The More Trade, the More Opportunities

The new World Trade Center (pictured) in Tijuana is glass enclosed, has eight floors and 200,000 square feet of office space.

Its purpose:

“We want to open Tijuana to the world and the world to Tijuana,” Gregorio Goldstein, CEO of the Tijuana World Trade Center.

Learn more here.

Photo courtesy the Center.

U.S. International Trade Data May 2011

According to the ITA Blog Tradeology, exports decreased by 0.5 percent in May, total exports are still up 16.4 percent compared to the same period last year.

Thank goodness.  Otherwise, the NEI would fall flat on its face.

Statement from U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke on U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services:

“While exports dipped slightly in May, exports have been growing at a strong pace overall in the first five months of 2011, up 16.4percent compared to the same period last year. We’re making progress but we still have a way to go. Accelerating job growth remains a priority for this administration and we will continue to provide our businesses with the necessary tools to compete and win globally and create more American jobs. As we move closer to reaching the president’s goal of doubling exports by 2015, the Obama administration will continue to help businesses reach the 95 percent of consumers who live outside our borders,” Locke said.

Export fact sheet here.  Illustration credit:  U.S. Foreign Trade Data (U.S. Census)

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Victoria's Secrets: Taking It Slowly in the International Marketplace

Limited Brands, owner of lingerie Victoria's Secret (pictured) and personal-care retailer Bath & Body Works, is traveling slowly through the international marketplace.  According to The Wall Street Journal article, "Victoria's Secret Gets Out Overseas," VS doesn't have any locations overseas.  Why?

Find out more here.

Does a cautious approach to going global work for your business too?

Photo credit:  Victoria's Secret

It Just Keeps-on Keeping-on: 2011 Dodge Grand Caravan Crew

The Chrysler Corporation takes their good thing and just keeps on making it a better vehicle. What's the line, "your not getting older...your just getting better!"

My first new car dealership was a Chrysler, Dodge, Plymouth franchise in 1984. That was the first year that Lee Iaccoca introduced the Mini-Van to the automotive World. The Dodge Caravan and the Plymouth Voyager were the hottest things since pancakes.

Since that time the Dodge Caravan has evolved into one of the best selling vehicles of all time and has virtually eliminated all the competition in this segment. Millions of Chrysler and Dodge Mini-Vans roll on the Worlds Roadways today

Engine
Fuel System SMPI, Engine Order Code ERB
SAE Net Horsepower @ RPM 283 @ 6400
Engine Type Gas V6, SAE Net Torque @ RPM 260 @ 4400
Displacement 3.6L/220
Transmission, Reverse Ratio (:1) 3.21, Trans Description Cont. Automatic w/OD
Final Drive Axle Ratio (:1) 3.16
Trans Order Code DG2
Trans Description Cont. Again NA
Second Gear Ratio (:1) 2.84
First Gear Ratio (:1) 4.13
Third Gear Ratio (:1) 2.28
Sixth Gear Ratio (:1) 0.69

Drive-train Front Wheel Drive
Clutch Size (in) NA
Trans Type 6
Fourth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.45 - 1.57
Fifth Gear Ratio (:1) 1.00

Brakes
Brake Type Pwr
Drum - Rear (Yes or ) NA
Rear Drum Diam x Width (in) NA
Front Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 11.9 x 1.1
Disc - Rear (Yes or ) Yes
Rear Brake Rotor Diam x Thickness (in) 12.0 x 0.5
Disc - Front (Yes or ) Yes
Brake ABS System 4-Wheel

Steering
Turning Diameter - Curb to Curb (ft) 39.1
Turning Diameter - Wall to Wall (ft) - TBD -
Lock to Lock Turns (Steering) 2.90
Steering Ratio (:1), Overall 14.3
Steering Type Pwr Rack & Pinion

Tires
Spare Tire Size Compact
Front Tire Order Code TRZ
Rear Tire Order Code TRZ
Rear Tire Size P225/65R17
Spare Tire Order Code TBK
Front Tire Size P225/65R17

Wheels
Front Wheel Material Aluminum
Spare Wheel Size (in) Compact
Rear Wheel Size (in) 17 x 6.5
Spare Wheel Material Steel
Front Wheel Size (in) 17 x 6.5
Rear Wheel Material Aluminum

Suspension:
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Front (in) - TBD -
Suspension Type - Rear (Cont.) w/Coil Springs
Suspension Type - Rear Twist-beam axle
Stabilizer Bar Diameter - Rear (in) - TBD - Suspension Type - Front Independent
Shock Absorber Diameter - Rear (mm) - TBD - Shock Absorber Diameter -
Front (mm) - TBD - Suspension Type - Front (Cont.) MacPherson Strut

Recorded on June 28, 2011 using a Cat Smith Flip Video Cam.

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Opportunities Abound for Exporters But Not Without Challenges

As Pankaj Ghemawat (pictured), a professor of global strategy at Spain's IESE Business School and author of the new book, World 3.0 (Harvard Business Review Press) says:

By recognizing that borders still matter, says Ghemawat, companies can better calibrate which markets and trading partners offer the best chance for truly global gains.

Inc. Magazine contributor Ryan Underwood spoke with Ghemawat about how businesses should approach a global strategy. Their discussion addresses four questions:

1. What makes you think that popular views about globalization are incorrect?
2. What does that mean for American small businesses?
3. But hasn't technology moved us any closer to a borderless world?
4. What advice do you have for companies that are thinking about global expansion?

Read the interview here.

Related posts:

There are Great Opportunities to Conduct Business Abroad

Redefining Global Strategy

How Global Is Your Business?

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Mr. Potato Head Goes Global

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2011, Mr. Potato Head

To John Yunker ... I too am a fan of Mr. Potato Head (as shown).  Delighted to see he's going global in a serious and effective way.

So everyone knows what I am referring to, read:

Global by Design's The Mr. Potato Head Global Gateway

Photo credit:  ©Laurel Delaney 2011.  All rights reserved.  Mr Potato Head.

World: Set Aside Quiet Time To Unwind

©Laurel Delaney 2011, Birds Resting

"Intelligence without ambition is a bird without wings.” ~ Salvador Dalí

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