What's Your Excuse For NOT Going Global?

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Too busy, too complicated, too expensive or too risky?  It's all of these excuses plus more on why companies don't expand their businesses internationally. 

My latest contribution ...

Top 10 Excuses For Not Going Global
American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends

What's yours?

A Piece of the World Trade Center Arrives

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A 4-foot, 215-pound piece of steel rectangle arrived on the flatbed of a Department of Public Works truck July 19th in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey. The piece of steel will be permanently installed at Memorial Pond (dedicated in 2003 in memory of four residents killed in terrorist attacks 9/11).

Those in attendance greeted the steel by taking pictures of it. By noon, it was in the firehouse, where it will stay until officials decide where to place it at the pond.

 The pond is behind Borough Hall and adjacent to Muni Field.

The final phase of the pond project — the creation of a waterfall — is in progress and will be completed in time for the 10th anniversary of 9/11, officials have said. A commemorative ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 10, at the pond.

Learn more about this symbol of healing story here.

Overtake America? Seriously?

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Is the United States losing status as a global superpower?

A new Pew Global Attitudes survey finds that while the U.S. is better regarded around the world now than it was in the Bush years, in 15 of 22 nations surveyed most say that China either will replace or already has replaced America as the world's "leading superpower." This view is especially widespread in Western Europe, where at least six in 10 respondents in Britain, France, Germany and Spain see China eventually overtaking the U.S.

Read the entire commentary here:

Andrew Kohut (president of the Pew Research Center) and published by The Wall Street Journal: The World Says China Will Overtake America

Related resource:

Pew Global Attitudes Project
China Seen Overtaking U.S. As Global Superpower

What do you think?

Are Your Processes In Place For Going Global?

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As your organization grows global, do you have a support system in place that can take you where you want to go with total transparency and minimal operational, supply chain and distribution missteps? We hope so.

What the management needs is a global view of its inventory and operations, as well as tight coordination between manufacturing and distribution operations to ensure an efficient supply chain. In addition, they want a consolidated view into the company’s financial data so that they have clear visibility into their costs and margins. This ensures that the organization is able to monitor its financial and operational model closely as it prepares to take on the significant new risks of going global.

If you have doubts, read:

Is Your Company Ready to Take Advantage of Market Growth?
Manufacturing Business Technology
by Thomas Tan

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

2011 (Global) Small Business Influencer

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I am honored to be nominated for the "2011 Small Business Influencer" - the top influencers in the small business market.  If you haven't cast a vote, I'd welcome yours for the (global) guru category.  Go here to learn more. Thanks in advance.

Four Misconceptions About Exporting

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Yes, exporting is a little more challenging than conducting local business but it doesn't mean you shy away from it altogether.  Quite the contrary.  You just need to learn the ropes!  That's why you're here.

Here are four misconceptions about exporting.  See if you fall into these traps (or what I call excuses for not exporting).

Four Common Misconceptions About Exporting

Be sure to check out because there is a whole lot more featured than just misconceptions!

Illustration credit:  SUSTA (Southern United States Trade Association)

SUSTA is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), its member states and private companies. FAS administers and executes many foreign market development activities.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Tips to Make a Website Global

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With an effective international website, you can sell to the world.  Here's how.

Mind Your Language

Related article:  10 Ways To Transform Your Web Site Into a Dynamic Two-Way Communication Tool

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog