The Walgreens of Europe: Alliance Boots

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Walgreens has a new partnership with pharmaceutical distributor AmerisourceBergen and European drugstore Alliance Boots.  Alliance Boots is considered the Walgreens of Europe.

Walgreens may have had dreams of going global but through this new partnership it looks as if those dreams will become a reality sooner rather than later.

The real story is the AmerisourceBergen and Alliance Boots partnership. The partnership will help reduce some of Walgreen's operational costs, as AmerisourceBergen will begin distributing a number of generic pharmaceuticals that Walgreen traditionally self-distributed. AmerisourceBergen's superior supply chain will allow for greater efficiencies and daily deliveries.

Read the entire article:  Walgreen Dreams of Going Global

Legitimate Inquiry. Fake Company?

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Many of us receive what looks like legitimate business inquiries from all over the world on a daily basis but how do you determine if they are each on the up-and-up?

This will help.  Read:  How to Determine If a Foreign Company is Legit

How to Fund Future Global Business Growth For Your Business

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Have a hot international sale yet find yourself scratching your head as to how you are going to finance the deal?  Look no further.

This is my first contribution for Mastercard Business Network.  I hope you find it useful.

Read the entire article:  5 Ways to Fund Future Global Business Growth For Your Small Business

Top of the Morning To You!

©Laurel Delaney 2013.  All rights reserved.  "St. Patricks' Day 2013"

I don't know about you but I am preparing for tomorrow (3/17/13), my favorite day of the year:  St. Patrick's Day!  Have a happy one.  Remember, everyone is Irish on St. Patty's Day.  All it takes is a smile and wear'n of the green. Enjoy.

Chicago Is Work

©Laurel Delaney 2013.  All rights reserved.  "Vehicle in Chicago"

“I'm impressed with the people from Chicago. Hollywood is hype, New York is talk, Chicago is work." ~ Michael Douglas

Have a heartfelt weekend everyone!  Thanks for your readership.  Back with you on Monday.

Reduce Dependence on Domestic Demand By International Franchising

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Reduce dependence on domestic demand and grow new, future revenue and profit centers worldwide by international franchising.

Extending a brand globally through franchising requires minimal investment and offers a huge upside potential on scaling capabilities.  Further, you don't have to be big to franchise.  You just have to have a successful model.

Below I examine what is international franchising, its benefits, examples of companies that have successfully franchised internationally, how to get started in franchising and where to look for additional help.

Read the entire article: International Franchising: A Global Strategic Initiative

Open For Trade: U.S. and E.U.

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The United States and European Union aim to start negotiating the Transatlantic Free Trade Pact this year. The two top economies hope the pact will revive their respective economies.

The goal of the agreement is to cut tariffs, lower trade barriers and ease commerce–thereby setting higher standards for the world to follow. 

The alliance should help create jobs, spur economic growth and strengthen the transatlantic economic ties.

Read the entire article:  The Transatlantic Free Trade Agreement:  Open Trade Between the United States and the European Union

A Room With a Chicago View

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney 2013.  All rights reserved.  "Room With a Chicago View"

A room with a view, 321 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois, 28th floor, facing West (4:30 p.m. Central on February 14, 2013).

Enjoy the weekend.

Bring On the Snow!

Photos courtesy: ©Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Motorcycle Snowman."

"Disney had made such a great deal of money on Snow White that the banks gave him the go-ahead on the next three films. But he was heavily dependent on the foreign market." ~ Marc Davis

How a Furniture Maker's Triumph Translates to International Success

Photo courtesy:  ©Laurel Delaney.  All rights reserved.  "Business As Unusual"

Here are five out more than a hundred principles-in-action that former president and chief executive officer Hugh DePree at Herman Miller implemented and how they relate to running not just a global small business but any business.  Hugh passed away in 2002.

Five Tips for Business Success