Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Insights From Pope Francis on Globalization

©iStock/Nico_Campo
In this article, I reference Pope Francis's remark on "one-dimensional globalization" and touch on some other interesting quotes that were made by him during his first-time historic trip to the United States.

Read more:  Globalization is Good and Can be Noble

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Use Mobile Applications to Boost Efficiency Worldwide

©iStock/Leadinglights
How do you tap economic global potential?  Use mobile applications to boost efficiency by cutting travel costs and allowing workers to share information and have online meetings.  That's what Google Australia head of small business marketing Richard Flanagan says.
“Going online opens up nat­ional and global markets for businesses restricted to local buyers, as well as accessing ser­vices and labour markets that aren’t local for specialised workers,” he said.
Read more:  Online strategy turns bush [Australian] business global

Monday, September 28, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: Pope Francis Weighs In On Benefits of Globalization

©iStock/Nico_Campo
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, September 26, 2015

Prohibition-Era Gem of a Bar in Chicago

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
The Hideout Chicago (pictured) is a prohibition-era gem of a Chicago bar in a small space that hosts all kinds of live music and dancing on Saturday night.  I had the opportunity to be at the Hideout Tuesday night (9/22) to listen to the incredibly talented Eagle Rock Gospel Singers.

Friday, September 25, 2015

Leveraging the Growing Internet Usage

©iStock/Scanrall
According to eMarketer, the Asia-Pacific region is projected to capture 33.4 percent share of global e-commerce sales by the end of 2015.  Embracing e-commerce will accelerate access to international markets, promote innovation, create jobs and expand customer reach for business owners.
“We need to leverage on the growing Internet usage, burgeoning middle class, and the increasing accessibility and affordability of technology to enable our micro, small, and medium enterprises to enter the global market. E-Commerce has evolved into a regular marketplace option for many buyers,” she [Doris Magsaysay-Ho, 2015 chairman of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Business Advisory Council (Abac)] added.
Read more:  'Free and open trade should benefit small businesses'

Thursday, September 24, 2015

What Happens When International Expansion is High On a List?

©iStock/Maselkoo99
You can start out a year by saying "We will develop the absolute best social media campaign," or you can declare, "International expansion will be our number one priority this year."  Whatever you say ends up guiding your directives throughout the year.

In this case, Onfido, a London-based background-checking startup established by three Oxford graduates, has put international expansion high on their list of strategic priorities for 2015.

Onfido's technology allows companies to carry out remote background checks and is used by everyone from Airbnb rival Onefinestay to on-demand cleaning business Handy.

Ed Ungar, Google's former head of channel partnerships in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, has been named COO of Onfido.

Read more:  Onfido hires Google's Ed Ungar to lead expansion

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Globalization Presents Growth Opportunity for Businesses

©iStock/Elen11
Global payment and currency risk management solution company AFEX surveyed more than 450 of their SME client base worldwide, to explore their experiences and attitudes towards global trade, and their approaches towards managing currency risk. The responses offer a fascinating insight into the concerns and expectations for growing businesses trading beyond their domestic borders.

Biggest finding?
... "almost half of their clients (48%) are expecting to increase their level of international trade in 2015, compared to just 38% planning to do so in 2014. As a result, and against a backdrop of global economic uncertainty, one in five (19%) of clients also plan to increase hedging activity to mitigate currency risk."
The question becomes:  What portion of your revenue is exposed to currency fluctuation and how are you mitigating that risk?

Read:  AFEX Currency Risk Outlook 2015

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Creating the Next Billion Global Jobs

©iStock/Yellowcrestmedia
At the 2014 Social Good Summit last year, Dell provided a strategy for achieving the next billion global jobs through a program known as Goal 8, which has been suggested as a goal for the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) created by the United Nations.
Goal 8 is focused on achieving specific agenda items that will work toward ending poverty by increasing lending for small businesses, offering access to more technology, eliminating child and slave labor, enabling equal opportunity employment and pay, fostering green initiatives and improving working conditions.  
To help ensure that Goal 8 makes the final cut, Dell formed a community to champion it.  Go to Entrepreneurs UNite (https://entrepreneursunite.com) to sign up. #EntrepreneursUNite

Monday, September 21, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: Amazon Hands Shopify a Big Win

©iStock/Killerbayer
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, September 19, 2015

Birds and Spirits of the Dead

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
Some birds (as shown atop the lighthouse) are known to carry the souls of the dead to the “next world.”  Is there a relationship between birds and the spirits of the dead?  Or are birds more commonly associated with life, fertility, and longevity?

Friday, September 18, 2015

Last Chance For Early Bird Discount on Global Small Business Forum Held in Chicago 10/23

Don't miss out.  You have until close of business today (Central time) to receive a discount on our Global Small Business Forum.  If you plan to attend, why not grab a savings while you can?  The Global Small Business Forum guarantees you will learn how to boost your business through exports and network with your peers.

To learn more and to register, visit:  http://www.globalsmallbusinessforum.com  See you there!

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Are Small Businesses Plugged Into the Internet?

©iStock/Szepy
According to a landmark global survey commissioned by GoDaddy, most very small businesses aren't fully plugged into the Internet.  Why is that?  Could it be that the businesses are just too small for the Internet?
There are over 200 million small businesses in the world, but for many, making the leap to have their own website is challenging: survey respondents said they hadn't had the time, money or expertise to create a website.
These small businesses -- 59 percent of them -- claim that they don't have their own website.

Read more:  Very small businesses poised to go online for first time, with huge expectations

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

And the Winners of the Global Technology Competition Are ...

©iStock/Rypson
Who's out there tackling problems in our world?  First, you must spot a gap and then fill an opportunity.  In this instance, Sir Richard Branson has crowned the winners of global technology competition, the Talent Unleashed Awards, at a high profile event in Sydney last week.

The Awards recognize disruptive entrepreneurs who utilize innovative technology solutions to improve communities, social problems and the environment.

Read more:  Game-changers:  Winners of global technology competition announced  Shortcut to winners here.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: Are Grads Ready for Their Jobs Globally?

©iStock/Lanolan
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Explore Chicago's Rich History

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
How do you explore Chicago's rich history, famous architecture and amazing skyline?  Consider Shoreline Sightseeing.

Friday, September 11, 2015

Intuit Gets Lean in India

©iStock/Noppasin Wongchum
US accounting software company Intuit has retrenched at least 440 employees globally and the wave has hit Indian shores, too.
According to officials in the company's Bengaluru office, 35 employees including developers, sales and marketing staff were asked to leave last month. The employees were told in July that the company needs to get leaner and a reorganisation was on the anvil.
Read more:  Intuit Fires 440 Staff Globally, 35 in Bengaluru

Thursday, September 10, 2015

Customers Love Roasting Coffee Beans On the Spot in Kyoto, Japan

©iStock/Frank Mirbach
% Arabica, a Kyoto, Japan based coffee shop, is the brainchild of Kenneth Shoji, a trading company boss who’s been investing heavily in specialty coffee.
In addition to owning a coffee farm, his company, Asiamix, is a distributor of high-end Slayer espresso machines and the sole exporter of the Japan-made Tornado King roaster. (The first branch of % Arabica opened in 2013 in Hong Kong, where Asiamix is headquartered.)
How does % Arabica have a steady stream of multinational customers?
While overseas visitors tend to discover % Arabica via the TripAdvisor website (where it’s currently ranked as the fourth-best “Restaurant in Kyoto”), Yamaguchi says that Japanese customers often come after word-of-mouth recommendations. Social-networking app Instagram is another major lure: Yamaguchi and his latte art have attracted more than 33,000 followers.
Read more:  Roasted-on-the-spot coffee from Kyoto is going global

Wednesday, September 09, 2015

Up Your Global Game

©2015 GSBB Media LLC
Global TradeSource, Ltd. invites startups, entrepreneurs and small business owners to learn the secrets to financial global success at a one-of-a-kind forum with the theme "Up Your Global Game" at the historic Navy Pier in downtown Chicago on Friday, Oct. 23, 2015.
The Global Small Business Forum will inspire attendees to get out of their own backyards and transition from local, regional or niche-market players into global titans. Event attendees will gain the knowledge and insights they need to market, sell and fulfill orders internationally by taking full advantage of the Internet and the opportunities it creates. Attendees will be able to boost their revenues by learning how to expand beyond borders.
For more information and to register, visit:  The Global Small Business Forum 2015 (http://www.globalsmallbusinessforum.com)

Tuesday, September 08, 2015

Is Global Uncertainty Taking Its Toll?

©iStock/Devonyu
Confidence in smaller firms is "cooling," with increasing caution among business prospects, while global economic uncertainty is taking its toll on Britain's manufacturers, according to new studies published by the Federation of Small Business (FSB).

Monday, September 07, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: How to Take Advantage of Significant Duty Savings On Imports

©iStock/Emarto
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:
Happy Labor Day to all Americans who have contributed to the strength of our economy.

Saturday, September 05, 2015

Mickey Mouse Sitting on the Sand

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
You never know what you will find on the beach.  In this case, Mickey Mouse is sitting on the sand in Rogers Park, Illinois (Pratt Beach), waiting for his/her owner to bring him safely and lovingly back home.

Friday, September 04, 2015

Listen In: Illinois Exporters Say It's a Struggle With No Export-Import Bank

©iStock/Marcoscisetti
WBEZ morning shift on August 31, 2015 interviews Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago on the impact for Chicago business owners concerning the lapse in the reauthorization of the Export-Import Bank of the United States.

IL exporters say it's a struggle with no Export-Import Bank

Meanwhile, our Global Small Business Forum 2015 (registration OPEN) held in Chicago at Navy Pier on Friday, October 23rd, will help small business owners boost their exports and gather alternative methods for financing their sales.  Richard Paullin will be participating in the event.

Thursday, September 03, 2015

In Pursuit of Development Opportunities Outside the United States

©iStock/BlueRingMedia
Despite challenging economic conditions, a competitive environment and severe currency headwind, Rolling Meadows, Illinois-based Boston Scientific managed to post better-than-expected second-quarter 2015 results.  How is that?  They continue to strengthen their core businesses and invest in new technologies and global markets.
An important aspect of the company’s growth strategy is its pursuit of development opportunities outside the U.S. by expanding global presence, inclusive of the emerging markets. 
Read more:  Boston Scientific Expands Globally, Fights Currency Woes

Wednesday, September 02, 2015

Private Capital Access Project: Small Business Optimism on Upswing

©iStock/A-Wrangler
Dun & Bradstreet and Pepperdine University has released the Private Capital Access (PCA) results for Q3. In addition, Dun & Bradstreet will be at the upcoming WBDC 29th Annual Entrepreneurial Women’s Conference on Wednesday, September 2nd at McCormick Place West in Chicago moderating the morning breakout session focusing on access to capital issues for small businesses in addition to co-hosting the 1:1 Lender Matchmaking session.

To learn more about the WBDC Conference and D&B's morning breakout session, visit:
http://www.ewc29.org.

To learn more about D&B and Pepperdine University's Private Capital Markets Project, visit:
http://bschool.pepperdine.edu/about/people/faculty/appliedresearch/research/pcmsurvey/pca-index/

Read the press release:  Small Business Optimism Continues Along Three-Year Upswing, According to Dun & Bradstreet and Pepperdine Graziadio PCA Index

Tuesday, September 01, 2015

Disruptive Innovation in the Cargo Space

©iStock/Prasit Rodphan
Cargo shipments are coming into the Internet age and promise to reshape the transportation industry.  Find out how in the following article I authored for the About.com Import and Export site.

Shipping Global Cargo in the Internet Age

Monday, August 31, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: Private Air Travel Has Flown In Via Ubair

©iStock/Trish233
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, August 29, 2015

How to Be a Cloud Floating in the Blue!

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"How sweet to be a cloud
Floating in the blue!
Every little cloud
Always sings aloud.

How sweet to be a cloud
Floating in the blue!
It makes him very proud
To be a little cloud"

-- A Cloud:  A poem from the original Pooh Bear book by A.A. Milne

Friday, August 28, 2015

To Go Global, Improve Your Online Presence

©iStock/Prykhodov
There is $50 billion in untapped business potential out there, which businesses could get a share of if they improved their online presence,” says Richard Flanigan, Google's head of small business marketing in Australia.
Small Business: Digital Growth, new PwC analysis commissioned by Google, found that this myth is preventing Australian small businesses from realizing their growth prospects and future economic gain. The research, which is powered by PwC’s innovative Geospatial Economic Model (GEM), discovered that embracing digital and mobile technology could help small businesses unlock an additional $49.2 billion of untapped economic potential over the next 10 years.
Learn more:  Google head of small business to speak with Darwin businesses at Skycity next week (9/3/15).

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Global Small Businesses: Is It Tough Out There?

©iStock/Terex
The portion of small businesses reporting that the U.S. economy was improving fell to its lowest level in August since the government shutdown of 2013, according to a monthly survey of small firms by The Wall Street Journal and Vistage International Inc.

Only 42% of the 682 small companies surveyed by the two organizations said economic conditions were better than a year ago, down from 47% in July and a January peak of 67%.
But small-business owners’ waning optimism about the larger economy belies their outlook for their own operations. Fifty-seven percent of small firms surveyed expect their total number of employees to increase over the next 12 months, while 46% forecast growth in investment spending. 
Bob Gross, the owner of 25-year-old Gross Automation, a distributor of automation and controls in the Milwaukee area, said, "But it’s tough out there."

Read more ... Small-Business Owners' Confidence in Economy Wanes

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

SBA's STEP Program Supports Global Small Businesses

To help enter and compete in the global marketplace, small businesses across the country will have access to $17.4 million in funding. The Small Business Administration (SBA) will make 40 awards from the agency’s State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) program to states and territories to support activities to increase exporting by small businesses.

Here's the listing of states that received funding in 2015 (note:  IL received $686,855 -- last year zero).
SBA’s STEP program ensures local resources are available to help small businesses tap global markets. By funding states and their export development partners, the SBA is delivering the tools and resources required for small businesses to launch their services and products abroad.

Learn more ... SBA Awards $17.4M to Small Business Global Trade

Chart screenshot courtesy:  Business Facilities

Related posts.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Ohio Grocery Store Offers Specialty Foods From Across the Globe

©iStock/Elizong
Jungle Jim’s International Market is anything but traditional. The Ohio-based grocery store was opened by Jim Bonaminio as a vegetable and fruit market along Ohio 4.  It has morphed into Southwest Ohio’s most talked about grocery store with two locations -- the Fairfield store with 210,000 square feet of space and the Eastgate store with 228,000 square feet -- both offering specialty foods from across the globe.

It's a major destination.  Take a look:
More than 80,000 people come each week to shop with annual sales topping $90 million. They can choose among 150,000 different items including 1,400 different beers, 1,600 cheeses, an acre of produce and even a section devoted to jerky, Bonaminio said.
Think your local store can't be global?  Guess again.  Read more:  40 years later, Jungle Jim's remains a wild, fun place

Oh, and according to Bonaminio's wife, there is no retiring for her husband.  "He’s having too much fun.”

Monday, August 24, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: An Answer to the Big Language Problem

©iStock/Tashatuvango
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, August 22, 2015

How to Turn a Blank Wall Into an Artistic Treasure

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
Richard Haas has turned dozens of blank walls across the U.S. into artistic treasures.  This photo represents one of them:  LaSalle Towers Apartments in Chicago, Illinois.

Friday, August 21, 2015

Registration is OPEN for the Global Small Business Forum Held in Downtown Chicago 10/23/15

Registration is OPEN for our Global Small Business Forum held at the historic Navy Pier in downtown Chicago on October 23, 2015. The Forum is for all entrepreneurs and small business owners – the makers, movers and shakers in our world – who want to export successfully and network with their peers.  This year's theme is:  "Up Your Global Game" (Twitter hashtag:  #upyourglobalgame).

For more information and to register, visit:  http://www.globalsmallbusinessforum.com

Hope to see you there!

Screenshot:  ©2015 GSBB Media LLC.  All rights reserved.

Thursday, August 20, 2015

2016 Trends: Small Manufacturers Are Finding Global Success

©iStock/Arnoaltix
By avoiding such manufacturing pitfalls as overproduction and over processing, smaller manufacturing businesses are able to continuously meet sales goals.  Unlike larger manufacturers, small manufacturing businesses follow different trends when it comes to production.
In addition, U.S. manufacturing both large and small is responsible for 60 percent of exports in the country. That's nearly 12 percent of the United States Gross Domestic Product.
Read more:  Small manufacturing business trends 2016

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Bringing Comfort To Patients Suffering From Bedsores on a Global Basis

©iStock/Eurobanks
Victoria Langer is president and owner of Global Medical Foam, a business she started in 1994, working part-time out of her bedroom.

Global Medical Foam produces products that bring comfort to patients suffering from bedsores and pressure ulcers.  Langer started her business for personal reasons:  She made her first product for her late husband, whose thyroid cancer had metastasized to his spine.  When she couldn't get him comfortable, she made a product.

Now, the question is whether Langer's products can go global.

Read more:  Global Medical Foam's products help people

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

More Than 1.5 Million SMEs Use Facebook in India

©iStock/Stuart Jenner
There are 1.49 billion people on Facebook, which is half of the estimated three billion people who use the Internet worldwide.

According to Ritesh Mehta, Head of Economic Growth Initiatives for Facebook India, that's a compelling audience for a small business who is looking to find new customers, deepen relationships with existing customers and boost sales.

More than 1.5 million small businesses in India are already using Facebook Pages to take advantage of this community to grow their customer reach.

Read more at:  Small Business Boost:  Facebook increases investments in Indian SMEs

Monday, August 17, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: When Friends Go Global

©iStock/Dolgachov
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, August 15, 2015

Have Contact With the Earth and Energies That Flow Through It

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"A walk barefoot on the beach or grass brings the feet into contact with the earth and energies that flow through it, and provides a revitalizing, energizing, and natural message." - Inge Dougans, Reflexology

Friday, August 14, 2015

Tools You Can Use to Manage Your Global Small Business

©iStock/Rudall30
Xero, a cloud accounting software provider, has established several new strategic partnerships, including with Dropbox, Adobe, Bigcommerce and Insightly, as it looks to offer improved business insights and simplify collaboration for small businesses and their accounting partners.

The intent is to give small businesses more choices than ever before about the tools they can use to manage all aspects of their business.

Read more:  Xero enhances market position with new global partnerships

Thursday, August 13, 2015

Startup Firms Need to Think More Globally

©iStock/KruIUA
Bruce Andrews, deputy commerce secretary, kicks off Startup Global — an initiative designed to help more startup firms think globally — at a conference at Carnegie Mellon University (8/11/15).

Startup Global initiative was conceived as a way to connect entrepreneurs across the country with federal resources about which they might not otherwise be aware.

Andrews said the challenges facing women- and minority-owned small businesses are among the Commerce Department’s priorities.  That should get covered by the new nonprofit WEGG, especially on the global front.

Read more:  Startup Global continues quest to reach small businesses

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Global Goals Matter to Businesses

©iStock/Ktsimage
Here are four reasons why businesses everywhere -- from small start-ups to large multi-nationals - should join the effort to achieve our global development goals.
  1. The global goals matter to business.
  2. We need private sector engagement to help make progress.
  3. This is not your grandfather's development sector.
  4. It's the right thing to do.
Read more and find out how can you get involved in achieving your global goals:  4 Reasons Business Should Get Involved in the Global Development Goals

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

The Value Shift in SMB IT Priorities

©iStock/Nik962
Market research firm Techaisle forecasts that global SMB IT spend is nearing US$600 billion in 2015 which is an average of US$700 per full-time employee and slightly over US$8K per SMB business. Corresponding US SMB IT spend will most likely be US$180 billion in 2015. Techaisle defines SMBs with 1-999 employees.

“The global SMB market has been the growth engine for the IT industry at large,” said report writer for Techaisle, Anurag Agrawal. “The reason is quite simply that SMBs account for over 80 percent of businesses in any country – developed or developing.  And over the last few years there has been an ongoing change in SMB IT priorities – Techaisle calls this the ‘Value Shift’."

Read more:  Global SMB IT spend heading towards $600 billion

Monday, August 10, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: The $400 Billion Cybercrime Problem

©iStock/Crstrbrt
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, August 08, 2015

Friday, August 07, 2015

Where Global Instead of Why Global?

©iStock/DarthArt
For any company wanting to compete successfully, it must think globally.
Yet while the “why global” is self-evident, the “where global” is a far more provocative question. When companies begin evaluating potential expansion cities, they must think in terms of specifics.
For example, an international airline would only consider English-speaking markets to locate its call center, even though it would benefit from reduced costs in other areas.

Read more:  Going Global the Right Way

Thursday, August 06, 2015

3 Ways to Reduce Risk When Importing and Exporting

©iStock/Oko_SwanOmurphy
Poor compliance practices can expose a small business to delays, retroactive duty assessments and penalties, which can lead to customs audits where something as simple as a recordkeeping error could trigger a $10,000 fine.  That's a pretty harrowing thought for a small business owner, especially if it happens.

With preparation and planning, you can reduce your risk and make importing and exporting a source of bottom line savings and increased revenue.

Here are three ways to do it:  Reduce Risk When Exporting and Importing

Hat tip to Paul Dillon for letting us know about this article.

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

A Building With a Worldview Of Endangered Species

On August 1, 2015, the Empire State Building in New York was lit up with giant photos -- some 160 different shots of endangered species. People around the city stopped to gaze and take photos.  I thought this was due to the killing of Africa's famous lion Cecil, but it's not, although Cecil is featured.  It's to promote a new documentary, Racing Extinction.

See the stunning photos here.

Tuesday, August 04, 2015

UK Women Entrepreneurs in E-Commerce Are Outdoing All Other European Countries

iStock/AndreyPopov
According to eBay, using government data, the number of UK female entrepreneurs in online retail has grown faster than the rate of male ecommerce entrepreneurs. The number of self-employed men in online retail only increased by 10% over the same period.  More and more women are setting up successful enterprises.

For example, the number of self-employed women in online retail in the United Kingdom has risen by 28% between 2009 and 2014.  Other big European nations: 17% in France, 5% in Italy and -2% in Germany.

Another study, conducted by Dell, found that the economic potential of women entrepreneurs in many countries is still strongly limited.

Read more:  Female entrepreneurs thrive in e-commerce

Monday, August 03, 2015

Today in Global Small Business: Borderless E-Commerce Techniques

©iStock/Takahashi_kei
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, August 01, 2015

If Your Cat Could Talk, Would He?

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"If cats could talk, they wouldn't." - Nan Porter