Alternative trading systems and organization

Fair trade is a relatively old phenomenon that presents an alternate trading system, which facilitates small scale producers and workers (mainly from undeveloped countries), so that they can sell their products in the developed markets without being duped by the middleman or the capitalist who pay these workers the smallest amount but sells the product to consumers at a hefty price. At the end of the day, it is the middlemen or industrialist, who takes home the larger profits while the real worker is left with little or no opportunities to grow, which is quite unfair. For that reason a fair trading system has been introduced that tends to be directed more by socialist viewpoint than the capitalist.

Alternative Trade Organizations:
Fair trade (also known as alternative trade) calls for market access for low level producers, so that they’ll be able to sell their products at reasonable price. This is what these alternative trade organizations (or fair trade organizations) works for. Fair trade movement, which was started back in 1940’s, was initially based on religious or ethical commandments. With the passage of time, as more and more people including NGO’s and students joined in the cause, it is now becoming more and more popular especially in Europe and North America. For the reason that it’s not only the worker who benefits, but the whole society, especially the consumers who will be paying fair price.

To achieve their ultimate goal (which is to empower destitute workers towards economic prosperity), fair trade organizations works toward promoting this trade system, and spreading awareness among consumers. Such products are not easily available in all markets, so these organizations have to endorse the locations and stores where such merchandise is available. There is a type of certification known as Fair trade Certification, granted to businesses who meet the standards (works pretty much the same like ISO certification). Some of these standards are no gender discrimination, decent wages for workers, no child labor and safe working conditions. Though there’s no restraint but till now the fair-trade is normally limited to simple household stuff like tea and coffee, fruits, chocolate or handicrafts.

Alternate trading systems:
Some people confuse alternative trade with alternate trading system, because of the similarity in the names. Alternate trading systems are actually unconventional trading system set up for the convenience of stocks buyers and sellers. These are not necessarily stock exchange, though a set of regulations made by SEC applies on them. Online trading system is an example of alternate trading.

Understanding workplace bullies and dealing with them

Workplace, like any other place in the world has a variety of individuals such as introverts, extroverts, some of them are bold and outspoken, others diplomatic and tactful, some friendly and outgoing, and others totally unreceptive. In short no two individuals are same. This variance is what prevents our offices (or this world) from becoming a dull and monotonous place. Difference of opinion and the professional contentions between colleagues actually motivates them and an atmosphere of productive competition is good for the company's progress. However, this diversity in the workforce has its fare share of negatives. The most bothersome being the presence of workplace bullies. Somehow, these arrogant, mean and wicked fellows are able to sneak into all workplaces by hook or by crook.

These workplace bullies are not aggressive with everyone around them, and most of the times their subordinates or the new comers are the victims. Their intimidating traits are normally disguised under the cover of false righteousness; that's why it's hard for the management or anyone else to notice, except for the person who's being suppressed. Therefore, if you are unfortunate enough to be targeted by a workplace bully, it's only you and nobody else who can do something about it. The best time to hit back is the moment you realize they are starting to target you as a prey. If you ignore or overlook their tactics in the beginning, it will become all too difficult later on, when they have overpowered you by damaging your self confidence.

Take all things into account:

Some people will just shrug off the idea of doing anything about this bullying stuff. But if you are experiencing some serious harassment, you should see to it as soon as possible. Consider everything with a cool mind, how important is the job for you? How influential really is the person (the one who is bullying)? Do you have access to go and talk with more senior management about the harassment? What can be the worse outcome if you reciprocate with the same approach?

Fight back:

Most of the times, a minor display of controlled aggression is all you need to make them retreat, especially if they are not holding a senior level position than yours. Even if the harassment is coming from your seniors, there's absolutely nothing wrong in voicing your disapproval. Go to the more senior management, usually they have an idea of their employee’s nature and your complaint will be enough to make them take some corrective actions. Even if that doesn’t work, look for a job elsewhere and quit, there’s no point in ruining your peace of mind and self-possession for few bucks.

Starting your own export business, The process explained

Whenever you decide to start something big, a little time spent on planning in the beginning will save you from lots of thinking sessions (filled with frustration, panic and disappointments) later on. You can make giant looking tasks a lot easier by dividing them in small, practical step-by-step procedures. Starting an export business is not a walk in the park, and when you decide to get into this business, you have to make quite a number of arrangements such as deciding your product, choosing shipment mode, arranging finance and much more.

Initial Stage:

i. Select your product
ii. Determine potential buyers
iii. Market research
iv. Exporting method
v. Comprehensive business plan

First you have to select the product; in case you are not already involved in producing or exporting some product locally (even then you may need to improve its quality and features for international export). After choosing the product, you can now assess the targeted customers. Do some research on the market and analyze it carefully. Next step is to decide upon the exporting method. Remember, all of these decisions and selections should be based on some facts and figures, and not mere assumptions. As stated earlier, time spent in planning & research will save you from possible loss and failures in the future. You need to be watchful, alert and patient in the start, so that you don’t fall in hands of frauds and scams.

Middle Stage:

i. Determine Price
ii. Payment terms & conditions
iii. Terms and conditions for delivery and shipment issues
iv. Shipping mode

After you are done with initial research and planning work, you now have a plan in your hands. You know your potential customers by now. Next step is to determine prices, while doing this, keep all costs and expenses in mind, don’t try to take too much risk by offering extra ordinary low prices. Payment terms and the mode of payment is also an important decision, so is the selection of shipment mode you are going to use.

Final Stage:

i. Financing
ii. Production/Manufacturing
iii. Packaging
iv. Shipment
v. Collection of payment through your bank or some payment processor

After all the planning and marketing, you will start receiving orders from interested customers. At this point, you need to have sufficient funds in hands to manufacture or arrange the products you are looking to export. Once you have got the funds, and you are done with the production work, you need to go through packaging and documentation work before making a shipment to the customers.

This is the basic framework for starting an export business, which will help you in starting smoothly and gradually growing.

Sorting out business failures, you haven't lost it all

Businesses may fail to prosper for many reasons, bad marketing, insufficient funding, poor customer service, non-supportive market conditions or incapable management. But this article is not about escaping business failures, because failures are a part of life and sometimes all the efforts and capital spent on planning/management can go in vain. If you are into reading success stories or biographies of successful businessmen, you'll note a common pattern in all of these memoirs i.e. they started, fell short, learn from their mistakes, tried again and carried on with the pattern until they accomplished their goals. They all seem to agree on this one point, that the secret to their success was their "never say die" approach.

No failure means No improvement:
It may sound quite idiotic, but the more failures you have in your early days the better, only as long as you are learning from these failures and constantly improving. Let the failures take care of your short comings and make sure you work on your weaklings once they have been revealed by some kind of failure. As a result, your chances of a slip-up decrease in later stages. What comes out of this string of "blunders and correction" is an experienced fellow who knows what's actually going to work and what's not.

You are not a failure just because your business fails:
Quite obvious, isn't it? Still many of us go down with their businesses and never recover. You need to realize that there are many other factors that will decide the fate of your business other than your personal skills, and many of these factors are not even in your control. Businesses should be treated like businesses, an investment or a gamble. Sure, you've got to work hard, give your 100 percent, apply all your experience and skills but please don't put your self-belief on stake.

Don't spend a lifetime in grieving over your failures:
In words of Marlon Brando, "That which does not kill us makes us stronger". Luckily business failures hardly kill anyone; they are not the end of the world even if you have lost it all. To tell the truth, financial deficit is the easiest to regain (you can't recapture youth, friends or time once you lose them). Getting into a mourning mode and staying like that forever will make the situation worse. Business failures (or any other failure) are just a stopover in the journey of your life; do not treat them as your final destinations.