The history of this holiday (my personal favorite) is much more detailed than that.

Many of our Christmas traditions came from many different non-Christian and non-American ways.

1.  The date is based on the Winter Solstice

2.  Christmas Trees and the Advent calendar came from Germany

3.  Christmas Cards came from England

4.  Santa Clause came from the Netherlands

5.  Gingerbread houses came from France

6.  The popular flowering plant Poinsettia came from Mexico

Knowing that this wonderful tradition has had so many global contributors makes the day even more meaningful and connected.   What other traditions and their origins do you know about?  Please post a comment below to share.

I hope you and your families have a fantastic and safe holiday season!

To learn more about this very interesting holiday please visit wikipedia.

In this discussion, we talked about the current state of the Auto Industry and how Ford is riding higher than GM and Chrysler these days and why. 

Scott talks about his teams efforts to use a clear social media strategy and the right tools in the right markets to spread the Ford message. 

I hope to have Scott back in the future to hear more about how his global social media strategy develops. 

To my listeners:  Do you have any tips/stories you would like about how social media can help take your business global?

The power of trade routes through the years has shifted from Asia, to Rome to the Arab world, to the western world.  Many land discoveries were accidental benefits of the global business spice trade.   I would venture to say, even the U.S. was found trying to find a better trade route to India.  

Thomas Friedman talks about the world being flat…not a “new” notion.  Globalization just becoming a reality over the last 10 years…is completely false.  Being interconnected with other countries has been a part of the fabric of humanity for hundreds of years.

I say, spice it up and live a little.  Join the global business fun.

As much as I would like every American to have ties with international companies and people, I realize that small to mid size businesses cannot jump before the look.  Now more than ever you need a pragmatic lens to look at how your company could benefit from taking your business to the international marketplace.

Three things to think about:

1.  Do you need diversification?  If all your eggs are in your local market’s basket - you will be hurting soon if not now with the current economic downturn now officially called a recession.

2.  Do you have the time, capital and adventurous spirit to venture overseas?  Taking your business global is not something that happens overnight.  How long did it take you to build your business in the States? 

3.  Is there market demand for your product in other countries?  Maybe our market has slowed down but some of the emerging countries like Brazil, Russia, India and China may have a high demand for your service or product.  Why not give them what they want?

If you want to go global - you don’t need to do everything today.  But I would highly suggest doing the research, creating the relationships and finding the resources so that once you are ready you can pull the trigger. 

The economy will rebound…your work now will be the difference in if you will walk or run out of the gate.

In this interview with Yannick Greiner, Director of International Sales and Durakon Industries, we discuss the rising strength of the U.S. Dollar, the G20 meeting, and the importance of the BRIC countries, Brazil, Russia, India and China in today’s global business marketplace.

Taking your business global still makes sense as diversification is more important now than ever.

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This interview with Mr. Epshteyn the President of Nova Shipping, is very informative for those readers who are interested in shipping their products overseas.  His international and educational background are fascinating.  He speaks 5 languages and has both a Masters in Science and a MBA.

If you are looking to export your products globally than knowing about freight forwarding and shipping essentials are a must.  Epshteyn helps you get started.

My vote, which only took about 5 minutes to cast, was the culmination of following this election for almost two years, reading articles, the candidates books, watching biographies and debates (not to mention being inundated with the political commercials, calls and canvassers) .  I was becoming a political junkie.  I got involved, I attended rallies, started conversations with folks and was part of the grass roots movement in this election process.  I believed so much in the power of a man and his vision for our country.

I cannot remember being more interested in an election than this one.  I have been so disappointed with the Bush government and the eroding foreign relations policies.  I struggled to believe in the direction of my country even though I believed in the people. 

I rushed home from work to sit in front of the TV and computer to get as many perspectives on what was happening as the votes came rolling in.  From CNN, BBC, Fox, MSNBC, Twitter and the New York times…I was hooked. 

I hoped and prayed that it would really happen…that the man I had come to know so well and had inspired so many… would actually become the next President of the United States of America.  Was it really possible?  There were so many concerns that the negative ads would actually sway people and I feared that the Bradley Effect was still a reality in 2008. 

Last night at 11:00 EST - my faith in my country, my government and my neighbors was restored.  Despite our differences, our past and a really long and arduous election process - I believe a true leader emerged.  I wept for nearly an hour as I watched history in the making.  I was in awe of the moment…the visuals of the rainbow of people celebrating and the clear indication that this was not a narrow win.

The ripple effects of this election will be sweeping.  From the young African American boy who wants to be president when he grows up and knows now that it is possible.  To the immigrants who come to this country for opportunity and see a second generation Harvard educated man become the most powerful person in the United States and possibly the world.  To how the world views us - they watch us so closely, we now have an opportunity to lead. 

We are changed.  And I am so grateful.

I know that the impact of this momentous occasion will not truly be known for many years to come and Obama’s job is not an easy one but for the first time in a long time…I am truly proud to be an American. 

Be sure to check out the interactive graphic that breaks down international spending on the following global business areas:

1.  Clothing and Footwear

2.  Electronics

3.  Alcohol and Tobacco

4.  Household Goods

5.  Recreation

You can roll over each geographic area to see total spending figures. 

If your company provides one of the products mentioned above than this is a must read article to add to your market research. 

An Export Management Company will act as your very own export department.  They often times specialize in specific industries or products and in certain markets.  They are the ones who conduct market research and have the men on the ground to find you foreign representatives or distributors.  An Export Trade Company acts as an agent between the buyer and the seller.  This approach eliminates many of the risks that come with exporting as the trade company assumes the risks.

There are many ways you can penetrate international markets.  Below are four easy ways to get started.

1.  Feature your company on the Department of U.S. Commercial Services Websites.

2.  Advertise in periodicals such as Commercial News USA.

3.  Exhibit at Trade Shows

4.  Participate in trade missions to the market you are considering doing business in