It’s time to start looking at your business from a global perspective.  How many of you are buying or selling your products outside of the U.S.?  If not, you need to start looking at how to create a global presence for your products.  The U. S. economy is going through a lot of turmoil these days.  If 100% of your business is reliant on the U. S. economy you’d better buckle up, you may be in for a bumpy ride.  Think of the analogy of putting all of your eggs in one basket; it’s the same thing.  With global markets opening up and technology available to allow commercial transactions in multiple currencies there’s no better time to explore opportunities outside U. S. borders. 

I remember not too long ago when trying to sell or buy Canadian products was such a deterrent most apparel companies decided it wasn’t worth the effort.   Now, I can’t see why a smart business person wouldn’t welcome the opportunity to access global markets, suppliers and buyers.  If I were a buyer or manufacturer in this economy, I know I would want to spread my risk and potential reward through as many channels as possible.  When I think about how I would do this I know I need to reach as many buyers or manufacturers as possible.  U. S. tradeshows are great for U. S. buyers and suppliers, but most are not heavily attended by international buyers.  So, how would I reach an international market?  Easy.  I would look outside our borders to find global tradeshows.  The types of shows that attract buyers from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and more.  Many of these economies are doing well, buyers have deep pockets and are looking for new, exciting products.  American brands hold a great deal of cache and brands “Made in America” are always appealing to a foreign market.  If I were a retailer, I would look for exciting new trends and global brands to fill my store; things I wouldn’t find in every mainstream boutique or department store. 

So, how do I start?  How do I find international buyers for my products?  How do I find great brands or products for my stores?  How do I make connections to global manufacturers, suppliers, agents and buyers?  Hop on a plane!  Head on over to Hong Kong Fashion Week and World Boutique.  FBI is working directly with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to promote the upcoming Hong Kong World Boutique and Fashion Week January 18 – 21, 2010.  FBI and HKTDC are offering an AMAZING AIRFARE AND HOTEL DEAL to first time buyers who would like to attend Fashion Week and the World Boutique this January in Hong Kong.  Intrigued?  I’ll bet you are!  Even If you’ve attended this show before, there are some amazing hotel deals to be had through HKTDC.  Looking to exhibit instead?  There are a number of options for first time exhibitors and established brands.  There’s even a fashion show if you’re so inclined to participate. 

Please don’t wait to sign up for this global opportunity.  Email us at FBI to find out more or stop by the FBI office on December 7, at 3:00 p.m. to see a presentation from Dannie Chiu and Julia Son from HKTDC.  The primary goal of this presentation will be to discuss the upcoming Hong Kong World Boutique and Fashion Week January 18 – 21, 2010 and why it would be of benefit to attend either as a buyer or as an exhibitor.  You’ll get a better understanding of Asian and Global markets, the types of buyers, distributors, manufacturers and retailers attending the show and get the answers to all of your global questions. 

Jill Mazur is an independent apparel business and technology consultant working with Fashion Business, Incorporated.  Email:  jill@fashionbizinc.org