Sat, 21 November 2009
| Index | Last | Var.(%) |
|---|---|---|
| BEL 20 | 2119.3 | 0.50 |
| DAX | 5252.45 | 1.50 |
| IBEX 30 | 10726.8 | 0.59 |
| CAC 40 | 3377.59 | 1.40 |
| FTSE 100 | 4564.5 | 0.79 |
| AEX | 276.85 | 0.95 |
| DJIA | 9096.72 | -0.13 |
| Nasdaq | 1975.51 | 0.39 |
| FTSE MIB | 20341.67 | 1.65 |
| TSX Composite | 10570.54 | -1.74 |
| ASX | 4148.9 | -0.60 |
| Hang seng | 20135.5 | -2.37 |
| Straits Times | 0.00 | |
| ISEQ 20 | 442.48 | 0.27 |
With the countdown to Europe’s historic expansion on 1 May now underway, European business leaders talk about how to work more effectively outside native habitats.Expanding to a global business has been a necessity at most companies, big and small, for some time. Yet many executives still stumble when they push products across borders and seek customers in diverse foreign markets.
Some European business leaders with successful global track records offer advice on how to avoid problems.
 |
A global marketplace has its advantages but there are risks |
Procter & Gamble, which has been selling its diapers, detergents and other consumer products in many parts of the world for most of the last century, forgot this lesson in the late 1990s.
For example, P&G tried to alter the European deodorant market, which is 80 percent aerosol, by introducing its Secret solid stick and roll-ons across the Continent. European customers rebuffed those products and P&G's sales and market share slumped.
Under Paul Polman, a Dutchman and P&G veteran who was named president of western European operations two years ago, the company fixed that problem by continuing to push aerosols, too.
Polman knew he had to cater to local habits. In Germany, most customers shop at discounters, many of which don't offer P&G's premium-price diapers and other brands. He launched a media campaign to advertise the superior performance of Pampers diapers, to try to convince customers that the brand is a good value.
Since then, sales of Pampers in Germany have picked up. He also scrapped plans to push some big American-identified brands such as Crest toothpaste throughout the Continent, and instead packaged the product under names that would have local appeal. Crest toothpaste is called Blend-a-Med in Germany and AZ in Italy. Both are selling well.
Trying to size up the education system is one of the hardest things facing those embarking on a foreign posting. We set out what you should know about German schools and daycare.
Want to move to Germany but haven’t figured out the details? Check out Expatica’s overview of the German visa and citizenship system.
When moving abroad, the owner must make an informed decision as to whether their pet is up to the trip. Here’s an overview of the factors involved.
Moving to Germany but still searching for a job? Check out Expatica’s comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of employment in Germany, including information on how to find work, recruitment agencies, employment contracts and labour law.
Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Flickr
General rating: Not rated yet
Rate article:
Add my rating