In Small Business CEO
A special thanks to Steve Rucinski (Small Business CEO), Anita Campbell (Small Business Trends) and Peter Thusat (SMB Trendwire) for allowing me the opportunity to talk about a subject I am so passionate about: going global. It is our gift (listen in below) to all of you and we hope it encourages you to make going global one of your new year resolutions! -- All the best, Laurel
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Note: This AudioCast is Free!
-- Do you need new markets to grow?
-- Do you have a perception that going global is a huge effort?
-- Do you have the Global IQ to get it done?
-- What are the best countries to export to?
-- What resources are there to help me?
These questions and more are answered by one of the best small business globalization experts available, Laurel Delaney on our SMB Trendwire AudioCast. Learn more about what we call WII-FM (What’s in it for me) in taking your small business global. Laurel answers several audience questions and talks about what a small business should do and not do to go global.
This call was held December 30th at 4 pm EST but you can listen to the archive for FREE by clicking here.
Or, go here to the page link that takes you to the broadcast.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
Miracle on eBay Street: Starring ... Entrepreneurs!
In The Financial Times
More on how eBay helps set loose the international entrepreneurial spirit. Here are the last two paragraphs from this wonderful commentary:
• The third explanation is perhaps the strongest: eBay has helped to unleash the entrepreneurial force of millions of small business people, giving instant access to bigger regional, national, or even international markets. The tie-seller from Michigan, for instance, has sold an average of three items a week online this year. That may not by itself provide a living, but it is typical of the millions of people who can supplement incomes, or create full-time businesses, thanks to the online marketplace.
• The simple but powerful ideas that have combined to make eBay an internet powerhouse could one day end up having a far broader effect on global commerce. eBay itself points to a potential market for online auctions of $3,000bn, eventually spanning things such as industrial equipment, wholesale goods and specialised business services. Such grandiose claims smack of internet hubris, circa 1999. But after the advances of the last few years, they are not so easily dismissed.
To read the entire editorial, visit: A miracle not just for Christmas
More on how eBay helps set loose the international entrepreneurial spirit. Here are the last two paragraphs from this wonderful commentary:
• The third explanation is perhaps the strongest: eBay has helped to unleash the entrepreneurial force of millions of small business people, giving instant access to bigger regional, national, or even international markets. The tie-seller from Michigan, for instance, has sold an average of three items a week online this year. That may not by itself provide a living, but it is typical of the millions of people who can supplement incomes, or create full-time businesses, thanks to the online marketplace.
• The simple but powerful ideas that have combined to make eBay an internet powerhouse could one day end up having a far broader effect on global commerce. eBay itself points to a potential market for online auctions of $3,000bn, eventually spanning things such as industrial equipment, wholesale goods and specialised business services. Such grandiose claims smack of internet hubris, circa 1999. But after the advances of the last few years, they are not so easily dismissed.
To read the entire editorial, visit: A miracle not just for Christmas
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Join Us for a Conversation on "Globalizations Impact on Small Business" December 30th at 4 p.m. EST
In SMB TrendWire
Please join us for a conversation on "Globalizations Impact on Small Business" where I will be sharing my knowledge on what it takes to expand your business internationally, including what factors to consider before going global and whether China should be a part of your strategy. I will also be answering your questions and talking about what a small business can do to go global.
This call will be December 30th at 4 pm EST, USA and will last for approximately 45 minutes.
To register for the event, click here -> SMB TrendWire "Globalization" registration page ... and then be sure to scroll down to the registration box at the bottom of the page.
See you Thursday!
Cheers,
Laurel
Please join us for a conversation on "Globalizations Impact on Small Business" where I will be sharing my knowledge on what it takes to expand your business internationally, including what factors to consider before going global and whether China should be a part of your strategy. I will also be answering your questions and talking about what a small business can do to go global.
This call will be December 30th at 4 pm EST, USA and will last for approximately 45 minutes.
To register for the event, click here -> SMB TrendWire "Globalization" registration page ... and then be sure to scroll down to the registration box at the bottom of the page.
See you Thursday!
Cheers,
Laurel
Sunday, December 26, 2004
Melding Radically Different Corporate Cultures
In The Ledger.com
Small businesses can learn many lessons from this interesting article on Chinese computer make Lenovo Group who just bought IBM's PC unit.
Here's a question posed in the article:
American multinational companies outsource manufacturing to China. Why can't a Chinese company outsource management to the United States?
Find out the answer here: Chinese Buyer of PC Unit Is Moving to I.B.M.'s Hometown
Small businesses can learn many lessons from this interesting article on Chinese computer make Lenovo Group who just bought IBM's PC unit.
Here's a question posed in the article:
American multinational companies outsource manufacturing to China. Why can't a Chinese company outsource management to the United States?
Find out the answer here: Chinese Buyer of PC Unit Is Moving to I.B.M.'s Hometown
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Happy Birthday World Trade Organization (WTO)!
In Inc.
Find out how the WTO is opening the minds of small business exporters to possibilities that might not have been there before:
"WTO is an organization best known for sparking riots also deserves some credit for promoting the interests of American entrepreneurs."
Find out how the WTO is opening the minds of small business exporters to possibilities that might not have been there before:
"WTO is an organization best known for sparking riots also deserves some credit for promoting the interests of American entrepreneurs."
Monday, December 20, 2004
Trade Mission Builds Chinese Ties For Small Businesses
In MSNBC
The following article link presents a good look at how small busineses located in Pennsylvania are making great strides in China with the help of supporting organizations, including SBA. Here are a couple of engaging snippets from the piece:
• "The cultural changes occurring in China right now are simply overwhelming," he said. "The openness to western product and western culture is shocking."
• Even as the growth of the Chinese economy causes concern over outsourcing issues due to its low labor costs, Mr. Kunkel sees a growing middle class in China with increasing disposable income and an appetite for western goods.
• "You cannot do business in China without having some face-to-face and having a physical presence there," he said. "It's not a believable offer to the Chinese if you're not physically there."
To read the entire article, visit:
Trade Mission Builds Chinese Ties For Small Businesses
The following article link presents a good look at how small busineses located in Pennsylvania are making great strides in China with the help of supporting organizations, including SBA. Here are a couple of engaging snippets from the piece:
• "The cultural changes occurring in China right now are simply overwhelming," he said. "The openness to western product and western culture is shocking."
• Even as the growth of the Chinese economy causes concern over outsourcing issues due to its low labor costs, Mr. Kunkel sees a growing middle class in China with increasing disposable income and an appetite for western goods.
• "You cannot do business in China without having some face-to-face and having a physical presence there," he said. "It's not a believable offer to the Chinese if you're not physically there."
To read the entire article, visit:
Trade Mission Builds Chinese Ties For Small Businesses
Friday, December 17, 2004
New Research on Canada's Small Business Export Markets
In Western Economic Diversification Canada
The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today released Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling. The report presents new findings on domestic and international markets served by western Canadian small businesses in the technology, manufacturing and business services sectors.
"Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and employment in Western Canada," said Minister Owen. "This type of research enables governments to work with other partners to strengthen and expand this essential segment of the economy."
If you are conducting business in Canada or if you are operating in the USA and are interested in learning more about the Canadian small business market, be sure to read the following press release which provides a link to the free-of-charge research report at the end:
Research on Small Business Export Markets
The Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport) today released Western Canada's Small Business Markets: A Survey of Selling. The report presents new findings on domestic and international markets served by western Canadian small businesses in the technology, manufacturing and business services sectors.
"Small businesses are the engine of economic growth and employment in Western Canada," said Minister Owen. "This type of research enables governments to work with other partners to strengthen and expand this essential segment of the economy."
If you are conducting business in Canada or if you are operating in the USA and are interested in learning more about the Canadian small business market, be sure to read the following press release which provides a link to the free-of-charge research report at the end:
Research on Small Business Export Markets
Monday, December 13, 2004
Small Business Targeted By eBay
In AZ Central.com (requires a quick, three-step free registration process)
The following article indicates that eBay is now marketing its services as the place for small businesses to set up shop, sell excess inventory and seek out equipment bargains. It is a far cry from doing business on a large scale internationally but for those who like the idea of saying they at least sold a customer in a place outside the United States, it's worth your effort.
Here's what the article states and it appears there is nothing new being reported beyond what Anita Campbell already covered at Small Business Trends:
• Two key trends: increasing numbers of Internet users and growing global e-commerce. Citing data from IDC, which provides information technology research, Toney said Internet users will grow to 1.1 billion in 2007, from 702 million in 2003. Global e-commerce is expected to grow to $7.1 trillion in 2007, from $1.6 trillion in 2003.
If there was a way that eBay could allow people to sell cases, pallets and containerloads of merchandise one transaction at a time, then I see eBay as a platform to a most remarkable e-commerce future for all of us. But until then, all eBay small-biz shops will just have to settle for selling one single Beanie Babie in Japan, one Pez dispenser in Ireland and one Marilyn Monroe doll in Argentina to make a claim that they are now operating as a global small business.
To read the article, visit: Small business targeted by eBay
The following article indicates that eBay is now marketing its services as the place for small businesses to set up shop, sell excess inventory and seek out equipment bargains. It is a far cry from doing business on a large scale internationally but for those who like the idea of saying they at least sold a customer in a place outside the United States, it's worth your effort.
Here's what the article states and it appears there is nothing new being reported beyond what Anita Campbell already covered at Small Business Trends:
• Two key trends: increasing numbers of Internet users and growing global e-commerce. Citing data from IDC, which provides information technology research, Toney said Internet users will grow to 1.1 billion in 2007, from 702 million in 2003. Global e-commerce is expected to grow to $7.1 trillion in 2007, from $1.6 trillion in 2003.
If there was a way that eBay could allow people to sell cases, pallets and containerloads of merchandise one transaction at a time, then I see eBay as a platform to a most remarkable e-commerce future for all of us. But until then, all eBay small-biz shops will just have to settle for selling one single Beanie Babie in Japan, one Pez dispenser in Ireland and one Marilyn Monroe doll in Argentina to make a claim that they are now operating as a global small business.
To read the article, visit: Small business targeted by eBay
Monday, December 06, 2004
A Field Guide to the Falling Dollar
In The New York Times
What I think is intriguing about this article is that it talks about the BIG guys, Volkswagen and Cadillac (a division of General Motors), on what the falling dollar means to our economy yet quotes one of my favorite SBA experts, Harvey D. Bronstein, a senior international economist at the Small Business Administration! Here's the clip on what he and a professor said about the falling dollar:
... said Maurice Obstfeld, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley. "It takes time to reallocate resources to export industries so they can produce more," he said. "It also takes time for foreign demand to adjust, and switch to new sources of supply."
Long-term contracts can contribute to these delays, said Harvey D. Bronstein, a senior international economist at the Small Business Administration. "You have to build relationships and a trust level with purchasers in other countries. This takes much longer than the daily or monthly fluctuations in currency values."
To read the entire article, visit:
A Field Guide to the Falling Dollar
What I think is intriguing about this article is that it talks about the BIG guys, Volkswagen and Cadillac (a division of General Motors), on what the falling dollar means to our economy yet quotes one of my favorite SBA experts, Harvey D. Bronstein, a senior international economist at the Small Business Administration! Here's the clip on what he and a professor said about the falling dollar:
... said Maurice Obstfeld, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley. "It takes time to reallocate resources to export industries so they can produce more," he said. "It also takes time for foreign demand to adjust, and switch to new sources of supply."
Long-term contracts can contribute to these delays, said Harvey D. Bronstein, a senior international economist at the Small Business Administration. "You have to build relationships and a trust level with purchasers in other countries. This takes much longer than the daily or monthly fluctuations in currency values."
To read the entire article, visit:
A Field Guide to the Falling Dollar
Abridged Borderbuster 12/6/04
If you are not a subscriber to Borderbuster, here's a glimpse of what you missed:
CONTENTS
1. Welcome From The Publisher
2. Feedback From Our Readers
3. Manifesto: Global Guru. Shaking Things Up. Making Things Happen
4. Business Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*
5. Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Need To Self-Promote Like Coastal Rivals
6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series // Franchising In India*
7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*
8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*
9. Number of Mainland Entrepreneurs On The Rise*
10. Baby Steps Led Mother To National Export Award
11. What, If Anything, Will Sink The Global Economy?*
12. Google CEO Proud of Dutch Auction IPO*
13. Watch for Laurel’s New e-Book: “Godzilla Global Marketing”*
14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)*
15. Wind Behind Your Sail*
16. Miscellany*
Sample section:
11. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WILL SINK THE GLOBAL ECONOMY?
*Subscriber Exclusive*
While the global economy has been growing at a healthy pace, the prospect of rising interest rates, a housing market crash, oil price shocks and instability in the Chinese economy could create setbacks in the future, according to speakers on a recent Wharton Finance Conference panel titled, "The Global Economy: Have Traction, Will Travel."
To read the entire article, visit:
What, If Anything, Will Sink The Global Economy?
To subscribe to Borderbuster, visit:
Sign Up For Borderbuster Here
CONTENTS
1. Welcome From The Publisher
2. Feedback From Our Readers
3. Manifesto: Global Guru. Shaking Things Up. Making Things Happen
4. Business Cultural Tips: Have Some Fun!*
5. Wisconsin Entrepreneurs Need To Self-Promote Like Coastal Rivals
6. How I Went Global: Ongoing Series // Franchising In India*
7. A Reader Asks: Q&A*
8. Everybody Loves a Freebie -- repeat: FREE OFFER*
9. Number of Mainland Entrepreneurs On The Rise*
10. Baby Steps Led Mother To National Export Award
11. What, If Anything, Will Sink The Global Economy?*
12. Google CEO Proud of Dutch Auction IPO*
13. Watch for Laurel’s New e-Book: “Godzilla Global Marketing”*
14. Take A Walk On The Wild Side (TAWOTWS)*
15. Wind Behind Your Sail*
16. Miscellany*
Sample section:
11. WHAT, IF ANYTHING, WILL SINK THE GLOBAL ECONOMY?
*Subscriber Exclusive*
While the global economy has been growing at a healthy pace, the prospect of rising interest rates, a housing market crash, oil price shocks and instability in the Chinese economy could create setbacks in the future, according to speakers on a recent Wharton Finance Conference panel titled, "The Global Economy: Have Traction, Will Travel."
To read the entire article, visit:
What, If Anything, Will Sink The Global Economy?
To subscribe to Borderbuster, visit:
Sign Up For Borderbuster Here
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Secrets to Conducting Business in China
China -- being one of the most powerful countries on the planet -- is the talk of the world for its phenomenal potential. For all of you who have considered doing business in China and are not sure how to get started, this article (along with a comprehensive listing of resources) is for you: 10 Best-Kept Secrets To Selling In China
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