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| ©2024 Laurel J, Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Greatest Game in the World
Friday, August 23, 2024
SMEs Face Unique Cross-Border Compliance Hurdles
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| ©iStock/Maximusnd |
The bottom line is that cross-border compliance complexity impacts SME's decision to enter new markets due to customs duty and import calculations, HS and tariff code classification, trade restrictions and shipping complexities, to name just a few of the challenges.
Learn more about how SMEs face unique cross-border compliance hurdles.
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Grab Your Place at the 9th Annual Global Small Business Forum Held in Chicago 10/18/24
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Wednesday, August 21, 2024
Hello Export Impact
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| ©iStock/CROCOTHERY |
Tuesday, August 20, 2024
Chicago: The Greatest City in the World Welcomes the DNC 2024
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| ©iStock/Kelly Liu |
Named the Best Big City in the U.S. by Condé Nast Traveler readers for a record-breaking seven consecutive years, Chicago is home to award-winning restaurants, iconic attractions, stunning outdoor spaces, a rich cultural scene, vibrant neighborhoods, and a welcoming and inclusive spirit. I [Laurel Delaney] know, because I am a native of Chicago.
Learn more about the 2024 DNC in Chicago, including the latest updates, resources for delegates and media, tips for planning your visit, and more.
Monday, August 19, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Can Saudi Arabia Buy the World?
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| ©iStock/gorodenkoff |
- In the months before Mohammed bin Salman celebrated his 30th birthday nearly a decade ago, the yet-to-be anointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia was gifted a vital key to unlocking the kingdom's future: full purview of its Public Investment Fund. Is he on a mission to buy the world?
- International SEO best practices in 2024.
- Quote of the week: "We are a G20 country. One of the biggest world economies. We're in the middle of three continents. Changing Saudi Arabia for the better means helping the region and changing the world. So this is what we are trying to do here. And we hope we get support from everyone." – Mohammad bin Salman
- International students hone their language entrepreneurial skills.
- U.S. SBA administrator announces agreement with India to promote American small businesses globally.
- Check out the Pharr Global Business Hub, which officially opened its doors in a grand event attended by prominent local, state, and federal figures in TX.
Saturday, August 17, 2024
Winter Is On My Head
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Friday, August 16, 2024
Here's Why Japan Could Be a Market For You
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| ©iStock/SeanPavonePhoto |
As the he fourth-largest economy in the world after the United States, China and Germany, Japan offers companies eyeing expansion an exciting opportunity to grow their business in a truly unique market.
Interested? To get started, here are a few things to know before you start moving your business to Japan.
Thursday, August 15, 2024
How to Break Into Global Business
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| ©iStock/Francesco Scatena |
Ask yourself: Why sell your product or service to international markets? Take an honest appraisal of your business and yourself. Are you ready?
Wednesday, August 14, 2024
Global Temperatures
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| ©iStock/plyaset |
The 10 warmest years in the 174-year record have all occurred during the last decade (2014–2023).
Track the U.S.national annual report for information on the 2023 climate conditions across the U.S.
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
RIP the Almighty Susan Wojcicki
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Read the note sent by Google and Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai to employees mourning the passing of Susan.
She was a force and will be missed in our world. Condolences to her family during such a sad time.
(Butterflies symbolize freedom, lightness, and joy, reminding us to let go of burdens and embrace a sense of liberation. They can also serve as messengers of spiritual evolution and connection with the divine, representing the soul's journey towards enlightenment and higher consciousness.)
Monday, August 12, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: What Attacks On Shipping Mean For the Global Maritime Order
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| ©iStock/Suphanat Khumsap |
- What attacks on shipping mean for the global maritime order (full report).
- The New York Shipping Exchange has modified its operating strategy, responding to a significant shift in how customers contract for container shipments.
- Quote of the week: "As we look at a future where we’re going to have to double our freight capacity, how do you create a freight system that’s integrated across the country when you have 50 different freight systems that are built one state at a time?” – Anthony Foxx
- GXO Logistics sees upward trend in global freight market.
- How disruption is dismantling global shipping.
- Why the world doesn't need another shipping lane.
Saturday, August 10, 2024
Friday, August 09, 2024
The Yen Carry Trade
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| ©iStock/plusphoto |
Here's how the yen carry trade works.
- Borrow yen at a low interest rate.
- Convert yen to another currency, often U.S. dollars.
- Buy assets that yield an interest rate higher than the Yen rate in (1). Ex. U.S. treasuries.
According to the Motley Fool, if yields and exchange rates don't change, this is a brilliant trade because it is a simple arbitrage that prints money month after month.
They go on to say: But something has changed. The interest rate on Yen debt is rising; the prior range was 0% to 0.1%, and the Bank of Japan announced a rate increase to 0.25% on Friday, bucking a decade-plus trend of essential zero rates.
Thursday, August 08, 2024
The Essential List for Taking a Business Global According to Jonathan Bench
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| ©iStock/z_wei |
That cavalier attitude can work for a while, but it will cause you serious repercussions down the road. Do yourself a favor and do it right the first time.
Read the essential list for taking a business global and your future self will thank you.
Wednesday, August 07, 2024
Just Like His Dance in the Sky: Philippe Petit
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| ©iStock/mbolina |
"My love for magnificent places and my love for walking on the tightrope and sharing with an audience my passion has not changed," he said.
People reference his highwire act as "just like his dance in the sky."
Tuesday, August 06, 2024
Pearls of Wisdom: Navigating the Boba Beverage Marketplace with Allison Sodha (wegginar® 8/7/24)
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| ©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®. All rights reserved. |
Co-founder Allison Sodha of better boba will be sharing her insights Wednesday, August 7th at 11 AM CT on, "Pearls of Wisdom: Navigating the Boba Beverage Marketplace."
Allison is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and storyteller. With over two decades of experience in global business development, her work reflects a deep commitment to creating inclusive spaces where diverse perspectives can thrive and collaborate.
She is the owner of Cup & Cone, a globally-inspired ice cream and boba shop in Portland, Oregon, and co-founder of Better Boba. She is excited to be leading the way in the food + beverage space with an all-natural boba manufactured in the United States.
Driven by a passion for making a positive impact, Allison’s diversified ventures reflect her dedication to sustainability and cross-cultural connections. Beyond business, she enjoys dancing, food carts, and exploring the world with her husband and three children.
What to expect from this wegginar? You will be able to:
- Embrace your authentic path
- Navigate cultural roadblocks
- Plant locally, grow globally
- Appreciate the power of relationships: People first and more ...
To learn more and to register free of charge, visit here. Special thanks to wegg's sponsors as noted in the graphic: Associated Bank, FedEx, Union Pacific, LuxLined™, Global Care Clinical Trials, RBC Wealth Management and APCO.
Monday, August 05, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipping Has Its Benefits
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| ©iStock/scanrail |
- Less than container load (LCL) shipping has it benefits.
- Top central banks differ on rates.
- Quote of the week: "I'm not afraid of storms, for I'm learning how to sail my ship." – Louisa May Alcott
- CrowdStrike reveals global outage.
- Why India feels it is important to empower small businesses.
- Instead of focusing on the differences between local citizens and expats, the iBuilt – an acronym for International Business & Innovation Leaders in Tech – initiative aims to highlight the common ground.
Saturday, August 03, 2024
Free At Last
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Friday, August 02, 2024
Should US Flags Only Be Made in America?
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| ©iStock/LeMusique |
Advocates of the measure argue that in 2017, the US imported some 10 million American flags, and 99.5 percent of them came from China.
It's time for US flags to originate in the country they represent, said the sponsors of the proposal. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, August 01, 2024
Extraordinary: wegg® showcase featuring Dr. Chris Wachira of the Wachira Group
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| ©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global. All rights reserved. |
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
A Restaurant High in the Arctic Circle
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| ©iStock/kjekol |
Many of the dishes at Huset – established October, 1951 – are served on stones collected from the nearby hills, which are thick with fossils.
Longyearbyen, on whose outskirts Huset sits, is the northernmost permanent settlement of more than 1,000 people in the world, a mere 800 miles (1,288 km) from the North Pole.
Up here, where there is night for four months of the year, not much grows. But there is more living here than you might think.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Italian SMEs: The Role of Digitalization in Cross-Border E-Commerce Performance
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| ©iStock/Alexander Farnsworth |
Overall, they observed that Italy is lagging behind its European counterparts in terms of digitalization and IT capabilities, although several national policies are addressing this topic and the initial data seem to show that they are succeeding.
This paper deals with three main categories of digital technologies:
- e-business
- e-marketing
- e-commerce
They show that e-business has a mixed impact on cross-border e-commerce (CBEC) performance, and the relationships need to be further analyzed, while e-marketing tools have a significant positive impact on the online export performance.
Monday, July 29, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Governing Global eCommerce
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| ©iStock/cybrain |
- Several dozen World Trade Organization (WTO) countries have signed a sweeping agreement governing global eCommerce.
- Kamala Harris would bring greater foreign policy experience than most US presidents.
- Quote of the week: "I am a tariff man, standing on a tariff platform." – William McKinley
- Going global to retain local talent.
- The question of TikTok bans.
- Tariffs as a major revenue source.
Saturday, July 27, 2024
Friday, July 26, 2024
Removing Obstacles That Prevent Small Firms From Seizing Global Opportunities
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| ©iStock/AndreyPopov |
Despite their agility, only 10 percent of small firms trade internationally. Imagine economic growth if we could double that figure.
It’s time for small firms to take their place on the global stage – backed by a supportive framework designed solely for their success.
Thursday, July 25, 2024
Setting Up Overseas Special Zones in Taiwan
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| ©iStock/Sean3810 |
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
Questions to Ask When Selecting a Master's Program in International Business and Trade
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| ©iStock/smolaw11 |
Here are key questions to ask to evaluate master's programs in international business and trade.
Tuesday, July 23, 2024
VP Kamala Harris: How SHE May Lead
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| ©iStock/Thanumporn Thongkongkaew |
According to Time, Harris’ long record in public office—from being San Francisco’s district attorney in 2003, to becoming California state attorney general in 2011, to a Senator from California in 2017, and then Vice President—offers more clues on how she may lead as Democratic nominee and President.
Monday, July 22, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: President Joe Biden Is Not Seeking Reelection
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| ©iStock/BrianPirwin |
- President Joe Biden is not seeking reelection.
- Biden to step down as Democratic presidential nominee.
- Quote of the week: "I believe today [7/21/24] what I always have: that there is nothing America can't do - when we do it together. We just have to remember we are the United States of America." – President Joe Biden on X announcing his exit from the 2024 presidential race
- Joe Biden drops out of US presidential race.
- VP Kamala Harris is ready to step in.
- President Biden no longer seeking reelection.
Saturday, July 20, 2024
The Cars We Drive
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Friday, July 19, 2024
The Demand for Spanish in China is Increasing
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| ©iStock/Oleksil Liskonih |
With Spain being a stable trading partner of China, mastery of Spanish opens multiple opportunities in business, tourism, and education, not only with Spain but with the entire American continent.
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Good News For Global Entrepreneurs! Foreign Startups Can Stay in U.S. For 5 Years
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| ©iStock/myella |
Under this programme, foreign entrepreneurs were initially allowed to stay in the US for two-and-a-half years. Now, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), they can remain for up to five years if their ventures meet specific criteria such as funding milestones and job creation.
Learn the particulars here.
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Top 10 Global Risks in 2024
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| ©iStock/the-lightwriter |
In the longer term, climate-related threats dominate the top 10 risks global populations will face.
Two-thirds of global experts anticipate a multipolar or fragmented order to take shape over the next decade.
The key findings of the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2024 reflect these most pressing challenges faced by people in every region of the world.
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
Is Free Trade Under Attack?
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| ©iStock/hxdbzxy |
Trade economists liked to think that the benefits of globalization—economic growth, more consumer choice, lower prices—had made it unassailable. But cracks in the international order have started to appear.
Monday, July 15, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Designing Across Cultures
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| ©iStock/ajijchan |
- Designing across cultures refers to the process of creating products and services that are tailored to the needs and preferences of diverse cultural groups.
- Stancé, a designer art toy company, proudly announces its global partnership with UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization.
- Quote of the week: "You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality." – Walt Disney
- Why human-centered transformation design is critical for universities.
- Elevating interior design globally.
- OpenAI, the AI company behind the viral AI-powered chatbot ChatGPT, has acquired Global Illumination, a New York–based startup leveraging AI to build creative tools, infrastructure and digital experiences.
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Loves You More Than You Love Yourself
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Friday, July 12, 2024
Updated Rules for International Trade
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| ©iStock/thitivong |
Today we may be at another turning point in globalization’s history. So what is this powerful force that does so much to influence the world economy? How is it changing? And can it be improved?
Updated rules for international trade, coupled with stronger domestic policies, could make globalization more inclusive and sustainable.
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Two Men Guilty of Illegally Exporting U.S. Electronics Used in Russian Weapons In Ukraine
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| ©iStock/Dragon Claws |
Goltsev and Nasriddinov face up to 20 years in prison for conspiring to commit export control violations, the department said in a statement.
"The defendants shipped millions of dollars of US electronics critical to the missiles and drones Russia uses to attack Ukraine, and they now face US prison time for their scheme," Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco said.
Read more here.
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
SPECIAL: Robert Marovich's Response to Peggy Noonan, Opinion Columnist at the Wall Street Journal
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
"Dear Editor:
I read Peggy Noonan's column regularly because I respect her experience, appreciate her depth of knowledge, and appreciate her cogent arguments. I always will. But I strongly disagree with her description, in "The Most Important Presidential Debate Ever" (June 29 - 30), of former President Donald Trump's demeanor at the debate. He was not "calm, sure-voiced, focused....self-disciplined" He didn't debate - he ranted his greatest hits like a carnival barker on caffeine, delivered more than 30 lies, and even seemed to make some things up on the spot. Hyperbole and inaccurate superlatives, no substance, as usual.
But what Ms. Noonan failed to mention, and what needs mentioning, is how despicably Mr. Trump spoke of the United States. President Reagan referred to the US as "the shining city on a hill." Trump, in front of more than 50 million viewers, referred several times to the US as a third-world country. Those are fighting words; in times past, proud Americans would have told him to put up his dukes. Would Mr. Reagan have suffered such an insult?
Yes, our nation has many problems, it always has, and we need to fix them, but we are not a third-world country, we are a first-rate country. Any candidate who denigrates his country so vociferously as Mr. Trump did on Thursday shouldn't even qualify for the presidency of a book club. President Biden stumbled significantly during the debate. We saw it. He knows it. I agree with Ms. Noonan that he missed landing several easy punches that could have turned the tide of the debate. But what Mr. Trump said about our nation is unforgivable. He insulted all of us that evening. The party of Ronald Reagan should hold its head in shame that Mr. Trump is the best they can offer."
Best,
Robert M. Marovich
Chicago, IL
Tuesday, July 09, 2024
wegginar® 7/10/24 with Missy Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of CatTongue Grips
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| ©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®. All rights reserved. |
Monday, July 08, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Making Supply Chains More Resilient, Collaborative and Networked
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| ©iStock/thitivong |
- Research shows severe disruption through the pandemic is driving enterprises to make their supply chains more resilient, collaborative and networked.
- Social commerce is key.
- Quote of the week: "The best way to reduce your supply chain inventory is to sell it.” – Dilbert
- Well what do you know. An instant global cross border payment system – NEW!
- What is Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)?
- New trade pacts show trade collaboration is still possible.
Saturday, July 06, 2024
Cling to Your Vision
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| ©2024 Laurel J. Delaney. All rights reserved. |
Friday, July 05, 2024
Why We Celebrate 4th of July and How Fireworks Became a Part of the Tradition
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| ©iStock/RomoloTavani |
Thursday, July 04, 2024
Wednesday, July 03, 2024
Is India the Future?
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| ©iStock/Henk Bogaard |
Yet the trouble is they – in India – are slow. Slow on samples. Slow on producing. Slow on deliveries. Can we afford the wait?
Read: For American Brands Worried About China, is India the Future?
Tuesday, July 02, 2024
wegg® showcase Issue 2, July, 2024 with Coni Lefferts
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| ©2024 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®. All rights reserved. |
Monday, July 01, 2024
Today in Global Small Business: Grants, Loans and Programs to Benefit Your Global Small Business
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| ©iStock/Olivier Le Moal |
- Check out 60 grants, loans and programs to benefit your global small business.
- Trying to determine best website builder for your business?
- Quote of the week: "Success isn’t about how much money you make, it’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” – Michelle Obama, First African-American First Lady of the United States
- A new survey of 1,000 small to medium-sized business owners from DHL shows two-thirds of small enterprises are optimistic about growing ecommerce.
- In the month of June, small business owners continued to identify inflation as the single most important problem for them in operating their business, as upward price pressures continue to increase expenses and lower profitability. Learn more from the House Committee on Small Business.
- 25 business grants for women who have started and are growing a business.

















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