Make a Splash

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Splash"

"The pressure to compete, the fear somebody else will make the splash first, creates a frenzied environment in which a blizzard of information is presented and serious questions may not be raised." ~ Carl Bernstein

Photo credit: ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Splash"

World: How Not To Hear a Phone Ring

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012

"That's the great thing about a tractor. You can't really hear the phone ring." ~ Jeff Foxworthy

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012 "Tractor on a Beach, Chicago"

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!

Skyscraper to the World: The Trump Tower in Chicago

Photo:  ©Laurel Delaney

Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago.

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "The Trump Tower Chicago"

For the World to Enjoy: Tulips

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012

"If you truly love Nature, you will find beauty everywhere." ~Vincent Van Gogh

Photo courtesy: ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Tulips Downtown Chicago"

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.

A World As Free As a Bird

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Free As a Bird"

“Did you ever see an unhappy horse? Did you ever see a bird that had the blues? One reason why birds and horses are not unhappy is because they are not trying to impress other birds and horses.” ~ Dale Carnegie

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Free As a Bird"

Laurel Delaney on Scribd: 300,000+ Global Readers

We want to remind you to visit from time to time Scribd (Laurel Delaney) where more than 300,000 people have read Laurel's work on global small business and entrepreneurship.  Are you one of them?

Here's a sampling of some of the articles you'll find:

• Tip Sheet on How to Go Global (UPS)
• Trade Routes to China (WSJ)
• Go Global Now (Success Magazine)!
• How the Mighty Succeed Globally
• And more!

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Swing Away World

“Enthusiasm is the yeast that makes your hopes shine to the stars. Enthusiasm is the sparkle in your eyes, the swing in your gait. The grip of your hand, the irresistible surge of will and energy to execute your ideas.” ~ Henry Ford

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Swing Away" (Disneyland, Anaheim, CA)

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.

Spring Fever in Chicago!

©Laurel Delaney 2012

"It's spring fever.  That is what the name of it is.  And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!" ~ Mark Twain

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Spring Has Sprung in Chicago."

Look Who's Entering Global Markets!

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, more than 70 percent of the world's purchasing power is outside of the United States.

So, what are you waiting for?  Small Business:  Getting Into Global Markets says, "if your business isn't taking advantage of global markets, you could be missing out on some big opportunities."

Read the entire article here (and we are delighted to be quoted).  Hat tip to author Jamie Herzlich.

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

Have Yourself the Sweetest St. Patty's Day Ever

©Laurel Delaney 2012, "St. Patty's Day Cookies"

My favorite day of the year:  St. Patrick's Day.  Even if you are not Irish, pretend you are.  No one will know the difference and you will be all the more happy for the stretch!  Wish I could say I made these sweets.  Didn't.  Photographed them though.

Enjoy and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Past Irish posts here ...

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "St. Patty's Day Cookies"

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

Women Worldwide Excel At Entrepreneurship

The U.S. Department of State asked me to write the lead article "Women Entrepreneurs Energize Economies," as part of the current eJournal USA issue "Enterprising Women, Thriving Societies."

May it inspire all individuals -- men and women alike -- to pursue their dream of becoming an entrepreneur.  There's a section tips on how to start a business -- you won't want to miss it.

Immediate download: PDF version (6.5 MB). The design and photos in the PDF file are worth a look.

Illustration credit here.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

We're Fun and We Cover International Business

According to Adam Wooten, under the global small business category, we are one of his favorite international business columnists and bloggers.

Galileo was right; the world does not revolve around me or anyone like me. By a long shot, mine is not the only column on international business, marketing, language and culture. In fact, I would like to share a list of seven of my favorite global business columnists and bloggers who write fun and informative articles on these topics.

Learn more about all seven here.

A big thank you to Adam for including us!

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

Snow Globe World

©Laurel Delaney, "Fresh Snow In Chicago" (2.24.12)

“Snow flurries began to fall and they swirled around people's legs like house cats. It was magical, this snow globe world.” ~ Sarah Addison Allen, The Sugar Queen

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2012, "Fresh Snow in Chicago."