Business owners face challenging tasks and decisions every day. Finding a business mentor is one key element that can help to ensure continued business success. This year marks the 11th anniversary of NAWBO Phoenix’s Mentoring Program. The purpose of the program is all about setting and achieving measurable goals that lead to economic impact. The nine-month program, … [More]
Network Like a Girl
While “acting like a girl” may not be advised for athletes or aspiring corporate executives, it may be just the right strategy for small-business owners! Authors and executive coaches advise us to lean in, aggressively go after promotions, and negotiate for better salaries to win. Learning how to “man up” is good advice since men hold most high-level positions. For small … [More]
Small Business Marketing Old School Versus New Tools
In marketing, things move quickly. Each day brings a new tool. Each week, a new trend. Marketing has one strategy that has stood the test of time: Build relationships and reach people. The tools we use to build relationships have evolved over time. The good news is, many of the new marketing tools make building relationships easier. Used correctly, the same message leveraged … [More]
To Export: Connect, Embrace and Commit
Exporting is not easy. Less than 1 percent of U.S. companies export. But at least 20 percent of U.S. companies have operating systems in place to be successful with international expansion. Here are three tips to help you be more effective in your global growth. 1) Connect. Start your global journey on the right foot with good ideas and resources, and then stay connected to … [More]
Global Chamber Launched to 500 Metro Areas
Global Chamber® has officially launched globally, serving companies throughout the world looking to grow across borders. Our team keeps you engaged with information and resources you need to grow. Every successful global executive will admit that they could have done it better and faster, and we’re gaining techniques every day to help you be more successful. The benefits of … [More]
Find Capital for Exporting through a New Investment Platform
As the global economy rebounds, American small businesses are going global. While less than 1 percent of U.S. companies currently export, three-quarters of those and almost one-quarter of non-exporters are looking to expand their global sales. Timing is right, with growing markets worldwide and small-business optimism at the highest level since 2007. But going global is an … [More]
CEO Peer Advisory Boards Support Global Growth
Your company is scaling for growth, going global and managing outcomes. Or, as many of our CEOs call it, “navigating the voyage.” But who has your back? And who are the comparable peers who can ask tough questions and be a sounding board when the ship may need to make a 180-degree turn in another direction? That’s most important when you’re exporting and going global, … [More]
Faster Global Growth with World-Class Systems
Like any business owner or top-level executive, you think twice about the investments you make. You want to be wise and focus on growing revenue, reducing cost, improving processes and optimizing your human resources. That’s even more important when growing globally. The bar is high, and you elevate to it. More and more successful companies are deciding to go beyond their … [More]
Enhance Personal Skills to Improve Teamwork and Results
Expanding your business on the global stage requires a well-tuned organization with high-performance people consistently making good decisions all along the way. As you navigate new markets and develop your global business plan, teamwork is crucial to the execution of your company’s vision. Successful teamwork relies upon open communication, accurate goal setting and effective … [More]
Compete More Effectively In the International Marketplace
U.S. companies continue to increase their foreign export sales, and the opportunities are plentiful for future expansion into foreign markets. Arizona companies are increasing, too, but at a lower rate than average, from a lower base than average. The recent U.S. Census Bureau data indicated Arizona exports have grown 44 percent during past 10 years. However, the U.S. as a … [More]
Best International Restaurants in Phoenix
Many of us “globies” (members of the global tribe) embrace great international food. We remember that first look and amazing taste of sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market, and still savor our grandmother’s favorite dish from the Old Country. It is with foodie passion that we recently updated our “best of” international food blog on the Global Chamber® site for Phoenix. Watch for … [More]
Global Initiatives in Your Community
We’ve found that the deeper we dig, the more really interesting international initiatives we find that include business, government, education and nonprofits. For instance, it took many hours of research to list out global, Canada, Mexico and related initiatives for Phoenix, and when we presented that list to a group of local leaders, we found many more initiatives that we … [More]
Small businesses need flexible solutions when it comes to benefits coverage
Before the Affordable Care Act (ACA), large groups like the Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) had the ability to negotiate specific plan designs and rates with carriers based on underwriting requirements. In most cases, it created a preferred buying opportunity for our members. With the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, that opportunity has been largely … [More]
ASBA’s 2015 Legislative Forecast
For the first time in a number of years, forecasting the upcoming legislative session is pretty straightforward. The state budget will be the single biggest issue that will dominate most of the legislature’s time, energy and focus. Our state budget woes have returned and it will feel like 2010 once again. Arizona is doing better, and our economy continues to rebound, but just … [More]
3 Things You Should Know About Healthcare Exchanges
You’re going to hear a lot more about open enrollment in the coming weeks, and, in particular, one critical component of the open enrollment process: healthcare exchanges. In a nutshell, an exchange is a secure online marketplace available to employees: full-time employees, part-timers and sometimes 1099 contract workers, specifically. The Arizona Small Business Association … [More]
Arizona: It’s Time to ThinkSmallBiz
The Facts We’d be willing to bet you own a small biz, work for a small biz, shop at a small biz. know a small biz… or know someone who does. With 97% of businesses in Arizona classified as small (500 employees or less), it’s not surprising. What you may not know, though, is that small business is the state’s largest employer, employing 45 percent of the private-sector labor … [More]
Can your small business survive a data breach?
While big company data breach events make big headlines – small businesses and their customers are the new targets for data breach and ID Theft. Small businesses were the most victimized of all companies, where 31% of organizations with fewer than 100 employees experienced a data breach, according to the 2013 Verizon data breach investigations report. When a small … [More]
ASBA is preparing for the largest small business event in Arizona
AZ Small Biz Con 2015 will be held on May 19 & 20, 2015 at the Renaissance Glendale Hotel & Spa. ASBA hopes to reach the entire small business community through relevant educational sessions, valuable mentoring and effective business networking. The 22nd Annual Enterprise Business Awards Luncheon will kick off the conference and expo on Tuesday, May 19th. The day … [More]
