How to Work With an International Distributor

What does an international distributor do?  What do you need to know before appointing one?  I've got it covered.

Read:  A Guide to Working With an International Distributor

Based on your experience, what am I missing?  Please share.  Thanks!

Are You Ready to Import and Export?

Is your business in the right state to import or export?  There's only one way to find out.

Go here to explore.

The Value Of a Face-To-Face International Business Meeting

Yes -- you can start and solidify a business relationship via telephone, Skype or email, but nothing cements it better than an in-person (face-to-face) visit with your international customer.  It's essential.

Find out why here.

The Perfect Global Growth Plan

To achieve success running a global small business, you must prepare!  To start, put a plan in place for the future.  Think of it as a global road map.

Try this on for size.  See if it fits or works for your business.

6 Ways to Execute a Perfect Global Growth Plan For Your Business

The History of Global Small Business (Part 3 of 3)

Final thoughts for now on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally. This is Part 3 of 3 installments and covers growth opportunities and expansion tips for global small businesses.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 3 of 3)
Opportunities and Expansion Tips

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 2 of 3)
Key Growth Drivers and Challenges

And don't miss: Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

The History of Global Small Business (Part 2 of 3)

Some additional thoughts on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally.  This is Part 2 of 3 installments and covers the challenges and growth drivers for global small businesses.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 2 of 3)
Small Business Globalization:  Key Growth Drivers and Challenges

And don't miss: Small Business Globalization Through the Years (Part 1 of 3)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

The History of Global Small Business

Some thoughts on the evolution of small businesses expanding internationally.  This is Part 1 of 3 installments.

Small Business Globalization Through the Years

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Choosing the Legal Structure For An Import/Export Business

If you are just getting started in an import/export business, the article below might help you decide which legal structure is best suited for you.

Choosing Your Form of Organization (Part 1 of 2)
Choosing Your Form of Organization (Part 2 of 2)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Import and Export Statistics

Are you forever searching for U.S. import and export statistics? Look know further. We've put together seven key offerings from the U.S. Census Bureau on Foreign Trade which will help you track import and export statistics.

Check it out: Foreign Trade Statistics: How to Access U.S. Import and Export Trade Statistics

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Elements Involved in Running a Fit-For-Fast-Growth Global Business

Here's an interview I did with a major international bank.  The bank (name withheld for confidentiality purposes) was eager to help their small business clients expand internationally. This is Part 2 of the interview. (You can find Part 1 here).

Read the article here.

One of Many Best-Kept Secrets to Global Success

For a small business with a sizable budget, the Gold Key Service (GKS) — through the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Commercial Service — is one of the most efficient ways to meet with pre-screened potential cross-border customers.

Learn more:   The Gold Key Service: How to Find Customers the World Over

Exporting: Got a Marketing Plan?

If you are considering exporting, better get organized on the marketing front. This article might help.

Keep the research summary to one page, and break it into four manageable parts (refer to article below). The purpose of this exercise is to establish a broad scope on your research market analysis but not so broad that you overwhelm yourself. Try to begin with the end in mind: Where do you want to go and how will you know that you have arrived?

How to Develop an Export Marketing Plan

An Import/Export Business Is Born

See how Mary Smith and Tom Jackson got started in the import and export business.

Technology Helps Business Go Global

by Laurel Delaney, About.com Import & Export Guide

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Creative Ways to Partner With Your Overseas Customer

Export this.  Import that.  But how do you partner with your overseas customer (or supplier) in such a way that they feel totally committed to you?

Have I got the ideas!

Read:

Become Your Customer's Partner

5 Inspiring Ways to Partner with Your Overseas Customer to Grow the Relationship

How Delivering on Your Promises Matters in the World Marketplace

My thoughts on the importance of delivering on your promises in the world of commerce.  It boils down to integrity, being true to your word.

Read:  Deliver on Your Promises | About.com Import and Export | by Laurel Delaney

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How to Find a Good Importing Wholesaler

Stuck on how to find a reputable importing wholesaler or distributor for your product line?  This should do it -- my latest article for About.com -- as their Import and Export Guide:

How to Find and Pre-Qualify Importing Wholesalers For Your Product Line Overseas

How To Travel Safe When You Travel Internationally

Here are some practical tips and resources to check well in advance of your next international business trip to ensure a safe journey.

International Travel Alerts:  By Country
by Laurel Delaney, About.com Import and Export Guide

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2011.  All rights reserved.