Done Deal: UPS Buys TNT

Fuse/Thinkstock

UPS just boosted its logistics power.  It bought TNT for 5.2 billion euros (U.S. $6.85 billion).

Learn more here.

A marriage made on this planet.

Are You Doubling Your Exports By 2015?

iStock/Thinkstock

According to the “Perceptions of Global Trade” survey of more than 1,000 American SMEs, 24 per cent were currently engaged in global commerce.

Almost half of small businesses in the United States expect to double their exports by 2015, and 66 per cent say that up to 25 per cent of their annual revenue comes directly from exporting, according to a survey by UPS.

Read more here.

Related post: Key to Future Success For Small Businesses: Going Global

Key to Future Success For Small Businesses: Going Global

iStock/Thinkstock

Whether you think small or big, you can still take your business global!  What's needed to make it happen is more support and education to show the value of exports to small businesses.

According to the UPS Perceptions of Global Trade Survey, 24 percent of small businesses are currently engaged in global commerce, and many of those businesses are experiencing a large return from global trade. Of businesses who are doing business overseas, 66 percent report that exporting contributes up to a quarter of their annual revenue.

Learn more here.

Laurel Delaney says:

"While it might seem counterintuitive for small businesses to expand internationally with the economic challenges in the U.S., now is the time for calculated risk. By connecting with companies that have already been successful exporting, companies new to the process can realize the benefits of engaging in global trade a lot faster," said Laurel Delaney, owner of small-business consulting firm Global TradeSource, Ltd. "The simplest way for SMBs to find a successful exporting lead is good old-fashioned word-of-mouth coupled with a great company website."

More news on the survey:  A Survey Conducted by TNS, MarketWatch and UPS Pressroom

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

And the Winner for the Growth Through Global Trade Award Goes To ...

iStock/Thinkstock

SteelMaster Buildings LLC -- a manufacturer, designer and supplier of arched steel structures.

How did they win it?  Numerous reasons but here are two:

1. SteelMaster Buildings exports to more than 40 countries and has distributorship relationships in more than 50 international markets.

2. Since the company began exporting in 2006, the company’s revenue has quadrupled and now represents 15 percent of the company’s total revenue.

Read all about how SteelMaster Buildings earned this prestigious UPS award that only goes to SMBs who excel in international trade here.

Congratulations!

Full disclosure:  I had the pleasure of serving as one of the judges on this fabulous program.  We originally blogged about it here.

How to Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business

iStock/Thinkstock

Here are 5 steps that a startup or a small business can take to become a micro-multinational.

Read the entire article here.

How to Work the World Efficiently: Love Logistics by UPS

UPS is making the world a better (and easier) place to conduct global business and celebrating in a big way (watch video).

They've launched their first global business-to-business campaign, “We Love Logistics,” to emphasize its breadth of services. The campaign includes direct mail, print, TV, digital, social media and out-of-home and targets business decision-makers.

Read more about this:

UPS delivers first global b-to-b campaign, ‘We Love Logistics’

UPS delivers 'amore' - WSJ.com

upside, the UPS blog

Visit the most powerful force in business today:

UPS: The New Logistics

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

And the Growth Through Global Trade Award Goes To ...

moodboard/Thinkstock

Get ready, get set and go after the Growth Through Global Trade Award! Now's your chance to celebrate your global trade successes and be recognized for your export effort.

UPS, in collaboration with World Trade 100 Magazine, opened nominations for its Growth through Global Trade Award, a national award aimed to recognize a U.S. small- or medium-sized business that is effectively exporting to global markets. Is that your business?

Criteria

The award is designed for U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses with fewer than 500 employees that are already exporting to international markets. Anyone can nominate a deserving business for the Growth through Global Trade Award.

Nominees must have a principal place of business in the United States and must currently export to at least one international market. Interested parties can submit a concise online nomination form featuring a series of six questions and a 200-word essay. Nominations can be submitted online here: http://international.ups.com/globaltradeaward/nominate/index.html.

Nominations will be accepted now through November 12, 2010. The winner will be announced in January 2011.

The entries will be judged by a multi-member panel of small business and global trade experts from within and outside UPS (full disclosure: I will be one of the judges). The judges will evaluate all entries against a pre-determined set of criteria, including how exporting has helped the company better compete in today’s global business environment, grow international sales and business operations, and connect with new customers.

Don't stop short here. If you can't think of anyone to nominate yet you pre-qualify -- go for it. This is not a time to be shy. This is a time to toot your global small business horn big time.

I look forward to reviewing your applications.

And the Growth Through Global Trade Award goes to ...

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

How to Survive a Shaky Global Economy

Hemera/Thinkstock

UPS CEO Scott Davis has some experience on surviving a shaky global economy.

Totally agree with his closing paragraph in the featured piece:

The current shaky economic environment is a challenge for all leaders, Davis acknowledged. He detailed three types of corporate responses to the economic downturn. "Some companies won't make it. Some will be crippled; it may take five, six or seven years for them to get back to the level they were at before the collapse." The third type of company, however, will keep its long-term goals in sight. It will pursue strategic growth in line with its core values. These companies will effectively balance conventional and digital business, strive for efficiency and think globally. Consequently, Davis said, these companies will learn, adjust and evolve as the global economy recovers. "Some companies will come out of the recovery stronger than ever. Times of great uncertainty are also times of great opportunity."

Read: "Solving a 'Wicked Problem'"

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

SMB Exporters Exude Confidence About Their Companies' Future

iStock/Thinkstock

According to a survey commissioned by UPS, although concerned about the economy, small- and medium-sized business exporters are confident about their companies' futures, especially when it comes to international sales.

I've always felt that exporting and boldness go hand in hand.

"Entrepreneurs who export are self-assured, adaptable and resilient so it doesn't surprise me that the survey shows exporters are confident about meeting their business goals," said Laurel Delaney, owner of small-business consulting firm Global TradeSource, Ltd.

Yet many SMBs feel -- if only they could get started!

"Talking to current exporters reveals that for many small businesses, the most difficult thing about exporting is just getting started," said Dan Brutto, president, UPS International. "But with the administration's new export initiative, there's never been a better time for small businesses to give exporting a try. The right partner can serve as a bridge to help businesses ease into global trade and, in turn, find new revenue streams."

For complete results of the Business Monitor United States survey, visit http://ups.com/businessmonitor/us.

Did you know? UPS also offers tips and resources for small businesses looking to export at http://pressroom.ups.com/snapshotsforsmallbiz.

Immediate download (PDF) offering facts and tips on how to take your business global:
2010 Business Monitor United States fact sheet

Immediate download (powerful information -- worth a good long look):
2010 Business Monitor United States full report

UPS blog, UPSide here.

So, muster up that boldness (kitty cat confidence as shown in photo) and get exporting!

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

How to Compete Globally

Purestock/Thinkstock

It starts with participating in export seminars and utilizing a sort of Cliff Notes on how to do business in six (6) different countries.

UPS, a longtime advocate of the benefits of international commerce, today announced a series of key global trade initiatives aimed at helping small- and medium-sized businesses expand and compete in today's rapidly changing global business environment.

Learn more here.

The Cliff Notes (snapshots, if you will, provide an overview of global markets that present significant opportunity to U.S. small businesses, whether you are just beginning to explore international trade or already expanding to new markets) can be found here and include Brazil, Canada, China, India, Poland and Vietnam.

Complete global toolkit can be found here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Speak Up on Global Trade

iStock/Thinkstock

Good commentary by Scott Davis, Chairman and CEO of United Parcel Service.


Business Needs to Speak Up on Trade

Small Business Can Be Borderless

iStock/Thinkstock

Remember when E.F. Schumacher wrote the classic Small is Beautiful? I think about that all the time now with small businesses going global. One of Schumacher's philosophies was: "Why use the computer if you can make the calculation on the back of an envelope."

If he were to revise his book today, he might offer this: "Why remain local with a business if you can easily go global?"

Apparently Dan Brutto thinks along the same line with his commentary over at Forbes entitled, Small Business, Big World. which is about how international clients can keep a company buoyant in tough times.

Here's one of his comments:

Clearly, entrepreneurs are recognizing the benefits of trade, and we should do what we can to help them harness the power of trade to grow their businesses.

Thanks to UPS, eBay PowerSellers in Hong Kong Get Even More Muscle

iStock/Thinkstock

What do UPS and eBay in Hong Kong have in common? More than you realize. They just announced a partnership to offer enhanced shipping solutions to select eBay users in Hong Kong. eBay PowerSellers based in Hong Kong can now use a UPS proprietary online shipping solution (http://go.ebay.com.hk/shipping) that improves business efficiency and enhances their reliability as vendors.

According to a 2008 global survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, over 85 percent of the world’s online population shop online, up 40 percent from 2006. More than half of all Internet users are regular online shoppers who make online purchases at least once a month.

Visit the shipping solution here (available in English and Chinese). Go connect with customers worldwide and transform your desktop into a virtual shipping centre.

Go Global, Go Green

iStock/Thinkstock

With a sluggish U.S. economy, rapid economic growth in Asia and other international markets, and a currency exchange rate favoring U.S. exports, U.S. small- and medium-sized businesses are increasingly looking to markets overseas. For those who haven’t taken the plunge, the time is NOW.

A major obstacle standing between smaller businesses and the global marketplace is complicated documentation involved in international shipping and returns. In fact, the #1 reason packages are delayed in Customs is missing or incomplete paperwork. What's more, research shows 70% of businesses don’t have a formalized process to handle international returns.

Want a quick fix? When you go global, go green, or paperless with your international documentation. Find out more here. It will save you time, money and trees while you’re at it.

Join Us In Chicago: Exporting For Growth Seminar!

iStock/Thinkstock

Please join us at the "Exporting For Growth Seminar" in Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (formerly the Rosemont Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois) on Thursday, May 15 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Hosted by UPS and the U.S. Commercial Service, the complimentary seminar will help you tackle global trade.

I will be moderating a panel discussion with local small businesses on the secrets to success for engaging in global trade and would welcome a chance to meet you in person. See you there!

To learn more and to register (it's complimentary), visit: Exporting For Growth Seminar.

Just Go For It: Take Your Business Global!

iStock/Thinkstock

I participated in this fabulous program UPS (along with Inc. and IBM) put on in November. I can't encourage you enough to take the time to listen to these podcasts where global small business owners share their successes that will inspire and empower you to take your business to the next level: global. If you can't tune-in to all of them, pick one or two that appeal to your interests.

And don't forget to download and read the invaluable Business Monitor Reports (refer to the upper right hand side of the site) to find out what's really holding small businesses back on going global.

Podcast: Solutions For Your Small Business

Listen (or read all about) a new -- thanks to UPS -- customs clearance and international returns solutions for small businesses.

Here's a clip from the beginning of it:

Gardner: Let’s start with Laurel. Help us understand some of the issues facing small businesses, those seeking to expand their addressable markets and how they can start doing more business overseas.

Delaney: Actually, there are two forces at work right now for small businesses. One has to do with the issue of globalization. I think we all know the buzz that’s going on about going global that has been driven largely by Thomas Friedman with his book, "The World is Flat." He’s caused mainstream America and all small businesses to step up to the plate and consider the world as your market. The second force is technology, and technology is making it easier now to go global.

Visit here if you want to listen to the podcast or read the transcript. Go here if you want to simplify international trade.

Separately but related, we are about to unveil our redesign on GlobeTrade.com. Watch for it shortly! We hope you like it.

SPECIAL Report from BusinessWeek on Going Global

And all with a focus on small business -- what fun!

Getting Started Overseas

Online, a Global Strategy Starts at Home

UPS: From Local Startup to Global Titan

Twenty Countries to Consider

Avoiding Faux Pas When Exporting

Breaking Into the Market in China as a Startup

From the Wall Street Journal online:

Question: I have an idea that I would like to try and sell in China. I am a small business -- one man, one computer, one office. Do you think there is a chance for a one-man operation to succeed in the China market?

-- R.B., Fairport, N.Y.

Answer: China's 2001 entry into the World Trade Organization and its economic boom of recent years have made it somewhat easier for small U.S. enterprises to break into the market. But there are still many stumbling blocks that pose big, costly risks for businesses -- especially for a one-person operation with little or no experience dealing in China.

Read the balance of the answer here.

And don't forget that UPS did a good survey on what American products Chinese consumers desire the most. You can download it here.

This might help too.