And the Winner for the Growth Through Global Trade Award Goes To ...

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SteelMaster Buildings LLC -- a manufacturer, designer and supplier of arched steel structures.

How did they win it?  Numerous reasons but here are two:

1. SteelMaster Buildings exports to more than 40 countries and has distributorship relationships in more than 50 international markets.

2. Since the company began exporting in 2006, the company’s revenue has quadrupled and now represents 15 percent of the company’s total revenue.

Read all about how SteelMaster Buildings earned this prestigious UPS award that only goes to SMBs who excel in international trade here.

Congratulations!

Full disclosure:  I had the pleasure of serving as one of the judges on this fabulous program.  We originally blogged about it here.

Will Eric Schmidt Run Apple?

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In light of what's happening at Apple with the upsetting situation of Steve Jobs taking another leave of absence from the company due to his health, I can't help but wonder at the same time why there is a sudden management overhaul over at Google.

 Change is the only thing that is constant in life.  This could become disruptive innovation at its best.

Your thoughts?

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

About.com: Laurel Delaney, Import and Export Guide

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Please join me for some serious discussions and sharing of vital information on importing/exporting over at About.com (a part of The New York Times Company).

About.com
Laurel Delaney
Import and Export Guide

Sign up for the newsletter and participate in My Forum.

This site is brand new.  Watch it morph into the go-to-destination for anything to do with importing and exporting.

A World View

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The popular Small Business Trends does an excellent recap of:

Small Business News:  The Global View

Of particular interest is, "Building Your (Global) Brand with Social Media"

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Best International Shipping Deals

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Got an import or export sale and can't decide the best way to ship the goods?  Here's a look at places to consider:

DHL International Services

FedEx International

Fulfillment by AliExpress (learn more about this new service here)

UPS Global Trade

USPS - International Mail & Packages (for the small stuff)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

What's Ahead in 2011

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My latest contribution for the American American OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends:

2011:  The Year of ...

What else do you think 2011 will bring us?  I welcome your comments!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Globalize Where the Return is Everywhere

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Globalization is here to stay.  It's not a matter of surviving during current challenging economic times; it's a case of thriving.  This article (heavy emphasis on translation issues) answers the central question:  Is this the right time to expand internationally?

See if it is for you.

Bottom line:  Get out of your local rut and go global!

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Spring of Genius

Photo credit: Laurel J. Delaney, lakefront, Rogers Park, Illinois, U.S.A., 2011

"Let us love winter, for it is the spring of genius." ~ Pietro Aretino

Brazil: A Place To Do Business

National Export Strategy 2008

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The National Export Strategy is the annual report of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC).  The 2008 report takes a look at trends that contributed to the growth of U.S. exports in recent years, including strong international demand, the growth of e-commerce, and continued U.S. global competitiveness.

Download it:

Online: PDF Format

The big question:  Where are the 2009 and 2010 reports?

Considering we have this huge export push from the United States government, I'd like to see updated reports.   

Wouldn't you?

Increase Your Sales Around the World

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In this case, it all started with a mention on knitting blogs about Alexis Winslow's website that has increased sales for her around the world.

Learn more:

Designer with local roots going global

A How-To On Expanding Your Business Globally

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Considerations and a plan for going global.

How to Expand Your Business Globally

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How to Run a Global Small Business on a Shoestring

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Running a small business that takes on the world does not have to be costly.  Learn how Neil Payne set up his business on a laptop in a studio flat in 2004 and now oversees a company with offices in the UK, USA, Argentina, South Africa, Germany and the UAE.

Read tips on how he did it here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Who Has More Obese People Than Any Other Country?

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Find out:

American fat goes global

And just when you thought ... "what else can go global?!"

Canada: Show Me How to Trade

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Learn the basics of international trade -- even some things you should consider before you get started -- from Canada Business, Government Services for Entrepreneurs.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

The UK's Perspective on International Trade

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A useful site on international trade with its origin in the UK.  A sampling on a couple of the informative articles:

1. Is it time to have "China in your hand?"
   
2. How To Embrace Global Collaboration
3. What’s In Store For Those Involved In International Trade?

There's a video too: "Survive and Thrive in the Crisis By Trading Internationally."

Keep looking.  There's lots more.

Some Like It Global

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From how to structure a Letter of Credit to posting surety bonds to offering new credit terms to increase international business, these exporters found success.

Here's how.

Hint:  It starts with a local U.S. Export Assistance Center.  Find yours here.

2011 Year in Review

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The New York Times provides:

2011 Year in Review slide show

If nothing else, it will make you smile.

A State With Record Highs in Export Sales

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New Hampshire has experienced record highs in export sales for the past three years, and the majority of it stems from small businesses.

Learn more about this here and also ask a question to their expert, Dawn Wivell, director of the state's International Trade Resource Center, here.

Happy 2011 From The Global Small Business Blog

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And on the first day of the new year, do some productive reading to get your business even more global.  Try:

The Art of the Global Gateway by John Yunker
(Google Books here).

Reach out to the e-world for business.  It starts with web globalization and John Yunker can teach you a thing or two about it.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2011!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog