International Tax Laws On E-Commerce May Change Global Trade

©iStock/Galeanu Mihai

International tax laws on e-commerce may change the industry and global trade — perhaps not for the better, resulting in higher consumer prices.

E-commerce has enjoyed such a meteoric rise over the past decade that ordering pretty much anything online and receiving it within a few days is now routine for consumers all over the world.

Retail e-commerce sales rose to $6.3 trillion in 2023, from $1.8 trillion in 2016, and are expected to grow to $8.1 trillion by 2026, with 4.5 billion users worldwide — or roughly half the population of the planet, according to data tracking site Statista. What’s more, by 2026, e-commerce is expected to make up 24% of all retail sales, up from 18.8% in 2021.

The economics of global e-commerce may soon be changing, however, possibly making goods more expensive and forcing small business owners to pay much closer attention to international trade laws.

How Saudi Arabia Is Becoming a Hot Spot For Global Technology Manufacturing

©iStock/SweetBunFactory

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 transformation has already brought change and growth to the nation's economy and society, with technology, tourism, and sports gaining global attention. 

Now Saudi Arabia has set its intentions on advanced manufacturing, and one company, Alat (Arabic for "machine"), is taking the lead to make the country a new global center for advanced and sustainable industry.

Learn how Saudi Arabia is becoming a hot spot for global technology manufacturing with sustainable practices in mind.  Here's how.

Top Global Artificial Intelligence Markets

©iStock/Adrian Vidal

This report, "Top Global Artificial Intelligence Markets," presents a brief overview of top Al global hubs outside the United States. Each country includes an Al ecosystem overview, government incentives and policies, education and research institutions, leading events, and industry groups.

The initial markets for this report were selected based on global rankings, the highest number of Al companies concentrated there, venture capital, and related research institutions.

Energizing Zimbabwe's Export Growth: ZimTrade

©iStock/NatanaelGinting

Zimbabwe-based ZimTrade, a trade information portal, has developed an export program to empower female owned businesses with export knowledge and skills that will help at least 200 women entrepreneurs contribute to significant exports in the region.

The program will help women business owners get export ready.

Today in Global Small Business: Trends in Globalization

©iStock/Pakin Jarerndee

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Books, reports, and articles that discuss trends in globalization.
• The KOF Globalization Index measures the economic, social and political dimensions of globalization.
• Why our world needs biggest restraint in biggest-ever election year.
• Quote of the week:  "Think about the race of artificial intelligence … think about the geopolitical tension and the threat of fragmentation we will have to deal with over the next years. The higher debt levels after the pandemic and the energy price hikes, which has shrunk our fiscal space to finance transformation, and given ... very little growth perspective of the global economy." – Germany’s Minister of Finance Christian Lindner, cited from a Davos meeting January, 2024
• The State of Globalization in 2023.
• DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024.

Rainbow of Awesome

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"You are like a rainbow of awesome!" – Valerie Stark

Women Entrepreneurs Are a Dynamic Force in Global Growth

Entrepreneurs are among the most dynamic drivers of global economic growth, and women are laying claim to the role in greater numbers than ever.  In the U.S., for example, research shows that women-owned businesses are growing at twice the rate of all others. Yet, according to the World Bank, women continue to face enormous obstacles, including powerful social constraints, limited time and a lack of training. 

Questions addressed in the discussion hosted by The Milken Institute and moderated by Rick Smith, Co-Founder and Managing Director, CrossCut Ventures:  How have today's most successful female entrepreneurs triumphed over the most challenging circumstances, and what still threatens to derail them? How can we continue to expand opportunities for women to truly level the playing field?

To learn more about the fierce force of women entrepreneurs, visit Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.

From Startup to Global Expansion: 5 Tips

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Since more than 95% of global consumers live outside of the U.S., reaching new customers transnationally can help you expand your business market, profits, and revenue.

Should you go global at the outset or wait until you and your team are in the ready state?

Here are five tips on how to scale from startup to global expansion.

How Much Would You Pay for a Good Night's Sleep?

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The “sleep economy,” which includes everything from mattresses to wearable devices to supplements and more, is booming and is projected to reach a record high of $585 billion for 2024 – it's biggest year yet for the sleep industry.

How much would you pay for a good night’s sleep? For many people, the answer is “a lot.” Americans (and the rest of the world) are desperate for better sleep — and they’re spending more and more money to get it.

Find out where the trends are headed to get good rest.  The sleep economy wakes up.

Worldly: Know What You Need to Know

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Built by industry experts and relied on by market-leading brands and manufacturers, Worldly provides your business with the insights needed for impact improvement, compliance, and disclosure.

Spot trends, learn about compliance, and find more sustainable materials.

There is always room for improvement.  Know what you need to know.

Today in Global Small Business: Emerging Markets Are Exercising Greater Global Sway

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Emerging markets are exercising greater global sway.
• Here are some cool inventions in 2024.
• AI translation and captioning.
• Worldwide B2B ecommerce size and sales forecast. 
• Quote of the week:  "It is usually people in the money business, finance, and international trade that are really rich." – Robin Leach
• Freight forwarder guidance and best practices.

The Arc of a Perfect Circle

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"The earth together with its surrounding waters must in fact have such a shape as its shadow reveals, for it eclipses the moon with the arc of a perfect circle." – Nicolaus Copernicus

CPGs Need to Rewrite Their Growth Playbooks in 2024

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Bain & Company’s first annual Consumer Products Report, which hopes to assist the industry in formulating a new playbook for the months ahead. Bain surveyed more than 120 senior consumer products executives around the world on their experience in 2023 and their strategic priorities this year.

In this report, we [Bain] first examine how 2023 has left the industry at a crossroads, then explore the connection between profitable growth and positive stakeholder impact. We [Bain] conclude by looking ahead to the most pressing issues that will shape CPGs’ strategic agendas in 2024 and beyond.

The consumer products sector has enjoyed another year of tremendous growth, but there are telling signs that CPGs need to rewrite their growth playbooks in 2024.

Artists, Activists, Scholars and Others Call for Funding for Ukraine

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In this appeal to Congress, more than 35 artists, activists, scholars and others call for funding for Ukraine. The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the signatories. 

Key statement:

"If Russia breaks through, this will be our fault. And then we will understand what we have lost."

They go on to say, "Time is short and new dangers can arrive very quickly. Together we call upon Congress to do the right thing – right now. Support Ukraine."

AI Will Have a Huge Impact On Global Business This Year

©iStock/Sundry Photography

According to CEO of JPMorgan Chase Jamie Dimon, he believes artificial intelligence will have a huge impact on global business this year.  He knows its influence will be significant.

“We are completely convinced the consequences will be extraordinary and possibly as transformational as some of the major technological inventions of the past several hundred years: Think the printing press, the steam engine, electricity, computing and the Internet, among others,” the JPMorgan Chase (JPM) CEO wrote in the [annual shareholder] letter.

Dimon goes on to say, "Over time ... we anticipate that our use of AI has the potential to augment virtually every job, as well as impact our workforce composition. It may reduce certain job categories or roles, but it may create others as well.”

Full shareholder letter can be found here.

Top Global Executive Search Firms

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From Korn Ferry International to Russell Reynolds to DHR International, here's a list of the top global executive search firms that assist clients in acquiring leadership talent through outstanding research capabilities, through assessment technology, reference checking and access to a global talent pool.

Today in Global Small Business: Surprising Facts About the Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Surprising facts about the solar eclipse.
• On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over Mexico, United States and Canada.
• Best places to see the solar eclipse in Illinois.
• Quote of the week:  "An eclipse is one phenomenon that is actually more impressive from the ground." – Leroy Chiao
• Protect your eyes during the solar eclipse!
• Does the solar eclipse have an effect on your brain?

Only Love Can Truly Save the World

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“Now I know, that only love can truly save the world.  So I stay, I fight, and I give, for the world I know can be.” – Diana, Wonder Woman movie 

The Never Ending Job Interview

©iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen

No matter where you are located in the world, the pace of the job interview process can feel glacial now, especially compared to the hiring crisis of 2021. 

Amid the labor shortage during the Great Resignation that left managers scrambling for talent, many employers made job offers via video interviews, sometimes even on an initial screening call.

Yet as the job market has tightened, companies can now afford to take their time. Not only are many leaving candidates on the hook, but the interview process is also becoming more drawn-out, especially further up the corporate hierarchy. 

Learn more about the structural reasons for the recruitment slowdown.

Is Tesla Still the Most Valuable Car Company in the World?

©iStock/sarawuth702

Metallurgy graduate Wang Chuanfu founded BYD in 1995.  BYD is a small Chinese company focused on producing rechargeable nickel-cadmium batteries more cheaply than Japanese competitors. Nearly 30 years later, the Shenzhen-based firm has become the world’s leading manufacturer of electric vehicles (EVs), even surpassing American giant Tesla (TSLA) in global sales of pure-play electric cars in the last quarter of 2023. 

But the two companies are still running neck and neck, with Tesla regaining its crown in the first quarter of 2024. 

Here’s how they compare, in four charts.

A Strong Earthquake Strikes SSW of Hualien, Taiwan, Sparking Tsunami Warnings

©iStock/Sean3810

A major earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 struck off Taiwan’s eastern coast Wednesday at 8 AM local time, according to the US Geological Survey, prompting tsunami warnings for the island and southern Japan.

The quake’s epicenter is located about 18 kilometers (11 miles) south of the city of Hualien. Tremors were felt across the island, including by CNN staff in Taipei.

Officials in Hualien county said that work and school were suspended following the earthquake. On social media, users posted images of tilted and half-collapsed buildings and landslides in the area. Authorities sent an alert to residents that they should seek cover nearby, crouch down and “stay calm.”

The quake had a depth of around 21 miles, according to the USGS. It was located about 11 miles south-southwest of Hualien City.

Earthquake hazards program.

Run a Sustainable Global Beauty Brand with Abena Boamah-Acheampong (wegginar® 4/3/24)

©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

How do you run a sustainable global beauty brand?  Abena Boamah-Acheampong, who is founder and CEO of Hanahana Beauty, provides the answer by sharing 7 lessons she learned in 7 years.

Abena is the founder of Hanahana Beauty, an ethically-conscious, Black-owned skincare brand recognized for its commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and empowering women. Her journey into beauty and skincare was unconventional. She went from classroom to beauty headquarters.

Formerly a teacher, Abena has grown Hanahana organically from her kitchen onto the shelves of Ulta Beauty. Known for effective, clean body care products, Hanahana stands out by paying twice the standard price for shea butter from Katariga Women’s Shea Cooperative in Ghana.  This commitment to creating consciously clean products has resonated with a global audience.

Beyond products, Hanahana fosters a vibrant community through wellness activations, education, and brand collaborations.

In this wegginar®, Abena will discuss:

• How to prioritize your growth and your self-care
• How no is better than nothing and the why behind it
• How sustainable can be expensive but overcome
• How to build a beauty brand business with intention

To learn more and to register free of charge for this inspiring and educational program, visit: https://bit.ly/3V7ybc9,

Today in Global Small Business: Resources for Product Creators and Global Traders

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Resources for product creators and global traders.
• GlobalEDGE trade resources.
• International Trade Administration trade resources.
• Quote of the week:  "I believe in removing barriers in international trade. Part of the reason is that this creates huge markets for all of our products." – Petro Poroshenko
• U.S. Commercial Service – trade resources.
• Trade statistics – International Trade Centre.

Have My Past Forgiven

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"The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to do three things. He came to have my past forgiven, you get a purpose for living and a home in Heaven." – Rick Warren 

AI Is Transforming the Global Business Landscape

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A discussion on the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global business landscape, highlighting how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing industries worldwide.

Join the Atlantic Council for a dynamic discussion hosted by the WIn Fellowship, part of the Atlantic Council’s empowerME initiative, on April 25 from 1:00 p.m. (ET) to 2:00 p.m., at the Atlantic Council and virtually via Zoom.

The expert panel will dive into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the global business landscape, highlighting how AI-driven strategies are revolutionizing industries worldwide.

Why Did the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse So Catastrophically?

©iStock/WilliamSherman

When the loaded container ship Dali destroyed one of the Francis Scott Key Bridge's main support columns (see photo), the entire structure was doomed to fail. 

"Any bridge would have been in serious danger from a collision like this," said Nii Attoh-Okine, professor and chair of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Maryland.

Bridges work by transferring the load they carry ‒ cars, trucks or trains ‒ through their support beams onto columns or piles sunk deep into the ground. But they also depend on those support columns to hold them up.

Opened in 1977, the bridge was 1.6 miles long and was the world's third-longest continuous-truss bridge span, carrying about 31,000 vehicles a day.

Read more about the long-term impact the collapse will have on shipping and vehicle traffic all along the East Coast.

Top Global Artificial Intelligence Markets Outside the United States

©iStock/Jian Fan

Artificial Intelligence is a top emerging technology with applications across industries and implications for our society. It has been reshaping the global economy and national security.

The global AI industry is thriving. In 2021 (latest report), AI global funding doubled to $66.8 billion, and a record 65 AI companies reached $1B+ valuations, up 442% from the previous year. Each year, more and more companies and governments worldwide adopt AI solutions. 

The report below presents a brief overview of top AI global hubs outside the United States. Each country includes an AI ecosystem overview, government incentives & policies, education & research institutions, leading events, and industry groups. The initial markets for this report were selected based on global rankings, the highest number of AI companies concentrated there, venture capital, and related research institutions.

Read the Artificial Intelligence Report.

Red Flags On Export Controls and Economic Sanctions

©iStock/Suphanat Khumsap

Export controls and economics sanction compliance is a key part of any multinational’s international regulatory risk management. The U.S. government has prioritized enforcement of export controls and economic sanctions laws and regulations, and penalties in individual enforcement actions can reach the hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars.

Educating relevant personnel regarding export controls and economic sanctions red flags is important for numerous reasons.  Here are six (6) from Foley & Lardner.

Today in Global Small Business: The Weather in Your Language

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) provides the weather in your language.
• Who will win the translation battle, AI or human translators?
• Caution for AI translation.
• Quote of the week:  "Words travel worlds. Translators do the driving." – Anna Rusconi
• Some good AI translation software and tools in 2024.
• A translation tool that will convert videos of people speaking into videos of them speaking one of several different languages with matching mouth movements.

Every Type of Dubiousness

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“A facade of skyscrapers facing a lake and behind the facade [Chicago], every type of dubiousness.” – E.M. Forster 

Oh, Be Happy, That is, If You Live in Finland

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The World Happiness Report draws on global survey data from people in more than 140 countries. Countries are ranked on happiness based on their average life evaluations over the three preceding years, in this case 2021 to 2023.

The report is a partnership of Gallup, the Oxford Wellbeing Research Centre, the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network and an editorial board.  It is the first to include separate rankings by age group, and it brings bad news about life satisfaction among young people in some parts of the world.

Finland is once again the world’s happiest country.

Congrats to Debra Dudley, Recipient of the Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Global Exemplary Leadership® 2024!

©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

There are woman business owners and then there are global women business owners.  Congratulations to Debra Dudley, Founder, Oscarware, Inc. for receiving the Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Global Exemplary Leadership® 2024!

Read on to discover what the award is about and why Debra earned it.

Are Products Sold On Temu Made With Forced Labor?

©iStock/zhaojiankang

Temu, a Chinese-owned e-commerce company, selling everything from clothes to electronics and furniture, first launched in the US in 2022 and later in the UK and the rest of the world.  In case you missed it, they also did six 30-second commercials during this year's Super Bowl that pulled in a record 123 million Americans.  That's the good news.

The bad news:

The shopping giant has been criticized by politicians in the UK and US - a US government investigation finding an "extremely high risk" that products sold on Temu could have been made with forced labor.

Temu says it "strictly prohibits" the use of forced, penal, or child labor by all its merchants.

Read more here how Temu is shaking up the world of online shopping. Check out its history here – from the Cayman Islands to Dublin.

The Opportunities and Challenges of Hiring Internationally for SMBs

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With the rise of entrepreneurship, the need for SMBs to manage their costs, and a talent shortage in the U.S., international hiring will continue growing at an accelerated pace. Access to international talent will become increasingly important for U.S. SMBs’ success – and so will their need for tools and processes that make it easier for their global teams to collaborate.

Discover the top reasons SMBs hire internationally.

Today in Global Small Business: Why Are the Houthis Attacking the Red Sea Ships?

©iStock/PeterHermesFurian

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• Why are the Houthis attacking the Red Sea ships.
• The Red Sea shipping crisis:  lessons for importers.
• The impacts of the Red Sea crisis.
• Quote of the week:  "What’s happened right now is short-term chaos, and chaos leads to increased costs,” says Ryan Petersen, CEO of the supply chain management company Flexport. “Every ship that gets rerouted has 10,000 containers on it.  It’s a lot of emails and phone calls getting made to replan each of those container journeys.”
• Many companies are impacted by the Red Sea conflict, including the arts.
• How the shipping industry is dealing with the tensions in the Red Sea.

The Irish Emit a Kind of Happiness, a Joy

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Even when they have nothing, the Irish emit a kind of happiness, a joy." —Fiona Shaw [Happy St. Patrick's Day 2024!  Photo of Grace O'Malley's.]

Say Hello to Sora, the Next AI Game Changer

©iStock/tiratus phaesuwan

OpenAI has introduced new technology – Sora – that uses artificial intelligence to create high-quality videos from text descriptions. 

The company released short clips showcasing vivid, seemingly realistic videos, including woolly mammoths trekking across a snowy field, ocean waves crashing against a cliff’s shoreline and people doing everyday things like reading a book or walking down a city street.

You heard it here second.  The Wall Street Journal reported it first.

Tmall Global: Serving 100 Million Customers in a Decade

©iStock/Adriana Montoya

Tmall Global’s cross-border goods are stocked in warehouses in China’s biggest cities, making next-day delivery possible for over half of its orders. 

What is Tmall Global?  Alibaba Group’s Tmall Global has built a cross-border platform serving over 100 million customers in the last ten years – helping brands from British beauty devices brand CurrentBody to Australian health products producer Blackmores reach China’s consumers. 

Take a look at their major milestones from launch to running China’s largest platform for imported goods.  You'll also spot quite a few familiar American faces selling their wares through Tmall Global.

A Barbie (Billie) Break (Listen)

The Potential of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) For Global Growth

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From a global standpoint, almost three-quarters (73 percent) of business leaders are excited by the potential of AI and large language models (LLMs) for business expansion—and this excitement is well-warranted. AI and LLMs are going to enable global growth in a way never before seen.

Learn more how AI will shape global business expansion in 2024 and the top 4 trends to watch.

Today in Global Small Business: Accelerating Women's Economic Empowerment

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What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• 5 things to accelerate women's economic empowerment.
• Women own almost half of all Indonesian small and medium enterprises (SMEs).  However, these women often have difficulty borrowing money to invest in their businesses/
• Empowering SMEs for innovation and success.
• Quote of the week:  "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others." – Bill Gates
• Empowering Africa's economic growth.
• SME strategies for 2024.

The Irish

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"There are two kinds of people in the world:  the Irish and those who wish they were." – Irish Saying

Saluting All Women Worldwide For Their Enormous Achievements

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"The most important thing one woman can do for another is to illuminate and expand her sense of actual possibilities." – Adrienne Rich

How to Successfully Navigate International Growth

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Businesses are increasingly considering international expansion as a key avenue for growth. However, navigating unfamiliar territories can be a daunting task for those venturing into new markets for the first time. 

Eighteen Newsweek expert forum members share tips for how businesses can successfully navigate international growth. By prioritizing research and building strong local connections, business leaders can engage with new audiences with confidence.

For the Product Creators and Global Traders the World

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Six (6) interesting resources that I [Laurel Delaney] write about for businesses operating in the global marketplace.  Mainly for those who are sourcing and need help with product creation.

From TradeWheel to KYG Trade, expand your resources in order to thrive with your global small business.

Designing For Extremes: wegginar® by Keona Moy on 3/6 at 10 AM CT

©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

What does it mean to design for extremes for a global audience?  Find out on Wednesday, March 6th at 10 AM CT when CEO and founder Keona Moy talks about "From Niche to Norm:  The Global Power of Designing for Extremes" and:

• How to broaden impact through specific solutions
• How to design for extreme cases
• What the benefits are when designing for extreme cases
• How to adopt a mindset of designing for extremes to transform a company culture
• How to identify extreme use cases and integrate these insights into a design process

Enlightening?  You bet because designing for extremes ensures that products cater to a wide range of users, not just the average.  To learn more and to register free of charge, visit:  https://bit.ly/4994UlO.

Who is Keona Moy?

Keona Moy is a dynamic entrepreneur and self-taught designer with a rich 15-year background in healthcare. Her unique journey in the healthcare industry, combined with a self-driven foray into fashion design, led to the founding of VKTORI. As CEO, Keona's deep understanding of health and wellness influences her approach to fashion, emphasizing comfort and inclusivity.

Her transition from healthcare consultant to fashion entrepreneur was sparked by a personal realization: the necessity for apparel that marries comfort with style, especially for neurodiverse individuals. This inspired the creation of VKTORI's signature product, the No-Nip Tee, embodying the brand’s ethos of challenging traditional fashion norms.

Keona's expertise in identifying niche needs and translating them into universally appealing designs is at the heart of VKTORI. Her vision extends beyond clothing; Keona sees VKTORI as a platform for empowering women to be shamelessly comfortable with all their 'extremes'. 

Participate here.

Today in Global Small Business: Celebrating Women's History Month

©iStock/Yulia Novik

What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

• This nonprofit, Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®, is making history every day for special women who aspire to take on the world with their business.
• The full lens on Women's History Month.
• Courageous women who have helped the United States build a fairer, more just society.
• Quote of the week:  "A bird cannot fly with one wing only. Human space flight cannot develop any further without the active participation of women.” – Valentina Tereshkova
• Why do we celebrate Women's History Month?
• Celebrating women astronauts in 2024.

Love Is Like Wildflowers

©2024 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Love is like wildflowers; it’s often found in the most unlikely places." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Global Expansion Is the Future for Small Businesses

©iStock/Galeanu Mihai

According to Courtney Kincaid, President and CEO of the Indiana CPA Society, global expansion is now easier than ever. She says studies show businesses are more successful in the long term when they spread their reach to new countries and markets. 

As the world becomes more connected, small business owners should look for ways to expand their reach overseas to find new customers, follow this blog, access resources like this one and Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.

You have one shot at life. Give it your best.  Reach for the stars.  Go for global growth.

A Millennial Redesign by Britain's Oldest Brand Lyle's Golden Syrup

©iStock/StephanieFrey

Oh what is the uproar all about?  Because Lyle’s Golden Syrup is undergoing a redesign?

Wait.  There's so much more to it.

The British baking staple, now owned by Tate & Lyle Sugars, is highly recognizable because the logo has been unchanged for 140 years. The product is even the Guinness World Records holder for the world's oldest logo. 

Now, the company has redesigned the label on some of its products. The syrup that comes in a tin will retain the old label (the brand put out a social media post assuring dedicated consumers it wouldn't be changing), while a new design has been released for other products, as well as the Lyle's Golden Syrup that is sold in plastic bottles.

Criticism is always expected when you update a logo, especially one as old as Lyle's.  Gosh everyone hates change even if it is for the best!

Have You Heard of Poland's Blik?

©iStock/PIKSEL

Poland's Blik is one of many homegrown mobile payment service providers (PSPs) that have become integral to commerce in the countries they were launched. As local PSPs become more popular, relying strictly on global PSPs is no longer enough for businesses expanding to new geographies. They must address payment localization to build trust with customers and avoid losing sales. 

Blik powered 70% of e-commerce transactions in Poland last year. Find out what this means and why it is important.

Never Retreat From Globalization – You Might Regret It

©iStock/Thinkhubstudio

What was globalization meant to be?  Brining the world closer together, enmeshing advanced and developing economies in a web of mutually beneficial economic and financial linkages. From about the mid-1980s, trade and financial flows between countries expanded rapidly as governments dismantled barriers to these flows. 

Not everything went according to plan. Tensions rose as the benefits were not equally shared within or among countries.

As the Foreign Policy article (as featured in The Broadsheet) says:

Globalization is not dead, but it has clearly taken a turn toward fragmentation along geopolitical lines, which could have important economic consequences for all countries. 

Learn more to guard against any whiplash effect caused by retreating from globalization.