Hot, Flat and Crowded

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The book claims to be a rousing manifesto for our climate-challenged future.

The front cover says:

Why we need a green revolution -- and how it can renew America.

He's back.

Reformulating the Oreo to Sell to the World

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Kraft has scored in China thanks to reformulating its best-selling American Oreo cookie to local tastes.

What's the China Oreo like? It's long, thin, four-layered and coated in chocolate.

Great case study. Watch the video and read more here.

GEM Report on Women and Entrepreneurship

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Women’s entrepreneurship matters. Women are creating and running businesses around the world, contributing to economies that represent more than 70% of the world’s population and 93% of global GDP (2007).

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) reports on it comprehensively. Read more here.

To access the report click here.

Go Global

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Last week while in Boston attending the Women Presidents' Organization annual conference, I had the great pleasure to sit-in on a talk given by Ms. Sung-Joo Kim (pictured), Chairperson & CEO, Sungjoo Group/MCM Group, on the topic of "Women's Strengths: 21st Century Competitiveness."

Her global business success is largely attributed to her ability to innovate as a designer, as a businesswoman, and as the re-inventor of world-renowned brands including Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent, Sonia Rykiel and Marks & Spencer.

She shared tips for success -- one of them naturally is going global so I could not help but take a picture of the slide -- on how to think and innovate in the midst of our ever-changing and highly competitive global marketplace.

She is an inspiration to us all. Visit her companies here:

MCM Worldwide
Global Sung Joo Group
Kim Sung Joo

Are There Myths to Global Marketing?

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Globally, one size or solicitation may not fit all but you have to start somewhere -- right? Tailor your message as you grow globally. Read more here.

To find out if your business is ready for international expansion, take alook at this.

Foreign Markets Are Eagerly Buying American

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Recession? What recession?

If you are an exporter, you're really not feeling it.

New to the international market? You've come to the right place but if you need ever- more inspiration today to get going global, go here.

Globalization is Good But Is It Easy?

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The world isn't as flat as it used to be nor is it as easy to take on.

Some call it the new nationalism. Find out why here.

Cellphones and the End of Global Poverty

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Whether in Tokyo, Accra (the capital of Ghana), Uzbekistan or Helsinki, ending global poverty can happen one call at a time.

Read more here.

Kids Go Global

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More than 100 students from Brunswick, Greenwich Academy, The Convent of the Sacred Heart and Greenwich Country Day School assembled at Greenwich Academy’s Massey Theater to watch films made by their classmates for The Fundance Foreign Film Festival’s Student Film Competition.

By looking beyond their local community, they begin to understand the universal connection we all share.

Read more here.

Wallpaper Heaven From Istanbul

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Now that we're global, you never knew you had so many incredible choices. Here's an example: Customized wallpaper from Istanbul (English site).

Egg Cube Goes Global

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Every once in a while you find something intriguing -- worth exploring -- and even possibly ordering on a global basis.

The Egg cube has a slot for the spoon to rest in, available in plain white or with a pattern. It is supplied with a stainless steel spoon and is also available as a gift set of either 2 or 4. Bone china.

That's what we found here in the U.K. Be sure to check out everything offered on this site.

National (Global) Small Business Week

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Yesterday marked the beginning of National Small Business Week, a five-day event intended to spotlight the successes of America's entrepreneurs and draw policymakers' attention to the challenges confronting them.

Here's an excerpt on what they say about going global:

"What they'll get is the chance to hear from key leaders on some of the critical issues impacting small business, such as doing business with the government and going global," said Susan Walthall, chairwoman of National Small Business Week and the SBA's acting deputy associate administrator for entrepreneurial development. "We're going to cover those two areas, as well as health care and the energy challenge."

Maybe next year they will rename it: National Global Small Business Week.

Congratulations to all the award winners!

Read more here.

The Mid-Life Crisis Goes Global

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When you think about going global you think about the guy who makes hammers or the gal who makes steering wheel covers (O.K. ... I had to throw in something that has to do with Danica Patrick winning her first race in the IndyCar series: Indy Japan 300) but the last thing you think about is a mid-life crisis going global. That is, until now.

Yes, that's right. And you read it here first.

Middle-aged misery spans the globe.

Well Danica has a long way to go before she hits a mid-life crisis wall.

The Bright Side of Dollar's Decline

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Just in ... The Bright Side of Dollar's Decline. Welcome U.S. News & World Report readers! If you like what you see here, feel free to sign up for our Borderbuster e-newsletter or join us in Chicago on May 15th.

Market of the Month: Chile

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Since the U.S.-Chile Free Trade Agreement (FTA) came into force on January 1, 2004, bilateral trade between the United States has increased over 154 percent.

Chile ended 2006 (latest data) ranked as the 28th largest export market for the United States, climbing from 29th place in 2005, 30th place in 2004 and 35th place in 2003. The United States was the top source of Chile’s imports for 2006 and remained the top destination for Chile’s exports.

U.S. exports to Chile in 2006 increased by $4.07 billion over exports in 2003, growing from $2.72 billion to $6.79 billion, or by 150 percent. Chile has also benefited tremendously from the FTA; U.S. imports from Chile grew from $3.71 billion in 2003 to $9.56 billion in 2006, an increase of 158 percent.

Best export prospects:

1. Construction

2. Computer Hardware/ Software/ Services

3. Electric Power Equipment

4. Mining Equipment

5. Plastics Machinery/ Materials/ Resins

6. Pollution Control/ Water Treatment/ Environmental Services

7. Safety and Security Equipment

8. Telecommunications Equipment/ Services

Find out more information on how to export to Chile here. For U.S. Embassy in Chile, go here.

Small Businesses Nervous Over Local Economy

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That's how I interpret this news feature, "Small Businesses Nervous Over Economy," and mention of The National Small Business Association's 2008 NSBA Survey of Small and Mid-Sized Business.

Check out the news about it here and download the survey, executive summary or backgrounder here.

Show me the money or should I say: "Show me the world for business!" Why was the topic of international expansion NOT covered in this survey?

How To Write Off Defective Imports

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Anne Fisher -- who I have known for years and is one of my favorite senior writers at Fortune and Fortune Small Business magazines -- tackles a tough import question:

My scientific-supply firm imports many of its products from China. Upon checking my last shipment, I saw that about half of the goods had defects. I'm trying to make the vendor replace them or refund my money, but in the meantime, how do I document the goods' disposal to satisfy the IRS?

And we were happy to help with the answer.

Global Investing

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Every adventure begins with an inspiration. This adventure was inspired by a dishwasher.

Indulging a Yen For Global Investing

The Mortgage Bust Goes Global

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Whether good or bad, is there anything or anybody that is not going global? Read more here.

Remember this quote:

“People were proud that a Swiss firm had established such a significant footprint in the most competitive market on the globe,” he said.

Art Goes Global

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Even art is going global. Tokyo's International Art Fair draws collectors worldwide looking for bargains. See a photo slide show here.

Take an additional time out to visit 101TOKYO Contemporary Art Fair 2008.

How To Take On the World

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Well, well, well ... Mr. Malone, Silicon Insider columnist for ABCNews.com, has lots to say on things Washington can do to help the U.S. compete. Here are six of his points.

1. Build up Brand America.

2. Create a Fat Pipe.

3. Revamp Nafta.

4. Promote a Free Internet.

5. Reform patent laws.

6. Make education more open.

And my own ... 7. Help more small businesses take on the world!

Take a good long look at one of his points:

Ultimately, our strongest competitive advantage is the ingenuity and entrepreneurship of the American people. One of the miracles of the last few years is how, in places like Silicon Valley, smart young men and women have still managed to create great new companies in the face of every impediment Congress and the regulatory agencies have thrown at them.

Read his commentary here (took me about a half hour to find). Very interesting.

Small But Global

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Welcome USAToday readers! We are delighted to be quoted in Edward Iwata's article, "Small U.S. Firms Make Big Global Sales," highlighting the wave of small businesses and entrepreneurs going cross-border and selling their wares worldwide.

Don't skip over the left sidebar which offers tips for "Setting Up Sales" and "Fact Finding Helps."

Hope you find the information useful to growing your business internationally.

While you are here ... join me in Chicago on May 15th for an "Exporting For Growth Seminar." More details can be found here.

Falling Dollar Pinches Small Businesses

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Matthew Bandyk from U.S. News & World Report (4/7/08) wrote a good article on how the sliding currency hurts importers and others. We were happy to contribute and thrilled that The Global Small Business Blog was mentioned! Hopefully, many of its readers will join us in Chicago (see below) for the "Exporting For Growth Seminar!"

Retooling your global business strategy is important to do right now if you feel the squeeze from the dollar. Don't wait.

Join Us In Chicago: Exporting For Growth Seminar!

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Please join us at the "Exporting For Growth Seminar" in Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois) on Thursday, May 15 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Hosted by UPS and the U.S. Commercial Service, the complimentary seminar will help you tackle global trade.

I will be moderating a panel discussion with local small businesses on the secrets to success for engaging in global trade and would welcome a chance to meet you in person. See you there!

To learn more and to register (it's complimentary), visit: Exporting For Growth Seminar.

In a Recession, Dare To Be Different!

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Wrote this piece, "5 Tips to Recession-Proof Global Marketing," that was published in Modern Postcard News. Here's a glimpse of No. 5:

Dare To Be Different

Cut loose and do something wild. Show some energy! Look alive! If you were offered the same product at the same price by salesperson A and salesperson B, but salesperson A gave a presentation that made you smile, who would get your order? Put a sense of fun into your global marketing efforts. Send eye-catching subject lines in your emails that add spice to routine communications. Phone your customers once in awhile so they can hear your voice and know they're dealing with a human being. Send flowers with your product catalog tucked inside. Have a friend take a goofy photograph of you toiling up a sunny hillside with your product strapped to your back, caption it with something like "Things are looking up —thanks for your business!" and mail it postcard-fashion. Good will and good humor keep us all going, especially in a poor economy —so don't be afraid to get a bit wacky. It will capture your customers' attention and set you apart from the crowd.

Hope it helps keep your sales strong (especially exports!) during a sluggish global economy.

Made in USA News

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What a great title for news and I wonder whether the weak dollar helps or hurts their business.

Pretty comprehensive article in the Wall Street Journal today entitled, "U.S. Slump Takes Toll Across Globe." It covers a lot of ground, including a mention of how the United States is fairing on growth versus last year, where it's at currently and what to expect in 2009. Looks to me like we are going to take a blip (dip?) in growth this year and then a nice bounce in 2009 (recessions typically last about eight months even though it may feel like forever).

The expression that when the U.S. sneezes, the rest of the world catches a cold may apply here though several countries still seem to be moving full speed ahead despite bad news from USA: Australia, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar are growing but not as briskly as in 2007.

Be sure to check out the full growth projections (GDP) chart based on country and region.

A Cooler Planet

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In an attempt to create ecofriendly homes for their families and finding obstacles at every turn, the siblings -- Heidi Bailey and Krista White who are poised to save the earth -- became environmental experts.

Agreeing that green living should be simple and accessible, they researched like crazy and opened A Cooler Planet, an ecolifestyle store in the heart of Roscoe Village (Chicago, Illinois). Find something you (and they) love at every turn and respect the fact that each item featured is considered sustainable, local, fairly-traded, organic, renewable, recycled, and eco-conscious.

Learn more about their initiatives here.

Free Rice Anyone?

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FreeRice is a sister site of the world poverty site, Poverty.com.

FreeRice has two goals:

1. Provide English vocabulary to everyone for free.
2. Help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free.

This is made possible by the sponsors who advertise on the site.

Whether you are CEO of a large corporation or a street child in a poor country, improving your vocabulary can improve your life. It is a great investment in yourself.

Perhaps even greater is the investment your donated rice makes in hungry human beings, enabling them to function and be productive. Somewhere in the world, a person is eating rice that you helped provide.

Get started here.

Earth Hour Goes Global

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On Saturday, March 29th, between the hour of 8:00-9:00 p.m. CDT in Chicago, I witnessed the dimming of the magnificent city lights in honor of Earth Hour US (catch the video here).

I thought by heading over to the Adler Planetarium, where some of the best sights of the Chicago cityscape can be found, there would be no one around. Boy was I wrong. Not only were there hundreds of cars lined up with the same idea but even NBC Channel 5 had their cameras in toe.

More than 30 million people spanning across 35 countries were expected to turn off their lights for 60 minutes during Earth Hour. Did you?

Read more about it here. And see what you can do about it all the time here.

Floating Atop A Secluded Cliff

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How's that for daydreaming? I don't know about the rest of you but the weather in Chicago has been so nasty over the past five months that I am ready for not just Spring but a HUGE vacation. Spotted this and thought everyone -- whether in Chicago or China -- could use a little virtual spa treatment. Doesn't this look simply magnificent? And it is global.

Import Compliance, Busted!

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Thought we'd turn the tide from exports to imports and see if any of you see yourself in these myth scenarios relating to import compliance. Take a peek.

Export Boomcountry

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Surging American exports lighten the gloom. As the dollar skids, small businesses manage to hit a home run with exports. Thank goodness we knew this was coming. Read more here.

One World, One Car, One Name

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The Ford Fiesta, after flopping in the U.S. in the '70s and selling well in Europe ever since, is set to go global.

No matter the market, the Fiesta it is.

Is Your Export Business Recession-Proof?

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We ran parts of this in separate Ask the Expert entries but thought you'd like to capture it again in one article over at Small Business Trends.

NAFTA: A Curse or a Blessing?

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It's the politics, stupid. When it comes to the US economy, trade has replaced the devil as the reason things go bad.

A Fortune magazine poll conducted this January asked Americans what the most important reason for the recent economic slowdown was. The largest number—28 percent—answered "losing jobs to economies where labor is cheaper" and an additional 7 percent mentioned "foreign competition." Fully 78 percent of the respondents said that trade has made things worse for American workers.

Is NAFTA a curse or ... you decide.

Audacity of Hope on Free Trade

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A provocative commentary published in the New York Times (3/16/08) and authored by N. Gregory Mankiw, professor of economics at Harvard. He was an adviser to President Bush and advised Mitt Romney in his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination.

Beyond The Noise On Free Trade

Like what you read? Pay a visit to Mankiw's blog.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

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You don't have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patrick's Day -- my favorite day of the year! You just need a little "spirit" to make it something special.

Ireland, Sir, for good or evil,
is like no other place under heaven;
and no man can touch its sod
or breathe its air without becoming
better or worse.
~ George Bernard Shaw

I will be thinking of all of you as I toast the night away.

Enjoy! Erin Go Bragh (Ireland Forever)!

Just in (3:19 p.m . CDT) ... St. Patrick's Day Parades Go Global. A hat tip to our Borderbuster newsletter editor Bob Marovich for letting us know about it.

Open That Bottle Night (OTBN) Goes Global

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Think a product, service or concept can't go global? Guess again.

Wine columnists John Brecher and Dorothy Gaiter share stories from 'Open That Bottle Night' and discuss how the event has gone global.

Read all about it here.

America Is the World's No. 1 Exporter!

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January 2008 exports rose to $148 billion.

WASHINGTON (3/11/08) -- U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez today issued the following statement on the release of the January 2008 U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services report by the Department’s Census Bureau and the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Today’s report shows that U.S. exports increased by 13.1 percent to $1,649 billion in the 12 months ending January 2008 over the prior 12 month period. Imports also increased 6.8 percent to $2,359 billion and the trade deficit narrowed 5.5 percent during the same time period.

Here's more on why we are No. 1.

When Are Emerging Markets No Longer Emerging?

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When you think of emerging, what comes to mind? I think about something evolving on its own. It moves from informal to formal and begins to develop, grow and eventually prosper.

The folks at Knowledge at Wharton have a whole new way of determining what emerging means when it comes to country development.

It's definitely worth a look.

A Perfect 8.3 = GREAT

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Happy to hear The Global Small Business Blog (GSBB) received an 8.3 score out of 10 in the Business/International Business category at Blogged.com. The rating is based on the following criteria:

• Frequency of updates.
• Relevance of content.
• Site design.
• Writing style.

Ms. Amy Liu at Blogged notified us last night and said, "This is quite an achievement. Please accept my congratulations on a blog well-done!"

We are honored and thrilled about receiving this exciting award! Many thanks to the folks at Blogged for including us. It just puts more wind behind our sails. At Technorati, our rank is #137,774 out of 112.8 million blogs!

By the way ... we are currently working on a site redesign.

Overseas Adventures in Advertising

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When it comes to advertising, what's funny in one culture can seem ill-mannered in another.

Globalizing Apple's ads meant tweaking characters, clothing and body language.

Going Global By Going Green

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Which comes first: going global (global strategy) to get green or going green (green strategy) to get global? Trick question. Find the answer (sort of) here.

Good Health Without Borders

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As you grow your business globally, you'll most likely -- within a year -- make a trip or two overseas to meet with suppliers or customers to seal a deal.

To ward off any potential health risks before you take off, check out these places for help.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The International Society of Travel Medicine

Happy, healthy travels!

Small Businesses Go Global

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Better late than never. It pays to have a doctor checkup once in a while. That's where I spotted this.

As reported in U.S. News & World Report:

Small Businesses Go Global

Tips for Small Businesses Looking Abroad

How Small Italian Firms Married Style to Globalism

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I love this article that was published in the Wall Street Journal on Monday because it's about how a small wedding-dress maker Giovanna Sbiroli SRL built its brand and customer base by serving the Italian market and then realized that if they did not go global -- aggressively and soon -- they risked having to shut their doors. But they didn't. Here's why.

There is a Global Small Business 101 lesson for all of us in this.

Special thanks to Rosamaria Mancini who wrote the quality piece for the WSJ.

PayPal Jumps on the Global Band Wagon

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Not sure if you have to be a registered PayPal user to access this. Needless to say it's all about PayPal jumping on the global band wagon and offering advice on:

Why export?
How to go global with the PayPal guide to selling overseas.

Globalization and Cultural Diversity

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Is globalization making the world more homogeneous? And if so, does Hollywood share the blame?

Does Spider-man play into this?

Find out here.

Global Education

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Knowledge is power. Kick it up a notch for the education of globalization. More universities are taking it seriously and offering programs to help individuals do business and innovate with different cultures.

Young Student Entrepreneurs Take On the World

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Global Student Entrepreneur Awards (www.gsea.org). The GSEA program recognizes the world's outstanding undergraduate student entrepreneurs. Eligible students can visit the website to download an application form for the 2008 awards.

Collegiate Entrepreneurs' Organization(c-e-o.org). CEO is the premier global entrepreneurship network servicing chapters at 134 colleges and universities. Students can register online for the national conference.

Students in Free Enterprise (sife.org). SIFE is a global nonprofit group active in more than 40 countries. Through regional and national competiions, SIFE presents awards in its core areas of market economies, entrepreneurship, personal financial success skills and business ethics.

Young Money (youngmoney.com/entrepreneur). The website's entrepreneur channel features expert advice, student profiles and small business calculators.