When we hear the phrase “Land of Opportunity,” we are reminded of the millions of immigrants who struggled to reach the shores of the United States to establish a better life for their families. But if we limit the definition to immigrants, we really do miss the true meaning: Whatever you dare to dream and are willing to sacrifice, you can achieve it.

Despite the turbulent events that have deeply affected all of us since September 11, 2001, many of us continue to persevere and make sacrifices to achieve our dreams. If you are looking for new business, there are a plethora of opportunities. Attentiveness to emerging markets and current trends, mixed in with creativity and a bit of determination, is only one part of growth potential. The other part is the willingness of organizations to take risks and to modify their marketing plans. Opportunities are awaiting those who dare to dream.

A Definition

An “emerging market,” or a “developing market economy,” is typically defined as an economy with low to middle per capita income. These emerging markets are willing to participate in economic development programs, so their economies become fast growing and they are recognized on the global scene. The four largest emerging and developing economies are Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The next five largest markets are South Korea, Mexico, Indonesia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Besides looking at emerging markets, you must look at current trends. New business opportunities are growing as a result of big trends such as globalization, technology, demographics, international trading and knowledge markets. With creativity and imagination, you can determine how your organization can reap new rewards and profits from a sample of the opportunities herein.

Globalization

• Growth of low-cost international travel will lead to increased competition between various venues, which should increase global strategic alliances.
• Multinational companies are holding more global events with attendees coming from markets such as China, Hong Kong, India, South America, Latin America, Poland, Slovenia, and Russia.
• Security continues to be a global preoccupation. Major events have security requirements that call for years of planning and preparation, including training and education for security firms.

Technology

• Nanotechnology is defined as the science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. Every day something new is being created that will affect the entire world in ways we cannot even imagine.
• Growth in communication techniques is leading to an increased demand for face-to-face meetings. With the general deterioration of social skills in society, more meetings focusing on relationship-building skills need to be developed.
• Wireless security will be a growing issue worldwide. Identity theft prevention and system protection software are subject areas being continually explored and developed.
• Millions of people are participating in blogs to hear and share opinions on a multitude of subjects. Are you listening?

Demographics

• Companies that fail to recognize the power of the woman buyer are leaving money on the table. Marketing professionals, men and women alike, need to allocate real dollars and undivided attention to the largest untapped market in the world: women.

• In the social and health services arena, the hot markets continue to include medical and insurance; holistic medicine is a rising star.
• According to the LGBT marketing expert Jenn T. Grace, in her book, No, Wait… You Do Look Gay!: The 7 Mistakes Preventing You from Selling to the $830 Billion LGBT Market,  few people get up in the morning wondering who they can offend throughout their day. Yet many people are doing so with prospective LGBT customers, and they simply don’t realize it.

International Trading

• Marketing is a powerful business strategy that needs to focus on personalizing the global experience and providing customer satisfaction.
• An effective global brand requires customized communications that accommodate cultural, linguistic and philosophical differences.

Knowledge Markets

• We will continue to see growth with the communities of practice formats, which include Internet, intranet, extranet and blogs.
• Online communities strengthen the bonds between participants with shared interests.
• The most popular community of practice is the face-to-face networking meeting.

Analyzing emerging market needs and trends and creating the best possible methods to bring ideas to market are critical business skills. There will always be challenges, failures and skeptics, but remember that the future lies in our own willingness to dream and to work to achieve our dreams.

We are given the freedom to persevere, which means that whatever you dare to sacrifice to achieve, you can do.

This is the land of opportunity—go for it!

Michele Wierzgac, MSEd, speaker and author, promises that you will leave her solution-driven keynotes and workshops with at least one passionate, life transforming, leadership tool – something that will change the way you seek out a solution and practically apply it without getting stuck.

Email Michele at michele@micheleandco.com or give her a call at (708) 710-7055!