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Guard against productivity suicide

South African companies should guard against internal paralysis as a result of obstacles in the country’s current economic landscape. Now is the time to innovate, plan and make use of opportunities that emerge internationally.

“There is a whole world of opportunity for business out there,” says Derick Terblanche, director of international sales and marketing at Dex Security Solutions.

Terblanche says a lack of creativity and an exaggerated focus on negative aspects are tantamount to productivity suicide. It is determined by the culture of each company and the attitude of management.

Terblanche has just returned from a visit to Brazil. Dex’s access control systems have been installed at six soccer stadiums and the world-famous statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro.

According to Terblanche, Dex plans to be involved at some 30 soccer stadiums in Brazil by 2014 when the World Cup tournament takes place there. “Besides the focus on soccer, there are various other business opportunities in Brazil.”

Terblanche says each country has its own unique culture. This requires more than just generic solutions. The needs, requirements and behaviour of each individual country’s population will determine its unique solutions.

In addition to South America, Dex is doing business in Romania and the United Kingdom, whose cultures and needs differ substantially from South Africa’s. Locally, Dex is known for access control at cricket and motor racing. Terblanche says the 2010 Soccer World Cup will offer a variety of projects and opportunities locally.

It is of critical importance that today’s businesses should be quick to identify the needs of a client, respond quickly with appropriate decisions, and implement them without delay.

“As time goes by, too many companies end up in a cumbersome comfort zone, making themselves irrelevant as global players,” he says.

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