Two approaches to smarter international marketing: Centralized vs. Decentralized

Recently I was analyzing an international software company’s marketing program. The company had been steadily growing and entering new international markets. But when I examined its international marketing program, it was clear the company’s marketing tactics, programs, partners, etc. were inconsistent.

Becky DeStigter, FIBP|CITP

Becky DeStigter is an International Business Consultant focused on helping B2B technology and professional services companies to become more globally competitive. She seeks practical solutions for growing companies’ international marketing and operational issues. Becky is based in Scottsdale, USA and works with companies worldwide.

Dr. Gabriel Huston, CITP|FIBP – Educator & Global Advisor

Dr. Gabriel Huston, CITP®|FIBP®, serves as a Professor at Toronto’s Seneca College School of International Business. He also represents the Batak indigenous people of North…

Ewan Roy

I'm a Digital Marketing Specialist for the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT). My background is in writing and research, and I am passionate about communicating new ideas and telling stories that matter to you.

5 crucial tips to help you communicate better in global markets

Native English speakers, however, do not need to learn a new dialect of English as a second language in order to successfully communicate better in global markets and with people speaking English as a second language. That is, if you can follow these rules:

Ryan Weaver

Ryan is a Marketing Analyst at Mentor Works and holds a B.A. in economics, as well as a M.Sc in management and several published works including two book publications. Ryan is actively engaged with business owners and executives to educate them about government grants and funding available to accelerate their growth and cash flow planning activities.

Let’s discuss the invisible discriminatory attitudes that create barriers to international trade

I could not believe that in today’s modern world, such old-fashioned regional prejudices could possibly create barriers to international trade.

Ennio Vita-Finzi, CITP|FIBP

Ennio Vita-Finzi is a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP) and was a Trade Commissioner in Europe, Latin America and the US as well as President of the Canadian Council for the Americas during NAFTA negotiations. He has been a multinational executive and entrepreneur and is now a College lecturer, keynote speaker, and author based in Montreal. (e.vita-finzi@sympatico.ca)

The importance of managing your international export compliance

Before entering into an international supply agreement, companies should ensure that they are aware of all international regulations that might affect the purchase, including export…

FITT Team

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is the standards, certification and training body dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. Created by business for business, FITT’s international business training solutions are the standard of excellence for global trade professionals around the world.

Digitization of business is eliminating global trade barriers for SMBs

Barriers of entry to international markets are being lowered through higher visibility and reach provided by the digitization of business on a global scale.

Ali Lajevardi

Ali’s international experience has been focused on enhancing organizational performance through developing new strategic opportunities, deploying innovative technologies and accelerating business transformation. He has worked across various industries and geographies where he introduced or enabled new services and products into dispersed domestic and international markets. Ali has a background in Biomedical engineering with an MBA in International Business (IMBA) and is Certified International Trade Professional (CITP).

Is Mongolia the next emerging market for your international business strategy?

Mongolia is looking to capitalize on its unique culture and attractive scenery in a bid to open the world’s eyes to many of its strengths as a place to visit and do business.

Ryan Weaver

Ryan is a Marketing Analyst at Mentor Works and holds a B.A. in economics, as well as a M.Sc in management and several published works including two book publications. Ryan is actively engaged with business owners and executives to educate them about government grants and funding available to accelerate their growth and cash flow planning activities.

How to break down market characteristics of your target Asian country to identify trade opportunities

Break down the market characteristics of your target country to identify opportunities: market research is the first step in the internationalization process. Expanding into foreign markets, especially Asia is a complex and resource intensive activity.

Giovanni Gonzalez, CITP|FIBP

Giovanni, CITP|FIBP, has experience in various international business and socio-economic development projects, including foreign direct investment (FDI) facilitation, investment promotion, trade promotion and facilitation, market assessments of developed and developing economies, expansion of companies to Canadian and foreign markets, start-ups, sourcing, alternative income, small business support and capacity building. His professional experience has taken him to Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, China, Canada, and the United States to witness firsthand economic developments, trade relations, market opportunities, and initiatives to create employment and improve living standards.

Making a mid-career turn towards opportunities in international trade

My interest in international trade began as early as in elementary school when my imagination was captured by the evolution of Canada as a trading nation.

Adam MacKenzie

Adam is a Senior Policy Officer currently working in Policy, Aboriginal, and International Relations with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission in Ottawa, Canada. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration, and an Honours Psychology degree, both from Queen’s University.