Sunday, February 4, 2007

How To Run Small Businesses In Emerging Markets

Emerging markets can be most appropriately related to the inherent volatility. Their precarious nature, unpredictability and obviously the present promising outlook make sure that every one has an opinion about them. It is the talk of the town and people are full of suggestions as to how to operate in such emerging scenario. However, the imperative issue that demands close attention at this hour is a diligent estimation of the associated success factors or potential threats that could pose as huge issues in times to come especially in case of small businesses, which are even more fragile.

Smaller companies typically comprise of those set of companies, which though have invested smaller amounts but eventually have a larger proportion of wealth at stake. This single most important factor makes them even more careful and apprehensive about every move including the decisions surrounding operability in emerging market. The implied risk factor is less assuring. Moreover, such markets usually demand even higher investment (at least initially), with no experience or case studies to guide through. All that then comes to mind is how to run a small business in emerging markets?

There is no hard-core guidebook entailing the top ten mantras to operate in such environment but then few guidelines and suggestions if kept in mind can certainly help you deal with this strenuous situation.

Consider Scenarios: Look out for similar situation world wide, by means of extensive research in case materials and online resources. They might seem extremely different but a close analysis could yield important results. A completely different segment in a far off country could guide you through by posing as a replica.

Watch the Government Carefully: Businesses have since long been closely associated by the government policies and changing mind frames. The rule is simple: “to stay ahead stay abreast”. Do not think that your small kingdom is not impacted by government. Even a minor shift like introduction of a new tax might change the profit ratios drastically.

Open Outlook: Do not make the mistake of perceiving every risky environment as threat. Risks backed by ample research and careful analysis (a pinch of intuition) can yield phenomenal results. The idea is to have an open mind and instead of shying away from every opportunity because of inherent risk, think hard and decide.

Hire the Best Asset i.e. People: Be careful while choosing your managers. They are crucial and can be an important player in managing the risk entailed. If possible, pick from the same or related field with apt experience.

Emerging markets can be most appropriately related to the inherent volatility. Their precarious nature, unpredictability and obviously the present promising outlook make sure that every one has an opinion about them. It is the talk of the town and people are full of suggestions as to how to operate in such emerging scenario. However, the imperative issue that demands close attention at this hour is a diligent estimation of the associated success factors or potential threats that could pose as huge issues in times to come especially in case of small businesses, which are even more fragile.

Smaller companies typically comprise of those set of companies, which though have invested smaller amounts but eventually have a larger proportion of wealth at stake. This single most important factor makes them even more careful and apprehensive about every move including the decisions surrounding operability in emerging market. The implied risk factor is less assuring. Moreover, such markets usually demand even higher investment (at least initially), with no experience or case studies to guide through. All that then comes to mind is how to run a small business in emerging markets?

There is no hard-core guidebook entailing the top ten mantras to operate in such environment but then few guidelines and suggestions if kept in mind can certainly help you deal with this strenuous situation.

Consider Scenarios: Look out for similar situation world wide, by means of extensive research in case materials and online resources. They might seem extremely different but a close analysis could yield important results. A completely different segment in a far off country could guide you through by posing as a replica.

Watch the Government Carefully: Businesses have since long been closely associated by the government policies and changing mind frames. The rule is simple: “to stay ahead stay abreast”. Do not think that your small kingdom is not impacted by government. Even a minor shift like introduction of a new tax might change the profit ratios drastically.

Open Outlook: Do not make the mistake of perceiving every risky environment as threat. Risks backed by ample research and careful analysis (a pinch of intuition) can yield phenomenal results. The idea is to have an open mind and instead of shying away from every opportunity because of inherent risk, think hard and decide.

Hire the Best Asset i.e. People: Be careful while choosing your managers. They are crucial and can be an important player in managing the risk entailed. If possible, pick from the same or related field with apt experience.