ABP International Inc. announces new VoIP division 'ABP Technology Partners' to focus on ISP, IT and Telephony Reseller Markets.

Dallas, TX January 24, 2003 ABP International, Inc. a technology marketing and International business development company today announced the launch of a new business unit, ABP Technology Partners www.abptech.com to focus on the new VoIP market both in the ITSP / Emerging Carrier space and in the IT and Telephony reseller market.ABP has years of experience marketing international products in focused vertical niches which the company intends to leverage to advance the deployment of IP based Voice solutions based on open standards. ABP Technology Partners has put together a team of state of the art vendors and provides an end-to-end solution and provides a defacto one-stop VoIP solution.As a single source supplier we offer ISPs a fast, secure, and low-cost entry path to deploying VoIP services and provide systems integrators and resellers products that adhere to open standards - offering vendor independence and interoperability. Most of our solutions are SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) based, a new protocol for VoIP communications and Telephony which offers partners and service providers unprecedented power and flexibility to intermesh communications with application based intelligence and build very distinguishable solutions with unique combinations of features and services. Robert Messer " President of ABP InternationalABP Technology Partners will be exhibiting a complete suite of products covering snom technology's VoIP phones, SIP Server, Media Server, AudioCodes Gateway products, Ingate and Intertex SIP firewalls and Customer Premise controllers, as well as D-Tac's ISP/ITSP integrated billing solution among others.Now that the technology is getting to the maturity point at which today's service providers can no longer ignore it, SIP has taken the lead role as the VoIP standard that allows the integrator and partners to participate in the design and create their own solutions based services. The ISP market already understands this, and is looking very seriously at the opportunities open standards based IP phones and the snom 4S SIP Server and Softswitch can offer their customer base. snom is a technology leader in open standards based VoIP systems and IP phones. But technology is not enough "our VIA partners complement our product portfolio, and business development and VoIP focused global distribution partners, like ABP our keys to our success. Nicolas Pohland " Executive Director of snom technology AG Rich Tehrani " President of TMC and the Conference Co-Chairman of Internet Telephony Conference and Expo in Miami says The emergence of a player like ABP Technology Partners in this space is another signal to the service provider and reseller market that VoIP technology is a mature technology worth deploying in their networks... The standards are now in place and voice over IP quality has proven itself over the years. We are very pleased to see the market evolving to a point where companies like ABP Technology Partners provide the reseller channel and ultimately service providers an easy and inexpensive way to take advantage of the many benefits IP telephony has to offer.About snom technology AGsnom is a recognized technology leader in the area of VoIP phones, with a particular focus on SIP. Founded in 1996 and based in Berlin, the company has constantly pursued a commitment to innovation, open standards and SIP. snom is a customer-oriented company producing state of the art, affordable VoIP phones with a high cost-performance ratio and a range of practical SIP applications for business. For further information visit www.snom.de or contact Maria Schnake+49 (0) 30 398 330 or email: press@snom.deAbout TMCCelebrating 30 years as a leading technology publisher, Technology Marketing Corporation (TMC) produces industry-leading trade magazines and events focused on technology and communications. TMC publishes two magazines: Customer Inter@ction Solutions, and Internet Telephony, and the online publications, TMCnet.com, Planet PDA Magazine, Alternative Power and BiometriTechTM. TMC is also the first publisher to test new products in its own on-site laboratories, TMC Labs, and provide factual and unbiased product reviews. TMC also produces The Global Call Center Outsourcing Summit, BiometriTech and Planet PDA: The Enterprise PDA Event. TMCnet.com publishes more than 25 topical online newsletters. For more information about TMC, visit its Web site at www.tmcnet.com About ABP International, Inc.ABP International, Inc. is a technology marketing company that specializes in IT, Infrastructure security and telecommunications products. The company offers software and equipment manufacturers a full range of International consulting and market development services.ABP also provides full International distribution services including fulfillment, financing, foreign language tech-support and order processing through its division ABP Technology Partners. ABP Technology Partners focus on core product portfolios like VoIP and secure remote Infrastructure monitoring and management. ABP International, Inc. is based in Dallas, Texas and has a sales organization that covers the US, Mexico and Latin America. For additional information on ABP International, Inc. visit www.abptech.com or call 972-831-0280

Ten Day US Business Impacts Soar as Fear Shifts to Labor Productivity and Trade Corridor Capacity

The 10-day Los Angeles and Long Beach ports shutdown cost the United States $5 Billion dollars, said Senior Vice President Wally Baker, Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). That doesn't count lost wages, taxes and the other disruption costs.Baker says according to new figures that are based on the Orange North-American Trade Rail Access Corridor (OnTrac) Trade Impact Study $2.3 billion or nearly half of the total10-day labor dispute costs were recorded in California. This is probably the worst time to have a labor dispute in the harbor with the holidays just around the corner, said Baker. The Christmas volume going through the ports this time of the year means we will soon have congestion on many of our nation's already overtaxed rail corridors systems, too. Further labor slowdowns will only make matters worse.According to another study the LAEDC completed earlier this year the LA basin rail capacity out of Los Angeles to the East Coast will soon reach maximum capacity in the next three to five years. There is just not that much extra capacity out there, says Baker.The OnTrac study, commissioned last year by the OnTrac Joint Powers Authority, mapped products throughout the country by Congressional District. The data (www.MayoCommunications.com) shows every Congressional member benefits from and is also impacted by the products that go through the corridors and ports in the Los Angeles basin. We have a strong economy in Southern California with a huge consumer base and this shutdown shows that we saw 37% of the national impact in LA County just from the ports of LA and Long Beach, said Ken Ackbarali, vice president and managing director of Economic Consulting, at LAEDC. The OnTrac Trade Impact Study was designed to help members of Congress better understand why corridors and ports are important and cannot be separated from their economic benefits. Ackbarali added, Certainly, the focus of the West Coast labor dispute will shift to our rail corridors now and show some of the capacity problems that must be addressed.The study also reveals that even the US Treasury is quite dependent on the revenue generated by the local rail corridors and ports. About $7 billion annually or 45% percent of all US customs revenues are assessed on products that go through the LA Basin ports and corridors each day. Additionally, Los Angeles County recorded a business interruption cost of $2.0 billion for the 10-day work stoppage. In the Southern California economy, the study also shows that about $88 billion of trade flows through the region annually just from the two ports.The study also reveals that LA local ports and trade corridors deliver more than $196 billion annually or $537 million per day of products and commodities in every part of the country. The study looked only at cargo that went through LA area corridors and ports in 2000. Here are the 50 States that show annual benefits and the cost of the 10-day labor stoppage:All dollars are expressed in millions of year 2000 dollars.(Millions of $)In & Out to/from10-day ImpactStateLA/LB Ports LA/LB Port closureUS$196,374.6$5,380.1California$92,815.5$2,542.9New York$15,962.2$437.3Texas$11,827.5$324.0Illinois$11,748.5$321.9New Jersey$10,747.6$294.5Tennessee$4,667.8$127.9Michigan$3,602.7$98.7Georgia$3,544.7$97.1Ohio$3,475.0$95.2Arizona$3,259.9$89.3Missouri$3,128.0$85.7Minnesota$3,092.4$84.7Massachusetts$2,817.5$77.2Indiana$2,597.5$71.2Florida$2,053.1$56.2Pennsylvania$2,022.0$55.4Kentucky$1,784.8$48.9Washington$1,743.1$47.8North Carolina$1,599.9$43.8Wisconsin$1,480.7$40.6South Carolina$1,387.5$38.0Colorado$1,231.6$33.7Kansas$984.8$27.0Alabama$865.0$23.7Virginia$847.2$23.2Connecticut$806.8$22.1Arkansas$707.7$19.4Nebraska$695.9$19.1Louisiana$680.9$18.7Maryland$486.6$13.3Utah$483.3$13.2Mississippi$452.1$12.4Oregon$422.1$11.6South Dakota$373.6$10.2Iowa $366.4$10.0(Millions of $)In & Out to/from10-day Impact State LA/LB Ports lA/LB Port closureWest Virginia$337.8$9.3Oklahoma$299.1$8.2Rhode Island$276.3$7.6Nevada$136.3$3.7Delaware$132.8$3.6District of Columbia$115.6$3.2New Hampshire$98.8$2.7Maine$86.3$2.4New Mexico$31.6$0.9Hawaii$30.5$0.8Idaho$24.5$0.7Vermont$15.5$0.4Alaska$9.5$0.3Montana$7.9$0.2Wyoming$5.4$0.1North Dakota$5.0$0.1Note: Figures include data for ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach onlySources: OnTrac Trade Impact Study; October 2002 BST Associates (Bothell, Washington)Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.International Trade, via Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports, and East Coast Trade Corridors for selected Southern California Regions (Year 2000 dollars.))RegionCong. Dist.Total($ Billions)10-day impact ($ Millions) Total LA/LB Ports($ BillionsLos Angeles County$51.1$73.0$2,000Orange County$270$6.9$9.9Riverside/San Bernardino$1.7$2.4$70San Diego/Imperial County$1.2$1.7$50Santa Barbara/Ventura/ San Luis Obispo$0.6$0.8$20Southern California Total$61.5 $87.8 $2,410Northern & Central CA. $3.1$5.0$133California Total Impact$64.6$92.8$2,543Note:Figures include data for Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach only.Sources:OnTrac Trade Impact Study; October 2002BST Associates (Bothell, Washington)Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp.The LAEDC's results being released this week (Oct. 10, 2002) are from a yearlong study for the OnTrac Joint Powers Authority. LAEDC collaborated with BST Associates on this study due to the firm's vast knowledge of port and corridor issues. The LAEDC and OnTrac JPA have also worked closely and received a great deal of assistance from the Port of Long Beach, said Ackbarali.For more details and background on OnTrac visit http://www.ontrac-jpa.org/ and for a breakdown of the study visit www.MayoCommunications.com. For interviews call Aida Mayo, MAYO Communications, 818.340.5300 or 818.618.9226or Wally Baker, LAEDC at 213.236.4812, Ken Ackbarali, LAEDC, 213.236.4816, or Jack Kyser, LAEDC, 213.236.4820 or George Young, George Young & Associates at 310.822.0370. For more details on the products flowing in and out the L.A. and Long Beach Portscontact MAYO Communications at 818.340.5300 or extremepr@MayoCommunications.com. ##

The Foreign-Trade Zones Program as a Local Economic Development Tool

MOBILE, AL August, 2003 -- The article by Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation's Greg Jones, Foreign-Trade Zones: Using a Federal Trade Program as a Local Economic Development Tool, appears in the Summer, 2003 issue of Trade and Industry Development (www.tradeandindustrydev.com). The article touches upon the unique strengths of this federal program that involves the participation of both public and private sector entities.U.S.-based companies use the FTZ program to increase their cost-effectiveness in international trade. As Zone users become more competitive with producers overseas, jobs are created at home while local suppliers and vendors maintain their geographical advantage. The resulting increase in economic activity supports the tax base for the local government, which is then reflected in the community's infrastructure. New or improvements to roads, schools, hospitals and public services are just a few of the economic benefits to communities where an FTZ is located.Greg Jones is a principal of the Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation " Zone Project Administrators and consultants for 8 Zone projects in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee. Greg specializes in integrating business-oriented FTZ procedures into the operations of companies that use Zone procedures for manufacturing and distribution operations, and in helping communities establish FTZ projects. He has been an active member of the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones since 1987 and served as its president from 1993 to 1995. In October 2000, Greg was designated by the NAFTZ as an Honorary Life Member.The Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation is a service provider offering FTZ cost-benefit analyses, applications, boundary modifications, assistance in designing and creating Zone projects, training, and Foreign-Trade Zone software.-end-CONTACT: Sara L. Dellinger, Foreign-Trade Zone Corporation+1-251-471-6725sara_ftzcorp@themail.comWeb site: http://www.ftzcorp.com/

Trade Leads Distribution With RSS

Traders from around the globe come to the Import-Export-Guide.com portal to post their trade leads - their requirements for products they want to buy and details of the products they have to sell. New trade leads are added all the time and it's important that traders can easily and quickly find out what new requirements and product offers are posted.Most traders are busy people with lots to do. Not really wanting to add to their burden of websites to visit, we decided it would be best to find a simple method of alerting our members about the latest trade leads.RSS (Really Simple Syndication) was the perfect solution.RSS RSS is an XML format originally developed by Netscape as a way of aggregating or combining the headlines of various news-type sites for display on a portal site. It has been through a few versions, the most current being RSS 2.0 which we used on this project.As well as being used by many news sites, the format is popular among the blogging community as it allows them to easily distribute the content of their blogs.The advantages of using an RSS feed include: It is simple to implement The feed can be easily added to desktop or web-based readers It displays the latest content from your site It includes links back to your site It helps drive targeted visitors to your site Creating The XML File The format of an RSS file is very simple.At its most basic it contains (within the main tags) a 'title', a 'link' and a 'description' tag followed by a series of 'item' tags.Each 'item' tag, representing a unique news or data article, contains at least 3 other tags - one each for the article's title, a link to the article and a description of the article.Generating the RSS file is simply a case of extracting the relevant data from the database, building it up to match the template above and saving the resulting file on the server. Any of the popular scripting languages can be used for this process.Our feed can be viewed here: http://www.import-export-guide.com/trade/leadsfeed.xml.Using Our RSS Feed You can't comfortably read the contents of a feed by looking at the raw file in a browser. To do that you need a news aggregator program.Aggregators let you include all your favourite feeds so that you end up with a page containing only content that interests you - headlines, quote of the day, weather, stocks, interest rates - you name it.Popular aggregators include FeedDemon (a desktop application) and Bloglines (web-based). My MSN, My Yahoo! and Google accounts all come with news aggregation facilities.Alternatively, if you are a website owner and want to include the feed contents on one of your site's pages you can either parse the file using a ASP, PHP or similar or there are JavaScript programs that can do this for you.Conclusion Our main reason for building the feed was to benefit our current members. But by syndicating the feed on the many RSS syndication sites we will be able attract many other visitors who would not otherwise have known about our site.Any content which is frequently updated and which can be packaged into separate items is suitable for creating an RSS feed. Hopefully this article will give other webmasters ideas for feeds to benefit their users and the wider Internet community.Rob Henderson, Import-Export-Guide.comImport-Export-Guide.com is an independent company that provides information and solutions for importers, exporters, trading companies, trading consultants and others involved in international trade. For more information and to register on the trade portal visit http://www.import-export-guide.com/trade.

Funding International And Overseas Businesses Through A Loan

International trade is one of the best ways to better your company?s bottom line, but breaking into an international market requires time as well as resources. You need to do a thorough research into the feasibility of selling to a particular local market, as well as scout for funds. This article discusses some ways to finance overseas business. International Trade Loans: The Small Business Administration in the US has many funding programs for businesses that want to break into the international market. You can borrow loans for investing in real estate or equipments from the SBA. Export Working Capital Program: Export capital working program help you translate your export ideas into reality. The program finances labor and supplies, and finances the receivables generated from the retailing of these materials. Confirming Houses: Confirming houses are lending institutions that finance small businesses by lending money in addition to what banks may lend. The services of confirming houses are generally related to cash loans and letter of credits to those who wish to open an office overseas. Confirming houses are also useful in helping in transportation, and provide transportation costs on a per project basis. Confirming houses should not be your primary source of funding, but they can help in smaller matters like rentals, moving goods to another location etc. Apart from interest on the loan provided, confirming houses also require some sort of fee. Invoice Discounting: Through the invoice discounting facility, financiers can buy and discount trade debts of corporations. The credit is lent based on receivables, not assets of the corporation. Invoice discounting is an ideal way of getting short-term loans. The loan is sanctioned almost immediately, making it a great source of funds when you need funds immediately. The amount you can borrow under invoice discount depends on sales volume. Factoring: Another source of funds for overseas business is factoring. Factoring refers to purchase of company?s receivable by the purchaser as soon as possible. This creates a continuous cash flow. The major advantage of factoring is that while the purchaser is responsible for the credits to the company, he or she does not interfere in the management of the company. Unlike other kinds of financing, factoring does not involve loans, but direct purchasing of receivables to provide funds to the company. These are just some ways to finance international trade ventures; you can also look into the possibility of grants, venture capital and joint ventures with local companies. If you need more information on how to fund international trade and overseas business, you can consult a small business advisor.

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Trade Leads - Business In An International Market

Billions of dollars worth of international trade is carried out every day, much of it by small businesses, importing and exporting products from and to their counterparts in other nations. As with every type of business an important task is locating people who will lead you to a signed contract - your trade leads.Traditionally, businesses have found their international leads by attending trade shows in the target country. But this is an expensive and time-consuming way to find leads and besides, attending a show in a foreign country can be quite daunting.Fortunately there is a great alternative to attending numerous trade shows - a substantial amount of import-export trade is now carried out online via B2B (Business To Business) trade portals.B2B Trade Portals These are websites that facilitate the exchange of goods and services between businesses. Our trade portal at http://www.import-export-guide.com/trade is an example of such a site.All kinds of products are being traded online between people from many different countries. On our portal we have members from Brazil, China, USA, Yugoslavia, Egypt Australia - every continent is represented. And the products they post are just as diverse - shoes, water coolers, gas, fibreglass insect screens, platinized anodes (whatever those are!).Typically on an online portal you will be able to communicate with the originators of trade leads, submit details of your company and its contact details, upload images of your products and post your own trade leads.Whilst all kinds are requirements can be posted on trade portals, including those for services, partnerships and others, the two most important types of trade leads are 'Buy' Leads and 'Sell' Leads.Buy Leads These are the posts you place when you have a need for a certain product. Make sure you are clear about what you require Describe the quantity, quality and size of the products you need Mention if there are any shipping restrictions or pricing requirements The more information you supply the more targeted will be the response you receive Remember you are not obliged to reply to all contacts. But if someone has taken the time and effort to prepare a good proposal then it does no harm to respond Sell Leads These are the posts you place to inform buyers of the goods you have available to sell. As with the Buy Leads, the more information you give about the products the better and more targeted the response will be Use an informative subject heading - if the subject doesn't seem to apply to a buyer they won't be bothered to read your lead You are dealing with an international market so use clear simple language - no jargon, no exaggeration, no hype Respond promptly to all reasonable enquiries If the facility exists on the portal to mention your company use it to establish your credibility Security Without a doubt many conmen and charlatans frequent online trade portals but there are steps you can take to protect yourself from such people: Don't respond to any suspicious contact or any that is obviously spam - if you show you are willing to listen they will do everything they can to take advantage Once you've made contact with a potential buyer or supplier, check out their credentials, convince yourself they are a respectable business: Take a look at their company website Find out who they've done business with in the past Ask if they have past clients from your own country Investigate their credit worthiness Use a Letter of Credit (L/C) - this is issued by a bank and guarantees payment to the Seller when all the terms and conditions of the trade are met. It protects both the Buyer and the Seller The Buyer will only part with money if the terms and conditions are met The Seller will always get his money if the terms and conditions are met There's a lot of money to be made in import-export and you don't have to travel far to make it. Whether you're looking for novel foreign goods to sell in your country or there's greater profit to be had selling your products overseas, you can find all the prospects you need simply by visiting an online trade portal.Rob Henderson, Import-Export-Guide.comImport-Export-Guide.com is an independent company that provides information and solutions for importers, exporters, trading companies, trading consultants and others involved in international trade. For more information and to register on the trade portal visit http://www.import-export-guide.com/trade.

Global Wizard -- Web-Based Trade Document Generation and Compliance Software Debuts at DC Expo, May 21-22.

St. Louis. Missouri, Friday, May 9, 2003 /PR Web/ -" Envision, an Internet application development and software integration consultancy, and Exits Inc., a respected international export document software and trade advisory company, today announced plans to officially launch Global Wizard, a new web-based export document generation and compliance software application suite, at the DC Expo in Chicago on May 21-22. "We are pleased to introduce Global Wizard, a web-based trade document generation and compliance software application, at DC Expo. As the largest exhibition and conference of Information Technology for Logistics, Distribution, Transportation, Warehousing, Supply Chain Management, and e-Business applications in the country, DC Expo provides the proper venue to introduce this robust export application suite said Steve Lowy, Chairman of Envision. "The hourly updating of the denied persons listing and expanded document requirement database of over 200 countries are critical product components of Global Wizard, with the increased regulatory concentration on security and compliance for global shippers, said Norm Smith, President of Exits, Inc. We feel strongly that the web-based model offers the greatest value to fill the gap between small and large global traders. Companies can realize the benefits of quick start-up, worldwide document delivery via the Internet, cost savings and operational efficiencies, an established trade product, technical and network support staff, and avoidance of capital expenditures for infrastructure and hardware, said Ed Walsh, Executive Vice President of Exits Inc. Our partnership further enhances the value of Global Wizard with outstanding support from both business and technical perspectives to meet the specific needs of customers. With the combined expertise, this hosted software application can be customized and integrated with many other shipping applications, ERP systems, and databases, said Mr. Lowy.About Exits, Inc. Exits, Inc. offers flexible solutions to prepare complex export trade and transportation documentation. Incorporated in Connecticut in 1993, the company's goal is to provide affordable export documentation and advisory software to the international business community. The software development is directed by three general managers who have over 80 years of practical experience involving international trade, customs regulations, banking, distribution logistics, computer and network technology. This international business experience has been incorporated with the latest computer technology to develop the Exits, Inc. suite of software products and services for global trade. Exits can be contacted at 1-203-396-0022 or at www.exitsinc.com.About EnvisionEnvision is the technology solutions partner for Exits Global Wizard. Headquartered in St. Louis, Envision was founded in 1983 and has provided high quality IT services for twenty years. Today, Envision is a leading Internet application development, integration services, and software product company with a large Web development consultancy. Envision combines deep expertise in the latest technologies with practical business experience, always paying close attention to the customer's business needs. Envision can be contacted in the U.S. at 1-800-438-7721 or at www.envision.com.

The Trouble About International Advice

There is no better way to raise the collective blood pressure of an organization than to encounter all sorts of unexpected problems associated with international expansion. If the world is becoming a smaller place, then how is it that many firms still continue to experience unexpected jolts and bumps along the way? Like the proverbial pedestrian who walks straight into a lamppost that is plain for all to see, executives then ask themselves why they didn't see this coming. "Perhaps we should have taken advice after all" they tell themselves, "but then again, we sought counsel, and take the view that no advice is better than bad advice!"In the post-Enron world this dilemma is a perfectly natural response for a firm that is finding its way on the international stage. Executives realize on the one hand that they cannot afford to go it alone, but on the other hand remain ambivalent about the quality of advice they receive. The recent scandals of Big Business in corporate North America have filtered their way down to the realm of small to mid size companies the world over, stoking the engine of client skepticism and rage. Consultants continue to bear the image and reputation of borrowing your watch to tell you the time and then walking away with it. Lawyers, accountants and tax advisors are called to account on the high fees that are charged, and of trying to be all things to all men. Economic and international trade advisors are called to question, either because they are perceived as failed businessmen, or because they simply don't have the relevant and necessary experience.Shortsightedness can occur easily when a company decides that it can go it alone, and that it knows best. This will in turn create a problem that will give executives really something to worry about on the international stage - the prospect of failure. Neither will you have all the facts and options at your disposal, nor will you have an external sounding board that can tell you how things look from the other side of the fence.Ultimately then, the success of a company going international is best served by a strong culture that openly welcomes external counsel at the outset, and follows basic principles regarding how to go about obtaining that advice:1.Trust: Good advice starts with those you know and trust. Work your network and spot the international talent that can help you.2.Focus on ROI: Expensive international advice is not necessarily the best international advice. Pay by results if you can, rather than time. 3.Challenge: If you are seeking international advice, then by default, the person in front of you will have the right credentials. Even if you are taking on the services of a consultancy or trade advisor, you have a right to challenge the background, experience and qualifications of the person in front of you. If in doubt, move on and spend your investment money elsewhere.4.Segment: Be wary of the hallowed oracle! Break down the advice and guidance you need into its lowest element and closely match the type of advisor to your problem. There is a tendency to expect all the answers from one single advisor, such as an accountants, lawyers and consultants - they are not able to do that, even if they say they can, at least not on the international level.5.Work around the problem: Public organizations are often slammed hard with the phrase - "pay peanuts and you get monkeys". This is a weak excuse for not using these organizations. They have been established with public money to help you, and generally provide a good infrastructure. Throw caution to the wind and find out from your OWN experience. If you then have an issue with either an individual or the quality of advice you have received, voice the issue at a higher level - there will be somebody within the organization tasked with putting solving the problem.With the rising pressure on firms worldwide to look beyond their domestic borders, buyers will become increasingly relentless in their quest for top quality counsel and information. That means that advisors in every field of expertise will need to continuously demonstrate their own knowledge, resources, experience and commitment to providing good international advice.As all in the advisory fraternity agree in the aftermath of the Enron scandal, it unfortunately only takes a small element to sour the reputation of the rest of the community who have worked hard to earn that trust. Moving forward, advisors in whatever capacity may wish to consider the following:1.Know your limits: There is no better way to build credibility than by saying: I can't help you, but I know somebody who can. If you really don't think you have the expertise, don't do it. Refer the business.2.Form alliances: If you are building an international capability into your existing advisory or consulting practice, then start by forming alliances, so that areas of expertise can be cross-referred, even on a finder's commission basis.3.Recruit experienced individuals: Advisors increasingly need to show their strong international and commercial background. That means having in place budgets for attracting, motivating and retaining top quality individuals into organizations who are uniquely familiar with the international challenges and issues of the area they are advising. 4.Performance and measurement: Ensure that you have a quantitative, results-based infrastructure in place. This infrastructure should not only recognize the efforts of your best advisors, but will also weed out those few mediocre unresponsive individuals intent on riding on the back of the rest.5.Avoid complacency: The world changes rapidly. So does information. Stay on top of your field of expertise.6.Give it to them in a language they can understand: Advice needs to be delivered in a way that is easily translatable into everyday, practical situations. Don't give clients an excuse to see your hard-earned work end up on a bookshelf collecting dust.7.Consider your options: Finally, to those very few who enter the field without the proper background and experience, or who are not taking their role that seriously, you are not only doing yourself a disservice, but also those of your advisory fraternity. Frankly, you should consider a career in landscape design.In summary, an indication of the strength of an executive's commitment to international success is his ongoing determination to continue seeking external counsel, realizing that not all advisors can be tarred with the same brush.The mountaineering and sports clothing manufacturer Berghaus sums it all up in a recent advertising campaign. A photo showing world famous climber Chris Bonnington reaching the summit carries a great strap-line - "Trust is earned!" International advisors in pretty much every capacity face a steep climb as it is. If we are to encourage firms to continue relying on external advice, let's not allow the a few misfits to spoil it for the rest of us who have worked so hard to earn that trust.

International Marketing

Before you consider entering into the international market, do as much research as you can. It is a whole new world outside the U.S., and it is very easy to make a fatal mistake. The following are just some of the marketing areas that must be considered.The market entry requirements or barriers to entry. Social or religious limitations that may affect your business. For example, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas had to rebuild its multi-million dollar entrance that was a tiger's mouth, because it was offensive to Chinese customers.International demographics will undoubtedly be much different from your domestic market. You also need to know the exact market size and be able to conduct effective international market segmentation and international positioning. This will require you to know the current market, market statistics, and market history.You must have affordable media strategies for consumer or business-to-business marketing. You need to know about the licensing requirements. You have to find appropriate and affordable channels of distribution within the foreign market that can deliver your product where and when you want it delivered.You may not have protection of intellectual property in foreign markets (copyright, trademark), and that could be a costly problem. You must carefully examine your product or service to determine whether there is a profitable international market. Your calculations of cost of goods sold or cost of sales, pricing, and revenue potential must be accurate in the international market.Consider whether there are available or a lack of local resources. Also, can you secure enforceable contracts with customers, vendors, and distributors in the foreign market. You need to consider stfing, training, and labor laws in the area. For example, there are very strict labor laws in Europe which make it very difficult to terminate an employee.You must prepare and effective marketing collateral and global branding strategy. For example, GMC had to change the name of the car named NOVA in Mexico, because NOVA translated to "no go." Obviously, that was not a good name for a car.Learn about international distribution agreements that must comply with foreign laws. Find out if you will need to localize you product or service to make it marketable in the foreign market. Localization is often required in U.S. markets also. For example, Wal-mart had to build horse barns for its store located in the Amish district of Pennsylvania so that Amish customer had a safe place for their horses and wagons while they shopped.There are other local customs, cultural idiosyncrasies, and mannerisms that must be observed in foreign business. Otherwise you may offend people, and they will not want to do business with you. These cultural diffences will probably be apparent in the negotiating styles. There may even be cultural differences about shaking hands or making eye contact. Also, many other cultures know about American history, and they are insulted if you know nothing about their history.In additional to the marketing concerns, there are larger concerns about the government and monetary policies in the foreign market you are considering such as:Gross domestic product growth Per capita income Foreign trade risk factors Monetary policies Trade policies Foreign investment policies Economic growth Political attitude toward U.S. business Government stability Customs regulations for imports and exports Tariffs Many documents used in international tradeThe are so many complicated issues involved in international marketing that they cannot all be addressed here. It is strongly recommended that anyone considering international marketing try to learn as much as possible about business in the foreign market, and hire an international business consultant that has many years experience in that market. To start that process, the following is a list of some good sources of information:Embassies http://www.empage.org/index.html www.embassy.orgDepartment of State http://travel.state.gov Bureau of Consular Affairs American Citizen Services Ph: (202) 647-1488, (202) 647-5225http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html Ph: (202) 663-1225www.stat-usa.gov National Trade Data Bank Ph: (202) 482-1986http://www.state.gov/www/background_notes/ U. S. State Department Background NotesDepartment of Commerce www.ita.doc.gov International Trade AdministrationCentral Intelligence Agency http://www.odci.gov/ciz/publications/bactbook/index.htmlThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.dcd.govThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce http://www.uschamber.orgThe U.S. Census Bureau http://www.census.gov The Library of Congress http://www.loc.govInternational Electrical Adaptors and Telephone/Modem Adaptors, Magellans' Travel Supplies http://magellan.com/getcustomsDun & Bradstreet http://www.getcustoms.comCopyright 2006. Indigo Business Solutions is a registered trade name. The future of your business starts here.About the authorJo Ann Joy, Esq., MBA, CEO Indigo Business SolutionsYou may contact Jo Ann by phone at (602) 663-7007, by fax at (602) 324-7582, by email at joannjoy@Indigo Business Solutions.net, and by mail at 2313 East Ocotillo Road, Phoenix, AZ 85016For more information about these and other important business topics and for legal consultation, please visit our website at http://www.IndigoBusinessSolutions.netJo Ann Joy is the CEO and owner of Indigo Business Solutions, a legal and business consulting firm. Indigo Business Solutions is a "one stop shop" for small businesses. We differ from other business consulting firms, because we offer comprehensive legal and business counseling. We can offer most of the professional services that a business requires. We work with our clients to develop strategies that create value and competitive advantage.Jo Ann has a law degree, an MBA, and a degree in Economics, but she is not a traditional attorney. Rather, she is a strategic business attorney who works closely with clients to create and implement strategies that will greatly improve their performance and chance of success. Her background includes commercial and real estate law, accounting, financial planning, mortgages, marketing, product development, banking, and business strategies. She ran a successful business for 10 years, and she has written and given presentations on many different legal and business subjects.

Top 7 Ways to Profit from Foreign Trade

Here are seven excellent ways to earn income from international trade.1. Importing: Retail store owners can find additional products to sell from foreign manufacturers, distributors, and other suppliers. You may even decide to go exclusively into the import business and become a wholesale distributor.2. Exporting: Manufacturers can find new customers for their products in foreign countries. You could also become an Export Management Agent. Arrange for other domestic companies to sell their products to foreign corporations and earn a commission.3. Licensing: Consider becoming a licensing agent. Earn royalties by arranging for foreign corporations to manufacture and sell the products of domestic companies.4. Finder`s Fees: You can earn fees from domestic companies for finding foreign buyers (or for finding suitable imports from foreign suppliers). You can also earn fees from foreign companies for finding domestic corporations that will buy their products (or for finding suitable suppliers and products from domestic corporations).5. Drop Shipping: Visualize receiving an order from a customer based in a foreign country and not having to be bothered with shipping and handling the product. No customs declarations or brokers are required by you. This is because your drop ship supplier is handling those details.6. Mail Order: Add a mail order service to your existing business operation. Manufacturers, retail stores, and other businesses can increase their sales by using this additional method of selling that is very conducive to international trade.7. Internet Marketing: You can also extend your reach to worldwide customers by means of the Internet. Methods of obtaining foreign business include affiliate marketing, online auctions, online stores, and websites.RESOURCE BOX:J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc., http://www.popeconsultinginc.com/ has been helping clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.For valuable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit: http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/

Global Trade Base Announces Strategic Plan for increasing business for customers.

Subject: 12/06/01 Press Release Alert - Global Trade BaseGlobal Trade Base Announces Strategic Plan for increasing business for customers. FORT WORTH, Dec 6, 2001 -- Global Trade Base, Inc. , a leading international trade hub, today unveiled its strategic plan for 2002, which calls for the company to aggressively acquire successful business companies and applications that will increase the services offered to international buyers, suppliers, shippers, financers, freight forwarders, consultants, international attorneys and other companies involved with international trade.Global Trade Base's recent acquisition of King Submitter has brought the capability for companies to be instantly promoted to over 380,000 international search engines and international businesses. The first phase of this strategic plan is to offer an aggressive rate for all new customers between December 7, 2001 and December 14, 2001. "We are very excited about how well this strategic plan is being integrated. We have had two recent acquisitions, are exploring four additional acquisitions and are in strategic partnership negotiations with a major transportation company. We have had a 10% increase in business with new customers taking advantage of this new marketing rate." says Patrick Donnell, president of Global Trade Base. "There is a major shift combining international trade and the integration of internet business. Potential customers are no longer taking the time searching through the internet ocean for independent suppliers and service providers. They are now migrating towards 'hub' sites where all aspects of their business requirements are available in one site. Now you have to put your company in the places that your customers go for business.""We know we are on the right track," continues Patrick. "Some of the biggest names in international trade are commenting publicly on the growing business migrating to hub sites such as Global Trade Base. Companies can enroll in a strategic partner program. This program is designed to bring additional business to the customers of our clients when they do business with our clients. This increased business will strengthen the global economy."Microsoft president, Bill Gates said earlier this year that, "Web Services will take individuals empowerment to a new level, create unprecedented opportunity for the industry and trigger a renewed wave of excitement." And, Hewlett-Packard's Bill Russell said that, "Web Services will drive the next wave of business development opportunities." Information about Global Trade Base, Inc. can be found at www.GlobalTradeBase.com --Press Release End---

Outsourcing is just a new way of doing international trade-G.W. Bush February 12, 2004

February 21, 2004--The European Union presently boasts some of the best GDP growth figures and highest R&D funding in the world and with value of the Euro reaching new highs on a daily basis, the time has never been better to sell your products in Europe.Consalient is Europe's leading sales outsourcer and offers a market penetration program to help companies establish European sales and customer care operations. The First Steps Program draws from a pool of seasoned sales professionals who act as your local sales team for a contracted number of hours per month. This highly economical solution allows US Companies to begin building VAR networks in Europe while taking the time to plan a permanent solution to address European sales opportunities.US companies can now setup a corporate presence, backed up by managed phones, and a team of some of the best sales people around for about $3000 a month said Richard James, Business Development Director at Consalient. That is far less than a company normally pays to hire a single full time employee, let alone the cost in European tax and employment compliance, facilities and operational expenses. We make our money when we sell our clients products, not by charging high consulting fees. Our motivation is tied directly to the success of our clients.Consalient is based in Cambridge UK, and offers sales representation across Europe.For more information contact Richard James at Consalient Ltd. on +44-208-584-2268. if calling from the US, Conslaient can be contacted Toll Free by dialling 1-888-667-8997 Contact: Richard JamesConsalient Professional Representation174 Parkers House, 48 Regent StreetCambridge, England CB2 1FD United KingdomFrom the US: 1-888-667-8997Global: +44-208-584-2268info@consalient.comhttp://www.consalient.com

Med-e-Tel, the International Trade Exhibition and Conference for eHealth, Telemedicine and Health ICT, Announces Highlights of 2004 Event

February 18, 2004--The Med-e-Tel exhibition and conference, taking place on April 21-23, 2004 in Luxembourg, focuses on a wide range of medical ICT applications and on the convergence of information and communication technologies (ICTs) with medical applications, which lead to higher quality of care, cost reductions, workflow efficiency, improved disease management and patient compliance, and widespread availability of healthcare services.Products, services and applications that will be presented and demonstrated at the 2004 edition of Med-e-Tel include: vital signs monitoring systems and devices, electronic patient records (EPR), picture archiving and communications systems (PACS), videoconferencing, secure data exchange, surgical systems and software, mobile devices, speech recognition and processing, telemedicine applications in pathology, cardiology, dermatology, wound care, radiology, and more.In a professional and business-minded environment, Med-e-Tel brings manufacturers and suppliers together with healthcare service providers, distributors and other key contacts from government agencies, academic institutions, insurance companies and consulting firms, for the purpose of establishing valuable trade contacts or consolidating existing relationships. The presence of representatives from national and international associations and organizations, who are involved in the research, development, funding, implementation and promotion of telemedicine and ehealth, will offer unprecedented networking opportunities.Med-e-Tel also features an extensive program of seminars and presentations on topics such as cost-benefit studies, business models, current ehealth realizations and telemedicine projects, distance education, home monitoring and homecare applications, ehealth integration into routine medical practice, and telemedicine applications in various medical disciplines. Special plenary sessions will be devoted to "Tracking eHealth Evolution in Europe" in cooperation with HINE (Health Information Network Europe), "Telemedicine in Hypertension" sponsored by TensioMed, and "PACS & EPR" in cooperation with Frost & Sullivan.Satellite meetings and symposia held in conjunction with Med-e-Tel, include events by:- CRP-Sant (Public Research Center for Health - Luxembourg): From Electronic Patient Record to Health Portal - What are the Conditions for Success?- eHealth Standardization Coordination Group: Standardization in e-Health- International Telecommunication Union and World Health Organization: Telemedicine in Developing Countries- MEMO: Medical Mobile Devices- WEALTHY: Wearable Health Care System- Africa Telehealth Group: Telemedicine Needs and Opportunities in AfricaThe International Society for Telemedicine (ISfT) and several of its member associations will use Med-e-Tel as a forum to provide information about national and international telemedicine and ehealth activities and initiatives. Also the Telemedicine Alliance (TM-Alliance) partnership between the International Telecommunication Union, World Health Organization, European Commission and European Space Agency are planning a presentation of their own projects and goals during the Med-e-Tel exhibition.Med-e-Tel also presents a Media Corner where information will be provided about publications, magazines, journals, reports and on-line news and information services in the fields of ehealth and telemedicine.Produced by the Luxembourg International Trade Fair Corporation (FIL), Med-e-Tel is actively supported by a.o. European Commission (DG Information Society), International Telecommunication Union (ITU), World Health Organization (WHO) representatives responsible for telemedicine and ehealth, the Luxembourg Ministry of Health, International Society for Telemedicine (ISfT), European Health Telematics Association (EHTEL), UK eHealth Association (UKeHA), Africa Telehealth Group, Russian Telemedicine Foundation, Norwegian Centre for Telemedicine (NST), Nordic Telemedicine Association (NTA), Association of Telehealth Service Providers (ATSP), Telemedicine Research Center (TRC) and several other national and international organizations.Med-e-Tel will be attended by industry and healthcare decision makers from over 40 countries worldwide. Being staged in beautiful Luxembourg, the event obviously also attracts a crowd from the local SarLorLux region, which covers Luxembourg and parts of Germany, France and Belgium.Details and information about the programs, conferences, companies and organizations that will be featured at this year's Med-e-Tel are available at www.medetel.lu.For more information: www.medetel.luor contact: info@medetel.lutel: +32 2 269 84 56

Global Business Roundtable goes... Wild. International Trade Seminar about Business Opportunities in South Africa

Englewood Cliffs, NJ August 15, 2004 -- the Global Business Roundtable is pleased to announce its monthly international business seminar: Doing Business with South Africa, presented by Mr. Leyland Hazlewood. The event will take place on September 15th, 2004 from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Assembly Steakhouse, located at 495 Sylvan Ave, Englewood Cliffs, NJ. Members of the GBR and affiliated organizations: $35; Non-Members: $45. Registration and networking will be followed by a buffet luncheon. Presentation and A&Q session will start at 12:30 AM.This is an important networking opportunity for entrepreneurs keen to enter in the international arena. The seminar will cover the competitiveness of South Africa compared to similar emerging economies: identifying and seizing business opportunities in key growth sectors; finding success in the market either as an importer or an exporter; Black Economic Empowerment (BEE). Business leaders, trading companies, and newcomers will find the presentation extremely useful and an instrumental resource to learn about strengths and weaknesses of that area. An in-depth description of the country's economy will be provided, along with leads and tips for the South African market. Leyland Hazlewood is the best source to learn about business in South Africa. A former adjunct professor in economics at Baruch College (CUNY), Leyland holds a B.A. in Economics from Howard University, 1958 an M.B.A. in Marketing from the New York University Graduate School of Business Administration, 1961 and also pursued doctoral studies in Development Economics at City University of New York. He was Chief Executive of a US Agency for International Development (USAID) project to assist South African companies in their competitiveness and expansion into new markets. He organized the first International Franchising Opportunity Conference in Africa, where 15 U.S. franchisers sold $3 million dollars in licenses and franchises. Mr. Hazelwood also established and managed a South African office for Dimpex, Inc. Clients included Fortune 500 companies such as Nike. In 1996, Mr. Hazlewood was named Honorary Consul for the Republic of Guyana in South Africa. His responsibility under this position has been to conduct consular affairs and economic diplomacy by facilitating business contacts and promoting trade. The Global Business Roundtable is a not for profit 501(c) 6 organization, founded in 1979 by Lynda Icochea. Its mission is to disseminate information concerning global trade and international commerce practices and to foster contacts with those engaged in international business. Celebrating its 25th year of activity, the Global Business Roundtable had a strong role in promoting understanding of different business cultures through its educational and informative programs, actively attended by VP and Senior officers in importing, exporting, freight forwarders, consultants, manufacturing, banking, accounting, brokerage, government trade specialists, export management companies, and other service and product providers involved in global operations and international trade. For reservations and more information about the Global Business Roundtable, please contact Daniela Puglielli at 908-212-7846.

The Paradox of International Trade Shows

There is a paradox to an international trade show. And it has two parts.THE FIRST?It is unique because it is foreign. If it's your first show, it should be a real adventure. If it's your umpteenth overseas trip, you may view it as a drag, or look at it as an opportunity to maintain and expand relationships.THE SECOND?It is the same as doing a show in the US.Which is right? Both. How can that be? Because..The principles of trade shows are universal. There's a practical understanding to the basics of trade shows - no matter where in the world you exhibit. Of course, there are the cultural nuances you must accept. Knowing where you are going and how to be accepted once there are critical business decisions.In addition, there are universal standards in design, promotion, presentation and follow-up for any trade show. Your appearance and business practices must align to the actualities of the host country, industry and the international marketplace.These are a sampling of questions you should ask as you consider starting or expanding your exposition schedule-ARE YOU GOING TO THE RIGHT SHOW?A show is not just a show. Each exposition has its own personality, and that changes from year to year depending on locale, exhibitors, the health of your industry and how the economy affects your clients. It is important to understand there are three Types of Shows. In the US, we tend to separate these show types - B2B Marketing, B2B Sales and B2C Marketing/Sales. In many countries, the functions and audiences overlap throughout the show, or on certain days. Align your expectations for each type of show. Consider each show a new show, not a repeat of the previous year. Then ask - is your timing right for entry into that country via that show for your products and services? How do you find the right shows? One obvious way is to ask your clients what shows they think are important.ARE YOU GOING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS?What are you looking for? There are myriad opportunities to connect with leads, partners, clients, reps, dealers, distributors and agents. The more you understand how business works in that part of the world and within your industry, the more you should network and target your markets prior to leaving Virginia. Use the pre-show months to get to know each other and build trust. We Americans have a tendency to rush into relationships; our overseas partners may take much more time.ARE YOU INFLUENCING THE RIGHT PEOPLE?There is great value in spending time and money for pre-show research and promotion. Networking skills are expanded via online research, discussion lists and asking your business associates. Appreciating the pecking order - social and business - and how decisions are really made by your target markets can cut your sales time dramatically.ARE YOU SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?We've all heard stories of the misguided, arrogant or oblivious foreigner who rubs the hosts wrong. We tend to assume everyone loves us and speaks English. Wrong. Take time to understand the value of promotion in native languages and current cultural vernacular. Use professional translation services - carefully checked so you know what everything says - for all signs, graphics, letters, promotional materials, demonstrations. Hiring local multi-lingual talent is always appreciated for initial and qualifying conversations at the show.ARE YOU SENDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE?First impressions are critical and Your Staff = Your Company, both on and off the floor. Take staff selection seriously. This is the time to be smart, not stingy. Search your options for the best company representatives. Write a job description and ask for volunteers. Send the people who are competent but also enthusiastic about spreading the word about your company. Maybe you have experienced, savvy in-house staff, or this is the time it makes sense to hire experienced stand staff at the show locale.ARE YOU FOLLOWING-UP PROPERLY?This most critical part often is lost because there you have no real plan beyond an initial contact or two. Sure, it's expensive to pursue international business, but today's technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch. Ask visitors how they want to be contacted - do they need a local contact or is e-mail preferred? Consider outsourcing initial post-show contact.ARE YOU GETTING ROI FOR THE DOLLARS?Your Return on Investment is not just dollars you can track after the show. There are many ways to boost your bottom line, sone direct, some subtle. For example, publicity is a powerful driver for marketing and extending rememborability after the show. PR and advertising must be planned and tracked. Tips for getting the most bang for the bucks -Match your expectations for returns with reality of the money you are investing in a show.Understand your sales cycle, delivery times, international shipping options, customs, tariffs and always have a Plan BBe truthful about your investment. Trade Show Training, inc. says there are eight line items of a trade show budget and seven are definite expenses for Every Show. The exception is that if your exhibit is costly, you may be able to amortize it over a couple of years. These are the major line items you must decide before you can get a good handle on ROI.1. The Rent on Your Space 2. All On-floor Expenses 3. Your Exhibit, Graphics and Accessorie 4. Freight and Drayage 5. The Cost of Your Time, Staff Time 6. The Costs of Travel and Entertainment 7. Promotions and Advertising Before the Show 8. Follow-Up and Sales Costs After the ShowIs it easy to do an international show? No, but it is easier when you understand the parameters of the paradox.Julia O'Connor - Speaker, Author, Consultant - writes about practical aspects of trade shows. As president of Trade Show Training, inc,, now celebrating its 10th year, she works with companies in a variety of industries to improve their bottom line and marketing opportunities at trade shows.Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show environment and uses this expertise in sales training and management seminars. Contact her at 804-355-7800 or check the site http://www.TradeShowTraining.com

The Paradox of International Trade Shows

There is a paradox to an international trade show. And it has two parts.THE FIRST?It is unique because it is foreign. If it's your first show, it should be a real adventure. If it's your umpteenth overseas trip, you may view it as a drag, or look at it as an opportunity to maintain and expand relationships.THE SECOND?It is the same as doing a show in the US.Which is right? Both. How can that be? Because..The principles of trade shows are universal. There's a practical understanding to the basics of trade shows - no matter where in the world you exhibit. Of course, there are the cultural nuances you must accept. Knowing where you are going and how to be accepted once there are critical business decisions.In addition, there are universal standards in design, promotion, presentation and follow-up for any trade show. Your appearance and business practices must align to the actualities of the host country, industry and the international marketplace.These are a sampling of questions you should ask as you consider starting or expanding your exposition schedule-ARE YOU GOING TO THE RIGHT SHOW?A show is not just a show. Each exposition has its own personality, and that changes from year to year depending on locale, exhibitors, the health of your industry and how the economy affects your clients. It is important to understand there are three Types of Shows. In the US, we tend to separate these show types - B2B Marketing, B2B Sales and B2C Marketing/Sales. In many countries, the functions and audiences overlap throughout the show, or on certain days. Align your expectations for each type of show. Consider each show a new show, not a repeat of the previous year. Then ask - is your timing right for entry into that country via that show for your products and services? How do you find the right shows? One obvious way is to ask your clients what shows they think are important.ARE YOU GOING FOR THE RIGHT REASONS?What are you looking for? There are myriad opportunities to connect with leads, partners, clients, reps, dealers, distributors and agents. The more you understand how business works in that part of the world and within your industry, the more you should network and target your markets prior to leaving Virginia. Use the pre-show months to get to know each other and build trust. We Americans have a tendency to rush into relationships; our overseas partners may take much more time.ARE YOU INFLUENCING THE RIGHT PEOPLE?There is great value in spending time and money for pre-show research and promotion. Networking skills are expanded via online research, discussion lists and asking your business associates. Appreciating the pecking order - social and business - and how decisions are really made by your target markets can cut your sales time dramatically.ARE YOU SENDING THE RIGHT MESSAGE?We've all heard stories of the misguided, arrogant or oblivious foreigner who rubs the hosts wrong. We tend to assume everyone loves us and speaks English. Wrong. Take time to understand the value of promotion in native languages and current cultural vernacular. Use professional translation services - carefully checked so you know what everything says - for all signs, graphics, letters, promotional materials, demonstrations. Hiring local multi-lingual talent is always appreciated for initial and qualifying conversations at the show.ARE YOU SENDING THE RIGHT PEOPLE?First impressions are critical and Your Staff = Your Company, both on and off the floor. Take staff selection seriously. This is the time to be smart, not stingy. Search your options for the best company representatives. Write a job description and ask for volunteers. Send the people who are competent but also enthusiastic about spreading the word about your company. Maybe you have experienced, savvy in-house staff, or this is the time it makes sense to hire experienced stand staff at the show locale.ARE YOU FOLLOWING-UP PROPERLY?This most critical part often is lost because there you have no real plan beyond an initial contact or two. Sure, it's expensive to pursue international business, but today's technology makes it easier than ever to keep in touch. Ask visitors how they want to be contacted - do they need a local contact or is e-mail preferred? Consider outsourcing initial post-show contact.ARE YOU GETTING ROI FOR THE DOLLARS?Your Return on Investment is not just dollars you can track after the show. There are many ways to boost your bottom line, sone direct, some subtle. For example, publicity is a powerful driver for marketing and extending rememborability after the show. PR and advertising must be planned and tracked. Tips for getting the most bang for the bucks -Match your expectations for returns with reality of the money you are investing in a show.Understand your sales cycle, delivery times, international shipping options, customs, tariffs and always have a Plan BBe truthful about your investment. Trade Show Training, inc. says there are eight line items of a trade show budget and seven are definite expenses for Every Show. The exception is that if your exhibit is costly, you may be able to amortize it over a couple of years. These are the major line items you must decide before you can get a good handle on ROI.1. The Rent on Your Space 2. All On-floor Expenses 3. Your Exhibit, Graphics and Accessorie 4. Freight and Drayage 5. The Cost of Your Time, Staff Time 6. The Costs of Travel and Entertainment 7. Promotions and Advertising Before the Show 8. Follow-Up and Sales Costs After the ShowIs it easy to do an international show? No, but it is easier when you understand the parameters of the paradox.Julia O'Connor - Speaker, Author, Consultant - writes about practical aspects of trade shows. As president of Trade Show Training, inc,, now celebrating its 10th year, she works with companies in a variety of industries to improve their bottom line and marketing opportunities at trade shows.Julia is an expert in the psychology of the trade show environment and uses this expertise in sales training and management seminars. Contact her at 804-355-7800 or check the site http://www.TradeShowTraining.com

International Trading Fraud Prevention - www.sterling-bond.com

EscrowSecure - A Safe Way to Trade[A new and unique solution to international trading fraud and the problems of cashflow for British industry.Has your business ever lost a million on a transaction when the customer couldn't pay up? Or not received the money from an Italian shipyardwhen you've just built half an ocean liner for them?The greatest fear of any business, whether trader or customer, in any distant selling relationship is trust. Without trust you cannot have an effective deal, and without trust many opportunities for a good deal can be lost. This is especially so when dealing with new customers in high risk territories such as Africa, Eastern Europe, the Internet.Michael Bond, business consultant and director, formerly based at Manchester University, has formed a new company, Sterling-Bond (www.sterling-bond.com) that has solved this issue; and has begun attracting favourable comment from leading financial sources throughout the UK. The results of his new transaction model for the business tobusiness trading sector include solutions to the issues of non-payment, late payment and trading fraud, whether in the domestic market or dealingwith high risk international customers and territories.At the heart of his solution is an escrow merchant account facility available to traders and their customers. In this his company acts as a safe and neutral trusted third party standing between the trader and customer to ensure an atmosphere of trust. The service - EscrowSecure - acts to hold payment from a customer on behalf of both parties until the supplier has met the order to the customer's satisfaction.From the trader's point of view the cash is in the bank and it's safe to release the consignment. From the customer's point of view the trader doesn't get paid until satisfactory delivery of the order, otherwise the money is returned, with interest.Apart from traders themselves the service is of interest to other finance businesses. Bond has targeted his service at invoice discounting, factoring and trade finance firms in joint partnerships to offer his added security to the high risk transactions they're asked to handle but can't with present mechanisms. From their point of view this enables them to deal with higher risk clients, new business and new or higher risk territories they wouldn't currently trust.There are many other mechanisms for this kind of security. So what's the big deal? Again - CASH IS IN THE BANK! You can have letters of credit, promissory notes, insurance, government guarantees, but there's noting quite so nice as a great big steaming pile of cash waiting for you.There is one very special benefit for this service: no unreliable company, buyer or sellor, will ever use it, so it's a good way to test the honesty and reliability of both parties - this service sorts the men from the boys!BACKGROUNDEscrowSecure is a new service to major traders, especially exporters and importers, but also anyone engaged in any kind of distant trade where there is a continued need to ensure that the customer is good for the money and reassure him that the trader is good for the goods.The service is now being launched by a new company Sterling-Bond (http://www.sterling-bond.com) to offer this new form of escrow-basedmerchant account directly to business and through a growing network of national agents.Sterling-Bond has been established by Michael Bond, former consultant, finance and business manager, following the earlier development of aprototype service when based at Manchester University's Incubation Centre until November 2001. Following his experience there Michael, 43, set out to launch a professional service to the major business to business sector in the UK.From his own researches and comments received over the last few months, the service will have a tremendous influence on the way businesses conducttheir transactions in any form of distant selling. It has the potential to prevent many kinds of trading fraud and Michael has every confidence that EscrowSecure will become the definitive means of creating trust in new trading relationships.---------------------------------------CONTACTFor further information call:Michael BondAddr: Unit 4-38, Houldsworth Mill Business & Arts Centre, Houldsworth St, Reddish, STOCKPORT, Cheshire, SK5 6DA, UKurl:www.sterling-bond.com

American Signature, Inc. Selects TradeSense by ISSI to Replace Legacy International Trade Management System

Huntington Beach, CA January 24 2004--Importers Software Services, Inc. (“ISSI”), a leading trade management solution provider, announced today that American Signature, Inc, dba Value City Furniture and American Signature Home, a leading retailer of furniture and home furnishings, has selected it to replace the company’s legacy international trade management system. ISSI’s TradeSense will help American Signature to manage inbound transactions from issuance of purchase orders through the receipt of merchandise and through the required post-entry regulatory period. In particular, the system will create an electronic environment for American Signature to manage its purchase orders, commercial invoices and communication with their service providers.“American Signature’s selection of TradeSense validates ISSI’s position as the leading provider of international trade management solutions to the retail industry,” said Shankar Ram, ISSI founder and CEO. Ram continued, “we are pleased to add American Signature to our roster of retailing clients that include Target, Duty Free Stores, Cost-Plus World Markets and Harbor Freight Tools.” American Signature, Inc ™ – More than a Furniture Retailer American Signature, Inc™ , is one of America’s top independently owned furniture retailers, designers and manufacturers. Founded in 1948, Value City Furniture currently employs more than 5,400 associates and operates 95 furniture stores. The company stores are located largely in the Mid-West, East Coast, and Southeastern states. About Importers Software (ISSI)Since 1989, ISSI has been providing technology, trade consulting and managed services to leading companies in virtually every market segment. Our solutions have permitted companies like Target, DHL, Volkswagen, Mazda NA, Alcoa, Epson, Mattel, Kyocera, Sotheby’s, Toshiba, and Kodak to increase compliance, reduce internal and external costs, optimize internal procedures and otherwise compress their international supply chains. TradeSense™, ISSI’s suite of products, contains applications that assist with importing, customs broker and international trade data management, exporting, claiming duty drawback, qualifying for Nafta, participating in U.S. Customs’ Reconciliation program and bonded warehouse and Maquiladora management. Feel free to call (714) 903-5676, extension 224, or visit our website at www.importerssoftware.com for more information.

World Trade Center Saint Louis & UMSL Offering Chancellor's Certificate in International Trade

St. Louis, MO June 30, 2004 -- World Trade Center Saint Louis (WTC-STL), the non-profit regional entity that renders customized global market research and business intelligence services, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) will offer a 45-hour manager-workforce development course enabling participants to earn a Chancellor's Certificate in International Trade. The program will begin in October 2004 and registration is now open.This workforce development program will provide educational tools and professional insights so people representing their companies internationally are equipped to work successfully in local business environments and with local cultures, said Fred Bartelsmeyer, Chairman of the Board of WTC-STL and partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave.Joel Glassman, Ph.D., Director of International Studies at the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL), added, The Chancellor's Certificate in International Trade program will teach valuable skills that will help participants do business in key overseas markets. We will provide participants with knowledge of procedures and specific customs to support and expand their companies' business.WTC-STL and UMSL are offering the Chancellor's Certificate in International Trade program with assistance from qualified international consultants and professionals at St. Louis-based companies currently doing business overseas.The 45-hour course offers five core classes and more than a dozen elective subjects. Participants must complete four core and five elective courses to earn the Chancellor's Certificate. The five core courses are:Developing & Implementing an International Business PlanPlanning & Conducting International NegotiationsUnderstanding International Contracts & Trade LawsInternational TransactionsInternational Ocean & Air TransportationElectives include:BioterrorismExport Control & Risk ManagementCustoms Classification & ValuationCultural Development WorkshopsAdditional strategic topicsThe Chancellor's Certificate in International Trade program will begin on October 19. All classes will be held at WTC-STL offices at 121 South Meramec Ave. Tuition is $900 for WTC-STL clients and alumni and $1,125 for non-WTC-STL clients.Robert Heuermann, Jr. Executive Director of WTC-STL, said, This constructive international course complements our mission to provide valuable knowledge, resources and business intelligence so regional enterprises can work to create jobs and grow their business.World Trade Center Saint Louis serves individuals and business in metropolitan St. Louis, the state of Missouri and Southern Illinois. It offers customized global market research and business intelligence services; conducts more than 30 trade-specific events annually; renders access to global business contacts and resources; and provides international business education programs and seminars. Its license is granted by the World Trade Centers Association in New York City. For information or to enroll, please call Cheryl Marty, WTC-STL Director " Marketing & Events, at 314.615.8141 or email cmarty@stlouisco.com, or see the website www.worldtradecenter-stl.com. Media contact: Jeff Dunlap @ 314.721.5505.

Tom Gould Joins Zisser Group in its International Trade Management and Consulting Group

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT:Steven Zisser 2297 Niels Bohr Court, Suite 114San Diego, CA 92154tel. 619.671.0376cell 619.921.3365solutions@zissergroup.comwww.zissergroup.com Tom Gould Joins Zisser Group in its International Trade Management and Consulting GroupSan Diego, CA " August 22, 2002 -- ZISSER GROUP, one of Southern California's leading professional service organizations devoted exclusively to international trade announced that Tom Gould has joined as an international trade consultant. He brings to Zisser Group over 12 years experience in trade and customs, most recently he had been with KPMG, the professional services firm as manager of the customs reference information CD-ROM and Web site CUSTOMS Info. Prior to that he was with Importers Software Services, Inc., Huntington Beach, Calif., where he served as vice president of trade products and services and the law firm of Stein Shostak Stostak & O'Hara (Los Angeles, San Diego and Washington, D.C.), which specializes in customs and international trade law where he served as their Director of Administration. Gould is based in Long Beach, California.Tom Gould brings to Zisser Group strong management experience and a deep knowledge of international trade, said Steven Zisser, President of Zisser Group. Now more than ever, with heightened focus on homeland security, customs controls are a focal point for companies importing parts and other goods into the U.S., Zisser added. Tom will be integral to helping Zisser Group provide key services to clients in all areas of import and export compliance including the new Customs programs: Focused Assessment Program (FAP), the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and Importer Self Assessments (ISA).Gould is a licensed Customs broker. He resides in Cypress, California. Established in 1997, Zisser Group has quickly become one of Southern California's leading professional service organizations devoted exclusively to international trade. At Zisser Group, we help companies navigate today's complex International Trade business and legal environment. We have the in-depth knowledge and expertise required for today's successful International Trade companies. We are Attorneys, licensed U.S. Customs Brokers, Logistics and Transportation Specialists, Automation and Software Developers, as well as Business Consultants in Market Research, and Strategy and Government Affairs Professionals. Zisser Group services and supports both domestic and international companies involved in all areas of international trade, ranging from privately held to Fortune 500 companies engaged in the manufacture and distribution of wearing apparel, consumer electronics, telecommunications, automotive, steel and other consumer and industrial products. We successfully perform work at all 352 U.S. Customs ports of entry, including U.S. Customs Headquarters in Washington D.C.For additional information contact:Steven Zisser 2297 Niels Bohr Court, Suite 114San Diego, CA 92154tel. 619.671.0376cell 619.921.3365solutions@zissergroup.comwww.zissergroup.com