I'm packing for "winter" a winter trip to Brazil. What? you say it's only August 1st. Yes, I'm heading to Brazil for a week of "meet and greet".
Winter in Brazil is a frigid 60 - 70 degrees farenheit. Ha! Lately, we're calling that temperature summer in Chicago. I've been told that although we may think of it as early summer temperatures not to dress like it's early summer. No sandals-boo hoo. I will comply as I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb.
I'm excited to be heading to the "B" in BRIC- the big emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India and China. As a business instructor, I spend a lot of time talking about these countries specifically Brazil. It will be interesting to see it first-hand.
What are my expectations?
- I expect that the Brazilians will be excellent hosts.
- I expect that I will probably be up late into the evening talking and enjoying the company of my hosts.
-I expect that I will get a little bit more for more money certainly more than what I did in Europe.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
McDonald´s factor
Ahh, the end of this trip...what a trip it has been. I´ve tried very hard to observe things from a business perspective but at times it was quite hard to do with all the sight-seeing, eating and gabbing that I did. I absolutely love to explore other parts of the world but am always so glad to come home.
My post today is about the "McDonald´s perspective". I know that in International Business we talk about The Economist´s Big Mac Index to tell whether a currency is under-valued or over-valued. I have a more practical way of putting it. I did go to McDonald´s in every major city I visited. Not necessarily because I longed for a Big Mac but because I wanted to see the similarities and differences. And, truth be told because I am a stockholder and I like to support my portfolio :)
Here is what I can tell you. If I lived in Europe McDonald´s would be a luxury not an "I´ll stop on my way to work every day for a diet coke" place. It is very expensive. For example, a small diet coke (think Happy Meal size) was €1.50 which is about $2.10- hombre this is "muy caro"! Interestingly enough, all McDonald´s were busy. Another interesting tidbit, the workers did move quickly and served with a smile. I was glad to see that this part of the brand was consistent.
Tomorrow I´m back to the "real world" and happy to do so. This has been a very good experience.
My post today is about the "McDonald´s perspective". I know that in International Business we talk about The Economist´s Big Mac Index to tell whether a currency is under-valued or over-valued. I have a more practical way of putting it. I did go to McDonald´s in every major city I visited. Not necessarily because I longed for a Big Mac but because I wanted to see the similarities and differences. And, truth be told because I am a stockholder and I like to support my portfolio :)
Here is what I can tell you. If I lived in Europe McDonald´s would be a luxury not an "I´ll stop on my way to work every day for a diet coke" place. It is very expensive. For example, a small diet coke (think Happy Meal size) was €1.50 which is about $2.10- hombre this is "muy caro"! Interestingly enough, all McDonald´s were busy. Another interesting tidbit, the workers did move quickly and served with a smile. I was glad to see that this part of the brand was consistent.
Tomorrow I´m back to the "real world" and happy to do so. This has been a very good experience.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Rebajas, Rebaixes, Sconto, Discount
In whatever language, the crowd goes wild for discounts. How fortunate that I should be here in Europe during the "season of discounts". What does that mean? Well, in many places in Europe (not sure if it is everywhere) "sales" are only twice a year by law. So, imagine...Macy´s would they not be in big trouble as it seems every day I am receiving a special "deal" from them.
Now, in terms of the "deals" they are not all that especially when you factor in the 40% premium that we pay on the money conversion. To me, even without the currency conversion the prices are not all that great but the crowd seems to be shopping like they have never shopped before. This, mind you, in the midst of a crisis economico!
Interesting thing that I have noticed when it comes to buying shoes. They all put their foot into the shoe without a hose or sock!! For me, it is a little icky. Also, I was wondering why the shoes all look worn even when they are suppose to be new. It appears that they walk about the store and into the foyer with the shoe on. Thus, even a new shoe may be a bit dirty when you purchase it.
Now, in terms of the "deals" they are not all that especially when you factor in the 40% premium that we pay on the money conversion. To me, even without the currency conversion the prices are not all that great but the crowd seems to be shopping like they have never shopped before. This, mind you, in the midst of a crisis economico!
Interesting thing that I have noticed when it comes to buying shoes. They all put their foot into the shoe without a hose or sock!! For me, it is a little icky. Also, I was wondering why the shoes all look worn even when they are suppose to be new. It appears that they walk about the store and into the foyer with the shoe on. Thus, even a new shoe may be a bit dirty when you purchase it.
Rebajas, Rebaixes, Sconto, Discount
In whatever language, the crowd goes wild for discounts. How fortunate that I should be here in Europe during the "season of discounts". What does that mean? Well, in many places in Europe (not sure if it is everywhere) "sales" are only twice a year by law. So, imagine...Macy´s would they not be in big trouble as it seems every day I am receiving a special "deal" from them.
Now, in terms of the "deals" they are not all that especially when you factor in the 40% premium that we pay on the money conversion. To me, even without the currency conversion the prices are not all that great but the crowd seems to be shopping like they have never shopped before. This, mind you, in the midst of a crisis economico!
Interesting thing that I have noticed when it comes to buying shoes. They all put their foot into the shoe without a hose or sock!! For me, it is a little icky. Also, I was wondering why the shoes all look worn even when they are suppose to be new. It appears that they walk about the store and into the foyer with the shoe on. Thus, even a new shoe may be a bit dirty when you purchase it.
Now, in terms of the "deals" they are not all that especially when you factor in the 40% premium that we pay on the money conversion. To me, even without the currency conversion the prices are not all that great but the crowd seems to be shopping like they have never shopped before. This, mind you, in the midst of a crisis economico!
Interesting thing that I have noticed when it comes to buying shoes. They all put their foot into the shoe without a hose or sock!! For me, it is a little icky. Also, I was wondering why the shoes all look worn even when they are suppose to be new. It appears that they walk about the store and into the foyer with the shoe on. Thus, even a new shoe may be a bit dirty when you purchase it.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Happy Independence Day!
Happy Independence Day! I chose to say it this way on purpose. I've been thinking about what to write for today and decided to use Geert Hofstede's cultural dimensions to explain why this day is so important.
Hofstede looked at culture from a few different important dimensions including:
- Individualism/Collectivism
- Power Distance (comfort with inequality)
-Uncertainty Avoidance (risk taking)
On these three dimensions the U.S. is the highest in individualism, low on power distance (we are uncomfortable with inequality) , and are low on uncertainty avoidance therefore we will take risks. Based on these three things is it any wonder that in the U.S. one can go from rags to riches in one's life time?
To relate this to my trip-this week on the overnight train from Italy to Spain I was required to give up my passport and ticket (for what reason I'm not sure). I did receive it, as promised, one hour before the trip ended. For me, I was very uncomfortable giving up my passport. I understand that they may need to check to see who we but why did they need it for 11 hours?
To me, my U.S. passport symbolizes my freedom- to come and go as I please, to pursue my God-given abilities, to be able to speak my mind without repercussions. I have been having the time of my life on this trip but there is no doubt- I love my country and will always be proud to be an American!
Hofstede looked at culture from a few different important dimensions including:
- Individualism/Collectivism
- Power Distance (comfort with inequality)
-Uncertainty Avoidance (risk taking)
On these three dimensions the U.S. is the highest in individualism, low on power distance (we are uncomfortable with inequality) , and are low on uncertainty avoidance therefore we will take risks. Based on these three things is it any wonder that in the U.S. one can go from rags to riches in one's life time?
To relate this to my trip-this week on the overnight train from Italy to Spain I was required to give up my passport and ticket (for what reason I'm not sure). I did receive it, as promised, one hour before the trip ended. For me, I was very uncomfortable giving up my passport. I understand that they may need to check to see who we but why did they need it for 11 hours?
To me, my U.S. passport symbolizes my freedom- to come and go as I please, to pursue my God-given abilities, to be able to speak my mind without repercussions. I have been having the time of my life on this trip but there is no doubt- I love my country and will always be proud to be an American!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Business Barcelona style
Ok, back to the concept of "entrepreneurship". I know that Americans think that we have the market cornered on entrepreneurship but I can honestly say I've seen many examples in my travels over the last week and a half. How else could we classify the gent I saw this morning on Las Ramblas dressed fully in white with top hat and whose claim to fame was posing as though he was on the toilet! For those of you who don't know, Las Ramblas is famous for people getting all geared up and then "striking a pose". This guy decided to pose on the toilet with the pot, toilet paper and newspaper! Yes, I do have a photo which I will upload as soon as possible.
Also, the bike idea is also in Barcelona. However, I must confess the Milan bikes are bigger and better!
Also, the bike idea is also in Barcelona. However, I must confess the Milan bikes are bigger and better!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Movin' on from Italy to Spain
Well, I've managed to make my way from the Piemonte area of Italy to Barcelona, Spain- from the big mountains to the big city.
My two days in the Piemote area were heavenly. The views unbelievable, the lifestyle nice and slow, and the hospitality incredible. I stayed at a darling B & B called Villa Favolosa. (website: www.villafavolosa.com )The owners are Americans who are also Italian citizens so you get the best of both worlds- people who are very service-oriented and also can guide you in the local ways. The accomodations were excellent and the food to die for. It is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit.
The long train ride to Barcelona wasn't bad at all. The coach was quite and everyone slept, even me!
Ready for a day exploring the old city of Barcelona. Checking out some of Gaudi's works.
My two days in the Piemote area were heavenly. The views unbelievable, the lifestyle nice and slow, and the hospitality incredible. I stayed at a darling B & B called Villa Favolosa. (website: www.villafavolosa.com )The owners are Americans who are also Italian citizens so you get the best of both worlds- people who are very service-oriented and also can guide you in the local ways. The accomodations were excellent and the food to die for. It is a great example of the entrepreneurial spirit.
The long train ride to Barcelona wasn't bad at all. The coach was quite and everyone slept, even me!
Ready for a day exploring the old city of Barcelona. Checking out some of Gaudi's works.
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