Belle Oberbrunner Great Ideas for your Small Business: Go on a Trade Mission “Going global” is a popular buzz phrase, but talking about doing business abroad is much easier than actually doing it. One smart way to explore the overseas market is to go on a government-sponsored trade mission. Every year, the Department of Commerce’s International Trade … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Learn about a Culture before Doing Business Sometimes an international business deal that makes perfect sense falls apart for no apparent reason. The numbers look good, but personalities clash, or someone says something that sends the deal spinning out of control. The problem may be caused by a breach … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Explore Opportunities in Russia If you want to understand the challenges of doing business in Russia, consider this: Although new ATM machines adorn major boulevards in Moscow, most people are reluctant to use them. Fear of being robbed is one reason, but that’s not all. Until 1997 it was … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Do Business in India All types of american entrepreneurs should be exploring ways to tap into India’s thriving economy, according to Bobby Mukherji (see Great Idea 188). A growing middle class of 300 million is eager to buy American goods ranging from computers to clothing. Business expansion is rampant … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Forge an International Alliance Forging an international alliance is a quick way to expand your business without spending a lot of money. The secret is to find a partner who can share his or her contacts and also understand your vision and integrity. Entrepreneurs in the service sector often … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Expand Production South of the Border Japanese giants sony, sanyo electric, and Hitachi made headlines by investing hundreds of millions of dollars in Mexican border factories, but hundreds of small U.S. businesses are also taking advantage of Mexico’s affordable skilled labor force. “It’s the big guys and the small … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Wrap It Up One of the nicest things you can do for your customers and your business is send them out the door with their merchandise beautifully gift wrapped. It saves customers time and money, and great packaging is one of the smartest and most costeffective advertisements for your … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Get to Know Your Customers Personally One of the benefits of owning a small business is being able to get to know your customers, suppliers, and vendors. When you meet people, jot down a few personal notes on the back of their business cards or on Rolodex cards. Ask … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Demand Great Service from Vendors David gumpert, an author, journalist, and website wizard, gave me a great idea when we met in Washington, D.C., to celebrate Small Business Week a few years ago. When he’s negotiating with new suppliers or vendors that he wants to do business with, he … Read more
Great Ideas for your Small Business: Send Employees to a Retail Training Center Finding skilled workers has edged out access to capital as the top small business challenge in several recent independent surveys. Now the retail industry is doing something about it, and every consumer who has waited patiently while an unskilled clerk attempted to … Read more
