Saturday, October 30, 2010

Do You Have a Solid Online Global Footprint?

The Legislation recently passed a bill aimed at helping small businesses that will provide $30 billion for a lending fund and $12 billion worth of tax breaks.

Find out what's in store for SMBs as a result of its passage.

Read:  New Legislation Will Give SMBs a Break ... and Much More

Full disclosure:  Verio is a client of GlobeTrade.com's and GlobeTrade.com is a happy customer of Verio's!

Illustration credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, October 29, 2010

Top 10 Risks for Global Business

Distilled from the collected viewpoints of over 70 leading industry executives and analysts and backed by exhaustive research across 14 different sectors, the Ernst & Young Business Risk Report 2010 identifies the 10 greatest risks facing businesses.

These may not all apply to your business but it's certainly worth a look to anticipate challenges ahead.

Here are the ten:
  1. Regulation and compliance.
  2. Access to credit.
  3. Slow recovery or double-dip recession.
  4. Managing talent.
  5. Emerging markets.
  6. Cost-cutting.
  7. Nontraditional entrants.
  8. Radical greening.
  9. Social acceptance risk and corporate social responsibility.
  10. Executing alliances and transactions.
Best part of the entire piece:

Globally, business is generally experiencing an upswing.

Read the entire article here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog


Thursday, October 28, 2010

Mobi Madness for SMBs Round the Globe

http://go.mobi/
Got a Mobi, I mean, dotMobi (http://mtld.mobi/)? If not, you better listen up. Ireland-based dotMobi, the mobile Web solutions company behind .mobi recently announced highlights of its third annual study, "Mobile Web Progress," on mobile Web trends. It examines available websites via the world’s most-used global top-level Internet domains: .com, .net, .org, .info and .mobi.

What's the upshot on the study?  The mobile Web is continuing its explosive global growth (refer to chart below).
dotMobi’s Director of Engineering, Ronan Cremin, said, “The study demonstrates that apps are shifting to become a part of a broader mobile Web strategy rather than the strategy itself. While some brands build individual apps for multiple platforms like iOS, Android and BlackBerry, businesses are increasingly choosing a mobile Web solution for their content, as many of the Alexa top 1,000 have already done.”
Findings from the 2010 dotMobi "Mobile Web Progress"
Wait, there's more.

goMobi (http://gomobi.info) is another tool developed by dotMobi that allows small business owners to strengthen their presence on the mobile Web by creating customized, professional-looking (and functioning) mobile sites from an easy-to-use template. GoMobi here.

The advantages of goMobi site creation include:
  • Affordability (eliminates the need for specialized developers)
  • Ease of use (no programming experience necessary, drag and drop technology)
  • Functionality (site will function on all mobile devices with web access)
  • Immediacy (site goes live within minutes of completion)
Some other exciting resources and tools you might want to check out to learn more are:
We wrote about dotMobi in our Top 10 Global Trends for Small Businesses for 2009. Find it here, refer to Point No. 2 (we are off by a year -- not bad), and see what others had to say about our report in the comment area.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Global Business: Decoupling or Convergence?

Fascinating piece, "Trading Places" by Frances Kim for the Yale Economic Review.
Highly controversial and greatly overused, the term “globalization” generally characterizes the phenomenon by which multiple economies have apparently begun to move in sync with one another. The pundits may all have their own opinions on the merits of global inter-connectedness, but statistics tell many different stories regarding whether international economies have really converged to move in a synchronous global business cycle.
Read the entire article here.  Agree or disagree? We'd welcome hearing from you!

Illustration credit here.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Richard Newsom - VP Operations - Shell

Online discussion with Mr. Newsom on "Beyond the Oil Spill" and implications for continued exploration on November 3, 2010

Richard Newsom. left, is currently the Vice President of Operations Services and Project Support for Shell's Exploration and Production (E&P) Deepwater Division. In this assignment, Mr. Newsom is responsible for Operations Excellence, Readiness and Skillpool Development for Shell's Deepwater Operations personnel; Regional Logistics (aviation, marine, road transport, terminals); Engineering Projects implementation; and Maintenance and Integrity, which includes asset reliability. Previously Mr. Newsom served in the capacities of Production Surveillance Manager (Deepwater Gulf of Mexico) and Strategy and Economics Manager for Shell's Americas Region.

Prior to joining Shell in 2007, Mr. Newsom worked for 7 years with ConocoPhillips, 14 years for the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO) and for 2 years for Tenneco Oil Company. Mr. Newsom's career includes experiences on a variety of oil and gas assignments covering North and South America, the North Sea, Russia and Southeast Asia. His responsibilities have included: Asset Management, Exploration Evaluation, Business Development, Strategic Planning, Mergers and Acquisitions and a variety of engineering assignments.

Mr. Newsom holds a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA in Management from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA). (Wash Post)

Repeat: How to Provide Great Global Customer Service

The relationship between you and your overseas customer shouldn't end when a sale is made.  If anything, it requires more of your attention.

Think of your after-sales follow-up as part of your product or service offering. And the first step is to say, wholeheartedly -- whether in person, via Skype, by email or telephone -- "Thank you for your business!"

After all, you want to support your customer's success in any way you can, and you will be building a constructive interdependency that can become your gateway to the world.

Go here to read the entire article:  How to Provide Great Global Customer Service

Photo credit:  Squidoo Borderbuster

Posted by: Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Monday, October 25, 2010

Janet Rolle - Executive VP & CMO of BET Networks

Janet Rolle is currently Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of BET Networks. Before joining BET Networks in 2007, Ms. Rolle was Vice President and General Manager of AOL's affinity websites, AOL Black Voices and the 10 websites in AOL Women & Lifestyle category.

Ms. Rolle was previously Vice President, Programming Enterprises and Business Development at MTV Networks, responsible for growing revenue at VH1 and Country Music Television. Ms. Rolle began her career at Home Box Office (HBO), holding positions including Special Assistant to the Chairman, and Director of Marketing and New Media, for the video division of HBO.

Ms. Rollee holds an M.B.A. from Columbia University and a B.A. from the State University of New York, Purchase. (Forbes)

World Currency: The U.S. Dollar

David Wessel, economics editor for The Wall Street Journal, writes: "Weaker Dollar Is No Elixir for Economy."

Quick snippet:
The logic, drawn from textbooks, is that a decline in the dollar will make U.S. exports cheaper for foreign customers, so they will buy more, and will make Asian exports more expensive, so the world will buy less. It's no magic elixir.
Illustration credit here.

Saturday, October 23, 2010

Video of Apple's Grand Opening of New Lincoln Park, Illinois Retail Store


Video credit:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Apple's Grand Opening of New Lincoln Park, Illinois Retail Store








I had a great time standing in the rain and taking photos this morning of Apple's grand opening of new Lincoln Park, Illinois retail store.  Managed to walk away with a classy umbrella souvenir (as shown above).  Those global Apple folks think of everything!

Congrats to Apple!  Nice launch.

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, founder of GlobeTrade.com

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

No Matter What, You Have To Put Yourself Out There

Umar Cheema, an investigative reporter for the largest English-language Pakistani newspaper, The News, writes of his recent abduction ...

Abducted and Tortured - for Reporting the News

Lesson learned:  No matter what, you have to put yourself out there and take a stand.  We commend Mr. Cheema for doing so in this piece (and in his life) -- because the most important element to life is "freedom."  We hope he is allowed to keep that freedom along with his ability to write brilliantly.

Related article:  "Who Attacked Umar Cheema?"  Others here and here.  Lastly, "The Significance of Umar Cheema's abduction - Blog - Committee to Protect Journalists."

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, October 22, 2010

More Globalization

I am not sure why the authors titled the feature in this fashion other than for purposes of provocativeness.  Globalization never went away.

The Return of Globalization
by Gary Hufbauer and Kati Suominen || Foreign Policy

Read it here.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Canada's Can-Do Spirit on Exports for Small Businesses

According to Minister Iain Black, small businesses in B.C. have shouldered the heavy lifting to recovery through job creation, wage increases, exports and contributions to the province's gross domestic product.
"B.C.'s nimble, resilient small businesses are leaders in creating jobs and increasing wages, while boosting our province's GDP and export numbers."
Read more about this here.

And read the 36-page report Small Business Profile 2010 (referenced in the article) to learn more about the state of small business in British Columbia.

Illustration credit from Small Business Profile 2010 Report.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business: FREE!

Provided you have access to the Internet, now the whole world can learn the fundamentals to exporting.  I've released my book, "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" for 100% FREE readership over at Google Books (thank you Google!).  It took a couple of weeks to get it processed but it's finally live.

This is a perfect time to dig in and learn everything there is know about how to export since President Obama has put such a big push behind this expansion mode for SMBs.  Read our previous posts covering the National Export Initiative here and here.

I am currently working on the next level digital aspect to exporting for entrepreneurs and small businesses (e.g., how to leverage websites, blogs, Facebook and Twitter to take your business global along with how best to digitally sell and collect payment from overseas customers) which will serve as a nice complement to "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business."  Watch for that release soon but in the meantime, I highly recommend that you read "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" first to truly understand the basics of what it takes to go global.

Enjoy.  And if you like it, all I ask is that you write a review.  I'd welcome hearing from you especially if my book helps you take the first step toward making the world your business.  Many thanks.  Happy exporting!

Note:  "Start and Run a Profitable Exporting Business" will be featured permanently on The Global Small Business Blog in the lower right hand corner for easy access.

Posted by:  Laurel J. Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Monday, October 18, 2010

People of Color Inventors & Inventions Museum

People of Color' exhibit opens at Gateway Mall (5156 - 1 Norwood Ave., Jacksonville, FL)

Ernestine Johnson gathered about 1,500 items for a black history collection.

For 15 years, she has collected photos, posters and memorabilia about black history.


Wanting to share her passion for the past, she would set up tables wherever someone provided space so she could put her collection on display.  But as the collection grew - she estimates she now has 1,500 items - operating it as a traveling museum became increasingly difficult.  The exhibit was provided with free space in the Gateway Mall to permanently house her collection. Johnson opened the doors to assorted visitors, including representatives from the Duval County school system.

The project is being cosponsored by the African Scientific Institute.  The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Admission will be free, but donations will be welcomed.  (The Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville.com, July 1, 2010)

Support AAEA Kenya Office - 3 Proposals/General Support

Boaz Adhengo, left, is working very hard to address environmental issues in Kenya.  The AAEA Kenya Office needs your help to assure that we can accomplish our environmental mission in Kenya.  Help today. Give a small or large general support donation or support one of the proposals below.

Click on the Donate button and donate.

Education & Environment Proposal

The purpose of the project is:

1. To support civil society organizations in the rural areas and the Government of Kenya to participate meaningfully in the climate change debates at the international level, including Conferences of Parties (COP).
2. To strengthen the civil society to campaign for good policies that are designed to help Kenya’s poor to adapt to climate change
3. To re-examine the present critique of the economic development as a main source of environmental crises;
4. To explore the thought and representations of crisis awareness of rural Kenya, especially on ecological aspects;
5. To determine the ways in which mitigation ideas of the relationship between humanity, nature and science provide a starting point for a renewal of environmental ethics and for rethinking ideas of sustainability

Medical Advisory Support Services for the Maringo Community in Kenya

Objectives of the Project:

The objective of this project is therefore to organize a medical seminar that will be delivered freely to a target group. It is planned that this medical seminar will follow up with arranging for the implementation of a medical camp where minor illnesses could be treated and sensitization on key medical issues can be addressed. The main beneficiaries will be the youth and parents of Maringo village who have greater trust on ‘Mwarubaini for its popularity on having a capability to treat forty diseases as confirmed by herbal doctors.

Increased Access For Women in Kenya

Objective of the Project:

Access to education for girls remains a challe
nge in Kuria district due to poverty, retrogressive cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and a general negative attitude towards educating girls. It is important that these causes are addressed to ensure gender equity in education. This program works towards eliminating the root causes of inequalities in access to education.

Export Readiness Centers for SMBs in Washington

With a $1.28-million grant from the state Community Economic Revitalization Board, WSU Spokane will host two export readiness centers; one will be in the Seattle area, the second will likely be in the Sirti building, at the Riverpoint Campus. The grant runs for two years.

More details can be found here.

Illustration credit here.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Friday, October 15, 2010

Data Apps and Mash-Ups for the World

The World Bank is opening the doors to thousands of its global development indicators and inviting the public to use the data in mash-ups, smart phone applications, and other tech tools that can help support clean energy and fight poverty.

"This will allow policy makers, researchers, and civil society to track the impact of policies, develop new solutions, and measure improvements more accurately," says Shaida Badiee, director of the bank’s development research data group.
To encourage software developers, the bank is holding an “Apps for Development” contest with $45,000 in prizes and financial support. Entries are due by Jan. 10 and must include data from at least one of the bank’s data-sets and relate to one of the bank’s eight key development goals that range from environmental sustainability to reducing childhood mortality.
Sounds like this will move us a step closer toward solving some of the world's most pressing problems.

Learn more:  The Global Muckraker - International Consortium of Investigative Journalists

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Kendrick Meek, Environmentalists & the 2010 Election

PRESIDENT'S CORNER

By Norris McDonald

Kendrick Meek
Environmentalists are dissing Congressman Kendrick Meek.  Big time.  The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) should take note that as they have been the highest voting caucus in Congress for the past 40 years, mainstream environmentalists will betray them in an opportunistic heartbeat.  Exhibits A, B & C are Robert Kennedy, Jr., Sierra Club and League of Conservation Voters, respectively.

Kennedy endorsed Republican Crist, the Sierra Club endorsed Meek AND Crist (in essence a Crist endorsement, so Meek rejected the Sierra Club endorsement), and  LCV 'virtually' endorsed Crist.  They might grow a pair and actually come right out and endorse Crist before the election.  Although Crist has been good on a couple of environmental issues, Meek has a 100 percent voting record with the national League of Conservation Voters. Jeez. Meek has also consistently opposed expanded offshore oil drilling (AAEA has been consistent in opposing expanded offshore drilling too).

Charlie Crist
Robert Kennedy, Jr. endorsed Charlie Crist at a press conference in Florida.  Wow.  He basically flipped Meek off with a brush off the shoulders.  Said he couldn't win so 'there.'  Tony Massaro, LCV’s senior vice president for political affairs, told POLITICO that Crist is “absolutely an option,” explaining, “He’s been a leader on Everglades.  Though LCV hedged their bet, like the Sierra Club by not 'going RFK, Jr.'

Are you paying attention CBC? 

Meek's rejection of the Sierra Club's spineless dual endorsement showed real class.  And principle.  Meek is a stand up guy.  State tropper stock.   How can Kennedy, LCV and the Sierra Club back Crist when Meek would have a real shot if CRIST did not muddy the waters by polluting the general election by running as an independent because he knew he could not win his own party's nomination?  Do these environementalists have no shame?  No honor? No loyalty?  Evidently not.  I just hope that Kendrick Meek has a very long memory.  I hope the CBC does too.

Bet the Farm on This One: Tesla Motors

Just as Apple reshaped our world on music and cool gadgets, Tesla Motors will do the same for the automotive industry.  This is definitely a company to watch.  Tesla is named for electrical engineer and physicist Nikola Tesla.

What makes its cars disruptively innovative?  Tesla's electric cars use energy efficiently, don't pollute, and will help eliminate dependence on oil.
Tesla vehicles liberate their owners from the petroleum-burning paradigm and associated inconveniences. The idea of time-consuming and costly detours to the gas station, routine oil changes, and frequent maintenance quickly becomes rather "last century."  Owners drive their Roadsters all day long - to work, to errand, and on joy rides; at the end of the day, they simply return home and plug in. While the car quietly charges, the owners enjoy their evening, and wake up to a fresh, fully-charged car each morning.
 Doesn't that sound like a winning formula towards a sustainable, solar electric global economy?

Learn more about the future of automobiles here.  Executive bios here.  Toyota involvement here.  Yes, there's been a recall (single incident/single car), but that's hiccup in the grand scheme of things.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Akin Adesina Receives Borlaug CAST Communication Award

Dr. Akin Adesina
The 2010 Borlaug CAST Communication Award recipient, Dr. Akin Adesina, was be the keynote speaker today at a special CAST (Council for Agricultural Science and Technology) breakfast. Known for his dynamic speaking skills and his passion for world agriculture, Dr. Adesina addressed the gathering about the need to impact public understanding of agriculture through communication.

For decades, Dr. Adesina has been advancing the cause of practical, science-based agricultural practices, especially in his home continent of Africa. He is a world-class scholar, and through his eloquent speeches and published papers, he has been working to keep agricultural issues at the forefront. He also provides leadership through such avenues as the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) where he promotes cooperation and action to help farmers. He has the ability to work with governments, the private sector, and smallholder farmers.

As a vice president of AGRA, Dr. Adesina helps set policy and advises former United Nations (U.N.) Secretary Kofi Annan, current Chairman of the Board of AGRA. Recently, Ban Ki-moon, Secretary General of the U.N., appointed Dr. Adesina as one of the 17 world leaders who will consolidate global efforts toward achieving the U.N. Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Dr. Adesina will emphasize the push to reduce world hunger.

The Borlaug CAST Communication Award is presented annually by CAST for outstanding achievement by a scientist, engineer, technologist, or other professional working in the agricultural, environmental, or food sectors in contributing to the advancement of science in the public policy arena.

G.O. Williams & Associates

Guy Williams
G.O. Williams & Associates is an environmental consulting firm that provides practical, cost-effective solutions to complex challenges through:

• strategic advising and project development
• project planning and oversight
• technical research and analysis
• non-profit program creation and direction
• fundraising support
• staff training and development
• leadership and staff mentoring
• mediation and consensus building

GUY WILLIAMS, Principal and Founder, is well known nationally for his work as a developer of community programming, leader in redevelopment and remediation projects, and advocate for environmental justice and sustainability. Guy's twenty years of leadership with business, government, non-profits, and community interests includes:

• Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, National Board, Vice Chair
• S.E. Michigan Sustainable Business Forum, Past President
• Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Past Chair
• Eastern Market Corporation, Board Member
• Fair Food Foundation, Former Program Manager
• External Advisory Committee of the University of Michigan’s Center for Sustainable Systems, Member
• Legacy Land Conservancy, Past President
• Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment Advisory Committee, Member
• Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Former Trustee
• Great Lakes Leadership Academy Board of Governors, Member
• Michigan Green Chemistry Roundtable, Member

Where Will You Be in 2020?


Need help mapping it out?  Start here:

Intuit 2020 Report
Twenty Trends That Will Shape the Next Decade

Our friends and colleagues over at Small Biz Labs/Emergent Research and Intuit (press release here) have done an amazing job producing a document that will serve as guide for our future.

This is a must read for anyone who wants to stay ahead of the pack on all things related to global economic growth and the power of the Internet.

Excerpt:
10.  Industrializing Countries Emerge as the New Engine for Global Growth.

Imagine a world where businesses big and small cater to a new middle class who lives outside of their traditional markets.

In the coming 10 years, consumer spending will increase in the developed world, but not to prerecession growth rates.  Aging population, depleted savings and a debt hangover will restrain spending rates for these countries.  However, the developing world will experience significant economic growth with more than 1 billion new middle class consumers fueling global consumer spending.  Successful businesses will adjust their products and services to meet the needs of these new middle class consumers.

Access report here.  A PDF file of the report is available at www.intuit.com/2020.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Exporting 101

Wednesday, October 27, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Cost: $20.00 (Includes Refreshments)

LEARN HOW TO INCREASE YOUR SALES BY GOING GLOBAL FROM INDUSTRY &
GOVERNMENT EXPERTS:

* U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
* SCORE – Counselors to America’s Small Business
* Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
* U.S. Department of Commerce—U.S. Commercial Service
* BB&T Bank
* Morgan State University – EDAC/CGEEM

This half day workshop will give you the knowledge and resources you need to expand your business. You will receive a reference guide with all seminar material from the above experts including:

 How to become “export ready”
 Export loan guarantees
 Key Role of Your Banker
 Letters of Credit & Financing
 Cultural aspects of international trade
 Finding partners and promoting your products overseas

Registration is required. Space is limited. Register:  – “Click on Global”

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Omar S. Muhammad, Tel: 443-885-3663 Email:
Location:Morgan State University's Center for Global Entrepreneurship & Enterprise
Management (CGEEM)
Entrepreneurial Development & Assistance Center (EDAC)
Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management
1700 E. Cold Spring Lane, McMechen Building, Suite 303
Baltimore, Maryland 21251

Cosponsorship Authorization # 10-0373-13. SBA’s participation in this cosponsored activity is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any cosponsor or other person or entity. All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable
arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance.

Global Powerhouse Groupon

Chicago-based Groupon -- which some estimate will soon exceed $400 million in annual sales -- has also discovered a slightly more painful truth: that its lucrative business model will continue to attract a formidable army of skilled copycats worldwide as long as there is money to be made.

Learn how Groupon defends itself in global markets here

Photo credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Monday, October 11, 2010

New Rule Benefits Women-Owned Global Small Businesses

A rule, published in the Federal Register, by the United States SBA to boost opportunities for small businesses owned by women was finalized this week and expected to be fully implemented in 2011.

The program authorizes 5 percent of federal contracts to be set aside for women-owned small businesses where the anticipated contract price does not exceed $5 million in the case of manufacturing contracts and $3 million in the case of other contracts.

Under the Jobs Act provisions that went into effect recently, SBA has permanently increased 7(a) and 504 limits from $2 million to $5 million, and for manufacturers and certain energy-related projects seeking 504 loans, to $5.5 million.

At it relates to international trade:
The maximum for International Trade and Export Working Capital loans also has been increased from $2 million to $5 million.

SBA also permanently increased microloan limits from $35,000 to $50,000, raised the limit on Export Express loans, from $250,000 to $500,000, and made the program permanent.

SBA Express loan limits have been temporarily raised from $350,000 to $1 million for one year.
Read more here.

Saturday, October 9, 2010

Dollar Rally?

Currency war?  Dollar rally?  Need for more U.S. economic stimulus?   You decide.

WORLD FOREX:  Dollar Falls to 15-Year Low Vs. Yen On Weak U.S. Jobs | WSJ.com


As Dollar Falls, 'Currency War' Talk Builds | WSJ.com
The dollar hit fresh lows against several currencies Thursday, raising pressure on global leaders to address worsening tensions among countries vying to keep their currencies weak and exports competitive.
FX Outlook:  U.S. dollar to get a respite after recent selloff | Reuters

US sheds 95,000 jobs in September | FT.com
The US needs to create about 200,000 jobs a month in order to keep up with population growth, let alone bring down the unemployment rate, and the weakness of the labour market since the spring has been one of the most troubling signs that the economic recovery has hit a soft patch.
IMF's Blanchard says no need for more U.S. stimulus | Reuters

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Friday, October 8, 2010

A Worldwiew

Robert Levin, founder, editor-in-chief and publisher of The New York Enterprise Report, interviews Phil Friedman (pictured), founder of CGS, Inc. on how he managed in 26 years to take his business from 5 to 3,000 employees and operating in 35 countries.

Quick snippet showing one of Friedman's interview answers:
We will be expanding. We will be growing organically and we will be growing by acquisition. We had tremendous success in Europe, so Europe is a major focus for us. We’re expanding in Central Europe, and right now we have two major facilities in Bucharest and Romania, and we will be adding a third one. And that part of the business is growing very rapidly. We will be making acquisitions, most probably in Latin America. We’re looking at Chile, Argentina, and Columbia for acquisitions right now. We will be expanding our virtual event offering, which is a relatively new business for us. And we are number one in the world in the apparel industry space.
Read the entire interview here.

Subscribe to The New York Enterprise Report for FREE here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Thursday, October 7, 2010

World Business Brought to You By Radio City Music Hall

World leaders, CEOs and academics convened to share their latest insights on key business topics.  Some of the speakers included "Freakonomics" co-author Steve Levitt, best-selling author Jim Collins (pictured) on "Sustaining Great Results" and Joseph Stiglitz.

Learn more here (after the fact -- but maybe you can access it via a recorded presentation; a few have short video clips that are worth a watch).  Sign up for updates/newsletter here.

Photo credit here.

Added 10/12/10.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Welcome to the Great International Education Race

There is a well-thought out scramble for students, professors, prestige and prosperity that is changing the face of university education around the world.
For decades the United States attracted more than a quarter of all foreign students in college or graduate education. Recently that has begun to change. While the continuing boom in study overseas — an explosion largely unaffected by the economic downturn — means that the number of foreign students going to the United States has continued to grow, the U.S. share of the foreign student market has fallen to just 18.7 percent, according to the most recent report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development. Meanwhile countries like Australia, Russia and New Zealand have all seen their share of the market rise sharply.
Read all about the rapidly changing international education landscape here.

Photo credit here.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

International Trade Just Got Easier in Georgia

If you are located in Georgia (U.S.A.), it's your lucky day. Free expert advice -- yes you read that right, FREE -- is available for the small business owner through the University of Georgia's Small Business Development Center in Gwinnett.

Their focus is in three major training areas: consulting, management training and research analysis.

Sampling of what they can do for you under the Management Training area:
ExportGA is a program offered to those businesses that are ready to expand into international markets. Additionally, the SBDC offers online classes through SmallBizU.
Learn more here.

Go to University of Georgia's Gwinnett Small Business Development Center or pick up the phone and call them at 678-985-6820.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Chris Hart, Vice Chairman, NTSB

Christopher A. Hart was sworn in as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on August 12, 2009 and designated by the President for a two-year term as Vice Chairman of the Board on August 18.

Chris Hart
Vice Chairman Hart presented testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, at a hearing on “Pipeline Safety Oversight and Legislation” on Thursday, 23 September 2010. The hearing addressed recent pipeline safety incidents and proposals for reauthorization or reform of the pipeline safety statute.

Member Hart joined the Board after a long career in transportation safety, including a previous term as a Member of the NTSB. Immediately before returning to the Board, Member Hart was Deputy Director for Air Traffic Safety Oversight at the Federal Aviation Administration. He was previously the FAA Assistant Administrator for the Office of System Safety.

He served as a Member of the NTSB from 1990 to 1993. After leaving the Board, he served as Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, before moving to the FAA in 1995.

From 1973 until joining the Board in 1990, Member Hart held a series of legal positions, mostly in the private sector. He holds a law degree from Harvard University and Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. He is a member of the District of Columbia Bar and the Lawyer-Pilots Bar Association.

Member Hart is a licensed pilot with commercial, multi-engine and instrument ratings.

Member Hart’s family has a tradition of accomplishment in the field of transportation. His great uncle, James Herman Banning, was the first African-American to receive a pilot’s license issued by the United States government, in 1926.

His term expires December 31, 2012. (NTSB)

Cynthia L. Quarterman, Administrator, PHMSA

Cynthia L. Quarterman was sworn in November 16, 2009, by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as the third Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Nominated by President Barack H. Obama on August 14, 2009, Ms. Quarterman was confirmed by the United States Senate on November 5, 2009.

Cynthia Quarterman testifying
Administrator Quarterman presented testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, at a hearing on “Pipeline Safety Oversight and Legislation” on Thursday, 23 September 2010.  The hearing addressed recent pipeline safety incidents and proposals for reauthorization or reform of the pipeline safety statute.

Ms. Quarterman was most recently a partner in the Washington office of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where she was a member of the Regulatory & Industry Affairs Department. Ms. Quarterman's practice focused on litigation and administrative law. She litigated and advised clients on matters associated with pipeline safety, royalty valuation, federal land minerals management, pipeline acquisitions, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil, gas, and liquefied natural gas facilities, the jurisdictional status of pipeline assets, as well as surface transportation, alternative energy and telecommunications. She also was involved in challenges to the royalty valuation of Alaska North Slope oil, cases at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the then-Interstate Commerce Commission (now the Surface Transportation Board), the FERC's disclaimer of jurisdiction over an anhydrous ammonia pipeline, challenges to the prudence of corrosion repair costs on the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, and multiparty hazardous waste clean-up litigation.

Cynthia Quarterman
Ms. Quarterman was a member of the Obama Administration Transition Team at the US Department of Energy. She is a former director of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) in the US Department of the Interior (DOI) March 1995-August 1999. In that capacity, she administered the programs to manage the mineral resources located on the nation's OCS, including leasing, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, sulfur, and other minerals, and to collect and distribute revenues for oil, gas, coal, geothermal, and mineral development on Federal and Indian lands. As Director, she was responsible for ensuring compliance with many environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act, and the Endangered Species Act. From 1992-1995, Ms. Quarterman served in various capacities at DOI, including as Acting Director of MMS, as Deputy Director of MMS, and as a member of the Office of Surface Mining's Interim Management Team.

Ms. Quarterman previously practiced at a law firm in Kansas City, Missouri. She obtained her Juris Doctor degree from the Columbia University School of Law. While at Columbia, she served as Executive Editor of the Columbia Journal of Environmental Law. Prior to law school, she received an Industrial Engineering degree from Northwestern University and worked as an engineer for IBM. (PHMSA)

China: Prop Up Currency Or Else?

Is the United States threat to China right or wrong?

You decide.

Andrew Busch: This Threat to China is All Wrong

Sara Murray and Douglas Belkin: American Sour on Trade

Larry Ringler: Bill Could Be a Boon

Keith Fitz-Gerald: Controversial House China Tariff Bill Will Take America Down the Wrong Road

Dan Froomkin: Drawing A Line with China

Bob Davis and Andrew Batson: Geithner Stuck in the Middle on China

And in the meantime (separate but related a bit), Buffet and Gates entertain China's super rich here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Saturday, October 2, 2010

U.N. Climate Change Schedule

4-9 Oct. 2010: Next round of UN climate talks in Tianjin, China.

9 Nov.-10 Dec. 2010: UN climate conference in CancĂșn, Mexico (COP16). Objective is to advance negotiations on basis of Copenhagen Accord. No binding agreement is expected.

28 Nov.-9 Dec. 2011: UN climate conference in Johannesburg, South Africa (COP17). Possible date for approving new international climate treaty.

Ignorance leads to fear. Fear leads to hate.


Degrees of Us vs Them / Gloria Yamato's Degrees of Racism
Click graphic to enlarge


^ click graphic to enlarge ^

Click below words for definitions.

For more nuanced definitions please see Definitions and Semantics at the TheStudyOfRacialism.org

Love can morph into Hate

Love of self (pride) can morph into Arrogance
Arrogance includes a dislike / disrespect for others not like you.

Dislike and disrespect leads to hate.

Many in the U.S. are blatantly xenophobic and/or homophobic.
Homophobia is evident in our nation's attempts to prevent the LGBT community from marrying.
Xenophobia is evident in our nation's willingness to spend tax dollars erecting fences and maintaining outdated immigration quotas that do not meet our county's needs.

My votes are for freedom of movement, and freedom for LGBT civil unions.


Chiggity-check yo self before ya wriggity-wreck yo self.
-Das EFX on Ice Cube's Check Yo Self