The Tale of Cheescakes Exported Nearly On Open Account

Our latest contribution for the American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends.

Making Tough Decisions in the Global Marketplace
by Laurel Delaney

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Thanks To You and Other Fans, We Made the Top 100 Small Business Influencer 2011 Champion List!

I am thrilled (honored might be a better choice of words) to make the "Top 100 Small Business Influencer 2011 Champion List!"  Thank you so much.  And I am delighted to be in such good company with the other 99 very cool influencers.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Premiere Sponsor, Category Sponsors, Media Partners, nominators and judges for making this event possible -- especially Small Business Trends and smallbiztechnology.

Learn more about the program here.

What's Your Excuse For NOT Going Global?

Too busy, too complicated, too expensive or too risky?  It's all of these excuses plus more on why companies don't expand their businesses internationally. 

My latest contribution ...

Top 10 Excuses For Not Going Global
American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends

What's yours?

Five Must-Haves To Get Started In International Sales

Here's my latest contribution for the American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends:

5 Must-Haves That Make An International Sale Happen

No. 5 is my favorite.

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

How to Attract International Visitors to Your Local Business

Once upon a time there was a woman business owner who claimed her little cupcake shop in Chicago was drying up.

She bakes cupcakes from scratch in every imaginable flavor and size from her small bakery ...

Find out how she can increase sales and profitability so her business doesn’t shrivel up and even take her business to a whole new level (global).

Read my latest contribution:  From Cupcakes to Moneycakes:  3 Ways To Increase Sales and Profitability published at the American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney

Posted by:  The Global Small Business Blog

Got a Customer Overseas Who Wants 25,000 Widgets?

The perfect scenario for how to source, produce and finance an overseas export. My latest contribution for American Express OPEN Forum through Small Business Trends.

Got a customer overseas who has asked you to export 25,000 umbrellas?  Fantastic—here's how.

Questions? Email me.

How to Cut Costs on Export Sales

My recent contribution for the American Express OPEN Forum through my relationship with Small Business Trends:

8 Ways to Cut Costs on Export Sales
by Laurel Delaney

Snippet:

1. Shift your production to a nation with lower labor costs. For example, if you currently manufacture in North America, try outsourcing to Vietnam, Indonesia or Malaysia, where the labor cost is cheaper and the quality acceptable. At the same time, examine potential transportation costs (refer to No. 7) to ensure you maintain, or even lower, that part of your overseas expenses.

What are some other ways in which you have tightened your belt -- reduced expenses -- on export sales to ensure you maintain decent profits?

What's Ahead in 2011

My latest contribution for the American American OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends:

2011:  The Year of ...

What else do you think 2011 will bring us?  I welcome your comments!

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

The Most Powerful Force in Business Today: The New Logistics

UPS is sponsoring an international business series over at Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing and Small Business Trends.

Be sure to check out both places for articles on global small business.

Small Business Marketing Blog from Duct Tape Marketing:
Hidden Challenges Lurking in Global Business

Small Business Trends:
Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business in 5 Steps

Illustration credit here.

Posted by: The Global Small Business Blog

Be Inspired: Open Your Heart and Your Global Paypal Account

My latest contribution over at American Express OPEN Forum via Small Business Trends.

Be Inspired:  6 Places to Donate

Like it?  Then Tweet like crazy!

Photo credit:  Laurel Delaney, lakefront in Rogers Park, Illinois, U.S.A.

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, The Global Small Business Blog

How to Become a Micro-Multinational Small Business

Here are 5 steps that a startup or a small business can take to become a micro-multinational.

Read the entire article here.

Illustration credit here.

Global Gaga

My latest contribution for Small Business Trends at the American Express OPEN Forum:

How to Market Your Business Lady Gaga Style

Pictured:  Lady Gaga

Posted by:  Laurel Delaney, for The Global Small Business Blog