When we talk about emerging markets the first thing that comes into our minds is the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) because they are most well known emerging economies since the 1990’s.

That was two decades ago, with their growth rate on the decline, and now other nations are taking up there place.

Research firm Coface identifies only 10 “new emerging” countries which meet all the criteria. However, these countries are not the same in terms of their business environments – the weaknesses of which can stifle growth. This leads Coface to distinguish two groups in the “new emerging” countries:

Colombia, Indonesia, Peru, the Philippines and Sri Lankahave a sound business climate (A4 or B), similar to that of the BRIC countries today.

Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh and Ethiopiahave very difficult (C) or extremely difficult (D) business environments which could hamper their growth prospects.

“Naturally, it will be more difficult for the second group of countries, who could take longer to fully realise their growth potential. However, their business environment problems are relative: in 2001, the quality of governance in Brazil, China, India and Russia was comparable to that of Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Bangladesh and Ethiopia today.”,says Julien Marcilly, Head of Country Risk at Coface.

source:bloomberg

Figuring out whom to avoid and whom to let in won’t always be easy. But with a little practice, you can get really good at staying far away from people who might bring your business down. Here are 4 people (whether employees or clients) you should avoid if you’re starting a business:

The siren

Sirens are those amazing and enticing people who come into your business and completely distract you. More than anyone else, these people have a way of stealing your focus and throwing your efforts off track.

A lot of promising futures have been sacrificed to sirens. Some people have sold their businesses for way less than they are worth and others have given up on their businesses to chase a get-rich-quick scheme than some sirens pitched them. Don’t let this happen to you. Don’t let an amazing person make you forget that you and your business have something amazing to offer the world, too.

The goat

Goats are those wildly charismatic, big-talking and full-of-luck people who seem to get away with everything. These people have many strengths.

The problem is that they use their strengths in devious ways. Goats have little ambition beyond convincing others to make bad decisions. If you find yourself constantly making bad business decisions every time you’re around someone in particular, it’s time to cut that person out of your business.

The hater

Haters are people who want to be on top but don’t want to work to get there. Instead, they want to push everyone else around them down so it will seem like they’re on top.

Haters are losers but they also can serve as a source of motivation in a strange way. Don’t let haters into your business but use them as motivation to make your business as strong as possible.

The narcissist

Narcissists are talented people who are too consumed with themselves to take action. They’re especially bad at taking team-oriented action.

A narcissist might even encourage you to put the image of your business over its reputation. This is always bad idea. When starting a business, it’s best to be transparent and authentic. Don’t try to make things seem bigger than they are and avoid trying to be something you’re not. Instead, be real. Keep narcissists out of your startup and stay focused on your reputation, not your image.

source:entrepreneur

Explicit images of a naked Kim Kardashian have been leaked online. The shots, which are featured a 30-page spread in the upcoming issue of LOVE magazine, have left fans of the star shocked.

Without trying to preserve her modesty, Kim Kardashian is yet again dripping in oil while wearing just a full-length Prada fur coat and a pair of 60s browline glasses.

In a shocking shot by Steven Klein, Kim Kardashian stands in an apartment doorway with her hands on her hips while basking in the sunshine with her breast and vagina on full display.

Another picture from the edgy shoot sees her standing on some steps, once again completely naked while holding a hand back.

The shot is taken from below so no aspect of the reality star’s body can be missed. And just in case you hadn’t seen enough of her breasts –a further picture is purely off her chest, again taken from below. The latest photos come after a pic of Kim Kardashian flashing her bare butt as she smoked on a cigarette in heels leaked online from the edgy shoot.

Kima Kardashian with her rapper husband Kanye West and son North West.

Kim Kardashian recently gushed over the shoot after sharing the cover from LOVE on Instagram. We shot for 3 days straight at a motel in LA. One night till 4am,” she proudly captioned the image.

Kim Kardashian was styled by Katie Grand for the explicit edgy shoot, which was shot at a motel in Los Angeles by renowned photographer Steven Klein.

In other photographs, the 34-year-old is rocking bleached eyebrows, and cuddling up to a blow up doll by a pool.

After baring all for Paper magazine, Kim Kardashian revealed that she was proud of going naked for the shoot. Talking on Aussie talk show The Project in November, she said: “For me, I knew that was something that I wanted to do to make myself feel confident.

“And to each his own, as you said, as a role model, I’m not saying anyone else should do that. But for me, I looked at it as an art project and something that was gonna make me feel confident and me feel good. And it taught me to do what you wanna do.”

Of the Jean-Paul Goude shoot, she continued: “Everyone should do what they’re comfortable with and I’m not one to preach but I felt really positive and good with the photos.

In today’s ever changing business climate, an entrepreneur can easily become overwhelmed. It’s vital, though, to stay focused on your goals for the company.

Even with a firm strategy in place, every entrepreneur should do these things to clear a path to success:

Study the competition

As an entrepreneur, you need to know who your competitors are. You also should understand the rival product or service that is being offering.

This knowledge will help you better market your product or service to stand out, perhaps even using your competition’s weaknesses to your advantage.

Conserve cash no matter how good business is

Frankly put, live as cheaply as possible.

Entrepreneurs should be as conservative with their money as possible to be able to deal with any rough patch that arises. Conserving several months’ worth of operating expenses in the bank will help you survive most unforeseen circumstances.

Research new products and services

Understand emerging products or services on the horizon that could improve your company’s operations.

Do your homework. Are you taking advantage of all technology has to offer? Is there an app that could help you manage your time more efficiently or a service that lets you delegate ordinary tasks to free up more time for priority projects?

Respond to change

In business change is inevitable and those capable of responding are flexible and versatile.

An entrepreneur must be prepared to accept change and adapt business operations accordingly. Be flexible. If a shift in your product or service is warranted, don’t be left behind. Realize from the start that where you are is likely not to be where you’ll end up.

A lack of adaptability can result in loss in customers, profits and even business failure.

source:entrepreneur

About 33 Kenyan ICT start-ups and SME’s are set to benefit from a 3-year funding project extended by the Government of Netherlands aimed at growing the ICT sector.

The funding is supported by the Netherlands Trust Fund phase III (NTF III), an initiative by the Dutch government. The funding worth US$ 1.2 million and is aimed at enhancing the export competitiveness of Kenyan IT & ITEs companies. The funding will also go towards the implementation of the ICT Masterplan 2017.

Speaking during the signing of the partnership Mr Joseph Tiampati, Principal Secretary Ministry of ICT said, “Kenya ICT business is already at the tipping point of Africa transformation. Many of our businesses have now expanded beyond our borders. As the government we are committed to supporting Kenyan businesses zeal to expand in an organized way. That’s why the development of an export strategy and the operationalization of the ICT Masterplan is an important deliverable of this partnership with the Dutch government.”

The 33 start-ups and SMEs will be supported in expanding and launching their businesses in foreign markets. The 33 emerged successful after they applied for the support in November 2014. The Kenyan companies will benefit from the promotion of high-value IT&ITES exports and the establishment of long-term business relationships.

source:cio