Best Countries to Do Business in 2012

The infographic presents a detailed analysis of the best countries to do business in 2012, highlighting various aspects such as ease of starting a business, ease of doing business, business regulation improvements, and key economic statistics for leading countries.

Starting a Business

The top three countries for starting a business in 2012 were:

* Australia
* New Zealand
* Canada

These countries were identified as having the most favorable conditions for entrepreneurs looking to start new ventures, characterized by efficient regulatory frameworks and supportive business environments.

Ease of Doing Business

Globally, the countries that stood out for their ease of doing business were:

* Singapore
* Hong Kong SAR, China
* New Zealand
* United States
* Denmark

These countries ranked highest due to their streamlined processes, low administrative burdens, and favorable regulatory climates that facilitate both domestic and international business operations.

Morocco: A Success Story in Business Regulation

Morocco was recognized as the most improved nation in terms of business regulation, climbing 21 spots to 94th place globally. The Kingdom of Morocco made significant strides by simplifying processes such as:

* Construction permits
* Property registration
* Taxation
* Cross-border trade

These reforms were part of a broader national strategy to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth.

Business Reforms Worldwide

The infographic highlights that in 2012, business reform implementations were 13% higher than in 2010. A total of 125 out of 183 economies implemented regulatory reforms to create a more business-friendly environment, with China, India, and the Russian Federation leading the way in reform implementation.

Spotlight on Singapore and Japan

Singapore consistently ranked at the top across multiple categories, including the ease of doing business, investor protection, and trading across borders. It also stood out for having top-tier infrastructure and business services.

Japan was recognized for its well-developed infrastructure, high technology adoption, and strong legal frameworks, making it a favorable environment for both domestic and foreign businesses.

The infographic provides a comprehensive overview of the global business landscape in 2012, illustrating the countries that excelled in creating favorable conditions for business operations. From regulatory reforms to the ease of doing business, these rankings offer valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers aiming to understand the dynamics of global commerce.

What if Money Was No Object - Alan Watts

"....So I always ask the question: What would you like to do if money were no object? How would you really enjoy spending your life? Well it's so amazing as the result of our kind of educational system, crowds of students say 'Well, we'd like to be painters, we'd like to be poets, we'd like to be writers' But as everybody knows you can't earn any money that way! Another person says 'Well I'd like to live an out-of-door's life and ride horses.' I said 'You wanna teach in a riding school?'

Let's go through with it. What do you want to do? When we finally got down to something which the individual says he really wants to do I will say to him 'You do that! And forget the money!' Because if you say that getting the money is the most important thing you will spend your life completely wasting your time! You'll be doing things you don't like doing in order to go on living - that is to go on doing things you don't like doing! Which is stupid! Better to have a short life that is full of which you like doing then a long life spent in a miserable way. And after all, if you do really like what you are doing - it doesn't really matter what it is - you can eventually become a master of it. It's the only way of becoming the master of something, to be really with it. And then you will be able to get a good fee for whatever it is. So don't worry too much, somebody is interested in everything. Anything you can be interested in, you'll find others who are.

But it's absolutely stupid to spend your time doing things you don't like in order to go on spending things you don't like, doing things you don't like and to teach our children to follow the same track. See, what we are doing is we are bringing up children and educating to live the same sort of lifes we are living. In order they may justify themselves and find satisfaction in life by bringing up their children to bring up their children to do the same thing. So it's all retch and no vomit - it never gets there! And so therefore it's so important to consider this question:

What do I desire?"

- Alan Watts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=khOaAHK7efc&t=56s

"Long live freedom long live entrepreneurship"

Who remembers this wonderful speech of Mil Gibson in Braveheart?
This speech may well apply to people who work in big companies. Working in a big company is a bit like accepting to remain slave all your life, every day you wake up and you know that your work will be something similar to what you did yesterday, and then at the end of the month you are paid a salary equivalent to what your company earned thanks to only one day of your work. "This is modern slavery." The question that remains is, what do you think is better in this life . Stay like that until the end of your life ? or try your luck and create your own business ?
In the second case you may either have a passionante life and lot of success, or fail but at least as a free man. Long live freedom long live entrepreneurship.

A good comparison between the boss and the leader

In the dynamic world of business, the distinction between a boss and a leader is crucial. A boss holds a title, while a leader earns respect. The differences between the two can make or break a team’s success, and understanding these differences is key to fostering an environment of growth and achievement.

1. The Power of influence over authority

A boss relies on their position to drive employees, often depending on authority to get things done. In contrast, a leader influences through goodwill, coaching, and guiding their team. This shift from command to mentorship builds trust, encouraging employees to take initiative and ownership of their tasks. Leadership isn’t about telling others what to do but inspiring them to do their best.

2. Generating enthusiasm instead of fear

While a boss may inspire fear to ensure compliance, a leader generates enthusiasm. They create a vision that the team can rally around, sparking excitement and motivation. When employees are enthusiastic, they are more likely to go the extra mile, not because they have to, but because they want to. The energy in a team led by a true leader is palpable and contagious.

3. Collaborative efforts: the power of ‘We’

The language of leadership is inclusive. A boss might say, “I,” taking personal credit for success, but a leader says, “We,” recognizing that achievements are a collective effort. This simple change in language fosters a sense of community and belonging, where every team member feels valued and integral to the group’s success.

4. Responsibility and accountability

When challenges arise, a boss might place blame, distancing themselves from any breakdowns. A leader, however, steps up to fix problems, demonstrating accountability. This behavior sets a powerful example for the team, showing that taking responsibility is a strength, not a weakness. Leaders build resilience within their teams by modeling how to handle setbacks with grace and determination.

5. Developing people, not just using Them

A boss may use people to achieve their goals, viewing them as means to an end. In contrast, a leader develops people, investing time in their growth and career development. This investment not only improves individual skills but also strengthens the team as a whole. Leaders understand that when their team members grow, so does the entire organization.

6. Recognition and credit

Credit is another area where leaders stand apart. A boss might take credit for the work of the team, but a leader gives credit where it’s due. They shine the spotlight on their team members, recognizing and celebrating their contributions. This acknowledgment boosts morale and encourages continued effort and innovation.

7. Encouraging participation and collaboration

Lastly, a boss commands, saying “Go,” while a leader asks, “Let’s go.” This subtle yet profound difference encourages participation and collaboration. Leaders invite their team to join them on the journey, fostering a culture where ideas are shared, and everyone is working towards a common goal.

Teamwork: the rules of the game ... and "I"

No doubt the union is strength, but teamwork is not always an easy task. You must know how to deal with the clash of egos or ambitions, opposition of styles and characters, interests ... Here are five rules to improve your results

In a Teamwork, everyone must know its place and plays its part.
Imagine a football team in which everyone is on offense and nobody in defense. The first rule to avoid misunderstandings is to clearly define the scope of everyone job.

Do not shoot the other players of your team
"Hello," "please", "thank you" ... too often we tend to forget that politeness and courtesy are the foundations of respect. Do not make any definitive judgments about the skills of each other. Consider instead that everyone plays an important role in the collective success. Openly criticizing the colleagues, denigrate them, distribute the good and the bad points is never the best effect. You should also admit that sometimes each other's ideas are more relevant or better than yours. Even if it's a heart-breaking for your ego! You will be better the next time

Listening !!!
Know how to listen and keep an open mind even if you do not always agree with the others point of view. Note, we do not ask you to join others as a sheep to the general opinion. Indeed, your comments (constructive) are welcome.

Humor can be a good weapon
Do its job seriously with motivation, that's fine, but do not take yourself too seriously,it's even better. Some humor, a joke can lighten the atmosphere and maintain the group collusion. Again, it's all about measuring ... We do not ask you necessarily to made ​​the school of laugh.

"It's not me, it's him" ...
In case of difficulty, blaming others, is often a protective reflex. Certainly the failure can be collective but you must take your responsibility and your mistakes ... A little courage and responsibility!

T-Shaped creativity in interactive marketing and experience design

The concept of T-shaped creativity is a powerful framework for understanding how individuals can combine broad knowledge with deep expertise to drive innovation and problem-solving. This idea is visually represented in the image you shared, which highlights the intersection of experience-driven and creativity-driven aspects.

In the image, the horizontal bar of the “T” represents a wide range of skills and knowledge across various fields, such as making skills useful, usable, and desirable. This breadth allows individuals to understand and integrate different perspectives, making them versatile and adaptable.

The vertical bar of the “T” symbolizes deep expertise in specific areas, such as developing concepts, big ideas, and insights. This depth enables individuals to excel in specialized tasks and contribute unique, innovative solutions.

By combining these two dimensions, T-shaped individuals can effectively collaborate across disciplines, think creatively, and drive meaningful results in their work. This approach is particularly valuable in marketing, where the ability to integrate diverse skills and deep expertise can lead to more effective and innovative strategies.

Masdar City, the UAE's city of the future

Masdar City, located in the United Arab Emirates, is recognized as one of the most sustainable communities on the planet. This pioneering development is not just a city but a living laboratory for innovation and green urban development. As an emerging cleantech cluster, Masdar City attracts a wide array of businesses and research institutions, creating a dynamic and entrepreneurial atmosphere that fosters creativity and collaboration.

What makes Masdar City truly unique is its holistic approach to sustainability. The city is designed to be carbon-neutral and zero-waste, utilizing cutting-edge technologies in renewable energy, water conservation, and smart urban planning. Solar panels, wind towers, and energy-efficient buildings are integral to the city’s infrastructure, ensuring that its ecological footprint remains minimal.

Furthermore, Masdar City serves as a global model for sustainable urban living. It is a space where forward-thinking companies can experiment with and implement new technologies that have the potential to revolutionize urban environments worldwide. The city’s integrated transport system, which includes electric vehicles and an innovative personal rapid transit network, demonstrates how mobility can be both efficient and eco-friendly.

The development of Masdar City also reflects a broader vision for the future—one where cities are not just places to live and work, but also hubs of sustainable innovation. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity, Masdar City stands as a beacon of what is possible when sustainability is placed at the core of urban planning and development.

Embrace your path: The Importance of following your instincts and principles

Criticism is an unavoidable aspect of life. No matter what actions we take, someone will always have something to say. Consider the classic story of the donkey and the couple: when both ride the donkey, onlookers lament the poor animal. If only the man rides, people pity the woman, and so on. This tale highlights a fundamental truth: criticism is relentless, and attempting to please everyone often leads to disappointment.

In this landscape of constant judgment, it becomes essential to trust our instincts. Our intuition often guides us toward the right path, even when external voices suggest otherwise. Many successful individuals attribute their achievements to following their gut feelings, despite facing skepticism. By listening to our inner voice, we empower ourselves to make choices that align with our true principles and desires.

Establishing strong values provides a sense of direction and purpose. When we adhere to our principles, we gain clarity amidst the noise of public opinion. However, it is crucial to differentiate between subjective criticism and constructive feedback. Objective critiques that help us align better with our values and goals should not be dismissed. Instead, they can serve as valuable insights for personal growth.

Overcoming the fear of judgment is crucial for personal growth. It’s vital to focus on our goals and the values we hold dear, rather than getting lost in the opinions of others. Surrounding ourselves with supportive and like-minded individuals can create a nurturing environment, enabling us to embrace our authentic selves. Practicing self-compassion is also essential; understanding that we are human and will make mistakes allows us to move forward without being paralyzed by fear.

No matter what path we choose, criticism will always accompany our journey. It’s vital to embrace our uniqueness, trust our instincts, and remain committed to our principles. As we navigate life, let us remember that authenticity and self-belief are our greatest allies, while remaining open to constructive feedback that can help us grow.

Solar impulse takes off from Switzerland to Morocco

The Solar Impulse project, led by Swiss pioneers Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg, aimed to demonstrate the potential of renewable energy in aviation. The aircraft, named Solar Impulse 2, is powered entirely by solar energy, with over 17,000 solar cells embedded in its wings. These cells charge four lithium polymer batteries, allowing the plane to fly both day and night without any fuel. The aircraft’s wingspan is comparable to that of a Boeing 747, yet it weighs only about as much as a car, highlighting the innovative design and engineering behind this project.

The intercontinental flight from Switzerland to Morocco was a significant milestone for the Solar Impulse team. The journey began in Payerne, Switzerland, and included a planned stopover in Madrid, Spain, for a pilot change and technical checks. This flight covered over 2,500 kilometers and was a testament to the aircraft’s capabilities and the potential of solar energy in aviation. The successful completion of this flight demonstrated that long-distance travel using renewable energy is not only possible but also practical.

This achievement was not just a technical feat but also a powerful statement about the future of sustainable aviation. By flying from Europe to Africa without using any fossil fuels, the Solar Impulse team showcased the possibilities of clean energy and its applications in reducing our carbon footprint. The project has inspired further research and development in the field of renewable energy and has highlighted the importance of innovation in addressing global environmental challenges. The Solar Impulse’s journey continues to be a symbol of hope and progress in the quest for a more sustainable future.

Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo

The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo is a highly regarded book that explores the art of delivering powerful and memorable presentations, drawing from the techniques used by Steve Jobs himself. Gallo, a seasoned communications coach and BusinessWeek columnist, meticulously analyzes Jobs' presentations, identifying the key elements that made them stand out and resonate with audiences around the world.

At the heart of the book is a practical framework that anyone can use to elevate their presentation skills. This framework revolves around a few core principles that Jobs consistently employed:

Develop a clear and compelling message: Steve Jobs was a master at distilling complex ideas into simple, clear messages. Gallo emphasizes the importance of having a central message that is both compelling and easy to understand. This message serves as the backbone of the presentation, guiding every slide and every word.

Use storytelling to engage the audience: Jobs knew that facts and figures alone don't move people—stories do. Gallo explains how Jobs used storytelling to connect with his audience on an emotional level, making his presentations not just informative but also memorable. By weaving narratives into his talks, Jobs was able to humanize his products and ideas, making them more relatable and inspiring.

Create visually appealing slides: Unlike many presenters who overload their slides with text, Jobs was known for his minimalist, visually striking slides. Gallo discusses how to create slides that complement your message rather than detract from it. The focus is on simplicity, clarity, and the strategic use of visuals to reinforce the spoken word.

Practice extensively to ensure a smooth delivery: Behind Steve Jobs' seemingly effortless presentations was extensive practice. Gallo stresses the importance of rehearsing to the point where the delivery appears natural and confident. This level of preparation allows the presenter to focus on connecting with the audience, rather than worrying about the technicalities of the presentation.

These techniques, as highlighted in Gallo's book, have been emulated by many successful leaders across various fields. By adopting these strategies, anyone can enhance their public speaking skills and deliver presentations that are not only informative but also inspiring and impactful.

Renault Twizy, the new revolutionary electric car

Renault Twizy will clearly appeal to busy, carowning city dwellers looking for a second vehicle, as well as to younger drivers interested in a safe way to gain experience in traffic thanks to the availability of a version that will not require a driver's licence (depending on country).

Although its compact dimensions are likely to prompt comparisons with the world of scooters, Renault Twizy delivers all the fundamentals associated with any car, namely four wheels, a steering wheel and pedals, plus an enveloping body for two occupants sitting in tandem, one behind the other.

Renault Twizy combines real character with a resolutely modern design that boasts sweeping lines, open bodywork, original gull wing doors and a full windscreen which extends over the top of the car to form a large glazed area, not to mention the model's original lighting signature.

3 Ways to Kill a Sale

In 60 seconds, Carmine Gallo gives three ways that can kill a sale.

Carmine Gallo highlights three key mistakes that can kill a sale:

1. Having a complicated pitch: A complicated sales pitch can quickly lose your customer’s attention. In today’s fast-paced world, people have limited time and patience, so it’s crucial to distill your message down to its most essential components. Think of it like crafting a tweet—try to explain the essence of your ideas in just 140 characters. This forces you to focus on what truly matters and communicate it clearly and concisely. If your pitch is too complex, the key benefits can get lost in the details, and your audience may feel overwhelmed or confused. Simplifying your pitch not only makes it easier for the customer to grasp your message but also increases the likelihood that they’ll remember it later.

2. Forgetting to explain the benefit behind your product: One of the most common mistakes in sales is neglecting to clearly articulate the benefits of your product. It’s not enough to just describe what your product does; you need to show why it matters to the customer. People are more likely to buy when they can see how your product will make their lives better. Think about three specific reasons why your product is valuable to the user. Does it save them time? Improve their efficiency? Enhance their experience? By highlighting these benefits, you’re not just selling a product—you’re selling a solution to their problems or a way to achieve their goals. This connection is what drives purchasing decisions.

3. Creating a presentation overloaded with text: In a world where people are constantly bombarded with information, a presentation filled with walls of text can be a surefire way to lose your audience. Instead of relying on lengthy paragraphs, use visual aids like images, graphs, and infographics to illustrate your points. Images are processed by the brain much faster than text, making them a powerful tool for communication. They can help convey complex ideas quickly and clearly, keeping your audience engaged and making your message more memorable. A well-designed visual presentation not only captures attention but also reinforces the key takeaways, making your pitch more impactful and easier to understand.

The Terrafugia Transition: the first flying car

The Terrafugia Transition stands at the forefront of a revolutionary shift in transportation, heralded as the world's first practical flying car. This groundbreaking vehicle represents the merging of two worlds—automobiles and aviation—into a single, transformative mode of transport that has long been the stuff of science fiction.

A Vision Realized

Developed by Terrafugia, a company founded by a group of MIT-trained engineers, the Transition embodies the dream of personal flight. The vehicle is designed to function both as a street-legal car and a light sport aircraft, making it an unprecedented achievement in the field of transportation. This dual capability allows it to seamlessly transition from driving on roads to taking off into the skies, offering an unparalleled level of flexibility and convenience.

Design and features

The Terrafugia Transition is equipped with foldable wings that can extend for flight and retract for road use. Powered by a hybrid engine, it can reach speeds of up to 100 mph in the air and has a flight range of approximately 400 miles. On the ground, it drives like a conventional car, capable of fitting into a standard garage and refueling at any gas station.

Safety, a critical concern for any vehicle, especially one that flies, is a top priority for the Transition. It features a full-vehicle parachute system, advanced avionics, and a reinforced safety cage, ensuring that the driver and passengers are protected in both air and ground modes.

The impact on transportation

The Terrafugia Transition is not just a technological marvel; it represents a potential paradigm shift in how we think about transportation. By combining the convenience of driving with the freedom of flying, it offers a solution to the growing challenges of urban congestion and long commutes. The ability to bypass traffic and travel directly to a destination could revolutionize personal and business travel.

Challenges and future prospects

Despite its groundbreaking design, the Terrafugia Transition faces significant challenges before it becomes a mainstream mode of transport. Regulatory hurdles, airspace management, and public acceptance are all critical factors that need to be addressed. Additionally, the vehicle's high cost and the need for a pilot's license limit its current accessibility.

However, as technology advances and the concept of flying cars becomes more widely accepted, the Transition could pave the way for a new era of personal transportation. It serves as an early model of what could one day become a common sight in the skies and on the roads, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality.

Is the current design of this vehicle truly aligned with the principles of environmental responsibility?

The eco-compatibility of the Terrafugia Transition raises serious concerns. The vehicle's reliance on traditional fuels and its carbon footprint in both driving and flying modes highlight the need for more sustainable energy solutions in the development of future flying cars.

The 10 Best Digital Tools for Entrepreneurs in 2012

Here are 10 of the best digital tools to help you launch and grow your startup:

1) Weebly
Using a simplified drag and drop engine, Weebly makes it possible to create a content rich website in minutes, with loads of features. The best part: it’s completely free. Created in 2006, Weebly has become a go-to for startups.

2) Legal Zoom
Founded by a team of legal and tech experts, Legal Zoom provides users with legal documents without the lawyers. In doing so, they’ve made it cheap and quick to get those legal papers you need for your business.

3) Rock the Post
Rock the Post is a social networking platform for entrepreneurs to fund and swap resources. The free site is a great tool for entrepreneurs to leverage their networks and reach new ones, to fill the missing pieces of their projects. With thousands of users and many success cases, Rock the Post is emerging as one of the best crowdfunding sites for entrepreneurs.

4) Square
Square, a creation of Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey, turns your smartphone or tablet into a credit card reader. For 2.75% of every transaction, you have the ability to accept credit card payments for your business. No card reader, no credit check, more profit.

5) Hootsuite
Hootsuite allows you to manage the social media madness by cross platform message scheduling and extensive data tracking. Seamless analytics across every platform ensures less time managing and more time growing your business.

6) Expensify
To reduce the burden of managing your business’ expenses, Expensify has provided a range of apps to monitor, track, and regulate every dollar spent. The result means more security and less hassle to manage your company wallet.

7) Asana
Asana, the brainchild of Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz is a project management program that leverages the full capacity of organizational technology so that you can be connected with your team anytime, anywhere, and in an organized way. This means less phone tag, more collaboration. And it’s free!

8) Mailchimp
Mailchimp, started in 2001, seeks to make it simple to manage even the largest of newsletter lists, which is a great tool to stay connected with customers. Besides providing extensive tracking data, the service is free for up to 2,000 subscribers.

9) Docstoc
Co-founders Alon Shwartz and Jason Nazar created Docstoc to be the repository for business documents. Ease of access for transferring large documents and unparalleled choice of templates means great business documents delivered fast, for cheap.

10) Highrise
Highrise is a user-friendly CRM software that allows you to share contacts, assign tasks and track history of correspondence. Some great features include the ability to update accounts via email and assign permissioned access. The product is free for one user, and if you need multiple accounts, it is reasonably priced.

(By forbes.com)

Giant bus which drives over cars

A giant bus which runs on wheeled "legs" that allow cars to drive underneath it has been designed by a Chinese company.

"The spnKiX" a new invention of motorized skates

The spnKiX are innovative motorized skates that attach directly to your shoes. Each skate is equipped with an 85W wheel motor and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, allowing you to glide at speeds of up to 10 mph. The batteries take about 4-5 hours to charge and provide a range of approximately 6 miles per charge. These skates are controlled using a wireless remote, making it easy to adjust your speed while riding. Initially funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, the spnKiX have become a unique option for personal mobility.

The design of the spnKiX focuses on convenience and ease of use. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for short commutes or leisurely rides. The wireless remote control adds an element of safety and control, allowing users to manage their speed without having to bend down or stop. The skates are also designed to be durable, with sturdy materials that can withstand regular use. This combination of features makes the spnKiX a practical and fun mode of transportation.

For consumers, the spnKiX offer a glimpse into the future of personal mobility. They represent a shift towards more compact, efficient, and eco-friendly transportation options. This invention can inspire innovation in various fields, such as urban planning, where integrating such devices could reduce traffic congestion and pollution. Additionally, the concept of motorized wearables can be expanded to other areas, such as healthcare, where similar technology could assist individuals with mobility issues. The spnKiX demonstrate how creative thinking and technology can come together to solve everyday problems and improve quality of life.

How to Tell Your Business Story in 60 Seconds

Communications coach Carmine Gallo offers valuable insights on how to effectively craft and present your business story, focusing on incorporating all the essential elements to make it concise and compelling. His approach is designed to help you articulate your message clearly and powerfully within just 60 seconds. Gallo emphasizes the importance of preparation, outlining four critical questions that you must answer to ensure you're ready for any elevator pitch. These questions guide you in defining your purpose, clarifying your value proposition, and engaging your audience, enabling you to leave a lasting impression in a short amount of time. By following his advice, you can confidently share your business story in any situation, whether you're networking, meeting potential investors, or simply introducing your brand to someone new.

The first cloud connected car " the Ford Evos concept "

Ford Evos plans for a range of connectivity systems to link the car and driver with the so-called cloud. The car might match a driver's commuting route with local traffic and weather information, or automatically play a favorite radio station. It could retrieve pollution or pollen forecasts and suggest alternate routes for allergy sufferers. Ford even claims that these technologies would communicate with the driver's house to close the garage door and turn off lights remotely.

"The car gets to know you and can act as a personal assistant," said Ford chief technical officer Paul Mascarenas. "The possibilities are fascinating when we explore how to enable a seamless lifestyle between home, office, and car."

Read more: http://www.automobilemag.com/features/news/1108_ford_evos_concept_first_look/index.html#ixzz1jHLTvZVM

Best Countries for Entrepreneurs

Top 10 of best Countries for Entrepreneurs (2011):

The World Bank Group has published their annual "Doing Business" report that ranks 183 countries on how friendly their regulatory climate is to entrepreneurs. The report provides a quantitative measure of regulations for starting a business as they apply to domestic small and medium-size enterprises. Economies are ranked on their ease of doing business. The ease of doing business index means the regulatory environment is conducive to the operation of business.

Ease of Doing Business

1. Singapore
2. Hong Kong SAR, China
2. New Zealand
4. United States
5. Denmark
6. Norway
7. United Kingdom
8. Korea, Rep
9. Iceland
10. Ireland

The Ease of Doing Business Index is an index created by the World Bank. Higher rankings indicate better, usually simpler, regulations for businesses and stronger protections of property rights. Empirical research funded by the World Bank to justify their work claims to show that the effect of improving these regulations on economic growth is strong.

Source: World Bank - Doing Business and PNMsoft

The 4 P’s of Marketing

What is marketing ?
The definition that many marketers learn as they start out in the industry is:
" Putting the right product in the right place, at the right price, at the right time. "
These four elements are the basic components of a marketing plan and are collectively called 4 P’s of marketing.

Product
Product is the actual offering by the company to its targeted customers which also includes value added stuff. Product may be tangible (goods) or intangible (services).
While formulating the marketing strategy, product decisions include:
What to offer? Brand name, Packaging, Quality, Appearance, Functionality, Accessories, Installation, After sale services, Warranty.

Price
Price includes the pricing strategy of the company for its products. How much customer should pay for a product? Pricing strategy not only related to the profit margins but also helps in finding target customers. Pricing decision also influence the choice of marketing channels. Price decisions include:
Pricing Strategy, List Price, payment period, Discounts, Financing.
Using price as a weapon for rivals is as old as mankind. but it’s risky too. Consumers are often sensitive for price, discounts and additional offers. Another aspect of pricing is that expensive products are considered of good quality.

Place (Placement)
It not only includes the place where the product is placed, all those activities performed by the company to ensure the availability of the product tot he targeted customers. Availability of the product at the right place, at the right time and in the right quantity is crucial in placement decisions.
Placement decisions include: Placement, Distribution channels, Logistics, Inventory, Order processing, Market coverage, selection of channel members.

Promotion
Promotion includes all communication and selling activities to pursuade future prospects to buy the product. Promotion decisions include:
Advertising, Media Types, Message, Budgets, Sales promotion, Personal selling, Public relations, Direct marketing.