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Aiming for expansion: a step-by-step guide to internationalizing your business

Thinking of conquering new markets and strengthening globally, many companies seek to expand their business abroad. According to information released by Fundação Dom Cabral (FDC), 64.4% of Brazilian companies plan to expand their presence in countries where they already operate. Additionally, 68.9% show interest in exploring new opportunities in locations where they do not yet have operations. After all, the internationalization of the enterprise is much more than a way to diversify revenue; it is also an option to increase relevance and competitiveness, positioning the brand as a strategic player in its industry segment.

For Tiago Monteiro, an entrepreneur who founded LUZA Group in the interior of Portugal and is now about to reach seven countries, success on this journey depends on a strategic vision. "Understanding the right moment to internationalize is what will determine the success of the expansion. Here, it is essential to assess factors such as business maturity, the specifics of the target market, as well as the product or service's adaptability and financial structure for this," explains the founder and global CEO of the multinational that connects engineering and technology talents to their clients' challenges.

Thinking about encouraging entrepreneurs who want to invest in the international market, the executive listed the main tips, check them out below:

Study

Before taking any step, it is essential to assess the sector you intend to enter, which includes identifying the demand for your product or service, understanding the local culture, and evaluating the competition. "Research how your business can adapt to the reality of the target market. This prevents surprises and helps align expectations with real opportunities," advises the specialist.

Adapt to offer

Not everything that works locally will have the same appeal in another country. Adjustments to the packaging, payment method, or even communication may be necessary. "Internationalizing is more than just translating your product. You need to understand what attracts the new market's audience and shape your offer based on that," explains Monteiro.

Seek help

Connecting with local partners, such as distributors, suppliers, or sales agents, can facilitate market access and adaptation to the business environment. "Having local allies is like having a shortcut to understanding how the market works. They help overcome cultural and logistical barriers," highlights the global CEO.

Structure yourself

Internationalization requires resources for initial costs, operational adjustments, and even unforeseen events. Financial planning is essential to prevent expansion from compromising the company's cash flow. "Have a clear view of the necessary investments and create a plan that balances expenses with expected profitability. This way, you will have more confidence to grow," the executive points out.

E-Book Sustainability and Social Responsibility in E-commerce

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In this e-book, we explore the growing importance of sustainability and social responsibility in the world of e-commerce. With the increase in environmental and social concerns, consumers are becoming more aware and demanding regarding company practices. This scenario presents challenges and opportunities for online businesses.

Through a detailed analysis, we present strategies and practices that e-commerce companies can adopt to incorporate sustainability and social responsibility into their operations. From supplier and product selection to reverse logistics and community engagement, we address the key aspects that can make a difference.

Additionally, we discussed the benefits of adopting a sustainable and socially responsible stance, such as improving brand image, customer loyalty, and attracting investors. We also present success stories of companies that are already reaping the benefits of their initiatives in this area.

If you are an entrepreneur, manager, or e-commerce professional interested in making your business more sustainable and socially responsible, this e-book is for you. Learn to incorporate these practices into your strategy and contribute to a better future, while also driving the success of your online business.

Process Digitalization: The Key to Small Business Growth in 2025

More than a strong trend, process digitalization will be necessary for entrepreneurship in Brazil in 2025. The adoption of digital tools and automation is transforming the market, allowing companies, especially micro and small ones, to reduce operational costs and increase their efficiency.

According to a study by McKinsey & Company, the implementation of automated processes can reduce administrative expenses by up to 20%. Furthermore, Sebrae research indicates that companies that invest in learning can improve their operational efficiency by up to 80%. These advances align with World Bank data, which indicate that automation is a critical factor for the sustainable growth of emerging economies, such as Brazil.

Rafael Caribé, partner atStreamline Accounting, reinforces the gains involved in this movement: “Digitalization has a direct impact on the survival and growth of small businesses. For those facing competitive margins, any gain in productivity is essential. Tools such as generative artificial intelligence from the preparation of proposals to the use of chatbots in customer service, bringing agility and efficiency”, says the businessman.

POSITIVE RESULTS, IN PRACTICE

Practical examples already show how digital transformation is essential for small businesses in Brazil. A report from Sebrae highlights that initiatives using financial automation systems reduce administrative task time by up to 30%, freeing up energy and resources to focus on growth strategies.

In the Brazilian context, the simplification of bureaucratic processes, such as business registration, is also a decisive factor. "The average time for business registration, which used to take over a month, can now be limited to a few hours thanks to digitalization. This agility not only benefits entrepreneurs but also positions Brazil as a more competitive market in a global scenario," recalls Caribé.

According to the businessman, by 2025, digitalization presents itself as an opportunity and a necessity. "Entrepreneurs who embrace digital transformation are more likely to thrive in a dynamic and trained business environment, leveraging technological advances to reach new levels of success," he concludes.

TIVIT presents 3 security measures to reduce cyber threats

Brazilian companies are exposed to hacker attack risks, with a growing number of incidents. According to Check Point Software's Threat Intelligence Report, in the third quarter of this year, the country recorded a record 95% increase in cyberattacks, totaling 2,766 cases per week, compared to the same period last year. Worldwide, the growth compared to the third quarter of 2023 is 75% and 15% compared to the second quarter of 2024, with 1,876 threats.

The areas of education, government (considering armed forces) and health were the most impacted in the world, with an average of 3,828, 2,553 and 2,434 weekly attacks, respectively.

“Hacker incursions, associated with other causes, such as software and hardware problems, possible bugs, among other cases, can be responsible for causing damage such as total or partial loss of data and applications, which can seriously compromise the system and business continuity”, reveals Thiago Tanaka, Cybersecurity Director at TIVIT, a Brazilian multinational that connects technology for a better world.

According to Tanaka, the best alternative to reduce the chances of attacks is through the adoption of preventive measures. Check out the following 3 tips

  1. Having a well-structured security plan that is supported by the company's management and board. Even if the cyber area has a robust plan, it may not be enough without the necessary support to implement it.
  2. Study and understand the infrastructure through a good security assessment, which will point out all points of vulnerability, indicate which tools and software should be implemented or updated and possible process changes to make the environment more solid.
  3. Implement a awareness plan for employees so that they do not fall for scams that could put the company's network at risk. Campaigns and messages with this bias need to be constantly reinforced to help sustain the idea of vigilance.

“When properly implemented, these actions help to significantly reduce the chances of problems with security threats. However, if the organization still experiences an unforeseen attack, it is recommended to activate the Disaster Recovery Plan, which is based on the response capacity to solve problems that affect operations. This procedure allows the company to isolate the problem, recover its environments and systems and upload backups more quickly, thus being able to resume activities as quickly as possible,” he adds.

For the Cybersecurity Director, although many companies make large investments in cybersecurity structures, it is important to understand what the real benefits are.gapsof technology, in addition to creating processes and having professionals capable of handling all stages of disaster situations. "It is advisable to avoid spending in an unstructured and unplanned manner on security tools. The triad formed by technologies, processes, and people is essential for business effectiveness," concludes Thiago Tanaka.

The future of payments: what are the key issues for 2025?

The world of digital payments is constantly evolving, driven by technological innovations, changes in consumer habits, and the pursuit of more practical and secure solutions. By 2025, the sector promises significant advances, with the consolidation of existing methods and the emergence of new technologies.

According to Alex Tabor, CEO ofTuna Payments, a Brazilian fintech leader in payment orchestration, "the next year will be marked by a combination of expansion, personalization, and challenges, which will continue to transform the market." With the support of data from thePix Management Report, released by the Central Bank, the expert then presents five trends that, in his view, should impact digital payments next year.

  1. Consolidation of existing methods

Pix is one of the biggest highlights in the Brazilian market, moving more thanR$ 11 trillion in the first half of 2024, according to the Central Bank. "Your functionalities, such as Pix Withdrawal and Pix Change, expanded their reach and contributed to financial inclusion, allowing more people to access digital services," says Tabor.

Furthermore, technologycontactless, which already represents50% of card transactions in Brazil,continues gaining strength. Your integration with digital wallets has boosted e-commerce and made the shopping experience easier in apps and physical stores.

As digital walletsalso stand out, with40 million users in the country, offering new services such as integration with loyalty programs and personalized benefits.

  1. Popularization of emerging technologies

“The adoption of contactless payments (NFC) is expanding. Currently,60% of Brazilian retailersThey already accept this technology, which is beginning to be used in sectors such as public transport, with examples in cities such as Brasília”, points out the specialist.

Another growing innovation, according to him, is thebiometrics, which is increasingly being used for payment authentication. In addition to simplifying the user experience, it reduces fraud by up to70%, according to theBacen.

In the field of emerging technologies,blockchain and cryptocurrenciesThey continue to attract attention despite regulatory challenges. Your potential to transform the financial sector is undeniable, especially in markets where transparency and decentralization are valued.

  1. Personalization with Open Banking

THEOpen BankingIt is one of the most promising bets for 2025. The expectation is that the number of users will reach20 million by the end of 2024, providing customization of financial products and stimulating competitiveness between institutions.

“Data sharing is enabling the creation of offerings that are more aligned with consumer needs, which elevates the experience in the financial sector,” explains Alex Tabor.

  1. Transforming the Experience with Embedded Finance and Invisible Payments

The integration of financial services into non-financial applications and platforms, known asEmbedded Financeis simplifying the consumer's journey. Invisible payments — those that happen automatically, without the customer's direct action — are also gaining prominence, especially in retail and subscription services.

Furthermore, the growth ofinstant payments,Globally, it is making transactions faster, an important factor for e-commerce and the relationship between companies and consumers.

  1. Security challenges

Security is one of the main challenges of the sector. Digital frauds generate annual losses exceedingR$ 5 billionin Brazil, highlighting the need for more robust technologies and greater financial education for consumers, according to Tabor.

Financial inclusion is also a key objective. The Central Bank estimates that the participation of the population in the formal financial system may grow30% in the next yearsthanks to the expansion of digital services. However, to ensure sustainable progress, it is essential that regulation keeps pace with innovation, balancing consumer protection and technological advancement.

Thus, in 2025, the trends of consolidation, innovation, and sustainability promise to further transform the financial ecosystem. The challenge will be to maintain the balance between adopting new technologies and overcoming regulatory and security issues, ensuring a more efficient, inclusive, and consumer-oriented market.

Transport company ends 2024 with more than R$50 million invested in sustainability

In Brazil, the Road Freight Transport (TRC) sector has been standing out as an active agent in combating CO2 emissions. This year, the report prepared by CNT indicated that the sector accounts for approximately 20% of the country's pollutant emissions, showing progress compared to a 2022 survey conducted by the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo (USP), which indicated that the sector accounted for about 47% of the total pollutants emitted by the nation.

Faced with this reality, Ghelere Transportes, with over four decades of experience in the cargo and logistics sector, invested over R$50 million in less polluting fleets, in telemetry technologies to take care of employee well-being, in addition to a new sustainable headquarters in Cascavel (PR), which follows international LEED certification standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), one of the most respected seals in sustainable construction; and WELL, which focuses on the health and well-being of professionals.

“We believe that a healthy and comfortable work environment is essential for the well-being and productivity of our employees, which is the reason for our growth. This concern is reflected in every decision we make during the development of the project,” adds Eduardo Ghelere, CEO of the transport company.

Following these measures taken throughout the year, the company's new headquarters waterproofed its floor, covering the 60,000 m² of its land, preventing leaks of lubricants, fuels, and other practices from contaminating the soil. The installation is equipped with Stormtech technology, which is installed beneath the floor and captures and redistributes rainwater properly through chambers made of 100% virgin high-density polypropylene and polyethylene, reducing the building's impacts. "These choices made by Ghelere aim to reinforce the goal of building a sustainable company and operation," says Eduardo.

For the coming years, the transportation company sets ambitious goals to continue the project, especially in the warehousing sector for clients in Brazil and Mercosur. The strategic locations in Cascavel, Maringá, and Ponta Grossa allow the company to form a logistical triangle that offers agility and excellence throughout Paraná. Eduardo emphasizes that the focus on operational efficiency, combined with the use of renewable energy sources, makes the transportation company an even more valuable strategic commercial partner.

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How personalization impacts the consumer journey and conversion outcomes

In the current e-commerce landscape, personalization is an essential tool for creating more engaging experiences and simultaneously improving conversion results. As consumers become more demanding and expect brands to understand their individual needs, tailoring the shopping journey to each user's specific preferences becomes a competitive advantage. According to a study by Epsilon, 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from a brand that offers personalized experiences.

And how to adopt personalization? It begins from the consumer's first contact with the brand, whether through an advertisement, email marketing, or even during browsing a website or app. By collecting and analyzing browsing data, brands can identify each user's preferences and interests, offering relevant product and content recommendations. This not only improves the user experience but also increases the chances of conversion, as the consumer feels more understood and valued.

Furthermore, personalization allows for the creation of more effective remarketing campaigns, re-engaging consumers who have previously interacted with the brand but did not complete the purchase. Studies show that personalized remarketing strategies can increase conversion rates by up to 10 times by reminding users of products they viewed or added to their cart.  

In this context, Artificial Intelligence (AI) andmachine learningare fundamental for large-scale personalization. Tools that utilize these resources can analyze large volumes of data and identify consumer behavior patterns, allowing brands to adjust messages in real time. According to McKinsey, companies that integrate AI into their digital marketing strategies see an increase of up to 30% in conversion and customer retention rates.

Furthermore, AI enables the implementation ofchatbotsand virtual assistants that personalize customer service, providing quick responses and recommending products based on purchase and browsing history. This type of faster and more accurate service is essential during periods of high demand, such as Black Friday and Christmas, when consumers are seeking deals and information quickly.

Personalization also has a direct effect on conversion metrics. The ability to offer promotions and specific deals based on each user's behavior increases the likelihood of closing a sale. According to Gartner, 60% of marketing leaders believe that investing in personalization can significantly improve sales results.

Another point where personalization makes a difference is in reducing cart abandonment rates. By sending personalized reminders about items left in the cart, brands can encourage consumer return and purchase completion. Real-time data analysis allows companies to identify the best moments to send these notifications, increasing conversion chances.

In summary: with an increasingly competitive digital market, personalized shopping experiences stand out as an essential strategy for companies aiming to attract and retain customers. By investing in technologies that enable detailed analysis of consumer behavior and targeted messaging delivery, brands can significantly improve their conversion rates and, at the same time, create a deeper connection with their customers.

How can technology help overcome important logistical challenges?

In recent years, the logistics sector has experienced significant growth. Recently, the American company Mordor Intelligence released data indicating that this value is projected to grow an average of 4.30% per year, reaching S$129.3 billion by 2029 in Brazil alone, which, in direct conversion, represents approximately R$645 billion.

However, alongside this evolution, the sector has faced a series of complex and interconnected challenges, especially in our country, considering the complexity of the road network, which in many regions is quite precarious. Along with that, it is essential to highlight the inefficiency of multimodal transportation and the need to connect distant points with limited infrastructure. Thus, companies need to deal daily with problems ranging from delivery delays to high operating costs. All of this, with the growing demand for fast deliveries and the expectation for greater operational efficiency, puts even more pressure on the sector.

Another complex obstacle faced by the logistics sector is related to security, which is worsened by high crime rates that directly impact operations. Technology then emerges as a strategic ally in risk mitigation, offering solutions capable of increasing cargo protection and optimizing route security. Tools such as real-time tracking, advanced monitoring systems, and risk management platforms enable greater visibility, as well as a faster and more effective response to potential incidents.

In this sense, adopting and integrating advanced technologies becomes a strategic choice for organizations aiming to overcome these historical and emerging challenges, as well as to improve their productivity and profitability. Automation, the use of drones, real-time data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI) are some of the tools that have the power to transform the sector, enabling the creation of new opportunities for service optimization. Next, I highlight the main applications of integrating innovations into the field:

1. Route optimization and delivery planning

Efficiency in route planning is essential to reduce costs and improve delivery times. Technologies like Big Data and AI have revolutionized this field. Route optimization algorithms that analyze data in real time allow companies to adjust routes based on traffic conditions, weather, and other unforeseen factors. This not only reduces travel time but also minimizes fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

2. Real-time tracking and visibility

Real-time tracking is one of the most significant innovations in modern logistics. GPS, RFID, and IoT (Internet of Things) systems enable continuous monitoring of goods during transportation. This provides full visibility for companies and their clients, enabling quick identification of any issues and informed decision-making. The ability to track each step of the logistics process improves transparency and customer trust.

3. Automation and robotics in warehouses

Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), mobile robots, and autonomous vehicles are examples of how technology can accelerate processes and improve accuracy, increasing efficiency and reducing human errors. Robots can perform repetitive tasks, such as picking and packing, freeing up professionals for more complex and strategic tasks. Additionally, automation helps minimize inventory errors and optimizes space utilization.

4. Smart inventory management

Technology also plays an important role in inventory management. AI and Machine Learning (ML) based systems help companies forecast demand more accurately, automatically adjusting inventory levels to avoid excesses or shortages. These systems analyze historical data and market trends to optimize inventory, reducing storage costs and improving product availability.

5. Resource and supply chain planning

Effective supply chain planning is the foundation for a successful logistics operation. AI-based planning and simulation tools help companies create "what if" scenarios and identify potential bottlenecks before they become real problems.

6. Integration and interoperability

Modern technological solutions promote the integration between transportation management systems (TMS), warehouse management systems (WMS), and ERP platforms. This integration ensures that all relevant data is available in one place, facilitating decision-making and coordination among the various parts of the supply chain.

Undoubtedly, companies that utilize these technologies are reducing costs and offering a more agile and reliable service, overcoming geographical and infrastructure barriers. Brazil is a challenging country, but there are tools capable of helping companies operate with a greater competitive advantage, and it is essential to be aware of these alternatives.

Gilberto Reis is COO of Runtalent, a company specialized in IT professional allocation, project and operations support, agile squads and software factory, which serves more than 100 national and multinational clients in more than 12 business segments.

Unentel announces Vera Thomaz as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO)

You are welcome., a distributor of technological solutions for the B2B market, announced Vera Thomaz as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). The executive, who has been working at the company since 2019, will now lead the marketing department after a successful five-year career as Commercial Director.

With a solid and recognized career in the Information Technology (IT) sector, Vera brings a strategic vision and extensive experience to the new role. Graduated in Business Administration with an MBA in Business Management, the executive was a key figure in the development of the Plantronics brand in Brazil, establishing it as a market leader. Throughout its journey, it has actively followed and contributed to historical milestones in the sector, from the privatization of telecommunications to the emergence ofContact Centeruntil the evolution of collaboration and information technologies.

“Our goal is to position Unentel as the main partner for our customers, brands and resellers, increasing visibility and relevance in the market. We will be a reference both in our commercial relationship and in our digital and institutional presence”, highlights Vera Thomaz.

The new CMO will take on a strategic role, encompassing brand management, communication campaigns and digital marketing, in addition to working directly with Unentel teams in Salvador and São Paulo, ensuring greater involvement in the department and collaboration with the team.

“With a holistic vision and all the knowledge I have acquired inside and outside Unentel, I am committed to supporting our resellers in achieving their goals. We want this movement to strengthen the skills and performance of everyone involved — brands, partners and customers —, driving collective growth,” concludes Vera Thomaz.

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