The Next Digital Revolution: Global Mobile
According to The Guardian's Data Blog, three quarters of the world's more than six billion mobile phones are located in the developing world, and the widespread use of these devices in under-served areas provides valuable tracking of digital activity that has never existed before.
What will you do about it? In the article below, I provide six trends and developments in the world of mobile along with suggestions on what you should do next to stay ahead and remain relevant.
Read: The Next Digital Revolution: Mobile Phones Plus eCommerce Equals Digital Global Success
m-Commerce: Redefining the Way Business Is Done Globally
What is m-commerce? Mobile commerce, or m-commerce, is the ability to conduct commerce using a mobile smart phone, tablet, tablet PC or any other emerging Internet-enabled technology device that supports a seamless on-the-go consumer experience.
Below I examine what's driving this explosive growth of global mobile commerce, how it is going to redefine the way business is done all over the world and how to leverage it to sell more stuff.
What Is International Trade Credit Insurance?
What is international trade credit insurance?
In the interview below, I ask David Barrett, sales agent for Euler Hermes North America, a leading provider of trade-related insurance solutions, a range of questions about international trade credit insurance.
Read the entire interview: International Trade Credit Insurance
Conducting World Business On the Go
"This year will mark a tipping point where one out of two phones in U.S. hands will offer access to the Internet and applications, triggering a sea change in shopper behavior across channels." ~ Mickey Alam Khan, editor in Chief of Mobile Marketer and Mobile Commerce Daily
Now the big question: Are you prepared?
Below I offer compelling facts on global mobile, tips on what works in global mobile and a case study to move you to action.
Read: Global Mobile Marketing: Conducting World Business on the Go
Export Knowledge Is Power: Here's How to Get It
Before you can be successful in your export business, you need to find out market data on the places you want to potentially export to. The following resources in the article below offer a wealth of information on international trade. This list is not in any particular order; I recommend that you begin with whichever resource makes the most sense for your business. Once you've begun acquiring a body of knowledge, you'll have a better idea of where to direct your search from there.
First, though, I want to share with you a story on how I approached getting export market data when I first started my business-well before the days of the Internet.
Yes, it's a cliche, but knowledge is power. Go after it!
Read the entire article: Export Market Data: Where to Get it and How to Use it
Structuring Payment on An Export Sale
Many circumstances and priorities will influence your choice of payment method on an export sale. A lot will depend on how much you know about financing a sale (such as using an L/C) and how willing your customer is to accept your terms and conditions. Other factors include your cash flow needs, the level of trust you have with your customer and so on.
In the article below, I outline other factors that play into the decision-making process.
Serving a Multicultural Audience: Design Matters
The wrong visual message can ruin the best global design strategies. Below I outline five factors to consider when designing for a multicultural (foreign) audience.
The Ready State to Go Global!
What are the signs you are ready to go global? Here are six. Next, you need to position your business for success. In this article, I list ten ways to do that.
Further, you must formulate a strategy and this article explains creative yet reliable strategies that demonstrate cultural and social sensitivity, gain customer confidence and respect, and generate steady sales.
What's next? How about a couple of pointers to get you moving faster to global business success!
Recap of articles referenced:
6 Signs Your Small Business is Ready to Expand Globally
How to Position Your Business for Global Success
Doing Business In Indonesia
Indonesia may not be as big as China, but it is in every other sense of the word because of its limitless opportunities for businesses-large and small alike. Here I take a look at Indonesia and why you should consider this vibrant market for exports and sourcing products.
According to World Bank (http://export.gov/indonesia/considerindonesia/index.asp), Indonesia continues to post significant economic growth. World Bank goes on to say, "As of March 2013, the country's economy baseline outlook for growth is expected to be 6.2 percent in 2013 and increase to 6.5 percent in 2014.
Read the article: Export Potential in Indonesia
Find Global Customers in a Snap
Now that you've set up an import/export business, it's time to find customers. Below, I outline a couple of places to look. It doesn't have to be complicated. Once you discover the resources, do some homework.