Monday, May 26, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Biggest Threat to Success is Overthinking

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

Saturday, May 24, 2025

Pope Leo XIV's Home in Dolton, Illinois

I [Laurel Delaney] was born and raised in Riverdale, Illinois – 4 miles from Dolton, Illinois where Pope Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) was raised.  I suspect we passed each other on our bikes growing up.

Photo credit (5/18/25):  ©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.  

Friday, May 23, 2025

Starbucks Avoids Brewing Controversy in South Korea

©iStock/tupungato
Walk into any Starbucks in South Korea right now, and there are some names you definitely won't be hearing.  Six to be exact - and they happen to be the names of the candidates running in the upcoming presidential race.  That's because Starbucks has temporarily blocked customers who are ordering drinks from using these names, which would be called out by baristas.

Oh, let's not forget Starbuck's goal of making sure every customer has a great experience in their coffeehouses.

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Big News: A New Family of Products for the Age of Artificial Intelligence

©iStock/Lemon_tm
On May 21, 2025, Sam Altman, OpenAI’s chief executive, said the company was paying $6.5 billion to buy IO, a one-year-old start-up created by Jony Ive, a former top Apple executive who designed the iPhone.  They had already owned 23% of the company and now will own 100%.

The all-stock deal, which effectively unites Silicon Valley royalty, is intended to usher in what the two men call “a new family of products” for the age of artificial general intelligence, or A.G.I., which is shorthand for a future technology that achieves human-level intelligence.

The goal of the partnership, or the blending of the two companies, was to leverage A.I. to help people make some sense of the noise.  Which means a new cool device by Ive.  Ive's design studio, LoveFrom remains independent from OpenAI to work on other projects.

Learn more about what is yet to come:  a new generation of devices.

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Attention USA Small Business Owners: Let's Talk Tariffs on June 11 (wegg® GPS)

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Attention U.S. small business owners! The associates at Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® invite you to share your experiences, insights, and strategies for tackling the ongoing challenge of tariffs—a persistent issue affecting many. Let’s come together on Wednesday, June l1 at 11 AM CT to Talk Tariffs, the obstacles you face and the solutions you’ve found.

I [Laurel Delaney] will be moderating the call.  We have a handful of experts lined up to guide us during the discussions:
  • Joe Maher, Partner, Nixon Peabody
  • Ela Baio, Partner, Nixon Peabody
  • Lori Novak, VP, FX, Associated Bank
  • Ming Chen, President, MSL Global Express Inc.
Join us for a free, collaborative session where together we’ll brainstorm innovative solutions and craft a clear, actionable plan to make a real impact.  Together, we are stronger. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to contribute your ideas and be part of meaningful change!

Monday, May 19, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Bonded Warehouses Are Seeing a Spike in Interest

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

Saturday, May 17, 2025

The Joy It Brings Others

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
“A tulip blooms not for itself, but for the joy it brings to others.”

Friday, May 16, 2025

Accelerate Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Globally

©iStock/Alessandra Indino
"Our aspiration is to help accelerate sustainable and inclusive growth globally, and it’s a key metric by which we measure ourselves." – Bob Sternfels, Global managing partner, McKinsey & Company – download report.

Thursday, May 15, 2025

Is a Luxury Boeing 747 Jet Gifted From Qatar to President Trump Going Too Far?

©iStock/LIVINUS
I don't know about all of you but I would prefer a big, beautiful new jet made in USA for Air Force One, no matter how long the wait.  After all, isn't there a BIG push for Made In America right now or am I missing something?  The latest is that Qatar wants to give a FREE Air Force One replacement valued at U.S. $400 million to President Trump.  No strings attached.  Got that?  

Yet, the Constitution prohibits federal officials from accepting things of value, or “emoluments,” from foreign governments without congressional approval.  

Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii said, "Schatz said "it really should go without saying, but no president should be accepting a $400 million gift from a foreign country. It is gross, it is reckless, it is corrupt, and the outrage and condemnation especially on the Republican side should be universal.”

What's your feeling?

Wednesday, May 14, 2025

Defer (Park) Tariffs For a While With a Foreign Trade Zone

©iStock/werny
The U.S. has roughly 260 foreign-trade zones (FTZs) that allow them to defer tariffs on imported goods and materials, for a while.  Think of it as parking your import in a tax-free foreign trade zone until you are ready to release it.  Good way to manage your cash flow.

Foreign trade zones and bonded warehouses are specially designated, secured storage or manufacturing sites approved by U.S. Customs that allow for the temporary avoidance of tariffs.

Since the start of Trump's trade war, more companies started looking to FTZs, and membership has surged to an all-time high.

Tuesday, May 13, 2025

Is the U.S. Looking to Hurt China?

©iStock/Rawf8
Under the new agreement, the US is reducing the "reciprocal" tariff on Chinese goods that it announced on "Liberation day" to 10%. But it said the higher levy rate was being suspended for 90 days, rather than removed permanently.

The US is also keeping in place the extra 20% tariff aimed at putting pressure on Beijing to do more to curb the illegal trade in fentanyl, a powerful opioid drug.

Is the U.S. looking to hurt China?

Monday, May 12, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: The Global Small Business Blog Is Now Home to Pope Leo XIV

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

Saturday, May 10, 2025

Who Believes in Angels?

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile – Who Believes in Angels? Stories from the edge of creation.

Friday, May 09, 2025

Is the U.S. Administration Being Fair Minded?

©iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen
Steven L. Taylor discusses what anti-DEI really ends up meaning.  In it, he says:

I also want to acknowledge how tired I am that people like myself who are inclined to be fair-minded, find themselves in a debate with an administration that has no interest in being fair-minded, but rather wants to play semantic games that ignore the consequences of their actions.

Read his interesting commentary here.

Wednesday, May 07, 2025

Women Are Making a Lasting Impact on the Global Stage

©iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen
At SUCCESS® magazine, their reach extends worldwide, and they are proud to honor women from diverse backgrounds and industries who are making a lasting impact on the global stage.

In a world where we are experiencing so much change politically, economically, socially and in the consumer marketplace, there’s one constant that keeps us going: women.

Women are using their platforms to advocate for important causes, drive meaningful change and provide solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues. From launching international businesses to leading grassroots campaigns, the women featured in SUCCESS' 2025 Women of Influence are demonstrating that leadership knows no borders. Their influence is felt across continents, and their impact is shaping the future of industries, communities and societies around the world.

Check out SUCCESS' 2025 Women of Influence.  Be inspired.

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

Marcy McKenna Demystifies Live Shopping (wegginar® 5/7/25)

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Think Live Shopping is for you and your business?  Find out from the pro Marcy McKenna, Founder and CEO, The Live Shopping Academy, when she discusses, "Live Shopping Demystified:  Unlock the Hidden Power of Today's Fastest Growing eCom Marketing Strategy," Wednesday, May 7th at 11 AM CT.

Here's what you can expect:

  • Discover the five biggest reasons ecommerce brands are diving into live shopping in record numbers.
  • Find out if your product is right for live shopping and what the potential could be for your bottom line.
  • Learn the hidden benefits of live shopping that you can start taking advantage of today
  • Get step-by-step guidance for getting started with live shopping.

About Marcy

Marcy McKenna is an accomplished product innovator and entrepreneur having successfully designed, developed, marketed and launched over 40 products via live shopping, ecommerce and big box retail.

With over 14 years of experience in the Live Shopping space–both as a brand on HSN, QVC, and Amazon, and as a product spokesperson/influencer on today’s most popular live commerce platforms, Amazon Live, Pinterest TV, Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Grommet Live, etc., Marcy has seen firsthand the power live shopping can bring to product based businesses, both big and small. With that in mind, she recently created and launched The Live Shopping Academy with the goal of teaching ecommerce brands, Amazon Sellers and product entrepreneurs how to harness the power of Live Shopping to build their brands to heights never before thought possible.  And there's more ...

To register (free of charge) for this extremely popular wegginar®, visit here.

Monday, May 05, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: The Economic Impact of Tariffs and Global Trade on Business

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

  • Tariffs and global trade:  the economic impact on business.
  • By declaring a trade war on the rest of the world, President Donald Trump has panicked global financial markets, raised the risk of a recession and broken the political and economic alliances that made much of the world stable for business after World War II.  Is it a sign of dominance or weakness?
  • South Korean exports show signs of weakness and global trade tensions.
  • Quote of the week:  “The benefits of a tariff are visible. Union workers can see they are "protected." The harm which a tariff does is invisible. It's spread widely. There are people that don't have jobs because of tariffs but they don't know it." – Milton Friedman
  • U.S. showed signs of weakness even before trade tensions escalated.
  • A look at U.S. exports to China 2025.

Saturday, May 03, 2025

Flowers Don't Tell

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Flowers don't tell, they show." – Stephanie Skeem

Friday, May 02, 2025

About Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney

©iStock/Captured by Keeleigh
What I have learned so far from Mark Carney is that Trump will not be adding Canada, Greenland or Panama to the US Territory anytime soon.  He also said Canada would "never" yield to the United States as he declared victory in federal elections early Tuesday, April 29, 2025. 

A little bit about Mark Carney.

Thursday, May 01, 2025

Cheers! Happy National Small Business Month!

©iStock/EyeEm Mobile GmbH
It's time to celebrate National Small Business Month.  May is a month to applaud and recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economy. And right now, they (myself included) are experiencing a tough time due to our current economic environment.  Yet, because we are hard working, fierce, resilient and brave, we are the backbone of our economy.

Despite having a challenging time to find something uplifting to report out on relative to small businesses, I thought this post by the Export-Import Bank of the United States is perfect.  It talks about beer (that's where the cheers come in) and how craft brewers can go global with government support.  Yes, you read that right.

Check it out here.  Cheer's to all of us – global small businesses – for navigating extremely turbulent waters right now.  There is no other choice than to come up with creative solutions and keep moving forward.

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

The Exceptional Work of John Yunker – Deglobalization & AI: The Calm Before the Storm

©2015 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
As John Yunker says, "While reviewing websites for the 2025 Web Globalization Report Card I was struck by two things:

  1. Deglobalization has had a visible (and negative) impact on global websites
  2. AI is also having an impact, though you have to look closely to see it

Combined, I believe we are in the midst of the calm before the storm."

Read his entire provocative and insightful report here (don't miss it).

Thanks for your readership everyone.  With this post for April, we are more than 108,000 readers.  In March, we hit over 160K readers!

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

Pleasing an Audience of One: DJT

©iStock/Victor Aheiv
Gifting all of you this article from The New York Times and reported by Ana Swanson (from Washington).

Many employees believe Mr. Lutnick is focused on an audience of one: the man he refers to as “DJT.” Mr. [Howard] Lutnick often speaks of the president’s intuition, wisdom and prescience; has boasted of having regular Friday night dinners with Mr. Trump; and describes any day that he speaks to the president as a “good day.”

Access entire article here.

We all hope Mr. Trump takes a less aggressive approach to tariffs for the business owners who have built their businesses around international business.

Monday, April 28, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Rewire Your Decision Making

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

Saturday, April 26, 2025

Art Is Not What You See

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." – Edgar Degas

Friday, April 25, 2025

Yes. No. Yes. No. We Are Talking China and United States Trade Talks

©iStock/wildpixel
After an early wobble (4/24/25 at 4:07 PM ET), markets resumed rising after Chinese officials contradicted suggestions from President Trump and others about tariff negotiations.

Stocks rose on Thursday (4/24/25), and then ...

The rally then paused after officials in China said they were not holding talks with the United States about easing trade tensions. But indexes continued to swing on scraps of information about tariffs and monetary policy, in the absence of concrete developments about the escalating global trade war.

Yes. No. Yes. No.  We are talking about China and United States trade talks.

Thursday, April 24, 2025

The Secret Side of YouTube

©iStock/Dragos Condrea
There's a secret side of YouTube, just beyond the guiding hand of the algorithm – and it’s nothing like what you know. The vast majority of YouTube's estimated 14.8 billion videos have almost never been seen. Until now.

There's a hidden world beneath the shadows of YouTube's algorithm.

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Who Believes In Angels?

‘Who Believes In Angels? Stories From The Edge Of Creation’ featuring Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Bernie Taupin and Andrew Watt is a candid, 30-min film series capturing thousands of hours of raw footage and ultimately documenting the album's entire creation. 

Offering fans an unprecedented, searingly honest insight into the emotionally turbulent creative process - breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn up lyric sheets and all. ‘Stories From The Edge Of Creation’ marks the first time that Elton has allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions while creating an album.

Thanks for the tip Dee Dee Martin of Soothe Our Souls. 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

The World Mourns Over the Death of Pope Francis

©iStock/johan10
The Vatican said Francis, the first pope from Latin America, had died on Monday, April 21, 2025, after a stroke, and revealed that his will requested a simple tomb in Rome.

His love of people and acts of charity will forever be in our hearts.  RIP.

Monday, April 21, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: In China, One of Many Nicknames for Trump Is Chuan Jianguo

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

  • Dr. Moira Weigel, an assistant professor at Harvard University is researching a book on e-commerce platforms and writes an Opinion for the NY Times, "When the Chinese Call Him 'Comrade Trump,' It's Not a Joke."  She says, "In China, one of many nicknames for President Trump is Chuan Jianguo. It literally translates as “Trump the Nation Builder.” My best translation is “Comrade Trump.” The joke is that Mr. Trump is a patriotic son of China who is diligently advancing Chinese interests by causing chaos in the United States." 
  • The Trump administration received bipartisan criticism on Sunday (4/20/25) for its deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia — a Salvadorian citizen who lived in Maryland and was deported to a prison in El Salvador due to an "administrative error."
  • Easter truce or hogwash?
  • Quote of the week:  “The best way to look stylish on a budget is to try second-hand, bargain hunting, and vintage." – Orlando Bloom
  • U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared detailed plans about a military operation against the Houthis in Yemen on a second Signal group chat, this one on his personal phone and including his wife, lawyer and brother, three people familiar with the chat told CNN.  
  • Prolonged tariffs could cause a “huge uptick” in short-term sales of used and refurbished devices, especially smartphones, says Dan Ives, Wedbush Securities global head of technology research.

Saturday, April 19, 2025

Peaceful Revolution Impossible

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable." – John F. Kennedy

Friday, April 18, 2025

Solemn Reflection and Remembrance

©iStock/Wirestock
Good Friday is a day of solemn reflection and remembrance of Jesus' crucifixion. Activities include attending church services, praying, fasting, and engaging in acts of charity. Many also choose to observe silence (turning off phones, TV, and other devices), particularly between 12 pm and 3 pm, when Jesus was on the cross.

Thursday, April 17, 2025

The Effect of Owning a Pet On Life Satisfaction

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
People all around the world have pets, and it has been shown in many studies that having a pet can have a positive effect on various aspects of health.

A new study examines the impact of owning a pet on life satisfaction. 

The study was conducted by two UK researchers, Michael W. Gmeiner from the London School of Economics and Adelina Gschwandtner from the University of Kent. The scientists analyzed data from the so-called Innovation Panel, a survey from the UK that contained various information on pet ownership and life satisfaction. Overall, data from 2600 households were included in the study, making the sample quite large and the results statistically robust. 

The good news (spoiler alert) for all cat and dog owners: Owning a pet clearly makes its owner happier and more satisfied with their lives in the long run!

I know for me [Laurel Delaney] it does.  Pictured is my Wellington.  Learn more about the results of the study here.

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Tulips in The Netherlands

©iStock/Olena_Z
During tulip season, the national flower splashes color through Amsterdam’s parks, canals and city streets, with magnificent displays further afield including the spectacle at Keukenhof Gardens, along with cycling routes through the bulb fields, and events including a flower-festooned Bloemencorso (Flower Parade).

If only all of us could tiptoe through the tulips in The Netherlands right now to break away from all the stress in our world.  So if you can't get away, take a remote break to learn the history of tulips in The Netherlands, when is the best time to visit, what is the top sight during tulip season and more.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Leadership Lessons from Dr. Adam Grant

©iStock/fongleon356
Last December, I [Dr. Adam Grant] asked my students at Wharton to nominate and vote on topics for our final class. The runaway top choice was leadership lessons from Elon Musk. It’s become a hot topic among the corporate elite, too. 

As an organizational psychologist, I’ve long admired the boldness of Mr. Musk’s vision, the intensity of his drive and the impact of his innovations in cars and rockets. But the way he deals with people would fail the leadership class I teach at his alma mater.  

Read the entire Opinion in The New York Times here.

Monday, April 14, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: Honoring Passover

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

Saturday, April 12, 2025

Egomaniac or Crazy?

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Any man who wants to be president is either an egomaniac or crazy." – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Friday, April 11, 2025

Many Are Questioning the Wisdom of Tariffs

©iStock/LunaKate
A little late to the table here ... major figures in the investing world are questioning the wisdom of Trump's tariffs.  Some say it is "a mistake" and "masochistic," as Larry Summers says below.

“Trump’s tariffs are the most expensive and masochistic the U.S. has pursued in decades. A very crude estimate of Trump’s tariffs puts the projected loss at US$20 trillion dollars, or well over US$200,000 per family of four.” — Larry Summers, former U.S. Treasury secretary, on X.

Thursday, April 10, 2025

Costco Rocks and For a Good Reason

©iStock/jetcityimage
With all the recent news about tariffs, members can't help but wonder if they will see prices at Costco go up.

At the company's second-quarter earnings call in March, CEO Ron Vachris spoke to reassure investors and customers at the same time, even as he acknowledged that it's difficult to predict the impact of tariffs. 

"Our team remains agile and our goal will be to minimize the impact of related cost increases to our members," he said, adding that only around one-third of Costco products sold in the U.S. are imported from other countries, and less than half of those are items coming from China, Mexico, and Canada.

By the end of the year, Costco will have more than 900 locations worldwide.  Here is a list of the locations opening soon: 

  • Stuart, FL, April 2025
  • Ardeer, Australia, April 2025
  • Minami Alps, Japan, April 2025
  • Pyeongtaek, Korea, June 2025
  • Malmo, Sweden, July 2025
  • Midland, TX, July 2025

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Global Small Businesses Are Feeling the Greatest Pain Right Now From Tariffs

©iStock/TatyanaGI
Bill Ackman wrote in a Sunday post on X that the U.S. risks fueling an “economic nuclear war” should the administration’s onslaught of tariffs proceed against dozens of countries.

Ackman, who runs the New York City-based hedge fund Pershing Square, suggested that President Trump consider a 90-day pause of the policy to allow time for negotiations, and he underscored how the country’s [global] small businesses “will experience much greater pain” compared with larger companies.

Tuesday, April 08, 2025

It's Not Candy Land, It's Game of Chicken

©iStock/ptasha
A day before Donald Trump's "reciprocal" tariffs are scheduled to kick in, the US president appears locked in a high-stakes game of chicken [or maybe Candy Land?], with the world's economy hanging in the balance.

Some nations labelled "worst offenders" are scrambling to make nice with the White House to end this game before it reaches a potentially devastating climax.  China, in contrast, is playing a different game, one of retaliation and resistance.

Meanwhile, Trump has pressed ahead, even as some allies – in Congress and on Wall Street – wonder if he's going too far.

Monday, April 07, 2025

Today in Global Small Business: SNL's Latest Episode Where Trump Provides an Update On His Recent Tariffs

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

  • Oh, have some fun with SNL's latest episode where Trump provides an update on his recent tariffs.
  • Trade.gov is still up and running.  Here's the part I like best:  Are you experiencing a trade barrier?  Go here.  Is there anyone who is NOT experiencing a trade barrier right now?
  • EXIM is still up and running – doing its best to keep America strong.
  • Quote of the week:  “There is one and only one social responsibility of business—to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits.” – Milton Friedman
  • SBA's Office of International Trade is still up and running.
  • Defiant Trump vows to stay the course as countries scramble over tariffs.

Saturday, April 05, 2025

Winter Hibernation is Over

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.
"Winter hibernation is over – let's catch up!" – common informal expression, not attributed to a specific person

Friday, April 04, 2025

Globalization is Not Dead But It's Evolving

©iStock/Wirestock
Get a glimpse of what NY Times columnist Thomas L. Friedman has to say in, "I Just Saw the Future.  It Was Not in America."

It would take years for American car companies to replace the global supply chains they depend on and make everything in America. Even Tesla has to import some parts.

With the new era of protectionism, consumers will pay more and have less choice.  Eliminating foreign competition, well, makes me [Laurel Delaney] think we will each be sewing our own Nike running shoes, if that's your brand. 

Globalization is not dead but it's evolving.

Thursday, April 03, 2025

Be Who You Are on Your Way Out, Sadly Not Before

©iStock/farres tariq
The former Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, will likely deliver the deciding vote on a resolution to block a national emergency used to justify the new tariffs on Canadian imports.

Sen. Mitch McConnell privately indicated to Sen. Tim Kaine he would back the Virginia Democrat’s resolution to undo President Donald Trump’s Canada tariffs.

What does it mean?  We'll soon find out.  

Wednesday, April 02, 2025

The Decline of the Expert?

©iStock/Makhbubakhon Ismatova
Want to understand a medical diagnosis, learn how to export, challenge a legal contract, or make sense of an economic forecast? Traditionally, your only option was to trust a trained professional.  But now, AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and others are changing the game—offering clear, confident, and accessible answers to complex questions. 

This democratization of knowledge has tremendous potential.  But it could also be the decline of the expert?

Tuesday, April 01, 2025

Connect, Learn, Have Fun and Export!

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.
Join wegg's next wegginar® with award-winning exporter Joan Laureano, President of Nosotras Boutique Fashion Group tomorrow, Wednesday, April 2nd at 11 AM CT.  Free of charge thanks to wegg's sponsors.

To learn more and to register, visit:  My 10 Biggest Lessons in Exporting.