*By Estela Damato, founder of Damato Partner Track
In my experience supporting businesses in Brazil and the United States, I have closely observed the challenges and opportunities small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face.
It’s important to start this article by highlighting an undeniable truth: SMEs are the backbone of the global economy, representing a significant share of economic activity in both Brazil and the U.S., where they are responsible for about 44% of the economic output.
On the other hand, the longevity and prosperity of these businesses are directly tied to the quality of their strategic planning, particularly when it comes to sustainable growth.
When properly applied, strategic planning can unlock opportunities for innovation, market adaptation, and long-term profitability.
SMEs in Brazil and the U.S.
I believe that building a robust strategic plan is one of the key factors to increase the success of SMEs in Brazil.
A well-aligned plan is necessary to address every variable within the business, from market positioning and resource management to the ability to react to external crises and build lasting relationships with stakeholders.
It’s also challenging in the U.S., where the market is more mature. The economy is service-driven, and SMEs play a crucial role in economic activities, yet many of them still struggle to maintain consistent and sustainable growth.
The volatility of both markets demands that businesses, especially SMEs, adopt structured strategies that can anticipate risks and seize opportunities.
This is where strategic planning comes into play: each step must be consciously executed with innovation, value creation, and risk reduction in mind.
The advantages of strategic planning focused on sustainable growth for SMEs
Long-term sustainability is one of the main goals of strategic planning, which should define objectives far beyond immediate profit.
It includes customer loyalty, stakeholder relationships, cost reduction, and continuous improvement of internal processes, services, and product quality.
It also means being prepared to handle crises and market shifts. A lack of preparation can lead to impulsive reactions, wasting resources, and missing opportunities.
By anticipating threats, a good plan helps structure preventive solutions, minimizing the impact of external factors and strengthening internal operations in response to market and economic changes.
For SMEs, keeping control over finances is often a top concern. A clear strategic plan provides a framework to properly allocate resources, leading to more sustainable profitability.
It’s also impossible to ignore the role of innovation. In today’s competitive environment, there’s no room for stagnation. Staying attuned to market trends and identifying opportunities for new solutions or strategic partnerships enables businesses to remain agile and responsive to external demands.
Volatile economic conditions, political instability, and regulatory issues can put SMEs in precarious positions if they are not well-prepared. On the other hand, the growing digitalization of business and market expansion offers opportunities for companies to realize their full potential.
Bridging the Gap Between the Brazilian and U.S. Markets
Damato provides a range of services focused on sustainable growth, utilizing a proprietary methodology to develop tailored solutions that address the specific needs of each company.
Our process is structured around three key stages: customized strategic planning, proprietary negotiation methods, and a partnership framework.
We act as strategic bridges between the Brazilian and U.S. markets, applying our experience and expertise to adapt solutions that consider the unique challenges and nuances of each local environment.
Our approach integrates active listening, market analysis, and the development of offshore solutions, along with robust strategic planning, ideal for companies seeking to expand their presence effectively and sustainably.
We help businesses navigate complex regulatory environments while maximizing operational benefits, ensuring that businesses thrive in both markets.
Our work also stands out for facilitating international negotiations rooted in mutual trust and active listening, essential pillars for creating lasting value among all involved parties.
This personalized approach enables a deep understanding of the interests and needs of strategic partners, generating solutions that benefit everyone and foster long-term relationships.
Through a partnership framework that strengthens strategic alliances, we also expand our clients’ competitive capacity, opening new avenues for innovation.
Want to learn more about how we can support the sustainable growth of your business? Contact us at: contato@damatonegociacoes.com.
