Empowering SME Exporters With AI
You’re already stretched thin with your global business. Between managing orders, chasing payments, and navigating shipping delays, adding “learn AI” to your list sounds like one more thing you don’t…
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Safeguarding Your Needs and Protecting Your Limits As You Grow Your Global Business
We set boundaries when we decide on and communicate our personal and professional limits. To help people enforce their limits in healthy ways, some therapists direct them to books. These…
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What You Should Know About Managing the Aftermath of the Supreme Court’s IEEPA Tariff Decision
From the law firm Foley & Lardner: Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision invalidating the IEEPA tariffs, attention is now shifting from whether the tariffs were lawful to how companies…
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New Uncertainty in Global Trade
The Supreme Court’s tariff ruling (2/20/26) is a major setback for President Trump, who lashed out at the justices who ruled against him, and raised questions about the trade deals…
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How a Richly Fulfilled Life Is Within All Of Us
Many of you are aware that Good to Great author Jim Collins endorsed my Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably. Over the years, Jim and I have stayed…
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2026 Predictions and Insights, Including Global Trade Insights by Laurel Delaney
Rieva Lesonsky writes “2026 Predictions and Insights: How Small Businesses Will Build, Adapt, and Grow.” She also includes a section I wrote titled, “Global Trade: Powering the New Global Economic…
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Let AI Be a Catalyst for Global Success
AI is not just a tool for overcoming the challenges of international expansion – it’s a catalyst for achieving faster, more efficient, and more successful global growth. It can streamline…
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How Your International Travel Plans Can Be Affected By the US Government Shutdown
If a U.S. government shutdown goes on long enough, it could throw a wrench in travel plans, potentially leading to longer airport wait times, flight delays and even cancellations. The…
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Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Is Withholding Release of Ineligible De Minimis Shipments (8/13/25)
Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg reports that ACE now is automatically withholding release of ineligible de minimis shipments. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports that on Aug. 12 [2025] it deployed…
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The Tariff-Resilience Index
The Wall Street Journal recently provided a listing of companies that are best able to handle high and changing tariffs. When the Drucker Institute began putting out its best-run companies…
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Taxing Other Countries to Create a Global Trade War
President Trump ignited a global trade war on a gamble that taxing other countries would bring jobs and factories “roaring back” to the United States. Many business leaders are skeptical.…
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Chaotic. Scary. Exciting.
Voters believe President Trump is overreaching with his aggressive efforts to expand executive power, and they have deep doubts about some of the signature pieces of his agenda, a New…
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A Glimpse of the Subreddit Groups Buy Canadian and Buy American
Reddit groups are becoming more and more popular. The online forum’s pseudonymity lets people vent, share information and find solace. Here are two subreddits concerning buy Canadian and buy American.…
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5 Key Reasons ChatGPT and Claude Stand Out as Top AI Platforms
Looking to streamline operations, cut costs, and enhance customer experience? Look no further. Two indispensable tools, Open AI’s ChatGPT and Anthropic’s Claude, stand out as top AI platforms for global…
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TikTok: A Global Dream Is At Risk
I read with interest the recent article, “TikTok Founder’s Global Dream Is at Risk,” published in the 1/11/25 edition of The Wall Street Journal. I agree with the author’s perspective,…
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Threats Galore by Trump on Tariffs, Trade Barriers and BRICS
In case you haven’t heard, the incoming Trump Administration is considering every imaginable threat to the world – from huge tariff increases, to new trade barriers to enacting BRIC (block…
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Make the World Your Customer Base: Ten Reasons to Go Global
Successful small business owners know how to master the transition from local to global. Why are so many jumping on the global bandwagon? Because it offers tremendous growth. Here are…
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According to wegg® President Laurel Delaney, the World Is In Your Hands
According to the Centre for Economic Policy Research, only 51 percent of women-led businesses are importing or exporting, in comparison to 79 percent of male-led businesses. The Office of the…
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10 Effective Ways to Leverage AI With a Global Business
AI is changing the way we work and should be used as a tool to augment human capabilities rather than replace them entirely. Here are 10 effective ways to leverage…
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American Express 2024 Global Travel Trends Report
When it comes to traveling, who doesn’t want to know what’s trending right now and why, especially before you leave? For example, I have at least five friends who have…
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Using AI Tools Can Help Shape Your Thinking
One can’t move fast enough to keep up with artificial intelligence (AI), but we can try. Here are some of my favs. ChatGPT Google’s Gemini Nomi Perplexity Anthropic’s Claude Magnific…
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Resources for Product Creators and Global Traders
Six (6) interesting resources for businesses operating in the global marketplace. Mainly for those who are sourcing and need help with product creation. TradeWheel: Join the fastest growing B2B marketplace…
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Perplexity Shows What Is Possible
Are you deceiving or stepping out on Google by using any other search engine? I rarely do but after reading Kevin Roose’s article in the New York Times, I’m going…
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Rethink Old Growth Models and Ensure Globalization Works For All
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, World Trade Organization Director-General, has called on leaders and policy-makers to rethink old growth models and ensure globalization works for all. This message was conveyed during her participation…
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What Will It Take to Win the Digital Cold War?
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…
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AI Safety and Research Company Anthropic
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…
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8th Annual Global Small Business Forum Hosted in Chicago 10/20/23 (Virtual Option Available)
🌍 🌎 🌏 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…
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You Don’t Have To Be a Manufacturer to Export, You Can Export Services
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…
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Magical and Memorable Bookstores to Visit Around the World
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…
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Is It OK to Spend U.S. $12 on a Wedding Dress?
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…
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8 Tools That Can Make Your Writing Easier
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…
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Cross-Cultural Training
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…
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Scaling a Business 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…
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Stay Clear of Bribery Trouble
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…
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Smartphone Apps That Help Global Travelers Overcome Language Barriers
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…
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Reimagine 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…
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Lessons Learned From Mistakes That Happen in the Global Marketplace
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.…
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What Are the Challenges With Exporting Goods Abroad?
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…
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Creating an International Online Marketing Plan
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…
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The Art of Shock 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…
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How to Develop Best Export Pricing Strategies
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…
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Diversifying Sourcing Is Your Best Solution Right Now
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,…
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Why You Should Scale Your Global Business by Laurel J. Delaney
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…
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Grow Beyond Borders in 2022
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…
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Happy Holidays Exporting Guide Friends!
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…
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Cater to a Global Audience
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…
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In Pursuit of Exceptional Export Service
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?…
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Create a Winning Social Media Strategy That Takes the World By Storm
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…
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8 Tips for Building Brand Awareness Around the World
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?…
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How Corruption Can Complicate Matters During a Pandemic
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…
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Essential Components to an Export Sale
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…
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4 Tips for Going Global
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…
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The 1-Hour Work Week: 15 Team Management Platforms to Get You There
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…
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How to Evaluate Potential Overseas Distributors
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)…
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Laurel Delaney: 20 Tips for Going Global
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…
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Resources to Test and Play Around With During Thanksgiving 2020
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…
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Time-Tested Sympathy Expressions From Across the Globe
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…
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For Globetrotters Ready to Dust Off Their Passports
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…
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How Companies Master the Quota System
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)…
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Using e-Commerce and Social Media Sites as Stepping Stones to Export Success
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…
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How to MacGyver Your First Export by Laurel J. Delaney
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…
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Revisiting an Interview with Baybars Altuntas Because It Is Relevant to Our Times
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…
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Factors to Consider Before Sending Payments to Foreign Suppliers
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…
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Export Credit Insurance Protects You Against Buyer Nonpayment
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…
Read More 10 FAQs About Laurel Delaney’s Book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably”
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…
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Escrow: Money Held By a Third Party in International Trade
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.…
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Blissfully Mistranslated Slogans, Posts and Signs From Around the World
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…
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7 Unexpected Reasons to Take Your Business Global in 2020
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…
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Do Your Research. Become an Insider.
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.…
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How to Choose the Right Name for Your Global Business
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…
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Help Your Customers Compete More Effectively and Win in the Global Marketplace
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…
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Web Design With the World in Mind
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…
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Creating a Functional World-Class Team
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…
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How an Export Product Business Is Born
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…
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15 Places to Look for Global Trade Help
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…
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Are You Ready to Export?
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…
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What Sells in Japan: A Quick Course
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,”…
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Line Up the Charter Members of Your Export Dream Team
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…
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Where Should Global Marketers Look for Partners?
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,”…
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The Pros and Cons to Forming a Cross-Border 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…
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Do You Have What It Takes to Go Global?
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…
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Why Aren’t More Companies 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…
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Laurel Delaney Interviews PayPal’s Melissa O’Malley
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…
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The Importance of Scaling a Small Business 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…
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6 Answers to FAQs about Importing and Exporting
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…
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4 Ways to Achieve New Growth in Swiftly Developing Countries
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…
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Here’s What Five Successful Entrepreneurs Have to Say About the Future of Business in 2018
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…
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27 Affordable Social Media Tools for Savvy Global Marketers
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,…
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9 Unexpected Reasons to Take Your Business Global
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…
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How to Reboot Your Business For Success
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…
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Summer Reading to Get You Thinking About Going Global
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…
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How to Sell a Product You Import at a Profit
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…
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4 Ways to Achieve New Growth in Rapidly Developing Economies
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…
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11 Places to Look for International Exporting Help
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…
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How to Harness Global Mobile Business Opportunities
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…
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10 Sources for Finding and Comparing International Degree Programs
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…
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Resources for Cultivating Cultural Awareness
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…
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Some Gems Worth Knowing About and Related to China
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.…
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How Do You Get More Customers Worldwide to Conduct Business With?
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…
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We Love Marlin Steel For Their Explosive Export Growth
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…
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Most Popular Posts of 2016 on Exporting Guide
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…
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Create An Environment Where People Will Flourish
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…
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Are You On Track With the Right Global Marketing Message?
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…
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Small Businesses That Export Sell More and Grow Bigger
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…
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Latest Opportunity for Cross-Border Business: The World of Retail Exports
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.…
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Worldly Readers: Stretch Your Mind and Open Your Heart
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…
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To Keep Growing, You Must Go Global
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…
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World’s Best Global Small Business Forum Held in Chicago 10/21!
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…
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Brexit Implications | Challenges of Going Global |Smart Strategies
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…
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2nd Edition Almost Ready | SME Online Growth | E-Commerce Highway
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.…
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Work Your Website | Tina Sharkey Enters E-Commerce | Apple Pay Goes Global
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…
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7 Exporting Takeaways | Global Expansion Challenges | Be Mine in the Digital World
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…
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LA Times Aims For Global | Cash App Abra Expands |Non-Payment of Advertising Dues
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,…
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Good Intentions Go Wrong? |Cross-cultural Understanding | Africa Will Peak
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)…
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BRICS Not As Usual | Strategy Expired? | What is Globalization Becoming?
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…
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Benefits to Exporting Are Clear But Can You Do It From Home?
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…
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Company to Watch: Ally Commerce
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…
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Growing People Globally
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…
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Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably
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…
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New and Noteworthy: Webinar 2/3 on Financing Your International Business
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…
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Grow Your Export Business
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…
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Kick Your Business Up a Notch Through Exports (Webinar)
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…
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Enough About TPP! Oh, How About More?
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:…
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What To Know Before Your Website Goes Global
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…
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Study Abroad: A Cheat Sheet to Finding Customers Anywhere
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…
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Internationalization and Localization Services: What’s the Difference?
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…
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The Growing Scope of E-Commerce
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…
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The Advantages of Direct 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…
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What are some of the key things no one tells you about exporting?
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…
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Plan and Build a Web Site That Taps a Global Audience
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…
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Web Globalization: 10 Service Providers to Help You Get Started
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…
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Pricing Your Export Product: How to Plan and Manage Customs Duties
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…
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Issues Confronting Women Business Owners Who Currently Export or Plan to 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…
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What to Look for in Your Relationship with the Manufacturer
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…
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10 FAQs About International Trade
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…
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Export Start-Up: Get Your Team Jazzed For Growth
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…
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How To Achieve Exceptional Export Customer Service
“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…
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Case Study: Give Customers Worldwide What They Want
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…
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Aligning Your Company For Global Success
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.…
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Most Commonly Used Mobile Payment Methods in USA
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,…
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What Do Local Buyers Expect When Visiting Your Booth at a Trade Show?
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…
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When to Hire; When to Outsource
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…
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The Future of Retailing: No Middleman Required
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…
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5 Best Going Global Articles
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…
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Season’s Readings From Laurel Delaney
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…
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Are You Making International Customers a Priority?
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…
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Blog Exuberance: Brand Yourself Everywhere
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…
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Factors To Consider When Pricing For Service Exports
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,…
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5 Best Apps In Town
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…
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How to Develop a World-Class Team For Your Export Business
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…
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How to Protect a Trademark and Domain Name, Globally
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.…
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How to Create a Functional Team For Your Export Business
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…
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Corporate Considerations: How to Set Up Your Export Enterprise
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…
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Ten Reasons To Go Global
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…
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3 Ways to Build Brand Recognition through the International Marketing Plan
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…
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America’s Top Five Export-Trading 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]…
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7 Ways to Launch Your 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…
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A Short Course on Alibaba
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…
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The Future of Selling: The E-Commerce Revolution
If you want a symbol of how technology is transforming the way we conduct business worldwide, look no further than e-commerce, which refers to buying and selling on the Internet.…
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What’s the Purpose of An Export Business Plan?
Our friends over at bPlans are running a terrific series on how to create an export business plan with all of the material extracted from “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably.”…
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How An Export Service Business Is Born
Envision offering your local marketing service, which is booming in North America, to someone in the United Kingdom. Let’s imagine that someone names Katie Schroeder does just that. She runs…
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How An Export Business Is Born
Imagine someone named Abel Anderson who is working in the automotive industry while running a food-export business. In the evenings and weekends, he goes to food fairs. Although he works…
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Ready, Set, Let’s Export!
Welcome to our new exporting blog! Here we will bring you insights and key learnings from my book, “Exporting: The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably.” As we progress, be…
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There are more than 7 billion potential customers in the world looking for your product or service. Are you ready to serve them?
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There are more than 8 billion potential customers in the world looking for your product or service. Are you ready to serve them?