The Essential Guide to Going Global

Chapter 1. The Tenets of Global Trade: Emerging Trends in International Business

We have all heard that the world is flat. And while that may be true, the world is also very, very large, with many divergent peoples, cultures, languages, borders, and customs. Since business is increasingly global, entrepreneurs must organize, plan, operate, and execute in new ways. The complexity of this multilayered, multidimensional environment is magnified by the fact that all international transactions are populated by many independent, but indispensable, parties that must communicate and coordinate to successfully import, export, or enter new markets. Add to this mix, the conflicting and confusing laws and regulations of many nations, and it becomes clear that doing business internationally is certainly complicated and subject to greater risk.

Given that, are there any themes or principles that cut across different business models, industries, and products to guide international business persons through this uneven and difficult terrain?

Based on my experience as an advisor to global entrepreneurs, multinational companies, and the governments of developing nations, I believe that the answer is yes. There are several tenets and emerging themes that cannot only provide guideposts and danger signals, but that also are absolutely essential to successfully navigating the international business environment in which we and our children will operate. Ignoring any of these tenets can prove detrimental ...