Nicole Verkindt Archives - Trade Ready https://tradeready.ca/tag/nicole-verkindt/ Blog for International Trade Experts Thu, 14 Jul 2022 17:51:40 +0000 en-US hourly 1 3 things I learned from the thought leaders at Your Future in Global Markets 2017 https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/3-things-learned-thought-leaders-future-global-markets-2017/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/3-things-learned-thought-leaders-future-global-markets-2017/#respond Fri, 17 Nov 2017 22:07:30 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=25140 I attended Your Future in Global Markets - 2017 International Business Conference in October and here are the top 3 take aways I learned from thought leaders

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I attended Your Future in Global Markets – 2017 International Business Conference in October at the beautiful Hilton Lac-Leamy, in Canada’s National Capital Region. When it came to preparing for the future of international business, this event definitely delivered!

The conference covered current and future challenges for trade, the complexities of global business, industry trends, and future impacts of international business on operational functions within organizations.

The lineup of speakers included a mix of world-renowned subject matter experts, small and large business leaders, and certified international trade professionals. The topics discussed assisted with my professional development goals to learn about new tools, emerging trends and best practices. The panel format of several sessions allowed for opposing views to be expressed and a rich conversation to develop, which was also dynamic – just like the field of international trade.

Didn’t make it to Your Future in Global Markets 2017? You can see the full session notes and slide shows from the conference here: FITTforTrade.com/your-future-2017 

For me, the biggest take-away was the advice and sharing from those who had been there, done that, and shared their international trade experiences. The highlight was the keynote address by OMX Founder and Dragon on Next Gen Den, Nicole Verkindt, who talked about her first foray into the world of international trade and some of the complexities she had to overcome.

I thoroughly enjoyed the anecdotes and candid recounting of knowledge gaps and lessons learned.  After all, there are always lessons to be learned.

My favourite anecdote was that of a young Ms. Verkindt arriving in the Dominican Republic, with little knowledge of local business practices and wondering why the goods that her company had frantically produced in the country were not leaving the dock. It was only after a private meeting with the Minister of Customs for the Dominican Republic that the shipment left the dock. On an interesting side note, I understand that this anecdote became material for the keynote presentation the following day “A View from both sides: Why corruption happens and real strategies to protect your people and business”.

The conference reassured me that the advice I share in both private industry and as a FITTskills instructor is on point. One central conviction that particularly stood out for me is that international trade research, including a thorough understanding of the risks involved and the preparation of a plan to mitigate those risks, is a fundamental component of a successful international business strategy.

Preparing for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow

In addition to the key messaging, here are the top three resounding themes that recurred throughout the conference:

1. We must embrace the digital economy

If we don’t embrace the digital economy, we will be left behind. We must learn about disruptive innovations  in international trade and adopt new ideas or trends early.

When we talk about digital marketing, for example, we are not simply referring to Search Engine Optimization (SEO). We are referring to fully leveraging the power of the IoT and big data to provide an exceptional customer experience and enhance inbound marketing efforts.

We’re talking using machine learning algorithms to make sense of overwhelming amounts of data and deliver customized content in order to create a better customer experience, whether your customer is in your local market or around the globe.

Assembling your A-team of talented professionals in a wide variety of areas may make this early adoption easier.

2. A focused approach is paramount for SMEs

I had a colleague that liked to use this analogy: small business tackling global market expansion is akin to boiling an ocean in contrast to boiling a few pots.

Rather than trying to take on every possibility at once, you need to do your research, learn what you need to know, narrow down your markets and focus on one or two target markets at a time.

3. The future looks bright in Canada and elsewhere

Nicole Verkindt mentioned “It’s Canada’s time!”

Peter Hall, EDC Vice President and Chief Economist, backed up that sentiment with his concise analysis of global issues for Canadian exporters. In many economic circles, experts believe that the ideal time to expand internationally is now. Throw your lifejacket on (prepare) and jump on that ship before it sails without you.

I was truly proud and inspired to be among such a fine network of international trade professionals. The breadth and wealth of knowledge that was shared both formally and informally was very impressive.

And one more thing was made abundantly clear – in international trade, the future is bright!

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the contributing author, and do not necessarily reflect those of the Forum for International Trade Training.

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]]> https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/3-things-learned-thought-leaders-future-global-markets-2017/feed/ 0 https://tradeready.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/looking-to-the-future-in-global-markets-sunrise.jpg The biggest threats and opportunities in tomorrow’s global marketplace https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/biggest-threats-opportunities-tomorrows-global-marketplace/ https://tradeready.ca/2017/topics/import-export-trade-management/biggest-threats-opportunities-tomorrows-global-marketplace/#respond Mon, 21 Aug 2017 17:24:13 +0000 http://test.tradeready.ca/?p=24479 This is the perfect time to ask the experts what's in store for global business, and where tomorrow's biggest threats and opportunities will be. Here are their insights.

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More people seem to be talking about international trade than they have in years, whether they are directly involved in importing and exporting, or they are merely engaged as citizens while the latest policy changes shake out.

With all of the publicity surrounding Brexit, CETA and NAFTA renegotiations it’s no wonder chins are wagging. So we thought this was the perfect time to ask the experts what’s in store for global business, and where tomorrow’s biggest threats and opportunities will be.

FITT’s upcoming Your Future in Global Markets conference will address just that, so there were no better experts to ask then those who will be leading these discussions at the conference. Five of the #YourFuture2017 speakers obliged us and shared their insights in this month’s #TradeElite Twitter chat.>

Here’s what they had to say.

Panelists:

Nicole Verkindt (@OffSetMarket) – Founder, OMX, “Dragon”, Next Gen Den, Panellist, CBC News, The Exchange based out of Toronto, Canada

Amy Karam (@AmyKaram) – Author, speaker, instructor and global expansion and competitive strategy consultant based out of Ottawa, Canada

Jyll Saskin Gales (@jyllsaskingales) – Export Consultant, Google based out of Toronto Canada

Marcos Vaena (@MarcosVaena) – Chief, Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness, International Trade Centre, based out of Geneva, Switzerland

Adrian Mutton (@AdrianMutton) Founder and CEO of Sannam S4 and U.S. Business Centers, based out of Washington D.C. and London, England.

Let’s get the threats outta the way first. What’re the biggest threats global businesses will face in the next year, 5 yrs, beyond?

What are some things businesses of all sizes can do today to prepare to face these threats?

Is there any emerging tech that could help businesses and individuals mitigate risks in tomorrow’s global trade environment?

Moving into opportunities, what are some of the biggest, opportunities tomorrow’s global businesses can take advantage of?

Are there any markets that may challenge the BRICS in terms of import/export opportunities for global businesses?

In your view, do the opportunities of tomorrow’s global marketplace outweigh the challenges for those just getting started?

Any other thoughts you’d like to share on tomorrow’s global marketplace?

Read the rest of the chat and follow future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. Stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, September 14 at 2:30-3:30PM ET.

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