Expanding Internationally Is Your Choice

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Here are some tips, advice and a short story on preparing for the age of the pure global small business.

4. A story: Goodbye to the local small business and hello to the emerging global small business the world over.

The impact of globalization can be found as nearby as your local dry cleaner, shoe repair shop or hairdresser. For example, a visitor from Japan walks into a North American shoe repair shop to get her shoes shined. Speaking very good English, she gets into a conversation about the shoe business, what part of Japan she ...

Read the entire article:  Borderless Business

Expand Internationally, Find Customers and Get Paid

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I authored this three-part series for The Knowledge Center - American Express.  I hope it helps you prepare for international expansion, find customers and get paid by customers all over the world.

International Expansion Part 1 of 3:  Are You Ready for International Expansion?

International Expansion Part 2 of 3:  How to Find International Customers

International Expansion Part 3 of 3:  How to Get Paid By International Customers

If you have any questions, feel free to email me.  Or, if you have additional tips to share, please comment, thanks.

Generate Additional Revenue For Your Business: Expand Internationally

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The Institute for Chartered Accountants in Australia in conjunction with Ernst and Young has produced a thought leadership paper entitled "Business Briefing:  20 Issues For Businesses Expanding Internationally."

It covers:

• Planning for expansion
• Choosing your location
• Conducting business overseas

Read the paper here.

Globalize Where the Return is Everywhere

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Globalization is here to stay.  It's not a matter of surviving during current challenging economic times; it's a case of thriving.  This article (heavy emphasis on translation issues) answers the central question:  Is this the right time to expand internationally?

See if it is for you.

Bottom line:  Get out of your local rut and go global!

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

A How-To On Expanding Your Business Globally

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Considerations and a plan for going global.

How to Expand Your Business Globally

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Expand Into the Global Market

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Although this is after the fact, it's still interesting and relevant to see that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China are looking for ways to expand their businesses internationally.

"One of the key goals of this year's fair is to build an efficient trade platform for domestic SMEs to expand their business in the global market," said Lin Ying, secretary-general of the organizing committee.

Learn more here.

China Is a Market Going In Only One Direction: BIG

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Gap Inc. announced plans to open a China store and expand on its e-commerce operations. In addition, they will be establishing e-commerce sites in the U.K. and Canada next year.

International store sales were $2.6 billion last year; roughly 19% of the company's total store sales. U.S. Online sales reached $1 billion last year.

To think they started out small. It gives us all hope that we can go from global small business to BIG business. They are now in a major turn-around mode with a huge international push.

Read more here.

International Council for Small Business

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Because we are so passionate about helping you -- entrepreneurs and small businesses -- expand your business internationally -- we decided to become a member of another organization that is equally as committed: The International Council for Small Business.

Founded in 1955, the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) was the first international membership organization to promote the growth and development of small businesses worldwide. The organization brings together educators, researchers, policy makers and practitioners from around the world to share knowledge and expertise in their respective fields.

One of our trusted colleagues, Dr. Jeffrey Cornwall, is also a member so when you have time, check out what ICSB has to offer ... lots of tips, tools and resources to enable you to learn more about going global ... and see if membership might benefit you too.

Knowledge sharing helps improve our global economic environment and fosters an understanding and appreciation for each country's contribution to the world marketplace.

Resources To Get You Going Global

These are all up on our blog now (right side panel) but wanted to make sure you are aware:

Scribed Global Guru: A manifesto to get businessmen and businesswomen out of their own backyard and transition from local, regional or national firms into global players.

Building Your Global Empire: Women in companies of all sizes are taking their business around the globe -- and to the bank.

Lost in Translation: Cautionary tales plus 10 ways to go global.

Going Global: 14 tips from leading experts and bold entrepreneurs will help you expand internationally.

Happy global trails!