Riding off yesterday's post, "The Importance of Small Businesses Exporting," and questioning U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gary Locke's example of Caterpillar Inc. as a successful small business exporter, you must read this article by Emilia Istrate for The New Republic:
Great post, Laural. I've cross-posted on my blog. I recently went to a seminar at the Virinia Export Assistance Center where a guy from a huge contruction company, Halcrow, talked about things.
He made a point that I know is true in my experience: you have to build your contacts and network. It is no difference for the big boys as it is for the "little guy." If SMEs learn to network and build thier international contacts and relationship, I believe they will be successful. Plus, don't get too mesmerized by the internet - you have to build personal, face-to-face relationships in international business. There is a big deficit of trust out there - so customers are going to want to know you personally. And that's the fun part, making new friends.
The Global Small Business Blog (GSBB) was founded on July 20, 2004 by Laurel Delaney (pictured above) for the purpose of helping entrepreneurs and small businesses expand their businesses internationally. It is ranked No. 1 in the world for entrepreneurs and small businesses interested in going global. Learn more about Laureland visit her company GlobeTrade.com.
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2 comments:
Great post, Laural. I've cross-posted on my blog. I recently went to a seminar at the Virinia Export Assistance Center where a guy from a huge contruction company, Halcrow, talked about things.
He made a point that I know is true in my experience: you have to build your contacts and network. It is no difference for the big boys as it is for the "little guy." If SMEs learn to network and build thier international contacts and relationship, I believe they will be successful. Plus, don't get too mesmerized by the internet - you have to build personal, face-to-face relationships in international business. There is a big deficit of trust out there - so customers are going to want to know you personally. And that's the fun part, making new friends.
Totally agree. Thanks for your readership and for sharing your experience and perspective.
Regards,
Laurel
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