Page 4 - KZN Business Sense - 8.2

CHALLENGES, LESSONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

By Monique Labat, both time and resources. A B2B to become climate-friendly, collaborations bring about such Increased Efficiency
Specialist in B2B specialist takes into consideration being sustainable is no longer as exclusive deals, special offers By sharing resources and
Market Linkages whether the size of the market may enough. Instead we understand etc. Strong customer loyalty is collaborating on projects it is
be too small, whether there is a the importance for brands, usually one of the key outcomes often possible for businesses
lack of information on the market companies and communities to of successful B2B linkage
his is the products or whether there is poor work together for a regenerative arrangements. involved in B2B linkages to
third in market accessibility. planet and future. achieve efficiencies that
Ta series Enhanced Competitiveness would not be possible if
of articles on Challenges could also emanate A dedicated staff or working independently. This
Business to from mistakes in selecting department set up specially Collaborating with a partner improved efficiency typically
Business the appropriate B2B partner. for securing new markets for company can help you become leads to reduced costs which
(B2B) Informed and careful selection products or services could be more competitive by giving then allows the businesses
linkages of partners and setting up of a costly operation. Lessons you access to new technology, involved to pass these cost
and the theme throughout these proper management systems learnt by existing clients is the ideas, or processes that you savings onto their customers
articles is access to relevant and would make it possible to reduce cost effectiveness of securing may not have otherwise had resulting in better value for
verified information. these challenges dramatically, the services of a professional access to. Additionally, your money offerings.
while maximising the benefits with years of experience in B2B specialist can identify a A clear business case ensures
How do you gain the local of B2B linkages. B2B linkages when looking partner company which has
knowledge and contacts to identify potential local or the necessary resources to long-term commitment
by the company, and has a
required to operate effectively An essential requirement is international business partners. help reduce costs associated far greater chance of being
in a new market? How do you access to reliable and actionable with research, development or sustainable with the advice and
optimise cost, quality, flexibility information to reduce the risks An intermediary such as marketing expenses. information supplied by a B2B
and other considerations in the inherent in transacting with a B2B specialist can be very specialist. The investment is
value chain that will lead you companies in a new market. effective when companies Improved Access to
to gain a foothold and market This endeavour can be especially in the same industry work New Markets worth it! 
share in the new market? costly in business models together, helping to build trust
involving large numbers of among corporate partners. When companies work
Cost pressure and presence small transactions, for example together they can expose each Information on B2B matchmaking and
combine to create an interesting when sourcing agricultural OPPORTUNITIES IN B2B other’s products and services to market linkages to secure new markets,
new suppliers or new clients available
set of challenges, lessons and products from smallholder LINKAGES new markets that they may not from Monique Labat Consulting (Pty) Ltd
opportunities for firms. farms or marketing consumer have been able to reach on their E: monique@moniquelabat.com or
packaged goods through kiosks Increased Customer Loyalty own. This expanded market
Challenges in B2B Linkages or pushcart vendors. When two or more businesses access can result in increased M: 0027 (0) 82 924 6349
Without access to reliable come together through sales and revenue for both
information, challenges in securing Lessons in B2B Linkages alliances it often results in businesses involved thanks to
new markets, new suppliers and A tough lesson is that as loyal customers who appreciate the B2B specialist who created
new clients could be costly in lifestyles and businesses shift the added value these the linkage.

Dube The city of Durban
TradePort
0 1 and King (eThekwini Municipality)
0 0 Shaka is South Africa’s
1 International second most important
Airport - 60- economic region
0 year Master
11 11 Plan - driving

growth of Extensive first-world
01 aerotropolis, road, rail, sea and air
1 or airport city
1
1 0 0 0
1 01
01
00
1 1 0
0 0 11 1 00
1 1
0 Rated in top 5
0 0 11 1 1 0 ‘Quality of Living’
BUY LOCAL 11 1 01 1 0 cities in Africa and
Middle East by
INVEST LOCAL 1 1 0 1 11 Mercer Consulting in
2015
0
1
1
0
1
1 0 0 1 1 1 Named one of the
0 11 0 0 New 7 Wonders Cities
Let’s come together and heal as a nation. 0 0 11 1 by the Swiss-based
Let’s focus on renewing, restoring and rebuilding successful partnerships 11 1 New 7 Wonders
and investment opportunities so we can get back to promoting our city as 0 11 Foundation in 2014
the ideal destination for business and pleasure to the rest of the world.
1 1
Your support coupled with our world-class infrastructure, innovative 1 0 1 1 1
business environment and ever evolving investment opportunities, means 1 0 0 01
we can get back to ‘connecting continents’ in no time. 1
0 3 00
11 0 1
Tel: +27 31 311 4227 0 11
Email: invest@durban.gov.za 11
web: invest.durban
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