Monday, March 24, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago 2025

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

  • Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago, Illinois, Sunday, March, 23, 2025.
  • Small businesses are running out of moves in Trump's trade wars.
  • Quote of the week:  “The scariest thing about what President Trump is doing with his tariffs-for-all strategy, I believe, is that he has no clue what he is doing — or how the world economy operates, for that matter. He’s just making it all up as he goes along — and we are all along for the ride.” – Thomas L. Friedman, 2/18/25, NY Times Opinion
  • How Trump's tariffs are impacting U.S. small businesses.
  • This Canadian business survived 142 years, but maybe not Trump’s trade war.
  • Scrambling to adapt, tariffs on imports impact global small businesses.

Saturday, March 22, 2025

Coming of Spring

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"With the coming of spring, I am calm again."  Gustav Mahler

Friday, March 21, 2025

Happy Belated International Happiness Day

©iStock/yayayoyo
I [Laurel Delaney] had no idea there was such a thing as International Happiness Day.  Well we can use all the happiness we can get in our world right now.

Yesterday — March 20 — was in fact International Day of Happiness. Declared by the United Nations in 2013, this special day recognizes the importance of happiness as "a fundamental goal" in people's lives around the world.

It's never too late to be happy so celebrate your happiness today and every day thereafter.  I'm happy because we've reached more than 125,000 readers to this blog!  Hooray!  Happy!

Thursday, March 20, 2025

The Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® Ceremony 3/24/25

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Please JOIN Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global on Monday, March 24th at 10 AM CT as they honor the next recipient of the prestigious Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® 2025.

To learn more and to register (complimentary), visit: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/about/the-gail-adinamis-wegg-award/

See you there!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Tariffs, Counter-Tariffs, and the Small Business Impact

©iStock/Bojan89
According to John Rizzo for the Rochester Business Journal, the end goal of implementing tariffs is to incentivize companies to relocate their manufacturing operations back to the United States, which would lead to job creation. Additionally, tariff revenue can offset tax cuts and be used as leverage to address issues such as illegal migration or drug trafficking.

While relocating operations to the U.S. could benefit small business owners and the overall U.S. economy, it takes time and a significant financial investment to make this transition.  [Laurel here ... most small business owners cannot afford this investment.]

As details continue to change rapidly, all you can do is monitor the situation, do the best you can do under the circumstances, and take action in a way that serves you and your customers best.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

Build a Global Growth Strategy

©iStock/Liuzishan
Global growth holds immense promise for small businesses seeking a competitive advantage in today’s increasingly interconnected economy.  While understanding the intricacies of global expansion is an important first step, navigating this journey alone can be daunting. However, by working with industry leaders, companies (like GlobeTrade, wegg® and other resources) – regardless of scale – can expedite your global journey and access new markets swiftly and compliantly.

Here's a beginner's guide to global business expansion.

Monday, March 17, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Top of the Morning To You on St. Patrick's Day 2025!

©2025 Laurel J, Delaney.  All rights reserved.
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, March 15, 2025

Ready for St. Patrick's Day in Chicago

Chicago is known for its vibrant St. Patrick's Day celebrations, including the iconic green river dyeing, which began in 1962, and the popular parade.  Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!  

Photos:  Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Friday, March 14, 2025

Keeping the U.S. Government Open

©iStock/Vadym Gannenko
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says he will vote to keep the government open, signaling a path for Democrats to vote with Republicans to overcome a filibuster in the Senate and pass a six-month spending bill ahead of a Friday deadline.

"As bad as passing the CR is, allowing Donald Trump to take even more power via a government shutdown is a far worse option," Schumer said.

"You have to make these decisions based on what is best for not only your party but your country," Schumer told reporters.

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Chaos Hits the Economy

©iStock/shronosov
With each day, evidence is mounting across the corporate world that the eratic implementation of U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs is translating into chaos hitting the economy.

The uncertainty brought by Trump's threats of tariffs and his shape-shifting trade policies is starting to have a chilling effect across many industries, businesses warn, as consumers pull back on everything from basic goods to travel.

The president's back-and-forth tariff moves against major trading partners have kept markets on edge, and prompted companies to warn they may have to raise prices, which could boost inflation and dent economic growth. 

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

Foodex Japan 2025: Businesses Beyond Borders

©2025 Secret Aardvark Trading Co.  All rights reserved.
As one of the world’s premier food and beverage trade shows, FoodEx Japan brings together global buyers, suppliers, and innovators shaping the future of food. For these local companies, the event presents a unique opportunity to showcase high-quality products, expand into international markets, and build partnerships that drive growth in the evolving food industry.

Check out some of the amazing businesses as they represent some of the best in the food industry on the global stage.  

In addition to Canadian companies, we are aware of another great USA company, Secret Aardvark Trading Companywho is exhibiting at Foodex 2025.

Monday, March 10, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Find Out What's On the Agenda for SXSW 2025

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

Saturday, March 08, 2025

Women Belong Where Decisions Are Being Made

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Happy International Women's Day from Laurel J. Delaney.

Friday, March 07, 2025

5 Trailblazing Women Building Global Enterprises (wegginar® 3/10/25)

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Celebrating Women's History Month at Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global with a special wegginar® Monday, March 10, 2025 at 11 AM CT – "5 Trailblazing Women Building Global Enterprises."

Join us as we spark a conversation around what it takes to start, run and grow a global enterprise. I will be moderating an esteemed panel of 5 titan trailblazers:

  1. Debra Dudley, Founder and President, Oscarware, Inc.
  2. Coni Lefferts, Founder and President, Creative Packaging Solutions
  3. Wendy Shen, President and CEO, FLOMO/Nygala Corp.
  4. Susanne Evens, Founder and CEO, AAA Translation
  5. Candice Tal, Founder and CEO, Infortal Worldwide.

The fearless five will discuss:

  • 🌎  Factors to consider BEFORE you start an international business.
  • 🌎  Challenges faced (including risks) when entering into new overseas markets.
  • 🌎 The importance of pivoting when economic conditions lend itself to.
  • 🌎 Advice for aspiring globalists.
  • 🌎 How to ensure cultural sensitivity in translations.
  • 🌎 How to trust international business partners.
  • 🌎 Success, what it is and what it means for each.
  • 🌎 +More!

We welcome you to join in the dialogue and come with your questions. We will have open mic time.

Can't wait to see you.  Be ready to learn golden nuggets from these (amazing) trailblazing women  business owners.

To learn more and to register free of charge, visit: https://bit.ly/4huOfwV

Hosted by Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  Sponsored by: Associated Bank, FedEx, APCO, LuxLined, SciAps Inc., FLOMO/Nygala Corp. and VISA.

Thursday, March 06, 2025

Giving Students Real-World International Business Experience

©iStock/Tippapatt
The Knauss School of Business course International Management Consulting was designed with one specific goal in mind: give students real-world international business experience — right from home.

How? By working with San Diego-based businesses that are expanding into global markets. The course was uniquely created in response to the challenges of global mobility during the pandemic, and offers an immersive, hands-on experience with actual clients, company data and global industry statistics.

Wednesday, March 05, 2025

The Black Cloud: Tariffs

©iStock/howtogoto
After President Donald Trump made good on his threat to levy tariffs on Canada and Mexico, US stock whipsawed, paving the way for a global trade war as leaders of both trading partners threatened retaliation.

So I guess one would say it's time to buy the dips.  

According to CNN's Fear and Greed Index, “Extreme fear” was the sentiment driving markets on Tuesday (3/4/25) for the sixth day in a row. 

Tuesday, March 04, 2025

Tariffs Disrupt Trade

©iStock/wildpixel
Tariffs disrupt trade between countries by raising taxes on imported goods, and those new costs are often passed on to consumers through higher prices. Tariffs are considered by many economists a political cudgel — sometimes used in a trade war — and not an efficient framework for international trade.

Trump is set to go ahead with tariffs on America’s biggest trading partners on Tuesday, 3/4/25 imposing 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico. Trump on Monday also raised tariffs implemented on China from 10% to 20%.

As Warren Buffett would ask, "And then what?

Monday, March 03, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Rebranding DEI

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

  • In the US, DEI is under attack. But under a different name, it might live on.  Let's hope so.  Further, the speed at which some large corporations have shed their DEI policies raises the question of how genuine their commitment to diversifying their workforces was in the first place [Laurel Delaney agrees].
  • Trump's The State of Chaos address on Tuesday, March 5, 2025.  What will he say?  
  • Quote of the week:  Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, has said that he would cut "stupid" DEI costs even without Donald Trump. However, he has also reaffirmed the bank's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 
  • The White House is making clear it views President Donald Trump’s Friday Oval Office showdown with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an overwhelming failure that underscores Trump’s “America last” leadership, dispatching top officials and allies to muzzle Trump’s handling of the situation even as European leaders are expressing zero support for Ukraine and its leader.  That my fellow readers is fake news.  Here's the real messaging the White House crafted here.
  • Goodbye Skype.
  • How facilitating cross-border payments is helping build businesses and communities worldwide, while fostering a new generation of global small business owners.

Saturday, March 01, 2025

Sunshine Is Delicious

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather." – John Ruskin

Friday, February 28, 2025

Tariff Crazy

©iStock/Vilin Visuals
Trump announced on February 27, 2025 that proposed tariffs on 25% on Canada and Mexico will be implemented on March 4 after a month-long postponement. The president said that these countries had not sufficiently reduced the flow of drugs across the border.

Additionally, Trump also said that China, which already faces 10% U.S. tariffs on its products, “will likewise be charged an additional 10% Tariff on that date.” 

Read more about what it is like to be tariff crazy and how it impacts the global economy, especially in the Asia-Pacific markets.

Thursday, February 27, 2025

The 92-Year Old FDIC Is Still in Charge and Independent

©iStock/krblokhin
The 92-year old Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) is responsible for insuring consumer deposits against bank failures — and for preventing future bank crises.

Its employees closely monitor most of the United States' smaller banks — warning lenders if, for example, their debt levels are edging too high or if they're taking on too much risky business.

The end goal of these examinations is to catch any problems before they snowball into a bank failure — or a wider banking crisis. 

In the global markets, there is concern with Trump and Musk slashing agencies without much process, and firing people without first studying what their roles and responsibilities entail, could create long-term chaos for the U.S. economy.

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

The Impact of Tariffs, State by State

©iStock/Andreyuu
The tariffs are coming.  The tariffs are coming.  Run as fast as you can!  Not sure that will do any good.  According to President Donald Trump, the sweeping U.S. tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico are set to begin next week “will go forward” when a monthlong delay expires, Trump said Monday [2/24/25], and they will begin “on time, on schedule.”

That will affect each state differently. For some states, such as Montana and New Mexico, nearly all of their import and export exposure is to a single targeted country.  Energy — such as oil for Montana and Oklahoma, electronics for New Mexico, and auto parts such as EV batteries for Texas and California, where Tesla has a big presence — looms large in the trade battle. 

But the impact to local economies and consumer prices will range widely.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025

A Shared, Global Movement: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

©iStock/melitas
The conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) has never been more pressing, as organizations worldwide navigate complex landscapes shaped by local policies, cultural expectations, and evolving workplace demographics.  It is a shared, global movement.

To explore these challenges and opportunities, Seramount recently hosted a webinar titled “DEI Lessons from Around the World,” featuring insights from their partners at Inditex and Kellanova alongside their expanding Global Advisory Network. With expert voices from six countries—the UK, Canada, UAE, Ireland, Spain, and Germany—the webinar offers a nuanced look at how DEI is evolving worldwide.

You can access key takeaways from the conversation from around the world here.  Check out their diversity calendar 2025.

Monday, February 24, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Pumpkin Export Season Is in Full Swing

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

Saturday, February 22, 2025

Strawberries Are Like Tomatoes

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Strawberries are like tomatoes for me; I just won't eat them year round. I'll happily wait for them to come into season, then I gorge like a brown bear eating salmon before hibernation." – Brad Leone

Friday, February 21, 2025

There Are No Shortcuts to Exporting Success

©iStock/K3
Three people – Sun Yongchao, 53, a trading company executive from China, Wang Ennian, 71, a corporate officer at a separate firm, and Wang's daughter Hana Kiriyama, 45 – were arrested for illegally exporting around 30 tons of wagyu beef from Japan to Hong Kong by falsely claiming it would be sent to Cambodia, local police said Thursday.

What is wagyu beef?

There are no shortcuts to exporting success.  Police believe the suspects were attempting to reduce export costs amid rising overseas demand.

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Nominate an Exceptional Person for the Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership®

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
The Gail Adinamis wegg® Award for Exemplary Global Leadership® honors and celebrates Gail Adinamis, who has been crucial to the growth and success of Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.

About the award

The annual award honors a wegg stakeholder who has gone out of her way to connect, create, contribute, and collaborate with wegg, and forge alliances that have proven helpful.  These are traits that define an exemplary global leader.

Successful entrepreneur Gail Adinamis was founder and CEO of GlobalCare Clinical Trials, LLC.  Established in 2010, GlobalCare Clinical Trials brings Phase I-IV clinical trials to patients, instead of the other way around.  Today, the company’s in-home and alternate-site nursing services can be found in more than 65 countries.  The company was acquired by LabCorp in July, 2020, further expanding it’s decentralized clinical trials capabilities globally.

True global leaders like Gail Adinamis and many others who will follow in her footsteps are defined not only by their worldly knowledge and connections, nor by the global opportunities they seize, but by how they contribute to the improvement and growth of others.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

What's the Biggest Challenge for Your Business in 2025?

©iStock/PamSchodt
The DHL Customer Survey (1/8/25) indicates that 67% of U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expect positive growth, but survey shows split opinions about the impact of regulatory and policy changes in the new year. 

However, the survey also showed that businesses could face a rocky road to reach that goal, as they navigate a complex environment of regulatory/policy shifts and global market volatility.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

What Does It Take to Thrive in an Uncertain World?

©iStock/VectorMine
The world is facing profound disruption. From technological advances like GenAI to social instability and climate change, businesses are navigating rapidly shifting megatrends that demand reinvention, resilience and bold action. So, how can companies thrive in such an uncertain world—and avoid being left behind? 

Tune in.

Monday, February 17, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Originally Called Washington's Birthday, Presidents Day 2/17/25

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

  • Presidents Day, the holiday was originally called Washington's Birthday and celebrates the birthdays of former presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, according to the National Archives. It was also the first federal holiday to honor an individual's birth date.
  • Threatening the global economy with Trump's one-for-one tariff plan (might require subscription).
  • Quote of the week: “Men do not get up and do mischief, without there is someone in the head of it." – Andrew Jackson
  • Brushing (keeping) up with Trump's tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China.
  • The biggest change is the new 10% U.S. tariff on all Chinese-made goods, which went into effect immediately. Unlike previous tariffs, this applies to all products of Chinese origin, regardless of where they are shipped from. Good tariff overview for 2025.
  • According to Trump, everything is about tariffs.

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Love is Just Damn Good Business

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Love is not only appropriate in the context of business, it’s the foundation of great leadership." – Steve Farber

Friday, February 14, 2025

Fabletics Is Transforming Supply Chain to Support Global Expansion

©iStock/Ridofranz
Activewear fashion brand Fabletics operates more than 100 stores in the U.S., Canada and Europe, with expansion expected into Mexico in 2025.  They are in the process of transforming supply chain to support global expansion.

Fabletics is deploying the Blue Yonder SaaS-based supply chain planning suite, including solutions for demand planning, allocation & replenishmen, merchandise financial planning, and size scaling, to help support expansion of its global footprint. 

Read more to learn how Fabletics is transforming supply chain to support global expansion.

Thursday, February 13, 2025

Even the NBA Has an International Expansion Strategy

©iStock/hapabapa
The NBA's global reach has never been stronger, and the annual NBA Paris Games are a crucial part of that expansion. As the league continues to engage fans worldwide, these international events serve as a catalyst for growing the game and strengthening its global presence.

According to NBA Senior Vice President and Head of International Strategy Leah MacNab, international games are a "key component” of the NBA’s year-round efforts to grow the game globally and engage fans around the world.

With a passionate fanbase in France and across Europe, the NBA Paris Games provide an exclusive opportunity for fans to experience the league up close. 

Learn more about the NBA's international expansion strategy.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

Two Indispensable AI Tools: ChatGPT and Claude

©iStock/hapabapa
Two indispensable tools, Open AI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, stand out as top AI platforms for global business owners.  Here’s why.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

The Global Market for Hearing Solutions Is About to Get Louder

©iStock/Moon Safari
EssilorLuxottica recently announced that its Nuance Audio Glassessmart glasses with hearing aid – have gained clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over-the-counter sales in the United States. 

This development is accompanied by the achievement of CE marking under the European Union’s Medical Devices Regulation, which opens the door for a broader launch in select European markets next year.

Nuance Audio Glasses represent a novel entry into the med-tech segment by merging eyewear with hearing technology. 

Monday, February 10, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Put Your Heart Health First

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

Saturday, February 08, 2025

Sending Early Happy Valentine's Day Vibes

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"I know of only one duty, and that is to love." – Albert Camus

Friday, February 07, 2025

Something Snapped In Us

©iStock/Eblis
After US President Donald Trump threatened Canada with steep tariffs, Monika Morelli from Montreal cancelled her subscriptions to Netflix and Amazon, two giant American companies.  She also called off a trip that she had planned for later in the year to New Orleans.

"There is something that has been irrevocably broken now, after centuries of the US and Canada being allies," Ms Morelli, 39, told the BBC.

The threaten of import taxes, she said, plus Trump's remarks that Canada could become the 51st US state, "have made something snap in us all".

Read more about how Trump tariffs have caused a riff beyond repair with Canadians.

Thursday, February 06, 2025

Alex Yancher from Passport Shipping on DTC Tariffs

©iStock/IvelinRadkov
Ref:  Temu, Shein, and the ‘First Sale Rule’: The Next Big Test for DTC Tariffs

From Alex Yancher, CEO/Co-founder, Passport Shipping: "Did you know that Temu/Shein and other China-based shippers are planning on paying US tariffs on the cost of goods, not the retail value? So for a Temu product that a buyer pays $20 for, Temu will pay tariffs on COGS, something closer to $2 vs. $20 (sales price). Let’s say tariffs are 20%, that’s only $0.40. Temu’s prices will go from $20 to $20.40. *But there’s a catch*."

How does it work?  Read his full LinkedIn post here.

Wednesday, February 05, 2025

What the Year of the Wood Snake 2025 Means For Your Chinese Zodiac Sign

©iStock/MoleskoStudio
Say farewell to the Year of the Wood Dragon because the Year of the Wood Snake is upon us, officially beginning when the new moon enters Aquarius at 4:36 a.m. PT on Jan. 29, 2025.  While every Lunar New Year prompts joyous gatherings and festivities, this year marks an especially exciting year to celebrate since the last time it was a Wood Snake year was in 1965. The year of the Snake, meanwhile, comes every 12 years.

Learn what's in store.

Tuesday, February 04, 2025

Lisa Bamford Discusses Going Rogue: When Creativity Drives International Business (wegginar® 2/5)

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Join Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® for their next informative and engaging wegginar®, "Going Rogue:  When Creativity Drives International Business," with Lisa Bamford, Director of Global Marketing and Business Development at Sciencix, a manufacturer for analytical laboratory instruments used in medical research.

About Lisa Bamford:

The first season of Lisa Bamford's career unfolded in Nashville, TN in the music and entertainment business, including concert tours, recording sessions, and performances at the Grand Ole Opry. After losing her father to cancer, Lisa pivoted to the field of medical research laboratories, which would eventually lead her to Sciencix.

In 2023, Sciencix was honored at the White House as the U.S. SBA’s National Exporter of the Year winner for excellent support to laboratories in over 100 countries. In 2024, Sciencix received the Governor’s Excellence Award from the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina for notable international business growth that expanded the state’s global presence and ecosystem. Lisa then went back to Washington, D.C. to receive the President’s “E” Award by the U.S. Department of Commerce for her strategies to generate international business growth.

Lisa holds a Bachelor of Music from Meredith College, post graduate studies in Education and Pedagogy from Belmont University, and a Master of Science from Grand Canyon University. She is President of the NC World Trade Association Triangle Chapter, is a statewide board member of the NCWTA, and serves on the Statewide Advisory Board for the Small Business & Technology Development Center.

Here's what she will discuss during her wegginar:
  • How to Turn “Oh, No!” Into “What If?”
  • Combine Creative and Analytical Thinking to Fill in Unexpected Gaps
  • Don’t Overlook the Humanity in International Business
  • And more!

To learn more and to register, visit here.  The program is free of charge thanks to generous sponsors as noted on the graphic.

Monday, February 03, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: And the Tariffs Begin

 

©iStock/Fredex8
What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners:

Saturday, February 01, 2025

Run Into People in the Hardware Store

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"I have a very difficult time describing my music. Because I run into people in the hardware store and they go, 'Oh, you're a musician. So what kind of music do you play?' And I go, 'Uh, I've been doin' this for many years - I don't know what to call it.'" – Les Claypool