Global This, Global That

iStock/Thinkstock

It ends up to be close to the book Globality. Poke around here a bit. I'm sure you'll find something that interests you or at the very least, maybe you'll start ignoring national boundaries with your business and become the black swan in the photo -- standing out from the crowds -- but on a worldwide basis.

Go Global On Thanksgiving

iStock/Thinkstock

In case you ran out of food ideas for tomorrow's big day, here are a couple of grand global recipes under the very appropriate title of "Going Global On Thanksgiving."

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with more abundance than you can handle. And thank you for your readership. It inspires me to keep pushing forward and continue to offer you the best we can on global small business.

Ways To Dodge An Economic Crisis

iStock/Thinkstock

Here are 16 Ways to Dodge an Economic Crisis that we posted over at the OPEN Forum by American Express. My favorite is No. 16. And if you find the article useful, please say so with a click on the Yes button for that's the only way I know if you like my work -- many thanks!

To Go Global, Or Not To Go Global?

iStock/Thinkstock

That is the question and reluctantly I answer with, "You should not go global when you do a lousy job selling a product or service locally."

The truth hurts but the folks at Harvard Business Review have just come out (December 2008) with a far more eloquent way of guiding us on When You Shouldn't Go Global. Unfortunately, to learn more, you will have to either buy the article online for U.S. $6.50 or go to your local bookstore to pick up a copy.

Here's one interesting point made in the abstract:

Global efforts can be rendered counterproductive through unanticipated collateral damage.

Bottom line: You don't want to move full speed ahead toward failure. The article could very well help you avoid missteps. Check it out.

From Rags to Riches: Slumdog Millionaire

iStock/Thinkstock

Went to see what I consider a global masterpiece film last night: Slumdog Millionaire. It's set in Mumbai and is a cross between a timeless love story and the Mumbai version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?"

You have to see it to believe it. Worth exploring.

Branson Busts Borders

iStock/Thinkstock

Haven't read this yet but love the title: Business Stripped Bare: Adventures of a Global Entrepreneur by Richard Branson. With 40 years of business experience, there has to be a lot to learn from Richard about being a global entrepreneur.

[Added 1/2/09 ... publicist sent us a link to preview Richard's book on a complimentary basis ... read it here.]

Is Outsourcing Recession Proof?

iStock/Thinkstock

Then you must be stretching your influence across the globe. Read more at Taking the Global Pulse.

Are You Happy About the Dollar's Rebound?

iStock/Thinkstock

The weak dollar has been good for exports but now we have to go through a rebound. Are you lowering your expectations due to currency movements?

Let us know. In the meantime, catch CFO Magazine's, "The Dollar May Be Up, But Are you?"

Do Small Business, Globally

iStock/Thinkstock

Ever wonder how can today’s harried entrepreneurs put up the kind of front that says, “We’re organized, we’re professional and we compete on a global level?” Me too.

Apparently virtual home office phone service provider toktumi has the answer and they are poised to change the way we do small business, globally.

Big Emerging Markets Matter

iStock/Thinkstock

While en route to the World Entrepreneurship Forum in Evian, France, I read about eight different newspapers on the plane. One, the Financial Times, published a great article on Disney on how the studio is finding success in specifically targeting new markets.

One statement caught my eye:

The film’s success (referring to Roadside Romeo -- first animated movie aimed specifically at the Indian market) confirmed what Disney and its rivals in Hollywood have long suspected: Hollywood’s best prospects for growth are in emerging theatrical markets such as India, China and Russia.

And another point that relates to our blog:

“We’ve been very successful with our big global productions, such as Pirates of the Caribbean and National Treasure,” says Mr Reed. “But we think there’s a natural way to supplement these films in areas like China, Russia and India – areas that have built-in film traditions.”

Key takeaway: Tailor your message to the market.

Read the entire article, "Disney Indian Adventure Rewarded," here.

Unleash Your Global Entrepreneurial Spirit

iStock/Thinkstock

More than 75 countries around the world are launching the first ever Global Entrepreneurship Week (www.unleashingideas.org), November 17-23, 2008.

The brainchild of the Kauffman Foundation, Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is an international initiative designed to inspire, inform, mentor, connect and engage entrepreneurs and to encourage them to "unleash" their ideas and solutions on a global, connected marketplace.

Find out more here, join in on the discussions, and spread the good global word.

U.S. Ranks High in Entrepreneurial Activity

iStock/Thinkstock

As I highlighted in my last post, global entrepreneurial activity is quite alive and more vibrant than ever worldwide. This is especially true of U.S. minority businesses and their families (Korean Americans, Mexican Americans, African Americans, and a White American control group) offering these businesses a particular advantage and a means to not just survive but thrive.

Read more about this and other findings (for example, the percentage of early-stage entrepreneurial activity based on necessity has increased from 12.1% in 2005 to 15.6% in 2007. This increase may be due, in part, to the economic slowdown in the U.S.) from the “Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2006-2007 National Entrepreneurial Assessment for the United States of America,” conducted by Babson College and Baruch College -- here or direct to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) -- here.

The Future Depends on Global Entrepreneurial Magic

iStock/Thinkstock

After participating in The World Entrepreneurship Forum from November 13-15th in Evian, France, founded by EMLYON Business School (EMLYON Business School English), the leading European business school in Entrepreneurship, and KPMG FR (KPMG USA arm), the leading tax, audit and advisory services company, and global leader in entrepreneurship education Babson College (Boston, USA) who just joined the two founding partners in the organization of the event -- I have come to realize and totally be in awe that global entrepreneurship is very much alive and more at work than ever. Further, we have far more similarities than differences in our passion for building businesses regardless of whether one lives in U.S.A, Indonesia or The Republic of Cameroon (bordered by Nigeria).

Passion -- not necessarily profit (for example, if you love what you do, the money (profits) will follow at some point ... nearly everyone felt that way ... but you cannot sustain the growth of your business, especially during rough patches, without passion first) -- is the key to successful global entrepreneurial development and it ran deep (soulfully might be a better choice of words) within each of the 80 selected personalities representing 35 nationalities and segmented into four distinct profiles who each have an entrepreneurial role in society: entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, politicians, and experts. I was placed in the Entrepreneur category under The Free Market Economy (one of three ethos*). The picture above shows all members and was taken on the grounds of the Evian Royal Resort overlooking Lake Geneva and facing the Alps.

Here's a look at the agenda we covered for the two and one-half days but before I share that, here's the definition of entrepreneur according to the World Entrepreneurship Forum:

"The entrepreneur, creator of wealth and social justice."

Does that sound like you? If so, let us hear from you! And two questions that arose from that statement:

1. What is the best way of creating wealth?
2. What is the best way of creating social justice?

And here's a glimpse at the founder's vision:

"The future depends on entrepreneurs. They play a pivotal role when confronting the business and societal challenges we face today and in the future. Creators of value, promotors of values, they will actively contribute to the advancement of global social justice." ~ EMLYON Business School - KPMG, Founders of the World Entrepreneurship Forum

Now, to the agenda.

Day One

• The Entrepreneur, a key actor in the face of our world challenges.
• The many faces of the entrepreneur: introduction to the three ethos* (coordinated market economy, free market economy and the network-based economy) influencing entrepreneurs' behaviors.
• Topics, methodology and expected outcomes of the Forum.
• Key success factors for entrepreneurs across the three ethos (in other words, the character or ideals of a community of people).

Day Two

Morning

• Breakfasts segmented by Profiles (Entrepreneurs, Social Entrepreneurs, Experts and Politicians): Sharing and exchanging challenges and issues each profile faces in their respective business environment.

Early afternoon

The overall encompassing purpose was to formulate recommendations, develop content and format of future entrepreneurship education programs and issue proposals to have entrepreneurs behave fairly toward society

• Creating entrepreneurship-friendly business environments.
• Educating the next generation of entrepreneurs.
• Advancing the social commitment of entrepreneurs.

Late afternoon

• Facilitated discussion on the above three bullets.

Late evening

• Gathering to articulate the vision, mission and goals of the World Entrepreneurship Forum; liberation of the first conclusions drawn from the World Entrepreneurship Forum; and, announcement of the "Entrepreneur for the World" award (will tell you who won later).

Day Three (1/2 day)
• Feedback from the workshops and discussed conclusions from the previous two days of learning and sharing. Then we brainstormed about the Forum's impact and future (which included collectively formulating twelve recommendations to promote entrepreneurship worldwide) and went on to vote for "Entrepreneur for the World" 2009 award.

*More detail about this in a subsequent post.

I will report takeaways and highlight some of the members I met (a few are readers of our blog!) over the coming weeks for my notes are a mile long. Right now, I wanted to merely set the stage for what is yet to come. In between now and then, catch a different perspective on the Forum from two great media moguls Steven Strauss and Rieva Lesonsky who both participated at the conference. And catch Karen Kerrigan's report here.
More global entrepreneurial magic to follow. Stay tuned.

World Entrepreneurship Forum - II

iStock/Thinkstock

I plan to report on the World Entrepreneurship Forum (see all the coverage already up on it ... pictures ... videos) in a blog post either Sunday or Monday. Still in France and have been overwhelmed by the amount of collective genius shared by all the participants at the Forum but there has been absolutely no time to blog.

Much to write about but need substantial quality time to produce it. Look forward to providing my perspective on the Forum shortly.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders

iStock/Thinkstock

The Forum of Young Global Leaders (www.younggloballeaders.org/) is a unique, multi-stakeholder community of exceptional young leaders who share a commitment to shaping the global future. Each year the World Economic Forum identifies 200-250 extraordinary individuals, drawn from every region of the world. Together, they form a powerful international community which can dramatically impact the global future.

Check out their website and watch the video to get an impression of the uniqueness of the community.

International Trade Symposium

iStock/Thinkstock

SBA will hold an International Trade Symposium in Nation's Capital on Tuesday, November 18. Part of what will take place:

Experts will educate small businesses on the resources available to help them export their goods and services. The symposium will begin with a panel of successful small business exporters who will share their stories and expertise on tapping into the global market. Valuable networking and counseling opportunities for small businesses interested in expanding their businesses through international trade also will be available.

Reducing barriers to trade is a significant way to help small businesses through the current economic downturn. With exports now accounting for a larger percentage of U.S. GDP than at any other time in history, expanding free trade is crucial for America's long-term economic health. Small businesses are playing an increasingly larger role in the U.S. export sector. The number of small and medium-sized exporters grew more than twice as fast as the number of large company exporters, between 1992 and 2003. This international trade symposium will enable small businesses to better understand how to take advantage of free trade and continue export growth.

Read more here.

World Entrepreneurship Forum

iStock/Thinkstock

Preparing to attend the World Entrepreneurship Forum in Evian France from November 13-15. Read more about it here.

Blogging will be sporadic but I will do my best to report out. Eager to learn and share the different views of the world on global entrepreneurship and how it has become an economic and social force.

Exports Rock

iStock/Thinkstock

The global economy may look dim but exports still rock for many entrepreneurs and small businesses. Read more here.

Call to Global Entrepreneurship

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

10 Ways To Take Your Business Global

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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!

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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!

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

Hemera/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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

iStock/Thinkstock

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.