Happy 2017 from The Global Small Business Blog

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them." ~ Walt Disney

The American Spirit of Entrepreneurship Around the World

©iStock/julief514

Maria Contreras-Sweet, the 24th U.S. SBA Administrator, has been recognized for the Award for Global Impact which “recognizes a government official or policy expert who has created a strong ecosystem to support diverse entrepreneurs in his or her country.”

She said in a statement:

“I am deeply honored and grateful to GEN [Global Entrepreneurship Network] for creating this award that recognizes SBA’s groundbreaking work to export the SBA model and infuse the unique American spirit of entrepreneurship around the world. It is among our most important and enduring legacies."

Learn more here.

Sometimes It Pays Not to Ship South of the USA Border

©iStock/IreneLankin

Montreal, Canada-based Nancy Gervais started repairing American Girl dolls two years ago after her daughter received one as a gift and has now turned it into a small local business.  There's a reason she's not global, yet.

She [Gervais] explained there are other ways to repair the dolls, but that requires shipping the toys south of the border.

To avoid the extra costs, Gervais has learned how to fix the dolls herself by watching YouTube videos.  See what has worked for Gervais here.

Your Cross-Cultural Communication Fix For the Day

©iStock/xpoint

Even something as simple as a dog can mean different things in different cultures.  That's why anyone who has worked in a global team setting has likely witnessed firsthand how communication problems are much more than inconveniences.  They can be embarrassing, costly and damaging.

How do you fix cross-cultural communication issues?  First, it starts with talking about it and considering it regularly -- not just in a one-off sort of manner.  Second, the strength of cross-cultural communication lies in having the right attitude, experience, perspective, and insight.

The bottom line is that understanding how to communicate across cultures is an absolutely indispensable skill.

Look Internationally for New Market Opportunities

©iStock/JasonBatterham

A recent report by HSBC found that three quarters of small businesses would like to expand internationally but said they are held back because they lack “international business experience and knowledge.”

Yet in the case of UK SMEs, they are increasingly being encouraged to look internationally for new market opportunities.

Where do SMEs trip up?

Find out here.

Today in Global Small Business: What's Ahead in 2017

©iStock/Feverpitched

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

• Lift your spirits with good cheer from Small Business Trends.
• Five new year resolutions for small (and global) business owners.
• Seven new year resolutions for SEO in 2017.
• If you resolve to go global in 2017, listen in on this global trade trends webinar 1/4/17 (n/c).
• Turning new year's resolutions into actionable goals for 2017.
• What emerging business ideas could boom in 2017.

Merry Christmas from the Global Small Business Blog

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Santa Claus is anyone who loves another and seeks to make them happy."  -- Edwin Osgood Grover

Take Your Business to The Next Level: Global

©iStock/Sloot

If entrepreneurs are to take their businesses to the next level, they need to get informed, especially if they are Rwandan entrepreneurs.

For example, the Export Growth Fund (EGF) managed by the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD) is under-utilized.  The Fund was established to help exporters get around obstacles.

If a bank gave an entrepreneur a loan at a 17 per cent interest rate, for example, he [François Kanimba, the minister for trade, industry and East African Community affairs] said, the Fund would chip in 6.5 per cent to ease things for the entrepreneur.

Learn more here.

How to Become the World's Best At Anything

©iStock/ET1972

Even if you don't have a lot of bucks, you can still make your product, service or business into a global brand.  And a strong brand is one of the most valuable assets a company owns (think Coca Cola, for example).

In the case of Nigerian-based Access Bank, they aspired to become a solid brand, not just a cool logo or advertisement, that would command respect in many sectors.  And they achieved it.

"While innovation, excellent risk and corporate governance framework might be the advantage we have over our competitors, the [Access] Bank is propelled by a vision of becoming the world’s most respected African Bank, and this requires us to do things differently to standout. He [Access Bank Group Managing Director, Herbert Wigwe] thanked the bank’s stakeholders for their support and assured them of improved performance in the years ahead."

Read more about Access Bank's story here.

Entrepreneurs Will Face No Shortage of Opportunities for Success in 2017

©iStock/JeremyRichards

According to Jim Squires, director of market operations at Instagram, entrepreneurs will face no shortage of opportunities for success in 2017.

He shares insights with Small Business Computing.  Here are five key points:

1. SMBs Will Act on Their Global Ambitions
2. Mobile Will Matter More than Ever
3. Creativity Will Be Democratized
4. SMBs Will Deepen Customer Relationships
5. Lower Barriers to Entry Will Pose Challenges

Squires emphasizes that choosing platforms that help your global small business stand out will be essential in 2017.

Read more here.

How to Maintain Your Company's Global Goals While Building A Remote Workforce

©iStock/istockdaily

Team building efforts that maintain open communication lines and that push critical information to remote employees can improve that engagement and keep remote employees from losing focus on a company’s global goals, one being to create an environment where people worldwide will flourish regardless of where they are based.

Small businesses with global operations can have one or more virtual offices at remote geographic locations with employees who work out of their homes or through a mobile technology platform. Remote employees can feel less engaged than their colleagues who are in the office.

What's the work around?  Develop team-building exercises. That's according to this article -- especially if you are participating in international markets.  If you want to gain a competitive edge in global markets, team-building exercises might be the answer to address certain challenges that come with international expansion (e.g., cultural differences, time zone complications and currency fluctuations).

Today in Global Small Business: Why Brexit Will Make It Difficult for UK SMEs to Go Global

©iStock/NiroDesign

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

• What does it take to go global?
• Global success is driven by the ability to embrace cultural differences.
• Are graduates prepared for the global workforce?
• Global economic forecasts revised post-USA election.
• Why Brexit is expected to make it more difficult for British businesses to "go global."
• Has international education become an internationally traded commodity?

Oh Holy Night

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

A star is brightly shining.  Peace.  Joy.  Hope.  Merry Christmas. Happy 2017!

A New Innovation Center to Help Small Companies Go Global

©iStock/tibu

The establishment of a “Joint Innovation Center” in Luxembourg by Vodafone and Technoport S.A. (50/50 basis ownership) was announced by the Prime Minister and Minister of State, Xavier Bettel, and the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider.

Says Ninian Wilson, CEO of Vodafone Procurement Co SARL:

"The innovation centre creates a unique platform to help small companies go global. The environment in Luxembourg is ideally suited to supporting such activities in the ICT space.”

Learn more about this exciting platform here.

New York School Forges National and International Connections

©iStock/TomasSereda

At Brooklyn-based Medgar Ever College’s School of Business, entrepreneurship and international "experiential learning" go hand in hand.

“The point is that they [the students] see a world beyond them,” [Business school Dean Jo-Ann] Rolle said. “To do that, you have to understand culture and market niche.”

Learn more about ways in which Evers students are making inroads into the global business world here.

How to Use Periscope For Your Global Small Business

©iStock/tanuha2001

There are so many ways to use Periscope for your global small business but let's take a look at 30 that Small Business Trends put together.  And one, I like the best:

Reach a Global Audience

Transitioning to a global economy may not be an easy task. One of the biggest challenges would be a way to connect with foreign customers. Periscope however removes that barrier. You can now communicate with your customers from all around the world in a cost effective way.

Find out about the other 29 ways here.

Bolstering Small Businesses in 2017

©iStock/Kavuto

Here are three ways the new SBA Small Business Administrator Linda McMahon plans to bolster small businesses in 2017:

1. Upgrade technology.
2. Build stronger networks for women (we'll take it :-)!
3. Expand access to capital.

Read more here.

Today in Global Small Business: Cuban Entrepreneurs Expect Faster Economic Reforms

©iStock/DebraMcGuire

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

• Five e-commerce trends for 2017.
• What you need to know when expanding in Europe.
• German supermarket chain Aldi to get physical stores in China.
• Can Cuban entrepreneurs expect faster economic reforms post USA-election?
• Why Brexit is not seen as a threat to small businesses.
• On company growth, think global.

The Road to Christmas

©2016 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"At Christmas, all roads lead home."  -- Marjorie Holmes

Boots on the Ground Make Going Global Easier

©iStock/HottShott

A lot of small businesses have the philosophy that driving international sales has a lot to do with getting closer to your customer.

But [the Australian Federal Government's Export Finances and Insurance Corporation (EFIC)] executive director Andrew Watson warns that getting the right corporate structure, business partner and making sure you’re meeting all the regulatory and compliance obligations of overseas markets is the key to success. “There’s a real need to make sure that you’re managing the risks that you’re taking by entering that new market,” he says.

Are you ready to take the risk and invest?  Read more here.

America First for Global Small Business Fighters!

©iStock/marcogarrincha

President-elect Donald Trump has selected Linda McMahon, the co-founder of the pro-wrestling enterprise World Wrestling Entertainment, to head the Small Business Administration.

Trump says:

"She [Linda McMahon] helped grow WWE from a modest 13-person operation to a publicly traded global enterprise with more than 800 employees in offices worldwide. Linda is going to be a phenomenal leader and champion for small businesses and unleash America's entrepreneurial spirit all across the country."

Read more:  Trump Tags Former Wrestling Magnate To Head Small Business Administration

Bringing Holiday Cheer For the Ears

Indian SMEs Are Taking Advantage of the Digital Boom

©iStock/pixelfusion3d

Indian SMEs are figuring themselves in the bigger picture and taking full leverage of a digital boom in the industry.

Take a look at the top five initiatives by global giant brands that are helping promote Indian SMEs and catching up on technology here.

Today in Global Small Business: Why There's a Globalization Backlash

©iStock/Gang Zhou

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

• How to stay on track with the right marketing message.
• What's in store globally in 2017; join me at a webinar I am giving 1/4 (n/c).
• See how the Hilton Worldwide is going global, taking advantage of the booming lodging industry.
• If small businesses are going global, why not drones too?
• To meet continued e-commerce growth, DHL is rapidly investing in its U.S. operations in 2016-2017.
• Why there's a globalization backlash.

Tree Ornaments From Macy's Chicago

"Christmas is a box of tree ornaments that have become part of the family." ~ Charles Schulz (1922-2000), American cartoonist 'Peanuts'

Photos courtesy:  ©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

For the First Time, NetSuite Becomes Truly Global

iStock/wellesenterprises

By itself, NetSuite, offering a range of productivity tools, including ERP (enterprise resource planning) and CRM (customer relationship management), couldn’t tap into foreign markets the way a giant like Oracle can.

NetSuite has mostly limited itself to the English-speaking world (and Japan).  Now that Oracle has acquired NetSuite, it plans to localize its products for many more countries while expanding its data-center capacity, sales operations, partner channel and other assets to reach customers in those new areas.

“We were beginning to globalize, but we didn’t really have the resources or presence to be able to do so,” said Zach Nelson, former NetSuite CEO, who will run the new business unit.

Read more:  NetSuite's Going Global Under Oracle's Flag

The World's Biggest Flying City in the Sky

Biggest Barrier to Becoming Your Own Global Small Business Boss?

©iStock/benmm

The desire to be your own boss resonates with a lot of people, so much that many aspiring entrepreneurs are willing to take a pay cut, work longer hours, and even go without a holiday for a year.

According to research from PayPal Australia, almost 70 per cent of Australian budding entrepreneurs say getting the up-front financing is one of the biggest barriers to becoming your own boss. Yet almost two-thirds of Australians have visions of working for themselves, with the overwhelming majority (69 per cent) willing to take a pay cut to realize this dream.

Read more:  Australia's Entrepreneurs | Financial hurdle is toughest

Exports Are Critical to Survival, Especially With Music

©iStock/Veleri

According to a new report commissioned by the Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA), Music in Motion: An Analysis of Exporting Canadian Independent Music, six out of 10 Canadian music companies feel that exports are critical to their survival and that small independent music businesses are more likely to spend 21 times more on export activities for breakthrough artists than they do for artists at other stages of their career.

"It reaffirms the fact that music has no borders now - it is a global market, period," says [CIMA President Stuart] Johnston. "So that strategy and that approach has to be taken into account by any artist and the companies that support them when they're commercializing their music."

The study finds that exports are a key part of a business plan for 87% of Canadian music companies.

Today in Global Small Business: Don't Overlook the Global Day of Giving

©iStock/Leks_Laputin

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

• Why small businesses are going from local to global.
• Will TPP or the lack thereof, impact Hawaii's businesses?
• Guess what the main driver of growth is for businesses this holiday season?
• How to avoid giving your data to cyber thieves this holiday season.
• Four ways to get in on a global day of giving (and don't overlook WEGG).
• A glimpse into 1.35 billion Chinese lives.

Macy's World Famous Walnut Room 2016 in Chicago

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

A look at the holiday tree in The Walnut Room 2016 Chicago.

TPP or No TPP, How to Tweak Your Website For Global Growth

©iStock/wwwebmeister

It's on.  It's off.  TPP is up in the air until President-elect Trump decides how to improve it before signing.

Meanwhile here are six easy steps to implement on your website to demonstrate you know how to communicate with people effectively regardless of geography, culture or language, and that you are open to doing business with a few of the countries (e.g. Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam) in the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP).

We Are Grateful For Your Readership

©iStock/jenifoto

"A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues." -- Cicero

Best Business Blogs in 2016: The Global Small Business Blog Makes the List

©iStock/AlexBrylov

Out of 52 featured blogs, we are No. 6 in the Business Blogs Professionals Should Read, right before Google Small Business.  The authors of the blog say, "We’ve taken a look around the web and pulled together this comprehensive list of 52 of the best business blogs which you should be following in 2016, split by categories."

6. The Global Small Business Blog
For those businesses who are still small, but are dealing on a global scale, look no further than the Global Small Business Blog.  Even if your business isn’t quite global yet, it’s always good to keep an eye on how things are being done all around the world. 

Why CETA Is Getting a Bad Rap

©iStock/scyther5

According to Global Research, Centre for Research on Globalization, a look at the text of the CETA agreement – and recent declarations designed to reassure critics and gain support for its ratification – shows that concerns over it are seemingly well-founded.

Behind the PR attempts by the Canadian Government and the European Commission to sell it as a progressive agreement, CETA remains what it always has been: an attack on democracy, workers, and the environment. It would be a major mistake to ratify it.

Read more:  The Great CETA Swindle

Today in Global Small Business: Invest in Hole-Free Socks When Visiting Japan

©iStock/coward-lion

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

• Why small businesses are going from local to global.
• How the good business owners get better by being charitable and profitable.
• Creating a digital version of its small business education program in Colombia.
• See how Maui kicked off Global Entrepreneurship Week.
• Four (4) factors holding back businesses from long-term growth.
• Why you should take your shoes off in Japan.

Remember Who You are and What You Stand For

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“Remember who you are, what you stand for, and what's most important in your life…” ― James A. Murphy, The Waves of Life Quotes and Daily Meditations

Why You Should Scale Your Global Business

Why You Should Scale Your Global Business 

Seven Painful Lessons I learned From Others On Importing Products from China

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Trading with China is challenging.  Because with it comes dealing with the unknown, famously low (scary) prices, inconsistent quality problems and intellectual property concerns. Here, I examine the perils with conducting business in China and offer seven lessons to help treat some of the pain points.

Are SMEs Losing Out on Value By Not Going Global?

©iStock/mariusz_prusaczyk

How does a small business unleash its true value?  Entrepreneur Jeremy Harbour saw an opportunity to fix just one of the areas of the SME community that was “broken” last year – and his ultimate goal is not only creating a broad-based network of advertising businesses through his listed company The Marketing Group, but actually changing the way small businesses interact with global markets so that more business owners can harness wealth.

Learn more:  Why founder of global digital agency The Marketing Group thinks the economy doesn't support the value of small business

The Best Exporting Book on the Planet and It Is Laurel Delaney's

©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

©2016 Apress.  All right reserved.

My 2nd Edition to Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably is available for purchase now.

Exporting …

• Lays out simple steps to conduct market research, find customers, open new markets, get paid, and ship goods and services.
• Takes you through the exporting process via the Internet and other means.
• Shows you how to use social media to expand your international presence.
• Provides insider tips and strategies to export efficiently and profitably.
• Explains how the U.S. government helps exporters.
• Walks readers through the export business plan.

Here’s what’s new in the 2nd edition, and available for purchase now (https://www.amazon.com/Exporting-Definitive-Selling-Abroad-Profitably/dp/1484221923/):

• Data and citation updates.
• Updates on actual and prospective trade agreements (especially TPP, TTIP, and Brexit developments), new CFR and EAR rules, and export controls.
• Updates and two new contributions from specialist interviewees in Chapter 30.
• Substantive enhancements adapted from articles that I have written in the past several years.
• The population of hyperlinks is updated and augmented with new sites that have appeared since the book’s initial publication.

Best news of all? “Good to Great” author Jim Collins has endorsed my book!  Here's what he said:

“Laurel Delaney writes in a tremendous spirit of service to entrepreneurial and small business leaders navigating the opportunities of globalization. Whether leading a fresh start-up, a small business, or an entrepreneurial growth company seeking greatness, the question of whether – and how – to go global must be addressed. Delaney shows yet again her passionate dedication to serving her readers with deeply practical guidance.” -- Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and co-author of Beyond Entrepreneurship

I can’t wait for everyone to read this 2nd edition.  If you like my book, please write a favorable review on Amazon.  Thanks so much in advance!  Happy exporting!

Oh, and if you want to be kept up-to-date on exporting, come visit over at the Exporting Guide and sign up for the newsletter.

The Biggest and Brightest Supermoon in 70 Years

©iStock/GoranPetrov

Catch a glimpse of the biggest and brightest supermoon -- when a full moon is at its perigee, the closest point to Earth along its orbit -- in 70 years has been moving across our sky.  Have you seen it?  It's a wonder.

Miss it, and you’ll have to wait 18 years for another supermoon this close.  Next one won't be until 2070 in New York, for example.

You can still catch it tonight (11/14) -- don't wait.

Today in Global Small Business: America Competes

©iStock/wabeno

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

• Ways to lose customers at your international trade business.
• Seven lessons to learn before importing products from China.
• See how America is more competitive.
• Discover key indicators on trade and services in 195 different economies.
• The last, best hope for TPP.
• What's holding back SME global traders?

Pursue Your Path

"Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence." -- Henry David Thoreau

Photo credit:  ©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Should You Stay Or Should You Go?

©iStock/a_Taiga

The United States election is over and Donald Trump is the new President.  Many entrepreneurs and business owners feel Trump repeatedly:

...indicated his antipathy to forces that encourage innovation, such as global trade, support for science and technology and net neutrality. As a result, many cutting-edge business people and entrepreneurs may feel now is a good time to seek greener pastures [flee USA].

Where will that be?  Canada?  Britain?  Australia?  Ireland?  Find out your options here.  A small-business visa might be required.

The Sun Has Come Up in the United States and Donald Trump Is the New President

SMEs Can Borrow and Invest Without Borders

©iStock/the-lightwriter

Launched in 2013, Bitbond, the world's first online SME global peer-to-peer lender eschewed dollars and euros to focus on digital currencies, specifically Bitcoin.  To date, they claim more than 1,400 loans have originated with users from over 120 countries.

The global peer to peer lender provides access to capital for small business around the world. As many parts of the globe are under-banked, Bitbond can provide a valuable credit option matching lower rates to SMEs in need of growth capital.

Learn more about how Bitbond specializes in global small business lending, where most borrowers run their own online business and need financing to cover a short-term liquidity gap, make a bulk purchase, or hire new staff.

Remote and Alluring Places Around Ireland and Britain

©iStock/Richard Semik

In his comprehensive guidebook, Britain and Ireland’s Best Wild Places: 500 Essential Journeys, Christopher Somerville takes you through some of the most untouched and scenic pieces in Ireland and Britain.

Have a look.

Today in Global Small Business: Confronting Black Swans

©iStock/rayisa

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

• Join us in Chicago for our first on the ground WEGG Export Workshop at the Polsky Exchange 11/9.
• How SBA helps SMEs grow through exports.
• Why global ecommerce needs global payments in local geographies.
• Canada is open for global business.
• How the next U.S. president will confront 'black swans' -- disruptive events that no one sees coming.
• How the World Bank researchers made some interesting discoveries about the business environment in countries around the world.