Chicago Blackhawks: Work Hard, Play Harder and Win Insanely Great!

Congratulations to the

Chicago Blackhawks:

2013 Stanley Cup Champs!

Photos Courtesy: ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

5 Ways to Crank Your Business Up to Global

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If companies want to grow, they have a couple of options to make it happen:  new product launch, buy a company, franchise, license an idea and export, to name but a few.

In the article, "Five Steps to Start Thinking Like An Exporter," London regional director Parveen Thornhill for UK Trade & Investment's (UKTI) talks about how small businesses want to reach out to Bric countries and beyond, yet it's not always clear where to start.  He shares five tips on how to turn your business into a global player.

While I have you, I am currently at work on a new book on exporting to be published February 2014 by Apress.  I'll keep you posted.  It will be an export game changer for small businesses.  You won't want to miss it.

Are We Globally Engaged?

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Are we a society that is globally engaged and driven by production and innovation?

According to the Brookings Institution:

"A growing chorus of leaders is calling for a new growth model, one that creates more and better jobs by engaging rising global demand and attracting global talent and capital. These leaders recognize that only by harnessing the power of ..."

Read the entire article:  Going Global:  Boosting Metro Denver's Economic Future

Meanwhile, view (immediate download of a PDF file) the 10 Traits of Globally Fluent Metro Areas case study for Denver

Teach a Man to Go Global and You Expand His Business Over a Lifetime

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"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." ~ Chinese Proverb

Similarly, give a man (or woman) an international customer and you satisfy his/her need to go global.  Teach a man (or woman) to go global and you expand his/her business over a lifetime. 

"One of the big things in international trade is that people don't go into something new because they do not understand it," said Mark Peterson, Greater Rochester Enterprise (GRE) President & CEO. "We want them growing, we want them adding jobs and we want them to be able to have the knowledge they need to grow as fast as possible."

Read the entire article:  International Business Council Helps Local Companies Go Global

How the Mighty Succeed Globally!

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In the article below, I challenge you to determine whether you are strong enough to take your business to the next level.  I provide six super tips to update your business and help you become leaner, stronger and poised for greater global growth in the coming years. Are you ready?

How The Mighty Succeed Globally

The Faint of Heart Should Not Go Global

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According to Raytheon CEO Bill Swanson, “The faint of heart shouldn’t be involved in this process."  And what he is referring to is a little of the Farnborough International Airshow (Paris), the talk of how doing international business is not easy and how companies face US export restrictions and more.

Read the entire article:  Going Global:  US Firms Grow Foreign Connections as Domestic Spending Stalls

Chicago Blackhawks: Go Baby, Go!

2013 Stanley Cup Finals:  Chicago Blackhawks versus Boston Bruins in Game 5, tonight (6/22) at United Center (8:00 p.m. ET on NBC, CBC and RDS).

To Chicago Blackhawks:  Go baby, go!  

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago Blackhawks emblem"

How to Attract High Impact International Projects

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ZGF Architects has left its fingerprints on projects not only around the United States but also across the globe. The Portland Convention Center, the KOIN Center skyscraper, and the extension for Portland International Airport were all designed by ZGF Architects.

In the hopes of attracting more high-impact international projects for ZGF Architects and like-minded local businesses, Portland in 2012 launched the We Build Green Cities initiative, a one-of-a-kind attempt to leverage the city’s green reputation to boost exports and the regional economy. National Journal has honored this unique project as the winner in our category of expanding exports.

Learn more about the We Build Green Cities initiative, the importance of exporting -- not just product but services as well -- for Portland and other ways Portland is marketing its strengths.

How One Green City is Going Global

One other fact highlighted in the article:

"For every $1 billion the United States generates in exports, about 5,400 jobs are created, according to the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program. Yet research shows that strikingly few American companies—less than 1 percent of 30 million firms—sell abroad."

Map a Strategy Before Going Global

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What are the opportunities and pitfalls to going global?  Which markets are best to go after?  How does one develop a strategy?  All these questions plus more are addressed by a handful of experts on international business during a panel discussion at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Center.

Find out what they had to say here.

One major quick takeaway:  Always have an exit strategy.

Training Female Entrepreneurs on Cross Border Trade

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The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce (TWCC) has launched a project called “Enhancing women entrepreneur’s competitiveness and opportunities to benefit from regional and international trade."  The goal is to support Women in the Informal Cross Border Trade (WICBT) to meet market requirements.  The TWCC is implementing this project with supervision from the Small Industries Development Organisation (SIDO).

The program will provide the necessary support and guidance to help women in business flourish!

About TWCC:

The Tanzania Women Chamber of Commerce is an umbrella organization uniting sectoral business women associations, companies, and individuals who have agreed to form a united front to advocate, lobby and network for the well being of their businesses and prosperity of women entrepreneurs. Current membership stands at 6 associations and 20 companies; all together about 2000 members. 

Read all the news here.

Related helpful resources:

Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global

Enterprising Women 2012

Point the Way Toward More Interactive Global Distance Learning Scenarios

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While abroad, Samuel Slover, 27, worked on social entrepreneurship initiatives, including microfinance programs, and taught English and business. All along, he felt under-qualified to teach the assigned curricula.

He knew there had to be a better way.  

To seize on this opportunity and bridge the expert and education gap, in 2010 Slover and his brother, who had a similar experience in Nepal and Honduras, launched Learn It Live, a web-based social-learning platform. The site’s goal is to bring online education courses to those in other countries and in the U.S.

Read the entire article: How Teaching English in Bolivia Sparked One Young Trep’s Bankable Business Idea

Affective Trust in the Global Marketplace

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Affective trust.  Do you know what it is?  According to Chua's article, "Building Effective Business Relationships in China:"

The second type is trust from the heart (affective trust), which arises from feelings of emotional closeness, empathy and rapport and is more complex to develop. 

Read Roy Y. J. Chua's summary on "trust from the head" and "affective trust:" Building Effective Business Relationships in China (requires registration if you want to read the entire article at MIT Sloan Management Review and worth a look to uncover a vast amount of global business knowledge).*

*3 free articles per month, $6.50/article thereafter.

Related article here.

Laughing Flowers

“The earth laughs in flowers.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

Have a good weekend and Happy Father's Day to all fathers!

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Laughing Flowers."

How to Go Global For One Night Only

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Interesting idea on how to go global for one night only and these kids pull it off with a theater production.

The show called 'Dance Around the World', features ballet, jazz, tap, street jazz and contemporary styles of dancing as well as musical theater.

Read the entire article:  Going Global For One Night Only

Security Meets Global Freedom

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Can secure messaging go global?  Some people think secure messaging may eventually be applied globally because of international interest in health information exchange.

Using Direct in other nations could prove appealing to U.S. citizens who seek care overseas and want to give local providers access to their records, says Scott Rea, vice president and senior PKI architect at DigiCert*, a provider of digital certificates and a certificate and registration authority for Direct exchange.

For instance, the U.S. has military and other government personnel working around the world. These individuals need to be able access health services outside the U.S. yet still be able to communicate in a secure way with American-based healthcare providers managing their medical records, Rea says.

Read the entire article, "Direct Exchange:  Going Global?"

*DigiCert provides digital certificates to over 60,000 customers in more than 146 countries.

Related articles:

Testing Health Information Exchange via DIRECT Messaging

AAFP:  Worry Free Direct Protocols Key to Data Exchange

Do the Right Thing in the Global Marketplace

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Paul Dillon, president and CEO of Dillon Consulting Services LLC, shares his best-kept secrets on why doing the right thing globally -- or in any aspect of life -- leads to success.

Read:  Why Doing the Right Thing in the Global Marketplace Will Bring You Business Success

Connecting Globally

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Is global connectedness good for our world?  In "Strategies for Global Connectedness," Messrs Pankaj Ghemawat and Steven A. Altman say:

The real world is roughly only 10 to 25 percent globalized. Most activities that could take place either across or within national borders are still domestic. Moreover, the trend is toward further localization. The same policymakers and business leaders who once sought universal openness are focusing their investment, attention, and effort within their own home countries. 

According to World Internet Users Statistics Usage and World Population Stats, 34.3 percent of the world's population uses the Internet.

What comprises of the real world?

Read the entire article here.

Small Businesses Thrive in the International Marketplace (Video)

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A video, "Small Businesses That Are Thriving in the International Marketplace," features three small business owners (noted below) who reveal why foreign trade is vital to the growth and success of their companies. The video underscores the importance of trade and highlights how small businesses are engaged in the global economy.

Each of the companies also share how they are able to export their products to highly competitive markets such as Mexico and China.

1. Drew Greenblat of Marlin Steel
2. Roy Paulson of Paulson Manufacturing
3. Robert Patton of Patton Electronics

WATCH the video here.

And there's more!

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has also updated its TradeSupportsJobs.com, an interactive site that shows how exports drive economic growth and support jobs in all 50 states and all 435 congressional districts. The site breaks down the value of exports to every state by total dollar amount, by industry sector, and by the number of jobs directly supported by exports.

Self-Portrait: Laurel Delaney

"In a portrait, you have room to have a point of view. The image may not be literally what's going on, but it's representative." - Annie Leibovitz

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  "Self-portrait:  Laurel Delaney"

Can Ford Sell Overseas?

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Here's the scoop:  "Ford's EcoSport SUV will be sold in more than 60 countries in four years. Currently, it's sold in 10 countries. The Edge will be sold in 40 markets, compared with 16 last year. The most important change might be the beginning of sales of the Escape in China this year."  That's all according to Erich Merkle, Ford's sales analyst.

By ignoring the growing trends of consumers who were downsizing to smaller vehicles and wanting improved gas mileage as fuel prices increased, Detroit automakers ran their businesses into the ground. Those poor decisions culminated in bankruptcies by GM and Chrysler, while Ford escaped by restructuring on the back of its own private loans. Fast-forward to today, and the SUV is a different beast and is beginning to sell again. The more important question for Ford is, can it sell overseas?

Read the entire article:  Can Ford Take SUVs to the Global Market?

Rethink Your Diversity Training Initiatives When Going Global

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Jennifer Gilhool just spent two years in China for the organization (Ford) where she worked.  She had to adjust quickly to working with people from a different culture who had different ideas and expectations in terms of how things should be done.

When I arrived in China, I received little, if any, real training on how to manage the diverse nature of our team. I had to learn by trial and error. And, I did learn. What I learned is that it is all about communication. Learning to listen and speak in a way that allows for common understanding. I also learned that humility goes a long way. Admitting that I did not know the culture, asking for help, accepting, respecting and being genuinely interested in understanding the culture gave me immediate credibility. Why? Because it provided the opportunity for the discussion.

Read the entire article:  "Going Global?  Better Rethink Your Diversity Training."

A little about Jennifer Gilhool (her Twitter handle is @JG_Ink and her Facebook page is here):

Jennifer Gilhool is a lawyer and management executive who recently spent two years in China building an extraordinary team to manage international regulatory compliance for a Fortune 10 Company.  She founded her own company, Pink Streak Ink, to work on issues of corporate diversity, leadership and education for women and girls around the globe.  She is about to publish her first book, Sheryl Sandberg, China & Me, which is a story of an ordinary woman who moved her family to China for her career, saw her career nearly implode, and with it, her life — or so she thought.  (Note:  It appears she is ready for: Escape From Corporate America).

Technology Is Shifting To Reflect New Poles of Growth

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Which country is leading the new pattern of growth?

The old theories governing the way that countries produce and trade are being replaced. The pattern of trade is being transformed by increasingly sophisticated technology and innovations in transportation; and the topography of actors is shifting to reflect new poles of growth.

One single factor that helps?  Confidence.

Learn more here.

Founder of Alibaba Jack Ma Interviewed by Charlie Rose

Does Made In America Still Matter?

Good friend and colleague Rieva Lesonsky writes a wonderful article, "Why Made in America Still Matters," for Small Business Trends.

These days, “Made in America” isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be. Most Americans are aware that products branded with American labels may be made in overseas factories or assembled here with parts made overseas. Three-fourths of consumers say being manufactured in the U.S. is crucial for them to consider it “made in America.” 

What do you think?  With complex and vast global supply chains, do you think we can still find a pure made in America product?  We welcome comments!

Contrast the "Made in America" to "Not Made in China."

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "American flag in front of The Wrigley Building, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., 6/1/13"

Make Someone's Day

Wherever you are in the world, make someone's day.

Whether it's remembering your postal delivery person by name, giving a smile to a stranger or extending a kind gesture to someone in need, take the time to make someone's day.  Caring is contagious.


Have a good weekend!

Photo courtesy: ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Middle Class Is On the Move All Over the World

According to Milton Kotler, the middle class is on the move all over the world.  What does that mean?  We need to open our eyes to the reality of the vast urban middle class in the East, and other parts of the so-called developing world. He illustrates his points (trends) in a comparative view of two great cities, one new and one old: Shenzhen, China and Chicago, Illinois (the latter where I live - pictured).

The second purpose is to open Western eyes to the economic dynamism of BRIC countries and their emerging and developing market cohorts in Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. The Middle Class in on the move all over the world, and is moving at a faster pace in the Developing and Emerging global sector than in the Developed sector.

Learn more over at Milton Kotler's China blog (fascinating material).

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

3 Lessons To Learn About Unifying, Localizing and Laying a Foundation for Global Growth

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What role has IT played when taking a company global?  The CIO Executive Council talks to CIOs about that question and more. Here are three lessons you can learn about unifying, localizing and laying a foundation for growth.

One CIO's point of view:

Build a Platform for Growth

Peter Weis, VP and CIO, Matson: For more than 120 years, Matson focused primarily on the Hawaiian market. Nearly 10 years ago, we expanded internationally into China, and we knew then that our IT strategy needed to enable global expansion. We've embedded globalization into all four components of our IT strategy: applications, organization, architecture and governance.

 Read:  3 CIO Strategies for Going Global 

Global-First

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What does global-first mean?  It means starting a business with the intent to go global first - before ever conducting local business.

So your back of the napkin strategy would look like this for your new business:

1.  Go global first.
2.  Go domestic (local) later.

It's that's simple.  Read the entire article:  How To Go Global and Win Big With your Startup

Lead paragraph to article:

The US is a global leader in Internet and smartphone penetration and use, but the rest of the world is catching up fast. With a good part of the growth for consumer products happening abroad, the question isn’t if you should go global with your startup, but how and when.

Related post (1/30/13):  Startups Going Global

Is Winning Strategy to Always Go Global?

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The continuing saga of Barnes & Noble and how it can't, in my opinion, be saved by going global.

What do you think?

Related posts:

1. New Barnes and Noble e-Reader May 24th
2. Barnes & Noble to Go International
3. Barnes and Noble NOOK Bookstore Will be Available in 10 International Markets by June 2013
4. Barnes and Noble Nook Tips for International Users
5. Barnes and Noble: Taking the Nook to Foreign Markets
6. Pearson Completes Investment in Barnes and Noble Nook Media
7. Who Has the Edge On Wireless Reading Devices?

Modifying Products to Meet the Needs of Consumers in the Global Marketplace

Modifying your product to meet the needs of an overseas market is a considerable undertaking and will likely require a substantial investment of time and money. You might do it to gain an export marketplace or a parallel market or to introduce a new product. No matter what your motivation, if the anticipated international sales will outweigh the expense, why wouldn’t you do it? You’ll need to know how to adapt a product for export, and what important factors you’ll need to consider before making the leap. 

Read the entire article that I wrote for MasterCard Business Network Blog:  Going Global:  Adapting Your Products to Meet the Needs of the Marketplace

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Chicago Treats da Sport Mix" (Note:  If a consumer overseas cannot read English, a photo on the label shows what is in the can.)

Seize the Moment

Seize the moment.  Remember all those women on the Titanic who waved off the dessert cart.  ~Erma Bombeck

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.

Small Businesses Doing Cross Border Business in 2013

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The World Bank Group publishes the Doing Business 2013: Smarter Regulations for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises which assesses regulations affecting domestic firms in 185 economies and ranks the economies in 10 areas of business regulation, such as starting a business, resolving insolvency and trading across borders.

The report marks the 10th edition of the Doing Business series. Over the past decade, these reports have recorded nearly 2,000 regulatory reforms implemented by 180 economies.

One key finding out of several:

•  Besides Poland, nine other economies are recognized as having the most improved ease of doing business across several areas of regulation as measured by the report: Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Burundi, Costa Rica, Mongolia, Greece, Serbia, and Kazakhstan.

Learn more here.

(Download Full Report Now)

What Exactly Is Globalization?

We had The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy where an economist, Pietra Rivoli, examined the markets, power and the politics of world trade - sorting through and encouraging us to understand how free trade and protection have most certainly changed our world.

In the commentary recently published in The Wall Street Journal, The Economics of a $6.75 Shirt, Rubana Huq (managing director of the Mohammadi Group, a garment manufacturer and exporter in Dhaka, Bangladesh.), provides a detailed analysis of the economics of a $6.75 shirt made in Bangladesh and as it relates to Bangladesh's minimum wage.

The recent tragedies at several Bangladeshi garment factories have claimed hundreds of lives—and focused international attention on this important but often overlooked industry. Yet greater scrutiny has not led to greater understanding, raising the prospect that any proposed solutions will have serious unintended consequences for this industry and the four million people it employs. 

Read the entire commentary here (be sure to read the comments - very telling).

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  (Go global t-shirt - made in USA).

Raising Kids Who Are Global

The Ruff Ryders' first lady emeritus Eve, who recently dropped her first album in 11 years, Lip Lock, gets candid about the downside of fame and also mentions how she wants to raise her kids.

I’d rather raise my kids globally than exclusively in the U.S. There is so much culture and history in Europe. We have culture in the U.S. but you have to look for it. A lot of the kids I’ve met in Europe are more mature because they’ve gotten to travel. In an hour, you can be in a different country. I’m going to be one of those crazy parents who wants her children to speak three languages. They’re going to hate me, but they will love me for it in the end.

Read the entire article:  "Eve:  The "Women Are Complex, Too"

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Alibaba Success Story: Ask a Lot of Questions

Profiled company:  Eatwhatever

Global Tilt by Ram Charan

I'm a big fan of Ram Charan (my favorite book of his is Execution:  The Discipline of Getting Things Done).  He has a new book out, "Global Tilt," and he doesn't let us down in continuing to offer great insights and solutions in the world of business.

Click here to purchase.

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney "Global TILT"

Tiptoe Through the Tulips

"Life isn't a tiptoe through the tulips." ~ Shannon Hoon

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

A Guide to Landed Pricing in Global Trade

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In my first blog post for Pitney Bowes (client), I explain what a landed price is, why it is essential in global trade and how you can put it to use to increase your profits.

What Is a Landed Cost and Why it's Essential in Global Trade

Avoid These 10 Going Global Mistakes At All Costs

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Conducting business in the global marketplace is not the same as it is at home in a local market. Here are 10 common mistakes that occur when going global and how you can avoid them.

Note:  I wrote the article below for the MasterCard Business Network and it is based on experience.

Going Global:  The Top 10 Mistakes Many Small Businesses Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Live Discussion: How to Do Business in BRIC Countries

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Join the Guardian Small Business Network between 1:00-3:00 p.m. today, May 15th, for tips on exporting your products to Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC).

Sign up here for details.

During the discussion you'll find out:

• The benefits of trading with the BRIC countries.
• Country-specific business culture, practice and regulations.
• What support is on offer to help your company.
• Experiences of small businesses who already export to these regions.
• Any other advice you'll need to get started.

China and the United States Both Want to Maintain An Open Global Trade Regime

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Li Zhongzhou, former director general of MOFCOM and former UNCTAD division director writes the following commentary:

Seeking a win-win scenario in trade between China, US

Editor's Note: US exports to China significantly outperformed export growth to the other top 10 US trading partners including Brazil by 180 percent, but US primary interests still lie in securing access to potential Chinese markets. The US-China Business Council looks at China as a $250 billion market for US companies with still greater potential for further growth.

A Sign It's Time to Go Global

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It's never just one sign telling you to "go global!"  So how do you know when you are in the ready state?  It starts with a rapid growth stage with your business–doubling sales weekly over the past year, for instance–and then you’re ready to model that success into continuous growth through global expansion.

Here's an article I drafted for the MasterCard Business Network Blog.  See if your business is ready to take on the world.

6 Signs Your Small Business is Ready to Expand Globally

Be Patient. The Storm Will Pass. Spring Will Come.

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Never cut a tree down in the wintertime. Never make a negative decision in the low time. Never make your most important decisions when you are in your worst moods. Wait. Be patient. The storm will pass. The spring will come." ~ Robert H. Schuller

Selling Around the World Is Not Easy

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Selling around the world is not easy but largely thanks to technology, it's doable.  In this article, "Going Global At Launch," Gary Whitehill (on the board of advisors for the Dell Center for Entrepreneurs) talks about how launching a micro-multinational business is a complex endeavor and with a few critical best practices, the path can be smooth.

The Fuqua School of Business: Embedded and Connected Globally

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The Fuqua School of Business is pushing the limits of global education and in doing so, sets itself apart in its pursuit of establishing full degree programs abroad.

Dean of the business school, Bill Boulding, hopes to continue the focus on global expansion, coining the catchphrase “embedded and connected” to describe the school’s aim to understand a region’s economic needs and unite international perspectives.

“If you want to be a great business school, you have to be global,” Boulding said. “And if you’re going to be global, you need to be in all parts of the world that really matter in our future.”

Read the entire article here.

How To Expand Your Business In New Countries

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What does it take to expand your business internationally?

As Dylan Thomas once said, “Do not go gentle into that good night.” My take on that is “Do not go gentle into that international market.” Go fiercely, but prepare! 

Here's an article I wrote for Mastercard Business Network Blog that covers six factors to consider before you land your first international customer.

Expanding Your Business in New Countries:  What You Need to Know Before You Start

Somebody Tell Me How Justin Timberlake's World Tour Is Global

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Here's the headline:  "Justin Timberlake Is Going Global!  Announces Fall Dates for the 20/20 Experience World Tour!"

When I scan the dates and locations, I see all North American locations.  Is that global?  Someone needs an education on what truly makes for a going global initiative.

Smartphone Tips While Traveling Internationally

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When it comes to using your smartphone internationally, plan ahead, or -- according to the article below -- it will cost you dearly.

Going Global With Your Phone

Related article:  6 Precautions to Take When Traveling Overseas

World Star Diana Krall

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "The Chicago Theatre"

I had the great pleasure of seeing jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall on Saturday, April 27th at The Chicago Theatre and what a brilliant performance she gave.  I highly recommend her adventuresome entertainment style whenever the opportunity presents itself.  And did you know?  She is married to Elvis Costello.

Have a good weekend!

Biggest Overseas Market For Tupperware?

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Where is Tupperware Brands selling the most product?  If you thought China, guess again.  It's Indonesia -- a booming consumer sector.

Indonesia last year replaced Germany as the biggest market for Tupperware Brands Corp., which sells plastic containers for leftover beef stew and baba ganoush at house parties world-wide.

Read the entire article:  Indonesia Provides a Tasty Dish for Tupperware

Understanding China's New Leadership

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What role will China play in the future in global trade and financial markets?  Where is China's economic policy headed?

A useful starting point is to examine the key appointments that have been made since President Xi Jinping assumed office.

Read the commentary:  China's New Path by Martin Feldstein

About Martin Felstein:

Martin Feldstein, Professor of Economics at Harvard University and President Emeritus of the National Bureau of Economic Research, chaired President Ronald Reagan’s Council of Economic Advisers from 1982 to 1984.  In 2006 ... read more

How to Handle Crappy Product Samples From Overseas

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Don't shake your head at the thought.  Most experienced international traders have been down the path of working with a new supplier, setting terms and conditions, providing specs on desired product, establishing pricing, waiting for samples and voila, the samples arrive and they are crappy -- really awful quality!  What do you do?

As a primer, read:

Where to Source Products and What to Do if You Receive Crappy Product Samples from Overseas