Today in Global Small Business: Boo! Happy Halloween!

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

• You can operate a scarily successful Halloween global small business!
• 30 Halloween costume memes.
• Quote of the week: “Halloween is not only about putting on a costume, but it's about finding the imagination and costume within ourselves." – Elvis Duran
• Halloween marketing ideas for your global small business.
• How to start a Halloween business out of the trunk of your car.
• Some top selling Halloween costumes around Nashville, Tennessee.

Where There Is No Imagination

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Where there is no imagination, there is no horror." – Arthur Conan Doyle

Boost Engagement At Your Meetings: A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action

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Opening meetings with free-form questions that participants can answer on their phones or laptops can ignite people’s curiosity and boost engagement.

Do it Elvis style:  “A little less conversation, a little more action,” Elvis Presley sang in a 1968 hit.

Learn how to turn your meetings into jam sessions bursting with ideas and action oriented plans.

Calm Your Nerves By Listening To Classical Music (Video)

Do You Understand Our Planet?

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What is climate change?  How do we know climate change is real?  Why is climate change happening?  What are the effects of climate change?  What is being done to solve climate change?

I certainly want to know.  So should you.

Technology Fosters Globalization

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A conversation with Pol Antràs, the Robert G. Ory Professor of Economics at Harvard University.  He discusses the 8 questions below, international trade flows and what the evidence suggests about the world economy and the accompanying debate about whether an era of deglobalization may be at hand.

1. What is globalization?
2. Is the world entering an era of deglobalization?
3. Have we gone through deglobalizing phases in the past?
4. Are reshoring and near-shoring picking up momentum?
5. Is technology spurring or slowing globalization?
6. Supply chains faltered in the pandemic. Will companies hold larger inventories in the future?
7. How has globalization affected inequality across countries and within countries?
8. If trade is a net positive but still creates winners and losers, how can we compensate the losers?

Read the complete interview to appreciate that globalization remains a force despite pandemic and political strains.

Today in Global Small Business: Is Anyone Deglobalizing Trade?

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

• The age of globalization is ending, to be replaced by an era of localized business that will keep operations more sustainable and linked to national interest, says financial journalist Rana Foroohar, a CNN analyst and associate editor at the Financial Times.  The question that begs to be asked:  Is anyone deglobalizing trade?
• Quote of the week: “We should keep on going along the path of globalization.  Globalization is good... when trade stops, war comes." – Jack Ma
• The benefits of going LIVE on video for your business.
• How global small businesses grow faster in Covid time.
• Creating the right path for net zero.
• How global small businesses can outgrow the global supply chain phenomenon.

Autumn Is My Favorite Season

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Autumn is my favorite season." – Johnny Kelly

How Social Media Influencers Can Rock Your Global Business

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What a story!  And one that everyone can learn from.  White Claw's rapid (overnight) success was due, almost entirely, to a social media influencer.  White Claw is a hard seltzer.

"He [the influencer] came up with a slogan, 'ain't no laws when you're drinking Claws', and it took off from there," said [Chris] Taylor, a Hilton College associate professor. "The last thing a company wants is their alcoholic product associated with law breaking, but it started selling out everywhere."

As the story goes ... "The influencer, with millions of followers, flooded social airwaves with the slogan, even putting it on T-shirts. It created a fervor for a product that wasn't on the radar of the beverage industry at all. Demand went through the roof and soon White Claw was selling out everywhere."

Something to think about.  Taylor goes on to say, "But with the explosion of social media influencers, it's truly a worldwide trend that I believe is here to stay."

Read the entire article on how researchers discover a viral trend in global marketing.

The Rewards of Cross-Border Trade

©iStock/Jovanmandic

There are challenges to overcome in international business but there are also enormous rewards when you make progress.

The first thing you need to do is prioritize when expanding abroad.  For instance, focus on important issues like tax, customs, and the necessary infrastructure to deliver goods on time and keep customers happy. 

In this article, the authors look at why expansion is a good choice, and how automation can help you expand successfully.  They also offer a guide.

Only 3 Days Left to Register for the Biggest and Best Global Small Business Forum on the Planet

©2022 Global TradeSource, Ltd.  All rights reserved.

Don't miss the biggest and best 7th Annual Global Small Business Forum on the planet held virtually this Friday, October 21st from 8:00AM-11:30AM CT.  The theme is:  #rebootyourbusinessforglboalgrowth.  Register NOW!

Lead (Gold) sponsor is Associated Bank with support from Foley & Lardner.

Below is a listing of the speakers.  If you look at the graphic above with the circle, follow top left clockwise.  

• Steve Greenspon (top left), Chief Executive Officer, Honey-Can-Do International
• Michael Jones, Michael A. Jones, II., International Sales Division Leader, Avlon Industries, Inc. 
• Shital Daftari, Founder and CEO, Saris and Things & SNT Biotech 
• Tom Britz (lower right), President and CEO, Glacier Hops Ranch 

Additional speakers who are also award-winning exporters (look at graphic in the lower area):

• David Kniepkamp (bottom left), President and CEO, Smart Controls LLC (lower left)
• Amy Bosco, Director of Global Business Development, Beekley Medical (lower right)

Speakers will discuss how they are leveraging the lessons from the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, global supply chain challenges, and a rise in interest rates – all while still growing and focusing on the future of global business.  During panel discussions you will learn their best-kept secrets to driving results for a business.

Special guests include, but are not limited to:  Marc Schulman, President of The Eli's Cheesecake Company and Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago.  We've also invited Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Full lineup of speakers can be found here.

Added to our list of specialness, is e-vendor, Boomerang Carnets.  They've supported us before and we look forward to working with them again this year during our breakout rooms.  

We also have Il SBDC International Trade Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a supporting organization this year.

Tickets run from $10 (student ticket), to $20 (general ticket), to $200 (ticket and one e-vendor table). 

Visit the website for more details and to register: https://globalsmallbusinessforum.com.  Network like crazy, learn what it takes to thrive in the global marketplace, and walk away with new insights to bring your business to new heights.

Note: The forum is also known for its fun raffle prizes at the end. Who knew by attending that you could potentially win a world famous Eli's Cheesecake, Tiffany's article or cool houseware item?  You must be present to win!  See you there.    

Build a Global Brand That Reaches a Wider Audience Via Ecommerce

©iStock/Chainarong Prasertthai

Alexis Jae's family has been in the jewelry business for more than 75 years. When she entered her family's occupation, she started her own business, Alexis Jae, by establishing an ecommerce website via Shopify, allowing her company to reach a much larger audience with its jewelry staples such as gold hoop earrings and statement necklaces.

Read the interview where she discusses what made her start an ecommerce website, how she decided on its appearance, and what steps she took to define her audience.

Today in Global Small Business: Talk Sells, Especially on Social Shopping

©iStock/RedVector

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

• Two billion people made a purchase on social media last year. That’s two-thirds of all social media users around the globe. Some predict the current $492 billion global social commerce market will become a $1.2 trillion industry by 2025.  Talk sells.
• Quote of the week: “The great thing about social media was how it gave a voice to voiceless people." – Jon Ronson
• The secret behind Apple's simple yet effective global marketing strategy.
• As the pandemic continues to show signs of decline, the global educational landscape also continues to change. Educational institutions are increasingly realizing the need to market their brand just like any other business. Learn how to do it.
• How a female venture capitalist is creating billions in a new world of work beyond the office.
• Hooray!  Chuck E. Cheese makes a big international push.  Finally.

Get Away From the Unreal Things in Life

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Spring is beautiful, and summer is perfect for vacations, but autumn brings a longing to get away from the unreal things of life, out into the forest at night with a campfire and the rustling leaves." – Margaret Elizabeth Sangster

Deep Dives Into Globalization

©iStock/Heiko119

Explore how the movement of talent impacts creative quality, new expansion opportunities, why partnerships matter for global domination and more. Take your deep dive into globalization here.

Watch What Is Next for TikTok

©iStock/hapabapa

TikTok has been intensifying competition with Meta and other rivals, luring younger users as well as popular influencers.  Now it appears to be deepening its foray into e-commerce with plans to operate its own warehouses in the United States — the kind of packing and shipping facilities more associated with Amazon or Walmart than the social media platform best known for addictive short videos.

Check out how job listings offer a clue on what moves TikTok will be making next on US e-commerce.

Only 9 Days Left to Register for the Biggest and Best Global Small Business Forum on the Planet

©2022 Global TradeSource, Ltd.  All rights reserved.

You won't want to miss the biggest and best 7th Annual Global Small Business Forum on the planet held virtually on Friday, October 21st from 8:00AM-11:30AM CT.  The theme is:  #rebootyourbusinessforglboalgrowth.

Lead sponsor is Associated Bank with support from Foley & Lardner.

Below is a listing of the speakers.  If you look at the graphic above with the circle, follow top left clockwise.  

• Steve Greenspon (top left), Chief Executive Officer, Honey-Can-Do International
• Michael Jones, Michael A. Jones, II., International Sales Division Leader, Avlon Industries, Inc. 
• Shital Daftari, Founder and CEO, Saris and Things & SNT Biotech 
• Tom Britz (lower right), President and CEO, Glacier Hops Ranch (winner of 2022 Small Business Exporter of the Year Award!)

Additional speakers who are also award-winning exporters:

• David Kniepkamp (bottom left), President and CEO, Smart Controls LLC
• Amy Bosco, Director of Global Business Development, Beekley Medical (recent winner of The President's "E" Award!)

Speakers will discuss how they are leveraging the lessons from the global pandemic, the war in Ukraine, high inflation, global supply chain challenges, and a rise in interest rates – all while still growing and focusing on the future of global business.  During panel discussions you will learn their best-kept secrets to driving results for a business.

Special guests include, but are not limited to:  Marc Schulman, President of The Eli's Cheesecake Company and Richard Paullin, Executive Director, International Trade Association of Greater Chicago.  We've also invited Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Full lineup of speakers can be found here.

Added to our list of specialness, is e-vendor, Boomerang Carnets.  They've supported us before and we look forward to working with them again this year during our breakout rooms.  

We also have Il SBDC International Trade Center, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as a supporting organization this year.

Tickets run from $10 (student ticket), to $20 (general ticket), to $200 (ticket and one e-vendor table). 

Visit the website for more details and to register: https://globalsmallbusinessforum.com.  Network like crazy, learn what it takes to thrive in the global marketplace, and walk away with new insights to bring your business to new heights.

Note: The forum is also known for its fun raffle prizes at the end. Who knew by attending that you could potentially win a world famous Eli's Cheesecake, Tiffany's article or cool houseware item?  You must be present to win!  See you there.    

Benefits to Branching Into Foreign Markets

©iStock/metamorworks

Global markets offer tremendous potential for developing new customers.  Globalization isn’t a trend, it's a necessary strategy for expansion.  Presently, some 96 percent of the world’s consumers live outside the U.S.  Taking business abroad, therefore, is not only irresistible, but an essential requirement for any future-focused company’s growth strategy.

Here are 5 benefits to branching into foreign markets. 

Today in Global Small Business: Why SMEs Must Cross Borders

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

• Why SMEs must cross borders.
• 3 obstacles to globalizing a digital platform.
• Quote of the week: “E-commerce is a powerful means to connect the unconnected to global trade." – Arancha Gonzalez
• A strong cross-border strategy is key to sustaining e-commerce growth post-pandemic.
• Global expansion and the international tax challenges businesses face.
• How digital multinationals innovate across borders. 
• Happy Columbus Day 2022 in the Americas and elsewhere.

Chicago Screening of the Movie Till

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

The true story of Mamie Till-Mobley's relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who was brutally lynched in 1955 while visiting his cousins in Mississippi.

The Till movie stars Danielle Deadwyler as Mamie Till and Jalyn Hall as Emmett Till, alongside Frankie Faison, Haley Bennett, and Whoopi Goldberg. It was directed by Chinonye Chukwu, written by Michael Reilly, Keith Beauchamp, and Chukwu, and produced by Beauchamp, Reilly, and Goldberg. 

The film premiered at the New York Film Festival on October 1, 2022, and is scheduled to be released in the United States on October 14, 2022, by United Artists Releasing.

Great sensitivity and contribution by Bob Marovich for his suggestion on what song to play during the funeral scene:  "It Is Well With My Soul."  Very, very sad and touching.  Not a dry eye in the audience, including mine.

Photos are taken from the screening that took place in Chicago on Thursday, October 6, 2022.

Whatever You Are Worrying About Right Now, Forget About It (Music Video)

Despite a Cloudy Outlook, Global Trade Is Still Resilient

©iStock/RusianShevchenko

According to DHL and the NYU Stern School of Business, forecasts for global trade indicate:

• Trade is expected to grow slightly faster in 2022 and 2023 than it did over the previous decade.
• Many companies backed away from reshoring and nearshoring plans, leading trade to grow faster in emerging economies close to China.
• Vietnam, India, and Philippines are benefitting, with Vietnam the biggest winner.

Trade is expected to grow slightly faster in 2022 and 2023 than it did in the previous decade, despite the headwinds of Covid, a global economic slowdown and the war in Ukraine.

Read on about how globalization of trade isn’t ending, despite Covid, war and inflation.

Let's Push for Better Opportunities for Women in Trade

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According to three international trade bodies, for a more inclusive approach to rebuilding the post-pandemic economy, women need to participate more in the most profitable exporting sectors.

At the World Trade Organization (WTO) Public Forum in Geneva last week, WTO director general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, International Trade Centre (ITC) executive director Pamela Coke-Hamilton and Institute of Export and International Trade (IoE&IT) director general Marco Forgione highlighted the importance of an inclusive economic recovery, with a particular view to getting more women into the world’s most lucrative – but male-dominated – industries of STEM, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing and finance.

Read more about how the WTO, ITC and Institute of Export and International Trade push for better opportunities for women in trade.

How to Better Serve Global Customers On An E-commerce Site With Nita Lathia (wegginar 10/5/22)

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®  All rights reserved.

Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® has its next wegginar® coming up tomorrow, 10/5/22, and this one will be a winner for anyone who currently runs an e-commerce business; or, for anyone who should be running an e-commerce business (e.g, retailer).  If you are pressed for time, link to it now to learn more and to register:  https://bit.ly/3fg7Vth.

Nita Lathia, Head of Marketplaces, Passport, will be presenting, "How to Better Serve Global Customers on an Ecommerce Site."

Who doesn't have issues with trying to provide exceptional service to their global e-commerce customers?  We all want to treat our customers like kings and queens when they make an online purchase – from anywhere in the world – but what separates a positive global shipping experience from one that goes sour?

We will find out on Wednesday, 10/5 at 11AM CT.  Nita will share her best-kept secrets on how to better serve your global customers and more.  She will talk about:

• Why should retailers consider cross border trade?
• How is this different from the domestic model?
• What does a good solution look like?

A little about the impressive Nita Lathia – let's just say she has a bit of experience in this industry.  She has been in logistics, shipping systems, and cross-border #ecommerce for the last 20 years. Last 10 years exclusively in the product management function for all aspects of cross-border #ecommerce, including eligibility, duty, and tax calculation, and building robust organic networks.  Her full bio can be found here:  https://womenentrepreneursgrowglobal.org/2022/09/28/how-to-better-serve-global-customers-on-an-e-commerce-site-with-nita-lathia-october-5-2022/

All the clients I [Laurel Delaney] work with and groups I manage have been encouraged to sign up for the free of charge wegginar.  Hope you will, too.  It's complimentary thanks to the supportive wegg® sponsors as highlighted in the graphic.

To learn more and to register (free of charge), visit:  https://bit.ly/3fg7Vth 

See you there!

Today in Global Small Business: Why Study Global Business?

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

• Why study global business?  Check out 5 benefits.
• 10 alternative funding sources from Tennessee to consider if you are trying to start a new business but lack access to funding.
• Quote of the week: “The Internet is becoming the town square for the global village of tomorrow.”— Bill Gates
• Get your grant Mississippians, that is, if you are trading internationally.
• As India small businesses expand their presence globally, it is essential that the global financial ecosystem supports their needs and requirements for low-value transactions, which currently presents a number of challenges.
• McKinsey and Company economist Ezra Greenberg says the global economy is at a “historic crossing point,” as it emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

There's a Guinness Waiting For Me

©2022 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"I'm an early riser. I work out really hard. I push myself; I get my job done, and at the end of the day, there's a Guinness waiting for me." – Jason Momoa