GLOBAL SWAG ARTICLES VOLUME.

21

Global Swag in a connected age

There is an age old African concept called Ubuntu. It comes from the idea of us all being connected as humans Yes, we were considered as connected way before the internet or the concept of globalization. It seems like our ancient brothers and sisters had a lot of insight. It means we are, therefore I am. In other words I am because who you, or even further, part of who I am as a human being is there because you are. Too many companies fail because of lack of collaboration, poor internal communication and teamwork within the company, or a failure to team up with others outside. In other words, in a difficult economy and with the threat of rapidly changing industries one of the best solutions is to joint venture or build strategic alliances. This means, to establish mutually beneficial partnerships with others.

When resources are scarce, it makes sense to join with others and negotiate deals which lead to win-win situations. Blockbuster had the chance to buy out Netflix when it came out. I can imagine them sitting around a table, in their Executives meeting, and laughing at the idea of an internet start-up disrupting their large and established business. Author: Leslie Poku, Marketing Consulting Follow him on Twitter: @LesliePoku www.globalswag.net