Today in Global Small Business: Why America's Economy is So Healthy

©iStock/Kagenmi

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

• Why America's economy is so healthy (a lot has to do with the global economy's own resurgence).
• Learn the secrets to acquiring a million (1 million) followers on Twitter and more than six-five thousand (65,000) Instagram followers.  Yes, it takes perseverance but we all know persistence pays off.  Presenter CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be bold in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. The WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2297562974983287811.
• Global leaders need to listen more and talk less.
• Small and medium-size businesses – those with fewer than 250 employees – are going to be the biggest beneficiaries of emerging markets growth, industry executives believe.  Find out why.
• Few SMEs export in Japan, having found it much more difficult to make global connections: In manufacturing, only 25 percent of SMEs are exporters, in comparison to 60 percent of larger firms. This means that a great potential source of profitable trade goes untapped.  Find out what Japan is going to do about it.
• Small business has long been held as a key driver of the global economy, but these businesses often don’t have access to large multinational companies who could use their services.  Find out who plans to change that paradigm.

The Train of the Future

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower

Success Story: Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global (WEGG)

©iStock/Jacob Ammentorp Lund

Woman Entrepreneurs GROW Global organization (WEGG) presented an export-training workshop in Chicago with EXIM Bank as a participant, to equip women-owned businesses with the tools needed to expand their global opportunities.

One of WEGG’s members, Sonat Birnecker Hart, president and co-owner of KOVAL Distillery, hosted the workshop and also presented at the event. KOVAL Distillery produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits that are sold throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia.

Through collaboration and a passion to help small businesses succeed, EXIM Bank and WEGG were able to arm KOVAL with the resources and support needed to exceed its global business growth goals. The two organizations will continue to work together and cultivate these opportunities for women entrepreneurs throughout the US. 

Learn more about WEGG, EXIM Bank and KOVAL Distillery.

Routes to Inclusive and Sustainable Trade

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Never before in history have so many people worldwide been able to reap the benefits of global trade.

But there are huge socio-economic gaps remaining between countries and within societies.  Technological progress is uneven between countries, some regions continue to face geopolitical instability and climate change threatens to already vulnerable communities.

Despite that, strengthening the competitiveness of global small businesses enables them to participate faster, take better advantage of the new trade routes that are opening up and prosper in the new economy.

Read more about routes to inclusive and sustainable trade.

Davos 2018: Put Women First

Women are a driving force in our global economy.  Learn more about what's happening at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2018.  For example, here are 7 things that happened on the first day at Davos (Switzerland) 2018.

Next Great Global Resource: Human Capital

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Gallup's new State of the Global Workplace report takes a big-picture approach to why some organizations and economies thrive and grow while others struggle and often fail.  In the report, they examine the effectiveness with which governments and employers worldwide develop and deploy the most vital and sustainable resources available to them: the skills, talents and creativity of their people.

Read more about the next great global resource:  the use of human capital -- whether it be from small businesses to entire societies.

Today in Global Small Business: The IMF Reels in Bitcoin

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

• In today's globalized world, becoming part of an international supply chain is key to the prospering of small businesses and their ability to create jobs.
• How do you acquire nearly a million (1 million) followers on Twitter or more than six-five thousand (65,000) on Instagram?  It takes perseverance.  Presenter CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be bold in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. The WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2297562974983287811.
• Small business owners need to think about stretching their territory beyond traditional borders and bringing the entire world into play as their customer base.
• President and CEO of eBay Devin Wenig, says "One of the most meaningful ways technology companies can make an equitable impact is by bringing back to life the real engine of the U.S. economy — [global] small businesses."
• The tech industry has sparked rapid growth, provided access to global markets and created entirely new, massive industries — generating an estimated $1.3 trillion and accounting for about 8% of U.S. GDP.  Small businesses can continue to drive the growth.
• The IMF calls for global coordination on potential Bitcoin regulation.

Best Beef Noodle and New England Clam Chowder in Michigan

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. 

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Prime Time Restaurant in Niles, Michigan brings back a bit of nostalgia.  Good food, good service, good conversation and good people.  And one, only one review, on their site:  "I've been eating at Prime Table for many years. The food is great and service can not be better," says Tammy, a frequent customer.

Learn more about Prime Time Restaurant.

Relax, Take in Our World

Inspiring Global Success

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ATG Access, a small business selling into 25 countries every year, is a manufacturer of security products, in particular vehicle barriers that protect people and buildings from vehicle attack. It generates half of its turnover through exporting.

With incidents over the last year making it a very timely product, countries across the world are now looking to shore up defences. The result of this has been considerable global success for the young company.

Here's what ATC Access has to say about going global:

“Exporting is great fun. I’ve [Gavin Hepburn, sales and marketing director for ATC Access] probably been to 60 countries now because it’s such a globally orientated business. You get to go to some really interesting places and meet some lovely people. It’s been a lot of fun jumping in planes, going to different countries.  It's not boring, that's for sure."

Read more about the inspiring global success story of ATG Access.

It's a Great Time for Gray-Haired Founders

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Do you question whether you are too old to start a global company?  Here's what Silicon Valley investor Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz (2009), has to say about that.

It's a great time for founders who have a little gray hair. One trend today is toward building "full-stack" start-ups, who invent a technology and then use it to take on big incumbents in a market directly. This is a change from the past, when many founders focused on building tools that customers could use however they see fit. Andreessen says, "These full-stack start-ups are more operationally intense and tend to require more experienced founders and executives."

Oh, what are you waiting for?  Get going!  In the interim, catch a few more rare insights from Marc to start-up founders, including why his firm requires a warm introduction to a founder before investing, and why enterprise start-ups need to charge more for their products.

Digitized Trade in a Digital Economy

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The digital economy is not unfounded, as it is changing the way businesses and consumers interact.  Perhaps the biggest advantage of digitized trade is the opening of new markets for small businesses that are less involved in international trade and invisible to foreign direct investment.

Take this, for example:

An entrepreneur selling hand-made wigs could open a salon for visiting customers. Or she could go digital and upload samples to a website or Instagram page and carry out transactions online. That's trading in the digital world.

Read more about digitized trade or be left behind.

Today in Global Small Business: America First

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

• How to take your real estate business global.
• How do you get nearly a million (1 mil) followers on Twitter or more than six-five thousand (65K) on Instagram?  Easy.  CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be bold in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. The WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2297562974983287811.
• Louis Vuitton wants to buy stakes in Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved and take it global.
• A new company you've probably never heard of that sources, warehouses and ships products for many of the biggest names in e-commerce, including Amazon, Walmart and Target.
• United States President Trump takes 'America First' message to global elite in Davos.
• Didn't know there is a global plastic crisis?  Well there is. Here are four ways to nip it in the bud.

Joy Every Day: Mellie

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"My cat [Mellie] is the Christmas in my life; he brings that kind of joy every day." -- Anonymous

Adapting a Product for the Global Marketplace

Global Growth Will be Strong in 2018

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According to The World Bank, global growth is expected to edge up to 3.1 percent in 2018.  Global trade has gained momentum, especially in global manufacturing and investment, which is in recovery mode.  Global trade accelerated substantially, supporting export growth in most emerging market and developing economy regions.

Read more about why 2018 global growth will be strong, and why there is still cause for concern, in 10 charts.

Download (automatic) the January 2018 Global Economic Prospects report.

Things Are Looking Good for British SMEs

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The health of the British economy can have a significant impact for many U.S. businesses, both big and small. Good news: in 2018, things look like they’re going to be healthy for the British.

A year-end study conducted by AIG found that 40 percent of those questioned were planning for growth this coming year while only 19 percent were expecting a downturn.

Regardless, this is still good news for American businesses looking to do business in the U.K. But tread carefully: the risks for British companies surrounding Brexit – such as higher material costs, potential labor shortages and exchange rate volatility, remains high. Unfortunately, only a third of those firms surveyed had contingency plans in case there’s a “no deal” outcome.

Read more on why British businesses are bullish about 2018.

Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends 2018 WEGGinar™ 1/10/18

©2018 WEGG.  All rights reserved.

Attend the New Year WEGGinar™, Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time: “Laurel Delaney’s Global Trade Trends Report 2018,” presented by Laurel Delaney, Founder and President of GlobeTrade.com and President of WEGG.  Laurel will take a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearable Tech and Microlearning.

It’s FREE, thanks to the generous support of WEGG's sponsors: UPS, IBM and B•A•L – go here :
https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940601026277957634.

Explore more here: http://www.womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org
Like WEGG on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womenentrepreneursgrowglobal

Today in Global Small Business: Is the Global Economy Booming?

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

• Here's a strategy by FedEx to help small businesses expand their global reach.
• Laurel Delaney, Founder, GlobeTrade.com, President of WEGG and creator of The Global Small Business Blog will present on "Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018," and will cover Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearable Tech and more in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940601026277957634
• Is the global economy booming?
• ModulTrade aims to remove the barriers of entry into global asset trading, opening the doors for small and medium enterprises.
• According to a recent Bank of America survey, small businesses anticipate their local economy, the national economy and the global economy will all improve.
• Small business Australian exports are expected to rise in 2018.

Lean in, Colorfully

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

It's never too late for a little color.  The Leaning Tower is a perennial stop for travelers in the Chicago area, only 15 minutes northeast of O'Hare International Airport and 10 minutes from the World's First Franchised McDonald's in Des Plaines.

The Leaning Tower of Niles is, naturally, a replica of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is roughly half-sized, 94 feet vs. the authentic's 177 feet, and leans about 7'4" off plum (vs. Pisa's 13 foot tilt). But that hardly matters when you're standing across the street taking a picture. And the savings in overseas airfare and reduced risk of injury is worth considering.

Learn more about the Leaning Tower of Niles.

Oh Who Says There is a Retreat of Globalization?

©iStock/peshkov

As Pankaj Ghemawat says for the Harvard Business Review:

One week after Donald Trump’s inauguration, with fears of a trade war spiking, the Economist published a cover story, “The Retreat of the Global Company,” in which it proclaimed that “the biggest business idea of the past three decades is in deep trouble” and that “the advantages of scale and…arbitrage have worn away.” And Jeffrey Immelt, GE’s chairman and CEO, has talked about the company’s “bold pivot” from globalization to localization.

Oh please.  Globalization will never go away -- it's here to stay.  And look at the state GE is in after Immelt decided to do his bold pivot.  Get with the program -- choose globalization as your strategy or else risk thwarting the true upside potential of your business.

Case in point:  Many years ago, when I worked at a small manufacturing company, had we not taken our company global, we would have stayed at $600,000 in annual revenues year after year.  Instead, we took the chance and went after the world for business, ended up conducting business in 27 different countries, with 33 percent of our business generated internationally.  We reached $6 million in annual revenues within 3 years.  This was all done with a four-person staff, myself included.

You can listen to others and stay local or you can go after what is rightfully yours, easy to have and offers fantastic benefits.  The world is your market.  The only thing stopping you is you.

Read more:  Globalization in the Age of Trump

Getting Global Small Business Owners to Transition from Cash to Digital Payments

©iStock/monsitj

The Indian economy thrives on 50 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that account for 37% of the country’s GDP.  This percentage could be higher, if 97% of the Indian retail transactions were not conducted in cash, like they currently are.

Extensive research has shown that use of digital financial services has many advantages over cash – it leads to higher reserves and business output. This means, small business owners in India could be more profitable if digital payments were more widely used. 

How do you get them to transition?  Read more about how SMEs transition from cash to digital payments.

Going Global Can Be Lucrative For Any Size Company

©iStock/patpitchaya

The global sales market can be a lucrative one for companies of just about any size, but it can also be intimidating for smaller businesses. State and federal agencies, though, can help you make sense of it all, from researching markets to giving a hand with financing.  Not to mention how a book on exporting can be useful too.

One company, Middlesex, New Jersey-based Adsorptech, took its time on going global due to limited people power.

“Our biggest hurdle was a lack of human resources to devote to researching the ins and outs of it,” said Jim Flaherty, CEO of the Middlesex-based business, which recently topped $1 million in annual revenue. “But then it all suddenly came together.”

Here's how he overcame hurdles.

Opportunity Knocks When You Look Outside Your Own Borders for Business

©iStock/liuzishan 

Expanding your business beyond a local market gives you access to new consumers, can enhance your company’s profile and exposes you to new ideas that could help drive growth, innovation and profitability for your business.

When it comes to exporting, there is a perception of increased risk that can put businesses off, but the opportunities that exist and the support on hand to help you start your export journey should not be ignored.

Opportunity knocks when you look outside your own borders for business -- whether it be through exporting, franchising, a joint venture or a strategic global alliance.

Today in Global Small Business: Happy New Year 2018!

©iStock/Racksuz

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

• Laurel Delaney, President, WEGG and Founder, GlobeTrade.com, will present on "Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018," and will cover AI, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearables and more in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940601026277957634
• If you want to be successful in 2018, you've got to be thinking ahead.
• What's your new year's resolution or annual mantra?  It anchors every decision you make in the entire year.
• What will work look like in 2030?
• In 2018, don't make these 10 mistakes in global marketing.
• In case you have run out of ideas, here are 5 ways to be more productive in 2018.

From all of us at the Global Small Business Blog, we wish you a Joyful, Global and Healthy New Year!

From the Global Small Business Blog: The Countdown Begins

Make the world your business in 2018.

See What's Poppin' from Laurel Delaney on Global Trade Trends to Watch in 2018

©iStock/monsitj

Passengers on the newly revamped Carnival Regal Princess won’t be greeted by fancy new restaurants, glorious swimming pools or the usual activities — but will instead walk around a deck, app in hand, as options for entertainment shift based on where they stand, says Laurel Delaney.

Welcome to the future on how things get done. This, along with a handful of other game-changing technology advancements, are white hot global trade trends that will influence global trade activities and business in general.

Take a look at areas where you need to jump into to capitalize on your business opportunities.  Here are 7 global trade trends to watch in 2018.

Business to Business (B2B) Exchanges

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If you are looking for online platforms where you can buy and sell products, look no further.  From Ofweek to Zoodel to MakersRow, here are 20 leading global B2B exchanges.

Build a Roadmap for Global Business Reach

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According to an Accenture report, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could add $957 billion to the Indian economy by changing the nature of work to create better outcomes for businesses and society. For SMEs, that means they will be able to perform better.

To help SMEs, global cloud-based business software provider Deskera is offering an integrated suite comprising ERP, CRM, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), Project management (PM) and HRMS.

"These applications can be accessed from any Internet-enabled device, encouraging SMEs to move out of premise-based system and build a roadmap for global business reach," [Shashank] Dixit [Founder and CEO, Deskera] said.

Read more about how companies are expanding their India footprint.

There Is a Bigger Market Out There: Global

©iStock/tcly

Matrade CEO Dr. Mohd Shahreen Zainooreen Madros says small businesses cannot afford to remain local. More and more foreign companies are making their way into Malaysia and are quickly crowding out the local market.  “There is a bigger market out there,” he says.

Competition has intensified as companies find that they are no longer limited to just the market in which they are based in.

As such, the world can become your market.

Read more about enabling exports for SMEs.

Peace on Earth

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All right reserved.

A Christmas Story Lamp Leg Lookalike

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Oh The Christmas Story famous leg lamp scene.

Global Small Business Owners Must be Flexible and Adaptable

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Flexibility and adaptability are characteristics Janet Zablock often observed in the small business owners she served as former head of global small business for Visa. It also described her own career, one that required her to reinvent herself several times.

What she learned offers lessons both for those trying to grow a global business, as well as those building their careers.

Read more about how Zablock went from shampooing hair to running small business for Visa.

The Huge Power of FANGs

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Rana Foroohar, in the Financial Times, cites the McKinsey Global Institute in writing of “the huge power of the Fangs—Facebook, Amazon, Netflix, and Google—which now dominate not just the digital business, but the entire economy.”

“Eighty percent of corporate wealth now resides in 10 percent of companies rich in intellectual property, of which the platform companies are the richest.”
And, what is it that these companies control?

The currency of the digital age -- data.

Building Empathy Across Borders

©iStock/gustavofrazao

When AskMen.com founder Ricardo Poupada was asked, "What do you think is the next big trend in technology and how will it impact the way we work?"  Here's what he said.

I’m a bit biased given my work, but I believe that VR has the potential to fundamentally change how we work in the business-to-business arena because it can help build empathy across borders and time zones, which is increasingly how the world of business is moving.

Read more about if your business won't grow, it could be because you just stick to what you know.

And be sure to catch Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018 on January 10 (no charge WEGGinar™ but you must register to attend), which talks about the importance of understanding and using VR to grow your business global.

International Expansion Is Necessary for Long-Term Growth

©iStock/dennisvdw

Despite the growing number of U.S. companies expanding abroad, there are still many firms that haven’t made the leap overseas.  International expansion is necessary for long-term growth.  If you’re on the fence about taking your company global, consider these five benefits of international business expansion.

The first one is to consider new markets outside your home country. Beyond that, look at diversification, access to talent, competitive advantages and foreign investment opportunities.

Today in Global Small Business: Due to Sanctions, Santa May Have Trouble Delivering His Presents This Christmas

©iStock/Wavebreakmedia

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

• What group stands to benefit the most from the tax plan if it becomes law?
• Fulfill your quest to focus in 2018. 
• With the recent changes to export restrictions and sanctions around the globe, Santa may have trouble delivering his presents this Christmas.  Find out why.
• Laurel Delaney, President, WEGG and Founder, GlobeTrade.com, will present on "Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018," and will cover AI, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearables and more in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940601026277957634
• Artificial intelligence (AI) is helping astronomers make huge steps towards solving some of the Universe's biggest mysteries.
• How to get international trade sanctions just right.

Have a Little Fun Today

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The World is On the Cusp of a New Digital Economy

©iStock/Zapp2Photo

With the world on the cusp of a new digital economy in which e-commerce and automation will transform production, trade, investment patterns – as well as helping meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) –the need for new policies to be adopted is clear.

“The gains of digitalization are not automatic and there will be major challenges for countries, enterprises and people to adapt, but we must start somewhere,” UNCTAD Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi said.

Digitalization is creating new ways for small businesses and women entrepreneurs to reach new markets worldwide.

Read more about global e-commerce policy work -- an effort that must never be given up.

The Gig Economy

©iStock/Stas_V

The freelance marketplace makes it easy for small business owners to save on administrative and overhead costs while also growing a business global.

Modeled after traditional e-commerce websites, freelancer marketplaces allow specialized professionals such as graphic designers, app developers, SEO consultants and social media marketers to offer their services to small businesses for a fee.

What are you waiting for?

Learn more about how you can grow your business global via the gig economy.

E-Commerce: The Rise of Online Shopping

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E-commerce sales worldwide hit an estimated $25.3 trillion in 2015 and have grown since.

The internet makes buyers and sellers more visible and accessible to each other locally and globally. The international bit is really interesting. The opportunity to connect quickly and efficiently to multiple markets can be a boon for smaller businesses and a great attraction for consumers. Without e-commerce, establishing a physical presence in multiple markets can be costly, while consumer demand might also not always be clear.

Read about the five (5) ways to make global e-commerce easier for everyone.

How Does the World Trade Organization Work?

Today in Global Small Business: What's the Difference Between a Startup and a Small Business?

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

• A small business takes on global competition.
• What's the difference between a running a startup and a small business? 
• E-commerce reports worth knowing about, some free some not.
• Laurel Delaney, President, WEGG and Founder, GlobeTrade.com, will present on "Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018," and will cover AI, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearables and more in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1940601026277957634
• How image recognition and augmentation are changing retail (2017).
• Think BIG for small, that's a pillar for future-oriented, sustainable growth (PDF).

Believe

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street (2016), Chicago, Illinois, USA.

A New Phase of Globalization and It is Not Slowing

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Globalization is not slowing, and according to a new joint report (PDF) by Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company. “On the contrary,” it says, “we are entering a new phase of globalisation, driven by digital connectivity and the flow of data, and this will lead to much greater global connectedness, not less.”

Read more about how national borders cannot contain the new phase of global connection.

The World Is Yours™

©iStock/FeelPic

Eight (8) successful business owners talk about how they went global in 2017.  Here's one:

3. Know what you want, be flexible, and accept change

Robert Anderson, founder, Expert Remedies:

“When I first heard the axiom ‘success consists of a series of small daily victories,’ I wasn’t sure what it meant. Now I know. It’s an essential principle of global expansion. Small daily victories mean getting essential operational details done correctly — step by step. Success happens when you have a viable idea — to be verified by the market — coupled by logical, intelligent execution.

Also key: the business you envision will rarely be the same as how it turns out.

Be flexible and accept change. Use it to your advantage. The market is ruthless, and it may be at odds with what you first think — so be careful. The TV show Secret Lives of the Super Rich might make it all seem so easy, achievable within a month. Don’t fall for it.

You can make it, it just takes unending persistence and a clear vision knowing what you want — and being flexible enough on how you get it. Who knows, maybe I’ll see you on TV one day.”

Read more about global expansion: 8 tips from successful business owners on how they went global in 2017.

(The World Is Yours™, GSBB Media LLC)

Learning About Diversity and Inclusion to Create a Workplace that Works

©iStock/Jacob Ammentorp Lund

What is diversity and inclusion?  Why is it important?  How does bias play into diversity and inclusion?  How can you create a more diverse and inclusive organization?

All these questions will be answered by attending the Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global WEGGinar™, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time, on “Harnessing the Power of Diversity and Inclusion: Creating a Workplace that Works,” presented by Joselyn DiPetta, Google; and Managing Partner, Present Possibility.

Ms. DiPetta will give you a deeper understanding of why diversity and inclusion are critical to successful and sustainable business outcomes, and about unconscious bias in the workplace and the importance of addressing it.

It’s FREE, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors: UPS, IBM and B•A•L – go here to register:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1837790091765976835.  I'll be fielding the questions at the end of the presentation.  See you there.

SMEs: The Lifeblood of Global Economies

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Entrepreneur India caught up with the representatives of three different countries on the sidelines of the World Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (WASME), 21st International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises to know how each country is contributing to a global value chain and how a collaboration with Indian SMEs could further enhance development.

Here's what came out of it.

Read more about how business across borders and global collaboration can help in the growth of small businesses.

One more thing ... learn about SMEs, the lifeblood of global economies.

Today in Global Small Business: Best Small Business in America

©iStock/Kirkikis

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

• Joselyn DiPetta at Google, and Managing Partner, Present Possibility, will address how to create a workplace that works (diverse+inclusive) in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. Central time. WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/1837790091765976835.
• Best small business in America?  Find out here.  This is according to Rubicon Global.
• To stay relevant in a crowded global marketplace, Small Business Trends suggests reading Top of Mind.
• Tempted to invest in Bitcoin?  Here are a few factors to consider.
• Will Macy's survive the holiday bustle?
• How the NAFTA trade negotiations are coming along.

Irish Pub Grub, Booze and Live Music at Celtic Knot

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Celtic Knot Public House:  Boisterous saloon featuring Irish pub grub, booze, holiday decorations and live music in comfortable surroundings in Evanston, Illinois.

Go Global or Die

©iStock/brozova

This eleven-year old article on going global is still relevant to our times.

In her manifesto, "Global Guru:  Shaking Things Up.  Making Things Happen," Chicago-based Laurel Delaney, founder and CEO of GlobeTrade.com writes, "In the future, there will be two kinds of enterprises:  those that go global and those that die."

Read about propelling your business into the global marketplace.