Embracing Global Partnerships May Save All of Us

"Born and raised in south Detroit."

Lyrics representing my childhood and my parent's home. Lyrics mapping the route home to thousands of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors employees who feel the hardships of a whimpering American economy. Lyrics exemplifying a demographic of individuals committed to industrial change and innovative entrepreneurship.

Today, breaking news reported the finalization of the sale of Chrysler to Fiat. Soon after, thousands of employees, distributors, dealers and manufacturers were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Thousands still remain jobless, but this news carries like fresh air through Detroit and many Midwesterners have a revitalized sense of hope for the once-prideful auto capitol of the world.

Most appealing is the notion of global partnership. Although I have been a spoken advocate for American-made products, I willingly encourage a global network for industry. Whereas Michigan's auto industry once thrived from self-sufficiency, more industries now recognize -- mainly because of the economic recession -- that the world is shrinking and mergers are essential for the success of the United States. From Wall Street to Dearborn, Mich. (home to a Ford stamping and frame factory), industrialists must embrace relationships with their counterparts around the world.

Global partnership can and should be acknowledged on an individual level as well. My cousin recently explained how one of his companies encompasses three individuals from three separate continents. Another internet-based company, Borgger, encourages users to "ideate" with one another to share thoughts and concepts about unique business ideas. Likewise, The Kairos Society unites the brightest American student entrepreneurs with the brightest students and potential governmental leaders from China and Israel.

Social media and social networking allows for the global exchange of business ideas and advice. A Social Media-tor in Denver, Colo. can provide online marketing strategies to an entrepreneur in Brazil. The owner of a Spanish winery can contribute to an online discussion about the wine industry in California.

New methods of communication are opening more doors now than ever before. As detailed with the Chrysler buyout, we will have to learn how to strategically communicate with our global peers, selflessly provide advice and help one another, then combine entrepreneurially for a successful future.

Are you a Social Media-tor? by Steve Mnich on Tonic.com

Are you a Social Media-tor? by Steve Mnich on Tonic.com

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Would you like a popsicle with your new electric drill?

I want to open this article up to you, the reader. Think of this read as a break from the lecturing and issue-telling encompassing the art and craft of journalism. Let this discussion be conversational rather than editorial.popsicls

While reading over conversations on my favorite time-killing website (other than Tonic.com), I came across a very simple question in a business article entitled “It’s hot in Virginia!” The writer's question was simple: What are you doing that is really crazy or different then your competition? His ingenuous response to the question he posed: give away free snow cones in the dead of summer to your customers (mind you, the snow cone sponsor is a printing company).

What a great topic for conversation in an economy of innovative thinking and customer engagement. Last summer, I worked for a company that swore by purchasing popsicles any day the weather broke the 100-degree barrier. It was maybe three weeks into my internship that a client walked into our office and saw nothing but red, green, orange and purple lips, a trashcan full of Popsicle sticks and a freezer full of push-ups.

During a recent purchase at a local hardware store, the aroma of butter filled the air and the cashier switched from money collector to popcorn distributor with each and every customer that approached his register (I have since gone back to the store for measly reasons for the sole purpose of obtaining more and more theatre-esque boxes of the corn treat).

How are you engaging customers and how have companies connected with you?