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SMEs oil prices globalisation and SMEs

Guest post by: Dr. Rob Smorfitt

Article Overview: An overview of the possible effect of oil prices on globalisation and SMEs

SMEs oil prices globalisation and SMEs

This could well be a document that makes me famous or considered to be a heretic. However, this is one scenario for afficionades of the scenario approach.

The oil price and the concomitant impact on transport costs, together with the "green" process in relation to global warming, could quite likely see a large impact on globalisation in the medium term. Transport costs are a major part in the globalisation decision making processes. So what if the oil price keeps escalating? Could it not result in a slow down in the globalisation process. If it is too expensive then surely we will start to revert to old practices?

If so, will this not lead to an increase in the role of SMEs in local economies as SMEs scale up and/or large businesses scale down to meet the market demand in a smaller market?

Is the situation not further exacerbated by the lack of market sophistication in the African markets? Will this not create a lot of opportunities in the African continent? Will Africa be able to convert opportunities into wealth?

I would welcome input on this topic. I know that I am recommending that this scenario be part of strategic planning for the next 10 years. I enjoy good debate so let us have it.

Rob Smorfitt

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Article Tags: entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, globalisation, SME, SMME, Smorfitt



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zipcar saves Gas cost - The gas prices haven't affected me in anyway. I use the Transit system and ZipCar. I love Zipcar 'cos it has Gas and Insurance included in the prices and they haven't raised that for a couple of years now.
Re: What is your biggest challenge? Today? - [quote="Alan Mater":3qk869js]No, but it's a good indicator that you'll get good quality. People that provide quality know that they can raise prices due to the quality of their work.[/quote:3qk869js] It is certainly an indicator, but my personal experience after working with many many freelancers, that price is can be a weak indicator. Quite often the reason is some people are much better at marketing and selling themselves, which results in more clients, and higher prices. But their ability to market and sell themselves it not necessarily an indicator of their quality. [quote:3qk869js]Should we let the market determine how much we're worth, or should we tell the market how much we're worth and let it up to them to decide if what we're saying is true?[/quote:3qk869js] The market always decides. The price is not set until a transaction takes place, so you could put your prices where-ever you want but if nobody wants to buy it, then the market has refused that price. Its certainly true some people undervalue their work (just as some over-value), but you can only raise prices as much as people are willing to pay, and as you raise your prices you'll find fewer and fewer willing to pay (market forces). If you can charge more than average in your industry then that is great, certainly you should not lower your prices and I was in no way suggesting that. Its up to the freelancer to try and get as much as they can for the work they do, but market forces will always limit that.
Re: What is your biggest challenge? Today? - [quote="christew":1f5i0uox][quote="Alan Mater":1f5i0uox]The question of quality comes into play at this point. [/quote:1f5i0uox] Yeah quality is often correlated with price, but paying more won't always guarantee higher quality. If you look around there is a huge amount of great writing talent that work at good prices. I was once one of those writers (started at $3/post) before I eventually ended up doing my own thing. The internet has empowered almost anyone to become a writer very easily, which has opened up the job market, pushing down prices considerably.[/quote:1f5i0uox] No, but it's a good indicator that you'll get good quality. People that provide quality know that they can raise prices due to the quality of their work. But, as you said, because of the competition these days, the prices are low and forcing people to charge less than they normally would. It's finding the balance between the price you want to pay and the quality you want that can be a challenge. You may have to go through several different freelancers before you find one that will be your long-term provider. I have a client I write articles for at very minimum prices. I don't mind it, though, because it's not my main service, and I know I'm helping the client out with getting more work. He has to charge lower prices because of the competition, so in turn I get paid less. This brings up the question: Should freelancers lower their prices just to please the market and risk losing money in the long-run? A problem I see is that people under-value their work too much and to the point where it's really not worth doing anymore. I would much rather keep my prices a bit higher and continue to provide outstanding service, rather than depreciate and devalue myself. Should we let the market determine how much we're worth, or should we tell the market how much we're worth and let it up to them to decide if what we're saying is true?


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