The Consummate Global Entrepreneur Paul Newman

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Paul Newman died of cancer at the age of 83. He was a great citizen; great actor; great philanthropist; great gentleman and the consummate global entrepreneur. What an inspiration he was to us all. We will miss him dearly. May he rest in peace.

Think-tank About Entrepreneurship

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I am honored to have been chosen to participate in the World Entrepreneurship Forum 2008 (world-entrepreneurship-forum.com/) under the high patronage of Mr. Nicolas Sarkozy, President of France and to be held in Evian, France from November 13-15.

The World Entrepreneurship Forum is the first worldwide think-tank dedicated to entrepreneurship and its role in society. With what's going on in the world, we need this more than ever right now!

The forum brings together more than 70 participants of the highest level: entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, political decision-makers and international experts.

Central theme: "Entrepreneurship as a creator of economic wealth and social justice," resulting in the definition of concrete recommendations in response to three questions:

• How can we create a more favorable environment for entrepreneurship?
• How can we assess the actions taken by entrepreneurs?
• How can we better train the entrepreneurs of the future?

My motivation for participating is as follows:

More information can be found here. Media inquires from the United States ... feel free to contact me (refer to right side bar on blog) and I will pass your request along to WEF for handling.

Learn to Think Globally

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How do you develop a global mindset? How do you run a business creatively spanning great distances, multiple cultures and different time zones?

Get a global education. It will allow you to experience the flavor of the world beyond what a book could ever offer.

Develop a Winner's Attitude

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Economic woes are causing lots of anxiety among small business owners. A couple of things I always encourage during a downturn ... start a business! ... GO global! ... be bold!

Whatever you do, don't look for a reason to hide.

Read more here, here, here and one more -- here.

Goings On in the World

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We've written about this resource before but thought you might want to revisit it in light of the downturn doldrums. Cool stuff. Twelve destinations. Six of the world's great cities.

Globespotters.

American Bailout Goes Global

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A financial problem that began in the United States is making its way across the globe. Now, the American bailout is going global, too, a move that could raise its cost and increase scrutiny by critics.

Read more here.

Understanding China

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If you plan to do business in China, first and foremost, understand its interests and challenges. And then learn the rules of robust engagement.

This Foreign Affairs piece, "A Strategic Economic Engagement," by Henry M. Paulson, Jr. (U.S. Secretary of the Treasury) covers everything you need to know about how to strengthen the U.S.-Chinese ties. Worth a read. After all, China's path affects the ability for us to achieve our goals internationally.

Thrive Guide 2009

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Really good stuff. Not too much on entrepreneurs expanding internationally (I'll get on them!) but if you get and apply what advice the authors offer, you'll build a company fit to go global.

My title for it:
Thrive Guide 2009

Emerging Market Companies Take On The World

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Emerging markets are not merely generating economic growth. They are also producing companies that are worth investing in, and that are even starting to take on and beat the best of the developed world’s multinationals.

Find out who they are and where they operate here.

And while you are at it, check out the Economist country profiles to figure out a plan on how to work with these champions.

Worth Migrating For

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In our hyperglobal economy, opportunity abounds but how do you know where? A new study sheds light for people desiring to leave their homelands and for the countries that might adopt them.

Bribes, Red Tape and Cultural Differences

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OPEN Forum offered by American Express and under Anita Campbell's stewardship has my next entry up on bribes, red tape and cultural differences. It goes into great detail about whether there is a true opportunity for consultants in the United States to do business globally or is the opportunity primarily for product companies.

If you find it useful or wish to add to it, be sure to do so at the designated areas. Also, we placed an official badge on our blog to show all the OPEN Forum entries. Be sure to check out when time permits.

Gap Gains Ground Internationally

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To boost its sales, Gap is seeking growth outside the U.S.A. Key strategy: franchised partnerships. Read more here.

Latest Global Hotspot?

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Good old USA! There's no place like home and as U.S. manufacturers become more efficient through the use of lean methodologies, flowing production back from China to the United States can be a smart business move.

Read more here.

Selling 10.3 Million Korean Customers

I looked at these photos and thought: What an EXTRAordinary branding and selling opportunity! Imagine getting your product or service mentioned in Korean (with a dot com link) on every single umbrella in South Korea during a typical day at the beach? Imagine if you manufactured the umbrellas?

WOW.

Photo credit: Global Trade & Technology Center

Entry corrected 9/19/08. We were originally told these photos were taken in China but learned from one of our readers (see comments) that, in fact, they were taken in South Korea at a place called "Haewoondae" in Busan (Pusan) which is the second largest city in South Korea.

Building Out Your Global Small Business

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Learn what's happening in the Middle East area for IT players serving the needs of the engine that drives global economic growth: SMBs. Read "Building Out Your Small Business"

Whether big or small, this advice applies to us all:

“Honest business and always one consistent message to the market (as well as inside the company). Kyocera started the business in 1959 with 28 people and in 2007 it is now an enterprise comprising of 180 companies with about 63,500 people with 8.1-billion Euros in revenue.” Each company has various views and opinions about starting a small business. However, each of these reactions relates to their own experiences and know-how and that definitely is a big thing to consider. Starting your own small business may face trials and hardships at first, but it will somehow begin to show signs of development once you learn to see what makes it progress.

Doing Business 2009

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Doing Business 2009 is available. The sixth in the World Bank Group's annual series on business regulations, Doing Business 2009 provides a look at five years of reforms since 2004.

Browse for it here or download report overview here (PDF, 339KB).

Going Beyond the Basic Online Presence

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How do you go beyond the basic online presence to attract international customers? Case in point: If you live in Barcelona (which I am sure many of you do!) and wish to travel to the Midwest to get an idea of what a USA farm is like, which of the following would you aspire to visit assuming both farms produce similar items and are close in proximity?


This picture represents exactly how you set yourself apart (online) in the global marketplace. Think Richardson's Farm Corn Maze, is going to go unnoticed for long? I doubt it because they understand the difference between ordinary and EXTRAordinary! And with it comes lots of hard work, exceptional marketing and bold creativity.

Richardson has put in the sweat equity to declare they have the World's Largest Corn Maze!

What are you doing to carve your spot online as "the world's best xxx?" Will we find you?

Entrando En El Juego Del Comercio Internacional

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SBA’s “Breaking into the Trade Game: A Small Business Guide to Exporting” was translated into Spanish by Argentina’s Chamber of Exporters and will be disseminated as a joint effort between the Argentinean Chamber and the Small and Medium Enterprise Congress of the Americas on International Trade.

Says SBA Acting Administrator Sandy K. Baruah:

“In our global economy, trade among nations has proven a leading factor in economic development and job growth. For small businesses, learning how to break into the international trade game is a must to make them more competitive."

Download PDF file here:

Entrando En El Juego Del Comercio Internacional (Breaking Into The Trade Game -- Argentine translation)

The guide will be made available in other countries with large Spanish-speaking populations.

Join The Global Entrepreneurial Revolution

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Our respected colleague, Matthew Bandyk, at U.S. News & World Report, blogs at Risky Business and did a Q&A with me. You can catch it here: The Global Entrepreneurial Revolution.

Build a Global Team

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Of all the things Dave Gray, founder and chairman of Xplane, worried about when he branched out overseas, tripe never entered the equation. Yes, you read that right. Find out what this is all about here.

And if you need more, visit, "Export Dream Team." (Requires fast, easy and free sign-up.)

Go Global Right At the Start

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Again, welcome Wall Street Journal readers -- happy to have you with us!

Here's what Randy Komisar, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers says (2004) about whether to go global right at the start:

According to Komisar, globalization needs to be part of the tool set for every entrepreneur doing a start-up today. This doesn't mean immediately going global, but understanding the global market and having a plan for the future, he adds.

Watch his 3 minute, 19 second video clip about it here.

I don't necessarily agree with his remarks but let's give him the benefit of any doubt. After all, this video was done in 2004. A lot has changed since then.

If you are smart, innovative, proactive and know how to manage risk -- you can attack markets in far off places right at the start of your business. Of course, it helps to begin planning early.

Weak Dollar and Weak Economy Empower SMEs to Go After Overseas Customers

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Welcome Wall Street Journal readers! Happy to have been a part of this important article by Raymund Flandez, "Looking Abroad For a Bigger Boost in Business."

It talks about how the weak economy, dollar prompts firms to go after foreign consumers.

Exporting Grows a Business

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It's a fact: Businesses earn more and grow faster by exporting or growing global.

Find out how and why here.

Will Outlet Stores Work in Europe?

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A new book, "Le Deal: How a Young American, in Business, in Love, and in Over His Head, Kick-Started a Multibillion Dollar Industry in Europe," by J. Byrne Murphy is a memoir of a decade of dealmaking in Europe, most memorably in France, as Mr. Murphy scouts out commercial sites, partners with local developers, meets the demands of politicians, cuts through red tape, and brings a fresh idea to a place not exactly ready for it.

This all takes place after a catastrophic crash of his American business. Rings loud and clear to similarities many of you are experiencing with your domestic business -- rough going.

So if you feel frustration in your effort to grow your business global and need a dose of inspiration, this might be the book for you. Here's the review I caught in the WSJ after I had read the book.

Is there a pot of gold at the end of this storm-to-rainbow story? You bet. Murphy's MacArthurGlen has 11 centers in Europe now, employing 8,000 people and boasting a billion dollars in annual sales.

Goes to show you that anything is possible provided you have that can-do entrepreneurial spirit (perseverance).

Show Me The Export Money

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Small U.S. companies can get into global trade via creative financing with the new UPS Capital service. The timing could not be better considering economic turbulence is making it difficult for small businesses to obtain affordable financing through traditional means.

The service enables small companies to use their in-transit UPS shipments as collateral for loans. Yes, you read that right.

During the online complimentary news conference on 9/9/08, UPS Capital executives will provide an in-depth look at how the innovative service works and how it helps small businesses. A small-business owner who has been using the service with great success will be part of the call.

Don’t miss out. Reserve your spot and get into global trade TODAY. Click here so we can show you the export money!

Is There A Sweet Spot Overseas?

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For Chocolate Bar, there is. And welcome Wall Street Journal readers! We are so pleased to have been included in this article and that you found us. While you are here, explore. Come back again as often as you like.

Ignore Globalization At Your Own Risk

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Growth during difficult times can most certainly come from emerging markets. It's a good way to be a part of reshaping globalization.

Read more about that, a new book and more here.

Cheap Exports Are Booming For Small Businesses

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America's relatively cheap exports are booming and have played a critical role keeping the U.S. economy out of recession. In response, more small-business owners are looking to tap overseas markets and banks are looking to grow with them.

Read more about it here but don't let this quote confuse you: "There are 50,000 small- and medium-sized exporters in PNC's footprint, and ..." They must mean customers of a certain size who will use their services because our number is more like 240,000 (and growing) SMEs are exporting from the United States.

Can Consultants Go Global?

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Is there a true opportunity for consultants in the United States to do business globally? Or is the opportunity primarily for product companies? If we can go global at GlobeTrade, you can too. Here's why. And feel free to weigh in with your own comments.

You Don't Have To Go It Alone to Go Global

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Did my first global business blog entry for Anita Campbell who runs Small Business Trends and serves as the newly appointed chief blog editor for the American Express OPEN Blog where such famed authors as Anita and Guy Kawasaki contribute. I am honored and excited!

See what you think of it. If you like it, click on the Found This Useful button! Look for more in the future. Many thanks and have a great Labor Day weekend.

Globalization's Winners Should Aid Poor

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Four Nobel Laureates in economics argue that governments should intervene to try to help those at the bottom.

But what about companies? Don't you think they should give a helping hand too? We should all pitch in to spread the wealth.

Read the article here.

Globalization Helps Win Olympic Golds Aplenty

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On Monday, The Wall Street Journal published a terrific commentary by George L. Priest and Minor Myers III entitled, "How Freedom Turned Talent Into Olympic Gold."
Promise me you will read every word. It's a wonderful detail about how nation-against-nation, Olympic ranking is deceptive because the achievements of athletes seldom derive purely internally from within a single nation. Maybe Olympic games are a metaphor for globalization? Many athletes, as noted by the authors, have crossed borders to perfect their skills. Even the market for Olympic coaches is affected by globalization.

"Olympic achievements are evidence of the benefits of globalization," the article states. Read it here where co-author Mr. Priest teaches a "Capitalism" course at Yale Law School.

Building a Global Business

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There are many ways to build a business global, but what it really requires is guts (a willingness to go outside your comfort zone).

Here's a four-step process for selling your products abroad.

The Power of Strategic Alliances in the Global Economy

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The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency will celebrate the achievements of minority entrepreneurs and business leaders during the 26th Anniversary of the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week conference on Sept. 3-5 in Washington, D.C.

This year’s MED Week event—“The Power of Strategic Alliances in the Global Economy”—will focus on international trade, highlighted by a joint SBA/MBDA forum on the benefits to small businesses of free trade agreements. Joint initiatives by SBA and the Department of Commerce on international trade also are on the agenda, including the first-ever International Trade Symposium, held earlier this year.

Other international trade forums include the “Managing Global Strategic Relationships” and the “Free Trade in the Global Economy” sessions. The conference also will feature a White House Reception for award winners (Invitation only) a MED Week Welcome Reception, a Business Expo and Trade Show, a Meet Your White House breakfast with keynote address by Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, the United States Trade Representative, a Business-to-Business Linkage forum where small businesses are paired with government agencies and private sector companies to discuss potential contracting opportunities (pre-registration required and invitation only) and several award ceremonies honoring minority entrepreneurs, minority business advocates and leaders in the corporate community, including a closing MED Week awards gala.

WOW! More about the MED Week conference schedule can be found here (click on National MED Week Conference Website).

Watch The World Contribute Ideas

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The term "crowdsourcing," was coined by Jeff Howe, Contributing Editor of Wired Magazine which simply put, is outsourcing work using the Internet to a large group of people.

More recently, crowdsourcing has hit the design community and has become a viable way for small businesses that cannot afford big name design powerhouses yet want something more than stock clip art to get great design results. There are freelancer listing sites like Guru and Elance along with crowdSPRING.

crowdSPRING, although only 4 months old, has already garnered 5,000+ creatives in over 125 countries. Projects are posted every day from non profit organizations, small businesses, rock bands and just about everyone else on the planet!

The small company of eight in Chicago has greatly expanded since its inception, and its thriving community shows that crowdsourcing is a viable alternative to the traditional design model.

Check out crowdSPRING to see the diversity of creatives and projects, and see what you think. Maybe post a creative project; watch the world contribute ideas; and, choose one you like.

Worldsourcing

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An interesting blog by Lenovo called Worldsourcing. The author, Reid Walker, is also covering the Beijing Olympics.

Buying on a Global Scale

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What are corporate decision-makers thinking about global services and outsourcing? Are they planning to increase or decrease their spending? Does your organization lead its peers in global sourcing? Or is your enterprise a follower?

The article, Is Global Sourcing an Item on Your Strategic Plan of Action, examines what buyers are thinking when it comes to sourcing services on a global scale.

How Well Do You Know Your Regional Economics?

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Question 7: What country saw its gross domestic product rise nearly as fast as China's in the first quarter?

a. India
b. Brazil
c. Slovak Republic

ANSWER is here along with eleven other questions and answers.

Eye on China

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As China rapidly evolves into a more service-oriented economy, U.S. manufacturers need to adjust their China strategy to remain competitive.

America's Trade Agreements

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A new web site, TradeAgreements.gov, has been launched to provide the public with the latest information on America's trade agreements.

The site will be updated frequently with news about existing agreements, as well as pending free trade agreements with Peru, Columbia, Panama and South Korea.

Your job is to figure out how to leverage these trade agreements that claim to open up foreign markets for U.S. exporters.

Will Your Brain Be Outsourced Next?

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Should you prepare to either work in India or lower your salary to the level of those in India? Due to tough times, many people feel it's time to redefine the "American Dream." Others think we should just sit tight and wait for the next big prosperity bell to ring and then act on it.

What do you think? See what's on the minds of others here.

Does Offshore Outsourcing Affect Customer Satisfaction?

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Outsourcing has taken the heat lately. Many claim there are language problems and the exporting of jobs.

What do you think? Let us know!

Unsure? Read more here. Find out exactly how offshore outsourcing affects customer satisfaction. You'll be surprised.

Going Local

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You can't do it all on your own, especially in a new country. Even with global knowledge, you need a team of local service providers. They are your point people who can facilitate global trade.

How To Do Business in China

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This informative workshop on doing business in China presents numerous case studies synthesized with more than 20 years of first-hand experience with conducting business in China.

Issues to be addressed include but are not limited to: cultural sensitivities, steps to company formation in China, negotiation with the Chinese government and business community and more.

The workshops will be conducted in six different key cities within the United States. Find out if yours is scheduled here.

Go Global, Go Green

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With a sluggish U.S. economy, rapid economic growth in Asia and other international markets, and a currency exchange rate favoring U.S. exports, U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses are increasingly looking to markets overseas. For those who haven’t taken the plunge, the time is NOW.

A major obstacle standing between smaller businesses and the global marketplace is complicated documentation involved in international shipping and returns. In fact, the #1 reason packages are delayed in Customs is missing or incomplete paperwork. What's more, research shows 70% of businesses don’t have a formalized process to handle international returns.

Want a quick fix? When you go global, go green, or paperless with your international documentation. Find out more here. It will save you time, money and trees while you’re at it.

American Knowledge for Global Power

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A whole new world of educational opportunities is being offered by Cornell Medical School, Northwestern, Carnegie Mellon, to name just a few, to Middle Eastern, South Asian and East Asian students .... and to think the best is yet to come.

• Education City Qatar
• Dubai's Knowledge Village
• Saadiyat Island (where the likes of the Sorbonne, the Guggenheim and soon New York University will all join in on developing cultural and education programs).

The full article, authored by Martha Bayles, can be found at Strangers in a Foreign Land.

When you achieve your worldy degree, find your global job here.

Burj Dubai

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Dubai Tower (pictured by Michael Travica) is a skyscraper under construction in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is the tallest man-made structure on Earth. It is expected to be completed and ready for occupation next month: September 2009.

Are you looking at Dubai for business?

Reaching Beyond Borders

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We've been preaching the value of using technology to go global for a long, long time. Here's a good article that backs us up!