How Do You Make the World Your Marketplace?

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President of World Trade Center Miami and a director of the World Trade Centers Association, Charlotte Gallogly gives some advice on going global.

Q. What’s the best preparation for someone who wants to make the world their marketplace?

Determine your business (product/market interests) and then travel to trade fairs in those countries to determine the viability and the market interest in your products. Also, work in the industries to gain experience to ease your transition to becoming an entrepreneur.

Read the entire article here.

Note:  World Trade Center Miami

The World Trade Center Miami (worldtrade.org), a member of the World Trade Centers Association and Florida’s oldest international organization, fosters international business opportunities for member companies.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/11/2688205/business-leader-offers-advice.html#storylink=cpy

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Swing Away World

 ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Swing Away" (Disneyland, Anaheim, CA)

“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.” ~ Henry Ford

The Value Of a Face-To-Face International Business Meeting

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Yes -- you can start and solidify a business relationship via telephone, Skype or email, but nothing cements it better than an in-person (face-to-face) visit with your international customer.  It's essential.

Find out why here.

U.S. Export Funding Help

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Will Ex-Im Bank's loans, loan guarantees, and insurance to American exporters and foreign buyers dry up at the end of May?

Fred Hochberg, Ex-Im’s chairman, says that 87 percent of the bank’s transactions and 20 percent of its financing dollars go to small businesses. 

Find out more here.  And another viewpoint here.

J. Crew Scouts Global Opportunity

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J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler will start selling online orders to 107 countries, spanning 41 currencies.  This is an about face for a CEO who at one time called overseas expansion a "distraction from domestic operations.”

There's a trick (I call it 'deep strategic thinking') to going global that fast.  Find out what it is here.

Illustration credit:  J. Crew homepage

Related article:

J. Crew Spreads Its Global Wings (2/27/10) -- looks like it has taken them two years to get this new international initiative off the ground.

FIRDAWS In Dubai Goes Global

Learn more here. 

Best Option in a Challenging World Economy: Self-Employment

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At last, a site on everything you wanted to know about self-employment and then some.

World:  Go live your dream!

The Self Employed

Your Job Just Got Easier

Spring Fever in Chicago!

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Spring Has Sprung in Chicago."

"It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~ Mark Twain

Grow Small Business, Grow Through Exports

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Air Tractor, with 270 employees, is the largest employer in rural Olney -- population 3,000.  They manufacture agricultural and forestry firefighting aircraft.

For more than 15 years, they have been increasing their exports with the assistance of Export-Import Bank of the United States.  

But this overseas business and these new jobs could disappear if Congress fails to reauthorize the Ex-Im Bank before it expires at the end of May, ending the financing that makes these exports possible.

Learn more here.

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/20/3824000/ickert-growing-small-business.html#storylink=cpy

Read more here: http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/03/20/3824000/ickert-growing-small-business.html#storylink=cpy

Look Who's Entering Global Markets!

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According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than 70 percent of the world's purchasing power is outside of the United States.

So, what are you waiting for?  Small Business:  Getting Into Global Markets says, "if your business isn't taking advantage of global markets, you could be missing out on some big opportunities."

Read the entire article here (and we are delighted to be quoted).  Hat tip to author Jamie Herzlich.

The Perfect Global Growth Plan

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To achieve success running a global small business, you must prepare!  To start, put a plan in place for the future.  Think of it as a global road map.

Try this on for size.  See if it fits or works for your business.

6 Ways to Execute a Perfect Global Growth Plan For Your Business

Done Deal: UPS Buys TNT

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UPS just boosted its logistics power.  It bought TNT for 5.2 billion euros (U.S. $6.85 billion).

Learn more here.

A marriage made on this planet.

Embracing Going Global

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According to "Expanding Internationally:  How to Go Global," even small businesses can take advantage of e-commerce platforms, including global fulfillment solutions and transaction processing capabilities that are designed to enable rapid online expansion outside of the domestic market.  

Review the guide for getting started.  And you might revisit this article as well.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Have Yourself the Sweetest St. Patty's Day Ever

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "St. Patty's Day Cookies"

My favorite day of the year:  St. Patrick's Day.  Even if you are not Irish, pretend you are.  No one will know the difference and you will be all the more happy for the stretch!  Wish I could say I made these sweets.  Didn't.  Photographed them though.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Past Irish posts here ...

SBA's International Trade Loan Program

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As a small business owner, do you plan to bring your production to the United States? Then the U.S. Small Business Administration’s International Trade Loan (ITL) program can provide you with capital to finance your fixed assets, including real estate, and working capital needs.

The program offers private lenders a 90% guarantee on loans as an incentive to encourage lending to growing small businesses.

You can use the ITL program two ways:

1. On-shore to strengthen exports.
2. On-shore to counter import competition.

Learn more here.

Customs Matters: World Customs Organization

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In case you are unfamiliar, the World Customs Organization is the only intergovernmental organization exclusively focused on Customs matters.

It is particularly noted for its work in areas covering the development of global standards, the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures, trade supply chain security, the facilitation of international trade, the enhancement of Customs enforcement and compliance activities, anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiatives, public-private partnerships, integrity promotion, and sustainable global Customs capacity building programmes. The WCO also maintains the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.

Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and Commodity Database On-line

The new on-line version of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and commodity Database offers the possibility of searching by keyword or by using an HS code number to retrieve the information you are looking for. The on-line version offers high speed solutions at little expense, and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Subscriptions are for 1, 2 or 3 years from 1 to 50 users.

To learn more about the service above, click here.  To learn more about the work of the WCO, visit here.

WCO news is published three times a year. Access:

... latest edition (ebrochure)

... latest edition (PDF)

... previous editions

... subscribe

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Books to Nurture a Dream World

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Kyobo Bookstore in Korea is known to have a large number of foreign-language books and other interesting unrelated items (e.g., music and accessories).

Check it out here but for those who only speak English, use the Google translate button.

The History of Global Small Business (Part 3 of 3)

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Final thoughts for now on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally. This is Part 3 of 3 installments and covers growth opportunities and expansion tips for global small businesses.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 3 of 3)
Opportunities and Expansion Tips

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 2 of 3)
Key Growth Drivers and Challenges

And don't miss: Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Women Worldwide Excel At Entrepreneurship

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The U.S. Department of State asked me to write the lead article "Women Entrepreneurs Energize Economies," as part of the current eJournal USA issue "Enterprising Women, Thriving Societies."

May it inspire all individuals -- men and women alike -- to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur.  There's a section tips on how to start a business -- you won't want to miss it.

Immediate download: PDF version (6.5 MB). The design and photos in the PDF file are worth a look.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

We're Fun and We Cover International Business

According to Adam Wooten, under the global small business category, we are one of his favorite international business columnists and bloggers.

Galileo was right; the world does not revolve around me or anyone like me. By a long shot, mine is not the only column on international business, marketing, language and culture. In fact, I would like to share a list of seven of my favorite global business columnists and bloggers who write fun and informative articles on these topics.

Learn more about all seven here.

A big thank you to Adam for including us!

Meet Global Superstar Sophie, The Giraffe

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Sophie la Girafe is a 7-inch-tall rubber teething toy (pictured with baby) made in Rumilly, France, created in 1961 and priced at U.S. $25 in the U.S. market.

The toy has achieved success outside its home country.

Hint:

"What difference could there be between a Chinese, American or Russian baby?" he thought (referring to Mr. Jacquemier who is a minority shareholder in the company). He set out to understand why Sophie was such a hit in France—aside from the fact that most French mothers had once had their own giraffes.

The CEO hired a psychotherapist, who concluded the rubber chew toy tapped into all five senses: sight with its strongly contrasting colors; hearing with its easy squeak; taste because it is easy to chomp on; and the touch and smell of the natural rubber. The toy's petite size made it easy for babies to grip.

Find out how the producers of Sophie determined it could sell overseas and what they did to make it happen here. Fascinating story.

Sophie is made by Vulli.

Biggest Driver On The Planet: Entrepreneurship!

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I've written about my involvement with the World Entrepreneurship Forum, now I wish to turn you on to a fantastic 2011 White Paper, proceedings of the fourth World Entrepreneurship Forum held in Singapore November 2-5, 2011:

"Entrepreneurship, A Driver for Innovation and Technology"

To download the 56-page PDF-file report, first complete a five-second form ... it's worth it! 

Quote from Page 4:

If you think you are too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room. ~ Dame Anita Roddick, founder of the Body Shop

Watch the video here.   Learn more about the World Entrepreneurship Forum here.

Can Social Media Influence Global Socio-Economic Change?

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Can social media influence the global perceptions that bring about socio-economic change in poor rural areas with bad Internet connections?

The Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE) is going to find out. 

Read:  Going Global on a Shoestring and a Smartphone

Review the case study in NGO social media from Honduras:

The Organization for Youth Empowerment (OYE)
the OYE social media project

The History of Global Small Business (Part 2 of 3)

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Some additional thoughts on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally.  This is Part 2 of 3 installments and covers the challenges and growth drivers for global small businesses.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 2 of 3)
Small Business Globalization:  Key Growth Drivers and Challenges

And don't miss: Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Defining the Risks Foreign Companies Take When Doing Business In China

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Over time, a series of lawsuits will take place in the Chinese courts that could define the risks foreign companies take when they try to make money in China’s booming markets.

Will Chinese courts finally protect foreign IP?

Read:  A Test Case for Intellectual Property in China

Taking a Strategic Meetings Management Program Global

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Kevin Iwamoto, vice president of enterprise strategy at StarCite provides a checklist for taking your SMM program global here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Embracing Complexity: China

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Wharton is helping China embrace complexity and take the next logical step in economic development.

The Year of the Dragon seems destined to be an inflection point in the dramatic history of China’s economic development. Yes, there is the familiar question: Is this the year that China’s extended period of remarkable economic growth will finally be supplanted by a slower rate? But there is another transition underway as China’s position as the world’s low-cost producer is steadily challenged by increases in wages and other costs.

Read the entire blog post here.

How to Jump Start Washington Exports

The History of Global Small Business

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Some thoughts on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally.  This is Part 1 of 3 installments.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Jaguar Goes Global and Rip Roaring Wild

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How alive are you?  That's what Jaguar wants to find out with their new global marketing campaign to ...

convince car buyers that they produce the most appealing range of drivers’ cars ... in the world.

Learn more here.

A Coordinated Stance on Global Affairs

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Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says:

“When the BRICS ‘five’ really gets going, its influence on the global economy and politics will be quite significant,” Putin wrote in a campaign article on foreign policy in Moskovskie Novosti published on Monday. Putin, 59, plans to return to the Kremlin after the presidential elections next month.

According to Putin, BRICS countries:  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa have a combined population of 3 billion people and are responsible for more than 25 percent of the world's GDP.

Learn more about what Putin has to say on "world order" here.

Snow Globe World

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Fresh Snow in Chicago."

“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.” ~ Sarah Addison Allen, The Sugar Queen

America's New Exports

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As Austan Goolsbee, a professor of economics at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, former chairman of President Obama's Council of Economic Advisers from 2010 to 2011, writes in the Wall Street Journal:

The U.S. runs a huge trade surplus in tourism, tuition paid by foreign students, even NBA jersey sold abroad.

Further, he talks about the more promising way out of our economic doldrums:  growing exports -- through things like tourism, travel and services.

Read the entire commentary and more than 35 comments (when I last checked) at:
Jeremy Lin and America's 'New Exports'

Opportunity Can Knock Overseas

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For United States MBAs, taking your career global has never been easier.

“Just because you go overseas initially does not mean you’re relegating yourself to working overseas for the rest of your career ... "

There is plenty of work for everyone worldwide.  Find out more here.  When opportunity knocks, turn the knob.  The door to the world will open easily.

Where Does Going Global Start?

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According to this article,  going global starts at home.

Domestic reforms would help Chinese companies invest successfully abroad.

Posted by The Global Small Business Blog

A Sweet Taste of Brazil

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Chocolate Brigadeiros (as shown) are considered the most popular candy in Brazil.  They are an absolute must-have at birthday parties, weddings and all other festive events in Brazil.

Gourmet Brigadeiro was created with the idea of making the best Brigadeiros possible. We make it the traditional way how it is made in Brazil - by hand, adding love and the finest ingredients out there. Gourmet Brigadeiros only uses top shelf Belgium and Swiss chocolate. There is no artificial colors, high fructose corn syrup, or preservatives.

Take a sweet break and visit Gourmet Brigadeiro.

Legal Advisor to the World?

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Can the U.K. become a "lawyer and advisor to the world?"  That's what Britain's Justice Minister wants to accomplish.  He desires to make London the preeminent forum for resolving international commercial disputes with Asia (China) being its first target.

Read the entire store here.

Love Birds

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Bird Freedom"

"I hope you love birds too. It is economical. It saves going to heaven." ~ Emily Dickinson

Choosing the Legal Structure For An Import/Export Business

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If you are just getting started in an import/export business, the article below might help you decide which legal structure is best suited for you.

Choosing Your Form of Organization (Part 1 of 2)
Choosing Your Form of Organization (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Technology is a Global Endeavor

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In our global world, GigaOM is acquiring its flagship brand, paidContent, along with its other assets: mocoNews.net, contentSutra.com, and paidContent:UK.

In an interview with Wired, GigaOM CEO Paul Walborsky said, “Technology and covering technology is a global endeavor, and you need to be in all the major centers,” foreshadowing an increase in global expansion on the part of new media operations and those that cover them.

Read more here.

Global Technology, Finance and Economics

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All rolled into one blog:  GATA = global american technology alliances

Here's the About page:

gata is an international business development consultancy.  gata brings value to clients by either enhancing revenue opportunities or driving cost containment by building partnerships with foreign companies.

What It's Like to Run a Global Small Business in the Czech Republic

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A day in the life of a Czech Republic global small business owner:

Czechs are quite technologically advanced. Almost everybody has internet access, and smart phones are widely popular. Also we are one of the few countries in the world where the local search engine is stronger than Google. It´s no wonder that most small business owners bet on internet marketing.

Is marketing a global small business in the Czech Republic done differently than any other part of the world?

Find out here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Small Businesses Increase Their Share of Exports

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According to new data published by the U.S. Department of Commerce, small businesses have increased their share of exports in the two years.

Companies with fewer than 500 employees accounted for 35 percent of exports in the third quarter of 2011, according to preliminary figures from the Census Bureau. That’s up from about 32.8 percent in 2009. The figure, from a report to be released in April, refers only to sales of goods, not services.

Learn more here (under the Exporting sub-head).

The Noisy Driver of Economic Growth: Exports

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Oh come on now ... really?

Much of the rise in exports is a consequence of domestic problems. The value of the dollar has declined, so that foreigners save money when they buy American. Businesses, struggling to find customers here, are focusing on foreign sales. And a boom in commodity prices, which has raised the price of life for most Americans, has produced a windfall for those who trade in commodities.

Read the entire outlook here.  As always, the comments are intriguing (like the one shown above).

Don't Take Your Global Customers For Granted

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Jesse Kornbluth, the author of the magnificent commentary headlined above with the link below, was editorial director of America Online from 1997-2003. He now edits Headbutler.com.

I joined AOL as editorial director in 1997. As a journalist, screenwriter and author with a big Rolodex, I was hired to help transform a technology company headquartered in a field in Virginia into a media powerhouse. For a year, we had only modest adult supervision, and we made the most of it.

Read his full length opinion piece featured in the WSJ here.

Be sure to catch every delightful comment.

You're Invited ... 21st Century Marketing: How to GROW Your Business in Today's Market

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Dear Colleague and fellow Women in Business,

I’d like to invite you to attend the upcoming “21st Century Marketing: How to Grow Your Business in Today’s Market” Conference, targeting Women in Business, to be held at the Anaheim (California) Marriott March 23, 2012.

You can access the Conference agenda (and registration) via the website link below. I look forward to speaking at the Conference and hope to see you there!

http://www.wboconference.com/

Regards,
Laurel
773-381-1700

Increase American Exports

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President Obama called on the United States to double the number of U.S. exports in 5 years in order to support 2 million new jobs as part of the National Export Initiative.

One of the International Trade Administration's strategies to achieve this is through the New Market Exporter Initiative (NMEI), which targets Strategic Partners’ current customers who are exporting goods and services abroad in order to help them expand their reach to additional international markets.

Why?

On average, approximately fifty-eight percent (58%) of all U.S. exporters only sell to one market overseas. By focusing resources on these U.S. small- and medium-sized companies who already have knowledge of exporting, we increase the opportunity to have the largest impact.

Learn more here or quickly download this document in PDF format.

Who Reigns As Queen of Global Pop?

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Madonna or Lady Gaga?
What's Your Vote?

Related articles:

6 Tips to Shock Your Global Customers:  It Works for Madonna!

How to Market Your Business Lady Gaga Style

Take Your Business To the World

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What's the best way to take advantage of trade developments at the EU and global level? Attend a trade conference at University of Cambridge.

“The Going Global conference offers trade advice and information as well as the opportunity to interact directly with experts from the UK and the Continent.”

Learn more here.

A World Walking On Clouds

©Laurel Delaney, 2012, "Walking On Clouds"

"A pessimist sees only the dark side of the clouds, and mopes; a philosopher sees both sides, and shrugs; an optimist doesn't see the clouds at all - he's walking on them."  ~ Leonard Louis Levinson

Small Business Exports: Where They Stand

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John Tozzi, our friend and colleague at BusinessWeek, reports on "Small Business Exports Edge Up."

Key comment:

“Ninety-eight percent of U.S. exporters are small and medium-sized enterprises but these exporters have historically represented only 30 percent of U.S. export value,” Tim Truman, a spokesman for the Commerce Department’s International Trade Association, said in an email.

And we are pleased to be quoted (GlobeTrade) in the article as well -- thank you John for including us!

Read the entire article here.  International Trade Update here.

Import and Export Statistics

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Are you forever searching for U.S. import and export statistics? Look know further. We've put together seven key offerings from the U.S. Census Bureau on Foreign Trade which will help you track import and export statistics.

Check it out: Foreign Trade Statistics: How to Access U.S. Import and Export Trade Statistics

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog