Monday, March 27, 2006

Global Small Business At Its Finest

Think small. That was the basic starting point for Mike Cayelli when he decided to open an online retail business two years ago. With a tiny house, little capital to invest, and only "spare time" to devote to the project, Cayelli knew his big dream had to stay manageable. The Washington (D.C.) entrepreneur still hasn't quit his day job, but he's projecting $500,000 in sales this year for his company, Cuff Daddy (www.cuff-daddy.com).

He spoke recently with BusinessWeek Smart Answers columnist Karen E. Klein. Read the interview here. Be sure not to miss three great tips: 1. Global Sources. 2. Alibaba. 3. Andale.

For more information on Nos. 1 and 2, visit e-magnify where I wrote an article in January, 2005 highlighting these great (secret) places to take your business global.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Do Brands Have Global Personalities?

In 1974, Japan’s Sanrio Company turned loose upon the world a demure cat by the name of Hello Kitty. Since that time, the feline’s popularity has grown by leaps and bounds, gracing the covers of notebooks and stationery pads, as well as accessories. In 2002, Kitty was ranked the third most recognizable Asian brand. At one point, she earned the distinction of being voted the third most popular figure in Taiwan. Today, recognized in more than 40 countries in Asia, Europe, and North America, Kitty is one of the world’s most successful commercial images.

Do Asian brands like Hello Kitty have global personalities?

Read the article here.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Dip Your Toe Into Global Markets

On global marketing, where does your company fit in? This is an interesting look at what you should do if you see yourself and your business cast in one of the three scenarios the author writes about. You'll enjoy this. I did.

Read the article here.

Saturday, March 18, 2006

There's Fierce Global Competition, The Issue Is Price

If you found out you needed bypass surgery and couldn't afford the cost, would you outsource the procedure? A self-employed man in Durham did and saved U.S. $193,250.

Read the article here.

Hint: A fundamental change is needed in America, particularly in educational methods and encouraging creativity and entrepreneurship to compete with China, India and other emerging markets.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Good for Skype, They're Taking Us Global!

Read the article here.

“Skype is dedicated to being the champion of these companies -- small businesses -- by making it incredibly easy for them to be productive, save money and have access to a sophisticated global communications solution that helps them compete.”

Yeah Skype!

[Happy St. Patrick's Day to all! ~ O'Laurel!]

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Best (Global) Companies Ride Changes

And according to management guru Tom Peters:

"Given the nature of global competition, we have to go beyond the initiatives of companies."

Read the article here.

Monday, March 06, 2006

Why Johnny Can't Export

Check this debate out!

Abridged Borderbuster 3/6/06

CONTENTS

If you are not a subscriber to Borderbuster, here's a glimpse of what you missed this month:

1. Welcome From The Publisher
2. Feedback From Our Readers
3. Expanding in China: Smaller Companies Step In*
4. Business and Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*
5. Outlook 2006: Outsourcing*
6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series* // Brian Schwarz, China
7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*
8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*
9. Being Small Can Help Win the Big (Global) Contract*
10. Batteries.com Re-energizes Its Global Markets*
11. Lost in Translation*
12. Blog World: The Globalization Institute*
13. Laurel’s New e-Book: “GODZILLA Global Marketing!”
14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)*
15. Wind Behind Your Sail*
16. Miscellany*
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

*Indicates exclusive to Borderbuster subscribers only.

Sample section:

11. LOST IN TRANSLATION
*Subscriber Exclusive*

The art of communication is the key to international productivity and the simplest way to foster business sans frontiers.

To read the article, visit
MIS

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