Laurel&#8217;s Export Blog

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital

What Will It Take to Win the Digital Cold War?

December 1, 2023

The United States and China are creating two separate spheres for technology, and artificial intelligence is on the front lines of this new “Digital Cold War.” If democracies want to…

AI Safety and Research Company Anthropic

November 3, 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Look out ChatGPT. Anthropic is the new kid on the block, and it is an AI safety and research company based in San Francisco, California. Its interdisciplinary team has experience…

8th Annual Global Small Business Forum 10/20/23

8th Annual Global Small Business Forum Hosted in Chicago 10/20/23 (Virtual Option Available)

September 30, 2023

Event, Scaling for global growth

🌍 🌎 🌏 Ready. Set. Let’s take on the world 10/20/23! 🌍 🌎 🌏 Registration is OPEN for the 8th Annual Global Small Business Forum (https://bit.ly/3PyjTv0) brought to you by lead…

Never Stop at Good Enough

September 20, 2023

Inspiration, Success tips

You Don’t Have To Be a Manufacturer to Export, You Can Export Services

August 14, 2023

Digital, Service export

A recent article, “Services Go Global in Modern Economy,” published in The Wall Street Journal (8/7/23) and authored by The Outlook columnist Harriet Torry, discusses how the U.S. has long been the world…

Magical and Memorable Bookstores to Visit Around the World

July 8, 2023

Cultural, Inspiration

Nice News has compiled some of the most unforgettable bookstores, spanning six continents (excluding Antarctica). A few double as coffee houses, others as bars and music venues. But all are…

Is It OK to Spend U.S. $12 on a Wedding Dress?

June 21, 2023

E-commerce, Global supply chain, Globalization

What does buying a wedding dress have to do with exporting? Plenty. With globalization, we can pick and choose what we buy, from where, and how much we spend. And when…

8 Tools That Can Make Your Writing Easier

May 31, 2023

Apps, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Books, Education

As gospel music historian, author, and radio host Bob Marovich says, “A tool only [ChatGPT], not an excuse to cheat your way to success.” Different projects call for different tools. Below…

Cross-Cultural Training

May 5, 2023

Cultural

If you truly value cultural literacy and want to learn more and leverage that knowledge as a competitive advantage for your firm, you might consider participating in or even creating…

Scaling a Business For Global Growth

March 16, 2023

Scaling for global growth

I was told lately there is no secret sauce to scaling a business, particularly globally. But there are tips you can apply to ensure your business model is in the…

Stay Clear of Bribery Trouble

February 14, 2023

Bribery, Distributors/wholesalers, Exporting, Mistakes

This is an old article but one that should be studied to appreciate what you shouldn’t do in the international marketplace. Back in 2021, Deutsche Bank agreed to pay $130…

Smartphone Apps That Help Global Travelers Overcome Language Barriers

January 18, 2023

Translation

When you travel internationally, wouldn’t it be nice for everyone to understand you? Who hasn’t had an experience being in a foreign country where you ask for directions and are…

Happy Holidays from the Exporting Guide

December 23, 2022

Distributors/wholesalers, Exporting

Reimagine Globalization

December 12, 2022

Globalization

Bob Sternfels, Partner at McKinsey Global Institute, offers five insights pertaining to resilience in our interconnected world: Start talking about diversification of trade rather than reduction or isolation of trade. To…

Lessons Learned From Mistakes That Happen in the Global Marketplace

November 4, 2022

China, Mistakes

Honey-Can-Do International Founder and chief executive officer Steve Greenspon shares a wonderful lesson learned on LinkedIn that I wish to share here so that everyone can benefit from his experience.…

What Are the Challenges With Exporting Goods Abroad?

September 4, 2022

This article provides good insights into how to pick the right export partner – distributor – for your company, and the common mistakes to avoid. The key is to find a partner…

Creating an International Online Marketing Plan

July 20, 2022

Marketing, Strategy

by Laurel J. Delaney If you want to export to more than a billion people who are interested in buying your product, it will most likely be accomplished through using…

12 Creative Ways to Save on Everyday Items

June 22, 2022

Education, Finance, Pricing, Resources

With record high inflation and prices shooting through the roof, here are a few ways to make your pennies go a little further. Pay with a credit card that gives you…

The Art of Shock Marketing

June 10, 2022

Books, Marketing

The art of shock marketing By Laurel J. Delaney Using traditional strategies for marketing a product or service overseas won’t always get the enthusiastic response you want. This article explains…

How to Develop Best Export Pricing Strategies

May 17, 2022

Exporting, Finance, Pricing

Getting ready to export your product overseas? Should you price it at $5 or $7? How do you decide? Leif Holmvall, veteran exporter, author, consultant and coach on exporting, has…

Diversifying Sourcing Is Your Best Solution Right Now

April 18, 2022

Expansion, Global supply chain, Globalization, Outsourcing, Sourcing

According to a recent International Monetary Fund analysis, diversifying sourcing is a better solution right now to supply-chain woes. Things can’t be resolved by re-shoring. Every day, millions of sailors,…

Why You Should Scale Your Global Business by Laurel J. Delaney

March 15, 2022

Scaling for global growth

I prepared the presentation below for the American Express Grow Global event held in Chicago several years ago and it covers why you should scale your global business and how to…

Grow Beyond Borders in 2022

January 24, 2022

Exporting, Scaling for global growth, Strategy

Happy New Year everyone! And to start you off on the right footing, I’ve provided a cheat sheet to taking your business global. This is one of my favorites because…

Never Stop Pushing Boundaries in 2022!

January 1, 2022

Happy Holidays from the Exporting Guide - 2021

Happy Holidays Exporting Guide Friends!

December 16, 2021

Customers, E-commerce, Globalization, Web globalization (translation)

Warmest greetings of this festive season and best wishes for happiness, hope, love, good health and prosperity in 2022. – Laurel Delaney, author of “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad…

Cater to a Global Audience

December 8, 2021

Ninety-five percent of the world’s population lives outside the United States. It’s hard to have a two-way communication if visitors don’t understand you. Plan accordingly, but don’t fret. Take it…

Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

In Pursuit of Exceptional Export Service

October 28, 2021

Books, Exporting, Service export

I love that title and it is a title I assigned to one of the chapters in my book, Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably. What does it cover?…

Create a Winning Social Media Strategy That Takes the World By Storm

September 16, 2021

, Strategy

Here’s a primer on how to create a winning social media strategy that takes the world by storm. Before you begin your social media campaign: What are your goals? If…

8 Tips for Building Brand Awareness Around the World

August 5, 2021

Branding

by Laurel J. Delaney How do you let the world know about your product or service offering in a way that people from all over the world can find you?…

How Corruption Can Complicate Matters During a Pandemic

July 5, 2021

Covid-19, Global supply chain, Globalization, Logistics

The handling of the COVID-19 pandemic around the world perfectly illustrates the need for integrity in the management of crises. When Transparency International released its Corruption Perceptions Index 2020 in…

Essential Components to an Export Sale

May 21, 2021

Exporting

by Laurel J. Delaney How do you react to an email from a customer located thousands of miles away who wants to buy your product? To get the ball rolling…

4 Tips for Going Global

April 19, 2021

Exporting, Research, Resources, Uncategorized

Small businesses are poised to drive economic growth through international expansion. Here are four tips to serve as your guide to going global. Don’t Go It Alone. There are plenty of…

The 1-Hour Work Week: 15 Team Management Platforms to Get You There

March 18, 2021

Human side, Workflow/team management

I’ve curated a list of 15 team management platforms for everyone to check out. Use to your advantage. The goal is to become more efficient. Still working on trying to get…

How to Evaluate Potential Overseas Distributors

February 10, 2021

Distributors/wholesalers, Expansion, Scaling for global growth

by Laurel J. Delaney, excerpt from Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably A distributor or importing wholesaler buys products from you (the seller or exporter in this case)…

Laurel Delaney: 20 Tips for Going Global

January 15, 2021

Exporting, Globalization

This article is one of my favs because it offers a shortcut to just about everything you need to know to take your business global. It was originally written for and…

Happy New Year 2021 from the Exporting Guide

Happy 2021 Exporting Guide Fans and Friends

January 1, 2021

eHugs This Holiday Season from Laurel Delaney at the Exporting Guide

December 23, 2020

Resources to Test and Play Around With During Thanksgiving 2020

November 25, 2020

Resources

I trust everyone is gearing up for a Happy, Safe, Healthy and Memorable Thanksgiving. This is certainly a time to count your blessings and be grateful for all the good you…

Time-Tested Sympathy Expressions From Across the Globe

October 21, 2020

Uncategorized

Death caused by COVID-19 seems to be everywhere – crossing borders with no restrictions on movement. You never know when you will be in a position to say the right…

For Globetrotters Ready to Dust Off Their Passports

September 22, 2020

Covid-19

For those who are ready to dust off their passports (I’m not yet), the developers from Singapore’s MIT Senseable City Lab developed Escape, a price-driven flight-search engine. Now they’ve created something else…

How Companies Master the Quota System

August 26, 2020

China, Global supply chain, importing, Logistics, Manufacturers, Outsourcing, Regulations

Let’s take a journey together and go back in time on how companies dealt with import quotas. We’ll look at the article “The Great Quota Hustle” published in Forbes (2000)…

Using e-Commerce and Social Media Sites as Stepping Stones to Export Success

July 21, 2020

The following is an excerpt from Laurel’s book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably.” Artist Gina Ayers Signore has been interested in art her whole life. She remembers…

How to MacGyver Your First Export by Laurel J. Delaney

June 12, 2020

Exporting

15 There are a million ways to get started in exporting and a zillion more online resources available to help you out. But, there is no shortcut to exporting until…

Interview with Baybars by Laurel J. Delaney

Revisiting an Interview with Baybars Altuntas Because It Is Relevant to Our Times

May 19, 2020

Leadership, Success tips

An Interview With Baybars Altuntas, a Turkish Television Star, Global Entrepreneur and Best-Selling Author (originally published on the About.com Import/Export website but they removed it so I am repeating it…

Factors to Consider Before Sending Payments to Foreign Suppliers

April 22, 2020

Finance

by Laurel J. Delaney The most import thing to negotiate before closing on an import or export sale is how payment will be made. In this article, I examine factors…

Export Credit Insurance Protects You Against Buyer Nonpayment

March 24, 2020

Finance, Insurance

As the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Exim Bank) recently reported, “businesses across the U.S. are doing what they can to maintain sales [during the COVID-19 outbreak], but relying…

10 FAQs About Laurel Delaney’s Book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably”

February 26, 2020

Books, Education, Exporting

Here are a few frequently asked questions about Laurel Delaney’s book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably.” 1. What’s your background? I am the founder and president of…

Escrow: Money Held By a Third Party in International Trade

January 30, 2020

Finance

by Laurel J. Delaney Ready to export your goods? Don’t want the hassle of a letter of credit but want your cash upfront? Perhaps an escrow service is the answer.…

Blissfully Mistranslated Slogans, Posts and Signs From Around the World

December 12, 2019

Exporting, Human side, Methods of Exporting, Women who export

It’s the holiday season and a perfect time to bring lots of good cheer. What follows are blissfully mistranslated slogans, posts and signs from around the world. You won’t want to…

7 Unexpected Reasons to Take Your Business Global in 2020

November 4, 2019

Education, Exporting, Globalization, Readiness

Why should you take your business global?” Here are seven unexpected reasons. 1. You can generate greater revenue for less effort. Sure it takes a long time to seal a…

Do Your Research. Become an Insider.

September 25, 2019

When I wrote my book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad,” I interviewed several successful business owners to get their take on what works for taking a business global.…

How to choose a name for your global business

How to Choose the Right Name for Your Global Business

August 16, 2019

Start-up

Even the best products and ideas won’t sell if a company’s name is poorly chosen. There’s a lot to consider in a name, especially one that may be operating in…

Everything we do is to help our customers compete more effectively and win in their marketplace

Help Your Customers Compete More Effectively and Win in the Global Marketplace

June 18, 2019

Customers

The customer service mentality should permeate your entire organization. What is your commitment to customers? Does everybody in the company understand this commitment inside and out? Do you provide exemplary…

Web Design With the World in Mind

May 14, 2019

Globalization, Web globalization (translation)

Why the meteoric rise of the importance of web translation? Because the majority of the world’s population does not speak English. In fact, less than a third of the current…

Creating a Functional World-Class Team

April 16, 2019

Cultural, Human side, Leadership, Start-up

The following article has been adapted from “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably,” by Laurel J. Delaney. No matter what brilliant idea or well-organized plan you have in…

How an Export Product Business Is Born

March 11, 2019

Expansion, Exporting, Getting started

How an Export Product Business Is Born by Laurel J. Delaney This is a repeat post because many people over the past couple of weeks have emailed me asking “how…

15 Places to Look for Global Trade Help

February 11, 2019

Education, Exporting, Getting started, importing, Readiness

15 Places to Look for Global Trade Help by Laurel J. Delaney You can never have too many resources to help you expand your business internationally. Here are 15 places…

Are You Ready to Export?

January 8, 2019

Exporting, Getting started

Are You Ready to Export? by Laurel J. Delaney Anyone who wants to export, can. The world awaits. The essential element needed to be successful exporting is readiness. The rest…

What Sells in Japan: A Quick Course

December 13, 2018

Country specific, Customers, Exporting, Marketing

What Sells in Japan: A Quick Course by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting book, “Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business,”…

Line Up the Charter Members of Your Export Dream Team

November 19, 2018

Exporting, Finance, Logistics

Line Up the Charter Members of Your Export Dream Team by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting book, “Start & Run a Profitable…

Where Should Global Marketers Look for Partners?

October 22, 2018

Strategic alliance

Where Should Global Marketers Look for Partners? by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting book, “Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business,”…

The Pros and Cons to Forming a Cross-Border Alliance

September 17, 2018

Cross-border alliance, Strategic alliance

The Pros and Cons to Forming a Cross-Border Alliance by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting book, “Start & Run a Profitable…

Do You Have What It Takes to Go Global?

August 14, 2018

Mindset

Are You Ready To Take On the World? The Twelve Keys to the Global Mindset by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting…

Why Aren’t More Companies Exporting?

July 19, 2018

Benefits, Exporting

Exporting Incentives by Laurel J. Delaney In celebration of a 20-year anniversary to writing my first exporting book, “Start & Run a Profitable Exporting Business,” I’ll be sharing excerpts from…

Laurel Delaney Interviews PayPal’s Melissa O’Malley

May 21, 2018

Digital, E-commerce, Finance, Globalization

This interview was originally published July 2015. If someone were to ask you to name the top markets for ecommerce, U.S. and China would probably come to mind. But what…

The Importance of Scaling a Small Business for Global Growth

March 23, 2018

Globalization, Scaling for global growth

As UPS’s marketing director for small businesses, Jeremy Melis has his finger on the pulse of the global small business market. So you can imagine my excitement to connect with…

6 Answers to FAQs about Importing and Exporting

March 18, 2018

Exporting, importing

6 Answers to FAQs about Importing and Exporting by Laurel J. Delaney, President of GlobeTrade.com Can I import motor vehicles? Do I need an export license? Where do I start…

4 Ways to Achieve New Growth in Swiftly Developing Countries

January 29, 2018

Best export markets, Expansion

by Laurel Delaney, President of GlobeTrade.com There is very little doubt that the swiftly developing economies, such as Latin America, China and India, are well on their way to becoming…

Here’s What Five Successful Entrepreneurs Have to Say About the Future of Business in 2018

January 1, 2018

Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital, Technology, Trends

Here’s what five successful entrepreneurs have to say about the future of business in 2018. 1. Tim Ferriss, Entrepreneur and author, Tribe of Mentors: Short Life Advice from the Best in…

Dream. Fantasize. Use Your Imagination in 2018.

December 26, 2017

Country specific, E-commerce

Create a Fabulous Year of Your Own

27 Affordable Social Media Tools for Savvy Global Marketers

November 2, 2017

,

27 Affordable Social Media Tools for Savvy Global Marketers by Laurel J. Delaney Savvy global marketers know that to get and maintain customers worldwide you must keep talking with them,…

9 Unexpected Reasons to Take Your Business Global

September 22, 2017

Benefits, Exporting, Globalization

9 Unexpected Reasons to Take Your Business Global by Laurel J. Delaney One of the biggest questions I get from small business owners is this: “Why should I take my…

How to Reboot Your Business For Success

August 21, 2017

Success tips

It’s time to reflect on all the things you did or didn’t do thus far in 2017. What else should you be considering to take your business to the next…

Summer Reading to Get You Thinking About Going Global

August 3, 2017

Books, Globalization

I don’t know about you but I actually do a lot more reading during the summer months than the winter. There’s something wondrous about kicking back with a good book at…

How to Sell a Product You Import at a Profit

July 7, 2017

importing

By Laurel Delaney Importing for the first time is no walk in the park. We know that for a fact because I cover potential problems in “Eight Tips for New…

4 Ways to Achieve New Growth in Rapidly Developing Economies

June 26, 2017

Expansion, Strategy, Success tips

by Laurel Delaney, Founder and President of GlobeTrade (http://www.globetrade.com). There is very little doubt that the rapidly developing economies, such as Latin America, China and India, are well on their way…

11 Places to Look for International Exporting Help

May 22, 2017

Education, Exporting, International trade (facts), Readiness, Research

In my Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably, I list a plethora of resources to help you grow your business across borders. Here are a few additional resources and tools…

How to Harness Global Mobile Business Opportunities

April 27, 2017

Books, Mobile world

The following is an excerpt from: Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably. Harnessing Mobile Business Opportunities by Laurel J. Delaney For many people, checking the Internet has quickly become a…

10 Sources for Finding and Comparing International Degree Programs

April 5, 2017

Education

So you are almost done with college and contemplating whether to get a real job, teach, start a business, or continue your education? I vote for continuing your education, especially…

Resources for Cultivating Cultural Awareness

March 29, 2017

Books, Cultural, Negotiating

You don’t need to go far off the beaten path to acquire the information you need to jump-start your cultural learning. Here are a few tips that will lead the…

Some Gems Worth Knowing About and Related to China

March 2, 2017

Country specific

What can we expect in China in 2017? McKinsey & Co. offers some good insights and trends here. I’m a big fan of Bill Bishop and The Sinocism China Newsletter.…

How Do You Get More Customers Worldwide to Conduct Business With?

February 23, 2017

Customers, Digital, Marketing, Mobile world

Whenever I give talks to eager entrepreneurs and business owners who want to do business with the world, I am almost always asked: How can I get customers worldwide to…

We Love Marlin Steel For Their Explosive Export Growth

February 6, 2017

Exporting,

Oh if there is one thing that makes us very, very happy, it’s when business owners benefit from our work. Drew Greenblatt, President of Marlin Steel, and one of the…

Most Popular Posts of 2016 on Exporting Guide

December 30, 2016

Benefits, Getting started, Human side, Logistics, Start-up

Here’s a look at our most popular posts in 2016. All I can say is get your GLOBAL MOJO in 2017! Back with you in the new year. Join me for…

Create An Environment Where People Will Flourish

December 19, 2016

Cultural, Exporting, Human side, Leadership

The following is an edited excerpt from Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably (2nd edition; Apress 2016; ©Laurel Delaney). __________ Jim Collins has it right. No matter what brilliant…

Are You On Track With the Right Global Marketing Message?

November 14, 2016

Adaptation, Advertising, Branding, Digital,

Blunders in the global marketplace are mistakes that everyone makes on occasion. After all, we’re only human. Below I provide an example of a firm that tried to use the…

Small Businesses That Export Sell More and Grow Bigger

October 28, 2016

Expansion, Exporting

Exporting offers many benefits to entrepreneurs, small businesses and the local economy. Small businesses that export to foreign markets sell more, grow bigger, support more jobs, and pay higher wages than…

Latest Opportunity for Cross-Border Business: The World of Retail Exports

October 10, 2016

India with its rich craft tradition of handmade customized products created by artful and skilled artisans is in a perfect position to take advantage of the trend in cross-border business.…

Worldly Readers: Stretch Your Mind and Open Your Heart

September 28, 2016

Exporting, Finance, importing, Negotiating

I want to make sure you caught all of these newly published articles I wrote over over at what has now become The Balance (an About.com brand): 7 Etiquette Rules…

An interview with Baybars Altuntas by Laurel Delaney

To Keep Growing, You Must Go Global

September 16, 2016

Globalization, Strategy

Many business owners start out with global ambitions and say, “I’ve got to win in Brazil. I’ve got to win in Africa. I’ve got to win in China.” At least, Jeff…

World’s Best Global Small Business Forum Held in Chicago 10/21!

September 7, 2016

Books, Event, Exporting

Join us for the world’s best Global Small Business Forum 2016 held in Chicago on Friday, October 21st from 7:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m. Central time at 70 West Madison…

Brexit Implications | Challenges of Going Global |Smart Strategies

July 30, 2016

Globalization, Trade agreements

Brexit Implications for SMEs: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Who are the biggest winners and losers with Brexit? Guiddant Financial CEO and co-founder of David Nilssen shares his…

2nd Edition Almost Ready | SME Online Growth | E-Commerce Highway

June 22, 2016

Books, E-commerce, Research

Get Ready to Read the Best Exporting Book on the Planet The 2nd edition to my Exporting book is almost ready. I’m finishing the last of the updates this week.…

Work Your Website | Tina Sharkey Enters E-Commerce | Apple Pay Goes Global

June 3, 2016

E-commerce, Finance, Mobile world, Uncategorized, Web globalization (translation)

Today’s post features how to grab, keep and churn out global customers one at a time; how iVillage co-founder Tina Sharkey is secretly 🙂 starting a new e-commerce site called…

7 Exporting Takeaways | Global Expansion Challenges | Be Mine in the Digital World

May 25, 2016

Digital, Expansion, Exporting

What’s challenging SME exporters? Why do companies go global? Why are non-digital companies becoming serial acquirers of digital properties? Read on and you will discover. 7 Exporting Takeaways from the…

LA Times Aims For Global | Cash App Abra Expands |Non-Payment of Advertising Dues

May 8, 2016

Apps, E-commerce, Globalization

How the LA Times Aims to Go Global (article) An important lesson here is even though the LA Times has long cycled in the past year between different approaches to grow,…

Good Intentions Go Wrong? |Cross-cultural Understanding | Africa Will Peak

April 18, 2016

Country specific, Cultural, Webinars

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)…

BRICS Not As Usual | Strategy Expired? | What is Globalization Becoming?

March 22, 2016

Globalization, Strategy, Success tips

Articles that will get you thinking outside of the box. It’s No More BRICS as Usual An important lesson here is that firms will have to accelerate their transition from…

Benefits to Exporting Are Clear But Can You Do It From Home?

March 7, 2016

Corporate considerations, Getting started

With technology, anything is possible in terms of conducting business with anyone in the world provided they have an Internet connection. In the following two articles, I talk about drawbacks to…

Company to Watch: Ally Commerce

February 19, 2016

Getting started, Human side, Trade agreements

In case you missed it, UPS invested a minority stake in a tech startup, Ally Commerce, that allows brand manufacturers to set up websites and sell directly to consumer, by-passing…

Growing People Globally

February 11, 2016

Human side

Let’s face it. There’s a huge reservoir of talent available worldwide, but how do you align the right talent with the work that needs to be done? That’s the million-dollar…

Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably

February 2, 2016

Books

I am happy to report that I am in the process of updating my book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably,” with a completion date of July 1st, which…

New and Noteworthy: Webinar 2/3 on Financing Your International Business

January 27, 2016

Finance, Webinars, Women who export

Women Entrepreneurs GROW Global (WEGG) is hosting a captivating webinar (no charge) presented by Kati Suominen on “Financing Your International Business: Plan Early and Smart” — Wednesday, February 3rd at…

Grow Your Export Business

January 14, 2016

I want to make sure you caught three important resources to help you grow your export business: 1. WEGG webinar on Getting Started in Exporting: Ready Your Business For Growth. I…

Kick Your Business Up a Notch Through Exports (Webinar)

January 5, 2016

Getting started, Webinars, Women who export

For those eager to start out the new year with a global footprint, join Laurel on a webinar she is giving Wednesday, January 6th at 11:00 a.m. Central (FREE) on…

May Your Holidays Be Bright and Your New Year Filled With Wonder

December 21, 2015

Enough About TPP! Oh, How About More?

December 12, 2015

Trade agreements

All the chatter about the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement leaves a lot of business owners scratching their heads and wondering, “what’s in it for me?” Let me get right to the point:…

What To Know Before Your Website Goes Global

November 25, 2015

Got a website? Good start. But when dealing with global customers, you have to take a giant step further. According to the Internet World Stats, Internet users who do not…

Study Abroad: A Cheat Sheet to Finding Customers Anywhere

November 3, 2015

Customers

Thanks to technology, small business owners can instantaneously find customers halfway around the world. But where to start? Visit The United States Commercial Service (www.Export.gov), which can provide world-class market…

Internationalization and Localization Services: What’s the Difference?

September 30, 2015

According to Globalization Partners, internationalization involves “enabling the back end of a website to handle different languages, character sets, currencies, submit form data, site search capabilities, etc., and entails understanding…

The Growing Scope of E-Commerce

September 11, 2015

There are more than 7 billion potential customers in the world, and 2.4 billion of them are online. How many of those customers is your company reaching outside your own…

The Advantages of Direct Exporting

August 4, 2015

Methods of Exporting

Direct exporting means you export directly to a customer interested in buying your product. You are responsible for handling the logistics of shipment and for collecting payment. The advantages of…

What are some of the key things no one tells you about exporting?

July 8, 2015

Question of the day

Question of the day: What are some of the key things no one tells you about exporting? Laurel Delaney: It’s best to start with a clear strategy on how to…

Plan and Build a Web Site That Taps a Global Audience

June 24, 2015

Marketing, Mobile world, Online fundamentals, Uncategorized

While a Web site is but a part of your efforts online, it is still the most important one for e-commerce. First and foremost, your Web site should be inviting…

Web Globalization: 10 Service Providers to Help You Get Started

June 5, 2015

Manufacturers, Outsourcing

Why the meteoric rise of the importance of web translation? Because the majority of the world’s population does not speak English. Where do you turn for help? There are a…

Pricing Your Export Product: How to Plan and Manage Customs Duties

May 22, 2015

Pricing

Planning and managing customs duties plays an important role in pricing your export product so that it is profitable. First, pay attention to how your product is classified (if you…

Issues Confronting Women Business Owners Who Currently Export or Plan to Export

May 11, 2015

Women who export

In early 2012, the State Department’s Bureau of International Information Programs asked me to write an article called “Women Entrepreneurs Energize Economies.” In it, I talk about my experience in…

What to Look for in Your Relationship with the Manufacturer

April 30, 2015

To ensure a good fit between you, in your capacity as exporter, and a domestic manufacturer with a product you want to sell globally, here are some things you should…

10 FAQs About International Trade

April 17, 2015

International trade (facts)

In this post, I cover frequently asked questions (FAQs) about international trade. 1. How much overseas business do U.S. small businesses do globally each year? Recent Commerce Department data shows…

Export Start-Up: Get Your Team Jazzed For Growth

March 31, 2015

Human side, Start-up

In “How to Develop a World-Class Team For Your Business” I talk about what roles need to be filled as you grow your export business and how to create a…

How To Achieve Exceptional Export Customer Service

March 20, 2015

Customers, Service export

“Bring it down to a much more fundamental human motive. Don’t stick to the brain. Stick to the heart.” — Mohan Sawhney, McCormick Foundation Chair of Technology, Clinical Professor of Marketing, Director…

Case Study: Give Customers Worldwide What They Want

March 9, 2015

Adaptation, Customers

Many business owners believe it is only packaging that has to be adapted in the overseas marketplace. That’s a mistake. Adapting your product to meet the needs of an overseas…

Aligning Your Company For Global Success

February 24, 2015

Globalization, Success tips

How should executives think about aligning their companies’ capabilities behind exporting and global expansion? Here’s what it takes for an organization, big or small, to go global or expand further.…

Most Commonly Used Mobile Payment Methods in USA

February 9, 2015

Finance, Mobile world

Most US companies offer credit card payment options online because they offer the capability to conduct business throughout the world. Among the credit cards accepted are American Express, VISA, Mastercard,…

What Do Local Buyers Expect When Visiting Your Booth at a Trade Show?

January 26, 2015

Marketing, Trade Shows (Exhibitions)

Exhibiting at or attending a trade show in your industry is a uniquely effective way to contact cross-border customers, especially if you have a difficult product to sell or if…

When to Hire; When to Outsource

January 8, 2015

Outsourcing

How do you decide when to hire employees and when to hire contractors? Positions formerly reserved for in-house employees, such as those of a web developer, a designer, or a…

The Future of Retailing: No Middleman Required

December 22, 2014

China, Customers, E-commerce, Methods of Exporting

Remember the telex machine and how important it once was for communicating efficiently with people worldwide? Then the fax machine came into play. Next was email and now Skype. When…

5 Best Going Global Articles

December 9, 2014

Globalization

Soar to new heights with your business by going global. These popular articles on going global – from signals to going global, to reasons to going global, to tips on…

Season’s Readings From Laurel Delaney

November 24, 2014

Books

If you are going to snuggle up by a fireplace with a cup of spiced eggnog and a few good business books this holiday season, check out these six excellent reads…

Are You Making International Customers a Priority?

November 10, 2014

Customers, Getting started

When local (domestic) business picks up, do you ignore overseas calls or emails requesting quotes, asking for assistance or wanting to place an order? How are you attending to existing…

Blog Exuberance: Brand Yourself Everywhere

October 29, 2014

Online fundamentals, , , Uncategorized

Anyone can create a blog. Building a successful blog, on the other hand, requires hard work. Yet it’s worth every ounce of effort because, when used correctly, this low or…

Factors To Consider When Pricing For Service Exports

October 17, 2014

Pricing, Service export

Selling a service export successfully requires even more people power than does product sales. Pricing a service, such as one that is professional, technical, financial, or franchise or insurance oriented,…

5 Best Apps In Town

October 8, 2014

Mobile world

Here are five apps that enhance my global small business and help me focus on achieving results faster. Many of them are free. Some have fees or carry a monthly…

How to Develop a World-Class Team For Your Export Business

September 30, 2014

Human side

Now that you’ve seen how to create a functional team for your export business, let’s take a look at what roles need to be filled as you grow your export…

How to Protect a Trademark and Domain Name, Globally

September 22, 2014

Corporate considerations, Legal

Protecting a trademark in the United States—whether it’s your own company name, a product, or your supplier’s product name—is a very complicated procedure best handled by a very competent attorney.…

How to Create a Functional Team For Your Export Business

September 15, 2014

Human side

How do you find great people to get on your export bus? How can you make sure they remain happy and motivated? Let’s find out. The first big characteristic to…

Corporate Considerations: How to Set Up Your Export Enterprise

September 7, 2014

Corporate considerations, Getting started, Legal

There are five basic forms of organization in which you can set up your export enterprise: the sole proprietorship, the partnership, the C corporation, subchapter S corporation, and Limited Liability…

Ten Reasons To Go Global

August 27, 2014

Benefits, Globalization

By Laurel J. Delaney Successful small businesses are figuring out how to master the transition from being a local company to global. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more…

3 Ways to Build Brand Recognition through the International Marketing Plan

August 20, 2014

Branding, Marketing,

The international marketing plan should be strategic in nature and executed in a consistent manner. The goal is to get more customers from around the world to export to and…

America’s Top Five Export-Trading Markets

August 6, 2014

Best export markets

Here’s a look at the exporting facts related to America’s top five export trading markets year to date through July 2013 (latest available) according to the United States Census Bureau.[i]…

7 Ways to Launch Your Service Export

July 28, 2014

Service export

When you set out to enter a market with your service export, you will face four critical questions: How are you going to get a foot in the door? How…

A Short Course on Alibaba

July 18, 2014

China, E-commerce

Jack Ma, Founder and Chairman of Alibaba. With Alibaba’s highly anticipated US IPO, it makes prudent sense to familiarize yourself with the company. This article provides a short course on…

The Future of Selling: The E-Commerce Revolution

July 9, 2014