What Businesses Could Learn From the Occupy Wall Street Movement

Occupy Wall Street (OWS), a series of demonstration that are ongoing in New York City, has been making Wall Street the headlines for weeks. Calling itself a "leaderless resistance movement" among people of all races, genders and political principles, OWS is mainly built around anti-corruption sentiments, and is protesting against corporate greed, economic and social inequality, and corporate influence.

Amid criticisms for making imprecise and informal demands, OWS is relaying its message by the catchphrase "We Are The 99% that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%."

Spearheaded by Adbusters, a Canadian activist group, OWS touts the empowerment of real people to make real change. It insists on a world that needs neither Wall Street nor politicians for a better society. Upholding non-violence, OWS uses the Arab Spring strategies to ensure that all participants are safe.

From its starting point in New York City, Occupy Wall Street demonstrations are spreading to 70 cities and at least 600 communities in the U.S. On the global front, OWS-modeled demonstrations are also simultaneously being held in more than 900 cities - all keeping business leaders speculating, deliberating and trying to find the right way to respond.

In a benefit-disadvantage analysis of the situation, The Harvard Business Review puts emphasis on actuality of the high percentage of CEO pay vis-à-vis its employees' salary, which is a telling sign of persistent economic inequality. It is highlighting the need for businesses to reevaluate their business and software strategies, and include a determination of their existing compensation models.

According to The Harvard Business Review, protests occurring outside the Wall Street offices can be an opportunity to reevaluate their management of anti-business sentiments, while responding to protesters on an equal footing as is the case with public discourse.

Identifying opportunities for business development, Business Finance Store is noting that businesses can learn from the way OWS is successfully expanding itself on a global scale, which it practically did with heavy reliance on social media. Businesses are able to leverage social media as no-cost and low-cost tools for their own global expansion, with international business marketing strategies factored in.

Ordinary people participating on the Occupy Wall Street movement are now getting comfortable with modern technologies such as video conferencing on computers, webinars and interactive programs of the same kind - in order to reach out and share common knowledge. Small and medium business enterprises, as well as the world's biggest corporations, can learn a lesson or two from that.

The rapid increase in the number of OWS protesters is becoming more and more phenomenal. This may be attributed to the kinds of information they are able share through the modern technologies, as well as powerful methods and tools they employ to achieve their own vision and version of success.

Case in point: wide reach through online coverage, as well as the value of the Internet for expansion purposes cannot be overemphasized. Protests can become the next big world story; and so can any business that takes advantage of the power of modern media.

The Best Options For An International Business

Do you desire the excitement and challenge of running your own business? Would you also enjoy the added challenge of taking on the international market? In the world we live in today, in technological terms, the world is shrinking. Our economy is becoming more and more globalized. This opens up several avenues that are worth exploring in the world of international business opportunities.

An international business opportunity is a great way to make a business.. They can be as small as mail order to Canada or a large multi national corporation. There are several ways that you can jump in and get involved. These opportunities have the potential for leading to bigger and better things.

If you have a second language capability then translation services are a fantastic place to begin. The United States is severely handicapped in this area so those that can speak one or more languages are always in high demand. Those that are also able to offer cultural insights are also highly sought after. Translation is a wonderful way to make money and offers a very low risk factor.

The world of Internet gambling has opened up a whole new arena for those that want international business opportunities. If you love to game, then this could be the business you are looking for. There could be legal hurdles to cross so get advise from an attorney for the best and safest results. However, if everything is done correctly and well organized, the cash could soon be flowing in.

For those that are not cut out for the world of high stakes Internet gambling, medical transcription services could be a great opportunity. Doctors are notorious for two things. They are extremely busy and have horrible handwriting. Someone with a keen eye and ear is usually needed to translate the mess that they write. You may need to take a course, but medical transcription services offer great potential and can be highly lucrative.

If you are into fashion and have a good knowledge of what today's businessman and woman needs, then a clothing consultant could be the key. The corporate giants of the world all have to maintain a certain look. They are many times too busy to shop for themselves and frequently needs advice of what they should wear and purchase. This is a great international business opportunity that could pay off well.

For those that are not familiar with the needs of the corporate giants but still love a good fashion trend, selling clothes on sites such as eBay could be a good opportunity. Some countries charge much more for clothing and that means that a reasonable price could go a long way to make you money. This could take some time to get going but is simple a very low risk.

For those that want to get into business on the international level, several opportunities exist. All it takes is some commitment and creativity. Whether you want to rub elbows with the corporate big wigs or just run your own mail order business from home, the opportunities are there.

Herbalife - International Business - Is This Legal?

Is Herbalife a scam or is this a legal business opportunity? The reason for my doing this review was the fact that I wanted to look at a home business opportunity and did some background research on Herbalife to see if this was a suitable opportunity. Through the tragic death of his mother, who had desperately tried to lose weight and died through medication for weight loss, this set Mark Hughes on his quest to find a safe way to lose weight for many others. Herbalife International was founded in 1980, by Mark Hughes. Since then it has expanded and is now available in over 65 countries worldwide. They have over 1 million plus distributors who work both online and offline selling the products direct to clients. Herbalife is a direct selling company. Herbalife shares (HLF) are listed on the NASDAQ.

Products

Quality controls behind Herbalife products are always in place. Their raw materials including botanical ingredients are sourced from reputable suppliers around the world and are manufactured in accordance with established quality standards. Herbalife suppliers and manufacturers are obligated to follow Herbalifes written procedures that are verified by periodic audits and inspections. Two clinical studies using Formula 1 have been conducted at leading universities bringing creditability to these products.

Compensation Plan

It is relatively simple to become a "Supervisor" level distributor. When you become an Herbalife distributor, you are a basic "Distributor" and can earn your way towards 50k President level. It may take many years to get to that level. You gain levels by selling products and gaining volume points. Volume points for most products are equal to the manufacturers recommended selling price of the product and are based upon the US dollar value of the products.

Training and Support

Herbalife encourages team work and as such there are strands of different teams within Herbalife who all work to the same company ethics, but each strand develop their own training strategy for their teams. Trainees are also expected to attend a monthly Success Training Seminar (STS), these are held regionally in all 65 countries that Herbalife operate in. There is online training documentation and videos on the main Herbalife website for new distributors.

Conclusion

After researching Herbalife International, I found the company to be a genuine proven business opportunity that empowers people to achieve their dreams, financial freedom and the rewards of helping others. The products are true to their word and have proven to be first class products which provide weight loss and weight management results. With over 1 million distributors worldwide and trading in over 65 countries globally I made a decision to join Herbalife as a Distributor.

Using Blogs as Internal Business Communication Tools

The majority of business-related reporting on blogs has focused on marketing efforts, using blogs as a more human way to interact with their customers. I'd like to discuss using blogs as internal communication tools and give you some practical scenarios in which this would be appropriate.

The blogs most of us are familiar with involve celebrity gossip, self-obsessed internet junkies, or alternative news sources. Let's take a step back from what is written and focus on how blogs handle what's written.

When a new blog post is created, it is displayed on the front page with other recent posts. Readers can then comment on that post. Those comments can be threaded to help visually clarify when comments are being commented upon rather than the original message. This is much like the interaction that happens when an e-mail is sent and others send replies. The difference is that all those emails are now in one place, replies are organized, and are easily searchable.

The front page of a blog displays recent posts. If you want to see the discussion on that post, click the title and you'll be brought to a page containing only that entry and any replies made to it. You can also choose to view posts only from a particular category or sub-category.

Blogs are great for project-related communications because they facilitate and organize discussions in an easier-to-follow format than email does. Categories that posts are assigned to can be tailored to create a hierarchical structure that correlates with different areas of a project, teams, or anything else that suits your organizational fancy. All content is archived in a central location which makes it handy for managers and team members to stay in the loop and can help make project post-mortems more productive.

Blogs are an excellent way for teams to brainstorm and share ideas effectively. It's easy to maintain discussions on multiple topics because of the way content on blogs is organized. It's much easier to get a clear picture of what's going on without having to wade through a sea of emails. Mind you, no one is suggesting you abandon email, but rather divide the labor where it makes sense.

My business partner and I use a blog to communicate our ideas and plans on nearly 10 projects. We live just over 1,000 miles from one another and have found our blog to be a very effective tool. It's improved our communication and productivity and we feel like our actions are being documented in a more useful way than clogging up our inboxes.

Each category in our blog equates to a project and we have sub-categories under each to separate things like technical and marketing issues. Posts can be assigned multiple categories, of course. On our main page, we've also added an area that displays the most recently commented upon posts to help us see which need attention. Since it's all web based, you can easily cross-reference another discussion by linking to it. If that sounds scary, there are WYSIWYG blog editors (Wordpress includes one) available that make creating complexly formatted posts effortless. You can also attach or link to files easily.

Most blogging software support multiple authors and roles. Roles allow you to grant or deny users access to particular functions of the software. Using roles, you could make sure people can't alter the site configuration or add new users by limiting their . You can also control whether a particular user must have his post reviewed prior to publishing and being viewed on the site.

While all the hype surrounding blogs might be hard to break through, it's definitely worth a shot. They are flexible, easy to implement tools that can easily be customized to suit a myriad of applications. They are advantageous for certain types of communications, but overkill for others. The trick is finding the best implemetation to realize the benefits.

If you'd like to discuss how blogs might help your organization, please contact the author.

Liberty League International Business Review - An Overview

Liberty League International was launched in 2001 by its founders Brent Payne and Shane Krider. Liberty League International Business is a part of personal development industry. The company has its headquarters in Scottsdale. The company has more than five thousand active members.

The way to get started

If you want to join the Liberty League International business, cost of joining will be between $1, 495 to $12,995. After joining, in order to remain an active member, you will have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $39.95.

The product line

Liberty League International business mainly offers a three-tiered product line in the sphere of personal development. The Beyond Freedom Program is the company's first product. It offers an exhaustive multi- media course in the self development genre. The course is equipped with CDs, DVDs, journals and workbooks aimed at imparting you with the knowledge to work towards self-development. The application of effective means to perceive a steady personal growth and development can be well understood via the books and CDs.

The second product offered by Liberty League International Business is the Liberty Conference. The high-profile conference is held twice a year in great locations. The focus of these two conferences is to provide adequate guidance and training to the people seeking for help in the sphere of self-development. The conferences bring together many erudite lecturers who offer help and assistance to the people to imbue in them confidence, enriching them with knowledge about self development.

The Summit Conference is the third product and the biggest opportunity provided to the people to learn more about self development. They can also clear their doubts and queries pertaining to self development. This conference is held as the ultimate one arranged by the company. Scholars, authors, eloquent lecturers who are expertise in the field of personal development are the major attractions of this conference. They share their knowledge and expertise with the people.

The compensation plan

The compensation plan is well sketched out. To earn profit, you will have to purchase the products. To become the Advisor of Beyond Freedom, either you have to make and transfer 5 sales to your sponsor or buy the product. If you buy the product, you would just have to pass up two sales. After passing up the two sales, you will be able to make a profit of $1000 from every Beyond Freedom sale that you make.

To become a Liberty Advisor, you need to be Beyond Freedom Advisor first. Then you have to give two sales to your sponsor and buy the ticket of Liberty Conference to be the Liberty Advisor. The commission on the conference ticket is $5000.

The procedure to be the Summit Advisor is the same. Be a qualified Beyond Freedom and Liberty Advisor, and pass up two sales to your sponsor. Buy the ticket of the Summit Conference and be the Advisor. The commission offered on the ticket is $8000.

Customer assistance

Liberty League International business in order to ensure a satisfying bond with the customers provides help via telephone and e-mail.

The company has earned a good reputation and doing business with them can bring in fruitful results.

"(Herbalife International) Business Pack" VS CCP Business Pack

Herbalife International offers a herbal and nutritional product line to anyone looking to buy. You can become a distributor as well and take advantage of selling their products for a commission. The herbalife international business pack includes the products of course, a compensation plan which pays you some small commissions every time you sell the product, and training on prospecting and calls and events on how to promote the products. The product line is beneficial to anyone who is looking for herbals, nutritional, and weight management products. The only draw back is the products are low end and only pay you small commissions.

That is something you want to rethink over again. Most of the marketing must be done by yourself because they do not offer specialized marketing education and training through any platform. That is something you want to look at as well. If you do not have a marketing background then you want to really look at this point. Now let me share the CCP business pack.

CCP Business Pack:

I call this the wealth creation business pack! It offers a high end product line which pays out a few thousand dollars per sale you make depending on which product you sold. So you can hit your income goals very quickly. This product line can be sold to anyone, anywhere in the world because it can help anyone and it is not specified for anyone looking for anything in particular. It is a wealth building and planning product line! Read on.

The best part is the marketing platform! It is one of the top marketing platforms offering the best education and training on how to master any marketing method you desire. Either online or offline marketing education and training is available. The main 5 marketing methods to a 6 figure business are revealed and specialized in as well. Both the high end product line and marketing platform built in together can get you to where you want to go and be so quickly it is unbelievable! I want to share one last thing.

Learning How to Bow - Understand and Succeed at International Business

Your company or boss is sending you to Russia, week after next , to present a proposal to an agency.  Wow, this seems absolutely wonderful, traveling internationally ...you should be more than excited!  You are smart and decide to look up on the Internet some ideas. Then the more you read, the more you begin to feel inadequate. So much to learn, "how to sit, how to stand, how to shake hands, what colors to wear, how to look subdued, how and when to use some basic language to communicate, how to read street signs - how, how, how...

Not so easy anymore, is it? We will discuss many countries so you can appreciate what is truly takes to master international business.  Over my 35 years in the aerospace, science and technology industries I have worked in, negotiated contracts and sealed many long term relationships within six continents and across thirty-five countries. None of this was easy, but it was completely rewarding. 

So you might be wondering if the first example above of the employee going to Russia is going to be successful? The answer is NO! It will take many more meetings and patience before any trust is established to consider a business relationship. This will hold true for all of Asia as well. Generally, all business culture follow the way the government is set up. If dictatorial, then it will take you sometime to get to the absolute decision makers while you are building trust --up and along-- the way.  Mature International business is a calling, not a simple business task. You must be well trained, tested and prepared to succeed or your next meeting simply will never come.

I used Russia as one of my startling examples just to shock in the reality of working among a world of people who do not believe what you believe and wish for their world to be absolutely respected by any outsider. Coming to Russia in Nike T Shirts and flashy clothes would be the biggest mistake of your business career as I will explain. So there I am in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow sipping my espresso when I hear behind me this argument that went nearly exactly; " What do you mean we can not see the manager? We flew all the way out here for a meeting to close this account and obtain an equipment order and we still have not met any directors? Well did you have the names of these Directors and plans already made..said the Russian representative to the High Tech equipment sales manager? Well, er..NO...but that is of no matter we should have been automatically positioned there! "I am sorry, but you have shamed our customs here by your behaviour and the firm wants you escorted out of Russia immediately and not return! You will stay in your rooms tonight and will be driven to the airport and walked to the gate and onto the plane in the morning!", Sorry, but this is final!"

Well, I had to turn around to see who these folks were because the conversation, while loud and foolish, was certainly captivating. So I took one last sip of my espresso, turned around and just about fell out of my chair. They were both dressed in IBM blue pin stripe three piece suits, with white shirts and bright red ties, gold watches and rings, simply the largest attraction I had seen in Moscow in weeks. This was not a meeting, this was a ridiculous side show put on by two clueless "senior" salesmen, and also representing our country's best and brightest.

I was ashamed to be in the same room. That hour I swore to make sure that no one in our US firm ever flew internationally for any type of meeting or project work without first being fully trained in all aspects of working within the culture and always representing the US well, as mature ambassadors. This is the first stage of understanding--What am I up against? You and your company must first appreciate that your business presence in any another country means something far greater than a meeting and air miles rewards. International Business (IB) is a serious undertaking and if your company does not understand this yet, then if you are ready, you should become this well trained person. IB work is highly rewarding if you are well trained. You will be treated well, respected and sought after internationally  to be the main person,  if you decide to do what it takes to learn and master the world of IB.

International Business Risks Or Risks of Doing Business Overseas

Anytime businesses decide to operate or expand internationally, they face certain and specific risks. These international business risks can be determined by a number of different factors including country history, cultural values, mores, geographical traits and of course legal precedents of chosen international location. The company or firm must consider all of these factors before making a solid and final decision to move abroad. The firm must always keep in mind their competitive advantage at home and compare that standing prior to entering the international business realm. They must keep in mind that risks are always relative to the size and stability of the firm's competitive advantage.

Basically, there are six primary international business risks which are most often faced by firms considering entering the international business realm. Again, they are always tied closely to the firm's competitive advantage. A firm's competitive advantage is broken by "type", "scope", "transferability", and finally "translate-ability". All of these factors break into degrees of low risk to high risk and must always be considered in the plan.

When doing this risk analysis, S.L.E.P.T. comes in very handy. SLEPT stands for Social, Legal, Economic, Political, and Technological. In this case, the firm would have to look at the inherent risks in the firm being a wholly owned operation, a joint venture, a franchise, licensing issues, and export ability. On the other side of the coin, they would also need to look at marker risks, ownership risks, intellectual property risks, currency risks, and finally political risks.

I've decided to break this international business risks post into separate posts in a series to make it easier to follow and to make it more concise and to the point. You can click on my author link and find the rest of the posts in the series which will include all factors discussed in greater detail. They will include everything from political risks of corruption, unstable institutions, and red-tape. I will also be looking at currency risks, intellectual property risks, ownership risks, and finally market risks and all that they involve.

In the end it should be understood that these risks are not the only risks that a firm may face when considering, expanding, and beginning to do business internationally. There are certainly other risks that absolutely must be analyzed by the firm. The firm must be extremely thorough in doing their due diligence analysis before entering any country with the intent of establishing themselves there. Before making any major and "life-altering" decisions, the company must understand the amount of risk that is currently and already present there, and most importantly, how much of that inherent risk is the firm willing to take upon it and assume.

In closing I would like to simply state possibly the obvious but some that needs to be stated and restated many times so that it's importance really sinks in. And that simply that deciding to enter a country is always a very, very serious decision that can and will make or break a firm and so it's imperative that the decision makers do not skimp on the analysis involved. Due diligence is of utmost importance here.

International Business Transactions

Finding the currencies that work

People that are involved in the international business sector will know all about forex trading. This is the process of exchanging different currencies in order to make trade easier. Of course the exchange is not strictly accurate because there is an element of commission for the person that is running the outfit. This is an industry that is growing in stature due to the globalization of the international markets. We no longer just concentrate on the domestic markets when we are working. There is plenty of meat in the things that we do and that leads us to a situation whereby the products that we are consuming are in effect bought from different countries. There are hundreds of currencies in the world. The use of the forex trading market ensures that we can make sense of all of those currencies. This is system is organized in a system of hierarchies that start with the stronger currencies. The British pound is quite strong but in the end. However the international currency of choice is the dollar or specifically the US dollar.

We must not forget the other international currency that is the Euro. This takes in some very rich countries and has had an influence on the forex trading market. Some skeptics were saying that it did not have a chance but it has proved them wrong and is still going strong. We have to look at all these currencies in the context of the kind of results that they bring to the clients. We also have to see the regulatory framework from the eyes of the international business people that have to deal with the system on a regular basis. The charges that are put on the clients for some of these products are not sustainable on a long term basis but the public generally accepts them because they have nowhere else to go. The forex trading market is almost monopolized by a few big dealers when they are supported by the largely ineffective small scale operators. They are making some inroads in the market but one cannot say honestly that they are dominating the market in any meaningful sense. Rather we can conclude that they are surviving.

One of the things that characterize forex trading is the regulatory framework. On the one hand you have the liberalized economies that are just happy to let the private sector get along with the tasks at hand. The other end of the spectrum is the command economies which seek to control all the activities that happen within the context of forex trading. In all probability the best solutions lie in the middle. The private sector out to be left to make profits as the owners see fit. However there is a real need to regulate the forex trading market so as to avoid the entrance of the rogue elements that can destroy an industry. One of the rogue elements that we can look forward to is the issue of money laundering services. You might find that some people that are working within the industry are not following the financial regulations that have been set by the host community. Unless the industry is regulated then it is very difficult to keep these rogue elements under control. There is also a need for tax revenues and this is of great concern to governments of all persuasions.

How do you make money in the forex trading business? The first thing is to consider the capacity that you have to run the establishment. If you have enough capital and expertise then the forex bureau might be a good idea. However you have to be wary of the fact that it does not work for everyone. You will need to go through certain identification processes and a review of your business plans before the government will give you a license to practice. You also have to ensure that you have security systems that prevent your establishment from being overrun by negative elements. The forex bureau is just like any other business in as much as it has similar opportunities and costs. Once you are prepared for the processes then it is relatively straightforward to continue with this line of work. You also have to be aware that there are some banks and large companies that run establishments of their own. This will increase the competition and force you to improve the way that you manage your won forex trading scheme. Otherwise this is something that has the potential to work.

Cutting Costs When Setting Up a New Business

Setting up a new business can be a costly process but there's numerous ways in which entrepreneurs can save in the long run. The decision to set up a new business can be a financial gamble but the risks of a project failing becomes even more real if the appropriate planning and preparation aren't put into place from the word go.

Working out a budget for your business is an imperative first step for entrepreneurs. Being honest with the costs involved, avoid cutting corners and even over budgeting are all good practices for setting a firm financial foundation for your new business. Setting up a business budget from the beginning also allows you to avoid unforeseen costs and unexpected bills cropping up. New business owners should also make full use of any resources in their local community that aim to help entrepreneurs. This could include book keeping or management courses that are usually free of charge.

When the time comes to set up your shop or office space, you might be surprised how much you can save by getting in friends and family to help. Setting aside a day to decorate and clean your new business space can turn into a family effort and saves you the money you would have spent on decorators to spend on other things. Even getting friends and family to help you pick up and build furniture can save on postage and packaging costs which quickly mount up if you're opening a medium to large sized business.

Once you're business is operational there's plenty more tips for cutting the cost of setting up. Getting a good deal on your phone and internet connections help you save substantially in the future so the key here is to shop around and find a competitive rate. If your business deals with international suppliers you especially want to look into getting a good deal on cheap international business calls regardless of whether you're using a mobile phone or landlines.

Finally, cutting costs on staff wages is one area where business owners could stand to save a lot of money. Carefully planning and being realistic about how many staff you will need means you aren't paying more people than is necessary and also means you can offer a better wage to a smaller number of staff rather than a lower wage to a larger group. Keeping extra money in your wage pot also allows bosses to create incentives and monetary bonuses for staff member who meet targets and boost sales.

The Hidden Power of an International Business Opportunity

Many people that go on the Internet are always looking for the best opportunity that pays the most commission or seems to be the easiest one to do. I can honestly tell you that this kind of approach is the wrong one. The one thing you should be looking for is for an international business opportunity. The reason I say this is because when it comes down to it your results are based on how many people you are able to market to. So with this kind of opportunity your market is able to expand worldwide. This article will give further details on the benefits of this kind of opportunity and how it can be the one thing you are missing in your success.

An international business opportunity is an business that is offered all around the world meaning that anyone can use it from Canada to Africa and you are able to promote it to all of these countries. This is very powerful because you won't be limited to just promoting within the united states.

When you think about this and the potential of being able to promote to the whole world is great because the Internet is huge and everyone around the world has access to it. This is why taking advantage of an international business opportunity is a must if you are serious about being successful. Remember that the best way to choose an opportunity is based on how you feel about promoting it.

So don't assume that every opportunity that is International will be the right one for you. You have to dedicate some time to doing the proper research and find out the one that suits you best.

Doing Business With a Strong Offshore Combination Using a Panama Foundation With a Belize IBC

The nations leading the pack out of the recession are the second tier economies of Asia. Their currencies are predicted to advance against the dollar, Euro, and Yen over the next few years. Meanwhile lawmakers in the United States are talking about raising taxes. To those who have scrimped and saved for years to put together a nest egg for retirement this may be ominous news. The PIIGS affair lays a cloud of depression over the EU. For some the attraction of doing business outside of North America or Europe is increasing.

With current worldwide economic realities in mind where are you going to do business next? The United States and Europe do not need to be on either end of your supply chain. You bank does not need to be in the USA. Your company can be offshore. You can arrange your affairs in such a way as to make yourself the beneficiary of a Panama Foundation and enjoy the fruits of your labors in privacy.

The Argument for Moving Offshore

There are many tax advantaged jurisdictions such as Belize and Panama. Going "offshore" in these countries and you will not have any local taxes on international income. Using a combination of Panama and Belize entities there are legal vehicles for incorporation, for banking, and for Private Interest Foundations that help you keep your private business private. You can do business with the emerging economies of Asia. Sell to the emerging middle class of South America and never pay a cent of taxes from the profits of your international (offshore) business in either Belize or Panama

A Strong Offshore Combination

An effective offshore combination consists of banking and an offshore company in Belize, owned by a Panama Private Interest Foundation.

Panama Private Interest Foundation

A Panama Private Interest Foundation can own bank accounts, companies, royalties, jewelry, airplanes, and boats. This includes corporations can own corporations, and so forth. This business entity has no owner and its beneficiary, you, need never appear in any public record. A Panama foundation of this type (there are public ones too for different purposes) is an excellent alternative to a trust for passing inheritance to your heirs without tax consequences. Panama does not tax income that is not earned in Panama. In the matter of benefiting from international business opportunities, a Panama foundation can own a Belize corporation.

A Belize Offshore Corporation

Belize is a tax advantaged jurisdiction. If your corporation does business outside of Belize it pays no taxes in Belize. You can set up a Belize offshore corporation and never have your name in a public record. A company headquartered in Belize can buy manufactured goods from Indonesia, and ship via the Panama Canal to the Colon Free Zone (CFZ) where 40% of Latin American container traffic passes. From the CFZ goods can be rerouted to ports from Cartagena, Colombia to Rio De Janiero, Argentina to sell to Latin American increasingly prosperous middle class. Likewise, agricultural products from Brazil and Argentina can be shipped to Singapore. None of this involves North American or Europe. Income earned on business operations will not be taxed in Belize and, if the Belize Corporation is owned by a Panama Private Interest Foundation, it will not be taxed in Panama either. Of course, with an international business you will need a bank to transfer money and to hold profits. For this situation banking in Belize works perfectly fine.

Belize Offshore Banking

Interest in an offshore Belize bank account is not taxed when paid. It is not taxed in Belize unless income was derived from Belize. A Belize bank account can be owned by an offshore corporation whose shareholders are not in a public record.

The combination of banking in Belize with an international business in Belize owned by a foundation in Panama can be a strong base from which to do business internationally.

Pushing Online Marketing for Businesses Going Global

The world watched as globalization progressed significantly over the past years, expedited by modern transportation and communication; improved infrastructure; and international trading and financing fiats defining the global rules of trade and supporting global trade capacity. In fact, a report by The Institute of Technical Education (ITE) in Singapore reveals that within a span of more than forty years, the world has seen a 1500% increase in the globalization of businesses, with two in every 6 products crossing borders as part of their international business marketing strategies.

A Business Briefing Series report by Ernst & Young cites that the trend towards global expansion is poised to continue in the years to come. The research depicts an international trading landscape that enables organizations to execute their international business marketing strategies rapidly. In addition, businesses are projected to have a strong desire to capitalize on flourishing developments in the global arena.

Efforts to geographically broaden product or service reach are facilitated by various objectives. With change being a constant business development facet, businesses are lured to go for overseas operations because larger markets can mean greater profit, and present even bigger opportunities for the expansion of an existing range of goods.

In some cases, businesses in a particular industry shift to serving overseas market to make global expansion desirable. There are companies deciding to go international that specifically target particular regions to dominate certain markets before a competitor does.

In order to achieve increased expansion and generate additional revenue, taking the business offshore might just be the answer. While potentially lucrative, the decision to expand abroad, however, can also be very costly when improperly managed from the get-go. Aided by modern technology, businesses turn to the Internet for geographic advantage and massive reach. Today, the potential internationalization of a retailer can be determined through online beginnings - communicating with customers across the globe via the World Wide Web.

Global business success with online marketing comes with it an enormous challenge. Needless to say, developing business and software strategies that can actually result in successful international business programs necessitate systematic preparation and exhaustive planning that cover the business and legal fronts. While global business expansion now a rising trend, there can be no guarantee that success in one's own turf can be equally great in the foreign market.

For most businesses, the idea of expanding trade internationally is far from being an overnight phenomenon. It requires decision makers research, identify and recognize the impact of cultural differences, and strategize when it comes to managing the sensitive cross-cultural risk process. Companies need to practice and implement business processes that uphold adaptability, perceptiveness, cooperativeness and objectivity - all without risking self-awareness of the brand and its identity.

Crucial to the efficiency and effectiveness of business and software strategies for international business marketing is a thorough understanding of global synergies and the worldwide economies of scale that help define ways to connect with customers and collaborate with partners across borders. Increased complexities such as geographic, stakeholder, organizational and cultural complexities come into play.

Your First Trip Overseas on International Business

Making Contacts

Many cultures outside of the U.S. work on the basis of relationships. People prefer to work with people they know. Therefore, a cold call is often not the best approach to meeting people and making contacts. If you know someone who is close to the firm that you desire to contact, it may be best to try to first meet your counterparts with the help of this connection. Working with an organization that can assist you with your initial contact can be ideal. Many of these third-party firms are industry-related and advertise frequently in local trade magazines. Other venues through which to meet potential contacts and clients are conferences and trade shows. Many of these shows are held in the United States and it is helpful if you do some pre-investigative work. Alternatively, it is worthwhile, and may be even more beneficial, to target a local trade conference in the region in which you desire to make contacts.

Entrepreneurs and large firms should both take advantage of the resources offered to U.S. firms by the Department of Commerce (www.ita.doc.gov). A trade mission is particularly valuable for small firms who do not already have a presence in the country of interest. A trade mission to a particular country is organized by your local department of commerce for the purpose of helping you establish business contacts there. Many trade missions have notable leaders such as the mayor of your city or the business leader of a major organization to help increase visibility for the group in the country. The cost of trade missions usually ranges from $2,000-$5,000 and includes the hotel, flight and appointments. The Department of Commerce also offers a great deal of expert help, free or for a nominal fee, to assist you in creating a business plan or developing export opportunities.

Once you have made contacts and collected business cards, follow up with a letter of thanks for these people’s time. Include a press kit, which explains your firm, its products and services, and your position in the firm. If you are planning to visit your potential business partners, request an appointment by letter or fax, if e-mail and phone are not options. Be specific in what you want to cover, who will be traveling with you, and a few suggested dates, then allow time for response to your request. Try to make these arrangements at least three weeks before you travel. You may need this much time to book hotels and flights anyway.

Researching the Firm

In order to be effective in international business it is important that you conduct a fair amount of research on the firms and the marketplace in which you desire to work. An excellent start is to pick up materials and meet distributors at a trade show. Many firms now have web sites on the Internet so it is a good idea to visit them as part of your preparation. There are credible commercial firms such as Dun and Bradstreet (www.dnb.com) that can provide various reports, such a credit report, on companies you might be interested in. If the firm is large, there is a good chance something will be in the files. If the firm has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), you can access information at http://www.edgar.com

If the firm is small and does not have a U.S. office, it may be more difficult to gather information. Many companies outside of the U.S. are not required to file reports as American firms must do. Accounting practices vary worldwide, so it may be difficult to get information on some companies. If you are planning to visit a specific country, an excellent web site is http://www.tradeport.org which offers information on various countries, their key exports, current economic situation, etc., compiled from U.S. Department of Commerce data. In addition, try to talk to people who have worked with the companies you are contacting to get an idea of how they conduct business, their positive and negative points, and their management structure and decision-making process.

Creating an Agenda

Once you have made an appointment to meet with business people in another country, it is beneficial to propose an agenda to help your contacts understand what topics you intend to cover at your meeting. Many American businesswomen suggest that if you send an agenda in advance it helps clarify your position as the leader and an important participant in the business meeting. It also helps set the direction of the meeting and what you intend to accomplish.

A good agenda usually includes a statement of purpose and some idea of what you want to achieve at the meeting, as well as a list of participants who will attend and how they will contribute to the meeting. In some cultures agendas are not adhered to, because casual discussions used to build relationships are preferred before getting down to business. Other cultures follow agendas more rigidly, and your contacts will expect a fair amount of detail. Before the initial meeting, your proposed agenda may help to initiate a dialogue on what each party expects to cover at the meeting. Give your counterparts plenty of time to review your agenda and respond back with additions or alternative suggestions.

Business Cards

Business cards are very important in many cultures of the world. The information on the card helps identify who you are and your place within your organization. For women, this can help enhance credibility by showing that you are an important member of the firm and where you are in the firm’s hierarchy. Make sure you use a title that is well understood cross-culturally. For example, the titles Manager and Director are usually well understood, but titles such as Specialist may cause confusion.

If you have your business cards translated into the language of the country you are visiting before you go, make sure you select a translation firm that is adept with the local language, and then have the cards proofread by someone else who speaks the local language to ensure there are no translation mistakes. Alternatively, some business people prefer to wait until they arrive in the foreign country before they have their cards translated. Many hotels overseas have a business card translation service or can recommend a local firm. Some can translate and print cards in 24 hours, while others take a few days. Be sure to check before you go. Plan to bring a lot of business cards with you, particularly if you will be meeting large groups.

Travel to Your Business Destination

Gathering Information

If you have time, call the tourist boards of the countries you’ll be visiting and ask for maps and information on your destination. Major automobile clubs, such as AAA, also have touring books and maps by country for their members, and most libraries have travel books. Many Internet sites offer sightseeing information too. Once you’ve arrived, you’ll find that most hotels also have an English local guide and maps of the city you are visiting. You can usually get a local newspaper on the airplane to read up on the country, events, and local happenings. Most hotels offer local TV news stations and usually one is in English.

Passports and Visas

Travel to any country outside of the U.S. will require a passport. If you do not have a passport, make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to get one. You can find a passport center in your local phone book or by searching for passport applications on the World Wide Web. If you already have a passport, make sure it will not expire during the trip. Also be aware that some countries require that your passport be valid up to six months from the start date of your trip. For current information on how to get a passport and what you need for overseas travel go to [http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html]

In addition to a passport, some countries will also require a visa. Visas allow you entry into a country for a specific period of time; they usually need to be renewed for continued visits. If you are not sure of the requirements of the country you’re planning to visit, check with the U.S. embassy or the foreign embassy in your area. Some agencies process passports and visas at the same time. Make sure you procure enough photos for your passport and visas, although some processing agencies will take photos for you. If you plan to have passport and visa photos taken on your own, determine in advance exactly what you’ll need – how many photos, what size, and what angles are required. For example, a visa photo may require partial side photography to expose your ear, whereas the passport photo is usually a frontal view. Also, certain countries, such as Brazil, may have different visa applications depending on what city in the U.S. you are from, and these requirements may change frequently. If you plan to travel in and out of the country several times during the course of your visit, be sure to get a visa allowing multiple visits. For current visa information go to: [http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html]

Booking Your Flights

Be sure to ascertain flight availability, flight times, and rates to international destinations well in advance of your trip. Dates that are optimal for you may be holiday times for the people in the country you are planning to visit, and holiday seasons in some countries can last for weeks. This may make it difficult to reserve a flight for a specific date or time, and airline fares tend to increase during holiday seasons. If you are planning to travel to several countries within a particular region, such as Asia, Europe or Latin America, it is usually helpful to work with a travel agent who handles that region. The agent can help you with flight alternatives, hotel alliances, travel packages, and advance notice of special rates on commonly traveled flight paths.
Additional tips to keep in mind:

• If you are traveling to a country in a different time zone, make sure you check the flight arrival date and time to be sure you have sufficient time to arrive at your meetings. It is easy to make mistakes when traveling across time zones.

• Some travelers advise arriving the day before in order to adjust to significant time zone changes. You don’t want to fall asleep in the middle of a meeting.

• Make sure you reconfirm your flight 24 hours in advance. This should be done before each leg of the flight, particularly when you are outside the U.S. Flight times change frequently, and passengers are not always notified. Your hotel desk clerk or concierge – a hotel staff member who assists guests with luggage, messages, and tour reservations -- will usually do this for you if you are unfamiliar with the language.

Hotels

Book your hotel in advance; do not wait until you arrive to find a hotel. Choose a hotel close to your meeting place, since many cities have heavy traffic congestion and require extra travel time. If you can, stay in a major hotel in a populated area for safety reasons. When you travel to a major city you will most likely find a hotel chain that is locally owned, as well as a European hotel chain, an Asian hotel chain and an American hotel chain. Each chain will offer a different type of setting and services. If you are accustomed to the services of American hotels, consider staying in one, at least on your first trip. Many women advise that you stay in well known hotels in populated areas, preferably with staff at the door at night for extra safety.

Luggage

For many businesswomen, international travel means a new office in a new country each day. This may require traveling by car, train or plane to the next destination each evening. Most businesswomen agree that packing light is an absolute essential for business travel. It will save you packing time at the hotel, as well as a lot of time at the baggage claim counter in airports if you can avoid checking luggage. Also, in some countries you may find that your hotel room is on the third floor and there is no elevator and no porter. Having to carry a lot of luggage up three flights of stairs is no fun at all.

Bring easy-to-carry luggage that is not too bulky; luggage on wheels is helpful. If you plan to take trains and local planes, easy-to-lift luggage will help you with overhead storage. Stick to carry-on luggage if possible, but if you have to check your bags, make sure to pack a change of clothing and some toiletries in a carry-on bag, in case your luggage gets lost.
For other business executives, international travel may mean spending several weeks in one location before moving on to the next stop. To keep luggage minimal in this situation, packing considerations should include having enough variations in your wardrobe to keep your outfits fresh. Plan for some hand washing and dry cleaning during your trip.

General Packing Tips

• To help lighten your travel load, consider making a list, outlining in detail what you need, what you can discard along the way, and what you do not need to carry. For example, four- and five-star hotels usually provide a hair dryer, shampoo, soap and bath gels.

• Pack dark, versatile clothes that don’t wrinkle and can be easily layered.

• Stick to conservative color schemes, such as gray, navy, black, olive and brown. Try to have your clothes blend with each other so you can interchange them. It is best to avoid loud colors.

• Clothing will wrinkle if it is loosely packed. Factor this in when you are choosing a travel bag.

• Try layering your clothes with dry cleaning plastic bags, or hang them in a garment bag. This helps the clothes slide against each other and not wrinkle.

• If you are flying, ask to have your garment bag hung up if there is no space lay it out in the overhead bin. If you are driving, try to hang the garment bag or lay it flat in the back seat.

• If you are using a carry-on duffel bag, consider rolling your clothes, then hanging them up as soon as you arrive.

• If you are flying, put your toiletries in zip-tight plastic bags to help guard against leaks caused by pressure changes.

• Stick to carry-on luggage if possible. If you have to check your bags, make sure to pack a change of clothes and toiletries in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

• If you have reading to do, consider making copies so that you can discard the materials along the way so your briefcase doesn’t get filled with paper, which adds extra weight. If you have magazines, rip out or copy the articles of interest, and leave the rest behind. Consider mailing home large quantities of business papers collected along the way.

• Bathrooms vary worldwide, as does the toilet tissue. Bring some of that too if you are fussy.

• Bring an electronic adapter kit good for several countries if you have electric items such as a hair dryer or electric razor. You can find these in most electronic and travel stores. In some hotels you may also be able to borrow them at the desk.

• Bring a small travel alarm clock, as many hotels don’t provide them.

• If you are traveling to areas with varying seasons, wear comfortable clothes in layers. Many businesses do not have air-conditioning or central heating. The buildings can get very hot in the summer or very cold in the winter.

• In cool, humid winter areas, wool suits, jackets, and dresses are best since wool soaks up moisture while keeping you warm. A light jacket or cardigan sweater is usually a good item to bring anywhere. For hot, humid areas, linen and cotton suits are most comfortable.

• For rainy regions, bring a raincoat and a folding umbrella. (Some business hotels also offer umbrellas for use by their guests).

Packing for a Week

For an average business trip of one week, most women agree that one suit (a jacket and matching skirt), a coordinating skirt or slacks, and several varied blouses should suffice. If your trip extends to two weeks, then you may want to add a blazer and an additional skirt or pair of slacks. Combinations of black and white (solids and patterns) are popular among businesswomen, as they are easy to coordinate with many colors of blouses. Good walking shoes are essential to manage the cobblestones, rough construction areas and train stations, as well as inclement weather. A leather briefcase can serve as a handbag. Pack minimal makeup and jewelry.

Other considerations:

• Be creative with your business attire. Use pants, skirts, blazers and suit jackets that can give you several different combinations with a minimal number of items. Change your look with blouses, scarves and other accessories.

• Consider bringing washable silk blouses if you do not think you will have time for dry cleaning during the visit or between destinations.

• Wear neutral-colored hosiery, limited jewelry and neutral makeup.

• Bring extra undergarments for hot and humid areas where you will perspire more. Plan to wash your smalls nightly (some women bring a small plastic bottle or packets of lingerie cleaner with them).

Flying Comfortably

Depending on where you are traveling from, the airplane trip overseas can be very long. If you will have time to check in to your hotel before your first meeting, then a light sweat suit and walking shoes may be your most comfortable attire for the flight. They will also come in handy if you have time later in the trip for an evening walk around some of the local sights. If you must head directly to a meeting after landing, consider wearing comfortable attire on board, then changing clothes in the airplane bathroom or in the airport when you arrive.

When planning your flight, also consider the following:

• Drink a lot of water, as flying is very dehydrating. Water will help reduce fatigue and headaches that can come with long flights.

• Eat lightly on the plane, and even the night before you fly, to help you adjust to a different meal schedule.

• Avoid alcohol on the plane. It is dehydrating and can throw off your sleep cycle.

• Wear loose clothing and try to stretch or walk around a few times while on board to improve your circulation and avoid leg cramps.

• Take off your shoes and wear a pair of socks while flying. Your feet will probably swell, and tight shoes will become uncomfortable.

• Clogging of the ears during descent and landing is a common problem on long flights. Chewing gum and yawning may provide relief. Quickly drinking carbonated water may help as well. Another approach is the Valsalva maneuver: Hold your nose and keep your mouth open, while gently blowing out with a few short breaths. This causes the ears to pop. Other recommendations include taking a decongestant pill or using a decongestant nasal spray.

• Using a saline nasal spray two hours before you take off and 15 minutes before you land will help you clear your breathing passages.

• If you wear contact lenses, bring a spare pair or, if you wear disposable lenses, bring extras, in addition to your glasses. You may find that contacts become dry in your eyes while you are on board the plane. It is best to take them out for the flight and wear glasses. If you do wear lenses during the flight, keep lubricating drops handy and use them frequently.

• Bring a neck pillow (most travel stores carry them) to help you sleep, especially if you have a center seat on the plane. Bring sleep masks (most airlines supply these) to create darkness. Keep eye drops, toothbrush and toothpaste, lip balm, eye cream (there are also re-hydrating eye patches), and a face toner in your purse to help you feel refreshed during the flight.

Currency

To avoid airport lines later, some travelers prefer to exchange enough money for the taxi ride to the hotel before they board their international flight. Others wait until they arrive and exchange money at one of the local bank stalls at the airport. Many airports have ATMs (Automatic Teller Machines) on site. Most travelers prefer to use ATMs as they offer the best currency exchange rates with the lowest administration fees.

Hurdles to Cross Cultural Business Communication

International businesses are facing new challenges to their internal communication structures due to major reforms brought about through internationalization, downsizing, mergers, acquisitions and joint ventures.
Lack of investment in cross cultural training and language tuition often leads to deficient internal cohesion. The loss of clients/customers, poor staff retention, lack of competitive edge, internal conflicts/power struggles, poor working relations, misunderstandings, stress, poor productivity and lack of co-operation are all by-products of poor cross cultural communication.
Cross cultural communications consultants work with international companies to minimise the above consequences of poor cross cultural awareness. Through such cooperation, consultancies like Kwintessential have recognised common hurdles to effective cross cultural communication within companies.
Here we outline a few examples of these obstacles to cross cultural co-operation:
Lack of Communication
It may seem obvious to state that non-communication is probably the biggest contributor to poor communication. Yet it continues to prove itself as the major problem within most companies.
Lack of communication with staff is not solely due to lack of spoken dialogue. Rather it relates to access to information.
For example, not giving feedback (negative or positive), informing staff of decisions and actions that will affect their roles or failure to properly communicate expectations are all ways in which information can be withheld from staff. This will eventually result in an alienated staff base that feels divided from management and superiors.
If managers are too selective in providing information, this can cause suspicion and jealousy among staff and will eventually result in internal strife instead of cohesion.
A management which does not and will not communicate and interact physically with staff demonstrates a lack of interest, trust and respect.
In the West it is often the case that communication lines are vertical. Staff report up to managers and managers up to senior levels and so on. Ideally lines of communication should run both ways. Those with a subordinate place in the communication process tend to feel estranged, indifferent and possibly even belligerent.
Lack of communication in all its forms is unhealthy. Companies and managers must be aware of how, what and to whom they are communicating.
Language
Communication difficulties through language come in two forms:
Use of inappropriate language
Language carries with it subliminal meanings and messages transmitted through vocabulary, stress and tone. The wrong use of words or emotions hidden behind phrases can send messages that affect staff self-perception, confidence and attitude. Critical language causes poor interpersonal relationships and low self-confidence whereas supportive language and tones has the opposite effect.
Foreign Languages
These days, offices may have native speakers of over 50 languages all under one roof.  It is important that the main language of the office is established, whether it be English, French or Spanish. Once this is constituted all employees should only converse in the main language. This avoids exclusion of staff who can not understand other languages. In addition, a company should ensure that all its employees are fully conversant in the main language. Language tuition should be seen as a necessity not a luxury.
Culture
International businesses with a highly diverse workforce in terms of nationality and cultural background face challenges from the differences in language, values, belief systems, business ethics, business practices, behaviour, etiquette and expectations.
Cross cultural differences can negatively impact a business in a variety of ways, whether in team cohesion or in staff productivity. As we have seen above, different methods of communication are just one area in which cross cultural differences are manifested.
In such multicultural companies, objective help may be needed through a cross cultural consultant who will show teams and individuals how to manage communication and work together more cohesively and productively.
Company Culture
Company culture pertains to the internal culture of a company in terms of how it is managed. For example, does the company view its different departments such as sales, production, administration and HR as closed or open systems? A closed system is one in which a total lack of synergy exists between a sales and production department due to the structure and communication lines between the two. A consequence of such compartmentalization is that managers of departments have a tendency to become territorial. It is vital that team work, team building and team spirit are encouraged in order to create open systems.
Such measures are especially valid in joint ventures and mergers whereby co-operation between two or more companies requires their total commitment to an open system.
Understandably many companies are primarily focused on the financial and strategic side of company operations. International businesses are now realising that many of their business problems have roots in man-management and communication.
In summary, we can conclude that the biggest hurdle to effective cross cultural communication is a reluctance to invest in the expertise and resources needed to overcome the problems as outlined above. Cross cultural hurdles are easily negotiable with some objective and well-qualified assistance.
For more information please visit http://www.kwintessential.co.uk

International Business & Networking

Every where I turn around everyone is talking about the bad economy and hoping that Obama will do something soon to fix it! I admire & respect what he's accomplished but I've got news for you. No one man is going to be able to fix this mess overnight. The other day I came across the most powerful 10 two letter words ever....IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME!

This may sound daunting to some.

How about going international! Its amazing the amount of countries out there that have the people who are hungry for a change & desperate for an opportunity! So what do you do with that? We live in a melting pot society with people from everywhere. All we have to do is ask everyone we know & meet if they know anyone from Brazil or Japan or Singapore or Australia.

So what do you do with that information? Well I certainly am not going to talk about Real Estate or Stocks since they will will require a substantial amount of investment & will create a huge risk especially having to deal with international markets!

I am going to talk about literally creating Cash Flow by introducing a good & unique product to the country that these people are not aware of yet but would love to use! I am talking about creating Cash Flow with your own Sweat Equity instead of your savings or the banks money!

I am talking about using a proven system & service of a reputable company to penetrate a whole new country through Networking! In today's day & age I don't see any other risk free opportunity to create huge sums of profit by starting local but going global.

If you'd like to see what I am using to create & take advantage of this phenomenon, you're welcome to check out my website in the resource box and email me with any questions you might have.

Onward & Upward!

Liberty League International - Business Review

Liberty League International is a classic pass up program or otherwise known as an Australian 2 up program. They sell three different motivational products including: Beyond Freedom Home Study Course for $1,495, a 3 Day Conference for $7,995, and the Summit 5 Day Conference for $12,995. The attraction to this business is that the commissions are very large...$8,000 for the Summit 5 Day Conference. However, who do you know that is willing to pay almost $13,000 for a motivational conference? After studying and researching this company, I decided not to join. Allow me to be truthful and explain why.

The first reason I didn't join, is that they are NOT 100% automated. Wouldn't you want to work with a company that allows you to make money in your sleep? The second reason I didn't join, is your sponsor will only work with you for your first two sales, then you are on your own in this business. The last reason I didn't join, is that their compensation plan wasn't all that great. After reviewing other network marketing companies, this one didn't seem too enticing.

My intent is that I have given you some facts to ponder when deciding whether or not to join Liberty League. The decision on which Internet business is right for you will ultimately be yours, but I wanted to share some pertinent information in order to make the wisest decision. Good Luck in your future Internet marketing endeavors and remember no matter which company you decide to join, you will only be successful if you play full on.

How to Stay Safe During International Business Travel

When you go on business travel, are you so caught up in why you are going and the job at hand that you forget other important things or find yourself looking for something at the last minute?

When preparing for international business travel you should prepare just as you would for an important business meeting. Find out about the country you are going to. One thing that is very important is to find out what the weather will be like when you get there. This will help you when you are thinking about the type of clothes to pack. Nothing is worse than getting somewhere only to find out you have packed inappropriate clothing. In addition, women take note of local customs on what women are and are not allowed to wear in the country you are going to. Learn about any local customs that are used in and outside of business circles. Just knowing a bit about the country and showing knowledge or appreciation while you are there can go a long way to help conduct smooth business transactions.

Time difference can also play a big factor in international business travel. Will you be traveling somewhere that is say 8 hours behind your local time? This may seem great as with the flight you are actually gaining time however your body clock will be in flux and you may find yourself wanting to sleep in the middle of a meeting or wanting to eat at times that are inconvenient. Try and adapt your habits for a couple days before your travel. Adjust by 2 hours each day your sleeping and eating habits if possible and that should ease the jet lag suffering. Also, make sure you don't have meetings booked for as soon as you get off the plane.

Now let's talk about food! Sometimes even the smallest change in diet can affect people. So just be aware of what you are eating and what foods you may be susceptible to. You normally can't go wrong with fresh fruit and vegetables along with lots of water. Trying local foods is a great adventure but not worth it if you spend the rest of the trip with a bungee cord to the bathroom. Use common sense and if anything taste a little to please your hosts.

Always have backups of everything! Nothing is worse than arriving at your destination and finding you have forgotten that super important presentation or paperwork. I would advise keeping copies of everything in a virtual space.

ALWAYS keep scanned copies of your passport and other visa documents in your email. You never know when you might lose them or need to provide them in triplicate to immigration. Use the hotel safe for your documents and laptop when you are not in your room. I would also advise not unpacking and keeping zip ties handy for your luggage if you don't trust the maid service.

Getting to travel internationally for business is a privilege not a right be gracious and leave a good impression on your hosts.

Carico International Business Review - How to Succeed With This Income Opportunity

What Is Carico International?

Carico is a network marketing company that distributes a wide array of products and services including cutlery, tableware, stemware, fine China and health and wellness products. Carico International has worked alongside the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association and the National Wellness Foundation.

Accompanied by the product line is the business opportunity allowing distributors to earn commissions on product volume sold and new distributors sponsored. Carico has targeted a few segments of the population that are buyers and I see this company going places. Plus they have partnered with some reputable organizations.

Typical Marketing Approach

Most network marketing companies do not always provide their distributors with the best marketing advice. Usually you will be told to create a warm list of family and friends, cold call leads, buy leads, hold home meetings, pass out free samples, pass out fliers and even prospect strangers. The only problem with these methods is that the majority of the people you talk to never had the intention to purchase products or start a business. Plus people hate to be sold to.

A Smarter Approach

What if you could position yourself in a way to be found by people who are actively looking for what you had to offer? Don't you think you would have an easier time sponsoring people and selling more product? Of course you would. This is accomplished by using the leverage and power of technology, more specifically the internet.

By following the online formula you can attract only the most qualified and serious people into your Carico International business. Also, by taking this approach, you can fill your team up with motivated business builders, who will help you get to where you want to be. Thousands upon thousands of network marketers have finally experience success because they built their business online.

International Business Schools

International business schools are globally acclaimed business schools that offer courses of international quality. These schools are rated high in the quality of education and accommodate students and faculties from different countries. Students enjoy global business capabilities in a wide range of programs. International business schools have corporate partners. Campus interviews are conducted to absorb brilliant students into world renowned companies. These schools also have a big alumni association spread all over the world.

International business schools graduate more than thousand students each year. Fellowships and scholarships are granted to students with academic excellence. Part time and full time courses for master's degree and doctoral programs are conducted. Executive programs, related to education and finance, develop personal capabilities of students to drive future businesses.

Case study is the common interactive learning method used in international business schools. It meets interdisciplinary needs of actual business circumstances. A large percentage of the school budget is utilized for research purposes linked to the realities of business conditions. A global network of research centres helps to maintain an international scope for research work. International business schools are linked to partner schools from different parts of the world. They also conduct exchange programs with other top business schools, enabling students to gain maximum cultural and educational exposure. Ample financial resource is the main advantage of international business schools.

International business schools have lecture halls, online seminar rooms and flat floor teaching rooms. The facilities match international standards. Information technology services provided help students and faculties in gaining up-to-date knowledge. The library houses relevant and dependable information. Online resources giving access to books, journals, annual reports, market studies and reference titles are an attraction. There is a fitness centre with gymnasium, swimming pool, steam room and spa. Fitness classes and treatment are also held here. Accommodations are provided in hotel suites within the campus. There is a catering team on campus to supply varieties of food and drink.

Cross-Border E-Commerce Supported by International Business Phone Services

The worldwide online retail market has a growing potential. More and more consumers are looking for convenient, informed and satisfying shopping experiences online. They are using the internet to research price, quality and delivery options, and sharing ideas and opinions on social networks. Online retailers are expanding rapidly across borders. By entering diverse and challenging markets worldwide, do they need a phone contact number at all?

According to a recent survey by Forrester phone support continues to be the most popular support channel. It seems, that despite all the efforts of call centers looking for ways to help customers help themselves (via email, online chat or even mobile apps), 79% of customers prefer a one-on-one conversation. In other words: call centers are here to stay.

Premium customer service plays a key role in building business success, and the well established international ecommerce websites generally have a phone number, that is displayed in a prominent position on their home page. Showing commitment to local customers and creating customer proximity is essential for any international web outlet. The same way a cross-border web shop eventually offers local languages and local currency payment facilities,it is vital to feature a virtual local phone number on the homepage at the very least.

A recent survey conducted by Accenture reveals, that the top barriers to market entry in cross-border e-commerce are the costs of building brand awareness in a foreign country, as well as the small scale and the unproven demand of some markets. Virtual geographic, International Toll-Free or International Premium Rate phone services are powerful business tools in mitigating the risks of a new market entry, as they enable companies to test the new markets with a pure play online retail model, before setting up brick-and-mortar stores.

The best consumer experience can be achieved by implementing international 0-800 (ITFS) or 00-800 (UIFN) toll-free numbers, that are designed to facilitate cross-border ecommerce. These are the international equivalent of the domestic toll-free services, enhanced with international call forwarding and intelligent routing options, that allows you to forward inbound leads to multiple locations or to experts based upon their capacity, expertise, language and availability.

E-commerce websites targeting foreign markets can undoubtedly earn trust from their visitors by providing international toll-free contact numbers. Visitors will be drawn to web shops that have one of these numbers, as it simply makes a business appear more legitimate and trustworthy. Building trust for a new international brand is essential, especially in case of companies that are entering new markets with a pure play online model, not having any brick-and-mortar stores in the given countries.

Online International Business Opportunities

With the boom of technology and the internet, there have been literally millions of international business opportunities that opened up for people who want to be successful even by just being in their own homes. As a matter of fact, an online international business is now looked up as one of the instant rising markets in the world. Because of this, it does not matter if you are an employee who is looking to improve the rate of salary or a mom who is finding the perfect chance and timing to work at home, you will surely be able to find what you are looking for with all the opportunities waiting for you.

However, you should not think that because it is easy to find the perfect online international business opportunity for you, you will also have a stroll in the park in starting to make the business work. This is based on the observation that even though there are a lot of businesses opening up each day, these do not make it and last for more than a year. The reason for these failures is not due to the fact that they are new to what they are doing because to put it in perspective, there are many beginners that have actually managed to survive in the field that they decided to pursue. Having said this, the experience level of an entrepreneur is really irrelevant with all the failures that other newcomers have experienced in the past. Rather, the problems are rooted from the fact that they did not know who exactly to target with their products.

It is always beneficial to remember that when a rare opportunity comes along to start a business, the market should be one of the first things that must be considered. Before even jumping into the actual business, you should already know as an entrepreneur if people will really buy your products. You should already know from the beginning if there is a specific potential market that you can focus on with the help an international business opportunity. Having said this, it is really advisable that you first do a little research about your potential market; you can find out several details about these consumers like what they want from a specific product in terms of flavor, color, size, kind, character and quality. Their answers will help you in coming up with the product that will really get their attention and interest. In addition, by asking around for people's opinions, you will already be able to have a potential client base who you know will support the products that you will deliver them. After identifying the market, it is also important that you create your own business plan or a blueprint of how your business will run in the future.

Truly, an available online international business opportunity should be taken advantage by carefully preparing everything that you will need before actually opening up the business that you have in mind. This will not only help you in maximizing the benefits that this opportunity brought you, but it will also help you in achieving your goal to improve your overall lifestyle.

What It's Really Gonna Take to Succeed in ForMor International Business

ForMor, founded in 1996, brings a wide-range of health-conscious food and drink products to the table. Their thoroughly researched ingredients have created a line of products that are respectable, fast-acting, and are received well by their audiences.

ForMor International has created, through its string of high-quality products, an opportunity that will allow for business-minded individuals to expand their income capabilities. Their goals are to allow associates the freedoms of time for family, loved ones, and the ability to create an enriching and rewarding life for others. In addition to these things, ForMor is an opportunity that allows associates to travel and experience the varying cultures of the world, all for the purpose of getting a paycheck.

This sounds like a dream come true, and for some ForMor associates, it is. ForMor claims that its financial compensation plan is literally unparalleled in the industry. With various levels of income opportunity, it is plain to see that there is a chance to achieve almost any level of success imaginable. There are even options for splitting profit and making success possible for future generations. Depending on the level of commitment you can give, ForMor accommodates both part- and full-time distributors.

What are the facts about this company? Is ForMor International a SCAM?

It's wise to question any business opportunity; but, no, ForMor is not a scam. They operate legally and responsibly within the laws of the United States or whichever appropriate territory they are conducting business within. Never fear, this business is not out to steal your money or your identity. They are out to generate legitimate profits, which they have been doing successfully for well over a decade.

How do I, or should I, join this business?

Joining ForMore International is relatively easy, but first you must make sure it's the right choice for you. Joining a business opportunity like ForMor is the first step but making money comes from knowing how to market your business.

The key to any business is generating leads. Generating leads can be done via personal networking, newspaper ads, billboards, or, the most economical and successful way: Internet Marketing. If you aren't familiar with how to market your product on the internet-and believe me, not many people are-you are setting yourself up for disaster. Putting in a bit of time and energy learning how to make your business an online success is just as important as choosing the right business in the first place.

In order to save you a lot of time and research, I will tell you that the most successful business owners generate their sales through the internet. These successful people have a versatile range of understanding of how to market their products for success.

What about the money? How much can I really make?

How much you can make is up to you. With opportunities like ForMor, the company website usually isn't lying when it says something like, "You can make X-million dollars working with us." They aren't lying because, if you put enough time into it, you can. The problem is, not many people know how to make their businesses succeed. These people continually fail, and continually try to find new avenues for creating a successful enterprise without researching the ways to make a success out of the opportunity they are already involved with.

The knowledge and know-how that leads others to great success is available, but you have to take the time to learn it!. If you aren't willing to devote time to working toward your dreams, you will probably never achieve them. For a faster, smarter, more efficient and fun way to build your business learn the secret to internet marketing

Understanding the Importance of International Business

International business is all business transactions-private and governmental-that involve two or more countries. Why should one be interested in studying international business? The simplest answer is that international business comprises a large and growing portion of the world's total business. Today, almost all companies, large or small, are affected by global events and competition because most sell output to and/or secure suppliers from foreign countries and/or compete against products and services that come from abroad.

More companies that engage in some form of international business are involved in exporting and importing than in any other type of business transaction. Many of the international business experts argue that exporting is a logical process with a natural structure, which can be viewed primarily as a method of understanding the target country's environment, using the appropriate marketing mix, developing a marketing plan based upon the use of the mix, implementing a plan through a strategy and finally, using a control method to ensure the strategy is adhered to. This exporting process is reviewed and evaluated regularly and modifications are made to the use of the mix, to take account of market changes impacting upon competitiveness. This view seems to suggest that much of the international business theory related to enterprises, which are internationally based and have global ambitions, does often change depending on the special requirements of each country.

Another core issue is the company's growth and the importance of networking and interaction. This view looks at the way in which companies and organisations interact and consequently network with each other to gain commercial advantage in world markets. The network can be using similar subcontractors or components, sharing research and development costs or operating within the same governmental framework. Clearly, when businesses formulate a trading block with no internal barriers they are actually creating their own networks. Collaborations in aerospace, vehicle manufactures and engineering have all sponsored the development of a country's or a group of countries' outlook based on their own internal market network. This network and interaction approach to internationalisation shows the substance of being able to influence decisions when knowing how the global network players work or interact.

For example, a crucial market network is that of the Middle East. Middle East countries are rich, diverse markets, with a vibrant and varied cultural heritage. This means that although there has been a harmonisation process during the past few years, differences still exist. Rather than business being simpler as a result, it should be recognised that because of regulations and the need those countries have to restructure as they enter the global market, performing any kind of business can be highly complex. It should be remembered though that the Middle-Eastern countries have a low-income average and like to have their cultural differences recognised. Those firms that will or have recognised these facts have a good chance of developing a successful marketing strategy to meet their needs. Fortunately some firms have realised these important differences and reacted adequately when strategic decisions had to be made regarding their penetration to this kind of markets.

The International Trade

When it comes to international trade, it deals with exchange of goods for goods and goods for services. This multi-lateral trade requires more than two countries for it to be termed as international business. If your country is economically endowed with many natural resources, you are most likely to benefit from this trade.

Many countries have gotten into conflicts because of the differences they have towards international business, and all that goes along with that. They are most times caught up in the corridors of confusion as to whether they are the rightful owners of some resources which brings about conflicts with another country claiming to have ownership of the same territory.

As you are carrying out your research, put in mind that if you are to carry out some international trade, make sure you are well conversant with the country you are going to deal with. Unlike domestic trade where you don't need to have any clue about the market, for international business, it's a must.

Your accounting levels and communication abilities should be of high quality due to the fact that you are going to meet various people of different cultures. You have to learn this through everything so you can understand it better than just about anything. Without this type of help, you will not be able to fully succeed the way you wish to.

The business has become much easier with the introduction of the internet on which the transactions can be made without any travelling being done. The business dealings can be made through the internet and in no time, you will receive your goods. This makes everything so much more convenient than in the past.

You can find out how the different markets around the world are standing by using the internet. Before you can make any purchase, you are very sure of the product that is being bought hence international business has been made easy by the internet.

The best way you can develop your international business organization is by co-operating with other business men from other nations with whom you have the same interest.

It won't be an easy task for you to make a deal with any business partner from some other country because of the varying language and culture hence all you have to do is take a thorough look at the different international business people before landing the right deal.

Global Domains International Business Opportunity and Forum Marketing

Internet has opened up a host of opportunities for people to sit in the comfort of their homes and earn a decent income. There are numerous sites offering interesting and lucrative schemes which have the potential to generate unlimited income. One of the highest rated work-from-home programs is the multi level marketing popularly known as the MLM. Various companies make use to this marketing strategy to sell their products. They are able to reach a large customer base and do not have to spend much on advertising.

Global Domains International Business opportunity is the MLM program that offers a wonderful opportunity to sell a product that is highly in demand. Domains are ever so popular today and it is easy marketing domains. Almost everyone is on the look out for a domain for various purposes including business, service or even individuals.

As an affiliate of forum Global Domains International, you have the opportunity to earn smart income. This is possible by building your downline and spreading your network. However, in order to convince people to join as affiliates under you and sell domains, you need a good marketing strategy in place. There are various online marketing strategies that are effective. Forum marketing is one of them. Forum marketing is also referred to as organic marketing which can be made use of absolutely free of cost.

Though forums are not marketplaces and members often tend to get put off with any marketing efforts, it is possible to sell your products through Forum marketing if you go about it in the right manner. Before you introduce your products to the members, it is important to build a solid relationship based on respect, responsibility and commitment.

Make sure you take genuine interest in the topic of discussion and offer valuable suggestions and inputs. It is important to visit the forums where you are a member on a regular basis and interact proactively with the moderators and members and helping people when the necessity arises. As a member, follow the rules of the forum as this will ensure a good reputation and earn you the trust of other members.

Human nature entails that people like to do business with those whom they trust implicitly. It takes a long time and patience to build trust among your forum group members. Before you introduce the concept of Global International Domains to the members, ensure therefore that you are sufficiently familiar with all members and they all trust and respect you enough.

One this is achieved, the sign-ups and sales will smoothly follow. Gently introduce the topic by asking suggestive questions without being aggressive. Marketing your forums Global Domains International on forums is an excellent idea and is also free of cost. However, a heavy investment has to be made in the form of time, energy and patience. After all forums are platforms for interaction on a particular field of interest by like minded people. You need to wait for the right opportunity before you can introduce your ideas and products gently to the members. It is thus possible and very effective, but takes a lot of effort.

Recession Obsession - Fight Or Flight - Advice For International Businesses in the UK

International business can be more costly and more risky than domestic business, and never more so that when the "r" word - recession - is bandied around.

But pulling back from the UK market now, despite all the economic doom and gloom, might not be the best strategy.

The UK market has always been strategically important to Australian companies. It's never just been a "bigger market" for Australian companies. The UK offers companies an English-speaking gateway into Europe, it's a huge source of inwards investment, knowledge exchange and northern hemisphere partnerships. And Australian companies come here in their thousands.

In fact, it's estimated that there are more than 1 500 Australian companies with a physical presence in the UK, this represents the highest concentration of Australian businesses anywhere other than the United States.

Because of the strategic value of the UK market, Australian businesses that are already here need to think very carefully about abandoning ship. Once you pull out, it will take years to get back in, not to mention the potential spill over effect on any other northern hemisphere business.

But according to a Business Sales Report, in the last quarter of 2008, 2,428 firms were placed into corporate insolvencies. This was a 220% increase on the same quarter in 2007.

So with big name businesses closing down almost daily, unemployment soaring and trade finance hard to get, what choices do firms have?

Times are definitely tougher for firms, just about anywhere in the world at present and the UK is no different. But before Australian firms decide to up and leave the UK they need to investigate every other alternative option. If you pullout now it will take years to get back in once things look up and you may have lost a golden opportunity to steal market share from your competitors and show loyalty to your UK partners.

So what options might exist? Try to manage your inventories tightly, identify what savings can you make in energy, water or waste management, clearly identify your unprofitable customers and either up-sell them or make the decision to let them go, for your profitable customers be sure to service them very well. And think about how you can attract new customers through low cost e-marketing, partnering or perhaps a low cost diversification of your product that would attract a new market segment.

Importantly, and perhaps counter-intuitively, try not to fire people or cut back on your marketing spend.

As the pie gets smaller, you need to market heavily to protect your piece of the pie. This doesn't mean big stunts and crazy spends, but you need to keep communicating with your customers or they will assume you're not there. And you never know, as some of your competitors collapse there may be an opportunity to actually gain new customers.

And most importantly, if you can, try to maintain or increase your marketing spend. Business studies emerging from each of the recessionary cycles in the 70s,80's,90's and 2000's tend to show that those firms who are able to maintain or increase their marketing spend in recessionary cycles tend to enjoy increased sales during and after the recession, as well as greater market share than competitors who reduce or stop their marketing activities.

Lastly, as with all boom or bust cycles, there are new, different pockets of growth still occurring within the UK economy.

We are still getting good growth stories from Australian clients active in areas such goods and services into clean tech, security, education, government services, health, energy/water and waste efficiency, outsourcing services, and small niche luxury items.

Interestingly, many of the new growth areas coincide with areas of targeted fiscal stimulus or are the result of new market drivers.

For example, the increased focus on changing the regulatory controls on the financial industry, as a result of the financial crisis, has lead to good opportunities for security and compliance software providers like DTEX Systems. The need for greater delivery of e-government services, provides opportunities for companies like Neo Products.

Increased demand in the education sector due to the growth in the unemployment market is creating opportunities for e-content providers like Roar Educate.

And "Green" spend continues to remain strong, driven in part by a desire to reduce costs by finding ways to reduce energy, water and waste costs.

Firms like Closed Loop Recycling, provide food-grade recycled plastic for reprocessing by the packaging industry, are seeing good growth in their business as companies seek to decrease their waste and landfill costs, while also reducing their carbon footprint.

So remember, every cloud has a silver lining and as a result, for some firms, now may actually be a great time to attack the UK market. But, if you can't attack, at least think twice before retreating.