Dell: A Brand in Flux?

For years, Dell has enjoyed one of the strongest brands on the market. Lately, however, the giant computer manufacturer here was some real heat in a number of blogs and websites, consumer affair. Browse In fact, a quick websites like My3cents.com, Ripoffreport.com, ConsumerAffairs.com BuzzMachine.com and will be satisfied by several negative posts and comments left by Dell customers. Not exactly what you expect from a company with such a good reputation.

Dell executives sayThey control online complaints and take action to correct these problems. Above all, they have added more customer service centers and employees in an effort to improve the resolution of customer complaints. These measures seem to pay off. In a recent article, cited Investor's Business Daily, Dell's internal figures showing a 35% years versus the previous year, improving customer satisfaction and a 30% improvement in their ability to solve problems, for the first time.

GivenSurveys that Dell around 24,000 private customers in the month, these numbers are remarkable. But I wonder whether some of the steps that Dell is currently perhaps come back to bite their brand over the long term.

Great out of the blocks

I recently purchased a Dell computer online, and I must say the experience was excellent. In fact, Dell executed properly.

I was just on the market for a new PC and saw a great price in one of advertising from DellCirculars. I went to their website and easy to find in the advertisement. (I added a few extras nothing like a little extra horsepower to jazz a new PC!) For Laid and sat down to wait for delivery. Then Dell sent me some tracking e-mails I receive has to keep on the status of my order knowledge.

The computer came a few days ago promised - a nice surprise. I threw him out of the box and set it in a matter of minutes. Everything went well and I started my own installationSoftware. During the installation, but I hit a snag, and my computer locked up. I called Dell, and in a few minutes she helped me solve the problem.

I'm sure my experience is repeated thousands of times a day around the globe. Finally, this is where Dell seem really is. The acquisition and setup experience in a shorter time at lower cost and with less effort than any other personal computer company. That's what Dell value proposition and brandPromises are all about - providing a cost-effective, tailor-made PC to your home with minimal effort on your part.

Not So Great Down the Stretch

Although Dell PC procurement and installation experience has mastered, they are struggling and offer the service after the sale. And that's where the Dell brand is taking place a hit.

Dell built its reputation by providing high quality PCs at a very low price - a classic application of the lowest total cost valueRecord. What does Dell is not a real customer intimate solutions or the best overall solution. If a complicated problem arises several months after the purchase of computers to solve your problem experience with Dell is likely to vary considerably (and far less satisfying) as the first acquisition of experience.

Until now, Dell has received with this approach, because their traditional customers, as experienced users of technology, do not expect much service after the rulethe sale. However, Dell is expanding customer base, and to be where many of the problems seems to be coming from.

As Dell has achieved dominant market share, and took in more new customers, a growing number of them are first-time buyer or PC novices who require a high degree of hand-holding after the sale. If you read the articles on the customer affairs Web sites and blogs to be able to react fast to the idea that most complaints come from technology novices. Plus, as theabsolute numbers of customers continue to increase the number of errors on the part of Dell's commitment to raise with them.

A shift in strategy

Dell does not have as low-cost provider, have the profit margins, extensive customer support. But that's about to change.

Dell recently announced a spate of paid customer support options ranging from consumer services for the comprehensive in-home services offered by Best Buy, the Geek Squad to reflectto coordinate comprehensive services for businesses. The business services run the gamut from simple system set-ups to complex implementations, rollouts, that at several locations and customers meet tight deadlines. Looking ahead, it's only a matter of time before Dell offers comprehensive IT outsourcing that similar service offerings from HP and IBM mirror.

Why this change in strategy? One is Dell trying to protect his mark by clearing with a growing number of customer complaints. Two,and more important, they hope to revenue by increasing customer service from a cost center into a profit center. For me, the most interesting aspect of all this, what it could do for the Dell brand.

Currently, Dell dominated the best overall value proposition in the market for personal computers. But one day, their first line sales growth will stall if they do not do more - hence their businesses in the provision of value-added services after the sale. My bet is that Dell successfullynavigate this shift and the additional services the customers will want to pay for them. However, by these services and services to a company can be confusing to customers. Ultimately, they might confuse their brand.

Dell is a best total cost or overall best company? Can they also implement value proposition without confusing customers and / or diluting the brand? Remain entrenched for now, but in the best total cost of camp. But if their intentionsmigrate - but slowly and cautiously - to an overall best strategy, she should for a very interesting trip. More importantly, should teach us all some valuable lessons about the challenges in maintaining a # 1 brand in a rapidly changing environment.

Stock Valuation Model - 3 Simple Techniques to Value Stock

Stock valuation models are methods that have to value. Everyone knows the stock but only few understand how much it pays, and the other investors do not even care. If you are an intelligent investor, consider these valuation models in your next purchase.
Discounted cash flow (DCF)
This is probably the most common model that you ever heard when it comes to stock valuation. However, I found it a little hard to do. Quite simply, because theDiscounted cash flow model, revenue growth and escalating costs at the same time consider that can be difficult to estimate and forecast than one external investor.
However, this method can be used in the assessment by the projection of future cash flows of revenues and costs and discount back to present value Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC).
Dividend Discount Model (DD)
This model is best for income investors. The idea is to project futureBased on the average historical dividend payout ratio and discount it back to present value. Although this is the easiest of all, it works best for high dividend yield stocks.
However, the stocks must have very strong business development services, the dividend payments are guaranteed 10 years on the road. And usually, penny stocks can not be evaluated in this way.
Earnings Growth Model (EC)
This is my preferred method because it is very practicaland easy to do. Originally project I their future income with constant or variable growth rate. Is either constant or variable growth rate depends on the expectation of business development in this period. As often, I normally use the historical business development as a basis, provided that the fundamental value is preserved. Then, I discount the future earnings with the expected return on investment (ROI).
I have this model as a very valuable, since the stockPrice is slightly reflected by the gain, such as PER.
So before buying more shares in the future to put some effort value of the stock. You may risk losing too much money if you buy the stock at much lower price than their intrinsic value. Find out how to have value in http://www.Stock-Investment-Made-Easy.com/calculate-intrinsic-value.html

The Business Model of Think Tanks and Rapid Prototyping

Large companies often have research and development departments, where they define new strategies and prototypes that can sell their company in the market for consumers. This is how they come up with new services and products in order to appease their customers and clients. Without innovation, a large company may be too cumbersome, slow and have to compete with non-competitive.

Although customers and clients say they want change, the reality is that people do not want too muchchange, but they want to add new features, designs, and occasional changes. Of course, if a company has become too large, and often they can not do more to research and development in-house and feel outsource.

In this case, to competent and trusted suppliers to do to find the discrete manufacturing, and design companies that are willing to put a lid on the things that they keep working. Sometimes large companies will outsource, think tanks, which are able to doRapid Prototyping and discrete manufacturing.

But one must ask whether this is a good business model? Outsourcing companies are really in their R & D departments interested in? It turns out that they are many government bodies, and also looking to do so. Many companies in industry research and military-industrial complex, like the idea, prototyping and project management teams outside of their company.

If a think tank or outsourced innovation team to be sworn in toConfidentiality, and take the services at a much lower cost then it makes sense for the company to go further. The reality is that a company which is based on this research to achieve a good profit, and save the company millions of dollars. They earn their money with their clients save money, and therefore makes it a very good business model. Remember that all of this, and remember.

Best Energy Stocks - Oil & Gas Calls For 2008

The investments in oil and gas producers in 2008 remain optimistic, as record oil prices headline the news almost every day ... and analysts still see a lot more to come. As Goldman Sachs, a two-year ahead of $ 200 in the commodity markets, people have had renewed confidence in my ups, dealing with its oil and natural gas, cleaner alternative.

There were many have doubts that you need to be made aware of. With the recent dramatic on the top boltCommodities, many investors say that prices are artificially inflated. While this may not hold true, it means they will not continue to artificially inflate ... They make money on the road. Despite the fact that all these companies look expensive as hell, I think the trend will continue ... and it is always better to get on the action than sit on the sideline, sucking your thumb. ;)

The Net Fool's Stock Performance

Back in January, I advised my fourEnergy superstars, all you would need to double-digit gains today will be executed. Transocean (NYSE: RIG) is up 15.20% since my call at $ 140.10, and I'm still bullish on their strong oil drilling functions according to their fantastic first quarter results at 07 May I am maintaining a "buy" on the exchange. If you bought in Schlumberger (NYSE: SLB), you would be sitting on a nice 10.42% gain on my original pitch for $ 96.57. Schlumberger is the largest oil-service companies in the world, so if youhow the security of a large company ... you'll love SNL, who still has a lot on the head. My best recommendation in the sector with Halliburton (NYSE: HAL), which would have given you purchase a 31.70% return since I was at $ 37.26. I think it is time to take profits from the table on Halliburton move to an alternative energy stocks. The head is still there, but I think the money would be better somewhere else. Finally, XTO Energy (NYSE: XTO) absolutely tore it from my pitch at $ 53.88,for a 25.95% rise in profit. XTO is an oil & gas exploration company that I maintain a "buy" rating on still move very optimistic with plenty of space itself.

Where To Go Now

The energy sector as a whole has grown away from the charts in recent months. But I do not want the company, the staple food of energy are, cell phone, and Chevron Exxon ... at hand! I'm talking about the guys that oil and gas drilling jump, spin-offs forProfits. Now you have heard from the drill ... I would like to benefit you in these hybrid oil / gas companies like XTO Energy in both markets and diversify risks. I personally am much more optimistic on gas than oil. I believe that the gas is much more valuable as an energy source, however, largely undiscovered in comparison to oil, which has through the media, and not see the same value appreciation that it deserves. So here are some cream of the crop hybrids with a favorable natural tendency to beGas!

Chesapeake Energy Corporation (NYSE: CHK):

Chesapeake is the number one independent producer of natural gas, but it's still a lot of volatility cross hedged risk factor. It is undercutting the number one with 254 drill rigs and has the market over and over again with his superior hedging strategies. Then you can focus on the fact that they increased the production by a higher percentage than any other large-cap competitors. Lot's of concern for the stock is on Chesapeake voices, but theyPast have carried out the expectations time and time again, so you can sleep soundly with the fact that they have made a stronger leadership than any other competitor in my opinion. There are some very large reserves, the CHK is actively pursuing, and I think the best is yet to come.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: APC):

Now, she smothered earnings consensus of $ 1.22/share to $ 1.55/share ... can not say you could not expect such great news from a large company that is growing faster than theIndustry for quite a while. This trade has not yet happened, and after an upgrade by Lehman Brothers on 16 May, it is clear that investors still see upside potential. Following the result, it feels like sunny skies throughout the year for Anadarko ... a company with only a P / E of 15.5, compared to a ratio of 23 industries. APC has proven to investors that it may be best in a fast-growing industry ... and I still buy too.

Helix Energy Solutions Group (NYSE: HLX):

Helix has a lot of oil & gasProduction in the Gulf of Mexico, and I think they fly under the radar, largely in the energy sector due to its low market capitalization. Their new Danny Noonan fields should really benefit outcome for the year 2009, and could even act as a catalyst in 2008. But even more important as new exploration activity has helix a hit that I undeservedly took me, especially because, as their oil-body is bound by its exploration unit. For this reason, Helix has one of the most attractiveRatings in the industry. Although they may not have the profit margins and sat down against the competition, is an HLX Silent Assassin with a low P / E of 11 and a chip on his shoulder.

Apache Corp. (NYSE: APA):

High operating costs and expenses were largely dominated by high revenues from oil and gas prices and offset the production volume increased from the first quarter. Apache is one of the best-run companies in the industry, and I see it outperformed the industry in the long run ...despite the fact that there are at the border target prices. Apache has benefited, like all the other five major discoveries, and I feel that APA fully its reserves in North America explot can beat in a down-to-income market in 2008.

The average growth rates for natural gas drilling is 15%, so it is really very difficult to find a loser in this environment. I see the following companies outperformed the industry in 2008: Chesapeake (CHK), XTO Energy (XTO), Anadarko (APC), Helix (HLX)Transocean (RIG), Schlumberger (SLB). I undertake evaluation of these energy-share market as a basis for evaluation: Apache (APA), Halliburton (HAL), Noble (NE), Devon Energy (DVN), Southwestern Energy (SWN).

One thing is sure, the oil and gas researchers outperform nearly every corner of the market. These stocks are about to surpass in 2008. My investment strategy would be to wait for a $ 5 - $ 10 pullback in oil prices before pulling the trigger on one of these companies,mainly because I feel that in the run was a little too fast.

Selling a Business - What Buyers Are Looking For

Selling your business must not be complicated, but it is a process that is unique and one that most entrepreneurs do not have much experience with.

What buyers want in a business
Business buyers are a fickle bunch. Most of them (some even say 90%) will never actually buy a business. The role of the Business Broker is to qualify the serious buyers from those who are "window shopping". This is a crucial roleBrokerage firms that play. The focus of this article is to provide some key elements that seek the most "serious" buyers in a business review for sale.

Historical cash flow
It is an expression that says "Cash is King". This is a very true statement, if you intend to sell a business are. Buyers are very interested in companies that have a successful track record of historical earnings and cash flow. If you are an owner thinking of an exit plan for your company,Take a look at the past two to three years of your finances. Determine what is the cash flow. If you need help, talk to your accountant or business broker for assistance. It is very difficult to develop a plan to lose the money or who sell only marginally profitable. All too often hear that a real estate owner wants to "sell my business - but it has potential." Potential is great, but it also needs to cash flow.

If the cash flow sustainable?
A buyer is not onlyInterest in historical, how much profit is generated in the company, but is interested more so if the results are sustainable. A buyer is a company to be interested in an excellent outcome history, only if he or she believes that they buy the company and the profits do not evaporate when they are made the sale. If you have a business where the whole operation depends on you being there - then it is a difficult kind of business sale. If you own, where yousuccessfully train and transition countries, a new owner with little interference by the customer or the results - these are the types of companies that have sold more quickly.

Is the business priced right?
If a venture has a strong historical earnings, sustainable income and easy for the transition - is yours but not exact prices - the company will be difficult, too. First steps of the evaluation (or price) right for a company to sell is crucial. Example - if youown a small business that generates $ 75,000 in earnings each year, an owner / operator and you expect that a price of $ 1,000,000 to ask, it is extremely difficult if not impossible to sell, too. Remember that most small businesses are being evaluated 2-3x "seller's discretionary cash" if you think about a sale price. If you need help, talk to a broker or a firm rating available. If you on the sale of your business please be realistic about the seriousness of the issuePrice.

Potential
Do not go with an intermediary "I think of the sale. My business earns me at 50,000 U.S. dollars per year, but it has potential, I would ask to half a million dollars for them." Must have a certain potential for a sale. Potential buyers expect. If there are none, then it will be very difficult to sell your business. If this is all what you do offer, you must re-examine your sales strategy very closely. Buyers will naturally ask whether there isa lot of potential in the business, why else have you done with him. This is a very important point.

Intellectual Property Strategies - 7 Tips to Grow Your Business With an IP Strategy

Intellectual Property (IP) assets are important for many companies. Proper leveraging of IP assets can enhance a competitive advantage, revenue, expand product lines and create an "innovation culture" in the company.

Many people mistakenly believe that innovation is limited to "high tech" companies or those with a large research and development. Most businesses have IP assets such as business processes) (internal and external proceduresCustomer lists, a company, brand / identity innovations of company personnel and more developed.

Regardless of the industry or increase the size of your company's intellectual property strategy to your business. It's never too early to think about this strategy - Early planning can accelerate growth and reduce the risk of future problems.

1. Understand the different types of IP assets. An important first step in developing an IP --Strategy is to understand the different types of IP assets and how to strengthen it business. Copyrights, trademarks, patents and trade secrets are some of the most common types of IP assets. These plants have different levels of protection and different approach is needed to protect the asset.

2. Identify types of IP suitable for your business. A successful strategy for intellectual property consider the various types of intellectualProperty, which are a logical "to achieve fit for the company and the company's goals.

3. Define IP goals. Define goals (both short and long term), support your business objectives. An IP strategy to support business goals by increasing revenue, the creation of competitive advantage in attracting investment and positioning the company as an "Innovator". The IP strategy also supports the expansion of existing products / services, promotea "team environment" and raise the valuation of the company.

4. Protection of confidential information. Every company has confidential and proprietary information, the proper management requires. Diligent use of a written Confidentiality / Proprietary Information Agreement is an important method to protect the confidential and proprietary information. This agreement will be signed by everyone who has access to confidential / proprietary information, such asEmployees, contractors, suppliers, consultants, investors, board members and potential clients.

5. Educate and encourage innovation. Many companies assume that innovative activities of research and development group, or for staff are limited with modern scientific degrees. Although these groups and individuals to an IP strategy, each person in a company are important, is a potential innovator. Innovations are often created to solve problems or improve an existingProduct or service. Everyone is capable of finding solutions, even if the development is not the solution to give part of their function.

6. Manage all innovations. Identify innovation is a crucial step in the creation of intellectual property and leveraging assets. Implementing an innovative program disclosed that all the employees to easily create and submit descriptions of their innovations can. Be submitted once, a tracking system monitors the status of each innovationDisclosure. This tracking system should identify deadlines upcoming public announcements and other activities that enhance innovation.

7. Take Action. Be active in implementing an IP strategy and the identification of new innovations. Restrict activities to current products and services - look for unmet needs in related markets and to create intellectual property in these areas.

Identifying, developing and leveraging IP assets will take time. Review your businessGoals and start today to develop an IP strategy that strengthens and supports these goals.

The Business Architecture of Conglomerates - Acciona (Spain)

Conglomerates) are companies with a diversified business model (. They were popular in the sixties, when the investment was less specialized approach. During this time, the company could improve the risk / return profile by diversifying the economy, with businesses from other areas. In this way the risk was reduced through a harmonization of the revenue from the various sectors.

The other idea was that an independent entity could be organized on a larger scale, within the same companyand following a management approach.

Today, many of these companies are divided, but there are many examples on the left: General Electric, is a famous example, and ITT Corporation is an example that is often quoted.

When conglomerates are difficult to categorize, financial information brokers such as Thompson Financial setup a separate area for conglomerates. Also search in Google Finance, you get an overview of conglomerates, with companies such as: Philips,Siemens, ABB, etc.

Not present in the index of conglomerates is the Spanish company Acciona, but the company has the same properties. For example, in 1999, was the business of the company from the following categories:
Construction and real estate law (with 44% of total profits)
Urban and Environmental Services (7.7%)
Concessions and Infrastructure (0%)
Energy (4%)
Logistics and airport services (13.6%)
Others (29.2%)

In 2006, the business model issummarized similar except for a few changes: The infrastructure is now the most important sector, is an independent real estate business and water (management was added). This shows that the company is eager to grow, with growing demand for water (management).

The 2005 annual report states: "More than 200 km of roads, highways and railroads built (infrastructure)." We avoid 1.78 million tons of CO2 emissions per year. We produce 1.8 million KV of clean energy per year(energy). "We have purified more than 28 million m3 of water with our
purifiers.We have the capacity to m a ke 4 million m3 of water drinkable every day. (Urban and environmental services). Our sea routes have removed 120,000 cars and 20,000 semi-trailers from the roads, which also means that 4.4 million litres of fuels are saved each year. (Logistics and transport).

Then comes the organization. I have looked at the corporate values. And these seem to match with a company of such Size and diversity. Here is the list of values:
Honesty ... Leadership ... Excellence ... Concern for the environment ... Social responsibility ... The focus on the long-term ... Ability to pay ... Customer focus ... Innovation ... Caring for people.

Ten core values. A first impression is that these values is a summary of the values of the individual divisions of the company. For an employee mention a number of ten values just too much and take themconsidered. For managing this task must also so difficult.

Then the evaluation of the company. This is the hardest part. Looking back over the year this company has achieved continuous growth in performance with a double-digit growth in profits. But now the question is, will this growth rate continues, then? This is the most difficult question. There are so many areas and indicators to consider.

At the company's homepage, it gives an overview of the opinions ofFinancial analysts about the expectations. These statements give display a well-diversified. The analysis of opinions greatly differ: Buy (4 times), hold (1), increase (1), neutral (2) reduce to (3), Sale (4). (What needs to be added is that the final recommendation by June 2006).

Conglomerates are complex undertakings. They compete in the era of real investments with highly focused companies. The inherent complexity of the company has one disadvantage: it is difficult to benchmark for others. Onthe other hand, the company is unique and, it may generate split-off's in the near future.

Hans Bool