Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economic. Show all posts

Wednesday, 23 May 2012

Economic Indicators – Residential Construction and Sales Showing Positive Signs


May 23, 2012 

Economic Indicators – Residential Construction, Residential Sales

The positive one-two punch of residential construction and residential sales economic indicators are more signs of potential longer term economic recovery.  Recently released from the Census Bureau, both indicators are showing positive growth for April 2012.

Residential Sales

For April 2012, sales of new single family houses were at an annual rate of 343,000 (seasonally adjusted), representing a 3.3% increase over March 2012 and a good 9.9% jump over the April 2011 figures.
economic indicators - residential sales
Image Courtesy: Economic Publicist, FRED
The above graph illustrates some favorable trends in the US in sales growth occurring over the past year, but should be cautiously analyzed as fluctuations are occurring on a monthly basis.

Residential Construction

On another positive front, the US Census Bureau is reporting a 2.6% increase in privately owned housing starts in April 2012 over the previous month, and an impressive 29.9% increase over the April 2011 rate.
economic indicators - residential construction
Image courtesy: calculatedriskblog.com
The housing construction indicator graph closely mimics the housing sales graph above, as the indicators are closely tied together.

Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur
© 2012 Strategy Plan One

Friday, 4 May 2012

US #Unemployment #Statistics Favorable for April 2012


May 4, 2012 

Unemployment Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has just released more favorable trends in the unemployment statistics.  The Bureau reported the unemployment rate now sits at 8.1%, a 0.8% drop over the April 2011 unemployment figure.  It was estimated that 115,000 more jobs were added in April 2012.
unemployment statistics

Unemployment Statistics – Sectors

The increase in jobs follows the trend of job increases month after month through 2011 and 2012.  However, the trend shows declining number of new jobs over the past 3 to 4 months.  This might be a sign of employment catching up with the recent slight bump in economic recovery.  Slow and steady.  It could also be a sign of a shrinking labor pool that may exist in certain US business sectors.
The lowest unemployment statistics for April 2012 occurred in the government, education and health services, and financial sectors (3.7, 4.8, and 5.5% respectively), while the small business and entrepreneurial sectors of construction, agriculture, leisure, and business services show the higher rates of unemployment.  Recent statistics have shown that those sectors might be experiencing slow recovery mode.

Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur
© 2012 Strategy Plan One

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Economic Efficiency – 5 Tips to Create Efficiencies in Your Business


April 17, 2012 

economic efficiencyEconomic Efficiency

In tough economic times, the global economic environment is striving for economic efficiency.  As an entrepreneur you need to keep operations running smooth and cost-effective.  



Competitive environments require team solutions and creativity in developing and implementing efficiencies in your business.  Through economic efficiency and efficient operations your business will realize a higher earning potential and at the same time, experience reduced, cost-effective methods and procedures to earning that revenue.
Here are 5 tips to creating economic efficiency in your business.

Economic Efficiency – Eliminate Redundant Procedures in Your Business

Undertake an operational review to identify unnecessary repetitive methods and procedures.  Many approval processes go way over board in requiring multiple persons to review, analyze and either recommend approval or approve a project, cost, or contract.  Federal government processes in many cases highlight this problem, as procedures go over the top to ensure the highest accountability.  Maintain your accountability, but streamline your operations to the necessary reduced human resources to make decisions.  Rely on and empower your professional team to make great recommendations at each level.  With elimination of steps in procedures, your operation will be more cost-effective.

Implement Technology Wherever it Makes Sense for Economic Efficiency

Automate procedures when it makes sense from operational and budgetary perspectives.  Reduce laborious tasks if automation and technology can do the same task more efficiently and cost-effective over the long run.  The implementation of Kiva System robots in warehouse operations is one example of efficiencies gained through automation.  It would also be a shocker if businesses have still not adapted to computerized sales, accounting and inventory systems – a must in business operations to keep competitive and cost-effective.

economic efficiencyEconomic Efficiency – Make it Easier For Everyone to work together

In business operations today, being all physically located in one location is not as important as it was decades ago, due to improved technology and connectedness.
Through innovation and technology, staff can work at any location and be easily connected by phone, mobile device, web or cloud-based applications.  All current technology methods make communication and business functions more smooth and easy.  Businesses that can provide work-life balance flexibilities and mechanisms, can ensure the work can get easily done from any location.  Collaboration across units, teams and partners can happen seamlessly with the implementation and the availability of smart technology in your organization.

Business Efficiencies – Making the Customer Process Easier

Straight forward information and sales procedures for your products and services will make the overall experience with customers more effective and efficient.  Make the product or service information readily available to the customer, whether at a physical location or web-based.  When designing e-commerce sites, ensure the client can easily navigate through to the completion of the sales process.  Nail down a streamlined sales process both internally and externally and ensure that your have contingency CRM plans to deal with issues around customer complaints.  The more prepared you are, the less time per customer it will take to generate revenue or resolve an issue.  More time can then be spent on building the relationship aspect of customer service with more customers.

Business Efficiencies – Getting the work done without the Travel

If you want to quickly and effectively reduce costs in your organization, travel budgets can be significantly reduced, while getting the same scope of work (meetings) done by using technology.  Phone and video conferencing can easily replace face-to-face meetings and the costs associated.  Meeting in person may be the richest form of communication in cutting a deal or working collaboratively.  However utilizing video conferencing or using Skype or other forms is more the standard and acceptable these days.  As an entrepreneur you will have to make a careful decision on the appropriate forms of communication for the appropriate audience, while cognizant of the need for cost-effective methods.
Economic efficiency can be achieved in your business, however ensure you take adequate business planning steps to maximize benefits from reduced resources and methods.

Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur
© 2012 Strategy Plan One

Friday, 13 April 2012

Construction Spending – Construction Industry on the Rebound?


April 13, 2012 

Construction Spending

Construction spending has one of the biggest impacts on economic indicators, as the construction industry is huge.  Construction spending gives us a picture of how well the construction industry is doing in the economy.  Construction, as a major employer is tied to employment and to the housing industry statistics.  The value of construction includes key cost categories such as labor, materials, professional services, and overhead costs.
The following graph from the US Census Bureau shows the trend in construction spending.  The data report indicates that in February 2012, construction spending was at almost $809 Billion, +5.8% increase over February 2011 data.  This represented a $45 Billion increase in construction spending year over year.  Private construction spending accounted for almost a $49 Billion net increase, while public construction spending dropped by nearly $4 Billion.
Overall, the construction industry is on the road to recovery it seems, but still not near the highs of over $1.2 Trillion in construction spending back in 2006.
Value of New Construction Chart


Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur

Saturday, 31 March 2012

Hopping Easter US Retail Statistics


March 31, 2012 
The National Retail Federation (NRF) has released some estimated retail statistics for US consumer spending in the 2012 Easter period.   This could be noted as more positive economic indicators, with projected spending to increase for this year’s season.  Retail entrepreneurs and business owners should tune-in to lucrative events in the annual calendar, as all pose to be potentially lucrative if you tap into some niche retail areas.
Here are some highlights on 2012 estimated US retail spending around Easter, based on a NRF survey:
  • Estimated average spending on retail merchandise, food, candy: $145.28
  • 2012 estimated average spending is up by +11% over 2011 ($131.04)
  • Total estimated retail spending for Easter 2012:  A big $16.8 Billion
Easter Calendar - spending
Here are the biggest categories in a breakdown of the estimated retail spending around Easter 2012:
  • Fashion & Accessories:  $3.0 Billion
  • Easter Candy:  $2 Billion
  • Easter meals & food:  $5.1 Billion
  • Easter gifts & cards:  $2 Billion
It is interesting to note that the average estimate spending is $44.34 for Easter meals, $20.57 for Easter Gifts, $10.50 on flowers, $9.07 for Easter decor, and from the half that buy greeting cards, an average of $7.04 on greeting cards.

Easter Shopping

Some interesting trends are highlighted in this NRF survey around how and where consumers will shop:
  • 63.5% will shop at the local discount store
  • 42.6% will shop at a department store for gifts; highest percent in the survey’s history
  • 8.7% will shop online, represents a 4% increase over last year
  • 25.4% will shop at a specialty retail store
Similar to other calendar events, Easter consumer retail spending can bring significant revenues to your business, if you target customers in niche areas.  If you are in retail in these areas, do not overlook the power of retail during special periods.  Plan well in advance for periods of retail opportunities.
Business information, resources and tips for the entrepreneur
© 2012 Strategy Plan One