The Great Global Debate

iStock/Thinkstock

Check out the global hub for debate about the London Summit here.

Global Unity

iStock/Thinkstock

At the very least we will establish global unity amongst the world's 20 biggest economic powers at the G-20 Summit but let's also hope for and expect the creation of a very specific global economic recovery plan (e.g., actionable must-do-list).

Stay up to date on what takes place here and here.

Global Internet Fire Walls

iStock/Thinkstock

As reported in Foreign Policy, "The List: Look Who's Censoring the Internet Now."

China and Iran have always had strict built-in fire walls for their Internet. But now, the following countries have also made the list:

• France
• India
• Argentina
• South Korea

Find out why here.

Weakening Of Other People's Currency

iStock/Thinkstock

The new silver lining is that American travelers, if they have the money to spend, can strike a bargain with other people's currency.

In Iceland, for example, the krona has tumbled as much as 45 percent (refer to graph). A South African safari costs some 30 percent less than it did last year. And in Estonia and the Ukraine, Americans can vacation like kings and queens.

Take a good look here.

Globalization Is Here To Stay

iStock/Thinkstock

Globalization is much, much more than international trade and investment. It's about connectedness and global activities.

Quick quote:

Still, the current wave of globalization has many unprecedented characteristics. As Internet access penetrates the most remote corners of the globe, it is transforming the lives of more people, in more places, more cheaply than ever before—and the pace of change is accelerating faster than we can hope to chronicle it.

Read the interesting essay (that includes the above quote) about this notion in Foreign Policy, "Think Again: Globalization."

How To Enforce Intellectual Property Rights On a Global Scale

iStock/Thinkstock

When it comes to global trade, intellectual property rights is a hot topic that causes great concern because it can slow down development efforts. It boils down to this question: How do we regulate our global knowledge economy?

Read how Carsten Fink thinks we should handle this at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD) under:

The Global Debate on the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights and Developing Countries.

Or go straight for the gold by downloading PDF report (1.05 MB) here.

Note: I had a problem attempting to download report ...

Don't Rule Out Globalization

iStock/Thinkstock

What are the implications for global trade during the economic downturn?

The answer from McKinsey digital folks is here.

Thinking Of Taking Your Business Global?

iStock/Thinkstock

You've come to the right place! Just finished the LIVE event for the Small Business Online Community (powered by Bank of America). Here are some of the questions I addressed:

• Can you talk about tips related to container shipping? Also, sometimes I do not have enough merchandise to fill one container, how can I find a partner to share costs?

• How do you go about establishing a relationship with an international merchant? I was traveling and came across some innovative products that would do well in the U.S. Also, what legal or tax related issues are there with shipping goods from overseas to the U.S.?

• When do you know if it's right for your business to expand into other countries? What advantages are there?

• I would like to start a small business. What’s your advice?

• How does globalization impact neighborhood businesses? Do small neighborhood businesses like restaurants, barbershops, local retailers, etc. need to be aware of globalization? How does international trade affect those kinds of businesses, and how can an awareness of global issues make them more successful?

• Are there certain countries that are easier to export to? Why?

Find out the answers here.

Facebook Makes the World Smaller

iStock/Thinkstock

International growth for Facebook has been organic, especially when users are willing to do the translation. Read more here.

USA Scores High on Entrepreneurship

iStock/Thinkstock

The United States of Entrepreneurs still leads the way on entrepreneurship. Read the special report in The Economist.

Small Business Can Be Borderless

iStock/Thinkstock

Remember when E.F. Schumacher wrote the classic Small is Beautiful? I think about that all the time now with small businesses going global. One of Schumacher's philosophies was: "Why use the computer if you can make the calculation on the back of an envelope."

If he were to revise his book today, he might offer this: "Why remain local with a business if you can easily go global?"

Apparently Dan Brutto thinks along the same line with his commentary over at Forbes entitled, Small Business, Big World. which is about how international clients can keep a company buoyant in tough times.

Here's one of his comments:

Clearly, entrepreneurs are recognizing the benefits of trade, and we should do what we can to help them harness the power of trade to grow their businesses.

Going Global With Your Small Business

iStock/Thinkstock

Please join me tomorrow, March 24, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. CDT for an open, online global small business "live" forum, on Going Global With Your Business.

I will address questions like:

• What is the single biggest stumbling block to taking a business global?
• How do I find the right international partners?
• Why should I go global?
• How do I evaluate the benefits and risks with expanding my business abroad?
• What advice would you offer to those of us considering expanding our business internationally?

My intent is to empower you to take that first dramatic step toward starting your own business and taking it global from the get-go. And we hope to make going global easy.

Register (complimentary) here and post your questions now or "live" during the event.

Hope to connect with you there. Look forward to it!

Waiting For The Fed To Boost Global Small Business

iStock/Thinkstock

The Fed's long-awaited program to revive consumer and small business lending, the Term Asset-Backed Securities Loan Facility (TALF), got off to a slow start.

Learn more with the appropriate title of: Global Markets: Dollar rebounds as markets see-saw on the Fed move.

More on small business boosts here.

Share What You Know With The World

iStock/Thinkstock

Here at our blog (borderbuster.blogspot.com), we do a lot of sharing about what we know on going global but maybe you need a special place to strut your stuff to get more business worldwide.

Have you tried Moontoast -- where the world comes together to share knowledge, experience and expertise by actually talking to each other?

I haven't tried it yet but the concept sounds interesting. Check it out and let us know what you think.

Global Entrepreneurs Lead The Way

iStock/Thinkstock

Can our world problems be solved by global entrepreneurs? I'd like to think "yes." The dean of EMLYON Business School, in Lyon, France explains the importance of entrepreneurial leaders and the 10 pitfalls they must avoid.

Read all about it here.

Full disclosure: The reference to the World Entrepreneurship Forum at EM Lyon is the forum I attended in November where I had the great pleasure to meet Johan Stael von Holstein, founder of the global business incubator, IQUBE.

Twitts To The World

iStock/Thinkstock

Live Twitts all over the world: twittearth

Wherever you are, Twitter me here.

Top Of The Morning To Everyone Worldwide

iStock/Thinkstock

This is one of my favorite days of the year (my Dad is Irish -- from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland -- and my Mom is Dutch/Swedish). The first thing I did this morning was to call my parents and wish my Dad his best day ever (85 years young and he said he was wearing the "Kiss Me I'm Irish" cap I gave him over the weekend; my Mom has her work cut out for her!).

Celebrate your global entrepreneurial and fighting-Irish spirit with the following Irish blessing:

May all the days
of the rest of your life
be the very best
of your life.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

And Twitter me at http://twitter.com/laureldelaney to let me know how you are celebrating.

Born to Innovate

iStock/Thinkstock

Latest findings from Intuit and Emergent Research on Defining Small Business Innovation indicate, among many things, that key characteristics play a role in truly innovative companies:

• Small business owners are born (natural) innovators and their inspiration or motivation is driven by three needs: necessity, opportunity and ingenuity.

• Six innovation enablers that allow small businesses to more readily identify opportunities, quickly react to changing conditions and remain competitive. They include personal passion, customer connection, agility and adaptation, experimentation and improvisation, resource limitations, information sharing and collaboration.

• A small business’ ability to innovate is also amplified by use of technology, access to capital, fostering a culture that values experimentation and building market knowledge. Government regulation can also spur or rein in innovation.

What happens when small businesses innovate? It not only improves the business and lifestyles of small business workers, it can also alter the overall marketplace through two types of outcomes:

1. Market-sustaining -- improvements to existing products or business processes
2. Market-changing -- shift in competitive landscape

Our friends and colleagues over at Emergent Research write these reports with support from Intuit and the research is filled with insightful ideas.

Read the latest Intuit Future of Small Business Report (part of an ongoing series) here. And we can't help but mention in our Global Small Business Trends 2009 report that "disruptive innovation" will be both the coolest and hottest new growth strategy in 2009 because it will transcend all boundaries and transform businesses.

Travel Smart With A Girls' Guide To The World

iStock/Thinkstock

Sure, it is called the Girls' Guide to the World (www.girlsguidetotheworld) but that doesn't mean that everyone can't get something out of it.

Girls' Guide to the World is a cool boutique travel site connecting like-minded travelers around the globe that provides unbiased and insightful tips from a travel community with high expectations and a craving for fashionably experiencing the world.

At the same time, they support Women for Women International’s effort to help change the lives of women who are survivors of war, civil strife, and other conflicts.

Get involved. Make a trip. Sign up for their newsletter. Check it out here.

Everyone Is Irish On St. Patrick's Day

iStock/Thinkstock

In celebration of St. Patrick's Day Tuesday, Chicago traditionally dyes the Chicago River a bright emerald green (as pictured) which they did this morning.

The annual parade is taking place as I write this (3/14/09 at 1:25 p.m. CDT) and rest assured, with a name like Delaney (from Ballyhaunis, County Mayo, Ireland) ... I am wearing every green item I own.

Promoting Entrepreneurs In Emerging Economies

iStock/Thinkstock

Endeavor focuses on High Impact Entrepreneurs (HIE) which are entrepreneurs with the biggest ideas and the most ambitious plans.

The impact could be social, economic or environmental, and Endeavor usually looks for a combination of these in a business they select. HIEs have the potential to create thriving companies that employ hundreds or even thousands of people, and generate millions in wages and revenues.

Learn about who they are currently promoting here. redBus is one company.

Word-of-Mouth Global Marketing

iStock/Thinkstock

Getting customers to spread the word about a new product through their global social or professional networks is a hot strategy in the marketing world.

But how do companies find the right individuals to deliver the message? New research by Wharton marketing professors Raghuram Iyengar and Christophe Van den Bulte finds that traditional targets may not be so influential.

The global buzz starts here.

Sweet Deals Are Being Done Globally

iStock/Thinkstock

Hershey Co. agreed to buy Barry Callebaut AG's Van Houten consumer chocolate business in Asia (Singapore), an acquisition that would give the U.S. candy maker a greater presence overseas as its seeks to diversify its mainly domestic operations. Barry Callebaut is considered the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate products

The deal with Barry Callebaut may also signal a willingness by Hershey to continue to grow abroad via similar pacts

Read more here. Barry Callebaut news release here.

China to Open Up Role in Trade

iStock/Thinkstock

China may soon allow Chinese trading companies to buy and sell merchandise internationally using yuan, a step that would move one of the world's largest trading countries closer to having a fully convertible currency.

Read more here.

Peregruzka, er, Perezagruzka

iStock/Thinkstock

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton experienced a global gaffe when she presented a gift to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that was intended to display the Russian word for "reset" -- having to do with Vice President Joe Biden's light-hearted comment that the U.S. wants to "reset" relations with Russian.

The gift read "peregruzka." Mrs. Clinton said, "We worked hard to get the right Russian word. Do you think we got it?"

Lavrov answered, "You got it wrong." Peregruzka means "over-charged," he explained. "Reset" is "perezagruzka." Needless to say, the U.S. officials said they would correct the gift.

Now, my advice to all of you who are in the translation business? Contact the White House and get to work!

Read more here.

The Wisdom of Bloggers on the Economy

iStock/Thinkstock

The first-ever Economics Bloggers Forum at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation was held last week. The experts shared perspectives on the business of blogging and the most pressing topic of the day: the economy.

A couple of the questions asked:

• What is your blog's business model?

• What has been the personal impact of your blogging?

• What 1-3 blog posts have you written of which you are particularly proud?

Learn more (immediate download of 40-page PDF file):

Read The Wisdom of Economic Bloggers: Blogger Survey Summary

And here's a good listing of all the people who contributed to the report along with their blog links. Not too much of a global focus but it's a start.

Doing Business in the U.S., Canada or the U.K.

iStock/Thinkstock

It's not too early to starting thinking about how to move or store product during the holiday selling season (as noted in picture) -- especially if you decide to sell in the U.S., Canada or the U.K. Here's a success story shared by a reader:

Shipping and warehousing is one area that is essential to accelerating business growth, and simultaneously can be a drain on financial and time resources. The time-suck and hassle of shipping takes away from the other roles that business owners are more adept at—such as marketing, sales or business development. By re-evaluating shipping and logistics processes and leveraging Web-based innovation, businesses can take a hands-off approach, encourage sustainable growth and uncover hidden savings.

Marc Blaiwes, co-owner of car seat cover e-commerce company SeatGlovers, did what many smart entrepreneurs in today's climate should--he found a niche product with an untapped market and focused his energies. However, the sales success that followed was too much to handle. Marc needed to expand his warehouse, but the added costs threatened his profit margins and would have required product price increases. "Large companies play the expansion game all the time by building out storage and inventory and eating the added costs until business catches up," said Blaiwes, "Small businesses just don't have that luxury. That's why we needed Shipwire--to help us manage the double-edged sword of business growth."

"Shipwire is granting us immunity to all the flux in the market," said Blaiwes. "Shipping was a huge hassle for years, and it prevented me from growing my business. Finding Shipwire was as big for my business as selling on eBay and sourcing with Alibaba. We're growing exponentially and I'm realizing the true potential of my business. All of this at a time when many other merchants are just trying to stay afloat. Talk about a competitive advantage"

And Shipwire CEO Damon Schechter believes the way to scale and grow a business internationally is to get the product warehoused closer to local buyers.

More on Shipwire here (they offer a free, no obligation trial). Locations and shipping calculator that demonstrates cost advantages here.

Thanks to UPS, eBay PowerSellers in Hong Kong Get Even More Muscle

iStock/Thinkstock

What do UPS and eBay in Hong Kong have in common? More than you realize. They just announced a partnership to offer enhanced shipping solutions to select eBay users in Hong Kong. eBay PowerSellers based in Hong Kong can now use a UPS proprietary online shipping solution (http://go.ebay.com.hk/shipping) that improves business efficiency and enhances their reliability as vendors.

According to a 2008 global survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, over 85 percent of the world’s online population shop online, up 40 percent from 2006. More than half of all Internet users are regular online shoppers who make online purchases at least once a month.

Visit the shipping solution here (available in English and Chinese). Go connect with customers worldwide and transform your desktop into a virtual shipping centre.

Lead Fearlessly Into the Future

iStock/Thinkstock

Just posted, "For Advice That's Never Stale, Pick Up a Classic Business Book," over at the OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN.

During a time of such unprecedented economic turmoil and change, lately I find myself visiting my trusty (and dusty, I might add) in-home library of business books, looking for answers and timeless wisdom from influential authors who just might be capable of leading us fearlessly into the future.
Out of hundreds of books to choose from, here are five that deserve a spot in any collection of business classics. I’ve summarized the insightful advice I took away from the authors, all business visionaries who helped transform the world with their genius. You will find that most of the advice is more timely, practical and relevant than you could possibly imagine considering today’s global economic climate.

Check it out.

Are You To Be Found on the Web?

iStock/Thinkstock

If you are trying to get and keep customers worldwide, you better have a global Web presence. After all, 95 percent of the world's population resides outside our North American borders and only about 17 percent percent of the world's Internet users live in North America. The balance of online folks are overseas.

Take a look for yourself (above) and right here at the World Internet Usage and Population Statistics. The greatest concentration appears to be in Asia with Europe following .

50 Stunning Photos To Liberate Your Global Mindset

iStock/Thinkstock

Sometimes you have to step away to see the innovative forest through the trees.

We give you a chance to do just that -- kick back, awake feelings, put a smile on your face and remember the niceties that life has to offer -- here.

Enjoy.

Pros and Cons of Operating in China

iStock/Thinkstock

Yes, you can enjoy the advantages of cheaper material costs and labor wages and a vast consumer market reach in China but what about quality control and other issues such as IP protection that come into play?

Read more here.

Entrepreneurs Lead The World Into the Future

iStock/Thinkstock

In case you missed it, The Wall Street Journal published an opinion piece yesterday (2/24) by Messrs. Tom Hayes and Michael Malone entitled, "Entrepreneurs Can Lead Us Out of the Crisis."

Only entrepreneurs have the flexibility, the freedom and the risk-everything ambition to find the path back to prosperity in a rapidly changing, technology-driven global economy.

Let's hear it for all entrepreneurs worldwide!

Find out the ways we need help right here.

100 Companies To Become Household Names Across the Globe

iStock/Thinkstock

Boston Consulting Group recently released a study of “New Global Challengers” identifying (immediate PDF file download) 100 companies with the potential to become household names across the globe.

The companies work in a variety of sectors, and hail from a host of countries. Not surprisingly, Brazil, China, and India account for the biggest portions of the list. The list is also very volatile, as 19 new companies made this year’s list. They are also extremely ambitious, with strong desire to capture global market share. They also benefit from a relatively lower cost of capital, and a concentration of ownership, which helps fend off potential hostile takeover attempts. As growth accelerates, these firms are willing to reach outside and bring in other expertise -- often through global alliances, acquisitions, and by building management teams with a global perspective.

It's really about how companies -- e.g., Agility in Kuwait is one -- from rapidly developing economies are contending for global leadership (I like the Page 11 area ... very insightful).
Learn more over at the Policy Dialogue on Entrepreneurship: New Global Challengers.

Are You a Dreamer and a Doer?

iStock/Thinkstock

Aspire to become a global entrepreneur? Yes, you can. If you are a dreamer and a doer, then you might want to check out Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts where entrepreneurial students talk shop throughout the day and night in the E-Tower.

The E-Tower is a community for Babson students who wish to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors while attending school.

As one student says, "Any school can teach entrepreneurship, but at Babson, we live entrepreneurship."

To find out more about Babson's program, visit here. To learn what ventures E-Tower members are currently creating and growing, go here.

What Can the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Do For You?

OECD's work on trade is about providing analysis, policy advice and guidance to create a better understanding of trade and investment liberalization and how it can lead to stronger economic growth as well as to greater integration of countries into the world economy.

Look at their work for 2009 and see how it may alter your outlook on global trade.

Assessing barriers to trade in services in the MENA region

This paper (PDF file) aims to assess barriers to service provision in the financial, telecom, and transport sectors of selected MENA countries. The analysis is focused on computation of aggregate and modal trade restrictiveness indexes (TRIs) by sector.

Overcoming Border Bottlenecks: The Costs and Benefits of Trade Facilitation

Six studies that examine how border bottlenecks affect trade and investment flows, how these bottlenecks might be reduced, and whether the expense involved is worth it.

Trade flows weaken in third quarter 2008

Merchandise export volumes of the Group of Seven countries fell 0.2% in the third quarter of 2008 compared with the previous quarter, while import volumes rose 0.4%.

Recovery and Beyond: Enhancing Competitiveness to Realise Indonesia’s Trade Potential

There is much scope for trade to enhance economic growth in Indonesia. This paper (PDF file) analyses Indonesian trade policy following the Asian Financial crisis, and identifies some key reforms that may help to increase competitiveness.

-> The video above is Ken Ash, Director for Trade for OECD who warns against protectionism as a reaction to the crisis. He outlines the course of action governments should follow.

There is much more from OECD here.

Pennyslvania Exports Up 18 Percent

iStock/Thinkstock

First of all, Pennsylvania exports are up 18 percent in 2008 versus 2007. Secondly and according to the World Institute for Strategic Economic Research (WISER), Pennsylvania exported $34.4 billion worth of goods in 2008, more than double the total five years ago with the bulk of it going to Canada and Brazil. Lastly, Pennsylvania exports totaled just $16.3 billion in 2003.

The question we have to ask: Is this export momentum sustainable?

Read more here and weigh in with your comments.

Globalization Matters

iStock/Thinkstock

Technology and globalization
have changed our economy forever. ~ Carly Fiorina

Carly Fiorina, former chief executive of Hewlett Packard, told some 2,300 members of the International Franchise Association yesterday in her keynote address at their annual convention being held in San Diego, that businesses, which she says have created two-thirds of jobs in the country, will lead the way to restore America’s faith in how business operates.

“If we’re going to get our economy working again, we have to pay attention on how to get people and small businesses to perform and prosper ... I think you are vital to the restoration of growth in our economy ... It is innovation and entrepreneurship that will lead us out of this economic crisis. Not big government, not big business, not big labor.”

Way back when in his "The World Is Flat" book, Thomas Friedman wrote about how technology and globalization have changed our lives forever.

Read more about her Carly's talk here.

Have Ones Entrepreneurship and Innovate Too?

iStock/Thinkstock

According to Forbes reporter Sramana Mitra, entrepreneurship and innovation don't always go hand in hand -- at least not in India.

Read more here and weigh in with your comments.

And if you have a moment, pay a visit to Sramana's blog.

Global Leadership Development

iStock/Thinkstock

Employees are less likely to jump ship during a recession so whether you run a global small business or local big business -- focusing on how to develop people to ensure you are not caught short of strong managers when the economy recovers -- is a smart notion.

Here's what some of the big guys are doing. I see a lot of ideas in this article. Webinars and executive coaches are a good way to train and counsel high-potential employees on a tight budget. Even ordering a simple HBR case study and discussing it as a group at one of your regularly scheduled meetings shows you're on it and care. More ideas can be found here.

How To Organize An Export Trial Run

iStock/Thinkstock

Despite harsh economic times, you can still formulate a plan to take your business global. In this case, it's getting ready to export.

I prepared this article, Organizing Your Export Trial Run (3 of a 5-part series) for Small Business Trends over at the OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN blog.

If you like it, click on the useful button (and add your comments). If you don't, please email me at ldelaney(at)globetrade.com. I always welcome feedback.

Dear President Obama

iStock/Thinkstock

From the Director of Economic Research at the United States Small Business Administration:

In sum, the 27 million small businesses in the United States play a vital role in the economic well-being of our nation. the Office of Advocacy's research contributes to the understanding of the importance of small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit in generating economic growth, hiring and training new workers, and creating innovative products and services that will strengthen America's competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

Immediate download of the The 2008 Small Business Economy Report (366 pages -- including chapters focusing on financing, procurement, international trade, small business training and development, tax policy, business creation, and regulation) can be obtained here.

Okay, I Admit: Global Trade Is Getting Tough

iStock/Thinkstock

Even emerging markets are getting hit with the global downdraft. What's a business owner to do? Prepare yourself and your business for the second half of this year by learning everything there is to know about going global.

My next post for OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN blog is due out this Friday and it's on how to get organized for an export trial run. Very comprehensive. Some good tips are shared on what you should be doing now to capture global ground -- market share -- later. I will post it when it is available. Be on the lookout.

In the meantime, hang tough. Be innovative. Put yourself out there. Create value for your customers in everything you do. It can only help when the market picks up.

Wake Up World!

iStock/Thinkstock

By golly, Andy Nulman (who has worked with Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Jim Carrey, and many other comedians as the cofounder and CEO of the Just For Laughs Festival, the world’s largest comedy event) has a brand new book coming out called "POW! Right Between the Eyes: Profiting from the Power of Surprise."

I am a big fan of the power of surprise (don't really know much about Andy until now). We have a Surprise Me! link on the right sidebar of The Global Small Business Blog where, if all else fails, you can still manage to find something useful on how to take a business global.

But back to POW! Haven't read it (no advance copy -- unfortunately) but it looks terrific and just what the global economic doctor ordered for all of us. Among other interesting gems, here's what you will find covered in the book:

• Why surprise is crucial.
• What is this thing called surprise?
• What surprise ain't.
• Shock 101
• The art of the business of creating surprise.

So, get ready. The book is set for release February 24. Find out more here. And catch Andy's blog about surprise here.

Now, surprise me by emailing (or commenting here) to say you've gone global (and not fishing)!

Export Surges

iStock/Thinkstock

The power of competitive currency. How can countries stimulate and sustain strong export growth? The authors of this report examine 92 episodes of export surges, defined as significant increases in manufacturing export growth that are sustained for at least seven years.

Read more here.

Globally Engaged Education

iStock/Thinkstock

Here's a look at the top trends shaping social entrepreneurship in 2009. Three of them touch on our outlook as well: social enterprises (as it applies to education), mobile technology and green innovation.

Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research

iStock/Thinkstock

After exploring my exciting new online membership over at the International Council for Small Business, I caught that Scott A. Shane won the 2009 Global Award for Entrepreneurship Research.

I have admired Scott's prolific work at both Small Business Trends and OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN but little did I know that he was that gifted in writing about entrepreneurship.

For those of you who don't know Scott, he is the A. Malachi Mixon III Professor of Entrepreneurship Studies at Case Western Reserve University.

We are very proud of Scott and his wonderful accomplishments and wish him continued success in the field of global entrepreneurship.

Innovation Will Transcend All Boundaries

iStock/Thinkstock

We need to innovate our way to a new business model, at least that's what The New York Times, Sunday, February 1, 2009 article, "Disruptive Innovation, Applied to Health Care," states regarding health care.

Using innovation management models previously applied to other industries, Clayton M. Christensen, a Harvard Business School professor, argues in “The Innovator’s Prescription” that the concepts behind “disruptive innovation” can reinvent health care. The term “disruptive innovation,” which he introduced in 2003, refers to an unexpected new offering that through price or quality improvements turns a market on its head.

Disruptive innovators in health care aim to shape a new system that provides a continuum of care focused on each individual patient’s needs, instead of focusing on crises. Mr. Christensen and his co-authors argue that by putting the financial interests of hospitals and doctors at the center, the current system gives routine illnesses with proven therapies the same intensive and costly specialized care that more complicated cases require.

This falls right in line with our Trend No. 1 in Top 10 Global Trends for Small Businesses for 2009 (published January 21, 2009):

1. Disruptive innovation will be both the coolest and hottest new growth strategy in 2009 because it will transcend all boundaries and transform businesses.

Clayton Christensen, a Harvard Business School professor who focuses on innovation, discusses this very same topic in “How Hard Times Can Drive Innovation.” Also, a hip report by Trendwatching covers half a dozen consumer trends for 2009 and supports Christensen’s, and our theory, with prediction No. 6: Happy Ending. It states:

“At the same time, this is a great moment to innovate: shrinking budgets and diminishing revenues from existing offerings normally bring out the best and most creative in business professionals.”

Economist Joseph Schumpeter popularized a similar concept called “creative destruction” in 1942 in his book, “Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy,” that describes the process of transformation that accompanies radical innovation. Look for more of this type of disruptive innovation in 2009.

In Search of Global Excellence

iStock/Thinkstock

How can you better serve worldwide customers in 2009? By applying and hopefully winning the 2009 Dell Global Small Business Excellence Award.

In its sixth year in the United States and second year globally, the award gives small businesses applying technology in innovative ways to better serve customers a chance at up to U.S. $50,000 in Dell solutions and a meeting with Dell Chairman and CEO Michael Dell.

Call for entries have already started with the first round of submissions due by Friday, April 3, 2009. Ten national finalists per country will be announced in mid-June and the 13 national winners will be announced in September 2009.

India is the newest country to participate in the global award and recognize local small businesses for technology leadership. Additional countries participating include Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

For a description of the award criteria, rules, award levels, partners and judges and to complete an application, visit here and good luck!

International Council for Small Business

iStock/Thinkstock

Because we are so passionate about helping you -- entrepreneurs and small businesses -- expand your business internationally -- we decided to become a member of another organization that is equally as committed: The International Council for Small Business.

Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.

One of our trusted colleagues, Dr. Jeffrey Cornwall, is also a member so when you have time, check out what ICSB has to offer ... lots of tips, tools and resources to enable you to learn more about going global ... and see if membership might benefit you too.

Knowledge sharing helps improve our global economic environment and fosters an understanding and appreciation for each country's contribution to the world marketplace.

Global Market Access

iStock/Thinkstock

Very interesting opinion piece in the WSJ:

First, America must remove trade barriers on exports from the poorest countries, regardless of trade policies in those countries. With global market access, poor countries would automatically attract private investment, despite their institutional weaknesses. These institutions would become stronger over time as businesses flourish. Private investments capitalizing on access to global markets would necessarily employ low-cost labor, thus creating jobs.

Next, small entrepreneurs can be bolstered with seed money in the range of $25,000. Small entrepreneurs create jobs, products and services that form the bedrock of flourishing democracies. With some tangible changes in its operation, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) within the World Bank Group could promote development through entrepreneurs. The World Bank should stop lending to governments and be absorbed into the reformed IFC.

Read more here.