Interesting post by Mike Speiser on "Self-Service Nation: Why Targeting Small Business Is Good Business."Focusing on supporting and recommending small businesses will create a much better world to live in and spread the wealth far more equitably.Read more here.
Is Wal-Mart's deep retail discounting formula doable in India? Only time will tell.India is part of Wal-Mart's rapid global expansion under Mike Duke, the former head of the company's international division who in February became CEO. In his previous job, he recruited native-born managers in international markets who understood local customs. Mr. Jain, for example, had worked more than 20 years here for Unilever PLC and Whirlpool Corp. Wal-Mart's 3,400 international stores generate close to one quarter of the company's revenue.The arrival of big-box wholesalers and retailers in India was a major political issue a couple of years ago, with widespread protests from small merchants. But as the Indian economy has slowed, the furor has eased. Shoppers became accustom to larger stores from local retailers such as Pantaloon Retail India Ltd.
Read more here.
We covered this topic briefly June 18th during our Bank of America "live" online small business community forum, "Cost Effective Strategies To Go Global" (refer to No. 5) but The New York Times expanded on the notion here (6/25/09).
Is your business a diamond in the rough? Exceptional characteristics ... future potential ... but lacks the final touches to make it shine brilliantly throughout the world? Well then here's your chance to be discovered BIG time.
Currently, we know Guy Kawasaki does a good job with this but who or what else, in your opinion, has changed our world as a result of an amazing invention over the past 100 years? Think back -- from steam engines to the Model T Ford (pictured) -- something must be worthy of your vote. If not, add your own ideas like this reader did:1. Spicy peanutsOriginal source: On Display, 10 Inventions That Changed the World
2. That extend-a-thing that helps me change the lightbulb way over our entryway
3. TV remote
4. Moveable type
5. Automatic soap dispenser (tie)
6. Automatic urinal flusher (tie)
7. Automatic paper towel dispenser (tie)
8. Stairs
9. Lye soap
10. Fountain drinks
John Yunker at Global by Design elaborates on the difference between using Bing (owned by Microsoft) versus Google on a simple search string translation of the words: "I love you."
Do you care what people think about you worldwide? Well if you do, I have a sneaky suspicion that you are not living LOUD.
Check out a recent contribution over at the new (preview content) Next Gen site of OPEN Forum by American Express OPEN:
When is one country's bailout, another's industrial subsidy? BusinessWeek says rising tension could lead to damaging trade wars.
The answer may or may not be found in this piece but it's a darn good read.Haier is the world’s 4th largest whitegoods manufacturer and one of China’s Top 100 IT Companies. Haier has 240 subsidiary companies and 30 design centers, plants and trade companies and more than 50,000 employees throughout the world. Haier specializes in technology research, manufacture industry, trading and financial services. Haier 2006 global revenue was RMB107.5 billion.
Let's say you recently started to expand your business globally and it seems to be working. Revenues are up and profits too. But all of a sudden, it feels weird -- chaotic. Like something you cannot put your finger on. Maybe it has to do with cultural issues (translation and time zone differences) or getting the right people on board. Who knows.
Please join us LIVE online Thursday, June 18 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST at Bank of America's Small Business Community where I will be covering:
The bill calls for more focus on small business issues, helping to raise the profile of small exporters and ensuring that the interests of these exporters are represented during trade negotiations.Small businesses play a vital role in America's international commerce, representing about 97 percent of all exporters. Yet, with only one percent of small firms exporting their goods -- making up slightly more than a quarter of the country's exporting volume -- exporting remains dominated by large firms.
U.S. exports of goods and services grew by 12 percent in 2008 to
$1.84 trillion , while imports increased 7.4 percent to$2.52 trillion -- further evidence that more small business involvement in exporting would help reduce the country's trade deficit.
More than you want or need to know on whether to pack a cell phone on your next overseas trip.
Are you trying to determine where to retire? Have you thought about retiring to a place other than the United States? Then this book is exactly what you need or are looking for.Golson and his wife, experienced part-time and full-time expatriates, provide a fascinating road map for retirement planning outside the U.S. This book targets the 76 million baby boomers reaching age 65 in 2010 who may be intrigued by the idea of seeking another culture for retirement that offers many possibilities for new interests and friendships. The authors provide in-depth evaluation of 10 countries (plus brief information on others) emphasizing both positive and negative aspects of living there plus commentary by Americans who reside in each country. Finances are a major issue, and there are opportunities for those with modest budgets as well as larger incomes. Missing family and friends in the U.S. is the major downside to living abroad, but the benefits include a sense of adventure, lower cost of living in some instances, climate, and greater freedom. An excellent, valuable resource for library patrons who are seriously considering offshore retirement as well as those who may be dreaming about it. ~ Mary Whaley
To work the world with your site, Karen E. Klein at BusinessWeek offers these tips:
I argue for globalization, not the simplicity (limitedness) of localization.
Here's what Gordon Brown thinks. He writes a crafty commentary, "Don't Go Wobbly On Trade," for The Wall Street Journal.We also need to reaffirm our commitment to resist protectionism, especially when rising unemployment increases the pressure and temptation to put up trade barriers. Creating more barriers to global trade is a surefire way to prolong the recession.See what you think. Agree? Disagree? Weigh in to let us know your thoughts!
I updated this piece on what it's like to do business in Japan. It's a bit long (9-page PDF file) but hopefully it's worth the read.
Fred P. Hochberg (pictured) has been sworn-in as the 23rd president of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank).
Growth of robust trade between the United States and powerhouse U.A.E. is reflected here (scan to Trade), "The U.S.-U.A.E. Trade and Investment Relationship: 2009" (PDF), and prepared March 2009 by Professor Michael O. Moore, Director, Institute for International Economic Policy, Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University.The U.A.E. is the largest export market for the United States in the Middle East. ~ U.S. Census BureauMore information can be found at the US-UAE Business Council.
