Developing New Business Areas

In my opinion, successful business does not happen by just identifying opportunities and selling the right products that will satisfy customers needs. In this ever changing world  successful business happens by anticipating new  market trends and its main actors. Therefore it is important to be aware of decisions made by government and how these can create new markets.

The video attached to this blog is from a meeting at the Chilean Minister of Energy. The video showcases Andres Romero, Advisor for the Energy Minister and Claudio Huepe, Chief of Studies Development. On the video, the Energy Advisor refers to how is looking forward to working with the British Embassy. "I have had an excellent experience working previously with  the British Embassy (Maria Pia)on the healthcare reform. In the area of energy, we think there is scope for collaboration, since there are many issues to be addressed". The Chief of Studies Development added that "in the area of studies, we are working with the Embassy on a rather unexplored issue which is marine energy, in which the UK already has expertise".

The main challenge for this Department, which was created this year, is to combat  an energy crisis due to a reduction of gas supply from Argentina and to diversify the energy grid, as well as to define a renewable energy policy and establish an energy sector reform in Chile. At the British Embassy Santiago, we are supporting this process and encouraging the creation of new areas for businesss and support businesses looking to invest or introduce new technologies, as well as expertise.

Transcript

(Andres) I have had an excellent experience working previously with the British Embassy, Maria Pia, on the healthcare reform. In the area of energy, we think there is scope for collaboration, since there are many issues to be addressed.

(Claudio) In the areas of studies we are working with the Embassy on a rather unexplored issues which is marine energy, in which the UK already has expertise.

Posted at 16:00 05 December 2007 by Maria Pia Gazzella  |  Comments[1]

Word of mouth

I was invited to participate IN a Conference on PPP-Private Public Partnerships, organised by Libertad y Desarrollo, Chilean Think Tank, recently elected the most influential Think Tank in Chile.  The key speakers were the former Chilean Minister of Health and Ignacio Sanchez de Ocaña Ruiz de la Prada, Spanish consultant at IESE Business School Universidad de Navarra.

The reason why I would like to share this event with you is because although there was no direct British presence, all the presentations highlighted the expertise of British companies in this field and the importance of having an organisation like Partnerships UK assisting in the process.  This was excellent publicity for the UK PPP sector, especially because it came through opinion leaders and it is clear example of the power of word of mouth. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools at the moment especially since we are all bombarded with information.  We have had several activities on PPP to facilitate the adoption of the model and to facilitate market access in the past. So, it is refreshing to see that the message is expanding through word of mouth.

Last August, I had the opportunity to assist a presentation by Phillip Kotler, one of the world's foremost experts in the marketing field. He considers that "The 21st century is going to be the century of 'word of mouth,'" and companies and organisations should consider using more effective public relations campaigns and word of mouth to promote their products.  Do you agree?

Posted at 20:21 22 November 2007 by Maria Pia Gazzella  |  Comments[2]