When producers of a new series of videos set out to capture the essence of Arizona’s technology community, they made a discovery: energy. But this shouldn’t be confused with the tech sector of the same name. Instead, it’s the common motivator they witnessed among every company featured in the videos. A team from MediaTHP, a Scottsdale-based media/film production company, … [More]
Without Borders
In the world of startups, striving to be the best is a given. But that can be easier said than done when first launching. Thanks to a new agreement signed in Mexico City, startups will get the chance to benefit from best practices, no matter on which side of the border they were born. Leaders of the Arizona Technology Council, the Arizona Business Incubation Association … [More]
Venture Madness tops Invest Southwest agenda
Why wait until March to follow your bracket? Venture Madness, presented by Invest Southwest in partnership with the Arizona Commerce Authority, offers the chance for 64 of the most promising startups to go head-to-head-for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes. The competition is a highlight of Invest Southwest, which will be held March 2–4 at Talking Stick Resort in … [More]
Startups Get Chance to Make Best Pitch
When first launching a company, it’s not unusual to wonder: Is anyone listening? For Mesa-based Crowd Mics, winner of the pitch contest at the Arizona Technology Council’s AZ StartupConnect last year, the answer is “yes.” Telling the audience about the product that turns a cell phone into a personal microphone and voting device at events, company CEO and co-founder Tom … [More]
Taking the Lead
Three executives from technology and securities firms recently were named to the Arizona Technology Council’s Board of Directors for three-year terms ending October 31, 2018. Mike Chadwick is managing director at CKS Securities — a division of Scottsdale-based CKS Advisors, a full-service capital and growth advisory services provider that supports businesses throughout their … [More]
Five Tips from Brilliant Global Leaders
It’s inspirational to hang out with the brilliant leaders at the Global Chamber® across 500 metro areas around the world. Here are five tips from our inspiring members for executives on growing business globally. Think Global. It’s harder than it sounds because we surround ourselves with local people and local organizations, and yet the opportunities are “out there” … … [More]
The Case for Global Boards
In the largest and wealthiest market in the world, businesses in the United States have had the luxury of choosing whether or not to go global. No longer. More than 37 percent of the revenue generated by S&P 500 companies now comes from international sources. Only 28 percent of S&P companies generate all of their revenue in the United States. Nearly three-quarters of … [More]
Be There, from Anywhere
We’re all busy these days, and so Global Chamber® has introduced two new ways for members around the world to attend more of our events everywhere, from anywhere. Members may attend Global Chamber Virtual Events or “Periscope” in to live events from the comfort of wherever they are. Our virtual events bring together seasoned global experts via Google Hangouts on specific, … [More]
Going Global: Do Your Homework or ‘Come a Cropper’
“Come a cropper” is a mostly British phrase meaning “fail at some venture.” While it’s not likely to come up in a face-to-face business meeting with a new potential British client, it may well come up in a casual conversation at the corner pub after you leave that face-to-face meeting. Language, whether it be professional, casual or idiomatic, is just one small, sometimes … [More]
Multiply Your Global Leadership Impact
Many leaders of organizations with global aspirations have a wealth of global business experience. This experience serves them well in guiding their organization to opportunities and improves their individual performance. But how about translating that experience for the larger organization? How can savvy global leaders multiply their impact beyond themselves? Below are five … [More]
Upcoming Thunderbird Programs
Thunderbird Executive Education provides a global education wherever you are in the world — and whatever your global business issues may be — with open enrollment to online and custom programs. Improve your leadership, understand global markets and learn from world-renowned faculty via the Web or on campus. Information is available on the Thunderbird website … [More]
Legally Avoiding Taxes on International Business
If you start an offshore entity in a low-tax country, can you bring down your tax? The answer to this question is not easy. Generally U.S. tax code does not tax foreign business profits earned through a foreign subsidiary until the subsidiary repatriates the earnings by way of dividend. This deferral allows the U.S. companies to compete globally. However, this deferral also … [More]
Fronteras: The Changing America Desk
KJZZ Phoenix announces the opening of its Mexico City Bureau as the next step in the expansion of its Fronteras: The Changing America Desk initiative. Fronteras is an award-winning multimedia collaboration among public radio stations across the southwestern United States. Established in 2010 through the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s Local Journalism Center initiative, … [More]
At the End of the Day, It’s All About Jobs
Economic development is a phrase we hear a lot. Everything we do here at the Arizona Small Business Association has an impact on economic development for Arizona, directly or indirectly. Economic development is about creating new business opportunities and thus creating jobs. It shapes what we do on a daily basis. It is no secret that Arizona has had a tough road to … [More]
Rising from the Communication Abyss
How we communicate and collaborate in business is rapidly changing. And it’s about time! Most of us are in what I call “Email Chaos.” It’s not uncommon for workers to receive more than 200 emails a day with an additional 1,000 emails that haven’t even been opened. McKenzie tells us the productivity loss in time wasted is estimated to be as much as 25 percent. That means we’re … [More]
Out of the Ashes
Arizona has a long history of boom and bust economic cycles. And like the mythical Phoenix, we have seen the economy soar, but then only to crash in flames. Right now we’re still trying to rise from the ashes. A Harvard student has mapped every job in America — one dot, one job. The interactive map displays different types of jobs by different colors and where the jobs are … [More]
Three Reasons Why Customers Love Online Payments
The jury of public opinion has spoken: Customers love online payments. Here are three reasons why: Customers are impatient Waiting in line is a society norm, but there’s plenty of scientific evidence to prove that it’s highly undesirable to customers — and to the businesses who want their patronage. Online payments can solve many of these wait-time dilemmas, giving … [More]
Why Small Businesses Should Learn More About the Internet
As a business owner, you take on many different roles within your company. Since the start of your company, you may have handled sales, payroll, customer service and more. But this responsibility makes it very difficult to manage all of these areas to their best potential and still enjoy your business … especially as you grow. That being said, entrepreneurs tend to overextend … [More]
