How to Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business

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

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit 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 ...

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

UPS CEO Scott Davis (pictured) 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

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

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

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


Business Needs to Speak Up on Trade