Will the Next Steve Jobs Be a Woman?

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Where there is a will and talent, there's a way.  A rising tide of successful female entrepreneurs, who are gutsy, confident and smart, is set to reshape “most admired” business lists and I am convinced many will take the global road.

Another study by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation revealed that women-led tech companies have a 35 per cent higher return on investment and, when backed by venture firms, generate revenues 12 per cent higher than comparable male-run tech companies.

Will the next Steve Jobs be a woman?  High-profile US businesswoman, investor and founder of Springboard Enterprises Kay Koplovitz says, "People invest in people, not products."

Learn more:  Women in startups the new disruptors

Can Google Translate Grasp Cultural Nuances?

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In the following article, web translation expert Jen Murphy, Director of Marketing at Eriksen Translations, talks about Google Translate, how to work with ever-changing web content, what resources to look at for web globalization help, and how her company performed a great localization project while working with Skype.

Reach Multilingual Markets:  Four Questions, Answered

Today in Global Small Business: Why Failure Is Good for Success

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

• Is the Guggenheim going global?
• Is e-commerce no longer news, at least in India?
• Bull Alibaba in a China shop?
• Higher education in China expands due to globalization.
• Why failure is good for success.
• New immigration rule for entrepreneurs proposed by White House.

Get Your Tickets For the Rogers Park Provisions Wine Stroll 9/11

If you live in or near Rogers Park, Illinois like I do, your time would be well spent by paying a visit to Rogers Park Provisions, a quaint store that has the feel of an intimate boutique yet offers expansive offerings on things you could never find elsewhere. From cheese/dairy specialties, to unique gifts, to hard to find beers/ciders -- Rogers Provisions has it all.

And coming up is the Rogers Park Social and Rogers Park Provision Wine Stroll, South of Morse on Glenwood Avenue, Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with more than 10 vendors and 60+ wines to be sampled ($20 in advance; $25 day of event).  Tickets can be purchased online at:  http://squ.re/29Rq5KR.

See you there!

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

Going Global Is a Strategic Imperative

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According to USForex's SMB Confidence Indicator, most businesses (96 percent) are confident conducting business overseas, only 19 percent of U.S. SMBs surveyed have no international business today, and more than half of respondents, 58 percent, already have international customers.

"Going global is no longer an option for successful small and medium businesses -- it's a strategic imperative," said Karin Visnick, head of North America, USForex. "U.S. businesses are overwhelmingly optimistic when it comes to their global aspirations, with new technology and services putting global talent, suppliers and markets within reach of businesses that would have never thought to look beyond U.S. borders just a few years ago."

Learn more:  U.S. Small Businesses Planning for Global Expansion Finds New USForex Survey

Download the complete USForex SMB Confidence Indicator report, "Global Expansion Meets Domestic and International Challenges"

Sneak Preview: The Global Small Business Forum 2016

For those who have been anxiously awaiting information on the Global Small Business Forum 2016, we are almost there.  For now, you can pre-register (trust me, we have limited capacity at this event so if you don't want to miss it, sign up NOW): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/global-small-business-forum-make-the-world-your-business-tickets-27310196533.

Site will be LIVE early next week!  We have a dynamic program lined up and promise to deliver enormous value -- helping everyone make the world their business -- to all who attend.  See you there!

Image courtesy:  ©GSBB Media LLC.  All rights reserved.

Top Issues On the Global Economic Agenda and How They Will Be Addressed in 2016

The Impact of Big Business Thinking on Small Business

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B. Bonin Bough, who joined Mondelez from PepsiCo in 2012 as VP of global media and consumer engagement, and was named chief media and e-commerce officer last year was inspired to make its first show's season, Cleveland Hustles, underlying concept his mission for small businesses across America.

"What I began to realize was how big of an impact big business thinking can have on small business," says Bough [now-former chief media and e-commerce officer B. Bonin Bough, and member of Fast Company's 2011 Most Creative People], who joined Mondelez from PepsiCo in 2012 as VP of global media and consumer engagement, and was named chief media and e-commerce officer last year. 

The former Mondelez chief media officer is taking his global brand marketing skills to small business, and going deep on marketing's future in messaging.

Read more:  Why Bonin Bough Left Mondelez to Help Shepherd Small Businesses With LeBron James

Today in Global Small Business: Why a Small International Business Is An Oxymoron

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

• Tell UPS, Metro Chicago Exports and JPMorgan Chase how and why you want to go global and you may win BIG prizes (deadline is 9/16/16). 
• Going international requires three main drivers and many have what it takes.
• Game changers share their secrets to growing a global business.
• Reach multilingual markets: create content, develop effective partnerships, and utilize translation technology (webinar 8/24 at 11:00 a.m. Central and no charge; Laurel Delaney will be moderating it).
• How a company transformed sourcing capabilities and improved its profitability.
• Learn why a small international business is an oxymoron that is increasingly common.

A Good Experience: Goddess and the Baker

Grab a seat and something sweet at the delicious Goddess and the Baker in Chicago.

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

Going Global at Lightening Speed

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Who creates conditions for growth -- the government or the business owner?  I think it's both and another thing is certain: Millions of people every day are spotting gaps in the global market and taking their passion, hobby or skill, and turning it into a way of making a living by utilizing technology.

According to Economia:

They [small businesses] are going global at speed by trading on powerful marketplaces, such as Etsy, Alibaba and Amazon, and are embracing technology, such as cloud accounting and social media, to grow sales, raise their profile, and increase efficiency.

Read more:  The role of the accountant in powering the [global] small business economy

Broad Global Market Appeal

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The phenomenon of Pokémon Go offers a lot of global small business lessons.  For example, it offers the perfect example of how the correct utilization of current technology and business strategy can result in huge commercial success -- offering broad global market appeal.

Pokémon Go also tells us it is never too late to reinvent yourself.

Learn more:  Lessons for South African small business from Pokémon Go

Never Rely on One Market For Key Growth

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Beyond the benefits that trading globally can bring to businesses in terms of increased revenue, profitability and diversification of risk by not being solely reliant on one market, international trade also benefits the global economy, acting as a key driver of growth.

Read more:  Seize the moment and think global

Learn more about Think Global 2016

When You Depend on Exports, What Happens?

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Drew Greenblatt, president and owner of Marlin Steel, a manufacturer of custom mesh wire and steel baskets based in Baltimore, Maryland, has a thing or two to say about the USA economy, the shape of the rest of the world, and the case of depending on exports to fuel business growth.

Read more:  How Small Businesses Are Dealing With the Global Uncertainty

Today in Global Small Business: Pokémon Go Global

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

• The UK lifts red-tape burden for more SMEs to go global.
• CEO of CarGurus gives his five tips for taking your business international.
• How digital marketers can ensure international success.
• Online eyewear retailer Clearly sets its vision on global e-commerce success.
• International shows bring your rankings up, especially in the case of MHS Going Global.
• Do we care?  First Brooklyn native in North America to capture all 142 Pokémon -- taking it international.

How Sweet It Is: Hershey Heaven in Chicago

Sweet excitement in Chicago.  Hershey's Chocolate World.

Photos courtesy:  ©2016 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Navigating International Waters

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Navigating international waters is difficult for industry newcomers.  Small businesses, including designers, manufacturers and retailers, represent 70 per cent of the apparel industry in Canada, according to the Canadian Apparel Federation in Ottawa.

Many companies want to source locally but it isn't always feasible due to high costs, lack of appropriate suppliers, and required high volume orders.

Further, working with overseas suppliers requires a knowledge of duties, payment methods, regulatory requirements, and regulations.

Read more:  Forging global relationships key to survival of Canadian apparel industry

Enter Markets Where You Have Opportunities to Win

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Pursuing growth for the sake of growth is not always wise, especially if it is unprofitable growth.  You end up putting pressure on your company to enter new overseas markets, for example, that appear hot but do not offer any opportunity for you to win because you run up against what might become a capability shortfall.  In that instance, you waste precious time, energy and cash.

The authors of the following article share insights on how to use a growth engine approach that focuses your attention on questions related to sustained global growth.

Read more:  Growth Needs to Come From the Entire Company

Select an Overseas Market that Flourishes

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Eyewear retailer Warby Parker recently opened up its first international store outside the U.S. market in Toronto, Canada. The company chose Toronto because it was a "densely populated, cosmopolitan, cultured, diverse city" like its home city of New York.  CEO and co-founder Neil Blumenthal said the brand "flourishes when there's a large creative community."

Is this a strategic shift for Warby Parker?  Is Warby Parker profitable?  Could other overseas markets be next for Warby Parker?

Learn more:  Warby Parker Goes Global With Its First International Store

Make the Online Customer Experience Easier and Stress-Free

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Customer experience consultant Ian Golding challenges us with this notion:  What would the world of business really be like if all companies were run by Jeff Bezos?

In terms of ever meeting Bezos, Golding says:  "I would give him a hug to say thank you – thank you on behalf of customers all around the world for putting us truly at the heart of everything his organization does."

One thing we all know for sure is that Bezos has laser focus on what he desires to achieve.  He says:

“As we get ready for this upcoming holiday season [2016], we are focused on making the customer experience easier and more stress-free than ever.”

Read more:  What Would the World of Business Be Like if All Companies Were Run by Jeff Bezos?

Today in Global Small Business: The Outlook on the Internet of Things (IoT)

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

• How and why international expansion can happen from day one.
• Chinese company Meitu makes selfies a science form and eyes international expansion.
• Is there a country or a company that rules global e-commerce?
• Wine app Vivino takes it global.
• Global execs on the Internet of Things (IoT) - optimistic but there's confusion.
• Confidence and bold growth plans will take you global.

Hamburger University USA

McDonald's famous Hamburger University area in Oakbrook, Illinois.

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

How to Boost E-Commerce for Small Business

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The Internet and digital technologies have a key role to play in boosting global commerce in support of inclusive growth.  It's also breaking down traditional barriers to international trade, making it easier for small businesses to go global for the first time.

Read more:  3 Steps to Enable E-commerce For Small Business

Boat Rentals Going Global Thanks to Sailo

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Thanks to Airbnb, peer-to-peer home rental is booming.  Now, a newcomer, Sailo, aims to do the same thing for boat rentals.

Sailo is an online platform that connects prospective boat renters with owners and captains.

Customers can compare boat/captain options and book their arrangements in minutes after providing information such as the desired port location, travel date(s) and budget. They can also view photos of the various listings as well as read ratings and reviews.

Read more:  Sailo, The Airbnb of Boat Rentals Going Global

What's Changing the Outlook for Global High-Growth Emerging Markets?

If You Want To Scale Globally, Incorporate Technology

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How do you leverage technology to benefit your business?  Many, when they first think about technology, think "oh, I'm not on top of my game," and the second thought is, "maybe I am, but how can I get more customers from using technology?"

Today’s entrepreneurial landscape is irrevocably tied to technology. Every new venture is beholden to it, even those whose deliverables seem thoroughly analog.

Read more:  How to Make Your Startup Tech-Savvy - No Matter the industry, it is important for [global] entrepreneurs to be able to talk tech.

Today in Global Small Business: Global Movement from Tree Change Dolls

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

• Reach Multilingual Markets: Create Content, Develop Effective Partnerships, and Utilize Translation Technology (webinar -- no charge on 8/24).
• Smart strategies for working with overseas clients.
• Brexit implications for SMEs:  The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
• Research.  Go.  Decide.  Three key steps to taking your business global.
• UPS warns of 'global head winds' despite growth in e-commerce.
• A global movement on second-hand dolls from Tree Change Dolls.