If you’re a small business aiming to grow internationally, you may be wondering about the best way to approach it. You probably already know that scaling up your business to go global presents unique challenges for smaller businesses.

Entering global markets can be a significant undertaking, and like any undertaking, it requires know-how, and developing or securing that know-how will require an investment of time and money.

So, in practical terms, what’s the value to small business of investing in trade know-how?

Who better to ask than our own Certified International Trade Professionals (CITPs) who run their own global businesses?

We wanted to learn more about their own journeys to global trade, so we asked our CITPs how global trade training and the CITP designation helps them to grow their own small businesses.

Shipz Inc – Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, CITP|FIBP

Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, CITP|FIBP, is the CEO of Shipz Inc, as well as founder and host of the “Let’s Talk Supply Chain” podcast.

Sarah stands at the forefront of international trade with expertise in the global logistics industry, and has worked with the private sector to build, develop and increase efficiencies in their supply chains.

Throughout her 20 year tenure in supply chain, Sarah has gained a reputation for her passion for the industry. Her efforts range from helping to build cost-effective supply chains to hosting one of the top podcasts in the industry, including her popular Women in Supply Chain series highlighting powerhouse women doing amazing things in the industry.

As the host of the popular  “Let’s Talk Supply Chain” podcast, Sarah interviews top supply chain professionals so everyone can learn more about this interesting industry. You can check out Lets Talk episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts, including iTunes, Spotify, google play and Stitcher or on the website www.letstalksupplychain.com

​Sarah’s dedication to excellence in the field has resulted from a combination of hands-on experience and obtaining her CITP designation, FIATA Diploma and CIFFA certifications. Sarah continues this dedication as a Board Member and Certification and Accreditation Committee (CAC) committee member for FITT (Forum for International Trade Training). In 2016/2017, she was also the chair for the FITT planning committee for their 25th anniversary celebration and conference.

In addition to her podcast, Sarah is a serial entrepreneur and is changing the industry through the online platform she and her team are working on, Shipz Inc.

So, we asked Sarah to tell us about her company, Shipz Inc., and how global trade training and the CITP designation have helped her in her business.

What problem does your business solve, and how?

We are giving shippers direct and easy access to supply chain services to keep their business competitive.

How is your business involved in global trade?

We help importers and exporters move their raw materials or finished products globally. We help them expand their businesses globally.

How has FITT training/ know-how contributed to the success of your business?

By giving me an understanding of what companies go through to source new materials or sell their products in new markets. It helped me to better understand what they need to be successful and how I can help with that.

Why was getting CITP certified an important decision for you/your business?

It was hugely important, it shows that I am dedicated to my field and have the knowledge to help companies be successful in global trade. When I am speaking at an event and I mention being a CITP or what the training FITT provides its well received, and shows that I invest in the industry I speak in and gives me credibility.

What is one of your secrets of success?

Persistence and passion.

What advice would you share with other entrepreneurs as they begin their journey?

Keep going, every day is going to be a roller coaster ride – embrace it, learn from it and keep moving forward.

The post CITP Small Business Spotlight – Shipz Inc appeared first on Trade Ready.

Have you ever considered that everything you buy and use daily is all the result of a supply chain?

If the sourcing, buying, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and delivery of that product didn’t happen, you wouldn’t be able to buy it or use it. It wouldn’t exist. How would you live without these things?

Think of the food you eat, your toothbrush, the computer you work on, or the TV that plays your favorite shows – none of it would be possible without supply chains.

No one really thinks about all the tasks and people involved in even getting the socks into your sock drawer! Even you are part of this incredible process , whether you are aware of it or not.

Now, imagine if you were one of the millions of people in the countless roles that make it possible for you to enjoy that product. Rarely does anyone think twice about these efforts, or the sheer number of people involved.

Tune on, tune in and don’t drop out!

Because supply chain touches every part of your business, we should hear more from the innovators across global brands and industries. Supply chain executives from all over the world are kicking butt and taking names, and you need to be at the forefront of these discussions or risk being left behind in the supply chain dust.

That is the very reason why the 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain podcast was started. The podcast is a venue where the people that make a supply chain work can share their knowledge. They can be highlighted for who they are and what they do to take something from an idea to a product in your hand.

The podcast is a place to go and listen to these stories and share in the knowledge these professionals have about their place in the supply chain. But what kind of stories are we talking about, and who are these rock stars, bringing your favourite products and services to your doorstep from all over the world? Here are a couple of my favourites from recent episodes:

Shayne Cannon, a senior customs compliance specialist, is passionate about how essential staying compliant is to avoid bankrupting your company. He gets a bit sidetracked talking customs jargon, but always comes back around to explain the main benefit to staying on top of compliance – peace of mind and being able to sleep at night.

Sheena and Monique from MSH District say it like it is when it comes to a widely debated topic – local vs offshore manufacturing. Plus one of these talented supply chain pros also has a “big hairy audacious goal” of becoming a Beyoncé back-up dancer in her spare time. You’ll have to tune in to find out who in Episode 9: Heads Up – this one gets real and contains some adult content that might not be appropriate for all ears and all offices.

Tackling the biggest issues in SCM today

So who are these “2 Babes”? 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain was started by supply chain executive Sarah Barnes-Humphrey, CITP|FIBP, who is also the co-host.

Sarah started the podcast not only for other supply chain executives, but for anyone involved in or wanting to learn more about this interesting industry.

Nick Garrett, her co-host and “Babe #2”, has been in customs brokerage for a few years and shares his knowledge, experience and the problem solving skills needed to clear a wide range of commodities across international borders. Sarah and Nick want to put the sexy into supply chain, through the guests they have on the show and the relaxed, informative interview style they have adopted.

Did you know that connected apparel and wearable technology are about to disrupt what we know of the supply chain?

And what is the future of 3D printing?

How will this change the way we distribute product and what we carry as inventory even by the end of the decade?

These are just a few examples of the topics we like to tackle on the show. The episodes are short. But, they are informative, fun and authentic, just like the supply chain experts they feature.

Are YOU getting the most out of your supply chain? Stay tuned! In November Caroline Tompkins, FITT’s President and CEO will be our guest, talking about the many different types of jobs available in trading goods across international borders and how you can have a successful career in this growing industry.

You can check out 2 Babes episodes on iTunes and Stitcher – 2 Babes Talk Supply Chain and on their website www.2babestalksupplychain.com.

The post Think there’s nothing sexy about the supply chain industry? This podcast will convince you otherwise appeared first on Trade Ready.