Strategy Learnings

http://akcablog.wordpress.com/2013/06/21/how-to-increase-profitability-10-key-tips/ June 21, 2013  by  Asoka Karandawala | Leave a comment There are hundreds of articles written about increasing profitability and it’s easier said than done. The easy part is to understand what needs to be done but the hard part is achieving it especially in large businesses. That said, there are only 2 parts of a formula you need to look at – revenues and costs. Since these make up your profits, the easy bit is realising that you increase one and reduce the other to increase your profits. The hard part is to understand where to start. So here are some key tips in achieving increased profitability for your business by looking at revenues and costs separately. A. Revenues Get the pricing right  -  make sure your products are priced to give you the profit margin required, i.e. price less direct costs to produce gives the gross profit and if this margin gets eroded over time, you need to

http://www.studymode.com/essays/Volkswagen-Strategic-Shift-Analysis-Mini-Case-Study-556406.html Volkswagen has set a bold goal of dethroning Toyota as the world’s largest auto maker. This goal includes significantly increasing the North American market share, as Volkswagen currently holds only 2.2 percent of the United States market. Volkswagen’s strategy includes cutting prices and tailoring its cars to better fit the American lifestyle and tastes. This includes increasing the size of its vehicles and modifying certain amenities, such as increasing the cup holder size to fit the larger sized beverages which Americans are known to drink. In order to become the world’s largest auto maker by 2018, Volkswagen’s management team has set a lofty goal of selling 800,000 vehicles per year in the United States, despite economic conditions and a declining US auto market. The Board of Directors voiced four main concerns with the strategic plan presented by the Volkswagen management team. Fir

http://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/marketing/marketing-strategy/exporting-and-distribution-strategy/breaking-new-markets-with-a-commercial-sales-agent If you can't afford to employ a dedicated sales person but want to target new markets, a commercial sales agent could offer the solution. Naomi Marks finds out how recruiting an independent specialist could increase your reach A commercial sales agent is a self-employed sales person who will sell your goods or services in return for commission. Businesses usually appoint agents because they need specialist help in reaching markets in a particular sector or geographical location. "They suit businesses where personal selling methods are preferred to arms-length sales channels, such as mail shots," explains Paul Brown, managing director of sales agent consultancy Agent Base. "Agents can also help those with a fragmented customer base," he adds. "Many small firms use them to access domestic markets,

http://www.marketingdonut.co.uk/marketing/marketing-strategy/exporting-and-distribution-strategy/develop-an-export-strategy Exporting offers the prospect of new markets, more sales, better profits and a greater spread of customers. Without a clear strategy, however, none of these benefits are likely to be realised. International trade is often more risky and costly than doing business at home. The first step is to find out whether your products have any international potential and to assess the strength of your competitors. Next, you will have to select the most promising markets, then decide who to work with and how to market yourself. Do not expect instant results. Once you do start to win orders, you will encounter legal, financial and logistical challenges, particularly as you may be working in a different language and currency. A disciplined, professional approach from the start will help you overcome these. Exporting can then develop into a highly profitable new phase