00.000-07:00

Japan As The Gateway To The New World Order

Japan was literally reduced to ashes at the end of the Second World War. Japanese people scavenged for anything to sustain themselves in those dark days following surrender. A piece of bark from a rotten tree or a limpid carrot root must have passed as a great meal.

Each exhausting day must have been just as bleak as the previous one. The infrastructure, what remained of it, was in total disarray. The country was in chaos. Panic was ensuing after news spread of the devastation that the atomic bomb had wrought on the peoples of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The losers (Japan) could not decide whether to embrace their conquerors or fight to the bloody death. It was only a painfully humiliating radio broadcast (at the urging of General McCarthur) by the Emperor Hirohito in which he admitted he was not divine that allowed the Allies to bring a horrific world event to a definable end.

One constant explains the miraculous economic recovery that Japan – a resource-poor island nation of 130,000,000 people – was to experience in the post-war years. That constant was its people and their strict adherence to rules, conformity, perseverance sacrifice, and a Confucian respect for the elderly.

Let us fast-forward to the Year 2006. Japan has regained some of its resiliency. The arrogant swagger of the early 80s has returned in some quarters after the economic malaise of the late 90s. An Internet Technology (IT) boom has arisen in an eerily similar manner to the one in the U.S. a few years’ back. Large companies are restructuring and discovering new business paradigms and marketing models. New trends in retailing are emerging.

In Japan’s aging society, youth rule the roost. The ubiquitous cellular phone is even more popular than cigarettes and booze. Old-fashioned, archaic company structures have given way to promotion by merit. Language of respect has all but disappeared except in stuffy, unwieldy organizations that represent the old Japan.

Let me address the negative side of Japan? Public manners are becoming atrocious in some circles. Elders are often ignored or disrespected. Murders, kidnappings, extortions and a host of other crimes that were almost unheard of (outside political and gangster circles in Japan until the mid-1980s) are surging at an alarming rate. These sore points are slowly being addressed.

Significantly, young people have no sense of urgency and no sense of direction. Money and the pursuit of it have weakened the Japanese underbelly. Grown, employed children often live at home until well into their thirties or forever. Supported by mom and dad, they stay put under the pretext that it is too expensive to live independently.

The terror and hardship of war mean nothing to these new-age drifters. They are showered with gifts, with money, with toys, with contraptions. They are the first generation of children spoiled by prosperity and they harbor no sense of community responsibility.

As bad a picture as I just painted, Japan is ready to be the center of a marketing boom. The technology, the infrastructure, and the trappings of modern life are all firmly planted. A new, prosperous lifestyle is emerging here that is fitting for the advanced society Japan has become. This is a great place to live and to work in the next generation, as the world shifts from the West to the East.

A savvy entrepreneur or netrepreneur should definitely be looking to the Orient and to modern Japan as the gateway to emerging markets.

Boost Sales Through Inexpensive Press Release

2006-04-18T08:54:00.000-07:00

Inexpensive online press releases are a wonderful vehicle for getting your message out to the marketplace. They create visibility, enhance credibility and live on forever. What's more, implementing a sustained campaign of online and printed press releases is an economical means of driving qualified traffic to your Website. In short, press releases are one of the best sales tools a small business can embrace.

Using inexpensive services like PRWeb to distribute a press release online is an excellent means of capturing widespread coverage for a product announcement, big sales win or an upcoming event. PRWeb even offers a free press release process! Other online press release agencies include 24-7 Press release, WebWire, XpressPress and Send2Press. All provide a variety of services, from simply distributing your press release online to utilizing their inhouse expertise. Some can even help you develop professional podcasts.

For small businesses, online press release solutions are a "do it yourself" inexpensive alternative to PR firms. Typically, these services offer free tutorials to help you create your release, along with sample formats and templates. Anyone with some writing skills can send out a professional-looking press release. And if you still have some trepidation, employ the service's optional expertise to help you create or edit your release.

The beauty of online press releases is that you can embed links which drive interested traffic back to your Website! And online press releases float around the Internet forever. Getting picked up by press sites, newspapers, magazines and email newsletters, they provide a plethora of one-way links to your site and thus also drive up your search engine ranking.

Don't just send out your press releases online. Local newspapers and industry periodicals are always eager to get "filler' materials. If you email or fax your press release to them with a cover letter, they will likely print it. Include an electronic photo if you like. Be sure your Website URL is spelled out somewhere in the release.

For best results in getting your release placed in printed publications, edit it to fit the target section (e.g., "New Products"), then look up the relevant editor and contact him (her) directly. You can also directly access an industry publication's editorial schedule online to ascertain the focus of each issue and time your release with a relevant issue for added mileage.

Don't forget to set up a "News" section on your website to archive your press releases. This let's visitors catch up on your company activities. It also builds company credibility. And if you create an RSS feed for your press release section, you will see even more traffic traveling to your site.

So, one simple document gets a lot of attention. Try accomplishing one online press release monthly with embedded links. Develop contacts with local newspapers and relevant industry publications for printed placement too. You will be surprised at the jump in your Website traffic. And these are people who, having read your release, are already interested in what you offer.

Press releases – they are a cheap way to boost your Website traffic, enhance your industry image and generate qualified sales leads. You gotta love them!

IT Marketing: Get Your Expertise Across

2006-03-27T08:35:00.000-08:00

Two powerful tools to influence your target audience are case studies and your website. These tools show your potential customers that you are their best solution. In this article, you'll learn how to use case studies and websites to help with your IT marketing.

Case Studies

A case study is a really fancy testimonial. It usually has the picture of the client with their logo, their full name, address, and other contact information.

A case study will have a few short paragraphs where the client talks about the benefits that they've received by working with your firm over the years, and a strong endorsement signed by them and your firm's contact information at the bottom as a call to action. If you're targeting small medical offices, for example, and you have two to four related case studies, they can be incredibly powerful.

Websites

A website is an important IT marketing tool for your business. Put the right content into it so it gives the maximum impact to your clients. Don't waste your time on irrelevant things like advertising the cheapest power supply or motherboard. Focus on your industry specific solutions and solving the niche's biggest IT problems.

Each Web Page Should Address a Niche

If you have three niches that you're targeting for your IT marketing, have a page for each of them. And make sure each page talks about some industry-specific trends and how your IT solutions tackle these problems.

You should know your niche's hot buttons. You should know the typical software packages that are going to move people into believing that you have strong competence in this area. (This is the perfect time to do some selective “name dropping” if you have specialized knowledge.) Know the specific benefits that you're delivering for your niche and have those benefits on your Web site.

IT Marketing: Emphasize Service on your Website

Most of your website activity is going to come from two places.

1. You've generated the demand somewhere else and you're using the Web site as a replacement for an expensive, fancy glossy brochure.
2. competitors poking around on your Web site looking for information.

You want prospects to be clear when they hit your Web site that your emphasis is on services… and the problems that these service solve for certain kinds of small businesses.

The Bottom Line on IT Marketing

Utilize case studies and your website to get more impact from your IT marketing activities. Make sure you address your individual niches and the problems each of them encounter.

Copyright MMI-MMVI, Computer Consultants Secrets. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
Joshua Feinberg - EzineArticles Expert Author

Joshua Feinberg helps computer consultants get more steady, high-paying clients. Learn how you can too. Sign-up now for Joshua's free Computer Consultants Secrets audio training.

3 Marketing Tactics That Will Send Your Sales Through The Roof

2006-03-22T14:04:00.000-08:00

When the tide comes in, all boats in the harbor go up... the tough part is figuring out how to bring the tide in. Booming economies come and go and bring surges of profit increases, then ebb to leave behind shortages and tough times. Regardless, there are some business that just seem to weather the tough times with grace, not really affected by recessions. It's almost as though they have a secret source... maybe they do... customers.

Hey, customers always buy... in the good times and in the bad times. They still have needs and still make purchases. When you understand their needs and wants, you have the keys to keeping your business afloat when others are grounded. Implement these three tactics successful marketers use, and you're set for success.

1. Just One

Customers can be like a two year old in a candy store... they want it all. Yeah, sometimes it’s hard to make up your mind about what you really do want when everything looks so good. That’s why it pays to promote one product over the others. It spells out loud and clear... I’M THE BEST DEAL. That will be the deciding factor in most cases.

2. Make Them Feel Good

Customers buy because they want to enjoy the benefits of the purchase. A lady might buy a dress because she wants to feel sexy, or a man will buy a saw because he finds pleasure in creating things. Emotions are the key element that drives purchases.

Use word pictures to stir up the emotions that will instigate the sale. Let them “feel” the benefits, and they’ll be more apt to head for the cash register. Put them where you want them.

Selling a riding mower? ... the birds are singing, Easter lilies are blooming and kids are flying kites in the wind... spring has arrived. Yep, it’s time to get out that mower and fuel it up for the summer ahead. How many springs have come and gone since you promised yourself a riding mower? ... It’s not hard to paint mental pictures that whet their appetite for the product you are advertising.

3. Make Contact

Following up with a customer who didn’t buy can be the determining factor between and “almost sale” and a satisfied, loyal customer. Simply contact them afterwards and let them know the product is still available or offer them further information they may find valuable.

Internet marketers can offer free newsletters or reports that consumers find useful and marketers find profitable. Not only do you keep your product in front of the customer on a regular basis, you get email information to stay in contact. Both parties win!

Consulting Contracts with National Service Organizations - Good Idea?

2006-03-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

Don't do it. Why not? You'll spend a lot of money and a lot of time getting certified and learning all the latest platforms and technologies. But the reality is that hardware repair is a commodity - a low margin business. And it's becoming more and more of a commodity service every year as the components become more disposable and more replaceable than repairable. In this article, you'll learn why consulting contracts with national service organizations are not the best choice.

Computers Are Now Replaceable

Let's take a $600 consumer-grade PC for example. Who's going to spend money on an out-of-warranty repair on a $600 PC? Who's going to spend money on an out of warranty repair on a $400 laser printer? How much money are small businesses willing to spend on this kind of repair?

Low Labor Allowances for Consulting Contracts

Since national service organizations are going to primarily be dealing with warranty repairs on relatively inexpensive hardware, how much labor allowance do you think they're really going to give up on a $1,200 notebook? Many big hardware vendors are so cash strapped that they're always on the verge of going out of business constantly. Dell, HP, and IBM are pretty much the only major hardware players that are still in reasonably good financial shape (even if you consider IBM in the hardware business anymore).

The Profit Margin on Repairs in Consulting Contracts

So, what are you going to make on a repair? Fifty dollars? A hundred dollars? $150 or $200 at the absolute most? You're going to do a lot better by finding small businesses in your area that need high-level professional services on a regular basis.

Consulting Contracts with National Service Providers Aren't Profitable

Acting as a subcontractor for a national service provider is a really hard way to run a consulting business. Do you want to be in eight different offices every single day, or do you want to be in one or two? Do you want to be billing out at $100 or $150 an hour for high-end network support services and network integration services? Or do you want to be told that you're going to be allowed a $65 labor allowance to replace a system board, no matter how long it takes you?

The Bottom Line about Consulting Contracts

Repairing and troubleshooting hardware is low-end commodity work. It's work that can be done by people that are billing out at $20 or $30 an hour. It's not the high-end consulting you could be doing with consulting contracts. Don't ever confuse the two.

Copyright Notice:

Copyright MMI-MMVI, Computer Consulting 101. All Worldwide Rights Reserved. {Attention Publishers: Live hyperlink in author resource box required for copyright compliance}
Joshua Feinberg - EzineArticles Expert Author

Joshua Feinberg, co-owner of Computer Consulting 101, gets computer consulting businesses more steady, high-paying consulting clients. Now you can too. Just sign-up now for your free access pass to these field-tested, proven computer consulting secrets at Computer Consulting 101.

Avoid The Marketing Two-Step

2006-03-16T08:12:00.000-08:00

Small business marketing seems to go one of a couple of ways. Here are two basic definitions of marketing. You can decide for yourself which one you're using to try and market and grow your business.

1. Marketing is the coordinated and systematic use of strategies and tactics to generate a consistent supply of high-quality leads for your small business.

2. Marketing is a two-step process.

It's a good bet that you're using definition number two to try and take your own business to the next level. Sorry, you may like the first definition better. But, experience tells me that most small businesses are subscribing to definition number two.

If you are one of those businesses, I can almost guarantee that your results are not what you'd like them to be. They can't be because the two-step marketing approach just doesn't work.

Are You Doing The Marketing Two-Step?

Let's back up for a minute. Just what the heck do I mean by saying "marketing is a two-step process" anyway?

You might remember back in the early 1990's (early in my own work career) that country music was very popular. Names like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Clint Black were topping the charts. If these names don't sound familiar to you, that's ok, you'll still get the point.

This popularity of country music introduced a whole generation of people to country dancing. One very well known type of country dancing is the Texas Two-Step. The Texas Two-Step is pretty easy to learn because... well there are really only two steps. God bless Texas for naming the dance so we'd all know what we're doing.

Unfortunately, way too many small businesses are using a two-step process. It's the most common approach to marketing across all industries. But incredibly, it's the most ineffective, time-wasting, energy-wasting, and money-wasting approach available.

How Does The Two-Step Work (I mean NOT work)?

Pick a marketing tool, any marketing tool- an advertisement, a brochure, a direct mail piece, a web site, promotional email, etc. It doesn't really matter the tool so much as it does the way most small businesses try to use it.

In the two-step process, the marketing tool simply announces the product or service being offered, list a few features (maybe even some benefits), sometimes makes a special introductory or discount offer, and then list the company contact information (usually phone number and/or web site). That's step one.

Step two is that your prospects or existing clients get so out-of-their-mind excited that they contact your right away to either buy, or they at least ask for more information about it.

Have you ever seen an ad, brochure, direct mail piece, web site, or promotional email like this? Sure you have because everybody is doing it - and there in lies part of the problem.

Back in the early nineties, it seemed like everyone was doing the Texas Two-Step. So if you weren't learning it, you were out of step. Sorry, I couldn't resist the pun.

Why Does Everyone Do It If It Does Not Work?

Most small business owners feel comfortable and safe doing what everyone else is doing. Part of the reasoning seems to be that 'it must work or everybody else would not be doing it.' But it doesn't work. Everyone else is doing it because they're simply looking to see what everyone else is doing.

It becomes a real vicious cycle of copying ineffective marketing ideas from everyone else. Don't believe me? Try this little test.

Grab a handful of newspapers, business journals, chamber newsletters, and/or trade publications and scan the ads. Open up the yellow pages and scan the ads. Collect the direct mail pieces or brochures you come across in the next week. Visit a handful of your competitors' web sites.

I'd be willing to bet that a majority of your research will reveal the company name used as the headline, a list of four or five service offerings, maybe a couple of benefit type statements or a special offer, and number to call for more information.

That's following the 'marketing is a two-step process' definition. And chances are you're following it as well. If you are, I feel confident in saying that you're not happy with your marketing results. You simply can't be because the two-step doesn't work in marketing.

Make Your Marketing More Than A Two-Step Process.

What you need is a consistent, systematic approach to marketing. That means incorporating and combining the various pieces of your marketing strategies and tactics together for greater impact.

Focus on providing valuable, useful information and resources to your prospective clients that actually help them solve problems and achieve desired outcomes. Yes, I realize that is what you typically expect your clients to pay for. But, what you may not realize is that it is also the best way to attract new clients consistently.

Now realize that this is not simply offering to give away a portion of your products or services for fr~ee. That rarely works.

Allow me to illustrate with an example. Consider the difference between a two-step networking approach and a coordinated, systematic approach to networking. In a two-step approach, you go to an event and give out your card to as many people as you can meet urging them to call to "go to lunch" or "have coffee" sometime.

In a coordinated, systematic approach you go to an event and focus on making a few great connections. You ask other's for their card and tell them that you have a recent article you've written that you'd love to send them. When you send the article, you let them know that if they like the information, they can download another special report off your web site when they subscribe to your fr~ee monthly ezine... I could go on, but I hope you're beginning to see the difference.

Better Marketing Approach - Better Results.

If you're not getting the results you crave from your current marketing approach, then it's time to change your approach. Isn't a popular definition of insanity 'doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results?' Keep doing the marketing two-step and you'll keep getting the same disappointing results you've always gotten.

Don't be fooled if one of your competitors or some other company you admire appears to be successful despite using the marketing two-step. There is most likely additional coordinated marketing activity going on that you're simply not aware of.

Also, don't be fooled by anyone trying to tell you that you just need to keep running your ads again and again so that you build up name recognition and brand awareness. The thought is that the repetitive exposure and awareness will build up so that eventually your target market will know you're out there and business will start to happen. It's a myth.

Trust me, it's more than being persistent and putting your two-step message out there again and again that is keeping anyone from calling. You may get lucky from time to time and strike just when someone is looking for exactly what you offer, but your results won't be consistent.

By having a coordinated, systematic approach to marketing you're placing value on obtaining prospects. You'll be able to generate a constant supply of high-quality leads that you can work on building up interest, credibility, and trust with until they're ready to say 'yes' and begin a conversation about how you might be able to help.

That's what an effective marketing approach can do for your business. Leave the two-step to dancing at country bars.

Marketing Guru: Springboard Marketing

2006-03-14T06:49:00.000-08:00

Aligned Marketing Ploys

Steeped in the ever changing flavors of time, marketing ploys drift along dependent on the economic stressors of the money code. What bears the weight, what leaves us cold, or what feels right is often the determining factor of what marketing ploys work.

When a marketer works off the economy, sucks autonomy from the season, and builds on what has already evolved in the business world their marketing is effective. Currently effective marketing would have something to do with random negligence, a comment, or pun implicating lack of forethought randomly placed will capture attention. But is it good marketing?

Any strategic marketer will recognize the ploy and jump past it. Buyer be ware, kind of restrictions might apply in most cases. The reader might altruistically manage to get past the ploy, and yet if the implication is subtle enough - the ploy becomes subliminal and therefore a working strategy to get the attention of the reader.

Subtle market strategy becomes a dominant factor in marketing. How strong are your base marketing ideals? Do they capture the audience? Do they get attention fast and keep it?

Plan your marketing ploys to get the attention of the consumer and direct them to your most effective position and let them make their own decisions - with your encouragement.

Jan Verhoeff is an expert marketer with more than two decades of experience in making things happen on the sales front. Feature marketing strategies are effective and direct. For more information about marketing your product and strategy that will work for you, see eBiz Blitz at http://www.freewebs.com/ebizblitz

Develop Business by Mastering the Random Encounter

2006-03-09T09:56:00.000-08:00

Business opportunities present themselves everyday. If you turn random encounters into networking opportunities you will have more business than you can handle.

Imagine this Scenario:

You are in line waiting to buy a bagel and coffee at your favorite shop and you see a person who can dramatically help your career. Let’s say it is the Owner of a business that you have been talking to for months but you just can’t gain any traction. How do you approach this powerful person without looking like an aggressive psychopath?

When taking advantage of the random encounter, there are four steps you should follow for maximum effectiveness. They are:

Allow the other person to assume a position of power. When you ask for advice, directions, or even something as simple as the time, who has the power? The person providing the information has the power and control of the interaction. They can walk away or refuse to answer. Most people, when they have control of a situation, are immediately more comfortable and less intimidated – which means they are more likely to be open and receptive.

Establish common ground. You can do this by talking about a third party, a neutral subject, or an experience that everyone can relate to. The key here is to establish some sort of small emotional connection with the other person. Your goal is to get them to feel what you feel.

Compliment them and ask for some harmless information. You have now exchanged at least two sentences with the other person. The next step is to make him feel good. Say something like, “I could not help but admire your watch. Did you pick it because it is functional or because it looks great?” The objective is to get them to give you advice. Eventually you can work a question about where they work and what they do into the conversation.

The “By the way.” After you have had your two-minute conversation and you prepare to leave, say something like, “Oh, by the way, my name is Dave,” and offer your hand for a handshake. Then you can say, “May I call you if I need some advice on _______?” They will most often respond affirmatively. If they don’t, just give them your business card and say that you enjoyed speaking with them.

The random encounter is just that – random. You don’t have to make a perfect presentation. Act naturally and remember the individual you are speaking with is a person just like you. Don’t be intimidated. Be yourself and you’ll win them over.

David Lorenzo has more than 20 years of business experience as a successful corporate executive, entrepreneur, strategist, author, and speaker. He has worked with and mentored some of the world’s most successful businesspeople while helping lead many large organizations to unprecedented success. His latest book is titled: Career Intensity: Business Strategy for Workplace Warriors and Entrepreneurs.

Mr. Lorenzo’s experience in starting new business enterprises and repositioning under-performing business units, along with his ability to implement innovative performance improvement solutions, makes him one of today’s most sought-after trusted advisors.

Mr. Lorenzo is a participant in the Wharton Fellows Program at the University of Pennsylvania, a management think tank that meets regularly to analyze and address timely business issues. He received his MBA from the Lubin School of Business at Pace University, and he received a Masters of Science in Strategic Communications from Columbia University in New York City.

Dave's blog is http://www.careerintensity.com/blog

Attention: Entrepreneurs -- Is Your Business Name Working?

2006-03-08T08:59:00.000-08:00

During the past decade, I have noticed the prevalence of name changing, as I am sure you have also. Several of the organizations with which I am involved have chosen new and different names that they feel represent them and their missions more descriptively. Companies who were ready for a new start have changed names to reflect a new attitude, direction and/or focus. Some of these changes have made a positive difference, others have just caused confusion.

What we name ourselves, our businesses and/or the way we describe our services can make a huge impact. For example, I teach fitness classes and have discovered that the name of the class can determine how many people try it (of course, just like a business, once you attract them, you must make it so good they want to return). I started teaching a lower body callisthenic class which has turned into a huge success. Rather than naming it "Lower Body Workout," I feel that the name we chose -- "Pain in the Butt" -- has helped to attract the large number of participants.

Decide what impression you want to have your name and/or the name of your company make. For example I know many independent professionals who use their own name followed by "and Associates." This sounds serious and a bit conservative to me. Law firms that in the past have listed many names of the various partners are now shortening their names. A good example is Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue which became Jones Day at the start of 2003.

I chose the name "Creative Keys" for my company because I work in so many different creative areas it covers them. I like the word "Keys" because keys open doors and more, and because my initials are CK it seems easy for people to remember it. Although, I must admit that I sometimes get calls from people needing a set of keys to open a locked door.

When choosing a longer name, consider whether it would work as an acronym. People remember acronyms, especially if they are short and punchy. Our Ohio storytelling group goes by the name of O.O.P.S! which stands for the Ohio Order for the Preservation of Storytelling -- a real mouthful. The fun part is that when I am giving a presentation or being introduced for any reason, I always have the emcee mention my involvement with the Ohio Order for the Preservation of Storytelling so that when I get up to the lectern, I say, "O.O.P.S!, that's another story." It is not only an attention getter, it is also easy to remember.

Think of all of the easy acronyms: IBM, UPS, FedEx, P & G, MS, to name a few. I do a lot of work with community development corporations and their names are long, so acronyms fit the bill. The Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition is known as CNDC for example. Once you have picked a name with a reasonable, easy-to-remember acronym, you will need to repeat it everywhere until others become used to it - just as they will with any name that is heard often.

Take your time and have fun picking a great name for your business. You want it to last a long while and be remembered easily.

Can India Retain the Reign of Offshore Outsourcing King

2006-03-06T07:21:00.000-08:00

For instance just Yesterday, company based at France, Cap Gemini Ernst & Young, fifth largest IT services firm thought out world, had open a new Software Development center in Mumbai suburban area and that will accommodate 250 IT-professionals. The organizations chief said that “We are really looking forward for stepping stone and building a much bigger presence in nation like India".

With that main Offshore Outsourcing announcements by India have come furious and fast recently like this; International Business Machine is going to open a Linux research laboratory and give way to employment to 510 professionals; With 1350 IT-developers, Nortel Networks in India, will spend 350 million dollar in the next four years and increase employment by 500 additional R&D scientists; Cisco Systems spend 200 million dollar in future for Software Development center.

So one can see that India is currently on a roll but the question is that how long can it hold this crown? With the prediction by NASSCOM, that 6 billion dollar for software exports by this year and it will go 50 billion dollar by year 2008, but some have started questioning that whether India can maintain competitive edge or not. Cheaper cost IT Outsourcing in China, with that Philippines, Russia and Pakistan are also sprouting up and competing for Outsourcing projects, so it indicates that unlikely India will reach the lofty goal.

The U.S. IT Association estimated that around 845,000 Information Technology jobs in America will go to be un-filled this year. For a 1st year graduate student, it will start out with salaries of 45,000-50,000 dollar and it will rapidly escalate. So with that no doubt the Offshore Software Outsourcing industry will continue its hyper expansion in the next six to seven years with Western companies look for cheaper and cheaper overseas talent to fill those gaps, but it is doubtful that India could hold its crown or not.

If India will slip from the Offshore Outsourcing leader, there are so many low wage nations that might be happy to pick up the show. Like Pakistan, has also soughed to emulate neighbor’s success with offer of similar tax benefits for MNC-s. At the same time China looks like the biggest threat to India, with more than 400,100 Software Development engineer, but only 35,100 out of it is qualified to do high level kind of work, that systems integration software projects coveted in India. For the work of software applications maintenance and migration projects, the Chinese employees are well qualified with high technical skills and can come at a significantly cheaper salary as compared to Indian counterparts.

For more informaion: http://spaces.msn.com/software-outsourcing. About TatvaSoft: A professional software development company specializing in software developmenton outsource basis. http://www.tatvasoft.com

Generating Leads And Making Sales: Advice For Trade Show Exhibitors

2006-03-03T13:34:00.000-08:00

Trade shows are one of the best ways to market your products or services and advertise your business to interested buyers. Even for successful companies, trade shows can increase sales and public exposure dramatically. Trade show booths allow businesses to directly connect with the people that purchase their products or services.

Though the reasons for exhibiting at a trade show are obvious, simply setting up a trade show booth is not enough if you really want to make the most of your expense and time. Generating leads and making sales are your priorities and your trade show booth – both the physical space and the display – can help you do this. When you are displaying a trade show booth, you want to project just the right image for your company; one that makes potential clients want to learn more after their first glance. Although people’s eyes should be drawn to your trade show booth, it shouldn’t be because it is simply flashier or louder than the others. Flashy or loud may be good for sales if your business is video games or music, but if your business is selling gourmet foods to restaurants you probably don’t want to advertise your booth with a flashing neon light or loud ear-splitting rap music. Your trade show booth should reflect your company’s brand and market, while still offering just that little extra effect that makes it stand out. This may sound difficult, but it really isn’t. It just takes a little pre-trade show planning.

For the sake of keeping it simple, let’s say that your business is selling candles wholesale to retail outlets. You want your trade show booth to let people know immediately what your business is all about and understand immediately why your business is unique and worth looking into. Remember, depending on the trade show there may be other businesses that sell the same thing you do, so just simply stating your business name and what you do will not be enough. You don’t want to be obnoxious, though, so having a hundred lit candles placed all over your booth would be too much. Don’t overwhelm potential clients – it will turn people away. A better idea would be to display your best candles around the booth, unlit, and then have professional brochures placed next to each type of candle that you are advertising. Offer coupons for large discounts or money-back guarantees on a first bulk-purchase – this shows that you have complete confidence in your product. And consider a giveaway like a tealight or other small candle so attendees can take your product with them. This encourages them to use your product and to contact you if they are interested.

Remember that it is your expertise and professional demeanor that people will remember the most, despite all of your display magic. Though the day may prove to be long, remember to sound fresh and excited when talking to each prospective client. Every interaction is a chance to make sales and generate leads. Practice your sales techniques in front of a mirror if you think that will help. Ask friends and colleagues what they think of your sales pitches, and be willing to accept constructive criticism. Most of all, with each potential client, project confidence. If you can show that you really believe and are excited about your product, your enthusiasm will be contagious.

A trade show is a good venue to generate sales leads and establish new business contacts. Making a sales presentation is easy - you know your product and can speak to its features and benefits. You likely have several different presentations depending on the audience, length of time you have to speak and the product you are showcasing. Use these presentations while you are meeting with prospective clients at your trade show booth and you will feel confident that you are providing them with the pertinent information they need about your company and products. Think of a trade show as a place where you can make many sales presentations all day long to a targeted audience of people attending the trade show. This is the best way to exude confidence and make sales.

Mat Kelly is the president of ExhibitDEAL, the Original Exhibit Wholesaler specializing in trade show booths. They provide 20, 10 and 8-foot pop-up displays as well as custom trade show displays – on the web at http://www.exhibitdeal.com/

Can Your Superstar Sales Person Become Your Superstar Sales Manager

2006-03-01T14:27:00.000-08:00

Finding the right person to fill the sales management role is a common quandary in wholesale distribution. It can be especially challenging when a decision is based strictly on sales territory performance without regard for the specific skill sets required to lead a sales force.. 2005 has been a good year in wholesale distribution with some industries recording double digit growth rates. With market cooperation like that, most sales people are smiling as they hit or exceed their quotas. Deciding on the right sales person to promote to sales manager can become a difficult and risky decision..

“We need a new sales manager. Let’s promote Tommy, he’s our leading producer in field sales.”

“No! We can’t afford to lose Tommy’s production in the field.”

“That’s not a problem. He can be a working sales manager and still call on his key accounts.”

Most of us should recognize that conversation but not many of us recognize the fallacies that lie within it. In wholesale distribution, it seems that the primary prerequisite for becoming a sales manager is being the top performing sales person. Promoting our top performing sales person to sales manager simply due to results is a big mistake. Personal experience tells me it has less than a forty percent chance for success. Our chance of success is decreased even further if we really believe that our sales manager can manage the sales force and still be solely responsible for a number of high volume accounts.

Different Skill Sets

It is an undisputable fact that different skill sets are required to become a successful sales manager as compared to being a successful sales person. Selling is a profession that requires professionals. Managing a group of professionals with the type of personalities required to succeed in sales is no easy task. Yet, in my humble opinion, it is probably the most important management position you can hold in a company. Sales management holds the key to meeting company objectives. Effective sales management builds the platform for success. Sales people are not the easiest group in the company to manage. If they were they would not be sales people. Selling is not easy. It takes a special talent, self motivation, self discipline, a passion to succeed and the ability to accept rejection. The reality of the situation is simple. The majority of sales people are not managed well. Let’s look at some common sales management mistakes to help us develop the list of hints I promised that will increase your ability to determine which sales person at your company is likely to succeed as sales manager.

Mistake ----- Low tolerance for process.

Let’s face it, there probably isn’t a sales person alive that likes paperwork and administrative tasks. However, a Super Star Sales Manager will be process oriented. They understand that success in sales is driven by best practice and best practice is built around process. Sales effectiveness depends on predictable and repeatable best practice. The Super Star Sales Manager will create the kind of culture that negates the inherent aberration by sales people for process, structure, detailed and documented action planning.

HINT #1

If your star sales person embraces structure, pays attention to detail, is always current with required communications, documents his action planning process and doesn’t whine about administrative requirements passed down by corporate, chances are he/she will have a high tolerance for process. This means he/she possesses a basic understanding of structure and accountability. Everything isn’t locked up in their head just because they have been doing it a long time and have had great success.

Mistake ----- Weak coaching and mentoring skills

Relationship equity is still a primary ingredient for sales success. However, relationship equity with the customer is quite different than relationship equity with peers, subordinates and executive management. A Super Star Sales Manager will build enough relationship equity with their sales force to be able to provide effective coaching and mentoring in reviewing the sales person’s activities. They understand that you must manage activities and measure results. This coaching and mentoring process includes buddy calls, monthly territory reviews that provide support and resources to leverage individual sales talent. This process includes opportunity recognition and pipeline management. What does the sales person have in the pipeline? Can the sales manager provide proactive support and resources to increase the chance of success?

Hint #2

If your star sales person is reluctant to accept or seek out help, this may be an indication of the Lone Wolf methodology. Maximizing territory performance requires a team effort. Utilization of all resources and support is mandatory to grow market share and maximize profitability. Look for the sales person that is successful but recognizes that they are not alone. Look for the sales person that shares the credit for success, coaches the inside sales staff, recognizes the contributions of customer service personnel and others in the organization. This sales person has also gained the respect of his peers and is often seen giving advice and sharing ideas.

Mistake ---- Lack of development programs and leadership skills training

Leadership skills are extremely important to effective sales management. This is especially true when managing a sales force that leans more to the route mentality, is in a comfort zone, becomes complacent or is focusing on demand fulfillment as opposed to demand creation. The ability to recognize the need to adapt your management style not only to the situation but also to the individual is a key to gaining respect and trust from the sales force. This is a learned skill. Failure to seek out leadership skills training can be detrimental to success. A prerequisite to success in sales management is the ability to recognize talent and develop that talent. A Super Star Sales Manager will recognize talent and is willing to help develop that talent to reach its highest potential. They also prune the garden effectively. This means they hire well but fire even better. Failure to formalize a development program for sales management is a big mistake.

Hint #3

If your star sales person is not interested in attending seminars, doesn’t listen to self development tapes and hasn’t read a sales book in the past year, chances are they believe they are as good as they are going to get. Look for the sales person that is willing to be away from his territory, sacrificing commissions to increase his individual knowledge. This is the type of sales person that is a sponge when it comes to continuing education in the fields of sales. This person not only seeks company sponsored training but is willing to invest his own money and time in self improvement activities. They have a philosophy of continuous self improvement striving to be the very best that they can be.

Mistake ---- A Member of “The Lucky Territory Club”

Numbers alone don’t always tell the story. We need to analyze each individual success story. Just because a sales territory has performed well doesn’t automatically mean the sales person is a star. A ten percent sales growth sounds great but how good is it if the potential growth for that territory should be in the twenty or thirty per cent range. A ten percent sales growth in that territory sounds great but how good is it if the market in that territory actually grew by thirty percent and the sales person was in a comfort zone walking by opportunities daily.

Hint #4

When evaluating your star sales person for potential promotion, analyze the numbers thoroughly. Is the sales person the real reason for that territory success? Are the numbers as good as they appear when you consider all the factors? Determine how this territory was established. Is this sales person responsible for the long term growth of this territory or did they inherit it. Analyze new account development in this territory. Evaluate this sales persons prospecting skills. How many new accounts have been developed in the territory? What kind of penetration success has been demonstrated with existing accounts?

Hint #5

Look for the sales person that has the ability to think strategically. They are willing to sacrifice personal gain for the benefit of long term company success. (A rare quality). A sales person that may be a maverick and shoot from the hip occasionally but every risk they take is a calculated risk. Their personal objectives for territory performance are in alignment with the company’s strategic objectives in relationship to product development,, segmentation, vendor development and margin initiatives. Look for the sales person that has good communication skills internally, one that has learned to listen exceptionally well, a skill that often eludes some of the best sales personnel.

If you are ready to promote your star sales person to sales manager, pay attention to the hints listed in this article. If your star sales person measures up according to the factors discussed in this article, your chance of success increases dramatically. That means your Super Star Sales Person can become your Super Star Sales Manager. If they don’t measure up according to the hints discussed, look deeper into your sales organization for that sales manager or go outside the organization. There is no such thing as entitlement. Remember, different skill sets are required to be an effective sales manager.

http://www.ceostrategist.com Dr. Rick Johnson (rick@ceostrategist.com) is the founder of CEO Strategist LLC. an experienced based firm specializing in leadership and the creation of competitive advantage. CEO Strategist LLC. works in an advisory capacity with executives in board representation, executive coaching, team coaching and education and training to make the changes necessary to create or maintain competitive advantage. You can contact them by calling 352-750-0868, or visit http://www.ceostrategist.com for more information. CEO Strategist – experts in Strategic Leadership in Wholesale Distribution and Sales Management Effectiveness. Jump start your sales force by getting Rick's new book -- Lone Wolf to Lead Wolf, The Evolution of Sales.

Sales Letters: Teasing Your Way To Higher Response

2006-02-17T12:20:00.000-08:00

It’s estimated that your prospect is inundated with 17 different solicitations in his mailbox every week. So, like most of us, he checks his mail with his sales-defense shields on high. He sorts his mail standing over a trash can, giving each piece about 3 seconds consideration before deciding its fate.

Your job is to get past those defenses and get your letter opened. And your envelope has a lot to do with your chances for success.

There are two common tactics in sales letter envelopes. Tactic #1 is to try getting in under the radar: Leave the envelope blank, hand write the address if possible, and leave the return address blank (or include only the actual address, with no company name). Hopefully, your prospect will mistake you for an actual personal letter, and you’ll at least get opened.

Tactic #2 is to come out with phasers on kill: Not only does your envelope admit to carrying a sales message inside, it actually launches into that message before it’s even opened – with a headline printed right on the outside.

So which one works better? Well, Tactic #1 may be opened more often. But Tactic #2 will usually have a better response (with one important caveat, which we’ll talk about in a minute). Why?

Because Tactic # 1 gets your envelope opened, but unfortunately, it’s for all the wrong reasons. Your prospect tore it open thinking it could be a letter from Dear Aunt Susie. Or perhaps an old Sweetheart – who knew? Instead, he’s hit between the eyes with a sleazy sales message! He’s immediately disappointed and a bit miffed, and the letter winds up in the round file after all.

Tactic #2 works better because it’s honest. When well done, it connects with the prospect’s core buying emotion and sets him up for the sale. It draws him in, tickling his desire from the get-go.

Notice I said, “When well done.” (That’s the important caveat). Teaser copy on an envelope is just like a headline: It’s got to be good to work. Boring, irrelevant teasers get tossed. “Me-based” teasers get tossed.

But great teasers, the ones that look at the package from the prospects point of view, and speak directly to his core desires and emotions, get opened. And, if the letter inside continues to tap into those emotions, and fulfills the promises made in the teaser, a great teaser can deliver on the promise of a great response.
Lisa Packer - EzineArticles Expert Author

Does your marketing forge an emotional connection with your prospects? It can. Lisa Packer is "The Copywriter You Can Count On" for powerful, persuasive copy delivered on time, every time. Visit http://www.lisapacker.com and unleash the power of words in your business today.

Marketing - The Never Ending Story

2006-02-16T08:36:00.000-08:00

This article is in response to a number of conversations I’ve had recently with business people who ask about changes to their website. Usually the conversation goes like this. “Can you take a look at my website? I want to increase the traffic. I don’t seem to be getting many people to the site and don’t get any business from it.” I look at the site, get back to them with suggested changes and additions, and talk about what it takes to drive traffic and sales on the web.

They consider the proposal and say to go ahead. They also ask, “So is that all I have to do? Am I done then?”

Then the resistance factor takes over. Websites are something they don’t understand, can’t do themselves, but think they need, and consider just another expense. It’s like having a tooth pulled…they just want to get it over with.

There is so much hype from people that have something to sell that will “revolutionize your business” or “allow you to make money easily without working for it”. They imply, if they don’t say outright, that you put up a site and immediately started raking in the money, the leads, the sales. It does happen sometimes. BUT do you want to depend on luck? It can take up to 2 months for the search engines to discover your site and if you have broken any of the cardinal rules in the content or technical end of your site, they might not be back. Then again, just because people find your site, doesn’t mean they are interested in buying what you have to sell.

If you think of your virtual business as being an integral part of your bricks and mortar business, it makes sense to work on it. It should receive the same attention to grow and evolve. Think of it as a pipeline to deliver qualified prospects or as an opportunity to create another, not so hands on, income stream that completes sales electronically. It’s a chance to reach clients who may not be attracted to your more traditional marketing and advertising.

Plan to either pay someone to work on your site on a regular basis or have your site designed with a content manager so you can easily update the site yourself. If you have to hire someone to make every little change, are you going to do it? Decide what you want to call each page of your site. Write each name on a separate piece of paper and lay each out on the floor so you can see if the navigation of the site makes sense. There is a good reason that most sites are laid out with similar navigation. It works; so don’t try to redesign the wheel.

The area of your site that fits in your browser without scrolling is the most important part of your site so put what’s most important to your customers in that space.

Less is more, especially with website copy. People scan websites so consider that when writing and designing the layout of your copy. If you can’t tell visitors everything, at least tell them the things that are going to persuade them you can solve their problem.

One topic on one page. On a website there is no one door to access your business, there are as many entrances as you have pages. Help the search engines figure out what each page is about by being as specifically focused as possible in the content of each page.

Add content on a regular basis to encourage the search engines to keep coming back to your site. The single greatest reason that people search the web is for information. Give good information to them and they will come back and bring their friends.

Have someone experienced in SEO do your html titles and meta tags once you have your basic site content done and your site is live.

Create multiple opportunities for people to find your site by encouraging other relevant sites to link to your site. Above all, keep looking for chances to promote your site whether it’s at networking events you attend, trade shows, or in traditional marketing & advertising.

Change is a given. Life changes, people change, their wants and needs change. Successful businesses look at current results, watch trends, examine socio-economic factors, and look for opportunities. Responding to these opportunities requires non-stop marketing and modifications to keep appealing to your niche. The greatest advantage a small business has is the ability to turn on a dime.

You can write the ending of your own story in any number of ways but if you intend to stay in business, marketing must be written into the script!

For over 20 years, Nancy Fraser has worked with business owners to improve their marketing and advertising results. If your results are less than stellar, contact Nancy and her team to work with you to ramp up your results. http://www.notable-marketing.com, http://www.logo-design-tips.com

Salespeople: It Only Takes One To Break A Slump!

2006-02-06T11:33:00.000-08:00

In my book, How To Sell Like A Natural Born Salesperson, I tell a story about what happened to my dear dad, late in life.

He was a career salesperson, who dabbled in producing TV and radio. In his middle 60’s he accepted a sales job that should have been a breeze for him, but for some reason, he just couldn’t seem to “crack the nut,” as he put it, and earn his first sale.

This was excruciating, inasmuch as he was always the top rep and moneymaker wherever he worked.

I talked with him during this time, and occasionally we got together for dinner.

And to his credit, he never got down on himself. In fact, he told me: “Gary, it only takes one!”

I had heard this line before, when he was standing in the bleachers, as I was at bat. “It only takes one!” he would shout as an encouragement.

Of course, he was right.

You just need to put a good swing on a good pitch, and the rest will take care of itself.

Dad came through.

As it turned out, Elvis Presley’s manager, the famous Colonel Parker, gave him a huge order, the prestige of which carried dad on to one success after the next.

It just took one “king” to re-anoint another king, and peace came to the realm, once more.

Let this be an inspiration to you, when things aren’t going well. It just takes one success to turn everything around!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of www.Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

Today's Marketing: The Art of Hustling Air, And Then Some!

2006-02-03T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you could go back in time, to say 1985, and tell a venture capitalist that you had a great idea, taking water and putting it into plastic bottles and selling it for a buck or more a shot, what do you think he’d say?

Perhaps, “You’re crazy! No one will pay for something that they can get, free!”

And what if, in the next breath you said, “Better yet, I’m going to sell bottled air that people will inhale through nostril tubes, and I’ll call the places where they get their snorts, oxygen bars.”

Or, what if you said you had the contrarian idea of placing the label of a shirt on the outside of the collar, for advertising purposes, instead of the inside; or that you could get $300 and up for used looking jeans with holes cut in them?

How would these brainstorms go over?

The auto club just came out with a platinum card. It isn’t for charging goods and services.

It’s just an “elite” card that gives you a longer, tow, when your car breaks down. Maybe, there is some other bell or whistle attached—I don’t remember.

But there’s no question, this card is a moneymaker, and will probably become successful, because a certain number of people want the best, no matter what it seems to be.

I expect someone will package premium, 100% organic, gold label, rainforest-ripened, limited edition, manure, soon. Maybe they do, now, calling it a lawn builder.

The market is booming for ego products, and for nearly anything that sounds new or effete or trendy.

I’m not putting this down; I admire the marketers and entrepreneurs who are creative enough to pull off these coups.

I want to be like them when I grow up, if I can only be so audacious!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

New Marketing And Promotional Ideas

2006-02-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

New marketing and promotional ideas! Free! Most are related to internet-based businesses, but even those can usually be adopted in some way to other businesses. Here are half a dozen marketing ideas to get you thinking.

A one-hour coupon. Offline businesses that want to increase the traffic to their websites can announce an "internet coupon" good for a free drink (or whatever). The coupon would be up on the site for an hour, sometime on a Friday, say. Visitors will return again and again to try to be there at the right time to get the freebie. If you collect pay-per-click advertising fees, this repeat traffic might be especially profitable.

Free gift article teaser. A free gift is certainly not a new marketing idea, but it hasn't been done much in internet article "resource boxes." My click-throughs from articles increased when I started putting in the author's resource box, "For more information and a free gift, visit..." The gift is usually a short course, or an e-book. If you don't want to write an e-book, you can find one with free distribution rights.

Word links for sale. Maybe you have heard about the entrepreneur that sold a million pixels on one web page for a dollar each. Advertisers could buy a minimum of 100, and the image would link to their site. I've seen many copycats, but I haven't yet seen anyone selling words. This could be even better for advertisers, because they could buy the words that are relevant to their products. A page full of random words isn't pretty, but these things get publicity and traffic for their novelty.

Product user contests. If you have a product that's used in many ways or many places, this is a great promotional gimmick: a contest to see who has used their cell phone, watch, or whatever in the wildest place or the most unusual way. ("I took my walkman to the north pole!") Customers could post their stories and photos directly to your company web site. They wiould return repeatedly to see new stories, and the results of the competition.

Advertising on cereal boxes. A lot of time is spent staring at cereal boxes. Perhaps you could get a good rate on advertising on them. There have had some advertising, but no boxes covered in ads yet. Brokering ad space on cereal boxes could be a good business to get into.

Pay for article placement. Many of us distribute articles to generate traffic to our web sites, and many also pay to advertise. Since articles are especially good marketing tools, why not pay to have other webmasters put them on their sites? This is done for free now, but not often enough. Maybe offer a small one-time fee, with a minimum time commitment. Explain that leaving the article there forever can generate search engine traffic.

Put ads on private cars, advertising on sidewalks, have a contest to see who can get your product mentioned on and seen on TV - there are endless possibilities for new marketing and promotional ideas.

Steve Gillman has been exploring new ideas for decades. Visit his site for invention ideas, business ideas, story ideas, political and economic theories, deep thoughts, and more. Get a free gift too: New Ideas (http://www.999ideas.com)

The 7 Commandments of Marketing

2006-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Marketing is the key to success with any business, online or traditional. You can have a website or business location. You can have a great product. However, if no one has heard about your business or your product, you have NOTHING!

Marketing is everything you do to promote yourself and your business. Without an aggressive marketing effort, your website is just one of EIGHT BILLION listed on Google. Without an aggressive marketing effort, your store better have a location next to Walmart and hope for their overflow. How do you stand out from the crowd?

There are seven (let’s call them) commandments for your marketing efforts. Keep these in mind and you are well on your way to creating an effective marketing machine. Remember, there is only one way to score the effectiveness of your marketing efforts – SALES!

Commandment #1. Use a Rifle NOT a Shotgun

Rifles leave a neat, clean hole where you point them. Shotguns scatter shot in the general direction you point them. Most failed marketing efforts are born in a scattered marketing message aimed at the world.

Let’s say you were trying to sell a snowboard. To effectively sell a snowboard to a fifteen year old requires an entirely different conversation than selling the same item to his mother. Therefore, commandment #1 directs us to segment our possible customers into different groups who share common concerns. If your product could be sold to a fifteen year old or a 40 year old, you’d better decide who you are going to focus your marketing efforts upon for the greatest success.

Commandment #2. KNOW Thy Customer Like Thyself

Following commandment #1, we selected a targeted group of people for our marketing message. Now, we MUST understand that targeted market as well as we know ourselves. We must crawl within their mindset. We must understand what they think about our product, what they want from our product, and the alternatives they have to our product.

Customers buy for their reasons, not yours. If you want to sell them your product, you MUST sell to their concerns, not your own. Every piece of marketing copy must FOCUS upon them. If you don’t speak their language, you don’t get their money.

Commandment #3. Be PASSIONATE About Your Company & Your Product

Attitude is infectious. If we are around upset people, we begin to take on that attitude ourselves. If we are with positive people, the same phenomenon occurs. Most people like to associate with enthusiastic people. And, most of us like passionate people. If you aren’t passionate about your company and your product, why should anyone else be? Commandment #3 means to show passion for your product by speaking and writing about it with enthusiasm. Talk about what your product can help people accomplish in their lives. If you can’t work up enthusiasm for your own product or business, find another business or product.

Commandment #4. Accept the fact that “NO” won’t kill you

In the process of running a business and selling a product, you will hear “no” more frequently than you hear “yes” (if you’re doing it right). What? By “doing it right”, we mean you are TRYING things. Some work. Some don’t.

Whenever you think of a new marketing approach, remember, the worst that can happen is they say “no”. So, try it! This is not a matter of life or death. This is a great experiment!

“It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” - Charles Darwin

Commandment #5. Wear a CLOWN SUIT! It’s hard to ignore!

The cheapest and easiest marketing in the world is free advertising. How do you get free advertising? Wear a clown suit! Do something OUTRAGEOUS! Become news worthy. How?

When Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream first tried to expand to a nation-wide operation, it had trouble finding distributors. They determined the problem was that Pillsbury put out the word to all distributors not to work with Ben & Jerry’s. Pillsbury’s edict effectively blocked Ben & Jerry’s from the services of the national distributors. What to do? Put on a clown suit!

Ben & Jerry’s set up a one-man picket line outside Pillsbury headquarters. The picket sign read “Who’s the Doughboy afraid of?” The result? National-wide FREE publicity on television and newspapers. Publicity they couldn’t afford to buy.

In order to differentiate yourself from the crowd of competitors, you MUST be DIFFERENT! Design your own clown suit and wear it proudly!

Commandment #6. NEVER Give Up!

Albert Einstein said, “Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up“.

In marketing, everything you do moves you forward. If one campaign fails, you are that much closer to the one destined to succeed. Watch others. Learn from others. Learn from your own mistakes. BUT KEEP GOING!

Commandment #7. Always Be Closing

“Always be closing” is often referred to as the “ABCs of sales”. However, it also applies to marketing. The objective of marketing is to increase sales. Not to “inform”, “educate”, or “entertain”. I repeat: The objective of marketing is to increase sales.

Therefore, this last commandment directs us to write all marketing copy with the sale in mind. Only information that moves a potential customer toward a sale is allowed in our marketing copy. How do we know what should stay and what should go in our marketing materials? Read through it asking yourself one question – “So what?”

Another way of stating “so what?” is asking “why should the customer care?” You’ve been in business since 1972. So what? Your product folds flat. So what? You’re a family owned business. So what? The alternative?

“We have been in business since 1972 so you’ll always know where to find us. Since we are a family-owned business, you’re always talking to an owner who can answer your questions and solve your problems. Our product folds flat to save you valuable office space when not in use.” See the difference? Now you’re talking about the customer’s issues, not yours.

There you have my seven commandments of marketing based upon 33 years of business experience. “Commandment” is defined as “A formal pronouncement or rule”. Keep in mind and put into practice these seven commandments of marketing. When you do, your marketing efforts will result in the only true value of marketing – increased sales!

Michele Schermerhorn has over 30 years experience in the business world and over 12 years running her own successful online businesses. She is President of Online Business Institute Inc. (http://www.obinstitute.com) and regularly conducts free online seminars. Online Business Institute Inc. exists to “Create Successful Online Business Owners One Person At A Time”.

For Direct Marketers, Personality Is Everything

2006-01-31T08:44:00.000-08:00

I’m sure you’ll find this interesting. While recently wrapping up a CEO search for a leading consumer catalog and web company, nearly all the candidates who made our client’s short list had the same personality. Interesting, yes! But not peculiar.

The finalist candidates—four men and a woman—a talented mix of seasoned dm execs from across the country, were representing career backgrounds in a variety of product categories and company size.

In fact, after 12 years of assessment testing hundreds of men and women—senior-level direct marketing candidates for positions as CEO, President—for leadership roles in Finance, Marketing, Merchandising, IT, Operations, I’ve noticed the same thing. Over 75% of these individuals have the same personality and temperament type. So for me, testing this most recent group came as no surprise.

Why Can't We All Just Get Along?

The direct marketing executive personality type I’m referring to—and the one you may not be aware of—is shared by only 12% to 15% of the American population, according to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This is the standard-bearer of all personality assessments. In fact, it identifies sixteen distinctly different, universal personality types.

According to its publishers, Myers-Briggs is used by roughly nine out of 10 Fortune 100 companies and is administered to more than 2.5 million employees a year. The MBTI was developed 60 years ago based on the theories of psychoanalyst Carl Jung. It endures, because it does a great job of improving team relations by pointing out differences between how personality "types" perceive and process information.

The Right Fit

A Harvard University study found that for every dismissal based on failure to perform, there are two dismissals due to personality and communication problems. With the high costs of employee turnover, it's no surprise more and more direct marketing organizations are turning to personality and behavioral assessments to help evaluate job candidates, build teams and resolve workplace conflicts.

Think about it. You’re already testing offers, testing copy, testing merchandise, and testing catalogs. So why not your people?

If your business is not doing so, you ought to consider using testing (and there are numerous pre-hire assessment options to choose from) to fine-tune your hiring process and bring in top talent. It may help you get a handle on which candidates are most likely to succeed—evaluating candidates before they are hired. And give you some kind of idea of what makes them tick.

This raises the question: Are certain people genetically bred to go into direct marketing? Or does the very nature of the business effect personality and temperament? Take your pick. In my judgment, it’s a bit of both. "We want to learn more about candidates as individuals," says Andy Katz, President & CEO of pet supplies direct marketer, PetEdge. "Once a candidate is hired, this same information helps us understand and maximize their talents specific to the role they have," Katz adds. "And we continue to work on developing employees' self-awareness throughout their careers to help create an environment that ensures success."

You Can’t Study For It

In taking a personality assessment, experts advise candidates to answer the questions truthfully, not the way they think the company wants them to respond. There is often a validity factor built in where many questions are asked solely to determine whether the subject is answering truthfully and consistently.

Even if the candidate does fool the test, he or she will only wind up in a job or assignment that doesn't fit or will make you—and those around you—miserable. According to Bonnie Bass, a vice president of a professional dynametric programs testing organization, "When people feel the need to act unnaturally, they waste energy, experience stress and become unhappy and less productive. People are at their best when they're doing work that draws on their natural strengths and allows them to be themselves."

Free Offer: What’s Your Direct Marketing Personality?

I will give a free, confidential personality and assessment test to the first 10 senior-level direct marketing executives who respond by email. Discover your four-letter Myers-Briggs type. Learn how type affects your career, relationships, and personal growth, management style, teamwork, leadership, communication, and personal growth and development. And, I’ll announce the results: how many share the same personality and what that type is—in next month’s newsletter.

Preparation of the Marketing Campaign: Advertising

2006-01-30T08:20:00.000-08:00

Advertising: Of all the promotional mix elements, advertising is the one with the greatest similarities worldwide. The reason is that most advertising everywhere is based on American practices. The trend towards global marketing and economies of scale have prompted many firms to stress the standardization of advertising procedures.

The factors that influence advertising are: the type of product, availability of media and the foreign environmental forces.

1) Type of product: buyers of industrial goods and luxury products act on the same way worldwide, thus the standardization approach may be applied in these cases. This enables manufacturers of capital goods to market these goods worldwide with very little modification in the various markets. Firms such as Coca-Cola, Avon, and Levi Strauss use this international approach successfully.

2) Availability of media: Even when the campaign message is standardized, advertisers may find they cannot use the same media mix in all countries.

3) Foreign environmental forces: Like variations in the media availability, the foreign environmental forces act as deterrents to international standardization. Amongst the most influential of these forces are the socio-cultural forces. A basic cultural decision for the marketer is whether to position the product as foreign or local, and which way to go depends on the country, the type of product, and the targeted market. Close to these forces are the legal constraints applied in the local country. There are laws affecting media availability and also limitations on the type of products that can be advertised. For example some countries apply a special tax on advertising on certain media.

Javier Cristobal

CEO

IOL Enterprises Inc.

http://www.iolenterprises.com

Who Controls The Sale: The Buyer Or The Seller?

2006-01-26T11:11:00.000-08:00

How do you prefer to sell: through email & the web, by phone, or face-to-face?

How do your prospects like to buy?

What happens when these preferences conflict?

Famed management guru and my professor, Peter F. Drucker, was fond of pointing out that there are at least three kinds of customers:

(1) Readers
(2) Listeners, and
(3) Writers.
To his list, we can also probably add
(4) Talkers and
(5) Viewers.

These are the main modalities through which people like to get their information.

The general idea is we should respect customer preferences, communicating through media that are appropriate to each individual.

But is this the way we should sell? Should we defer to apparent customer preferences, or assert our own?

For instance, let’s say you receive an inquiry through your web site’s email, requesting additional information about your products or services. It’s easy to reply by scribbling something, or by attaching documents, and then by clicking the mouse.

This, it would seem, is what the inquirer is requesting, right?

But let’s say, at the end of the email, the person has “signed it” with his name and phone number. Should we take that as an invitation, or at least permission to respond by phone?

While I’m a writer, and I’m comfortable crafting responsive emails, I prefer to sell prospects in real-time, face to face, or by phone. I believe calling an inquirer quickly, not only shows I’m interested in earning his business. It gives me a chance to learn more about his project, his needs, budget, and I get to assess his sense of urgency and seriousness from his voice.

I can find out about his authority to buy, where he is in the process of evaluating sources of supply, and if he’s operating under a deadline. Also, how did he hear about me—from a referral, a search engine, one of my books?

I just can’t surmise this detail from an initial email, so there are solid selling reasons to get back with him by phone.

But there are risks, as well.

He may think it’s too aggressive, or premature, preferring to keep potential sources at arms length, for the time being. He may be a reader, preferring to sift through documentation, comparing sources, and planning his second dispatch.

But if I call, I can always follow that chat with literature, if that’s his wish.

I prefer to play to my strengths, rather than deferring to a prospect’s. So, I’ll make an effort to discover a person’s phone number, even if they haven’t provided one in their email inquiry.

When I call, I say that I wanted to make sure I sent the right information, and to do that it’s best to get acquainted a little with their specific needs.

What if they reply, “All I wanted was some basic information.”

This suggests they aren’t serious prospects, or that they’re simply going through the motions of shopping so they can seem that they’ve “objectively” settled on using someone else, a source they already decided to work with.

Or, they could be calling as shills for my competitors, to learn more about what I’m up to, for intelligence.

In any case, I can disqualify them from receiving further attention or more detailed information.

Ultimately, the question is who will control the buying process: him or me?

I’m comfortable taking control, as a principle of economy, not power, or personality.

The goal here is not developing an ideal relationship, it’s doing profitable business. That doesn’t always happen in an egalitarian context, or necessarily by putting the customer, first!

How to Get B2B Clients: A Primer for Copywriters

2006-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

n more than 20 years of copywriting for both business-to-consumer (B2C) and business-to-business (B2B) clients, I have found mid-size and large B2B clients to be generally easier to work with, and more professional than B2C. (I do not recommend working for small business in either B2B or B2C.)

In my experience, B2B companies tend be more “corporate” and less entrepreneurial in their thinking and procedures than B2C companies. For instance, B2B clients are more likely to use creative briefs, meet deadlines, and pay on time.

The marketing departments of B2B clients also tend to be more sophisticated in their approach to marketing; this is nice for the copywriter who wants to have more say in testing, offers, and other elements of a response campaign.

The more process-driven a marketing department is, the easier it is to get winning promotions, as well as information on the results of promotions, work samples, and other data that helps a copywriter build his business.

Winning a B2B Client

Because B2B clients are by nature more oriented to “professional” processes and thinking, the copywriter who wants to win their business must also appear professional. Here’s what you’ll need in order to successfully approach a mid-size, large, or enterprise-level B2B client:

• Professional-quality letterhead, envelopes, and business cards are a must. You don’t have to be exotic or fancy; graphic designers need flash and dazzle but copywriters don’t. Don’t fret about design…but do make sure your most basic business tools look professional. If you can’t afford a designer’s help, opt for simple and straightforward.

• Know what you stand for. It pays to create your own unique selling proposition (USP). These days both B2C and B2B clients want to know why you are the best copywriter for them. Once you determine what sets you apart, you should create a tag line that appears on your business cards and letterhead.

For instance, the tagline I helped one of my coaching students create is “Helping your build and maintain profitable long-term customers.”

• Go to a niche market. Related to the advice above, you will do well to go to a niche market for which you have a connection…a point of differentiation that sets you apart. Many experts will tell you that you can find your point of differentiation in your work history. But this is only partly true.

With my coaching students I regularly help them discover what makes them unique and special not only in their work history, but in their passions, and their talents.

For instance, one of my students wanted to use her literary talent to sell her copywriting; so we carved out a unique copywriting market that would appreciate — and benefit from — the power of her written talent for story telling.

• You must have a Web site. And it had better be professional. A professional Web site for the corporate market must exhibit obvious elements of good lead-generation.

The elements of a good lead-generating Web site are many; however, for the purposes of this primer, I will touch on the most important four elements:

1. Your Web site must have “you” orientation. It’s not about you, it’s about them. Your Home Page headline must acknowledge a pain of your audience, and offer a solution. One example from one of my coaching students: “Are you a software marketer looking for a steadier stream of qualified software leads?”

Contrast this with this “me oriented” Home Page headline of another copywriter: “Bill S., Freelance Advertising Copywriter.” Even the lead-in sentence was me oriented: “I’m an advertising copywriter, which is why my website utterly lacks graphics.”

2. Your Web site must have an offer. Direct marketing without an offer is not direct marketing. If you are a copywriter who wants to make a great income, then you must let your potential clients know that you will bring in more than you cost.

You offer should in some way convey that. In lead-generation, which is what your freelance business depends on, one of the best offers you can advance is free information in the form of a report, or other valuable information product.

3. Your Web site must have either a very clean, orderly, and simple but sophisticated design…or it must be designed by a graphic designer.

If designed by a direct response designer, your Web site will exhibit signs of high level branding and direct response design “magic”…all of which will impress a B2B audience.

An aside: In my experience, Webmasters are excellent at what they do, but they do not have direct marketing graphic design skills — even though they usually think they do!

If you’re going to build your Web site yourself, take the time to learn about direct response design; otherwise, invest a small sum in having a direct response designer create a design template that you can follow…or have her design the full site herself.

4. Post samples. Samples are the equivalent of showing a portfolio. For new copywriters, this is a tough one. But there are lots of ways to work this to your advantage.

First, understand that no potential client wants to see more than three samples; then understand that you can post a “spec” sample that never mailed; and third, know that you can even post a sample that was never entirely finished…

If, for instance, you did a critique of a potential client’s campaign, you can post that critique on your Web site — as long as you gained permission to do so.

A note on testimonials:

Yes, they’re important. But I was lazy in this department. Instead, I concentrated on getting response rates and writing case studies of my winners. Not having testimonials on my Web site never hurt me. However, one day I wanted to diversify into coaching and other copywriting related pursuits…and then I became concerned.

So my advice to you is to be vigilant about collecting testimonials. The moment your client says something positive about your work is the moment to say “can I quote that?”

• You must have business processes. Once again, because of their professional nature, B2B companies work best with copywriters who use fee agreements, creative briefs, meet deadlines, and nail down exactly what it is they’re expected to do (right down to the size and fold of the brochure), put it in writing, and then do it.

Many copywriters work without fee agreements, “set in stone” timelines, and like the “handshake” approach to doing business.

But not only is this a sure path to disappointment, it’s also a red flag to corporate clients that the copywriter is insecure, a poor business person, or both. Having a clear process for how you do business will not only make your business more profitable, but it will make the B2B client more confident in your abilities.

• Be a salesman. Whether their marketing is lead-generating or order-generating, B2B clients are very efficient at salesmanship and closing. Don’t shy away from mailing sales letters to them and then following up. They do it, and understand that it’s “just business” to be on the receiving end.

In fact, I’ve found it much easier to market to B2B companies than B2C. If you’ve done a good job of targeting — you’ve created a niche or USP that matches you with your target — then you should enjoy at least a 1% conversion rate to your marketing efforts. B2B companies are generally accepting and interested in your call, as long as you’ve done your homework to determine why you’re the best copywriter for them.

Master copywriter and coach Chris Marlow publishes a free ezine for copywriters who want to quickly build a profitable business. Visit:http://www.FreelancersBusinessBulletin.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Marlow

Successful Call Centers Don't Need High Technology

2006-01-21T11:41:00.000-08:00

walked into a call center the other day, a small one, and something amazing hit me.
There is absolutely no high technology present in the calling areas.
Sales reps use paper printouts of customer names, make chicken scratches to note who says yes, no, maybe, call back later, and not in.
No one is served by an auto-dialer.
This is a bare bones operation, and definitely a throwback to the 80’s, if not earlier.
Yet it is successful.
Let me repeat that.
It is successful, and instead of putting its extra cash flow into machinery, the company is investing in its people, in the form of training and coaching. The goal is to create better sellers, not faster typists or data entry clerks.
How refreshing. No computer screens, except in the managers’ offices.
I’ve wondered, of late, whether we’ve become a nation of nonstop screen watchers.
Tonight, at the mall, I picked up a pair of new sunglasses at one of those kiosks that’s smack in the middle of the walking area. An early 20s-ish fellow rang-up my order, and I noticed a flat screen with some show running on it. Very thin and about five inches long, it was bolted to his writing area, next to the charge card terminal.
Apparently, when he’s working, he’s watching TV or some video. People used to carry paperback books to fill the gaps when working at places like this.
Screens are now fixed in front of us at supermarket check out areas. Containing the worst programming known to humanity, watching these images and babbling heads will make you lose five or ten I.Q. points per shopping trip.
I don’t have to tell you about the convergence of TV and cell phones. More screens, more of the time.
Technology doesn’t do our selling for us. People do, yet we’re suckered into thinking that we need all of these high definition ditties.
Ask yourself if your screens are serving you, or are you serving them?
The answer may surprise you.
Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman

Guide To Business And Data Trends

2006-01-19T07:29:00.000-08:00

If one factor is to be named on which today’s business world stands it is undoubtedly the data management system of organization. The significance of data captures and interpretation is such that many make and break of most business organizations and big corporate houses depend on efficient data management. Collecting data known, as capturing data at the first place is indispensable for any business house. All type of trading needs data, to manage both the internal and eternal working of the company. Information about details of products dealt by organization, employees working for the growth of company and the marketing opportunities available each aspect need to be studied carefully and analyzed for business promotion, expansion and even day-to-day normal running of business.

Data manipulation and interpretation has been an integral part of enterprises since long only the methods of data entry, storage and retrieval keep on being upgraded to suit growing needs of business world. Older methods of huge paper work for data management requirements of a company have long given way to the computer age and an era of paperless offices is on its way to live for long. Computer handling of data is much more efficient, reliable and fast for all types of data needs in any business. Gathering huge amounts of data at one place and being able to manipulate it easily is one of the greatest advantage of digital data setups.

Computerized information’s can be stored on variety of media depending on the requirement, nature and volume of data. Very Large amounts of data that is necessary to be retrieved only when needed can be stored on secondary storage devices for permanent accumulation. Hard disks and CD-ROM’s have been popular in acting as data repositories. Data can be written to CD-ROM’s by way of burning them using CD-writers and information in hard-disk is stored with the help of any computer.

Even data sharing and transfer has become a matter of minutes by the invention of computerized data management. Information about anything in business can be easily accessed by anyone whoever has the powers to do so even of he is situated at remote distances. In special business organizations where data transfer and sharing is vital for its success emergence of computers has been a heavenly blessing and has given a huge boost to its economic status. Airline reservations, railway bookings, knowing the performance of business in different branches of the organization all has been made easy by introduction of digital computing systems.

These data spreading and keeping of backup copies, apart from serving good to the business has also created threat of data theft and data damages for business. Hackers from all over world and also social technical culprits impose high risk of accessing and misusing vital facts of business. Apart from natural damages like that of fire, flood, lightning or sudden accidents business data needs to be safeguarded from ill- intentions of some malicious human beings. All these necessities have given intense boost to data security software and other safety measures implied by companies. Even the extra costs incurred in beginning for implying protection against anticipated data loss are worth being considered for long term gains of business houses.

About the Author: Mansi aggarwal writes about. business and data trends Learn more at http://www.businessdatatrends.com

Source: www.isnare.com

international trade

2006-01-10T11:45:00.000-08:00