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Investing in Emerging Markets: Capitalizing on Trade Growth Potential

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Global Trade Daily

Investing in Emerging Markets: Capitalizing on Trade Growth Potential

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Investors are always looking for the next big thing, and it makes sense that many of them are flocking to emerging markets. These developing economies have attractive valuations, and the promise of their growth can translate to significant earnings. Today we’ll discuss emerging markets in detail and provide some of the most notable examples. 

What are emerging markets?

Emerging markets are countries that are undergoing rapid industrialization and economic growth and, as a result, are getting more and more enmeshed in the global economy. They often present significant growth potential and exciting investment opportunities but come with commensurate risks compared to older, more established markets and economies. 

Advantages of emerging markets

Investing in an emerging market can greatly enhance your earning potential. Let’s take a look at their positive aspects. 

Attractive regulations and incentives

Emerging markets recognize the importance of attracting foreign investors to stimulate economic growth and development. They implement regulatory reforms that create a favorable investment climate to achieve this. These reforms encompass various areas such as business regulations, tax incentives, intellectual property rights (IPR) protection, foreign ownership restrictions, transparency and anti-corruption measures, infrastructure development, and investor protection. 

Emerging markets streamline business regulations, simplify bureaucratic procedures, and establish investor-friendly legal frameworks. They offer tax breaks, exemptions, and reductions to incentivize foreign investment. 

Robust IPR protection is prioritized, with the enforcement of copyright, patent, and trademark laws. Foreign ownership restrictions are relaxed to leverage foreign expertise and capital. Transparency, accountability, and anti-corruption measures are strengthened to build trust among investors. 

Investments in infrastructure development, including transportation, energy, and telecommunications, enhance competitiveness and attract sector-specific investments. Mechanisms for investor protection and dispute resolution ensure investor rights are prioritized to further boost the market’s attractiveness to foreign cash flow.

Access to untapped markets and natural resources with significant growth potential

The transition from an emerging market into a developed economy can be tumultuous, but with the right resources, economic guidance, and luck, the development can bring about plenty of opportunities to get into new, untapped markets. 

In a similar vein, emerging markets may be just starting to discover and utilize their country’s natural resources to their fullest extent. These include but are not limited to, minerals, energy, water, agricultural resources, precious stones, and metal. One example of a current market trend is the demand for lithium, which is used to power environment-friendly electric vehicles. Countries like Chile and Zimbabwe, with their extensive lithium reserves, are now prime candidates for foreign investments. 

Favorable demographics

Emerging markets usually have a younger population with almost unlimited potential in terms of growth and experience. The younger workforce is more adaptable to change, especially regarding technology. Aside from that, they offer diverse skills and outlooks that can be useful in problem-solving and decision-making, along with their long-term potential for contributing to the development of their country. 

 

Infrastructure Development

Developing countries present great opportunities for investors in real estate, construction, and other related industries. The drive to improve and urbanize their infrastructure often leads to creating and improving new consumer markets that further bolster their economies. Improved housing projects, commercial developments, and construction and improvement of transportation and other infrastructure are some of the positive signals that investors need to look out for in emerging markets. 

 

Disadvantages of emerging markets

Like any investment, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Here are some of the pitfalls of investing in emerging markets. 

 

Political and economic instability

It’s not uncommon for emerging markets to face political and economic turmoil during their journey to development. Due to the increased investment and cash flow, their governments are susceptible to fluctuations in policy goals, corruption, and regulatory uncertainties, all of which can cause an unpredictable business environment and negatively affect investor outlook. 

 

Volatile markets

The sudden influx of foreign investments and funds can lead to significant volatility in emerging markets. Since their economies are still in their infancy (or are not yet equipped to withstand foreign trade,) their trade regulations are often found lacking regarding investor protection, liquidity regulations, and risk management guidelines. 

 

Inadequate competencies and education

Emerging markets may face skill gaps and inadequate educational systems that limit the availability of a skilled workforce. This can impact productivity, innovation, and the competitiveness of industries. These issues can often be resolved through government intervention, but it may take time, which is a premium nowadays, considering that several industries, particularly in technology, are experiencing a significant uptick in advancement and development. 

Limited infrastructure

Developing countries often do not enjoy the kind of infrastructure that first-world countries have. And while this presents another opportunity for investments, the deficiencies also often lead to delays in development and business expansions, not to mention the increased costs.

 

Four emerging markets to look out for

There are agencies and foreign market analysts that identify emerging markets around the world. One of the most notable is the Morgan Stanley Capital Internation (MSCI), which has a dedicated Emerging Markets Index. The composition of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index has evolved over time, with countries being included or excluded based on a market classification framework that evaluates economic development, market size, liquidity, and accessibility. Here are some of the most viable selections from their list: 

 

Philippines

Touted as one of the fastest-growing emerging economies in the world, with expert forecasts predicting a trillion-dollar economy by 2033, the Philippines is one of the best bets in Southeast Asia for emerging markets. The country is notable for its strong, consistent economic growth, strategic location, varied natural resources, growing consumer market, skilled workforce, attractive investment programs, and stable political environment. 

The country saw a 7.6% increase in GDP back in 2022, and most experts agree that it will continue to increase in the neighborhood of 6% in 2023 despite a challenging economic climate in the area. The previous growth was, as some claim, a mere result of a rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic economy, but experts are confident that the momentum will push the Philippines into a brighter development path. 

 

South Korea

Like Japan, South Korea’s transformation from a nation devastated by war to a thriving economy is a model that most emerging markets emulate. Strategic government policies have massively contributed to the country’s average annual GDP growth of 10% from 1926 to 1994. However, the Asian financial crisis identified several underlying economic weaknesses, like high levels of short-term foreign borrowing, resulting in a sharp decline in GDP. Still, South Korea is now a global center for innovation and technology, with well-known companies and brands like Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Hyundai Motors Company Limited, Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Heavy Industries Company Limited, and POSCO spearheading its economy. 

With a projected GDP of $1.72 trillion in 2023, South Korea ranks as the 12th largest economy globally. Furthermore, it is expected that its GDP will reach $2.12 trillion by 2028. South Korea remains highly reliant on exports, solidifying its position as one of the world’s most export-dependent industrialized nations. The country’s continued economic success underscores its resilience and ability to adapt to an ever-evolving global market.

India

India remains a strong contender for emerging markets despite economic uncertainties. The country has consistently shown solid macroeconomic fundamentals, fiscal discipline, attractive saving rates, increasing domestic demand, and political stability. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to augment capital spending, particularly in infrastructure, to stimulate growth and enhance competitiveness. With the expanding middle class and their evolving spending patterns, India’s economy is increasingly driven by domestic consumption. 

The nation’s nominal GDP, projected at $3.76 trillion for 2023, is anticipated to reach $5.57 trillion by 2028, positioning India as the world’s third-largest economy, as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates. India currently falls into the lower middle-income category, according to the World Bank. Looking ahead, an EY report predicts that by 2047, the country’s 100th year of independence, India’s economy will soar to a staggering GDP size of $26 trillion, with per capita GDP surpassing $15,000.

Mexico

Mexico is considered an emerging market due to several key factors. First, the country has achieved consistent economic growth, driven by sectors like manufacturing, services, and tourism. Its strategic location has also led to significant trade integration and investment opportunities. Mexico’s extensive network of trade agreements, including the USMCA and other free trade agreements, facilitates access to diverse markets. 

The country’s competitive labor force, characterized by a growing young population, attracts foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing-related industries. Furthermore, Mexico’s large domestic market, with a growing middle class and increased consumer purchasing power, creates business opportunities. The implementation of structural reforms and infrastructure development initiatives further supports economic growth. Despite existing challenges, Mexico’s efforts to address them and favorable economic conditions make it an appealing destination for investors seeking emerging market prospects.

Closing thoughts

Emerging markets present an opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of an impressive developing economy. However, risks and opportunities go hand in hand, and smart investors should conduct due diligence to weigh the pros and cons of these potential investments. 

 

Damotech warehouse security soundproofing
Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Warehousing

The Crucial Role of Security in Effective Warehouse Management

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The issue of security in warehousing is as old as the concept of centralized storage itself. From the ancient granaries of Egypt to the sprawling distribution centers of today, the need to protect amassed goods from theft, damage, and unauthorized access has always been paramount.

However, in today’s complex warehouse management ecosystem, security has taken on an even more crucial role. In an era where supply chains span continents and warehouses act as critical hubs in these networks, a single security breach can have far-reaching consequences. It can disrupt operations, lead to significant financial losses, and even damage a company’s reputation.

The Importance of Security in Warehouse Management

Security is critical in any operation, but warehouses have plenty of unique challenges to deal with. All that stock in one convenient location makes warehouses a lucrative target for a variety of threats.

These threats not only come in the form of physical theft but also include a range of other security risks that can have significant impacts on warehouse operations. Let’s look at some of the key challenges:

  •       Workplace fraud/theft: The annual report by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that 5% of a business’s revenue is lost to workplace fraud. A staggering 86% of all fraud was “asset misappropriation” or theft in other words. Warehousing is highly vulnerable to this type of threat and it isn’t a surprise to find the report listed warehousing in the five highest median losses by industry.
  •       Unauthorized Access: Warehouses often house valuable goods, making them attractive targets for intruders. Unauthorized access can lead to theft, vandalism, and potential disruption of warehouse operations. Implementing robust access control systems is crucial to prevent such incidents.
  •       Cyber Threats: In the digital age, warehouses are not just physical spaces but also part of a larger, interconnected IT infrastructure. This makes them vulnerable to cyber threats such as data breaches and ransomware attacks, which can compromise sensitive information and disrupt operations.
  •       Operational Disruptions: Security isn’t just about preventing theft or cyber-attacks. It’s also about ensuring the smooth operation of the warehouse. Incidents like fire, equipment failure, or even accidents due to a lack of safety measures can cause significant operational disruptions.

The above list only touches on the threats that the industry faces, but it does illustrate the point that security should be an integral part of warehouse operations.

Security Measures in Warehouse Management

Understanding the threats is the first step to more secure warehouse management. Based on this foundation, it is possible to create a comprehensive and integrated security system that uses the latest generation of equipment and technology to boost warehouse security.

Here are some key measures that can be implemented:

  •       Surveillance systems: Advanced surveillance cameras provide real-time monitoring of the warehouse premises, helping to deter potential threats and allowing for rapid response in case of any security breaches.
  •       Access control systems: Sophisticated access control systems, including key fob building entry systems, restrict unauthorized entry, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the warehouse. These systems can be particularly effective in preventing theft and unauthorized access.
  •       Cybersecurity measures: With warehouses now part of larger, interconnected IT infrastructures, robust cybersecurity measures are crucial. These can include firewalls, secure networks, and regular system updates to protect against cyber threats.
  •       Safety protocols and equipment checks: Regular safety protocols and equipment checks can help prevent operational disruptions, ensuring that the warehouse functions smoothly and efficiently. This includes everything from fire safety measures to regular maintenance of warehouse machinery. Security can play a large role in reducing time lost through human error and other operational disruptions.

The good news for warehouse managers is that the technology that powers these security measures is evolving rapidly and becoming increasingly sophisticated.

The Future of Warehouse Security

The rapid development of technologies like AI and cloud computing is helping all aspects of warehouse management, including security. For instance, AI and drones are now being used to monitor inventory.

When it comes to security, such technologies are potential game changers. Here are just a couple of ways that technology is going to shape warehouse security in the future:

  •       AI-Powered Surveillance: Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to enhance surveillance systems, enabling them to detect unusual activity and respond in real-time. This can significantly improve the effectiveness of security measures. 
  •       IoT-Enabled Access Control: Internet of Things (IoT) technology can be used to create smart access control systems that not only restrict unauthorized access but also provide valuable data on personnel movement within the warehouse.

As these technologies continue to evolve and become more integrated into warehouse operations, we can expect a future where warehouse security is not just about protection, but also about enhancing efficiency and productivity in warehouse management.

Security: At the Core of Successful Warehouse Management

Security is more than just making sure a few items of stock don’t “wander off” into the night. Rather, it is an integral part of warehouse operations that can boost efficiency and profits.

Put simply, embracing security innovations ensures efficient, profitable warehouse operations.

 

 

 

energy
Global Trade Daily, Technology

7 AI Integrations Shaping the Future of Global Industries

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AI isn’t the future anymore; it’s our present. From healthcare to transportation, from retail to manufacturing, and many more, AI is leaving an indelible mark.

But there’s more. Beyond the surface, AI’s roots penetrate deeper, intertwining with the very fabric of our industries. It’s reshaping the business landscape, paving new paths, and driving us forward at an astonishing speed.

Let’s dive deep into how AI integrations are progressively shaping the future of our world across different industries.

#1 Manufacturing and automation

In the realm of industry and robotics, AI is no longer an extraordinary concept; it’s the standard we live by today. We may often associate AI in this field with visions from a sci-fi movie, but the reality is impressively present.

First, let’s examine the reality. A study by McKinsey discloses that manufacturing plants are at the forefront of embracing artificial intelligence. It can even reduce 50% of demand planners’ workload. Here’s how AI does it.

  • Automated machines – AI-powered automation has entirely revamped the production process. The work that was once done manually or with basic machines is now carried out more efficiently and precisely by AI-integrated systems. For instance, AI can guide robotic arms in assembling complex components, dramatically improving speed and reducing error rates.

 

  • Smart robotics: Modern manufacturing robots are not just programmable machines; they are intelligent collaborators. These robots can work alongside humans, reducing workplace accidents and boosting productivity.

 

  • Predictive maintenance: Perhaps the most transformative impact of AI is its role in predictive maintenance. Advanced AI algorithms analyze enormous datasets from machinery sensors to predict potential failures, allowing for preventive maintenance. This is a significant change from the traditional reactive approach. According to Deloitte, AI-driven predictive maintenance can reduce downtime by up to 50%, decrease maintenance planning time by 20-50%, and extend machinery life by years.

#2 Healthcare and diagnostics

Moving on to healthcare, AI’s influence is far-reaching and profound. With remote monitoring systems, patients can now receive medical care within the comfort of their homes. This becomes crucial for chronic illness management and the elderly.

Furthermore, AI’s role in diagnostics is rapidly growing. From radiology to pathology, AI algorithms can analyze images with remarkable accuracy, often outperforming human clinicians quickly and efficiently. 

Personalized medicine, a rising field, leverages AI to tailor treatment plans to individuals, potentially transforming our approach to disease management.

#3 Retail and customer experience

In the retail industry, AI has become a transformative force. Imagine walking into a store where everything aligns with your taste – that’s what AI-powered personalization offers. It helps businesses understand customer preferences and deliver safe yet personalized shopping experiences.

Moreover, chatbots have redefined customer service by providing instant responses and 24/7 availability. Behind the scenes, AI optimizes inventory management, predicting demand to prevent overstock or stockouts, thereby improving operational efficiency.

#4 Finance and risk assessment

In finance, AI’s impact is substantial. Fraud detection has been revolutionized by AI’s ability to recognize unusual patterns and flag potential risks. In the realm of risk assessment, AI models can analyze a myriad of variables to assess a customer’s creditworthiness, transforming lending practices.

Algorithmic trading, an advanced form of automated trading, utilizes AI to make high-speed decisions, capitalizing on market trends and patterns that humans might miss. This has reshaped the financial markets, increasing their dynamism and volatility.

#5 Transportation and autonomous vehicles

Transportation has not been left behind in the AI revolution. Self-navigating automobiles, previously considered the stuff of futuristic fantasy, are currently a fact of life. 

By integrating AI algorithms with sensors and real-time data, autonomous vehicles promise to transform commuting, reduce accidents, and improve traffic management.

Furthermore, AI is optimizing logistics, predicting the best routes, adjusting delivery schedules according to real-time conditions, and making freight transportation more efficient.

#6 Security and surveillance

In security and surveillance, AI integrations bring new capabilities. 

When it comes to analog vs IP cameras, the latter, combined with AI, provides clearer images and advanced features like facial recognition, object detection, and real-time alerts.

AI-powered surveillance systems are not only proactive but also smart, recognizing suspicious activities and helping in crime prevention. This has significant implications for personal, commercial, and national security.

#7 Energy and resource management

In energy management, AI is paving the way for a greener future. AI algorithms optimize energy consumption, reducing waste and lowering costs. Smart grids, powered by AI, adjust energy distribution based on real-time demand, leading to more resilient and efficient systems.

Even more exciting is the role of AI in optimizing renewable energy sources. Predictive models can forecast weather patterns to optimize the use of wind and solar energy, contributing to our fight against climate change.

 

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Global Trade Daily

3 Challenges of Flexible Hybrid Work for International Business 

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Spurred on in part as a necessary reaction to the recent global pandemic, as well as in response to continuing advancements in the development of smart technologies, it appears that more modern businesses are seeing the value in employing international teams working within flexible schedules.  

Recent studies seem to suggest that highly skilled workers across many major industries actively seek out flexible roles as an employment incentive, with 87% of surveyed workers claiming they’d be in favor of these positions if they were offered such a role, but flexible schedules can present a number of unique challenges for global companies to contend with. 

For leaders of international businesses, effectively managing, instructing and taking care of dispersed teams can prove to be a difficult and frustrating task, with staff frequently reliant on well implemented smart technologies to ensure that operations can continue to run smoothly. For employers that may be considering such developments, here are 3 challenges of flexible work for international business. 

  1. Finding suitable office space 

Though some international business leaders may be content with allowing remote teams to work from home, there are several notable benefits that can be gleaned from providing workers with a dedicated office space in which to perform their duties. For example, teams reliant on frequent collaboration may require the use of a communal office space to help create and strengthen a positive company culture. 

Research shows that employees working in communal offices spend around 52% more of their time collaborating on ideas than they would if restricted to virtual communications, with 86% of employees blaming a lack of collaboration for workplace failures, so how do international businesses avoid this? 

For global employers hiring small teams in foreign countries, the steady growth of coworking spaces could prove to be an ideal solution. New hires can receive all the benefits associated with traditional office environments without employers budgeting for increasingly expensive commercial real-estate. 

2. Delivering effective onboarding programs 

HR professionals employed by international businesses may struggle when it comes to suitably integrating new hires into an existing company culture. Traditionally, effective onboarding strategies are known to benefit from face-to-face communications, though for remote workers this isn’t always possible. 

Of course, modern smart software tools can be leveraged to support flexible workers by virtually providing new hires with the information required to perform their roles. However, staff that take part in virtual onboarding procedures may feel less engaged with or connected to the company’s unique culture. 

In terms of employee retention, data shows that a well-executed onboarding process can prove vital, with studies showing that 69% of employees who receive a great onboarding experience will remain with that company for at least 3 years. With this in mind, international businesses intending to hire teams in remote or flexible roles must commit to developing well-planned and researched remote onboarding programs. 

3. Development and performance monitoring 

There has been a significant amount of discourse surrounding employee engagement, productivity, health and wellbeing in recent years, with most modern companies now taking steps to support their teams through personalized performance monitoring and dedicated employee wellness programs. 

For on-site teams, these procedures can be performed by in-person representatives carrying out frequent staff meetings and bond-forming conversations. However, ensuring that international teams engaged in flexible work are able to benefit from dedicated performance management will require business leaders to develop intelligent software solutions capable of analyzing a wide range of relevant work-related metrics. 

It’s important that international businesses utilize virtual employee wellness tools to support flexible staff, as without a clear vision of professional progression, teams may begin to become disengaged in their roles. In fact, 45% of workers claim they’d stay with a company longer if they felt that leaders were invested in their development, with 92% agreeing that these programs positively affect engagement. 

Final word 

Though the growing popularity of flexible and remote work continues to provide staff and employers with several wellness and productivity benefits, transitioning to such schedules or branching out via the hiring of international staff in flexible positions can expose a few significant issues for global business leaders. 

Employers must consider how important in-person communications and collaborative efforts are to the success of their own operations, and act to supplement the potential loss of these processes in flexible arrangements through the implementation of intelligent technologies. By developing virtual systems designed to support international teams, flexible workers will be better positioned to thrive in their roles. 

 

finances
Education, Global Trade Daily

How to Manage Your Small Business’s Finances Successfully

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A lot goes into running a successful business. You need a strong team, a good product or service, marketing that reaches the right target, and more. But a part of business success that often gets underrated is the importance of managing your finances. 

Improperly managing your finances can often spell the end of your business, and ultimately lead to failure. You need to have a financial plan and strategy, always be aware of how much you are bringing in, and ensure you are always prepared for tax time.

With that in mind, this guide is going to go over a few good tips to help you successfully manage the finances of your small business and stay on track.

Build Your Business Credit Score

First and foremost, you should make an effort to build up your business credit score. If your credit isn’t in a good place, it can make borrowing money more difficult and a bad credit score can often show vendors, lenders, or suppliers that your business carries a lot of risk.

You can build up your business credit score by using credit responsibly, keeping your utilization low, and making sure you always make payments on time. You won’t get great credit overnight, but with enough time and some dedication, you can certainly improve your score as a business.

Even if a bad business credit score doesn’t disqualify you from borrowing money, it will be more expensive due to a higher interest rate. Also, if you have collections or other negative marks on your credit report, it is a good idea to deal with them. Getting these removed can improve your chances of getting approved for credit and loans.

Make sure to check out your business credit report often, to ensure there are no mistakes or other issues that are negatively impacting your score.

Use Software and Technology When Possible

Trying to manage all of your finances manually can often be a disaster waiting to happen. Not only can things be misplaced, but mistakes can be made incredibly easily. It also takes a lot more work and effort to record every transaction or keep track of payments with paper and pen.

Instead, consider using technology when you can. This includes pieces of accounting software, tools to automate invoices, software to track sales and/or inventory, and more. It can make your financial management much simpler, quicker, and more effective. Sure, getting used to new software and methods of doing things may be difficult, but once you get a hang of it, it will save you a ton of time, effort, and money.

There are many options out there, and many of them are affordable enough for businesses of all shapes and sizes to try out. Make sure to do your research on the different options, and consider trying them out to see which works the best for your needs.

Monitor Your Spending and Create a Budget

Another important part of managing your finances is monitoring your spending to ensure you aren’t going overboard and putting your company at risk. Perhaps the best way to monitor your spending as a business is to create a budget. A budget will show you exactly how much you are spending every month, so there are no shocks or surprises.

Not only does it help you see how much you are spending, but also where that money is going. This can help you identify areas where you are spending too much. In addition to watching your spending, a budget can also be helpful to track cash flow and see how much revenue you are bringing in.

Of course, budget only works if you put in the effort to keep it current and updated, so make sure to stick with it. You can budget manually, but it is often better to use a piece of budgeting software to be able to enter and check things quickly, and from any device.

Keep a Cash Reserve

Another important thing to keep in mind is the importance of keeping a cash reserve. This is simply a little bit of extra cash that you keep around, just in case your business needs it for something.

An unforeseen issue popping up is common in business, and you need to be prepared. This could be a machine breaking down, your revenue slowing down, property taxes increasing, suppliers adjusting their prices, and more.

The amount you should keep varies, and can often depend on the costs associated with your business. The higher your costs, the more you should keep in reserve in case business slows down. If you don’t keep any extra in case of a business slowdown or unforeseen issues, your company could find itself in some trouble if you get unlucky.

This cash should be kept somewhere stable and secure, where it can be accessed quickly and easily if need be. For example, you wouldn’t want to keep this in a risky investment.

Don’t Be Afraid to Borrow

While keeping cash reserve is good, don’t be afraid to borrow money, either. Many businesses are hesitant to borrow, either for fear that things will get out of hand and they won’t be able to pay it back, or because they would simply rather spend money they actually have.

However, as long as you do it intelligently, getting a business loan can be a great way to reduce financial strain on your business. It can help you expand your operations, deal with surprising expenses that come out of nowhere, and generally scale up over time.

Of course, whenever you get a business loan make sure to take a close look at things like the terms, interest rate, and other rules. Also, ensure the lender you are working with is legitimate and trustworthy, too. If not, you could find yourself locked into a situation that hurts your business more than helps it.

In conclusion, we hope that this guide has been able to help you successfully manage the finances of your small business.

company SEO
Archives, Global Trade Daily

How to Implement SEO Strategy for Financial Advisors

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What is SEO?

SEO is continuously changing, and as a local company owner and web page, you must remain up to date on the regulations and techniques that affect whether your site ranks.

Search Engine Optimization is improving a web page or website to increase faster search engine results pages (SERPs) for specific keywords and phrases. It includes an array of technological, content, then off-optimization tactics aimed at improving a site’s exposure and search engine ranking.

SEO has evolved into a critical marketing tactic for companies of all kinds and sectors. Including over 3.5 billion searches conducted on Google nearly every day, companies need to ensure that their website works for search engines to connect with their intended audience and generate traffic to their site.

Why SEO is Important For the Financial Industry?

Financial advisers must ensure that their sites are visible to as many prospective leads as feasible. This is accomplished through search engine optimization. As the competitiveness among financial institutions grows, financial advisors are increasingly shifting online. Several individuals rely on financial consultants to help them handle their cash and other financial commitments.

SEO is critical in the financial industry since it assists financial firms and experts in increasing their online presence and reaching their intended audience. With more individuals switching to the internet for investment planning, having a good internet presence is critical in the financial business.

How to Implement SEO Strategy for Financial Advisors

You understand the necessity of maintaining a competitive edge as a financial advisor. With so many more individuals going to the web for financial advice, having a solid internet persona is critical. A competent SEO plan may assist you in improving your web presence and attracting new customers. Here are some pointers for developing an efficient SEO strategy for financial advisers:

1. Conduct Keyword Research

Keyword study is a critical component of any effective SEO for Financial industries plan. It entails determining the phrases and keywords that your intended audience uses to seek items or services similar to yours. The initial stage in keyword research is to generate a list of suitable phrases and keywords. Begin by considering the items or services you provide and the challenges your intended audience is attempting to address. 

Make a list of every keyword or phrase that spring to mind. Once you’ve put together a list of appropriate keywords and phrases, utilize tools for keyword research to broaden your list and discover new ones. Web analytics is a never-ending activity. Keep an eye on your website statistics and rankings in search engines to spot fresh keyword possibilities and fine-tune your approach as time goes on.

2. Website Optimization

Any good SEO approach must include website optimization. It consists of making modifications to the website in order to render it much more consumer and search-engine-friendly. Website optimization entails making your site faster. Quickly loading websites provide an improved experience for users as well as being more probable to appear on search engine results pages. Website optimization entails making sure your site is smartphone friendly and adaptable. 

With more consumers using mobile devices to access the internet, establishing a mobile version is critical. Website SEO may assist increase the authority of your website. You can boost your site’s overall reputation by optimizing it for search engines, enhancing user experience, and strengthening website security.

3. Writing Unique Content

Creating quality content is an essential component of any effective SEO strategy. Original content which adds to the reader’s benefit and is not replicated from other sites is referred to as new content. Search engines value original and high-quality information in their search engine results. Creating fresh content might also help you enhance targeted traffic. 

Individuals have a greater likelihood to engage on your site if it contains valuable and original content whenever they search for keywords connected to the content. The proportion of visitors that depart your website after reading only one webpage is referred to as the bounce rate. You can retain people on your site for a prolonged period by delivering unique and interesting information. Creating distinctive content may also help position you as a leading voice in your business.

4. Increase In Brand Awareness

The amount of knowledge that customers have had with your brand is referred to as brand awareness. It is an important element in any advertising plan, including SEO. Raising brand recognition may aid in the development of credibility with your target audience. People are more inclined to believe your goods or services if they are acquainted with your company. This can result in more interaction, social media interactions, and backlinks, all of which can help your search engine results.

Raising brand recognition can also help you get more clicks. Raising brand recognition may also aid in the enhancement of your social signals. Raising brand recognition may also aid with local SEO.

5. Quality Backlinks

Effective link building is an essential aspect of any successful SEO strategy. Backlinks are hyperlinks from those other sites to your site that are considered a signal of trust in the content and credibility of your website. Backlinks are viewed by search engines as an indicator of site reputation and relevancy. Backlinks from credible websites can boost your ranking in search engines and provide more visitors to your website. 

Quality backlinks from reliable websites may assist increase your domain authority, resulting in higher search engine ranks and more visitors to your website. Decent backlinks might also help you enhance referral traffic. Traffic referred to your site from other sites is referred traffic. With quality backlinks from trusted websites, you may increase referral traffic to your website.

6. Measuring The Results

Assessing outcomes is a critical part of every successful SEO strategy. Monitoring the outcomes of your SEO activities allows you to monitor your advancement and make informed decisions to increase your position in search engines and generate more visitors to your website. You may determine KPIs for your SEO strategy by measuring results. 

KPIs are measurements that assist you in determining the performance of your SEO activities. It might also help you uncover weak points in your SEO approach. You may select which aspects of the SEO strategy to focus on by reviewing your KPIs. 

It might also assist you in justifying your SEO spending. By evaluating the outcomes of your SEO techniques, you can show stakeholders the worth of your SEO campaign and justify future expenditures.

Conclusion

Finally, putting up a good SEO for financial industries necessitates a balance of research, preparation, and implementation. You may draw more viewers to your site and promote yourself as a reputable provider of financial advice online by discovering relevant keywords, optimizing your website, raising brand recognition, collecting quality backlinks, and monitoring outcomes. Remember that SEO is a protracted plan, so you must be patient and consistent as you try to improve your search engine ranks. You may enhance your internet presence, draw in additional clients, and eventually build your financial adviser firm by following these strategies.

 

Archives, Education, Global Trade Daily, Market insight

Operating in Multilingual Markets: Best Practices

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Expanding to and operating in multilingual markets has become the norm as technological advances keep breaking geographical boundaries. But it takes more than a solid marketing strategy to break into and capture audiences’ attention in foreign markets and across different languages.

In most cases, brands must do thorough research to understand the market and their new target audience, develop a strategic multilingual marketing approach, and localize their multilingual websites to establish their presence and credibility in the new market successfully.

This post explores the best practices for safely and intuitively expanding your brand into a new market. By unpacking considerations such as customer profiling, sales in a new market, and customization for the international market, we’ll guide you through the fundamentals of global brand expansion.

Comparing Local Markets to International Markets

Many brands assume that tactics and sales strategies used in their original target markets will effortlessly work in foreign markets. But regional preferences, local regulations, and cultural expectations vary from one market to another, often tremendously.

However, with a thorough investigation, you can empower your brand’s position in the new market, maintain brand identity, and launch a successful multilingual website and digital marketing campaign. 

Brand expansion doesn’t happen overnight and certainly doesn’t happen with simple translations of marketing campaigns and slogans. But it also doesn’t happen by chance.

Establishing a solid brand presence requires building rapport with consumers and authentically connecting with them. Brands must bridge the connection between their products and services and how consumers feel about their offerings.

It is, therefore, essential to base your multilingual marketing strategy on verified, accurate, and current market research data.

Aligning Sales and Marketing with Your Website Translation Efforts

The ROI on brand expansion will naturally be higher when all teams coordinate. For instance, when a marketing department builds a solid foundation that empowers the sales team to convert potential leads into customers. To ensure they’re building effective strategies, marketing teams must study the market to determine the following aspects:

Customer Profiles

Brands must identify Ideal Customer Profiles (ICPs) for every market. This places the focus on local customer behavior and specific needs.

Marketing Collateral

Market research data should be used to strategize ads, tall tracks, and other elements surrounding your multilingual website that the sales team can use to drive conversions.

Competitive Studies

Are there ways in which your brand can stand out from the crowd? If you have similar competitors in the new market than you have in your local market, you’ll need to adapt your strategies to counter the opposition in the new market as well.

Product Analysis

How do your current offerings relate to the new market? Are there ways to improve on perceived weaknesses and create new hooks to capture the attention of the target audience?

Expansion Feasibility

What kind of investment is required to establish your brand in the potential market? How much time will you spend complying with local laws and regulations? What will investment costs be regarding tax compliance, payroll functions, and banking?

Researching Customer Behavior and Localizing Your Brand

Whether they’re B2B or B2C, modern customers prefer supporting brands that understand their unique needs and preferences. This means that organizations that expand abroad and grow their customer base must localize their brand messaging and offerings to cater to local nuances.

Know Your Customer. This three-word mantra sounds simple but is key to engaging multilingual markets. According to The Ultimate Localization Guide, getting it right requires an intuitive strategy built around accurate data.

Every local market has preferences brands should leverage to develop effective campaigns and messaging. To help you understand these nuances, you’ll need to research key areas, some of which include:

Local Practices and Customs Across Multiple Languages

How does your new audience prefer to communicate? Do they speak multiple languages in the new market? What values and beliefs do they hold? Are there any topics in the target language and culture that they consider offensive or particularly appealing?

Regional Differences

The traits and nuances in markets can vary by regionality as well, not just by country. Although it is considered that the African continent’s consumers prefer a more mobile-first marketing approach, it’s not true across the board as some regions aren’t as exposed to this marketing method.

Local Laws and Requirements

You’ll need to be GDPR compliant if you do business in Europe. But if you’re targeting a Canadian market, on the other hand, you must be compliant with French-language marketing regulations.

The Customer Journey in the Target Market

You might notice that some regions connect with your brand similarly across various markets, but in others, it might be entirely unique. To fine-tune the customer journey for every market, you need to determine if your product or service solves the same need across all your target markets. Or do you aim to solve unique problems for every market you target? What unique problems do your potential customers need, and what technologies do they use to search for solutions online? Do they use social media channels to solve their problems, and if so, which platforms do they prefer?

Search Engine Optimization for Your Multilingual Website

SEO is an incredibly complicated process, and adding a bunch of languages to the mix makes it even trickier. Your search engine optimization efforts should be adapted for every new market as it is the key to successful multilingual marketing efforts. To get it right from the start, you’ll need to do in-depth keyword research to determine the right target keywords for the market. 

Final Thoughts

When you gain an understanding of the market differentiators, you can make effective decisions surrounding a multilingual content marketing strategy. Growing your brand through international expansion is no small feat, but the potential ROI means that it can be a valuable investment in your brand’s future.

To help you avoid mistakes and perfect your multilingual content marketing strategy right from the start, it’s essential to start small and target single locations at a time. Due diligence goes a long way, but so does trying out new trends to stay on top of your game and position your organization as an authoritative brand in the new market.

When operating in multilingual markets, it’s advisable to expect the unexpected. Expanding into foreign territories is thrilling, but it can be one of your brand’s best moves!

 

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Archives, Banking, Global Trade Daily, Software

Role of Best HR Software in the Banking Industry for 2023 

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Implementation of HR software in the banking industry streamlines their operations. As HR software is the only source for all the information of the workforce. HRIS helps to make use of the workforce effectively.

The banking industry employs many people, which makes it essential to have a separate Human Resource department. The HR department of a bank is responsible for the workforce’s smooth functioning, ensuring that the payrolls are disbursed on time, the taxes are paid, and meeting all other requirements of a bank’s workforce.

Moreover, the HR department is also responsible for the smooth and efficient functioning of a bank’s employees. Thus, HR management forms an essential part of a bank’s management, so many financial institutions are opting to introduce a software-based HR Software. This simplifies the entire process of managing an extensive workforce and ensures that the bank’s overall proficiency improves significantly. Some of the crucial features of the HR software of the banking industry are as follows:

Acquisition of New Talent:

In recent years the banking industry has seen significant growth. This means there is a greater requirement for recruiting new talent, training them, providing them with on-board business training, and preparing them to become a part of a growing industrial sector. With the help of a software-based human resource information system, you can simplify this entire process and recruit new talent with ease. Additionally, you can also ensure that new employees can easily integrate with the sector. The banking industry has a different customer handling process compared to other industrial sectors.

Moreover, banking products like loans, credit score, and other financial services are complex and require a certain level of expertise to understand and offer to customers. The recruits must be well versed in the individual features of the products. This is important when they try to explain to customers why they think the particular products are ideal for the clients of your bank. Hence, your employees must be prepared to help the customers understand and select the best product. You need to provide the recruits with specific training regarding customer handling.

You need to plan various training programs, schedule visits, and provide them with time management systems. Suppose you opt for a software-based HR management system. In that case, you can reduce the burden on your bank’s human resource development department and, at the same time, ensure that the recruitment and training of the new talent are completed proficiently.

Simplifies Business Planning

When you use a Payroll Software or software-based HR management system, your objective is to simplify numerous business decisions that you have to take regularly. Like any other business organization, there are numerous business decisions that the management and the HR department have to take in a bank. Some of the essential roles that the HR software can play in the banking industry in simplifying the business decision are as follows:

– A significant part of payroll management is related to the timely payment of tax. Usually, the HR department is responsible for payroll disbursement and payment of associated taxes. If you use a software-based system for payroll management, you can be assured that the disbursement of payroll and payment of taxes will be on time. If you make it software-based, you reduce the margin for human error and ensure that you do not miss out on taxes. This will also ensure that you do not have to pay the penalty for non-payment of taxes.

– A significant aspect of business management is scheduling tasks, which is also done by the HR department. If you use a Leave Management system, it will simplify the HR department’s scheduling of tasks. For example, if individual team members are on leave, they will automatically get scheduled with other members. All the HR department has to ensure is that the rescheduling of tasks has been done correctly. This simplifies the entire process of managing the bank’s day-to-day business activities and ensures that no work is delayed.

– When you use the software-based management system, the HR department is better integrated with the other bank branches. It can become proactively involved in business decisions, and you do not need to involve the HR department specifically. From scheduling or tasks to management of the workforce, all can be done with available integrated HR software.

Thus, HR software can make it easier for the bank to take business decisions and associate with the HR department. The entire process can be completed smoothly without any hassle, and the bank’s management can be done more proficiently.

Helping to Improve the Quality of the Workforce

The HR department of your bank is responsible for training the workforce and ensuring that they remain updated about the market’s ongoing trends. Developing specific training modules, setting up training sessions, and ensuring that the workforce can comfortably complete the training are all responsibilities of the HR department.

The banking industry is highly competitive and requires efficient HR processes to stay ahead in the market. Best HR software plays a crucial role in streamlining HR processes, ensuring compliance, and improving employee engagement. Here are some ways in which best HR software can benefit the banking industry in 2023:

  1. Recruitment and Onboarding: Best HR software can streamline the recruitment process by automating job postings, resume screening, and scheduling interviews. It can also simplify the onboarding process by providing new hires with access to relevant information, forms, and training materials.
  2. Performance Management: Best HR software can help banks set clear goals and objectives for employees, track their progress, and provide feedback in real-time. It can also facilitate performance evaluations and identify areas for improvement.
  3. Compliance: The banking industry is highly regulated, and HR departments need to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. Best HR software can help manage compliance by providing necessary training, tracking compliance requirements, and generating compliance reports.
  4. Employee Engagement: Best HR software can help banks improve employee engagement by providing employees with access to self-service portals, performance feedback, recognition programs, and other tools that encourage communication and collaboration.
  5. Analytics and Reporting: Best HR software can provide banks with valuable insights into their HR processes, such as employee turnover rates, time-to-fill positions, and training effectiveness. These insights can help banks make informed decisions about their workforce and improve their HR strategies.

Overall, the best HR software can help banks improve their HR processes, ensure compliance, and increase employee engagement, which can ultimately lead to a more productive and successful workforce.

All of these can be simplified with the help of a software-based HR management system. It will simplify the scheduling of training sessions, help the HR department identify suitable modules, and ensure that the training sessions are correctly completed. The best HR Management software India ensures that it streamlines most business activities and helps the HR department to improve the overall proficiency of the workforce. This is essential to ensure that the banking activities are completed maintaining the highest standards.

The HR software that you install will help you evaluate your employees’ performance and help them out to improve their performance. The banking sector is a labor-intensive industry, and hence, it is essential to keep supporting and improving the workforce. Thus, with HR software, you can provide your employees with adequate support, simplify business decisions, and improve your bank’s efficiency.

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Archives, Education, Global Trade Daily

Market Research and How to Conduct It Like a Pro

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Market research is an essential part of any successful business plan. By gathering information on customer preferences and behavior, you can make decisions on how best to satisfy your customers, inform marketing strategies, and develop new products and services.

But how do you go about conducting market research? In this blog post we’ll take a look at what it takes to become an expert in the field so that you can get the most out of your efforts.

Why Is Market Research Important?

The first step in successful market research is to establish your goal. What is your business trying to do? Do you want to find out more about customer buying behaviors or how to use the best lead conversion tactics? 

Knowing what information you need will allow you to determine which type of data collection method you choose. 

How It Can Work For You

One of the most practical uses for market research is to inform decisions about product positioning and pricing. Understanding what your competitors are doing can help you make informed decisions around pricing, distribution and promotion. 

Additionally, by understanding your customer’s needs, you capture their attention in a crowded marketplace.

Market research is also vital when it comes to creating marketing strategies, as you’ll have a clear understanding of what your customer wants. Moreover, measuring the effectiveness of your marketing campaigns helps optimize advertising expenditure by identifying which channels are driving the most results.

The Two Types of Data Collection

Market research can be broken down into primary and secondary research. 

Primary market research involves collecting data directly from target consumers via surveys, interviews, focus groups or other methods. This is usually more costly but provides the most accurate results.

Secondary research focuses on existing data from sources like government agencies, trade associations, newspapers and online polls. 

While not as detailed as primary research, it can still provide valuable insights about customer preferences and industry trends.

All research should be conducted with an organized approach. To start, you will need to establish the purpose of the research. That will help you determine what data you’re looking for and why. Next, formulate a research plan that outlines how your data is collected and how it will be analyzed.

Accuracy Is Paramount 

When conducting primary market research, make sure that your questions are specific enough to get valuable feedback but also general enough that you can avoid respondent bias. 

Additionally, to ensure accuracy, surveys should be tested on a small sample size before taking them to larger groups.

Be mindful of the information source and accuracy, to ensure that your conclusions are valid.

There Are Ethical Considerations

When conducting market research, you need to remember the ethical implications. All your respondents should be treated with respect. Moreover, you must protect their privacy throughout the process. 

For example, you could use an anonymous survey instead of asking for personal information. Your researchers should only ever collect data on those topics that are relevant to your objectives. 

Additionally, it’s worth providing an opt-out option. That way, if anyone changes their mind about participating, they can do so without feeling pressured or obligated. 

Adhering to these ethical principles will guarantee that your findings are as reliable and valid as possible.

Next Up: Data Analysis 

This involves interpreting and visualizing your findings to depict results. To begin with, try to work out the trends in customer behavior, industry changes, competitive forces, and any other metrics relevant to your goals. 

Additionally, look for data patterns that can help inform future decision-making such as which product lines are making more money or which marketing strategies are more effective.

Market research should also include an element of qualitative analysis, which will  uncover any potential insights or opportunities that don’t show up in numerical form.

Always Report Your Findings

Finally, researchers should report back to the necessary stakeholders. That way, your company can make informed decisions about business strategy. 

This means taking all of the information gathered during your research and putting it into a concise yet comprehensive report that can be easily understood.

Implement Your Findings 

 

Once you have analyzed your market research results, your business can start creating strategies and action plans according to what you’ve learned. 

With a heightened understanding of customer needs, businesses can stay one step ahead of competitors while also providing higher levels of satisfaction to customers.  

Final Thoughts

Conducting market research is an essential part of any successful business plan, and with the right tools and knowledge, your company can get invaluable insights into the target customers of your industry. With a systematic approach to both primary and secondary research, you can make sure that you’re making informed decisions about your business strategy.

So there you have it – the key steps to becoming an expert in market research! 

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Archives, Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily

Changes To Supply Chain Will Benefit Commercial Real Estate

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Online shopping is now the preferred method for 68% of consumers, which has increased significantly since the beginning of the pandemic. Since the pandemic began, supply chain issues have impacted the eCommerce sector significantly.

What does this mean for the commercial real estate industry?

Keep reading as we discuss what is causing the changes to supply chains and how these changes will impact demand in the commercial real estate sector. This guide will provide essential information on market conditions affected by supply chain issues.

 

What Is Causing Supply Chain Changes?

Trends and changes in consumer habits can significantly impact supply chain conditions, and the pandemic caused drastic changes.

Supply chain changes have been occurring since the beginning of the pandemic. With most of the world’s population forced to stay home and minimize shopping trips, eCommerce was the best option for shopping. Online grocery shopping and eCommerce ensured people could access the products and items they needed during the lockdown.

Since the pandemic, eCommerce has continued to thrive – causing a greater need for warehousing and logistics. Supply chains have been strained as competition has recently grown in the eCommerce sector.

Additionally, there have been issues regarding labor shortages, trucking and shipping restrictions, and other structural factors. eCommerce businesses have also faced supply shortages and production delays that push them to seek other options and mitigate risk. 

For eCommerce businesses, it is a great time to capitalize on the increased consumer demand, but supply chain changes can inhibit success. However, this rise in eCommerce presents an opportunity for investors to profit from their portfolio of commercial properties in seaport cities like New York.

How Will This Affect The Commercial Real Estate Industry?

Although supply chain issues will be challenging for eCommerce businesses, commercial real estate businesses stand to benefit from these supply chain disruptions. 

The changes to the supply chain will benefit commercial real estate in the following ways:

Increased Demand For Warehouse Space

eCommerce businesses will be desperate to increase their inventories and mitigate any risks associated with supply chain disruptions. If they need more stock, they will need more warehousing space. The increased demand for warehouse space means that properties become more valuable, benefitting CRE investors looking to add warehousing spaces in areas like Nashville with large ports into their portfolio.

Increased Demand For Flexspaces

Many eCommerce businesses are investing in flex spaces that serve the function of an office building and a warehousing facility. Investors may take advantage of the rise of remote working to purchase Manhattan office space at a lower cost, repurposing it to provide sought-after flex space for the eCommerce sector.

E-commerce businesses can streamline their daily operations by hosting them in a single area by investing in flex spaces. For CRE investors, the increased demand presents an opportunity.

Since the pandemic forced many businesses to turn to remote work, the demand for office spaces has waned. The need for flex spaces allows CRE investors to transform their commercial office properties into flex spaces, meeting the demand for more warehousing and making their properties more attractive in the current market.

Properties Near Ports Will Increase In Value

Supply chain changes present a valuable opportunity for a CRE investor with many properties near ports and air hubs. Many eCommerce businesses will seek properties close to seaports, inland ports, and air hubs to facilitate logistics. This means CRE investors can maximize their profits on properties in these areas.

Rising Demand For Last Mile Locations

Last mile locations help eCommerce businesses lower the cost of transporting goods once they have been shipped to their warehouse locations. Last-mile sites are situated close to the customer base to reduce ‘last-mile’ fuel and truck labor costs by reducing the travel time to all customer base locations. 

The increased demand for eCommerce has caused a rise in the need for last-mile locations, which presents the opportunity for CRE companies and investors to capitalize on this change.

Changing Distribution Center Design And Layout

Due to the increased competitiveness in the eCommerce and supply chain spheres, there has come a need for CRE companies to reconsider distribution center design and layout. By rethinking distribution center design and layout, CRE companies can create warehousing facilities that provide more operational efficiency and increase automation in eCommerce warehousing.

Industrial Real Estate Construction

In addition to logistics, manufacturing is a significant element in the eCommerce boom. eCommerce companies are opening new manufacturing locations to mitigate future risks caused by supply chain disruptions.

There will be an increased interest in industrial real estate properties for the commercial real estate sector. In sought-after areas such as port cities, CRE companies can construct industrial real estate properties to meet the increasing demand for industrial real estate. CRE companies can build smart buildings that facilitate automation and operational efficiency to maximize their ROI and increase profit margins.  

Summary

Although the competition in the eCommerce sphere is challenging for eCommerce businesses, it presents many benefits for those in the CRE sphere. CRE investors can expect increased demand for properties in port locations, warehousing facilities, flex spaces, and more innovative industrial real estate design. Consider these changes in line with your current CRE investment portfolio to identify an opportunity to profit from the recent supply chain changes.