Articles, webinars and resources to get you thinking outside the box and moving in a direction to expand your business internationally.

When Good Intentions Go Wrong in the Global Marketplace (article)

An important lesson here is whether you are working on a product name, translating an ad campaign or managing exports for a global company, be sure to study the potential market, plan carefully and thoughtfully, and go in with the attitude that anything can happen but prepare yourself as best you can to avoid future blunders.

Try it on for size:  http://importexport.about.com/od/MarketingAndSellingGlobally/fl/When-Good-Intentions-Go-Wrong-in-the-Global-Marketplace.htm

Turning Cross-Cultural Understanding into a Global Competitive Advantage (webinar)

An important lesson here will be – you don’t know what you don’t know when it comes to cultural sensitivity.  In this case, Sophie Lechner, founder and President of Global Commerce, Inc. will share her expertise 5/4 on:  How cultural differences impact cross border business; the stages of your global expansion where cultural differences play a key role; what you can do to gain an advantage over your competitors; and, tips for successfully navigating different cultures when doing business globally and having fun doing it.

Try this webinar on for size (it is no charge but you must register to attend):  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1760398754302968579

Mbwana Alliy:  “Africa is About to Peak” (interview)

An important lesson here is our perception of Africa.  People are starting to see Africa as a private-sector market, rather than just a recipient for aid. Africa is not just comprised of poor people who need to be saved. People in Africa want the same things people have in the U.S.

Try this interview on for size:  http://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/mbwana-alliy-africa-about-peak

Screenshot of Zanzibar courtesy here.