Marketing Tips to Make South African Business Booms!

Posted by on Mar 21, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Many South African marketers are now using different tactics and strategies that would help them prosper on their small businesses here in South Africa. They find these marketing tips very effective in helping them reach out more people that would show interest on their products and services. The kind of marketing tips they are using are proven powerful which is why they are now enjoying the rewards from their small businesses.

The kind of marketing tips you will use and apply on your small business here in South Africa will greatly affect the sales and numbers of your clients and customers. Choosing for the right kind of marketing tips that would help you make progress on your small business here in South Africa can be quite complex. Good thing I know some of the most important tips that would certainly help you progress on your business in no time at all.

Here are the marketing tips that would make South African business booms.

1. Build Anticipation

This is one of the most important marketing tips you must apply on your small business here in South Africa. This will even more help those who are just starting on their small businesses. It is essential that you build anticipation around your products and services. Make sure to drop a hint, show them screen shots, and make them look forward to the big day. Through these methods you will surely gather more interested people that might turn into regular buyers and customers. This is one of the many marketing tips you must apply if you want to make progress on your small business here in South Africa.

2. Find Good Partners

Just like any other marketing tips, it is important to find good and reliable partners whom you can trust to. I once knew this little girl across out street selling baked goodies one summer morning. No one is actually paying attention to her goods and her little brother keeps on eating them. This brother actually is not helping at all! But when this little girl started jumping around and screaming just to get the people’s attention passing by to buy her goods, this brother of hers also started screaming and jumping. The results? This little girl was able to sell all her goods before the day ends. Choose your perfect partner and apply these marketing tips to get all the results you want.

3. Advertise Your Popularity

This is one of the most important marketing tips you must apply on your small business here in South Africa. Do not be afraid to advertise your popularity as this will help you even more to reach out more people that might show interest on your products and services. You can easily place downloads for counters, comment counts and subscriber numbers in prominent places. This is one of the best marketing tips you can use in order to reach more people.
These marketing tips will not only help you expand your small business here in South Africa but it will also help you reach out more people. Simply follow and apply these marketing tips on your small business and see amazing results today!


CULTURE DIFFERENCES IN BUSINESS RELATIONS:THE CASE OF CHINA AND AFRICA

Posted by on Mar 19, 2011 | Leave a Comment

INTRODUCTION

What does culture have to do with business? Many business majors and practitioners immersed in questions of financial forecasting, market studies, and management models have turned aside from the question of culture and how it affects business.

But more and more organizations are finding themselves involved in communication across cultures, between cultures, among cultures; because they are doing business in foreign countries, perhaps, or because they are sourcing from another country, seeking financing from another country, or have an increasingly multicultural workforce.

The globalization of the world economy, on one hand, has created tremendous opportunities for global collaboration among different countries; on the other hand, however, it has also created a unique set of problems and issues relating to the effective management of partnerships with different cultures. It can also be observed that most of the failures faced by cross-national companies are caused by neglect of cultural differences. With the increasing importance of the China market in the world economy, many businessmen rushed to enter China to explore business opportunities. It was reported that the great barriers caused by cultural differences like difficulty of communication, higher potential transaction costs, different objectives and means of cooperation and operating methods, have led to the failure of many Sino-foreign cooperation projects. Here is how arise some issues on “how to understand China” and “how to settle business” with Chinese people.

Predominantly motivated by the quest for material inputs (oil and other primary commodities) required for its infrastructural investments and booming manufacturing sector, Chinese presence in Africa is rapidly growing. The rapid growth and significance of enhanced Chinese participation in Africa has important implications while talking about cultural aspects.

To clarify the differences between China and Africa, I will focus on Hofstede’s four cultural dimensions: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance and Bond’s dimension about long-term/short-term orientation also called “Confucian Dynamism”. Hofstede is one of the first to adopt a pragmatic problem-solving approach in the field and relates culture to management. He defines culture as a kind of “collective programming of the mind, which distinguishes the members of one category of people from another” (Hofstede, 1980). He explained that culturally-based values systems comprised four dimensions: power distance, individualism/collectivism, masculinity/femininity, and uncertainty avoidance. Michael Bond (1989) in a further research discovered another dimension called long-term/short-term orientation.

China and Africa differ greatly with regard to their economic systems, political systems, social values, and laws, despite the substantial changes that have occurred in China during recent years. Some differences can be found according to Hofstede studies on culture differences. First, in terms of power distance, China is centralized (though it has shown some tendency toward decentralized power) while Africa is relatively decentralized. In high power distance cultures, authority is inherent in one’s position within a hierarchy. There are strong dependency relationships between parents and children, bosses and subordinates and a significant social distance between superior and subordinate. In low power distance or power tolerance cultures, individuals assess authority in view of its perceived rightness. Second, we notice in both cases that contrary to western countries which have a strong individualism, China and Africa have a strong collectivism. Individualism-collectivism refers to the relative importance of the interests of the individual versus the interests of the group. In collectivistic societies, the interests of the group take precedence over individual interests. People see themselves as part of in-groups and the in-groups look after them in exchange for their loyalty. In individualistic cultures, the interest of the individual takes precedence over the group’s interest. Third, Africa has higher value than China in masculinity, which indicates that Africa is medium masculinity while China is medium femininity. Masculinity-femininity or goal orientation pertains to the extent to which “traditional” male orientations of ambition and achievement are emphasized over “traditional” female orientations of nurturance and interpersonal harmony. Cultures differ on what motivates people to achieve different goals. Cultures of the aggressive goal behavior type (masculinity) value material possessions, money, and assertiveness whereas cultures of the passive goal behavior type (femininity) value social relevance, quality of life and welfare of others. Fourth, China and Africa have higher values for uncertainty avoidance the West. This shows that in both sides, people are relatively risk-avoiding while western people are relatively risk-taking. Uncertainty avoidance captures the degree to which individuals in a culture feel threatened by ambiguous, uncertain, or new situations. Cultures are characterized as either high or low on uncertainty avoidance. Whereas low uncertainty avoidance cultures prefer positive response to change and new opportunities, high uncertainty avoidance cultures prefer structure and consistent routine. Last, Africa has a short-term orientation while China has a long-term orientation. Also called “Confucian dynamism”, this last dimension assesses a society’s capacity for patience and delayed gratification. Long-term oriented cultures (China and Hong Kong) tend to save more money and exhibit more patience in reaping the results of their actions. Short-term oriented cultures (African countries) want to maximize the present rewards and are relatively less prone to saving or anticipating long term rewards. It has been widely accepted that cultural differences greatly affect human thinking and behavior and thus business organizations in which people interact on the basis of shared values. Management is embedded in a wider societal setting, and is heavily influenced by local historical and cultural norms (DiMaggio and Powell, 1983). The significant differences between Africa and China seem to affect some aspects of their business management practice.

Cultural Differences in business Strategies

Because entrepreneurs mature within a societal context, their attitudes toward cooperation are likely to be influenced by the underlying values of their society (Weaver, 2000). As discussed above, Africa and China have a strong collectivism. People depend more on groups or institutions to determine what they should do and emphasize loyalty to the group. They are more likely to cooperate with others to avoid risks and reduce responsibilities. However due to the medium masculinity, Africans sometimes are reluctant to cooperate because their masculine culture view cooperation in general as a sign of weakness and place a high value on independence and control. In the process of cooperation, Chinese tend to pay more attention to relationships. I have to mention that the term “guanxi” which in English means relation or connection is at the center of businesses in China. In Weaver’s studies (2000), I found that entrepreneurs from societies that are masculine and individualistic have a lower appreciation for cooperative strategies as compared to entrepreneurs from societies that are feminine and collectivist in nature.

Cultural Differences in Conflict Management

In order to solve conflicts, Chinese and Africans have different ways. For Chinese where harmony and personal relationship are very important, they don’t like open conflict; therefore they use indirect ways to work out problems. Anytime there is conflict, they use the authority to end up with it or settle things in private. Negotiation and compromise are determinant for them in this case. Contrary to them, Africans managers like Europeans or Americans, will directly confront problems and bring them out in the open. To resolve problems, everybody is involved in order to bring rational arguments and ideas to suggest solutions. We can notice that Chinese avoid this method because for them that will create disagreement which is very undesirable. African managers are reluctant to devote their time and efforts together in solving business conflicts. Other people’s help is needed. In contrast, according to Bond (1991), the strong collective orientation and uncertainty avoidance values in China encourage Chinese managers to use indirect forms of influence that involve the assistance of a third party. Indirect forms are used by Chinese managers to deal with a difficult or controversial request. In this way, they avoid losing face or damaging “guanxi”.

Cultural Differences in Decision-making Risk-taking/Risk-avoiding

Chinese and African managers differ from in the attitudes toward risks when they make decisions for their different values in uncertainty avoidance. Chinese managers with a high uncertainty-avoidance have a lack adventurous spirit and the sense of risks. Immediate decisions which make them lose the opportunity to compete in a market are avoided in the case they feel the circumstance is uncertain. Most of the time, they want to be safe by taking less risky decisions. For African managers, it is almost the same.  Middle and lower level supervisors are less willing to make decisions without deference to superiors. The result is that decision-making takes much longer than anticipated and requires more input from players at various social and professional levels. Uncertainty Avoidance measures for Africa indicate low risk taking and a resistance to change which can further delay projects which encounter problems mid-cycle.

Levels of Participation in Decision-making

The decision-making process involves making sense of ambiguity and taking risks (Jackson, 1993).The decision maker is working on the information available about what has already happened, what is assumed to have happened or is happening. The second aspect is future oriented (Brady, 1990). A risk is being taken because one is applying a perspective based on (often assumed) knowledge of the past, and projecting this to what might happen in the future if a certain course of action is followed. Chinese managers or African managers have different level of participation in decision- making. In China, decisions are participatory. Employees accept decisions handed down by their supervisors. Because of their unquestioning attitudes towards their supervisors, they resist participation in decision-making. In Africa, managers make individual decisions. They don’t consult with others but can defer to their supervisors. They value personal equality. To summarize, I can say that Chinese managers adopt the no participatory approach to decision-making. The decisions come from the higher superiors to the subordinates. However, since the reforms in China, things are changing. More and more, participatory decision-making is starting to be used in a certain number of companies.

Cultural Differences in Work-group Characteristics

The first difference about the work-group characteristics is the concept of “brotherhood, network, family feeling” which is at the heart of all Chinese interactions. In African business style which is quasi the western business style, managers focus on the deal, the possibilities, the risks and so on. There is less focus on the people they are doing business with. They may encourage their group members to learn from each other, to focus on task rather than on social and interpersonal relations, and to build the confidence required for superior performance. They make difference between personal relationship and work. In China, it is the opposite. Chinese managers may initially focus more effort on building social and interpersonal relations (guanxi) before entering into business or contractual relationship. They would like to spend time developing and maintaining guanxi during the process of interaction and consider it as a prerequisite to do business. What sort of person you are is more important than what you do. A good deal of time is spent exploring people’s characters. People want to know your background, your family situation, your likes and dislikes. A good deal of business is conducted in banqueting halls. Chinese believe a person’s true character comes out during these moments. The only purpose during these meetings is to see people’s other side, the human side. If they are comfortable with you, and if they think they can trust you, that you can be invited to “join the family”, you and your business are made. Chinese managers are not interested in short term; they want long, life-long business relations.

However, as the economy has become increasingly marketized, privatized and competitive, the value and effectiveness of the Guanxi system has greatly deteriorated. In industries that have been substantially deregulated or privatized, or where there is vigorous competition, business is business, and Guanxi has been neutralized or marginalized.  Relationships or connections now resemble that which we find elsewhere.

Cultural Differences in Motivation Systems

            In business contexts, the motivations of employees, partners, superiors, contractees, social associates, and members of a society spring from cultural values, or what people think is important. In order to understand how to do business with members of another culture, it is necessary to understand what motivates them, to know where to begin and what you need to cover all necessary bases.

According to Aguinis (2002), employees can be rewarded according to their performance (principle of equity), equally (principle of equality), or based on their needs (principle of need). In general, the equity principle is common in individualistic cultures while the equality principle is widely used in collectivistic cultures. Pay for performance and pay equity are the two main differences in motivation systems. From the 1950s until the 1980s, every aspect of China’s economic activity was planned, controlled and operated by the government. There was no private ownership of any property or asset, and, consequently, no profit motive for individuals or enterprises. The government would allocate everyone a pre-defined slice of the “big pie.” If anyone wanted more than what was allocated to him/her, it meant circumventing that system and getting someone in that “allocation chain” to provide a special favor. People were obliged to sacrifice their individual interests for those of the society. Cooperation, interdependence, group goals that create group harmony are applied in China. The sense of belonging and devoting to the group are important for Chinese people. Focusing on the view that one’s success is mainly based on group work; they believe that one cannot claim the reward just for oneself. Contrary to what some Chinese researchers argued on this part, I can say while setting salaries Chinese managers will not pay more attention to the working experience and academic qualifications of employees. In that case, the equality principle is reflected in the motivation system.

For African managers, individual achievement is important. They are expected to achieve success only by their individual efforts. Value competition, achievement and personal goals are their main motivations in order to have plans to recognize their individual contributions. Their success relies on their own efforts. Talents and work performance of the employees will be considered by their superiors for salary increases and promotion.

CONCLUSION

            As a result, understanding other cultures is more important than ever. If we consider that people from the same economic, political, and cultural background have problems communicating effectively; we can appreciate the difficulties and challenges that people from diverse cultures face when trying to communicate. Misunderstandings will always be a part of cultural aspects. The objective of this topic is more or less to minimize misunderstandings through an awareness of the priorities and expectations of business partners. In this period of Globalization, examination of cultural factors and the subtle ways in which culture affects business practices and patterns of market behavior should command increased attention from businessmen. Companies need to think outside the proverbial box when formulating their business strategies and when collaborating and forming business partnerships. As sometimes companies move to do business in other countries, a greater sensitivity to culture will be required and an understanding of cultural realities should facilitate business transactions.

Knowing another culture is a legitimate concern of businesses. More than that, it is essential. Those who make effort the effort to understand another culture gain knowledge about how to behave in that culture. Otherwise, if you know what people value and understand their attitudes, you won’t unintentionally do something that offends and diminishes your chances for business success. In today’s global businesses’ context, the winners are not those who study the markets they deal with even if it’s important but those who study people they deal with.

 

REFERENCES

Adler, N. (1991), “Cultural Dimensions of Organizational Behavior”, Thomson Publishing Company

Adler, N. (2001), “International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior”, South-Western Pub, 4th Edition

Blunt, P; and Jones, M.L (1992), “Managing Organizations in South Africa”, Berlin:     Walter de Gruyter.

Beamer L. and Varner Iris, (1998) “Intercontinental Communication in the Global Workplace”, New York: John Wiley & Sons

Beamer L.(2003, “Directness, Context and Facework in Chinese Business communication”, Journal of Business and Technical communication, Vol. 17, No. 2, 201-237

Beamer L. (1998) “Bridging Cultural Barriers”, China Business Review 5-6 1998, pp.54-58

Boon, M. (1996), “The African Way: The Power of Interactive Leadership”, Zebra Press, Stanton

Cohen R., (1991) “Negotiating across cultures: International Communication in an Interdependent World”, Raymond Cohen

Dia, M. (1991), “Development and cultural values in sub-Saharan Africa”, Finance and Development

Hofstede, G. (1997), “Cultures and Organizations”, McGraw Hill

Hofstede, G.(1984) “Culture’s consequences”, Sage, London and Beverly Hills

Hofstede, G.(1991) “Cultures and Organizations”, New York: McGraw-Hill International

Hofstede, G. (1980), “Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work Related Values”, Newbury Park, CA: Sage

Kalafatis, S.P. (2000), “Buyer-seller relationships along channels of distribution”, Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 31 No.3, pp.215-28.

Koopman, A. (1991), “Transcultural Management”, Oxford: Blackwell.

Kovach K.A. (1987), “What motivates employees: workers and supervisors give different answers”, Business Horizons Vol. 30 No.5, pp.58-65.

Levitt, T. (1983), “The globalization of markets”, Harvard Business Review, May-June, pp. 92-102.

McCoy, F. (1995), “Doing Business in South Africa”, Black Enterprise, May, pp. 58-68.

McLeod R. (1988), “China Inc.: Doing Business with the Chinese”, New York Bantam Books

Mbigi, L. (1994), “The Spirit of African Management”, in P. Christie, R. lessem & L.     Mbigi (eds), “African Management, Knowledge Resources”, pp. 77-92.

Mitchell C. (1999), “International business culture: building your international business through cultural awareness”, World Trade Press

Prime, N. (1994), “Culture, temps et négociation commerciale”, Ph.D Thesis in Business Administration, Université Pierre Mendès France, Ecole Supérieure des Affaires, Grenoble

Richmond, Y. & Gestrin P. (1998), “Into Africa: Intercultural Insights” Intercultural Press.

Robert Y. (2004), “What is Culture in Organizations”? Project Management Community Industry Article 3/2/2004

Storey J. (2000), “Cultural theory and popular culture: An Introduction”, Prentice Hall 3rd Edition

Song Li (2004), “Gateway to Intercultural Communication”, Harbin University of Industry Press

Victor D. (1993), “International business communication”, Harper-Collins


Your Online Vancouver Bc Job Search For Employment And Career Opportunities

Posted by on Mar 17, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Millions of people may have lost their jobs worldwide when the financial crisis crashed. This includes quite a significant number of employees in Vancouver BC. The ranks of job seekers have, therefore, swelled so much. They now include not only fresh graduates but also employees and even executives who have been laid off as well as small business owners whose companies had to close down. Canadian job seekers are fortunate, however, because of this new way of doing an online job search for employment and career opportunities in Vancouver, BC.

It is appropriate that the website which offers daily lists of job opportunities, employment opportunities and career opportunities in Vancouver, BC is named “It’s Raining Jobs.” Others may say that there are many other job search websites online and you can very easily find one of them through job search engines. You have to be careful, though, because not all such websites are dependable. Many of them do not necessarily list jobs available in Vancouver, BC. At the website of “It’s Raining Jobs” you get only the particular job opportunities in Vancouver, BC. It simplifies your search because you will not have to sort through numerous job listings that do not correspond to your needs. Because of this, your employment search becomes more effective.

Only human staff members are employed by the website of “It’s Raining Jobs” to compile and post its job listings. It does not used automated programs or robots to do this. The human touch ensures that all job links are very carefully picked out and that there are no broken links in the list. You will find only authentic job opportunities in Vancouver, BC.

These human staffers exert all possible efforts to find all job opportunities in Vancouver, BC through the internet every day of the week, including weekends. These job opportunities are promptly posted online so that you always get a fresh list every 24 hours. Since listings are posted on weekdays, Mondays to Fridays, job opportunities gathered by the staff from Friday to Sunday are posted early Monday morning. In any case, you never lose the chance to be among the first applicants for all employment and career opportunities in Vancouver, BC.  

When compared to the job listings that may be found in other job search websites, the lists of job opportunities presented at the website of “It’s Raining Jobs” are observed to be much more complete. The fact that most of those other websites are completely free to use is a major factor in this. When a website is completely free to use, it does not have to invest as much effort in its data gathering. In contrast, the website of “It’s Raining Jobs” asks for a minimal fee from its users. This also shows that it puts serious efforts in the endeavor. Before having to pay for the service, you can test it first through a free seven day trial. You get the same authentic list of job opportunities in Vancouver, BC even during that trial period.

Beyond the free trial period, the fees for the services of “It’s Raining Jobs” are low. A month long subscription costs only $12.75 CDN. A three month subscription comes cheaper at $11.75 CDN a month or a total of $35.25 CDN. If you opt for a six month subscription, you pay only $10.75 CDN a month or a total of $64.50 CDN. With such a small amount, you can concentrate on submitting your applications to all available job opportunities in Vancouver, BC.

In the search for new income earning opportunities, job seekers need to maximize all possible resources. The online job search for employment and career opportunities in Vancouver, BC is a very valuable resource indeed for all job seekers in the locality.


Internet Merchant Accounts: An Affordable Payment Processing Solution

Posted by on Mar 15, 2011 | Leave a Comment

When it’s time to look for a merchant account services provider for your online business, it’s essential that you take your time and expend the effort necessary to really, truly consider a range of accounts, in order to be sure the account you end up choosing represents the best array of services, options, and fees to help your business thrive and grow.

Today, there are literally hundreds of merchant account providers who are competing to get your business. Many of these account providers are legitimate, well respected companies. But a few of them definitely do not have your best interests at heart. Like any other business venture, taking your time to carefully consider accounts can help ensure you avoid headaches associated with unscrupulous account providers, and can also help ensure you get the best services at the best costs.

Merchant account providers can offer a host of options, and when you’re looking at several accounts, the task can seem overwhelming. Keep a list of the features that are most important to you, and be sure to keep track of fees, which can have different names, depending upon the provider. Many business owners look at costs and fees when considering account providers.

While fees are certainly an important consideration, there are other factors that also need to be considered. These guidelines can help guide you as you compare fees and other account features, to help make sure you establish an account with the merchant account provider that’s best suited to your business’ unique needs.

Costs and Rates

Most businesses look at fees first when considering accounts, so let’s look first at the types of fees you might encounter in an Internet merchant account. There are two primary types of fees associated with an Internet merchant account: those which are one-time fees, and those which are recurring. One-time fees may include account set-up fees, software set-up fees, and contractual fees, or annual fees, charged on your anniversary if you decide to continue your contract.

Merchant accounts used to charge an application fee, but many account providers have done away with these fees. Most accounts have a much broader array of recurring fees, which may include monthly or daily maintenance fees, report fees, and transaction-based fees, which are charged for each transaction. Some merchant accounts require you to rent equipment, like point-of-sale terminals, or swipe terminals, while others will allow you to purchase (a better deal, by the way).

The fees charged for Internet merchant accounts are generally higher than those charged for other types of accounts, since there is a higher risk of fraud associated with these types of transactions. In addition, specific types of businesses may also incur higher fees. These businesses are generally considered riskier, and include businesses that offer travel services, gambling, pharmaceuticals, tobacco, alcohol, and other specific types of goods or services. The merchant account provider contract will offer a complete list of fees, including penalty fees, so be sure to ask for that list – and review it carefully – before signing.

Experience

For the best results, services, and prices, choose an account provider with significant experience in Internet businesses. These providers know where to look for the best deals and the right services to help your business thrive. In addition, merchant account providers with experience in Internet businesses usually know how to deal effectively with fraud and chargebacks.

That’s important, since too many chargebacks can cause your account to be cancelled, and may prevent you from opening another account. Also be sure to choose an Internet merchant account provider who has experience in the type of business you manage, and who deals with small businesses that have growth potential, to ensure the account provider can help your business expand over time.

Technical and Customer Service

Here’s a three-point plan to check customer service levels: First, check with your Better Business Bureau to ensure there are no complaints levied against the companies you’re considering. Next, search online for websites and forums that offer merchant account clients the chance to discuss their experiences with specific merchant account providers. Finally, call and email the companies you’re considering to see how well they respond to your requests for information.

Look for courteous, prompt, and accurate answers. For both customer service and technical service, look for account providers with extended hours and toll-free numbers. Especially for technical service, you want to ensure you can get the answers you need – and get them quickly – to keep your business running smoothly.

Merchant accounts are easy to open, easy to maintain, and affordable – and the results they yield can help your business grow to new heights. Get started today on your search for the best merchant account provider for your business’ needs.


Most Amazing Marketing Tips for South African Marketers

Posted by on Mar 13, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Planning a small business here in South Africa could actually be a great idea especially if you know some marketing tips. Having the right kind of marketing tips on your side will certainly help you flourish on your small business here in South Africa. These could be your ultimate weapons against your competitors since there are now lots of businesses sprouting in every corner of South Africa today. Read this article and find out more about these amazing tips.

Marketing tips can actually make your small business here in South Africa flourish. These are your tools as you make progress on your small business. Not all South African marketers know this tip which is why you will have a greater advantage over them since I will discuss all the amazing marketing tips today. Below are the marketing tips that will surely lead to the right road of success.

Here are the marketing tips you need for your small business here in South Africa.

1. Give people something for free and they will feel obligated to return the favor

This is one of the most important marketing tips you must apply on your small business here in South Africa. If you will give something out then something will comes back to you. For instance, if you will give tips, advice and even some freebies on your site regarding your products and services then people will trust you. This is important if you want to build a lasting customer-seller relationship with your clients. Make sure to apply this simple yet effective marketing tip as this will surely help you make progress on your small business here South Africa.

2. Give potential customers a taste of your offerings

Again by simply offering free trials on your products and services, people will surely be able to check the quality of your work and once they get satisfied with your free introduction offer then they will surely upgrade. This is one of the many marketing tips that have already made a lot of South African marketers successful. Offering some free trials on your products and services will eventually attract more people that will surely turn into potential buyers. This is one of the most important marketing tips you must apply on your small business here in South African.

3. Make it “Extra Special”

Now for this last marketing tip, it is important that you put something special on your offer. This will surely attract and grab more attention. Let’s say you are offering some online products or services, it would be very helpful if you will include some freebies such as free reports or ebooks to go with it. This way people will check your stuff. Not only they will come back for more but they will evenly tell their friends about your products and services. This is one of the ebst marketing tips you must not forget if you want to increase your sales.

These marketing tips will not only help you expand your small business here in South Africa but these are actually the kinds of marketing tips that would help you become a successful South African marketer!


Business Counterparts Give Jitters To Indian Apparel Industry

Posted by on Mar 11, 2011 | Leave a Comment

Not Just The Global Economic Downturn, But The Growing Productivity Of The Neighboring Countries Like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, And China Are Now Giving Gitters To The Indian Apparel Industry.

Indian Apparel Industry, Which Was Hit Badly By The Recession, Was Perceived To Succumb To Its Hold. During The Past Years, Indian Apparel Industry Was Known For Its Alley Shops, And Using Inexpensive Materials For Making Apparels. After The Lapse Of A Year Since The Global Recession Started, Economy Is Rejuvenating Faster Comparatively Over The Western Economies, Now Showing Strong Growth Prospects. Currently, The Country Is Going Through A Phase Of Rapid Transformation, Shedding Their Sweatshop Image So As To Compete In The Global Market.

Asia Is In The Global Radar, Attracting The Attention Of Other International Countries. China, India, And Bangladesh Are The Leading Textile Manufacturers And Major Consumers As Well. Mild Signs Of Revival Are Seen With Export Orders Beginning To Flow In A Gradual Speed. Despite All The Silver Linings, The Industry Is Facing Severe Competition From Its Business Counterparts Like Sri Lanka, China, And Bangladesh. For The Apparel Industry, Cost Of The Fabric Makes Almost 60% Of Its Selling Price. Increase In The Cost Of Fabrics Simultaneously Result In An Increase In The Cost Of Apparels For Indian Garment Exporters.

Global Market For Textiles Is Changing, Along With The Customer Tastes, And Preferences Making Them More Demanding. To Grab Their Slice Of The Pie, Every Country And Manufacturer Does Not Miss Even A Small And Single Opportunity. They Work On New Strategies To Remain Competitive In The Global Market. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, And China Are Competent To Export Apparels At A Cheaper Rate Compared With The Export Value Of Indian Apparels. This Greatly Favors The Indian Counterparts, Who Gain The Commercial Benefits Of Exporting Cheaper Apparels.

Exports From The RMG Sector Of Bangladesh Saw A Remarkable 10% Growth From 2008 Onwards, While That Of India Fell By 3%. The Biggest Advantage Bangladesh Clothing Manufacturers Have Vis–Vis Indian Manufacturers Are The Disparity In Wages Given To Workers, Due To Which The Sector In Bangladesh Holds An Edge. Fabric Availability At Inexpensive Rates, Economies Of Scale Resulting From Bigger Manufacturing Units Favor The Growth Of Bangladesh Apparel Industry In The Global Arena.

While Cotton Remains A Cost-Friendly Purchase In India, Blended Fabrics Like Polyester Knit Are Imported From China At Lower Costs. This Makes The Global Businesses To Consider Options Of Sourcing From China Which Is 5-10% Lower Than The Indian Rates. Foreign Buyers Now Lean Towards China Placing Orders At An Enhanced Rate. . Apart From This The Strengthening Rupee Has Caused A Setback To The Apparel Industry. Sri Lankas Low Priced, But Quality Products Attract More Foreign Buyers. Many Apparel Manufacturing Units In Sri Lanka Are Pre-Occupied With An Increasing Number Of International Buying Orders. Buyers Feel More Comfortable Placing Orders With Sri Lankan Factories, As They Offer Apparels At A Lower Cost, Meeting With International Standards.

India Is Struggling To Prolong The Competition, As Its Cost Of Production Is High. Value Added Garments Will Be The Key To Tackle The Competition From Neighboring Countries. Features Like More Embroidery, And Embellishments Will Tend To Attract International Buyers. Skilled Craftsmen, Business Flexibility And Remarkable Fabric Quality Are The Major Advantages; India Has Over Its Competitors.

Indian Apparel Industry Is Optimistic For Revival And A Quick Growth. The Country That Was Once Having An Image Of Working With Many Sweatshops, Popular For Its Alleyway Shops, And Cheap Fabric Materials, Has Moved Into The Global Arena And Is All Set To Handle The Tough Universal Competition, And Is Optimistically Expected To Do Well In The Coming Months.