Self-Portrait: Laurel Delaney

"In a portrait, you have room to have a point of view. The image may not be literally what's going on, but it's representative." - Annie Leibovitz

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  "Self-portrait:  Laurel Delaney"

Can Ford Sell Overseas?

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Here's the scoop:  "Ford's EcoSport SUV will be sold in more than 60 countries in four years. Currently, it's sold in 10 countries. The Edge will be sold in 40 markets, compared with 16 last year. The most important change might be the beginning of sales of the Escape in China this year."  That's all according to Erich Merkle, Ford's sales analyst.

By ignoring the growing trends of consumers who were downsizing to smaller vehicles and wanting improved gas mileage as fuel prices increased, Detroit automakers ran their businesses into the ground. Those poor decisions culminated in bankruptcies by GM and Chrysler, while Ford escaped by restructuring on the back of its own private loans. Fast-forward to today, and the SUV is a different beast and is beginning to sell again. The more important question for Ford is, can it sell overseas?

Read the entire article:  Can Ford Take SUVs to the Global Market?

Rethink Your Diversity Training Initiatives When Going Global

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Jennifer Gilhool just spent two years in China for the organization (Ford) where she worked.  She had to adjust quickly to working with people from a different culture who had different ideas and expectations in terms of how things should be done.

When I arrived in China, I received little, if any, real training on how to manage the diverse nature of our team. I had to learn by trial and error. And, I did learn. What I learned is that it is all about communication. Learning to listen and speak in a way that allows for common understanding. I also learned that humility goes a long way. Admitting that I did not know the culture, asking for help, accepting, respecting and being genuinely interested in understanding the culture gave me immediate credibility. Why? Because it provided the opportunity for the discussion.

Read the entire article:  "Going Global?  Better Rethink Your Diversity Training."

A little about Jennifer Gilhool (her Twitter handle is @JG_Ink and her Facebook page is here):

Jennifer Gilhool is a lawyer and management executive who recently spent two years in China building an extraordinary team to manage international regulatory compliance for a Fortune 10 Company.  She founded her own company, Pink Streak Ink, to work on issues of corporate diversity, leadership and education for women and girls around the globe.  She is about to publish her first book, Sheryl Sandberg, China & Me, which is a story of an ordinary woman who moved her family to China for her career, saw her career nearly implode, and with it, her life — or so she thought.  (Note:  It appears she is ready for: Escape From Corporate America).

Technology Is Shifting To Reflect New Poles of Growth

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Which country is leading the new pattern of growth?

The old theories governing the way that countries produce and trade are being replaced. The pattern of trade is being transformed by increasingly sophisticated technology and innovations in transportation; and the topography of actors is shifting to reflect new poles of growth.

One single factor that helps?  Confidence.

Learn more here.

Founder of Alibaba Jack Ma Interviewed by Charlie Rose

Does Made In America Still Matter?

Good friend and colleague Rieva Lesonsky writes a wonderful article, "Why Made in America Still Matters," for Small Business Trends.

These days, “Made in America” isn’t as clear-cut as it used to be. Most Americans are aware that products branded with American labels may be made in overseas factories or assembled here with parts made overseas. Three-fourths of consumers say being manufactured in the U.S. is crucial for them to consider it “made in America.” 

What do you think?  With complex and vast global supply chains, do you think we can still find a pure made in America product?  We welcome comments!

Contrast the "Made in America" to "Not Made in China."

Photo courtesy:  ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "American flag in front of The Wrigley Building, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A., 6/1/13"

Make Someone's Day

Wherever you are in the world, make someone's day.

Whether it's remembering your postal delivery person by name, giving a smile to a stranger or extending a kind gesture to someone in need, take the time to make someone's day.  Caring is contagious.


Have a good weekend!

Photo courtesy: ©2013 Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.