In this guest post, Steve looks at three big business that are looking very healthy in 2012. While many large corporations are going bust or laying off staff, these three are doing well and are on the rise. Financial troubles are usually caused by excess waste. Six Sigma is a proven method for streamlining corporations. The successful manufacturing process works just as well in the office and by going lean you can avoid having to cut staff or operations to save money. Lose waste not assets. With Six Sigma Green Belt Training you will possess the necessary tools to implement the Six Sigma methodology in your business.
The world is very uncertain at the moment and fewer companies every month are turning a profit. It is important to take inspiration the companies that are and try to adapt to their business strategy. Just looking at the small things like their mission statement and business ethos will give you a good idea about their vision.
Keep an eye on marketing campaigns and try to envisage what sort of customers they are trying to attract as after all, all companies target a niche and no one truly targets a mass market. In terms of companies doing things right here are a few examples. They are also great companies to keep an eye on in 2012 as they are very much in the public eye. These 3 companies are bold and ambitious so what they attempt may not work for everyone, but you should note that a heck of a lot of preparation goes into anything they do.
foursquare
This is the up and coming social network at the moment. The uptake is slow and steady in the UK but foursquare already has a good following in the US and other parts of the world. The app is based around the idea of checking into places, but it is slightly different. You connect with friends and compete for ‘mayorships’ of certain venues. This competitiveness sets the social network apart from the check-in features of Facebook. You earn points for checking in too pushing you up your friend’s leader board. It makes checking into places competitive and fun.
More people are adopting the network and they already have over 20 million users. Will they revolutionise the social network and bring their fun and competitive take on GPS to the big time? I hope so because the app is great and the concept behind it is sound. They just need more people signing up!
foursquare promotions based on locations (check in at one place and receive notifications about nearby places/promotion such as giveaways/events) could really push the app to success, especially for tourists. Check in at a train station and you could receive notifications from nearby attractions vying for your attention.
As a business, foursquare are trying to offer something different to other social networks. Location is the focus of the network, not just an add-on.
Apple
Of course Apple have to be on this list. They are doing things so well at the moment and are an inspiration to any business. 2012 is a big year for them as they look to maintain sales since the loss of their leader; Steve Jobs. The iPad 3 is expected fairly imminently too so this will be a big test to see if the newest Apple toy can live up to expectations.
The iPhone 5 is also expected out in 2012 so Apple should be fairly dominant in the mobile market.
They’re doing so well at the moment with a vast range of successful products in their portfolio keeping them at the top of the consumer technology industry. All eyes are on where they tread next and it will be exciting to see what new products appear this year.
Apple’s business strategy is all about limiting the number of products on sale to keep it simple. They only market 12 products and so can create an aura around the brand to ensure people keep coming back for each new release.
Audi
Audi are on a real streak at the moment launching some highly desirable cars. They have always been second to BMW and Mercedes but over the last 5 years or so they are turning it all around. They are gaining market share among the premium auto sector and it is really exciting. With the launch of the new Q3 4×4 this year it is an exciting time for the brand.
Audi are spending a lot in terms of big advertising campaigns too, choosing to book a 60 second slot during the first break of the Super bowl this year. This shows they really mean business and want to start playing with the big boys.
Steve works in business so understands the importance of things such as finding the right business insurance quotes.