World: Happy 2011 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit

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Happy 2011 Chinese New Year of the Rabbit.  May it be prosperous, happy, peaceful and healthy.

Learn more about how the Chinese New Year is celebrated the world over here.

Motivating Tool: The Scratch Map

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For all you worldly travelers, you can keep track of where you've been and where you desire to go next with the Scratch Map.

Use a coin, scratch off the layer of gold foil covering each country or area you've traveled to, unearthing punchy colors and local details underneath.  For less than U.S. 25 bucks, you are in luck.

Effortless Cross-Cultural Communications

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A powerful online resource that will give you what you need for precise, effortless communication regardless of cultural differences.

Subscribers will have instant access to key business etiquette information on more than 60 nations, in addition to country background, business protocol and key phrases in local languages.

Don't wait another second to learn international business etiquette:

McGraw-Hill's Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands Online

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How On Earth To Get a Doha Deal Done

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The Doha round of trade talks is still in the works.  Learn how global bigwigs demand that the deal be done by the end of the year.  Think it's feasible?

It urges its sponsors, along with the rest of the leaders of the world’s big economies, formally to commit to finishing the round by the end of the year. It is far from clear how such a deadline could be made binding, but the idea is as much tactical as practical, and received backing this week from the International Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more here.

A Five-Point Strategy For Making Global Sourcing Successful

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As the new Import and Export Guide for About.com, I wrote this article on global sourcing:

Global sourcing offers many benefits, including lower costs, faster go-to market time and a broader resource pool. This article provides tips on how to make the most of global sourcing. But first, it's important to understand exactly what global sourcing means.

Global Sourcing:  5 Ways to Make Global Sourcing a Success

What other tips am I missing?

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2011

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Familiarize yourself with what's happening (live in some cases) as leaders worldwide share their insights on issues at the top of the Davos agenda.

Go here for more information.

The Aon Political Risk Map (APRM)

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The APRM is an interactive guide to various risks worldwide.  It shows how the overall risk score has fluctuated for each country over the past five years, as well as reflecting other specific risks such as legal and regulatory risk and political interference.

Play around with it here.

And if the link does not work, do a Google or Bing search to find it yourself:  FT.com / global Economy - May:  How risks are changing around the world.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

The New India

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Who is the new India?

Find out here:

The Ideas Shaping a New India
NYTimes.com || Global Edition
by Anand Giridharadas

Learn more about the author's book, "India Calling:  An Intimate Portrait of a Nation's Remaking," published by Times Books

The Cool Factor: Hotel G in Beijing

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I'm always on the lookout for cool things related to global business and while I was scanning the Chicago Tribune over the weekend I caught:

Icelandic composer raves about Poland

Why am I sharing this article with you?  Because deep within the body of it Olafur Arnalds mentions his favorite hotel:  Hotel G.

Q: What are your favorite hotels?

A: I've probably stayed at more than 100 hotels in the last couple of years, but my favorite must be Hotel G (hotel-g.com) in Beijing. Very cool interior design, and you can choose the color of your window with the switch of a button in the room. I have tried very hard to persuade the management staff to use the master control to write my name on the outside of the building with the window colors, without much luck! And the floors are so soft that you don't really need the comfy bed. I stay there every time I go to Beijing, if not only for the friendly staff and nice food, then the iPod docks … in every room.

So the next time you travel to Beijing to drum up business, check out the very cool looking place.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

And the Winner for the Growth Through Global Trade Award Goes To ...

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SteelMaster Buildings LLC -- a manufacturer, designer and supplier of arched steel structures.

How did they win it?  Numerous reasons but here are two:

1. SteelMaster Buildings exports to more than 40 countries and has distributorship relationships in more than 50 international markets.

2. Since the company began exporting in 2006, the company’s revenue has quadrupled and now represents 15 percent of the company’s total revenue.

Read all about how SteelMaster Buildings earned this prestigious UPS award that only goes to SMBs who excel in international trade here.

Congratulations!

Full disclosure:  I had the pleasure of serving as one of the judges on this fabulous program.  We originally blogged about it here.

Will Eric Schmidt Run Apple?

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In light of what's happening at Apple with the upsetting situation of Steve Jobs taking another leave of absence from the company due to his health, I can't help but wonder at the same time why there is a sudden management overhaul over at Google.

 Change is the only thing that is constant in life.  This could become disruptive innovation at its best.

Your thoughts?

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

About.com: Laurel Delaney, Import and Export Guide

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Please join me for some serious discussions and sharing of vital information on importing/exporting over at About.com (a part of The New York Times Company).

About.com
Laurel Delaney
Import and Export Guide

Sign up for the newsletter and participate in My Forum.

This site is brand new.  Watch it morph into the go-to-destination for anything to do with importing and exporting.

A World View

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The popular Small Business Trends does an excellent recap of:

Small Business News:  The Global View

Of particular interest is, "Building Your (Global) Brand with Social Media"

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Best International Shipping Deals

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Got an import or export sale and can't decide the best way to ship the goods?  Here's a look at places to consider:

DHL International Services

FedEx International

Fulfillment by AliExpress (learn more about this new service here)

UPS Global Trade

USPS - International Mail & Packages (for the small stuff)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

What's Ahead in 2011

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My latest contribution for the American American OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends:

2011:  The Year of ...

What else do you think 2011 will bring us?  I welcome your comments!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Globalize Where the Return is Everywhere

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Globalization is here to stay.  It's not a matter of surviving during current challenging economic times; it's a case of thriving.  This article (heavy emphasis on translation issues) answers the central question:  Is this the right time to expand internationally?

See if it is for you.

Bottom line:  Get out of your local rut and go global!

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Spring of Genius

Photo credit: Laurel J. Delaney, lakefront, Rogers Park, Illinois, U.S.A., 2011

"Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius." ~ Pietro Aretino

Brazil: A Place To Do Business

National Export Strategy 2008

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The National Export Strategy is the annual report of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC).  The 2008 report takes a look at trends that contributed to the growth of U.S. exports in recent years, including strong international demand, the growth of e-commerce, and continued U.S. global competitiveness.

Download it:

Online: PDF Format

The big question:  Where are the 2009 and 2010 reports?

Considering we have this huge export push from the United States government, I'd like to see updated reports.   

Wouldn't you?

Increase Your Sales Around the World

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In this case, it all started with a mention on knitting blogs about Alexis Winslow's website that has increased sales for her around the world.

Learn more:

Designer with local roots going global

A How-To On Expanding Your Business Globally

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Considerations and a plan for going global.

How to Expand Your Business Globally

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How to Run a Global Small Business on a Shoestring

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Running a small business that takes on the world does not have to be costly.  Learn how Neil Payne set up his business on a laptop in a studio flat in 2004 and now oversees a company with offices in the UK, USA, Argentina, South Africa, Germany and the UAE.

Read tips on how he did it here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Who Has More Obese People Than Any Other Country?

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Find out:

American fat goes global

And just when you thought ... "what else can go global?!"

Canada: Show Me How to Trade

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Learn the basics of international trade -- even some things you should consider before you get started -- from Canada Business, Government Services for Entrepreneurs.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

The UK's Perspective on International Trade

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A useful site on international trade with its origin in the UK.  A sampling on a couple of the informative articles:

1. Is it time to have "China in your hand?"
   
2. How To Embrace Global Collaboration
3. What’s In Store For Those Involved In International Trade?

There's a video too: "Survive and Thrive in the Crisis By Trading Internationally."

Keep looking.  There's lots more.

Some Like It Global

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From how to structure a Letter of Credit to posting surety bonds to offering new credit terms to increase international business, these exporters found success.

Here's how.

Hint:  It starts with a local U.S. Export Assistance Center.  Find yours here.

2011 Year in Review

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The New York Times provides:

2011 Year in Review slide show

If nothing else, it will make you smile.

A State With Record Highs in Export Sales

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New Hampshire has experienced record highs in export sales for the past three years, and the majority of it stems from small businesses.

Learn more about this here and also ask a question to their expert, Dawn Wivell, director of the state's International Trade Resource Center, here.

Happy 2011 From The Global Small Business Blog

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And on the first day of the new year, do some productive reading to get your business even more global.  Try:

The Art of the Global Gateway by John Yunker
(Google Books here).

Reach out to the e-world for business.  It starts with web globalization and John Yunker can teach you a thing or two about it.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

The Most Powerful Force in Business Today: The New Logistics

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UPS is sponsoring an international business series over at Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing and Small Business Trends.

Be sure to check out both places for articles on global small business.

Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing:
Hidden Challenges Lurking in Global Business

Small Business Trends:
Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business in 5 Steps

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Cross-Cultural Learning: Being Able to Shut Up and Listen

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Side benefits of learning both a foreign language and a foreign culture.

Snippet:

How to learn about culture and language. When you live in a foreign culture, you learn how to learn. You learn what vocabulary is important, what language learning techniques work, how to make relationships, what skills are important, what details to pay attention to. These skills will carry over to other languages and other cultures in the future.

Read the entire piece here:  The Best Defense (be sure to read the wild comments)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Watch Out World: Google Is Out To Help Small Businesses Go Global

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Google has launched two new services to help small businesses go global:

Google Global Market Finder
Go Global with Google

And I love this statement:

There are 1.9 billion Internet users worldwide. Wouldn’t you like to add them as customers?

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney for The Global Small Business Blog

Leaving Your Heart In Argentina

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Exploring a new country, buying a vineyard and starting a new life is not the easiest thing in the world to do.

Learn about how a couple pulled it off here:

Moving to Argentina

Steps to Exporting

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If you are looking to increase sales and profit, reduce dependence on the domestic market and stabilize seasonal fluctuations with your business, you should consider exporting.

Here are six steps to get you going.

Happy Holidays From The Global Small Business Blog

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, 12/18/10, Oak Park Avenue, Tinley Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

Best wishes for a happy holiday season filled with warmth, beauty, love and family.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Insights on Doing Business in China

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From the Business Pundit:

“We’re really wasting time,” says Janet Carmosky, CEO of the China Business Network. Carmosky knows what it’s like to be busy. When not running the China Business Network, a resource geared towards international professionals doing business with China; advising major corporations on their China strategies; or speaking at conferences, she writes about China for publications like the Economist and the Harvard Business Review.

Learn more about what she has to say here:

7 Deadly Perceptions About Doing Business with China

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Understanding Strategic Sourcing

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Very rare that I do this.  I have not read this book but stumbled upon it while looking for something else. Why look at the reviews:

Worth buying it!

Great overview of how to leverage the value of sourcing!

Small book with great content!

Easy reading with great content.

A complete guide.

An outstanding supply chain book-must read.

Check it out here:  Strategic Sourcing:  Suppliers Are From Mars, Customers Are From Venus by Murillo Xavier

Be Inspired: Open Your Heart and Your Global Paypal Account

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, lakefront in Rogers Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

My latest contribution over at American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends.

Be Inspired:  6 Places to Donate

Like it?  Then Tweet like crazy!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Import/Export Considerations for Your Global Small Business

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Getting involved in international trade is no simple feat.  Here are some import and export issues you will have to understand in order to be successful.

Some Import/Export Considerations

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

A Checklist for Going Global

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Before you take the first step to expanding your business internationally, you might consider the following.

Checklist for going global

And here's another helpful article I wrote in 2006:  Twenty Essential Factors to Consider Before Going Global

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

A Few Export Questions Answered

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Wondering if you can transact international business via fax versus the Internet or how to write an export marketing agreement?  The link below will provide some answers.

Export questions answered:  Export Institute of the United States

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

What Are the Legal Requirements to Start an Import Business?

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I am working on a new project where I will be covering both importing and exporting for a small business.  Watch for it.  But in the meantime, here's a short cut answer to the question:

The only legal requisites to opening an import business are having an importer of record number, which is usually just the business's tax-identification number, and a surety bond to protect the U.S. government if you can't pay your duties, taxes and other fees. Surety bonds are required for all so-called formal entries where the shipment is valued at more than $2,000, but many importers use them on smaller shipments as well. They can be purchased ...

Read the entire answer:  Opening a Small Import Business

And I am sure there are additional factors to consider.  If they've been left out, please comment.

A Revival in Global Economic Activity

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Exports during the month hit their highest level since August 2008, the month before the financial crisis.

"More and more of our exports have started going to the faster-growing regions in Asia, Latin America and Canada," said Morgan Stanley economist Ted Wieseman. "It highlights that the emerging markets never really had much of a slowdown at all. They've continued to outperform throughout the crisis."

Exports of industrial supplies were particularly strong, rising 8%, driven by chemicals and plastics. Food exports also surged. Among the big gains: Soybean exports jumped to almost $2.4 billion, an all-time high, from $1.8 billion in September.

Read the entire article here.

What is the Smartest Decision You Made in Starting Your Business?

 

Mine was going global at the outset.  What was yours?

What's Nato's New Role?

A little late on this but still worth a look:

Nato's new strategic concept unveiled in Lisbon underlines the global role of the alliance's new non-continental or non-geographic preoccupations such as cyber and space.

Watch a video and learn more here.

Illustration clip here.

10 Things to Consider Before You Start a Business in the United States

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The following article covers ten areas that anyone wishing to start a small business had better think about before moving forward.  Here's a glimpse at No. 7:

Foreign Competition

Especially if you are creating a small business that does manufacturing, you are going to have to deal with foreign competition.

So are you going to be able to compete with the companies in your industry that pay their workers on the other side of the world less than a tenth of what you are paying to your American workers?

On the other side of the world, companies often don’t have to worry about unions, worker’s comp, health benefits, retirement benefits, nightmarish environmental regulations, crushing taxes or miles of paperwork and red tape.

Are you certain that you can compete against that?

Read the entire article here.

How to Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business

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Here are 5 steps that a startup or a small business can take to become a micro-multinational.

Read the entire article here.

How to Leverage Your Existing Customers To Go Global

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For small businesses doing a great job for big-name clients close to home can leverage those relationships to expand abroad.   This is a savvy way to grow global for a small business.  That is what economist Jayson Myers, head of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters, one of the country’s biggest industry groups, said in an interview.

“Often the best sales strategy is not going directly into new markets, but it’s leveraging up your existing customers. We are seeing this in a lot of manufacturing sectors, in a lot of technology companies. We [Canadians] have very, very good products, but often these products have to be packaged or integrated into a bigger service for customers.”

Read the entire article here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Turn To Other Parts of the World to Grow Your Business

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Here are ten fabulous things you need to know about doing business in China.

It’s a global economy. We know that. But what does that really mean? It means that even if you decide to start a business tomorrow in your hometown, more likely than not, you’re going to have to turn to other parts of the world to make your business efficient and profitable. For many business owners, that other part of the world will most likely be China.

Read:  The Top 10 Things You Need to Know About Doing Business in China

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Growing Small Business Exporting

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A very interesting perspective on small-business exporters:

Thinking Small
The Obama administration's efforts to grow small-business exporting, and how Congress could derail them.

Going Down the Export Road

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Find out how you can boost sales by looking for customers across borders.

Tapping into exports

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Toolkit Kiosk Helps SMEs Go Global

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SMEs got a boost recently when the Small and Medium Enterprise Corp Malaysia (SME Corp) unveiled the first of its kind SME Toolkit kiosk in the country aimed at helping SMEs go global.

The kiosk, which is located at SME Corp's office in Menara Matrade, also helps them leverage on the toolkit to enhance their business by reducing their operational cost. SMEs can gain access to the relevant information in the toolkit via the Internet and need not go to the kiosk personally to access it.

The SME Toolkit is an online program that enables entrepreneurs and small businesses to learn how to implement sustainable business management practices needed for growth in areas such as finance, accounting, international business, marketing, human resources or legal, at no cost.

Learn more here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog