Labor, work and investment generation in Guatemala, how to overcome the economic crisis.
"Are we in trouble?" No. Not necessarily true. We are located at the low point of a massive, globalized, economical cycle; The low ebb in a sense, of a vey large and slow frequency that is never the less constantly increasing its acceleration. We have been here before and will be here again in the future. People with open minds need to adjust their vision and recognize great potential and opportunity in this lower part of the cycle. We are in a crisis, yes, but this must not become a permanent state of collective self pity. It is because of this that we offer an initial 10 observations to remind us to keep a cool head and a positive spirit in these changing & challenging times.
1. The Door is opening to gain efficiencies and reclaim discarded values. Whether we are talking about energy or eco-tourism, social justice benefits could be generated through improving access to new jobs, more sustainable local production and more community level engagement and cooperation. A sense of dignity and productivity enhances both the well-being of individuals and also communities as a whole, which would serve our Culture and Society at large in becoming more hopeful, resilient and therefore more stable, and less given to reactive - including violent - behavior.
2. Many 'mainstay' products are becoming obsolete. Evolution means room for new ideas- and hopefully better - ideas in terms of "sustainable" technology and products. For example, the car industry has moved from large vehicles to small ones, and gas mileage is now a main feature when selecting automobiles. Motorcycles from India, once ignored by Guatemalan Markets, now have become one of the fastest growing importations in the country. The opportunity lies in recognizing available (and renewable) resources, doing our best to anticipate shifts in future demands, and becoming pro-active in order to generate new production, marketing and sales opportunities. This translates into new jobs.
3. If one manages to offer a good product or service for a reasonable price... there is always demand for new good quality products and services.
4. Start a small business? The smaller an organization, potentially the more agile it is as well. In changing times, this agility will be a far more competitive characteristic than almost any other asset. New ideas can be tried in these companies and validated. The opportunity to create and sell new products and business solutions to larger, global companies is on its way. It is a great time to learn how to generate, test, patent and sell new ideas.
5. The increase in accessible telecommunication tools and a globalized need for less expensive specialized labor, permits smart Guatemalan companies to offer a growing menu of outsourcing services to the rest of Latin/South America, North America and Europe.
6. Guatemala's renewable energy potential is huge; this is due to its geography/geology, climate and weather patterns. Guatemala has great hydroelectric and geothermic opportunities, among others, and already interest is being demonstrated by investors and int'l companies, such as the Italian Company, Enel, and its new Hydro electric Facility Called Montecristo, built in Zunil, Quetzaltenango.
7. Local producers may gain in market share as we see continued increases in costs associated with the importation of goods, in large part due to increases in fuel and other transportation costs. Local sourcing can offer more competitive prices, and perhaps expand production and range of goods/services.
8. General interest for all things "Green" will help focus consumers and investors on Guatemala. Now one of the biggest trends in the world, Green living includes leisure time, and people's vacation targets have veered to eco-tourism. Guatemala's potential for eco-tourism is immense. Why go and spend "too much" in Europe when you can go and enjoy some of the world's most beautiful scenic and green locations in one of the worlds most exotic cultures. Antigua, Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Amatitlan, los Cayos, Belize and Rio Dulce are some of the region's most amazing places.
9. New kinds of partnerships are being formed. Organizations using business models for social benefits are getting more support. One example is the Fair Trade movement, with standards held high by groups such as Transfair USA. Transfair USA is partnering with producers throughout Latin America and worldwide; they provide important linkages with North American markets, as well as throughout the world, to obtain better wages and prices for producers and improved technical assitance in product quality. They give coffee growers the opportunity to deal collectively and directly with large clients, increasing not only their profit, but improving labor conditions, environmental stewardship and other social benefits at community level.
10. Creative, intelligent, compassionate, brave and visionary people have often guided the world. History has taught us that these bottom cycles are the catalysts for new eras. It is a time to be emotionally smart, generous and persevering. The need of positive leadership has never been so dearly felt.
Leaders who offer new hope, new ideas, who show us how to keep a cool head, how to overcome the paralysis of fear and the direction we must take, are needed now more than ever. This need is an opportunity for people like you, who take the time to read articles that offer alternate points of view. This is your time, and to risk over use of a cliche - perhaps the birth of a new era... and what we are feeling are but its "labor" pains.
Here is a good resource to see what Fair Trade is all about...
1. The Door is opening to gain efficiencies and reclaim discarded values. Whether we are talking about energy or eco-tourism, social justice benefits could be generated through improving access to new jobs, more sustainable local production and more community level engagement and cooperation. A sense of dignity and productivity enhances both the well-being of individuals and also communities as a whole, which would serve our Culture and Society at large in becoming more hopeful, resilient and therefore more stable, and less given to reactive - including violent - behavior.
2. Many 'mainstay' products are becoming obsolete. Evolution means room for new ideas- and hopefully better - ideas in terms of "sustainable" technology and products. For example, the car industry has moved from large vehicles to small ones, and gas mileage is now a main feature when selecting automobiles. Motorcycles from India, once ignored by Guatemalan Markets, now have become one of the fastest growing importations in the country. The opportunity lies in recognizing available (and renewable) resources, doing our best to anticipate shifts in future demands, and becoming pro-active in order to generate new production, marketing and sales opportunities. This translates into new jobs.
3. If one manages to offer a good product or service for a reasonable price... there is always demand for new good quality products and services.
4. Start a small business? The smaller an organization, potentially the more agile it is as well. In changing times, this agility will be a far more competitive characteristic than almost any other asset. New ideas can be tried in these companies and validated. The opportunity to create and sell new products and business solutions to larger, global companies is on its way. It is a great time to learn how to generate, test, patent and sell new ideas.
5. The increase in accessible telecommunication tools and a globalized need for less expensive specialized labor, permits smart Guatemalan companies to offer a growing menu of outsourcing services to the rest of Latin/South America, North America and Europe.
6. Guatemala's renewable energy potential is huge; this is due to its geography/geology, climate and weather patterns. Guatemala has great hydroelectric and geothermic opportunities, among others, and already interest is being demonstrated by investors and int'l companies, such as the Italian Company, Enel, and its new Hydro electric Facility Called Montecristo, built in Zunil, Quetzaltenango.
7. Local producers may gain in market share as we see continued increases in costs associated with the importation of goods, in large part due to increases in fuel and other transportation costs. Local sourcing can offer more competitive prices, and perhaps expand production and range of goods/services.
8. General interest for all things "Green" will help focus consumers and investors on Guatemala. Now one of the biggest trends in the world, Green living includes leisure time, and people's vacation targets have veered to eco-tourism. Guatemala's potential for eco-tourism is immense. Why go and spend "too much" in Europe when you can go and enjoy some of the world's most beautiful scenic and green locations in one of the worlds most exotic cultures. Antigua, Atitlan, Chichicastenango, Amatitlan, los Cayos, Belize and Rio Dulce are some of the region's most amazing places.
9. New kinds of partnerships are being formed. Organizations using business models for social benefits are getting more support. One example is the Fair Trade movement, with standards held high by groups such as Transfair USA. Transfair USA is partnering with producers throughout Latin America and worldwide; they provide important linkages with North American markets, as well as throughout the world, to obtain better wages and prices for producers and improved technical assitance in product quality. They give coffee growers the opportunity to deal collectively and directly with large clients, increasing not only their profit, but improving labor conditions, environmental stewardship and other social benefits at community level.
10. Creative, intelligent, compassionate, brave and visionary people have often guided the world. History has taught us that these bottom cycles are the catalysts for new eras. It is a time to be emotionally smart, generous and persevering. The need of positive leadership has never been so dearly felt.
Leaders who offer new hope, new ideas, who show us how to keep a cool head, how to overcome the paralysis of fear and the direction we must take, are needed now more than ever. This need is an opportunity for people like you, who take the time to read articles that offer alternate points of view. This is your time, and to risk over use of a cliche - perhaps the birth of a new era... and what we are feeling are but its "labor" pains.
Here is a good resource to see what Fair Trade is all about...
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