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Here’s wishing all of you a healthy and prosperous 2010!  And to start off the new year, here are the bizSugar articles that inspired me the most last week.

After you read these articles, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

A Small Business Guide to Online Collaboration Tools

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As we work with more people online there are a great number of new tools available to make collaboration easier.  The steps outlined in this article are also great to find the best tools for international collaboration.  I particularly liked the link to Robin Good’s mindmap with different products and services in over 20 categories.

At the moment I use Skype and Dropbox.

What are your favorite tools for international collaboration?

TopRank’s Top Social SEO Posts of 2009 – Online Marketing Blog

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There are several great resources listed here.  If you are familiar with my blog, you know that I use social media for international business networking.  This works well for me because I stay up to date with the best social media practices by reading resources like these.

How do you stay current on social media best practices?

Despite Recessions, Business Growth Only Places 2nd As New Year Goal

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This is an interesting look at how different companies are planning to grow their business in 2010. The business goals are separated into categories: “survive or thrive” and “diversify”. In the category “other growth ideas” there is global expansion, social awareness and customer connections.

I particularly liked hearing: “companies that have pressed on in spite of the economy have seen business growth.”  This is an incentive to continue to work towards your business goal throughout the whole year.

What are your international business goals for 2010?

10 Technologies That Will Rock 2010

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In 2010 we will be hearing more about the new technologies mentioned in this article.  Geo and realtime search will impact international online marketing. Mobile transactions and social CRM are also to watch for international business topics.

Are you watching new technologies to see how they can help your international business growth?

Momentum – The Best Business Fertiliser

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There are quite a few parallels to international business in this article.  But this triggered me into thinking about the value of momentum.  Momentum can give you better results in some phases of going international but there are some phases where it does not.

One of the phases where I’ve seen momentum work well is when researching your international business opportunities.

Where do you think momentum plays a role in growing your international business?

Six Steps for Protecting Your Small Business Trade Secrets

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The risk factor is a big one for many businesses contemplating going global.  And legal issues of all kinds can become complex.  The best way to evaluate risk is to become more knowledgeable.  And this article reminded me to do just that.

How worried are you about protecting your trade secrets in a global marketplace?

What Small Business Needs to Do to Get Ready for Mobile Marketing Now – Duct Tape Marketing

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As John Jantsch says, there has been talk of mobile marketing for a long time.  And there will be more talk as the number of mobile users increases over the next few years.

Don’t forget to monitor how mobile marketing impacts your international business markets too.  As with social media, it may be wise to become an early adopter of mobile marketing if you think you will be using it to connect with international markets too.  There may be some good opportunities for early adopters.

How will development in mobile marketing impact your international business?