Gary shares current supply chain trends and how they are impacted by globalization.  Trade finance has become a increasingly important item to consider in global business to ensure an efficient supply chain.

The international marketplace is very dynamic and the current economy is making small to mid size businesses look at all their choices to ensure their imported and exported goods get t where they need to go without stopping cash flow for their businesses.

Gary does highlight the services UPS offers in this area which can be very helpful to integrate the three flows of global commerce

1.  Goods

2.  Information

3.  Funds

How are you financing your Global Supply Chain now?  What have you found to be the  most helpful?

Denise discusses the following global business issues:

1.  History of the Asian Pacific Region

2.  Why Immigrants are here in the U.S. doing business

3.  Cultural Differences/Sensitivity – great tips!

4. How the Asian Pacific population in the U.S. is growing and their incredible buying power

5.  Why a cultural specific chamber can help ease the international process

Take a listen to the interview for more great information!

Have you done business in Asia?  Any tips for success you can share?

This risk can be easily mitigated by just a few small preparations.  Jeremy Van Dam, Senior Director at Integrated Directives, Inc helps both government officials as well as civilian travelers have safer experiences when visiting or doing business globally.

Our discussion focused on security tactics on both a personal and physical(assets) level.

With tips like:

1.  Staying between the 3rd and 7th floors to prevent break ins and allowing for fire trucks to reach you in case of a fire emergency.

2.  Carrying important information on your body at all times via a zip drive.

3.  Understand your physical surroundings and landmarks.

I have traveled extensively and all of these tips are great for ensuring you have a safe, fun and great international travel experience.

What is the boy scout motto?  Always be prepared!

Our discussion focused on the following areas:

1.  Swine Flu – Reality of the situation and how the media has sensationalized and played on people’s fears.

2.  Drug trafficking – The history of the issue, who is at war and how the U.S. has played a significant role in this problem.

3.  Benefits of NAFTA

4.  Current Automotive recession and how this affects Mexico

5.  Tips to doing business in Mexico for the short term and in the future.

I also spoke with Vicente Sanchez, the Mexican Consul General for Michigan and parts of Ohio offline. He shared a few pieces of information on these issues.

1.  Mexico’s Fast Diagnosis – A New York Times Article

2.  Mexico’s Secretary of Health (in both Spanish and English)

Note: As with any flu season – please keep in mind you should wash your hands often, cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough (preferably with your arm/elbow area and not your hands which can spread the infection) and make sure your immune system is healthy by taking your vitamins and taking care of your health.

John’s personal experience growing up in the People’s Republic of China and now living as an American for two decades provides insight into the similarities and the differences in business and culture between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.

Specifically we talk about:

1. Shanghai Growth

2.  Education in China and the U.S.

3.  Tips for doing business

If you want to contact John you can at jogu@comcast.net.

We covered the following topics and trends:

• Computer Forensics Industry and growth of the field
• How businesses can protect their data
• Losses & Liabilities of NOT protecting your data
• Implementing a Security Plan
  • Compliance Standards
  • Understanding Risk
  • Governance
  • Having a Security Plan – People and Process
• Taking your business Global
  • Understanding international standards
  • Protecting your intellectual property

How are you protecting your personal, business and proprietary information?

Naren discusses global talent/expatriate job assignment challenges and preparedness, the current global economy challenges, the importance of India in the international marketplace, current trends and cultural tips.

Now more than ever manufacturers in China want to get their facilities to produce at their optimum production levels and the large companies have reduced their orders due to current economic condition.  This opens the door for smaller companies to negotiate better rates and fill the holes the left by big business.

Looking at global supply chain can be daunting but there are tools and companies that can help provide a bigger picture overview.

Fern was named one of the Top 100 Influential Hispanics in America and certainly helps us understand how important this segment of the U.S. is to global business today.

Her experience exporting service and knowledge based business provides a different spin to taking a business international.

Kevin Lasser, The CEO of Encryption Security Solutions (ESS) and Pure Entropy Technologies (PET) shares reasons why you should know how to protect yourself,  your company and your intellectual property when going into the global marketplace.

His experience as an entrepreneur and working with both the private and public sectors, including the Michigan Department of Homeland Security provides information to help you protect your business.

Global Risk Management is key to business success and Kevin discusses three concepts that are essential in the security of your information.  Including;

1.  Confidentiality

2.  Integrity

3.  Availability and Continuity

This interview is only the tip of the iceberg and is certainly NOT meant for the technologists, rather for the average business person who wants to learn more about Encryption and technologies that are available. I think we will be doing some additional interviews regarding this topic in the coming weeks.