A Single Approach, a Single Effort, a Single Outcome.

By accessing the right resources and expertise SMBs can get the information and the support that is effective. By using internet communications technology in a simple, cost effective manner, an SMB owner of a regional company can develop a single approach -- for sales and distribution, for sourcing supply and coordinating their supply chain. An owner can develop a single effort based on an awareness of the global marketplace as it affects their company, their region, and their industry.

Yes, it is that straightforward. No, it is not easy... at first. But successful business is not about easy. It’s about simplifying what others claim is complex and confusing: Know your marketplace, be decisive in gaining the advantage of your niche, take practical actions that grow the company. Now US SMB owners are in their comfort zone, in their region, and competitive in the Global Supply Chain.

Business without Borders

Secondly, make decisions – with the right knowledge and understanding you can make the right decisions for your business. It’s not about your regional company launching new efforts in foreign lands; it’s about reexamining how your current regional efforts can strengthen your regional position, while expanding across the US and abroad. It’s about doing the same things you are doing now, with slight modifications, but in combination with the Internet. With the mystery removed and the Internet in play, you now make decisions in the same way you always have to grow your business.

Third, take action – appropriate action to increase your sales, reduce your costs, and grow. It is critically important to use the Internet to communicate and interact with new suppliers and buyers outside of your current regional area. Utilizing international expertise and resources from government agencies and the right kind of private sector service companies is important. With the right support -- alongside your business -- selling to California or selling to Mexico becomes the same thing as selling to Youngstown, Ohio.

Think Globally, Act Locally

The Internet, inexpensive technology, and communications services are radically changing the marketplace faster than anyone can imagine, “flatting the world” as Friedman states.

This is good news for US SMBs. These trends play into our strengths. Empowered with this perspective it is important to do three things:

First, gain knowledge and understand -- Take the mystery away from the global marketplace. How is the global economy relevant to your business in your region, in your industry? The important shift in your perspective is to understand that it is about becoming globally competitive. SMB owners are overwhelmed with negative news coverage of globalization and the sole focus on exporting by many institutions. Therefore they procrastinate. They will deal with the global economy, “tomorrow”, once they are confronted with an international challenge that finally threatens their status quo.

That is too late. But businesses take this reactive, passive, approach because they have been told to “Go Global” requires spending significant money and taking on new initiatives in distant places. If they realized that they can stay local, but be globally competitive, an important shift in perspective occurs.