Call to Global Entrepreneurship

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Unleashing global entrepreneurship could be the ticket to economic success my friends.

"All of us are hoping for something better, something different, a legacy we can leave to the next generation," said Tanny Berg, an Obama supporter who owns Jack Berg sales, an international distributor of electronics, and Epicenter El Paso, a shopping center and office development company.

"The status quo hasn't worked. We're in a deep recession and not particularly well-respected around the world, and our military might is being challenged in Iraq. I think Barack is the promise of maybe a different approach, at least tryable," Berg said. "It seems to me that more attention will be paid to small business - annual sales below $5 million - than under a Bush administration, where the emphasis seemed to be on larger businesses."

In this article, NAFTA and taxes are among the concerns of entrepreneurs. What are your thoughts?

Chinese Company Goes Global

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We covered Lenovo's Worldsourcing blog during an Olympic-led marketing blitz and now the Lenovo Group Ltd., who used to be a little-known computer maker that sold only in China (they acquired IBM's PC business and that's what catapulted them onto a world stage), seems to be getting a little more traction these days with their global push but not without strife.

Cultural clashes (which we wrote about in general on how important it is to be positive towards cultures outside of your own) and power struggles seemed to really trip up their progress.

Read more about Lenovo's story here. Had a tough time finding the original WSJ article online.

Use Social Media To Grow Global

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We've been saying this all along ... Wiggly Wigglers, a rural England-based natural gardening company, was awarded (U.S. $50,000!) by Dell and its global partners for its innovation and leadership in social media. Using tools like Facebook, podcasting and blogging, Wiggly Wigglers:

Serves 90,000 customers worldwide and delivers its products across Europe; Cut its advertising budget by 80 percent when the company turned to social media over traditional advertising; Facebook fans currently stand at 898, with over 170 discussion topics; Hosts podcasts from the “Wiggly sofa” reaching thousands of listeners per week, and Built its catalogue based on Wiki ideas generated on its Facebook page by experts and customers.

Read more about the Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence in Customer Experience Award here.

What a wonderful example of how to use social media to grow your business globally. Congratulations to Wiggly Wigglers and all the other award recipients!

Build Global Bench Strength

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Envision your success in 5 to 10 years and make sure whatever you are doing now that it's sustainable. CEO of Ingersoll Rand, Herb Henkel, shares some good tips on driving his firm through global territory.

Borderbuster

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In case you are not a subscriber to our world famous Borderbuster e-newsletter (www.globetrade.com/borderbuster.htm), we want to share point No. 7 of today's edition because a reader recently commented that she would like to see more ideas on strategy for taking a business global on this blog.

We will continue to meet or exceed your needs here. Thank you for your readership and for your great contributions! Keep them coming!

7. A READER ASKS: Q&A
*Subscriber Exclusive*

Q: To Ask The Expert,

I am the V.P. of International Sales for an office supply manufacturer. Our products are not unique. Therefore, I have found it extremely difficult to export our products although I have done so in the past but on the basis of quoting a very low price with hardly any profit. I then attempt to make up for the per unit profit shortfall with volume orders.

I have always felt that if we price our products at “marginal costs” rather than at full cost, we would have a much better chance at continuing to increase our exports. Are you aware of studies on this issue? How can I intelligently address this point with the CEO of the company? I have approached him on this subject but I do feel if I had information to support my theory, I would have a better chance at changing his mind.

A: From Laurel,

Thank you for your question.

When you refer to “marginal costs,” I am assuming you mean “profit margin.” Also, it looks as if you believe that offering plastic alternatives overseas at a slightly lower price than your domestic selling price (full price) is the key to greater export success. For the record, exporters typically take a 10% to 15% markup over their manufacturing cost.

One of the first measures companies practice in order to remain competitive in the global marketplace is severe price-cutting tactics and oftentimes at the risk of operating at a loss. If you offer a price-reduction strategy merely as a knee-jerk reaction to a rough economic climate, over the long haul, it won’t work. You must develop an export action-plan that supports a process. You are already successful on your export initiatives. Now it is just a case of doing more of the same but with greater discipline and flair.

To build up your exports, start selling in new countries or territories; develop healthier relationships with your distributors and agents; create a more innovative and effective international sales and marketing strategy in general; request your staff takes on more responsibilities; sell more on open account with export credit insurance and work more closely with your credit manager.

The next step is to cut expenses. Here are eight ways to go about it:

1. Shift your production to a lower-labor-cost nation.

2. Cut production costs. Eliminate unnecessary employees and hire temps or contract out when you need to fill in.

3. Build your sales force according to the needs and demands of your overseas customers. For example, if your customers demand extra service, make sure they get it.

4. Reduce the U.S. content of your product to remain competitive overseas.

5. Use the best possible payment method. The one that works best is the one that gets the deal done.

6. Engineer financing from a variety of sources, including U.S. Export-Import Bank (www.exim.gov).

7. Work more closely with your transportation expert (consider going direct).

8. Use the Internet to increase efficiency.

If you put all of the above into play, you will be able to offer more favorable export pricing to your customers, increase your international sales and make your boss happy.

Good luck and let us know what happens.

=> Don't miss another edition of Borderbuster. Sign up here.

44th President of the United States: Barack Obama

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World ... please join me in welcoming and congratulating our 44th President of the United States: Barack Obama.

10 Ways To Take Your Business Global

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Our friend and colleague Dan Harris, who writes an informative blog (definitely check out) about law in China at the China Law Blog, posted about our recent radio podcast at the Small Business Trends Radio (hosted by Anita Campbell and Executive Producer Steve Rucinski), 10 Ways to Take Your Business Global.

A special thanks to all the folks at the Small Business Trends Radio and to Dan for his kind sentiments about our podcast on his blog.

Direct link to show post.
Direct link to audio file.

HELLO My Name is GLOBAL

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Amway is a health and beauty leader, operating in 78 countries and territories around the world and generating U.S. $6.8 billion in annual sales. What does this have to do with global small business? The company was started by two friends in Ada, Michigan.

It goes to show you that hard work can grow a business global. Read more -- and watch the compelling video -- on the fresh new push into GLOBAL for Amway here. And more about the ad campaign here ... even if it is a little late.

Halloween Celebrated Around the World

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Halloween is one of the oldest holidays celebrated most commonly in the United States and around the world.

In the spirit of Halloween, here are two places to get spooked ... The 13th Gate Haunted House in Baton Rouge, La., and the other is in my home town Chicago: Dream Reapers Haunted House. Brace yourselves. They are both very creepy!

Have a happy and safe Halloween!

Develop Intercultural Curiosity

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People constantly ask me if you need to be culturally sensitive in the global marketplace in order to be successful interacting with individuals from other ethnic, religious, cultural and geographic groups and the answer is "yes."

How do you develop that knowledge, skill or characteristic?

It's easier said than done but you can start by reading this article:

How Intercultural Competence Drives Success in Global Virtual Teams

You will walk away with a better understanding of how intercultural competency works and what it takes to develop it. Hint: Having a positiveness towards other cultures sure helps along the way! Be sure to review the Intercultural Competence for Team Leaders chart within the article. It offers up some powerful tips.

Case in point: The picture above reflects 3 units which is a good thing in China. But how sensitive are we really? What do the colors red, white and yellow symbolize in China? Or the illustrations? Or if there are English words on the bottle? Or a white bottle without any words? That's what cultural sensitivity is about. Put yourself in the shoes of whoever it is that you are communicating with to fully understand how your communication is being interpreted.

Set Yourself Apart in the Global Marketplace

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This fascinating article talks about how Colombia wants the world to recognize its passion. And it is not indicative of just Columbia (check out the Embassy of Colombia). A growing number of countries are using branding strategies to set themselves apart in the global marketplace.

No matter what you are passionate about -- whether it's a country, a service or a product -- don't forget to highlight its advantages.

And by the way, Columbia's new branding strategy is: Columbia is Passion.

Live Event: 10 Ways To Take Your Business Global

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Live, from your desktop, it's Small Business Trends Radio. Join me today at 1:30 p.m. EST at:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/smallbiztrends where I will talk about reasons for going global, ways to get started, and places to look for help.

Look forward to connecting.

The Great World Star Count Goes Global

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The Great World Wide Star Count helps scientists map light pollution globally while educating participants about the stars.
The event, which is open to everyone who wants to participate, is organized by the Windows to the Universe project at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) in Boulder, Colo., in conjunction with planetariums and scientific societies across the country and abroad.
Get a sense of how star visibility varies from place to place around the world here.

Re-imagining Global Trade

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Americans feel most secure about global engagement when they are well equipped to compete and have insurance against economic risks. What is required? Vigorously enforcing the trade rules and investing in economic competitiveness.

Take a good look at this. Immediate PDF download here: Re-imagining Global Trade by Paul Blustein (pictured).

->>>>>>>>>> Separately, but related, be sure to dial-in and listen-up for 30 minutes at 12:30 p.m. CDT on Tuesday, October 28th at Small Business Radio where I will chat about ways to take your business global, including using Web 2.0 as a platform for discovery worldwide. Look forward to connecting.<<<<<<<<<

Watch Your Global Intellectual Property

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Source: Cool News of the Day® and reveries.com

Switzerland exports 26 million watches a year, but counterfeiters ship 40 million, reports Christina Binkley in the Wall Street Journal (10/16/08). Even more troubling, "counterfeiters have been improving their technology faster than watchmakers," too. It used to be the fakes were easy to spot, but not always anymore. "The counterfeiters have learned all the things that people didn't know 20 years ago," says David Hendry, an expert. They'll make sure the watches weigh enough by using "sapphire crystal" and incorporating "other elements that can confuse even experts -- and they may charge many hundreds of dollars."

To combat this, "one Swiss watchmaker, Vacheron Constantin (pictured), has created a wristwatch that it says is impossible to counterfeit." Called the Qai de I'lle, the watch "can be customized in up to 400 combinations and will sell for between $29,000 and $60,000, depending on which features are chosen." Making the watch counterfeit-proof (or at least counterfeit-resistant) involves "highly-controlled money-printing materials like the polymers and inks." The polymer Vacheron uses actually "is monitored by the maker of Swiss passports."

Some of the words on the watch's dials are engraved, while others are printed using special inks. "Tiny texts on the dials of some models -- illegible without the aid of a magnifying glass -- reproduce parts of letters sent between 19th-century family members of the watchmaker, Jacques-Barthelemy Vacheron and Franchois Constantin." Certain images, such as a tiny sun, "can be seen only under a UV lamp," and even then only barely. Will this be enough to stop counterfeiters? Even the watch's designer, Roger Pfund, "an acclaimed painter and designer of the Swiss passport" doesn't think so. "They already have fakes of this watch," he says. "Of course the movement is wrong -- a lot of things are wrong."

You might also want to read this: Protect Yourself.

Executive Pay Restraints Go Global

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Just when you think you have a handle on an executive compensation plan, the financial market goes crazy and now nations are putting limits on financiers' compensation as part of efforts to rescue their banking systems.

I wonder if this applies to us? As an entrepreneur or small business owner, do you curb your own pay as a result of what's happening in the global marketplace?

Read the article here.

Do The Socially and Globally Responsible Thing

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Low-literacy consumers (e.g., those who have trouble reading package labels or instructions) can be a profitable and loyal customer group if understood and treated properly. You might want to explore this notion further because the combined purchasing power of these shoppers is expected to surge as incomes in emerging markets improve.

Read more here.

Global Insights

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I have been catching quite a few quotes in national papers from experts at Global Insight, an economic forecasting and consulting firm but much of it is all gloom and doom. Yet, if you need help preparing for the effects of the slowdown, and want to anticipate the timing of the recovery, and prepare for the opportunities that it will present, then pay a visit to GI.

They offer free trials here and there but the bulk of their work is subscription or consulting fee based. However, it does look as if their newsletter is complimentary.

Don't know much about the quality of their work ... you'll have to decide for yourself.

The World At Your Desktop

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How in the world will you connect with your clients, employees, vendors and colleagues worldwide when money is tight? I have a cost-effective solution without ever leaving your desktop! It's called Citrix Online with their GoTo suite of products.

GoToMyPC is a unique remote access service that lets you access and control your computer from any Internet connection anywhere. GoToMeeting is the easy and cost-effective way to conduct online meetings. GoToAssist enables remote support of customers and employees via shared screen, mouse and keyboard control. GoToWebinar allows you to easily plan, present, record and analyze unlimited Webinars.

My theory is ... to expand your business internationally, there is no better time than now to collaborate like crazy online with like-minded folks!

Just like GlobeTrade, these unique tools make it easy to go and stay global! What are you waiting for? Try it on for size here.

Globalization Project

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The Harvard College Globalization Project (HCGP) is a student-run organization at Harvard College that intends to promote research and critical commentary on any and all topics related to globalization.

HCGP's work is performed exclusively by Harvard undergraduates, and it is published in a bi-annual review, each issue of which concentrates on an elected symposium topic.

Find out more here. They have a couple of country blogs worth checking out.

Just Export!

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There's a saying, "No excuses, just results." Well, here's another one: "No excuses, just export." A new online course will help all of us here -- entrepreneurs and small businesses -- explore exporting opportunities in international markets. Global Enterprise: A Primer on Exporting is a free, self-paced course that provides practical guidance on exploring international markets. Look for it under New Courses on the right sidebar.

Course participants completing the 30-minute online training programs can earn a certificate of completion from the SBA, with their name, date and course title. The Export Primer course is one of nearly 30 online tutorials offered by the SBA on its virtual campus, the Small Business Training Network (www.sba.gov/training). SBTN is part of the SBA’s Office of Entrepreneurship Education (OEE), which combines the agency’s online education programs, youth outreach, and outreach to underserved markets under a single umbrella.

The online training info page is here; selection of new courses is here and to register fast go here.

Go for it!

Smart, Full and Focused

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This looks like someone we should follow: Paul Krugman, the Princeton University scholar and New York Times columnist. He won the Nobel economic prize for his analysis of how economies of scale can affect trade patterns and the location of economic activity.

The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences praised Krugman for formulating a new theory to answer questions about free trade.

"What are the effects of free trade and globalization? What are the driving forces behind worldwide urbanization? Paul Krugman has formulated a new theory to answer these questions," the academy said in its citation.

"He has thereby integrated the previously disparate research fields of international trade and economic geography," it said.

Read more about Paul's background, at least as a New York Times columnist, here.

Bust Barriers and Go, Go, Go!

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I am no expert on the hard times we have fallen upon but I am most certainly an expert in helping you get through this and cross borders with a product or service.

Here's what I have been thinking about lately relative to what's going on in the global marketplace. It's an awful thought but when someone dear to your heart passes away and several months later you reflect back on it, what comes to mind? Most likely the people who gathered around to give you comfort, strength and support. For example, it may have been Joe who showed up at the memorial service; Mary who called; Keith who sent kind notes; Lynn who visited with a plate of specially prepared food or Bob who came to hold your hand. It's that kind of care that leaves an indelible mark in your mind.

Now, more than ever, you must show the same depth of care to all your employees, vendors and customers. Make lots of calls, send emails of substance, visit in-person, deliver simple things to show you are in business for the long haul and matter. Continue to provide the best possible service or product at the lowest possible price and keep providing it.

Above all else: Do not hide! This is a time to make yourself more accessible and valuable than ever. Buckle down and do your best work -- no if, ands, or buts.

Launch a new business! Start a blog that talks about what you do best and how you can help those who read it. Do a podcast that sings the praises of how great your clients are and why. Create a video that chats up three tips to win new clients during a tough time and smack it up on YouTube. Give a complimentary presentation on a topic you know everything about (going global :-)! so attendees walk away with new knowledge.

And, in your spare time, re-visit these three articles that were written several months ago for additional ideas on how to keep going and thrive during turbulent times.

6 Tips to Shock Your Global Customers

5 Tips to Recession-Proof Global Marketing

Is Your Business Recession-Proof?

Let's call this the go, go, go time! Think Super(wo)man and that we are all here to save the day ... or the global economy. Working together, we will!

Globally: Protect Yourself

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Take these steps to legally protect your trademark in the countries in which you operate and you will keep other people's hands off your trademark when your business goes global.

Little Globes, Big Ideas

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In view of what's going on in the world, we thought we'd lighten up and give you a day in the life of a Bohemian modern style San Francisco girl who just loves globes.

Visit sfgirlbybay

Local Footprint, Global Reach

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Here's my latest contribution over at the OPEN Forum by American Express. It's entitled, "McDonald's: Local Footprint, Global Reach."

Key objective: To understand how effective the concept of local footprint, global reach can be in developing a successful global strategy for a company.
Favorite part: By surfing online, you can check out the Golden Arches in different parts of the world to see the differences in culture, food offerings and technology.

Take a look. And if you like what you see, click on the Found It Useful button. It helps me determine whether I am doing a good job or not with my posts. Many thanks.

A Farewell to Marty Duggan

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We are sad to learn that Small Business Exporters Association (SBEA) founder Marty Duggan passed away on Sunday, September 14 after a long illness. He was 79. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his wife Mary Lou, his loving family members and all his fans worldwide.

Within four years of establishing (1990 according to Marty) SBEA, he had built it from a concept into an active and widely-respected association. He also played a major role in the development of several legislative initiatives to aid small American companies in international trade, and was a pioneer in increasing the visibility of small companies at international trade conferences around the world.

Marty was a wonderful and kind-hearted human being with an ambition to change the world. I had a chance to speak with him on several different occasions by phone. Our appointment would be booked for one-half hour and three hours later, we were still talking about what was needed to encourage small businesses to expand their businesses internationally. Several days later I received a package in the mail containing the following prepared by SBEA:

• Export Promotion: A G-7 Comparison (1995)
• Annual Awards Luncheon program (May 1997)
• Exporting as a National Priority
• Export Finance: How the U.S. Measures Up (January 1994)
• Exporting: Right or Privilege?
How U.S. Export Controls Impede Competition (August 1994)
• Two video tapes: SBEA Second Annual Awards Luncheon and Awards Presentation (1995)

I still haven't gotten through it all but now I will make a point to.

After retiring from SBEA in 2001, Marty maintained contact with his friends and acquaintances through an Internet blog he launched in July 2006 called SME Forum where he continued to publicly ask questions and discuss ideas. If you look back on some of his entries, such as this one, you get a glimpse of what a champion he was to small and mid-sized exporters.

We will deeply miss Marty, his zest for life and his passion for global small business. May he rest in peace in his new borderless world.

Man Shops Globe

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Beginning at 9 p.m.(ET/PT) every Monday night from Oct. 6 through Nov. 3, the Sundance Channel will present feature documentaries and original series about the men and women -- and girls and boys -- who seek public office in the U.S., be it as leader of the free world or as leader of their middle-school student body.

The first in this series has given the green light to a new original series starring Keith Johnson (more on him here), the antiques buyer for the innovative specialty retailer Anthropologie (Anthropologie International).

One of the largest purchasers of decorative antiques in the world, Johnson globe trots six months out of the year on Athropologie's nickel to find unique and beautiful items. Johnson’s quest for the valuable and obscure, which takes him from flea markets in Paris to remote villages in India and art studios, will become the focus of the eight-part, half-hour series Man Shops Globe.

Read more about it here.

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.)