More Than Words Is An eBay Small Business Award Winner!

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Taking the top spot on eBay's Shine Awards for Small Business was Jodi Rosenbaum of More Than Words, who was named Small Business of the Year.

Jodi Rosenbaum founded More Than Words (MTW) in 2004 with a vision to provide at-risk young people the training needed to run a successful business. As a nonprofit social enterprise, MTW empowers nearly 400 Boston-area young people, ages 16-24, who are in the foster care system, court-involved, out-of-school or homeless to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.

Learn more about Jodi, More Than Words (MTW), and the other award winners.  Congrats to Jodi!

Go Twitter, Go Global!

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Big 'global' news.  A new executive has joined the ranks of Twitter’s global business marketing team.  Gap Kim will oversee global business marketing at Twitter, aiming to help businesses improve results from platform’s advertising capabilities.

Here's why this is important.

Kim boasts more than 20 years of experience in the tech and digital sectors, leading digital adoption and growth across mobile, video, search, messaging, and social at companies including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Google.

Dig deeper.

Kim's theory on Twitter:  "“In this day and age, that [Twitter platform] is a critical opportunity for marketers to make meaningful connections with influential audiences to grow their business and brand.”

Today in Global Small Business: Why Payment Diversity Matters When Transacting Business Across Borders

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

• How much of your business runs on WhatsApp?  You could be missing something.  
• Quote of the week: “There is no one that will make a next for you unless you do it for yourself.”— Miguel Cervantes, who plays Alexander Hamilton, in "Hamilton," Chicago
• Western Union has no gone away.  They are still considered a global leader in cross-border, cross-currency money movement.
• Small businesses involved in international trade see US protectionism and global economic slowdown as greater threats than no-deal Brexit.
• Why payment diversity matters when transacting business across borders.
• Are you ready to expand your business overseas?  Find out.

The Courage to Start

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start.” – John Bingham

The Belles of the Ball: E-Commerce SMEs

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U.S.-based small to midsize enterprises (SMEs), especially those in the business-to-business (B2B) realm, have been left behind in the rush to meet growing e-commerce demands of consumers. Digital marketplaces catering to small businesses in the B2B world have been mostly non-existent, despite global B2B e-commerce estimated to be a $24 trillion industry.  Alibaba and UPS are not the only ones clamoring to get in front of 30 million American sellers for SME action.

FedEx Corp. has made SME penetration a top priority, and has already announced seven-day-a-week service, extended pick-up times and expanded access points targeted at that market. Amazon.com, Inc. considers SMEs the lifeblood of its business, with its “Fulfillment by Amazon” service, in which smaller merchants use the company as its marketing, fulfillment and delivery partner, representing more than half of its total sales.

Learn how long e-commerce wallflowers, small and midsize enterprises have become the belles of the ball.

Small Businesses Around the World are Feeling Optimistic About the Future

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Covering small businesses in 110 countries, the Veem report, highlighting small business trends, found that companies spent the second quarter of 2019 building inventory and increasing both the number of orders and the dollar value of each order.

The average small business payments increased by 15% in the second quarter of 2019, according to the study, and the dollar value per order went to 6% in the second quarter. 

When it comes to trade, particularly with China:

However, small businesses continued to express concerns regarding trade negotiations with China, consistent with other studies reported on by Banking Exchange. More than three quarters of the small businesses polled showed concerns surrounding tariffs on Chinese products. However, this includes all 110 countries polled. It is not clear if American companies are particularly concerned. More than half of the small businesses said that that their businesses have already been impacted by tariffs. 

The findings in the report do show that the tariff talk, and the threat of a trade war are in fact effecting how businesses are looking to the future yet they are still optimistic about future growth and have a strong desire to expand.

Thought Leader Maya Hu-Chan on Cross-Cultural Business Skills (Video)

What's Next After Globalization?

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Is our integrated world of institutions, brands, and trade being replaced by something that is less interconnected?  A new book, The Levelling, argues that we are at the end of the age of globalization.

If [Michael] O'Sullivan [the author of The Levelling] is right, and the reversals of international connectivity are part of a long-term shift as opposed to a short-term blip, then what might be the implications for higher ed?

Find out by reading 'The Levelling', Higher Ed, and the End of Globalization.

Today in Global Small Business: The Powerful Flywheel Concept by Jim Collins

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

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

• Why do some companies build relentless momentum and others don't?  Only Jim Collins has an answer through his latest publication, "Turning the Flywheel:  A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great."  We are especially honored to receive an autographed copy of the publication from Jim along with a personal letter highlighting the powerful flywheel principle, which can transcend to global.   
• Quote of the week: “Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you.”— Tony Hsieh, Zappos CEO 
• The American Express Blue Business Cash Card for small businesses.  What's in it for you?
• The podcast companies behind some of the biggest chart-topping hits of the last three years are ready for their next challenge: taking a story listeners know and love like “Dr. Death” and giving it an international makeover.  But what does it look like?
• A U.S. government agency working closely with Ivanka Trump has invested in a new financial product intended to extend credit to women entrepreneurs in emerging markets.
• How businesses should prepare for global Internet access:  another 3 billion people online.

Give Me the Streets of Manhattan

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Give me such shows — give me the streets of Manhattan!" – Walt Whitman

Always Say Yes to Challenges (Video)

Being on Amazon is a Huge Visibility Boost for Small Businesses Who Desire to Go Global

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John Leslie from John Leslie Studios recommends Amazon to any small business, saying, “My sales have steadily increased on Amazon year after year. Last year my sales on Amazon alone were over $150,000. Simply being on Amazon is a huge visibility boost because Amazon is often the first place people go when seeking to purchase almost anything.”

According to CBS17.com:

An amazing variety of small and medium-sized businesses now boost online sales by selling in Amazon’s stores, reaching more customers and bringing their business to a whole new level. More than half of the items sold in Amazon’s stores worldwide are from small and medium-sized businesses. And the number of small and medium-sized businesses exceeding $1 million in sales in Amazon’s stores worldwide grew by 20 percent last year, to more than 25,000.

To succeed online, businesses oftentimes need a partner to help them reach a national – or even global – customer base, and to support them throughout the process of building their business and fulfilling increasing demand for their products or services.

Learn more about how small businesses are mastering the art of selling online.

How Global Small Businesses Should Prepare for the Emerging Global Internet Access

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Jim Cashel, for Harvard Business Review, says it is reasonable to predict that, in the next three to five years, most of the planet will have some access to reliable, if somewhat expensive, broadband. That means over three billion people will be, for the first time, directly connected to the global economy.  He goes on to say:

The business community should consider this emerging market with astonishment, if for no other reason than its vast size. It will present challenges in terms of economics, geography, language, and demographics. But businesses that are aware of the changes to come, that appreciate the speed and reach of global broadband expansion, and that prepare appropriately for new markets will enjoy a range of unprecedented opportunities. Specifically, businesses should prepare in four areas.

Learn about the four areas here and how businesses should prepare for the Global Internet Access.

About Jim Cashel:  Jim Cashel is Chairman of Forum One, a digital agency, and author of The Great Connecting: The Emergence of Global Broadband, and How That Changes Everything. During academic year 2018-19 he was a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School.

What a $10 Billion Investment Will Get You Over 5 Years

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De Beers Group, based in London, specializes in diamond exploration, mining, retail, trading and industrial diamond manufacturing, has embarked on a $10 billion five-year global market and mine expansion drive, which includes but is not limited to inorganic and organic activities, technology upgradation, adding more mining ships to its existing five such vessels plus expanding existing key markets, including China, India, the U.S. and Japan.

“We are investing $10 billion towards various global expansion activities planned for the next five years," says Stephen Lussier, executive vice-president — marketing, De Beers Group and also chairman of Forevermark, the group’s diamond brand.

Ambitious goals for sure.

Mr. Lussier goes on to say, “We are significantly expanding our existing presence all over the world, including in India at least by 10%. Forevermark brought in $750 million to our group revenue of $6 billion last year and we want to grow this to over $1 billion by 2020."

Read more about De Beers global expansion plans.

Today in Global Small Business: The World's Champion on Exporting

©2019 Apress.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission.

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

• If you are struggling with how to take your product or service overseas, do yourself a favor and sign up for this upcoming (7/18) New York NEXCO event featuring the world's champion on exporting, Laurel Delaney, who will present "How to Export Successfully in the Digital Age." Program includes an after-seminar reception for wine-tasting and networking with the NY metro exporting community.  For more information and to register, visit:  https://conta.cc/32srXWS  
• Quote of the week: “If you are not taking care of your customer, your competitor will." — Bob Hooey
• Two businesses are bringing small business owners around the world a comprehensive array of products and services to make running their enterprise easier, more efficient and more profitable.
• For labor to secure gains, in the United States or globally, workers must mobilize.  Here's why.
• When it comes to global payment technologies there are several countries that are the most advanced.  However, it is two specific countries that stand out and make the payment experience easy for the global consumer. 
• Many business owners believe that in the not-too-distant future — they will be exporting a “significant chunk” of the cannabis they are growing domestically.  The cannabis market is expected to grow exponentially (globally) in the next couple of years.

Five Faces Ice Cream Shop: Perfect Place for Late Night Food on Division Street in Chicago

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

A familiar face (place) in Chicago that highlights John Wayne, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, Lucille Ball and Humphrey Bogart:  Five Faces Ice Cream shop in Chicago.  What's unique about the place?  They are not known for ice cream, but they do a good job on gyros and cheese fries.

Here's what a reviewer said about the shop:

"Perfect place for late night food when you know damn well you are going to be hung over after doing Division up right!”

10 Most Beautiful Cockatoo Breeds in the World

What Is Google Ad Manager, and How Do You Sign Up?

©iStock/Ingus Kruklitis

Google Ad Manager helps you grow ad revenue and protect your brand wherever people are watching, playing or engaging.

Signing up for Google Ads is painless. You can do it right on the Google Ads website, which walks you through it step by step.  The Get Started button first asks you how many page views you have on a monthly basis:  less than 1 million or more than 1 million.

Learn more about Google Ad capabilities.

Strategic Partnerships Can Take You Global

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Kentucky-based Rabbit Hole Distillery, a high-end whiskey and bourbon maker, has entered into a strategic partnership with Pernod Ricard, one of the world’s largest spirit companies.  Kaveh Zamanian, Rabbit Hole’s founder, will maintain his shares in Rabbit Hole and will continue to operate the company.

Both Pernod Ricard and Rabbit Hole share the same spirit and beyond that, both companies are fully aligned in their values and cultures.

With Pernod Ricard now onboard and with Zamanian’s continued leadership, Rabbit Hole’s distribution will expand, with the goal of connecting with spirits lovers throughout the world.

How to Make Everything Livable No Matter Where You Live

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Co-founder and principal designer Jade Joyner of Athens, Georgia-based interior design firm Metal + Petal, had years of experience working on interiors in Europe and the U.S.

I have four daughters, and they’re all in middle school and high school. It’s an all-white family home, but the concept is that everything is livable. If something is spilled on, it’s okay. It’s a modern farmhouse, maybe. There are some classic elements, ‘cause I couldn’t live without them, and some character pieces. It’s a place where we can all relax together.

Ms. Joyner discusses in an interview with Mansion Global the popularity of customized kitchens and closets, the booming Southeastern U.S., and more.  One of the questions posed:

MG [Mansion Global]: What’s the biggest surprise in the luxury real estate market now?

JJ Jade Joyner]: The need for space. People think that size is the definition of luxury. You don’t need to have a massive, over-the-top house to make it luxurious. You can make a cabin very luxurious.

Today in Global Small Business: One Woman's Quest for Borderless Growth (wegginar®)

©2019 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global™.  All rights reserved.  Used with permission.

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

• Learn about one woman's quest – Cathy Koch, President and CEO of K-Tec Systems – for borderless growth when she presents a free-of-charge wegginar® on Wednesday, July 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central time.  For more information and to register (no charge thanks to sponsors but you must register to attend), visit: https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2019/06/10/she-believed-she-could-and-so-she-did-one-womans-quest-for-borderless-growthcathy-koch-president-ceo-k-tec-systems-july-10-2019/  
• Quote of the week: “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning." — Benjamin Franklin
• Global populations of 8 billion and growing.  What does it mean?
• Ways to get your online export business going.
• Four-peat:  U.S. Women's Soccer team wins World Cup title (video)  Congrats team USA! 
• Don't under estimate Beyond Meat for global potential.

Never Enough Books

©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

“I guess there are never enough books.” ―John Steinbeck, A John Steinbeck Encyclopedia

Post 4th of July Celebration in USA

Let freedom ring, even afterwards.

Photos courtesy:  ©2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

Independence is Happiness

To all my fellow Americans, let’s rejoice today by paying tribute to those who fought for our freedom and future. Happy Fourth of July from your friends at the Global Small Business Blog.

Photos courtesy @2019 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The Three P's of Global Small Business Sustainability: Planet, Profits and People

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Sustainability requires a balance of tactics. It involves reducing a business’s carbon footprint and maintaining long-term operational and financial health. It’s much more than installing new LED light bulbs. A successful sustainability strategy involves three key components:

Planet, profits and people.

Small business sustainability strategies don’t just promote energy efficiency and social responsibility.  They can also help organizations strengthen their position in the marketplace.

Protect Your Business As You Expand Internationally

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Expanding your business overseas is an arduous process and involves careful consideration, planning, research, and execution. There are many factors to consider when looking at entering a new market because with the great opportunity for growth comes significant risks as well.

If you have been looking at other potential markets or are even considering taking the plunge into the international market here are some key tips to consider before and throughout the transition into a new market.

Today in Global Small Business: Laurel Delaney Will Cover Exporting Successfully in the Digital Age in NY on 7/18/19

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

• Please join me [Laurel Delaney] when I keynote for Nexco in NY on Thursday, July 18 at 3:00 p.m. ET on "Grow Your Business Globally:  Exporting Successfully in the Digital Age."  I am super-excited about sharing practical advice for small- to mid-size businesses on how to start and scale up export sales with today’s digital tools: where to start, what you must do, what sets apart the most successful strategies, and the 6 mistakes to avoid.  For more information and to register, please see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grow-your-business-globally-exporting-successfully-in-the-digital-age-tickets-61759860405.  See you there!
• Quote of the week: “Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world." —Jane Addams, founder of Hull House
• Google launches new portal for small business, which gives everyone a place to start with Google products.
• Avoid these mistakes when you expand your business.
• A look at entrepreneurship -- The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2017.
• Honoring exceptional managers and providers of "humanitarian logistics."