Tiptoe Through the Tulips

"Life isn't a tiptoe through the tulips." ~ Shannon Hoon

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

A Guide to Landed Pricing in Global Trade

In my first blog post for Pitney Bowes (client), I explain what a landed price is, why it is essential in global trade and how you can put it to use to increase your profits.

What Is a Landed Cost and Why it's Essential in Global Trade

Photo courtesy:  Chicagobox1

Avoid These 10 Going Global Mistakes At All Costs

Conducting business in the global marketplace is not the same as it is at home in a local market. Here are 10 common mistakes that occur when going global and how you can avoid them.

Note:  I wrote the article below for the MasterCard Business Network and it is based on experience.

Going Global:  The Top 10 Mistakes Many Small Businesses Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Photo courtesy:  cityofsound

Live Discussion: How to Do Business in BRIC Countries

Join the Guardian Small Business Network between 1:00-3:00 p.m. today, May 15th, for tips on exporting your products to Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC).

Sign up here for details.

During the discussion you'll find out:

• The benefits of trading with the BRIC countries.
• Country-specific business culture, practice and regulations.
• What support is on offer to help your company.
• Experiences of small businesses who already export to these regions.
• Any other advice you'll need to get started.

Photo courtesy:  F H Mira

China and the United States Both Want to Maintain An Open Global Trade Regime

Li Zhongzhou, former director general of MOFCOM and former UNCTAD division director writes the following commentary:

Seeking a win-win scenario in trade between China, US

Editor's Note: US exports to China significantly outperformed export growth to the other top 10 US trading partners including Brazil by 180 percent, but US primary interests still lie in securing access to potential Chinese markets. The US-China Business Council looks at China as a $250 billion market for US companies with still greater potential for further growth.

 Illustration credit:  AK Rockefeller

A Sign It's Time to Go Global

It's never just one sign telling you to "go global!"  So how do you know when you are in the ready state?  It starts with a rapid growth stage with your business–doubling sales weekly over the past year, for instance–and then you’re ready to model that success into continuous growth through global expansion.

Here's an article I drafted for the MasterCard Business Network Blog.  See if your business is ready to take on the world.

6 Signs Your Small Business is Ready to Expand Globally

Photo courtesy:  Gwan Kho

Be Patient. The Storm Will Pass. Spring Will Come.

"Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come." ~ Robert H. Schuller

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Selling Around the World Is Not Easy

Selling around the world is not easy but largely thanks to technology, it's doable.  In this article, "Going Global At Launch," Gary Whitehill (on the board of advisors for the Dell Center for Entrepreneurs) talks about how launching a micro-multinational business is a complex endeavor and with a few critical best practices, the path can be smooth.

Photo courtesy:  rwkvisual

The Fuqua School of Business: Embedded and Connected Globally

The Fuqua School of Business is pushing the limits of global education and in doing so, sets itself apart in its pursuit of establishing full degree programs abroad.

Dean of the business school, Bill Boulding, hopes to continue the focus on global expansion, coining the catchphrase “embedded and connected” to describe the school’s aim to understand a region’s economic needs and unite international perspectives.

“If you want to be a great business school, you have to be global,” Boulding said. “And if you’re going to be global, you need to be in all parts of the world that really matter in our future.”

Read the entire article here.

Photo courtesy:  Matt Phillips

How To Expand Your Business In New Countries

What does it take to expand your business internationally?

As Dylan Thomas once said, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” My take on that is “Do not go gentle into that international market.” Go fiercely, but prepare! 

Here's an article I wrote for Mastercard Business Network Blog that covers six factors to consider before you land your first international customer.

Expanding Your Business in New Countries:  What You Need to Know Before You Start

Photo courtesy: Cea

Somebody Tell Me How Justin Timberlake's World Tour Is Global

Here's the headline:  "Justin Timberlake Is Going Global!  Announces Fall Dates for the 20/20 Experience World Tour!"

When I scan the dates and locations, I see all North American locations.  Is that global?  Someone needs an education on what truly makes for a going global initiative.

Photo courtesy:  thms.nl (old concert ticket)

Smartphone Tips While Traveling Internationally

Apple iPhone

When it comes to using your smartphone internationally, plan ahead, or -- according to the article below -- it will cost you dearly.

Going Global With Your Phone

Related article:  6 Precautions to Take When Traveling Overseas

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  "Apple iPhone"