TWO WEEKS: 11 CITIES, 4 COUNTRIES - TAKING AUSSIE INNOVATION OVERSEAS
Just back from an around the world export marketing trip, it's clear that whilst the US and European economies have been far more negatively impacted by the GFC than Australia, there is still considerable opportunity for focused SMEs with products and services with a clear value proposition. Australian innovation still has worldwide appeal.
I visited the SGIA show (Screen Graphics & Imaging Assoc) in New Orleans, the first time I had returned since Katrina - I was told 40% of the city's population left and didn't come back! That said, the centre of the city was as vibrant as ever.
Going Green is gaining traction in the US, until now very much the climate skeptics. At this show everyone wanted to present themselves as Green - Green is now mainstream.
The latest amazing trend is car wrapping using super high resolution digital prints on a stretchable hi-tech vinyl substrate. This process turns your vehicle into a mobile bill board with excellent quality.
Click to see the video - "Wrapping Your Car".
Retail is still in the doldrums across all US states although news abounds that the real-estate fall has bottomed out. Retail in London appears to be booming with the big stores and high streets busy and bustling. No doubt this could be as a result of continental Europeans taking advantage of a cheap pound with the Euro at almost parity.
The key issue is the strength of the Aussie $. Whilst the exchange rate makes travelling to the northern hemisphere far more affordable -it is challenging for Australian exporters, particularly as the A$ edges toward apparent parity with the US$. Now is the time to develop smart strategies to ensure market share gained previously is not lost.
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