"Local First" makes sense for consumers, but it doesn't make sense at all for exporting. It's how the US got into the predicament of having less than 1% of companies export while many other countries are much higher, like Sweden at 5%. Only 14% of the US GDP is exports versus 34% for China and 52% for Germany.
Exporting goods and services brings money from around the world to pay for roads, schools and infrastructure needed to build a stronger future economy. Not enough people think about where their consumer dollars go, and hence 'local first' makes sense when buying. Even fewer entrepreneurs start out thinking how they can serve foreign markets.
The best time to think about global opportunities is at the beginning of launching a business. The second best time to think about global opportunities is now.
Global and local intertwine because the ultimate benefit of growing globally is that you're able to positively impact your local community. Just buying local products is NOT enough - you must bring money into your metro area for the community to thrive.
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Originally published at https://www.globalchamber.org/blog/2014/10/29/global-chamber/global-first.-local-too./
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