MODULE 7

CHAPTERS 10-13

BY HUNTER DEVRIES

            It’s funny what competition does to us. It can bring out the most creative and most ingenious ideas, businesses, and cutting edge innovations. Then there is the other side of the coin, it can bring out the most difficult law suits, corrupt business deals, and the ever difficult system malfunctions. In this article I will be focusing on the positives and negatives of the following topics: Globalization, Self-directed consumer, and the competition of comparative advantage.

            Comparative advantage is something I like to call, “First come. First serve.” It is a dog eat, dog world out there and it is constantly changing. So when changes happens, you have one of two choices, either adapt or be yesterday’s news. Now when talking about business you have to recognize that all of this applies. For example, different countries make different consumer products, but it doesn’t mean that specific country will always lead the pack in making that product. China and India are constantly changing the status quo because they have their minds set on being big and better at making certain products. It not only helps other countries step up and create better products but also helps make countries strive to dominate specific fields. The key to being on the top, is staying there through constant effort, creativity, and passion to be number one.

            We as consumers like it easier, faster, and more convenient, or in other words a self-directed consumer.  Self-directed consumers are those that take shopping into their own hands. People who like to be self-driven and take the initiative, and just shop from the convenience of typically their own household. I for one, am a self-directed consumer. I enjoy having the ability to shop within the push of the button. To have the items specifications, reviews, price checks, and then click checkout, all at the tip of my fingertips. I am a big fan of Amazon, it gives me all the tools and information to look at previous purchases, wish list items, and to simply make a purchase online. Thus by creating a comfortable environment to make purchases, the customer continues to feel confident about buying with that company through their website. Well played Amazon, well played.

            The key to any business is working at a worldwide level to better your company, country, or your own business and endeavor to be able to interact and integrate with the other businesses at a global level. This process is called Globalization. By which your target segmentation increases which typically increases your revenue. Now some companies have gotten to that point like McDonald’s, Facebook, or Wal-Mart and they are successfully recognized at a global level. These type of companies are also considered part of Americanization. Which is basically American companies, who influence different countries to buy their products. Some oppose the thought of American companies being successful in different parts of the world, but there is only one answer to that. “It’s nothing personal, just good business.”

            Progression is the key to making a business successful at any level but especially on the global scale. If you don’t adapt you will end up like AOL.com, Blockbuster, or Saturn Car Company. If I learned anything from these chapters it is that dedication to detail and ambition to grow, makes the true advantage to a spinning business world.