According to a few different surveys on the Internet, the following companies are considered to be the most profitable and successful companies, thus far, in 2008 (world-wide):

One: Microsoft Corporation ($14 billion in net profits)

Two: IBM Corporation ($10 billion in net profits)

Three: Cisco Corporation ($7 billion in net profits)

Four: Hewlett Packard Corporation ($7 billion in net profits)

Five: Intel Corporation ($7 billion in net profits)

Six: Oracle Corporation ($4 billion in net profits)

Seven: Google ($4 billion in net profits)

Eight: Apple Corporation ($3 billion in net profits)

Nine: Qualcomm Corporation ($3 billion in net profits)

Ten: Dell Corporation ($2 billion in net profits)

I would say that the ultimate challenge for businesses today is to be able to define oneself business-wise before the customer. So, the customer doesn’t have to wonder, OK, well now what exactly is this company and what does it do? I think this is reason behind the success of these companies listed above. They have succeeded in defining their “brand” and people and other companies know almost instantly what each of them represents, product or service wise. This is a great accomplishment.

If you have a business or work for a business of some kind, then ask this question: can our customer or client define us easily within a minute’s time? If the answer is “yes” then your company or outfit has done a good job in promoting its name or brand and this is great because this will generate a wave effect through the market and this will boost business. However, if this is not the case, then get started! Define yourself clearly, and help your customer “know who you are”. All of these companies listed above have done this, and this has surely helped them to rise about their competitors in the marketplace. Wishing you success with your business