Chances are, if you’re going global or thinking about it, you won’t have all the resources you need on staff and won’t know all the right resources outside the firm that can help you reach optimum success. Small and medium-sized companies need help; you can’t hire all the people you need. We know it’s a challenge and we work hard to help members connect with the people they need to know to grow. Nearly all companies struggle as they go global because they don’t know the best resources, or don’t pull the trigger to include them in their journey. Don’t hesitate! Here are some resource categories and specific companies to lower risk and increase your probability of success. It takes a village to grow globally.
Legal: There are several types of international legal services that you’ll need, including international contract law, international business law, foreign corrupt practices act support, and immigration. Reach out for international legal support from Polsinelli, Squire Patton Boggs, Galbut and Galbut, and Apfel & Associates.
Banking: As in law, there are a variety of financing and banking services that are essential in your global journey. Most banks are not aware of what you’ll need with foreign exchange or credit insurance on overseas shipments, but these do: Alliance Bank of Arizona, Bank of America, BBVA Compass and BMO Harris Bank.
Credit Insurance: The U.S. Export-Import Bank is back, helping U.S. exporters reduce the risk of not getting paid. There was an ill-conceived attempt by some in Congress to indirectly harm the 1.5 percent of U.S. exporters who rely on ExIm Bank to grow globally. Contact ExIm directly or through a bank to learn more.
Business Insurance: It’s important to have business insurance that protects your company whether you’re in international markets or not. General Southwest Insurance Agency is an excellent resource for manufacturers, tech companies and others looking for a partner to understand and protect their business, here and there.
Technology: You need the right information systems to grow globally. Contact Solution Stream or Tiempo Development for development resources, and contact MSS Technology for IT consulting to reach the next level. For data protection, Phoenix NAP is a global datacenter that understands business across borders.
International Accounting: All accountants are not equal. You’ll need someone who understands the specifics of what is required country by country. Contact CPA Global Tax to gain insights for specific countries.
Global HR: You need special people and they’ll need to be managed appropriately as you expand. Contact Vendome Partners and SSA International Search to find and hire the right people in different countries, including board members. Safeguard World International will help you pay and manage them.
International Marketing and Sales: Growth Nation helps companies grow globally and locally with marketing and sales support designed to be “just right” for companies looking to lower risk and increase success. Also reach out to Elite Advantage for additional support, especially for the Hispanic market.
Business Consulting: Ramirez Advisors supports companies expanding into Mexico, and there are additional Global Chamber members who can help in other countries — including Consulting Professors, Giles & Company, Africa Business Portal and Business Enterprise Mapping. Get the specific help you need.
Manufacturing Consulting: Improve your processes and reduce risk with better manufacturing systems such as those developed by Delta Technology.
Communications: Stateside International Talk by T-Mobile offers unlimited mobile-to-landline calling to 70+ countries and unlimited mobile-to-mobile calling to 30+ countries. Connecting globally has never been easier.
Executive Global Education: Thunderbird Online is a world-class education platform for executives looking to expand their reach globally. It provides online courses and executive certificates to busy professionals seeking to continue learning.
Logistics: International logistics can get complicated, so having an experienced logistics partner like UPS or APL Logistics will help your products get there. Compete Consulting is a good resource for product companies looking to reduce shipping costs.
Cross-Metros: Global Chamber is structured by metro area, and our focus is on creating cross-metro business. We partner with other organizations, including Sister Cities, to create more people-to-people connections through commercial, educational, cultural and artistic exchange programs, along with events that inspire global, long-term, international partnerships and business opportunities.
Cross-Borders: Regional Consular Corps can provide business connections to markets of interest. An example is Alisa Jost (Switzerland) of Arizona Consular Corps, a forum for accredited consuls, building relationships with governments and community, and fostering business, educational and cultural endeavors.
Foreign Partners: U.S. Commercial is a trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. U.S. Commercial Service professionals offer specific business services, including the “Gold Key” program, which helps find trusted partners in countries around the world.
Doug Bruhnke is CEO and Founder of Global Chamber®
Speak Your Mind
You must be logged in to post a comment.