NextBillion.net - Development Through Enterprise - Successful Models - Comments

In regards to the first

Joey S — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 07:48:05 -0500

In regards to the first finding/suggestion the report makes, it seems hugely optimistic, naïve even, to imagine the day the business sector voluntarily takes steps to bridge the gap between profit driven business incentives and the reality of four billion people that need access to banking and other financial services. It is difficult to not question the integrity and intent of enormously advertised corporate social responsibility endeavors that perfectly fit the criteria of en vogue development trends. Further, it is hard to ignore the fact that when firms from the business sector do venture into the development playground it is always on the premise of achieving a “double bottom-line.” Not too hard to guess which objective of the two assumes most priority—profit or social responsibility?

A fair and thorough recap,

Kate — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:17:23 -0500

A fair and thorough recap, Mr. Bornstein! I'm so proud of you for getting your brilliant voice out in the blogosphere. Great work, can't wait to read more. xo ko

The report's finding of

Ben C — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:53:40 -0500

The report's finding of "connecting businesses and poverty" seems like a useless normative statement rather than a policy recommendation. What is the incentive for businesses to boost poor people's incomes and provide for more employment opportunities absent an upward pressure on wages or a higher demand for workers? Multilateral organizations like the World Bank and poor country governments should invest in human capital development and work to strengthen the rule of law. An Educated population in a stable business environment is the surest way to attract private sector investment.

I think that the points Mr.

Brendan — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:26:30 -0500

I think that the points Mr. Bornstein raises are definitely illuminating. Environments lacking consumers with disposable income will not be able to support homegrown entrepreneurs and vice versa. It seems to be something of a chicken or the egg scenario in many ways. Until these local economies are fostered, it seems that the global trend of the BoP emigrating to developed, foreign nations in order to send home remittances will most likely continue.

waterless car wash

George Siriani — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:34:39 -0500

I have been selling this waterless car washing product in Brasil since 1992 and only the product . As it is a cultural product , it takes time and a lot of effort to get it going. I am looking for an investor to format a franchise in any country.i am formatting it now in Brasil www.drysek.com and have the website in english and german www.waterlesscarwash.com.br . I wonder if you have information where i can get help or support . thanks . george

Hi, first of all, I think

Simon — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:06:40 -0500

Hi, first of all, I think BOP-outsourcing is a great idea how to incorporate the BOP into the IT-value chain and empower them in a sustainable way. In my view, BOP-outsourcing is a new thing, but it is gaining momentum. As there are more organizations doing it, do you partner with them or do you compete on a different role/scope and competitive advantage? What is your competitive advantage? I know that your organizations partner with some, as do Grameen Solution. Do you consider a for-profit organization as a potential partner? What does the potential for-profit partner bring into the partnership? I also published some blogs regarding human resources, collaboration and logistics. I would be pleased if you could leave some comments on these blogs. http://bop-collaboration.blogspot.com/ http://bop-manager.blogspot.com/ http://bop-logistics.blogspot.com/ Regards, Simon

SAMA as ab arbiter of quality

Roopa — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:54:36 -0500

I suspect that SAMAsource is going to be fantastic, given my experience working with Leila in her KPL days. Good luck with all your endeavors! Additionally, I suspect that the point at which you'll start seeing incremental growth is when you are able to truly show that SAMA bring forth high quality oursourcing support. Showing how you set, monitor and maintain standards will be a big plus as you develop your business.

Interview

henry thairu — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:49:23 -0500

This is a great story that is starting to be told. Thank you Leila. Africa needs to be on the map. It has good people who can work. We need people like you who belive that these people can do great things. And they will do through Somasource.

Thanks, that was an

Car polisher — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:01:20 -0500

Thanks, that was an interesting read. I wonder if anyone can answer a related question I have? I have linked to a car polisher in my name. I just wondered if anyone has had any experience with these or maybe could recommend me something different. Thanks - Liz

I agree, Enrique -- we've

Leila C — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 09:17:33 -0500

I agree, Enrique -- we've been looking at ways to integrate social networking into our site in some way to build greater trust between service providers and clients.

Facebook

Enrique Allen — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 05:30:44 -0500

Great job Leila, the high trust context of Facebook can help forge and maintain "outsourced" relationships in meaningful ways.

Leila's interview

Jayanta — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:17:43 -0500

Dear Leila, Namaste, I have just go through your interview in iBOP. Nine and quite informative and enthusiastic also. Please keep it up

Looking for your guidance Full Time / Part Time

Karvi — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:19:34 -0500

Dear Sir, I am Karthik Visweswaran. I am an Post Graduate in Foreign Trade. I am always dreaming about setting up of an excellent dairy unit in my life time. Infact i am more concerned about setting an Goat Dairy Unit in India and wish every retail customer should consume my companys product. I seek your immense guidance and needful in this regard. As i am yet to take birth in this field, i wish you could be my best godfather in this regard. Looking forward to have a strong and healthy partnership Best Regards Karvi

This research is vital.

Rob Moore — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:44:07 -0500

This research is vital but what is more vital is to get the data in the hands of entrepreneurs and socially minded students in the Universities. I know on my particular campus the University of Southern California there are people in both the entrepreneurial and the socially conscious camps but no one has realized this cross section. Great Blog, Rob Moore http://socialentrepreneurcareer.blogspot.com/

Anything that can be done to eliminate poverty is a must...

Business Coach Cambridge — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:16:21 -0500

I'm really keen to see poor countries supported with new technology programmes. Technology is a key enabler for progress and holds many places back enormously. I once came across a news article about an academic who had studied the most war-torn countries and areas of the world. He did statistical studies to compare their economic well-being with their state of war and there is a very strong correlation between poverty and war/strife. If we can educate and improve the economic circumstances of poor countries, we stand to improve living conditions for millions. Brilliant. Lee Duncan Business Coach based in Cambridgeshire in the UK