Adopt Globalization As a Key Driver For Business Growth

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According to findings of an in-depth study conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) on behalf of DHL Express, the majority of SMEs see growth opportunities internationally and expect to derive up to 50 percent of their revenues internationally in five years’ time.

What else was discovered?  Those SMEs that trade internationally are likely to perform better than their single market counterparts.

The study also reveals that severe obstacles remain for smaller businesses with global aspirations, these challenges include political instability, cultural factors, different market environments and inadequate infrastructures.

Learn more:  The importance of global connectedness for SMEs

Download report:  Most SMEs planning to be global by 2019

Most Liveable Cities in the World

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Wednesday we posted about the top two most desired destinations adults prefer to live worldwide. Today we look at the Global Liveability Report.

According to the GLR, Canada (Vancouver) and Australia (Melbourne) are considered the most liveable in the world.

More comments about the ranking here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Less Risk Taking?

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The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) says the current crisis will stall globalization.

Excerpt from news:

The current crisis will have a significant impact on business environments. The global business landscape will be characterised by lower cross-border capital flows, tighter regulation and less risk-taking. As measured by the BER, the deterioration in the global business environment reflects worsening market opportunities, increased macroeconomic and political risk, and problems in financial systems.

As an entrepreneur and global small business owner, I find taking less calculated risks hard to swallow. What about for you?

Read more here, especially the key findings from report.

Download the full special report: Globalisation stalled [PDF 443KB]

Show Me the Opportunities!

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Although they (meaning us!) would appreciate more support from government, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) may be the most optimistic group in America with regard to the economic recovery, according to a study released today at National Small Business Week. One out of four SMBs expects the turnaround to begin in late 2009.

The study, Understanding Growth Priorities of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses, was conducted by the Economist Intelligence Unit and sponsored by Verio Inc., the leading provider in delivering online business solutions to SMBs worldwide.

More about the study:

In April 2009 the Economist Intelligence Unit (news release here) conducted an online survey of 328 executives from small and medium-sized businesses worldwide to understand how they are approaching business strategy during the global recession. Of the respondents to our survey, 45 percent held CEO, president or managing director titles; 66 percent of all respondents held c-level titles. About 27 percent were directors, department heads and other managers. Worldwide, 29 percent work at companies based in North America, 29 percent in Asia-Pacific, 19 percent in Western Europe, 10 percent in Eastern Europe, 9 percent in the Middle East and Africa, and 5 percent in Latin America. Forty eight percent work at firms with less than $5M in annual revenues; 31 percent have revenues between $5M and $50M; 21 percent have revenues between $50M and $50M. Respondents represented a range of industries.

To receive a complimentary copy of Understanding Growth Priorities of SMBs, visit here (immediate download of briefing paper => Understanding Growth Priorities of SMBs free of charge [PDF 548 KB]).

To learn more about the above news, go here or here.