Technology Fosters Globalization

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A conversation with Pol Antràs, the Robert G. Ory Professor of Economics at Harvard University.  He discusses the 8 questions below, international trade flows and what the evidence suggests about the world economy and the accompanying debate about whether an era of deglobalization may be at hand.

1. What is globalization?
2. Is the world entering an era of deglobalization?
3. Have we gone through deglobalizing phases in the past?
4. Are reshoring and near-shoring picking up momentum?
5. Is technology spurring or slowing globalization?
6. Supply chains faltered in the pandemic. Will companies hold larger inventories in the future?
7. How has globalization affected inequality across countries and within countries?
8. If trade is a net positive but still creates winners and losers, how can we compensate the losers?

Read the complete interview to appreciate that globalization remains a force despite pandemic and political strains.

Today in Global Small Business: Is Anyone Deglobalizing Trade?

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

• The age of globalization is ending, to be replaced by an era of localized business that will keep operations more sustainable and linked to national interest, says financial journalist Rana Foroohar, a CNN analyst and associate editor at the Financial Times.  The question that begs to be asked:  Is anyone deglobalizing trade?
• Quote of the week: “We should keep on going along the path of globalization.  Globalization is good... when trade stops, war comes." – Jack Ma
• The benefits of going LIVE on video for your business.
• How global small businesses grow faster in Covid time.
• Creating the right path for net zero.
• How global small businesses can outgrow the global supply chain phenomenon.

Autumn Is My Favorite Season

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Autumn is my favorite season." – Johnny Kelly

How Social Media Influencers Can Rock Your Global Business

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What a story!  And one that everyone can learn from.  White Claw's rapid (overnight) success was due, almost entirely, to a social media influencer.  White Claw is a hard seltzer.

"He [the influencer] came up with a slogan, 'ain't no laws when you're drinking Claws', and it took off from there," said [Chris] Taylor, a Hilton College associate professor. "The last thing a company wants is their alcoholic product associated with law breaking, but it started selling out everywhere."

As the story goes ... "The influencer, with millions of followers, flooded social airwaves with the slogan, even putting it on T-shirts. It created a fervor for a product that wasn't on the radar of the beverage industry at all. Demand went through the roof and soon White Claw was selling out everywhere."

Something to think about.  Taylor goes on to say, "But with the explosion of social media influencers, it's truly a worldwide trend that I believe is here to stay."

Read the entire article on how researchers discover a viral trend in global marketing.

The Rewards of Cross-Border Trade

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There are challenges to overcome in international business but there are also enormous rewards when you make progress.

The first thing you need to do is prioritize when expanding abroad.  For instance, focus on important issues like tax, customs, and the necessary infrastructure to deliver goods on time and keep customers happy. 

In this article, the authors look at why expansion is a good choice, and how automation can help you expand successfully.  They also offer a guide.

Only 3 Days Left to Register for the Biggest and Best Global Small Business Forum on the Planet

©2022 Global TradeSource, Ltd.  All rights reserved.

Don't miss the biggest and best 7th Annual Global Small Business Forum on the planet held virtually this Friday, October 21st from 8:00AM-11:30AM CT.  The theme is:  #rebootyourbusinessforglboalgrowth.  Register NOW!

Lead (Gold) sponsor is Associated Bank with support from Foley & Lardner.

Below is a listing of the speakers.  If you look at the graphic above with the circle, follow top left clockwise.  

• Steve Greenspon (top left), Chief Executive Officer, Honey-Can-Do International
• Michael Jones, Michael A. Jones, II., International Sales Division Leader, Avlon Industries, Inc. 
• Shital Daftari, Founder and CEO, Saris and Things & SNT Biotech 
• Tom Britz (lower right), President and CEO, Glacier Hops Ranch 

Additional speakers who are also award-winning exporters (look at graphic in the lower area):

• David Kniepkamp (bottom left), President and CEO, Smart Controls LLC (lower left)
• Amy Bosco, Director of Global Business Development, Beekley Medical (lower right)

Speakers will discuss how they are leveraging the lessons from the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, global supply chain challenges, and a rise in interest rates – all while still growing and focusing on the future of global business.  During panel discussions you will learn their best-kept secrets to driving results for a business.

Special guests include, but are not limited to:  Marc Schulman, President of The Eli's Cheesecake Company and Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago.  We've also invited Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Full lineup of speakers can be found here.

Added to our list of specialness, is e-vendor, Boomerang Carnets.  They've supported us before and we look forward to working with them again this year during our breakout rooms.  

We also have Il SBDC International Trade Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a supporting organization this year.

Tickets run from $10 (student ticket), to $20 (general ticket), to $200 (ticket and one e-vendor table). 

Visit the website for more details and to register: https://globalsmallbusinessforum.com.  Network like crazy, learn what it takes to thrive in the global marketplace, and walk away with new insights to bring your business to new heights.

Note: The forum is also known for its fun raffle prizes at the end. Who knew by attending that you could potentially win a world famous Eli's Cheesecake, Tiffany's article or cool houseware item?  You must be present to win!  See you there.    

Build a Global Brand That Reaches a Wider Audience Via Ecommerce

©iStock/Chainarong Prasertthai

Alexis Jae's family has been in the jewelry business for more than 75 years. When she entered her family's occupation, she started her own business, Alexis Jae, by establishing an ecommerce website via Shopify, allowing her company to reach a much larger audience with its jewelry staples such as gold hoop earrings and statement necklaces.

Read the interview where she discusses what made her start an ecommerce website, how she decided on its appearance, and what steps she took to define her audience.

Today in Global Small Business: Talk Sells, Especially on Social Shopping

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

• Two billion people made a purchase on social media last year. That’s two-thirds of all social media users around the globe. Some predict the current $492 billion global social commerce market will become a $1.2 trillion industry by 2025.  Talk sells.
• Quote of the week: “The great thing about social media was how it gave a voice to voiceless people." – Jon Ronson
• The secret behind Apple's simple yet effective global marketing strategy.
• As the pandemic continues to show signs of decline, the global educational landscape also continues to change. Educational institutions are increasingly realizing the need to market their brand just like any other business. Learn how to do it.
• How a female venture capitalist is creating billions in a new world of work beyond the office.
• Hooray!  Chuck E. Cheese makes a big international push.  Finally.

Get Away From the Unreal Things in Life

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves." – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

Deep Dives Into Globalization

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Explore how the movement of talent impacts creative quality, new expansion opportunities, why partnerships matter for global domination and more. Take your deep dive into globalization here.

Watch What Is Next for TikTok

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TikTok has been intensifying competition with Meta and other rivals, luring younger users as well as popular influencers.  Now it appears to be deepening its foray into e-commerce with plans to operate its own warehouses in the United States — the kind of packing and shipping facilities more associated with Amazon or Walmart than the social media platform best known for addictive short videos.

Check out how job listings offer a clue on what moves TikTok will be making next on US e-commerce.

Only 9 Days Left to Register for the Biggest and Best Global Small Business Forum on the Planet

©2022 Global TradeSource, Ltd.  All rights reserved.

You won't want to miss the biggest and best 7th Annual Global Small Business Forum on the planet held virtually on Friday, October 21st from 8:00AM-11:30AM CT.  The theme is:  #rebootyourbusinessforglboalgrowth.

Lead sponsor is Associated Bank with support from Foley & Lardner.

Below is a listing of the speakers.  If you look at the graphic above with the circle, follow top left clockwise.  

• Steve Greenspon (top left), Chief Executive Officer, Honey-Can-Do International
• Michael Jones, Michael A. Jones, II., International Sales Division Leader, Avlon Industries, Inc. 
• Shital Daftari, Founder and CEO, Saris and Things & SNT Biotech 
• Tom Britz (lower right), President and CEO, Glacier Hops Ranch (winner of 2022 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award!)

Additional speakers who are also award-winning exporters:

• David Kniepkamp (bottom left), President and CEO, Smart Controls LLC
• Amy Bosco, Director of Global Business Development, Beekley Medical (recent winner of The President's "E" Award!)

Speakers will discuss how they are leveraging the lessons from the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, global supply chain challenges, and a rise in interest rates – all while still growing and focusing on the future of global business.  During panel discussions you will learn their best-kept secrets to driving results for a business.

Special guests include, but are not limited to:  Marc Schulman, President of The Eli's Cheesecake Company and Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago.  We've also invited Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Full lineup of speakers can be found here.

Added to our list of specialness, is e-vendor, Boomerang Carnets.  They've supported us before and we look forward to working with them again this year during our breakout rooms.  

We also have Il SBDC International Trade Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a supporting organization this year.

Tickets run from $10 (student ticket), to $20 (general ticket), to $200 (ticket and one e-vendor table). 

Visit the website for more details and to register: https://globalsmallbusinessforum.com.  Network like crazy, learn what it takes to thrive in the global marketplace, and walk away with new insights to bring your business to new heights.

Note: The forum is also known for its fun raffle prizes at the end. Who knew by attending that you could potentially win a world famous Eli's Cheesecake, Tiffany's article or cool houseware item?  You must be present to win!  See you there.    

Benefits to Branching Into Foreign Markets

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Global markets offer tremendous potential for developing new customers.  Globalization isn’t a trend, it's a necessary strategy for expansion.  Presently, some 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S.  Taking business abroad, therefore, is not only irresistible, but an essential requirement for any future-focused company’s growth strategy.

Here are 5 benefits to branching into foreign markets. 

Today in Global Small Business: Why SMEs Must Cross Borders

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

• Why SMEs must cross borders.
• 3 obstacles to globalizing a digital platform.
• Quote of the week: “E-commerce is a powerful means to connect the unconnected to global trade." – Arancha Gonzalez
• A strong cross-border strategy is key to sustaining e-commerce growth post-pandemic.
• Global expansion and the international tax challenges businesses face.
• How digital multinationals innovate across borders. 
• Happy Columbus Day 2022 in the Americas and elsewhere.

Chicago Screening of the Movie Till

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi.

The Till movie stars Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till and Jalyn Hall as Emmett Till, alongside Frankie Faison, Haley Bennett, and Whoopi Goldberg. It was directed by Chinonye Chukwu, written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, and Chukwu, and produced by Beauchamp, Reilly, and Goldberg. 

The film premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 1, 2022, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 14, 2022, by United Artists Releasing.

Great sensitivity and contribution by Bob Marovich for his suggestion on what song to play during the funeral scene:  "It Is Well With My Soul."  Very, very sad and touching.  Not a dry eye in the audience, including mine.

Photos are taken from the screening that took place in Chicago on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

Whatever You Are Worrying About Right Now, Forget About It (Music Video)

Despite a Cloudy Outlook, Global Trade Is Still Resilient

©iStock/RusianShevchenko

According to DHL and the NYU Stern School of Business, forecasts for global trade indicate:

• Trade is expected to grow slightly faster in 2022 and 2023 than it did over the previous decade.
• Many companies backed away from reshoring and nearshoring plans, leading trade to grow faster in emerging economies close to China.
• Vietnam, India, and Philippines are benefitting, with Vietnam the biggest winner.

Trade is expected to grow slightly faster in 2022 and 2023 than it did in the previous decade, despite the headwinds of Covid, a global economic slowdown and the war in Ukraine.

Read on about how globalization of trade isn’t ending, despite Covid, war and inflation.

Let's Push for Better Opportunities for Women in Trade

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According to three international trade bodies, for a more inclusive approach to rebuilding the post-pandemic economy, women need to participate more in the most profitable exporting sectors.

At the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva last week, WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, International Trade Centre (ITC) executive director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and Institute of Export and International Trade (IoE&IT) director general Marco Forgione highlighted the importance of an inclusive economic recovery, with a particular view to getting more women into the world’s most lucrative – but male-dominated – industries of STEM, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and finance.

Read more about how the WTO, ITC and Institute of Export and International Trade push for better opportunities for women in trade.

How to Better Serve Global Customers On An E-commerce Site With Nita Lathia (wegginar 10/5/22)

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®  All rights reserved.

Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® has its next wegginar® coming up tomorrow, 10/5/22, and this one will be a winner for anyone who currently runs an e-commerce business; or, for anyone who should be running an e-commerce business (e.g, retailer).  If you are pressed for time, link to it now to learn more and to register:  https://bit.ly/3fg7Vth.

Nita Lathia, Head of Marketplaces, Passport, will be presenting, "How to Better Serve Global Customers on an Ecommerce Site."

Who doesn't have issues with trying to provide exceptional service to their global e-commerce customers?  We all want to treat our customers like kings and queens when they make an online purchase – from anywhere in the world – but what separates a positive global shipping experience from one that goes sour?

We will find out on Wednesday, 10/5 at 11AM CT.  Nita will share her best-kept secrets on how to better serve your global customers and more.  She will talk about:

• Why should retailers consider cross border trade?
• How is this different from the domestic model?
• What does a good solution look like?

A little about the impressive Nita Lathia – let's just say she has a bit of experience in this industry.  She has been in logistics, shipping systems, and cross-border #ecommerce for the last 20 years. Last 10 years exclusively in the product management function for all aspects of cross-border #ecommerce, including eligibility, duty, and tax calculation, and building robust organic networks.  Her full bio can be found here:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2022/09/28/how-to-better-serve-global-customers-on-an-e-commerce-site-with-nita-lathia-october-5-2022/

All the clients I [Laurel Delaney] work with and groups I manage have been encouraged to sign up for the free of charge wegginar.  Hope you will, too.  It's complimentary thanks to the supportive wegg® sponsors as highlighted in the graphic.

To learn more and to register (free of charge), visit:  https://bit.ly/3fg7Vth 

See you there!

Today in Global Small Business: Why Study Global Business?

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

• Why study global business?  Check out 5 benefits.
• 10 alternative funding sources from Tennessee to consider if you are trying to start a new business but lack access to funding.
• Quote of the week: “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”— Bill Gates
• Get your grant Mississippians, that is, if you are trading internationally.
• As India small businesses expand their presence globally, it is essential that the global financial ecosystem supports their needs and requirements for low-value transactions, which currently presents a number of challenges.
• McKinsey and Company economist Ezra Greenberg says the global economy is at a “historic crossing point,” as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There's a Guinness Waiting For Me

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"I'm an early riser. I work out really hard. I push myself; I get my job done, and at the end of the day, there's a Guinness waiting for me." – Jason Momoa

Heartbreaking: Prayers for Floridians as They Deal with Hurricane Ian

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A drone video taken in Port Charlotte, Florida on Sept. 29, shows extensive damage to homes and flooded streets following Hurricane Ian.

Ian leaves catastrophic destruction across Florida.  The death toll remains unclear.  Prayers go out to all Floridians during this time of turmoil.

Is the Golden Age of Globalization Over?

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“The golden age of globalization that we experienced in the last 30 years since the end of the Cold War has ended clearly and we are entering a new era, a new era that will be marked by greater geopolitical contestation,” said Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong.

Agree?  Disagree?  Learn more.

Women Entrepreneurs Are On the Rise Globally

©iStock/Prostock-Studio

Chicago-based nonprofit Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® knows this better than any organization on the planet:  Women entrepreneurs are on the rise globally.  But did you know the following?

Historically, Africa has led the world in terms of numbers of women business owners, with countries like Uganda and Ghana – leading the way. Recently the MENA region has also been taking important strides forward with Saudi Arabia being a key example where more women are engaged in entrepreneurial activity than men.

Women the world over are now ever-more confident, and optimistic about launching their businesses and contributing to the economy.  Addressing the specific constraints – financing, for instance – facing women entrepreneurs is critical in unleashing their economic potential and empowers women to be a force for growth – powering the path of sustainable economic recovery.

Say "Hello" to a New Way to Heal... and Export: Featuring Cast21(wegginar® 9/28/22)

©2022 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Did you know?

• International sales may actually be easier than domestic sales?
• How to use your local, regional, federal and industry resources to assist you with international expansion efforts?
• Who to call when it comes to export credit?

All of the above and more will be addressed by two rock stars who will be presenting a wegginar® tomorrow entitled, "Say “Hello” to a New Way to Heal… and Export: Featuring Cast21," 9/28 at 11AM CT (free of charge thanks to generous sponsors as noted in the graphic).

The presenters are Ursula Wegrzynowicz, Business Development Specialist at EXIM Bank and Ashley Moy, Co-founder at Cast 21.

If you are running a domestic enterprise and are thinking about exporting, this wegginar is for you.  Exporting can be lucrative for all sized businesses.  On average, sales grow faster, profits increase, more jobs are created, and employees earn more than in non-exporting firms. 

To learn more about the fabulous wegginar and to register (n/c), visit https://bit.ly/wegginar.  See you there!

Today in Global Small Business: Global Ocean Freighters Want to Take On Flying Goods Next

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

• The state of shipping includes ocean freighters wanting to fly their goods, too.
• Why having a global TMS is critical to a supply chain transformation.
• Quote of the week: “I never predict freight rates; nobody can do that.”— Søren Skou
• Go carbon neutral on Passport Shipping for 12 months.
• How to choose the right e-commerce platform to help your business grow.
• Import duty calculator.

Mellow Time

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Autumn's the mellow time." – William Allingham

Don't Ask Why, Ask Why Not? – When Going Global

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The U.S. Small Business Administration estimates nearly 96% of the world’s consumers live outside the United States, and two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is held in foreign countries. Yet only 3% of the U.S.’s small businesses export goods or services. For many U.S.-based entrepreneurs and SMBs, this is a blind spot.

For SMBs, tapping significant growth opportunities internationally isn't as difficult as it once was.

Here are the top three questions small businesses should contemplate on their journey into international commerce and how leaning into digitalization can provide much-needed answers. 

Why Is Culture So Important?

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Dutch social psychologist Geert Hofstede did a pioneering study of cultures across modern nations. One of his big questions is:  Why is culture so important?  His website says:

Do we need to bother about culture? Every visitor of this site has her or his unique personality, history, and interest. At the same time, we share our human nature. We are group animals. We use language and empathy, and practice collaboration and inter-group competition. The unwritten rules of how we do these things differ from one human group to another. “Culture” is how we call these unwritten rules about how to be a good member of the group.

To know more about Hofstede, see his biography.  Better yet, see the online exhibition about his life and work.  Oh, and check out his books – truly an international scholar on this topic.

How Culture Affects Communication Styles

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For Professor Michele Gelfand, it all comes down to culture. As a cross-cultural psychologist, Gelfand is fascinated by social environments and their effects on human behavior, particularly, how strictly people adhere to social norms.

In this episode (podcast with full transcript), Michele Gelfand explains why social norms are the glue that keeps cultures together.

Bingo! New Mexico Business Owners Have Access to $25 Million in SBA Loans

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The nonprofit, state-launched New Mexico Small Business Investment Corp. has a new RBC Impact Fund that will target small businesses with annual revenue up to $7.5 million and less than 500 employees. The loans would be in amounts from $150,000 to $5 million.

For small business New Mexico business owners, another $25 million in Small Business Administration loans is now available to New Mexico small businesses unable to secure traditional bank loans.

The NMSBIC funding is available to any SBA loan lender in New Mexico, but the funding primarily will go to DreamSpring, Lendistr and Capital Impact Partners, which are all Community Development Financial Institution lenders that focus on lending to underserved markets.

Learn more on how New Mexico small businesses can tap into $25 million in SBA loans. 

Today in Global Small Business: Bluedog Named Crain's #1 Best Place to Work!

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

• Michelle Hayward, founder and CEO of Chicago-based Certified B-Corporation Bluedog Design, wins Best Place to Work by Crain's Chicago Business 2022.  Second year in a row!
• Why you should be on TikTok.  (wegg® is.)
• The global economy, led by the Western world, looks pretty broken, does it not?  A lot is due to the war in Ukraine (shame on Russia).
• Quote of the week: "Each employee has a voice. They have control, and we support them in their growth and we support each other. We foster a culture where there is a sense of belonging. From our research, belonging is why people choose to stay with a company. We just really believe that people are the No. 1 aspect." – Michelle Hayward, founder and CEO, Bluedog Design, #1 Best Place To Work winner 2021 and 2022
• Maybe the US is in a recession but global small businesses forge on.
• Omotola Akinbiyi, founder of Chicago-based bon femmes, discusses on the How She Went Global® podcast how she set up her ecommerce store, why she wanted to conduct business worldwide, and how she is making an impact with female creatives.

Going Overboard

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"The capacity for going overboard is a requisite for a full grown mind." – Dawn Powell

Let's Make a Deal Freight Rail Companies!

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Early on the morning of Thursday, September 15, 2022, freight rail companies and unions reached a tentative agreement to avoid a strike that could have begun on Friday, September 16, 2022. The agreement now heads to union members for a ratification vote, a process that could take a few weeks. Workers have agreed not to strike while the vote is tallied.

The deal ended an impasse between the rail industry and tens of thousands of workers across the country, averting a shutdown of a critical network that could have made it virtually impossible to transport the vast numbers of products — from oil to grain — that are carried on trains in the United States.

As The New York Times article says, "rail freight is the centerpiece of the global supply chain, which has already been disrupted by the pandemic, with cargo ships, trains and trucks facing continued difficulties transporting goods. A strike would slow down the circulation of goods within the United States and with overseas trade allies."

What's the One Thing You Need to Remember Before You Go Global?

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First, read this – that is if you want to launch globally and profitably.  Next, if you are like creative agencies all over the world, they are looking for stable horizontal growth in tough economic times – both in the traditional way with a new office and big local hires, and in ways enabled by our infamous new normal, with satellite presences and remote workers.  This can be accomplished by way of breaking into new markets, outside one's own backyard.

At a recent roundtable with The Drum Network’s New York chapter, they gathered some of the European independents and groups expanding into the US alongside some North American stalwarts to ask:  how do you get global expansion right in 2022?

Find out.

The State of Maine Powers Up for Exports

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State Trade Expansion Program grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration provide funding to increase the number of businesses that export, and are administered in the state by Maine International Trade Center.

The Maine International Trade Center in Portland was awarded $400,000 in federal money to provide small businesses with the information and tools they need to succeed in export-related activities.

"During times of economic uncertainty, diversification of markets remains a sound business strategy, and international business is a key element," the center’s president, Wade Merritt, said in a news release. 

The latest money will allow the center to help Maine companies take advantage of export markets for today and develop new opportunities in the future.

How Would a Chinese Blockade of Taiwan Affect Global Business?

©iStock/Bing-Jhen Hong

A Chinese blockade of Taiwan would cripple global supply chains and raise freight prices in Asia and potentially beyond, because of the outsize role that the island of roughly 23 million people plays in global business.

Here are some questions and answers about the tensions across the Taiwan Strait and the possible fallout on global business should China attempt to blockade the island.

Today in Global Small Business: The Origin of a Great Global Gospel Classic

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

• The origin of a [great global] gospel classic by Robert Marovich and published in the 9/10/22 print edition of the Wall Street Journal.  Mr. Marovich writes that ninety years ago, the song ‘Take My Hand, Precious Lord’ emerged from personal tragedy to become a beloved anthem.
• TikTok is upending the music industry.
• Bad Bunny and the political history of reggaeton.  The genre is the product of migration, rebirth, and the struggle to be heard.
• Quote of the week: "Every nation, every human being that came across earth had a song and sang in some way to their God." – Thomas A. Dorsey
• Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as TEMS, isn’t about fitting in — she’s in her own lane moving at her own pace and inspiring girls in Africa and around the world. The Nigerian artist’s rise to fame is proof anything's possible if you keep your eyes on the prize.
• Going international is no small thing.  SB19 Is eyeing the global-pop market and bringing the Philippines along.

The Queen's 21st Birthday Speech

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong." – The Queen's 21st birthday speech, April 21 1947

May she rest in peace. As Elton John said, "She had an inspiring presence."  Date of Queen Elizabeth's death:  September 8, 2022.

Go State of Washington on Exports!

©iStock/aiisha5

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has awarded the Washington State Department of Commerce a tenth year of funding to help state small businesses grow through exporting.

The $1.4 million grant to Washington, part of the SBA’s State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), is one of the two largest awarded from a total $20 million to 52 states and territory international trade agencies – Michigan also received $1.4 million.

For information about STEP export vouchers, Go Global or other Commerce programs that help Washington businesses grow, expand and locate in Washington State, please visit ChooseWashington.com.

Wage Growth Is Rising for Global Small Businesses

©iStock/DavidLeshem

Some say that wage growth tends to be a compelling sign that inflation is rising.

The pace of wage increases at small businesses in the U.S. continues to escalate, as August saw average hourly earnings growth hit 5.18 percent, compared with 5.03 percent in July 2022, according to the latest Paychex & IHS Markit Small Business Employment Watch report. At $30.71 per hour, average hourly earnings at small businesses have risen by $1.51 over the last 12 months.

Despite recession concerns amid resilient inflation, the labor market remains tight, causing small businesses in the U.S. to avoid salary reductions and layoffs.

Read on about how, despite challenges, global small businesses are dedicated to their employees.

Going Global Is a Top Priority for Companies – Being Sensitive in Your Approach Matters

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Going global is a top priority for companies all over the world. However, reaching international markets comes with its own set of challenges. 

New markets mean you may be selling to different demographics. And within any audience, there will be people from minority groups, including women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ citizens, and BIPOC communities.

According to this article, if you want your brand to be a global success, it’s important to understand that markets today have become more progressive and diverse, and ignoring a community could be detrimental to your brand.

Read on to discover how to create culturally sensitive advertising.

Allison Davidson Motoyama of Dona Bela Shreds Presents An Exciting wegginar® on 9/7/22 at 11AM CT (n/c)

©2022 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®  All rights Reserved.

Join the wegg® family Wednesday, September 7 at 11AM CT when Allison Davidson Motoyama, founder and managing partner of Dona Bela Shreds, presents a wegginar®:

Recycling Textile Remnants into a Sustainable Global Business 

Allison has a lot of experience to share.  Some of the points she will cover are the:

• Journey to creating a business and launching wholesale - In 2010 versus today.
• Importance of upcycling and creating sustainable businesses for the future.
• Challenges and opportunities of growing an e-commerce business.

She will also take your questions, and answer your questions, at the end of her presentation.

To learn more and to register (free of charge thanks to sponsors shown in graphic), visit here.  QR code:

  

Today in Global Small Business: The Labor Day Special Edition Honoring Men and Women Who Fought For Workers' Rights

©iStock/FireAtDusk

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

• A Proclamation on Labor Day, 2022.
• When is Labor Day 2022 in the USA, what is the history, and why is it celebrated?
• The history of Labor Day.
• Quote of the week: "As we celebrate Labor Day, we honor the men and women who fought tirelessly for workers' rights, which are so critical to our strong and successful labor force." – Elizabeth Esty
• Where Labor Day 2022 fits into American history (requires registration).
• Labor Day 2022:  history, significance and observance.

Looking At the World in a Playful and Curious and Creative Way

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"It's sort of a mental attitude about critical thinking and curiosity. It's about mindset of looking at the world in a playful and curious and creative way." – Adam Savage

Leverage Social Media to Go Global

©iStock/metamorworks

Small and medium sized businesses around the world are leveraging social media and digital tools as a way to connect with their customers worldwide, according to a new survey from Ipsos. 

The online survey focused on how these businesses use digital tools, such as personalized online advertising, to carry out their business operations. This survey was conducted in 43 markets for Meta (“Facebook”) by Ipsos, interviewing more than 37,000 people ages 18+, who are founders, owners, senior executives, or senior managers of small and medium sized businesses (SMBs) in June and July of 2022.

Read more to discover how almost half of all small and medium sized businesses globally plan to extend their reach online.

Building America's Strengths, Prosperity and Well-Being: Labor Day 2022 (Video)