Small Business

©iStock/Alesikka Women may not yet ‘Run the World’ like Beyonce intended, but we sure feel like they rule it .  And we can marvel at how far they’ve come and learn a lot from the high-achievers who will be speaking at the ROSE conference on February 6-7 in Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. The ROSE Conference will be featuring a panel of exceptional female personalities from the corporate and business world, to medicine and social activism, who will talk candidly about their successes and the challenges they face. Read more about these exceptional female high achievers , taking on the world one step at a time. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DQFhLS Female High Achievers at the ROSE Conference in Kuala Lumpur-Small Business

For a complete listing of SBA videos, visit here . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DLompU SBA Resources for Business Owners-Small Business

©iStock/Kagenmi What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners: Why America's economy is so healthy (a lot has to do with the global economy's own resurgence). Learn the secrets to acquiring a million (1 million) followers on Twitter and more than six-five thousand (65,000) Instagram followers.  Yes, it takes perseverance but we all know persistence pays off.  Presenter CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be b o l d in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at  11:00 a.m. Central time. The   WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2297562974983287811 . Global leaders need to listen more and talk less . Small and medium-size businesses – those with fewer than 250 employees – are going to be the biggest beneficiaries of emerging markets growth, industry executives believe.   Find out why . Few SMEs export in Ja

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. "Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him." -- Dwight D. Eisenhower from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2Bxobg2 The Train of the Future-Small Business

©iStock/Jacob Ammentorp Lund Woman Entrepreneurs GROW Global organization (WEGG) presented an export-training workshop in Chicago with EXIM Bank as a participant, to equip women-owned businesses with the tools needed to expand their global opportunities. One of WEGG’s members, Sonat Birnecker Hart, president and co-owner of KOVAL Distillery, hosted the workshop and also presented at the event. KOVAL Distillery produces organic whiskey, liqueurs and specialty spirits that are sold throughout the US, Europe, Canada, Australia and Asia. Through collaboration and a passion to help small businesses succeed, EXIM Bank and WEGG were able to arm KOVAL with the resources and support needed to exceed its global business growth goals. The two organizations will continue to work together and cultivate these opportunities for women entrepreneurs throughout the US.  Learn more about WEGG, EXIM Bank and KOVAL Distillery . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DAGpiE Succ

©iStock/thitivong Never before in history have so many people worldwide been able to reap the benefits of global trade. But there are huge socio-economic gaps remaining between countries and within societies.  Technological progress is uneven between countries, some regions continue to face geopolitical instability and climate change threatens to already vulnerable communities. Despite that, strengthening the competitiveness of global small businesses enables them to participate faster, take better advantage of the new trade routes that are opening up and prosper in the new economy. Read more about routes to inclusive and sustainable trade . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2naNZue Routes to Inclusive and Sustainable Trade-Small Business

Women are a driving force in our global economy.  Learn more about what's happening at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2018.   For example, here are 7 things that happened on the first day at Davos (Switzerland) 2018. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DzYDoq Davos 2018: Put Women First-Small Business

©iStock/fizkes Gallup's new State of the Global Workplace report takes a big-picture approach to why some organizations and economies thrive and grow while others struggle and often fail.  In the report, they examine the effectiveness with which governments and employers worldwide develop and deploy the most vital and sustainable resources available to them: the skills, talents and creativity of their people. Read more about the next great global resource :  the use of human capital -- whether it be from small businesses to entire societies. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2F7i7ge Next Great Global Resource: Human Capital-Small Business

©iStock/monsitj What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners: In today's globalized world, becoming part of an international supply chain is key to the prospering of small businesses and their ability to create jobs. How do you acquire nearly a million (1 million) followers on Twitter or more than six-five thousand (65,000) on Instagram?  It takes perseverance.  Presenter CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be b o l d in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at  11:00 a.m. Central time. The   WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/2297562974983287811 . Small business owners need to think about stretching their territory beyond traditional borders and bringing the entire world into play as their customer base. President and CEO of eBay Devin Wenig, says "One of the most meaningful ways technology companie

©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  ©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. ©2018 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved. The Prime Time Restaurant in Niles, Michigan brings back a bit of nostalgia.  Good food, good service, good conversation and good people.  And one, only one review, on their site:  "I've been eating at Prime Table for many years. The food is great and service can not be better," says Tammy, a frequent customer. Learn more about Prime Time Restaurant . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DnybKJ Best Beef Noodle and New England Clam Chowder in Michigan-Small Business

from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2DiyRRl Relax, Take in Our World-Small Business

©iStock/bowie15 ATG Access , a small business selling into 25 countries every year, is a manufacturer of security products, in particular vehicle barriers that protect people and buildings from vehicle attack. It generates half of its turnover through exporting. With incidents over the last year making it a very timely product, countries across the world are now looking to shore up defences. The result of this has been considerable global success for the young company. Here's what ATC Access has to say about going global: “Exporting is great fun. I’ve [Gavin Hepburn, sales and marketing director for ATC Access] probably been to 60 countries now because it’s such a globally orientated business. You get to go to some really interesting places and meet some lovely people. It’s been a lot of fun jumping in planes, going to different countries.  It's not boring, that's for sure." Read more about the inspiring global success story of ATG Access . from The G

©iStock/LightFieldStudios Do you question whether you are too old to start a global company?  Here's what Silicon Valley investor Marc Andreessen, co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz (2009), has to say about that . It's a great time for founders who have a little gray hair. One trend today is toward building "full-stack" start-ups, who invent a technology and then use it to take on big incumbents in a market directly. This is a change from the past, when many founders focused on building tools that customers could use however they see fit. Andreessen says, "These full-stack start-ups are more operationally intense and tend to require more experienced founders and executives." Oh, what are you waiting for?  Get going!  In the interim, catch a few more rare insights from Marc to start-up founders, including why his firm requires a warm introduction to a founder before investing, and why enterprise start-ups need to charge more for their products.

©iStock/peshkov The digital economy is not unfounded, as it is changing the way businesses and consumers interact.  Perhaps the biggest advantage of digitized trade is the opening of new markets for small businesses that are less involved in international trade and invisible to foreign direct investment. Take this, for example: An entrepreneur selling hand-made wigs could open a salon for visiting customers. Or she could go digital and upload samples to a website or Instagram page and carry out transactions online. That's trading in the digital world. Read more about  digitized trade or be left behind. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2mKVUho Digitized Trade in a Digital Economy-Small Business

©iStock/emarto What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners: How to take your real estate business global. How do you get nearly a million (1 mil) followers on Twitter or more than six-five thousand (65K) on Instagram?  Easy.  CamMI Pham will educate us on how to be bold in 2018 and get the world to notice you in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, February 7 at  11:00 a.m. Central time. The  WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend:  http://ift.tt/2mFgoYR . Louis Vuitton wants to buy stakes in Baba Ramdev's Patanjali Ayurved and take it global. A new company you've probably never heard of that sources, warehouses and ships products for many of the biggest names in e-commerce, including Amazon, Walmart and Target. United States President Trump takes 'America First' message to global elite in Davos . Didn't know there is a global plastic crisis?  Well there is. Here are four ways to nip

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved. "My cat [Mellie] is the Christmas in my life; he brings that kind of joy every day." -- Anonymous from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2CVCCMj Joy Every Day: Mellie-Small Business

from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2Dlbasl Adapting a Product for the Global Marketplace-Small Business

©iStock/Gumpanat According to The World Bank, global growth is expected to edge up to 3.1 percent in 2018.  Global trade has gained momentum, especially in global manufacturing and investment, which is in recovery mode.  Global trade accelerated substantially, supporting export growth in most emerging market and developing economy regions. Read more about why 2018 global growth will be strong, and why there is still cause for concern, in 10 charts. Download (automatic) the January 2018 Global Economic Prospects report. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2qTeKaO Global Growth Will be Strong in 2018-Small Business

©iStock/Delpixart The health of the British economy can have a significant impact for many U.S. businesses, both big and small. Good news: in 2018, things look like they’re going to be healthy for the British. A year-end study conducted by AIG found that 40 percent of those questioned were planning for growth this coming year while only 19 percent were expecting a downturn. Regardless, this is still good news for American businesses looking to do business in the U.K. But tread carefully: the risks for British companies surrounding Brexit – such as higher material costs, potential labor shortages and exchange rate volatility, remains high. Unfortunately, only a third of those firms surveyed had contingency plans in case there’s a “no deal” outcome. Read more on why British businesses are bullish about 2018 . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2Dh71G6 Things Are Looking Good for British SMEs-Small Business

©2018 WEGG.  All rights reserved. Attend the New Year WEGGinar™ , Wednesday, January 10 at 11:00 a.m. Central Time: “Laurel Delaney’s Global Trade Trends Report 2018,” presented by Laurel Delaney, Founder and President of GlobeTrade.com and President of WEGG.  Laurel will take a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearable Tech and Microlearning. It’s FREE, thanks to the generous support of WEGG's sponsors: UPS, IBM and B•A•L – go here : http://ift.tt/2jNBGCa . Explore more here: http://ift.tt/1X0g84t Like WEGG on Facebook: http://ift.tt/2FiJvJ9 from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2AJxby3 Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends 2018 WEGGinar™ 1/10/18-Small Business

©iStock/chombosan What's affecting me, my clients, my colleagues and other global small business owners: Here's a strategy by FedEx to help small businesses expand their global reach. Laurel Delaney, Founder, GlobeTrade.com, President of WEGG and creator of The Global Small Business Blog will present on  " Laurel Delaney's Global Trade Trends Report 2018 ,"  and will cover Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computing, AR and VR, Wearable Tech and more in the next WEGGinar™ held on Wednesday, January 10 at  11:00 a.m. Central time.  WEGGinar™ is no charge but you must sign up to attend:  http://ift.tt/2jNBGCa Is the global economy booming ? ModulTrade aims to remove the barriers of entry into global asset trading, opening the doors for small and medium enterprises. According to a recent Bank of America survey, small businesses anticipate their local economy, the national economy and the global economy will all improve . Small business Australian ex

©2017 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved. It's never too late for a little color.  The Leaning Tower is a perennial stop for travelers in the Chicago area, only 15 minutes northeast of O'Hare International Airport and 10 minutes from the World's First Franchised McDonald's in Des Plaines. The Leaning Tower of Niles is, naturally, a replica of Italy's Leaning Tower of Pisa. It is roughly half-sized, 94 feet vs. the authentic's 177 feet, and leans about 7'4" off plum (vs. Pisa's 13 foot tilt). But that hardly matters when you're standing across the street taking a picture. And the savings in overseas airfare and reduced risk of injury is worth considering. Learn more about the Leaning Tower of Niles. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2CyORhK Lean in, Colorfully-Small Business

©iStock/peshkov As Pankaj Ghemawat says for the Harvard Business Review: One week after Donald Trump’s inauguration, with fears of a trade war spiking, the Economist published a cover story, “The Retreat of the Global Company,” in which it proclaimed that “the biggest business idea of the past three decades is in deep trouble” and that “the advantages of scale and…arbitrage have worn away.” And Jeffrey Immelt, GE’s chairman and CEO, has talked about the company’s “bold pivot” from globalization to localization. Oh please.  Globalization will never go away -- it's here to stay.  And look at the state GE is in after Immelt decided to do his bold pivot.  Get with the program -- choose globalization as your strategy or else risk thwarting the true upside potential of your business. Case in point:  Many years ago, when I worked at a small manufacturing company, had we not taken our company global, we would have stayed at $600,000 in annual revenues year after year.  Instea

©iStock/monsitj The Indian economy thrives on 50 million micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that account for 37% of the country’s GDP.  This percentage could be higher, if 97% of the Indian retail transactions were not conducted in cash, like they currently are. Extensive research has shown that use of digital financial services has many advantages over cash – it leads to higher reserves and business output. This means, small business owners in India could be more profitable if digital payments were more widely used.  How do you get them to transition?  Read more about how SMEs transition from cash to digital payments. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2qmgPvt Getting Global Small Business Owners to Transition from Cash to Digital Payments-Small Business

©iStock/patpitchaya The global sales market can be a lucrative one for companies of just about any size, but it can also be intimidating for smaller businesses. State and federal agencies, though, can help you make sense of it all, from researching markets to giving a hand with financing.  Not to mention how a book on exporting can be useful too. One company, Middlesex, New Jersey-based Adsorptech, took its time on going global due to limited people power. “Our biggest hurdle was a lack of human resources to devote to researching the ins and outs of it,” said Jim Flaherty, CEO of the Middlesex-based business, which recently topped $1 million in annual revenue. “But then it all suddenly came together.” Here's how he overcame hurdles . from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2CzbIO7 Going Global Can Be Lucrative For Any Size Company-Small Business

©iStock/liuzishan  Expanding your business beyond a local market gives you access to new consumers, can enhance your company’s profile and exposes you to new ideas that could help drive growth, innovation and profitability for your business. When it comes to exporting, there is a perception of increased risk that can put businesses off, but the opportunities that exist and the support on hand to help you start your export journey should not be ignored. Opportunity knocks when you look outside your own borders for business -- whether it be through exporting, franchising, a joint venture or a strategic global alliance. from The Global Small Business Blog http://ift.tt/2CEUgEQ Opportunity Knocks When You Look Outside Your Own Borders for Business-Small Business