Global Trade is the Future of Business

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FedEx released an infographic that shows how small business leaders look at global trade as the future of their business and why it is important for policy makers to consider the impact on micro and small businesses owners.

Key finding:  A majority of U.S. small business leaders (82 percent) see increasing U.S. trade as beneficial to the U.S. economy, up from 76 percent earlier this year.

Access the infographic here.

Today in Global Small Business: Business Builders Are the Heroes of the Global Economy

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

• Forecast:  72 percent of SMEs plan to grow their international customer base by 2017.
• How can small businesses not only expand by selling globally, but also ensure that they have a successful outcome despite economic or political uncertainties?  Here are five strategies.
• Five (5) basic elements of a global social media plan; webinar 2/1 by IBM digital marketing and commerce expert Melisa Hinojosa (the beauty:  no charge).
• Sage CEO warns policy makers in Davos: Do not ignore global small businesses!
• The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) in ecommerce (info graphic).
• The women's marches around the world -- a powerful force to be reckoned with.

Think Global, Act Social

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Below is an infographic on China's social dynasty and digital globalization for 2013.  Have a look at what you should keep in mind -- regional differences, languages and localization, for example -- when you develop a global social strategy, which includes targeting China.

China's Social Dynasty and Digital Globalization