BRASILIA, Brazil; April 30, 2013 – The Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office, established in Brasilia and with offices soon to open in São Paulo, Brazil in 2012 and supported by global business experts and diplomats domestically and abroad, has announced its official opening for Michigan-based companies looking to expand into one of the world’s hottest growth markets.

The official opening announcement follows a soft launch in 2012, which allowed the Center to validate the model, monitor the results, and open the Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office to “beta” groups on a trial basis. The widespread success of the soft launch and model validation allowed the Center to move forward with its planned 2013 opening to the broader Michigan business community.

The initiative was spearheaded by Jeff Jorge, Executive Partner of Global Development Partners, a Royal Oak, Mich.-based operation that helps companies and nonprofit organizations to expand internationally in turnkey manner.

The Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office is physically located within the premises of the BRICS-PED Chamber, the Promotion and Economic Development organization of emerging national economies in Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa—an entity for which Jorge serves as the Deputy Executive Director for its affairs in the United States.

“Companies in southeast Michigan are beginning to understand the enormity of potential in the rapidly emerging Brazil market and of the overall Latin American region,” Jorge said. “The coming Olympics and World Cup have drawn greater attention to a global market that was already in significant demand for the types of products and services that Michigan businesses have to offer. The Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office will now serve as both a conduit and an advocate to facilitate further exploration and expansion into the incredible opportunities that await in Brazil and its neighboring countries.”

Jorge added, “Our experience shows that many companies across the U.S. have a greater awareness that an expansion into foreign markets is a great way to grow sales and to become more resilient to domestic economic storms.”

Jorge’s initiative has already gained interest and support, not only from the private sector and dignitaries in Brazil, but from domestic officials as well. Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson remarked that “initiatives such as [The Michigan Brazil Center] are crucial to the continued global expansion of Oakland County-based businesses into key emerging markets, to the strengthening of our economy, and to the attraction of capital into our region.”

“We are fortunate to have such a strong global collaborator in our economic development efforts, and we look forward to the continued results and opportunities that emerge from this initiative,” added Deputy County Executive Matt Gibb.

Oxus Inc., a medical device company based in Rochester Hills, Mich., is among those who have benefitted from the Center’s early programs. Oxus CEO Gary Abusamra, who partnered with the Center and GDP to help his company expand into Brazil in turnkey manner, reported significant traction as a result of the collaboration. “In a very short period, they had a great handle on our target market and its regulatory requirements—along with a strategy to secure regulatory approval—in addition to having identified prospective in-region partners, qualified them, and engaged with them on our behalf,” said Abusamra. “In all, they accomplished in a short period what would have taken many months and copious resources for our team to achieve. They effectively accelerated our path to increased global growth in a manner far greater than we would have been able to reach by ourselves.”

In 2013, Jorge will continue to collaborate with, and secure additional support from, key members of Michigan’s business and government community to fuel the growth of the initiative. “It’s abundantly clear to both businesses and government alike the crucial role this initiative can play in the success of Michigan’s business community,” Jorge said. “This announcement is only the beginning. We expect great things for Michigan businesses in Brazil and Latin America as a whole.”

To register for the Center’s next “Launch Pad” orientation event on June 7, or to inquire about opportunities that exist with the Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office, visit www.MichiganBrazilCenter.org, or call (517) 618-1956.

About The Michigan Brazil Center and Support Office

Located within the offices of the BRICS-PED Chamber (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa Chamber for Promotion and Economic Development) in Brazil, The Michigan-Brazil Center and Support Office is operated by Royal Oak, Mich.-based GDP | Global Development Partners, one of the nation’s foremost turnkey international market development groups. The Michigan-Brazil Center and Support Office helps to promote and accelerate the export, growth and localization of Michigan-made products and services in the Brazilian and Latin American markets via a “leveraged buy” program structure, in addition to attracting foreign capital investment into Michigan, among many other initiatives. Fueled by a core tenet of social responsibility, the Center also helps to enable socio-economic advancement in the region through access to Michigan technologies, goods and services that have the potential to effect lasting social change, while simultaneously strengthening international trade relationships. For more information, please visit www.MichiganBrazilCenter.org, or call (517) 618-1956.

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Jeff Jorge (left) is presented The Young Alumni Achievement Award by MTSU President Dr. Sidney McPhee

ROYAL OAK, Mich., Aug. 29, 2012 — Joining the ranks of fellow alumnus James Buchanan (1986 Nobel Prize Winner, Economics), GDP | Global Development Partners’ Jeff Jorge was recognized and awarded the Young Alumni Achievement Award during Middle Tennessee State University’s recent 2012 commencement ceremony. The award, which is bestowed by Tennessee’s largest university in undergraduate enrollment, represents the highest honor conferred annually upon a single alumnus under the age of 40.

Following significant financial hardship during college – including a period of homelessness – the Brazilian-born Jorge rose above challenges, graduated Cum Laude and pursued both a life and career in the United States, also earning his MBA from the University of Michigan, with Distinction. Prior to and following his MBA, Jorge gained success as one of the youngest employees to lead large-scale global market expansions at two Fortune 500 companies in a number of industry sectors and vertical markets. His experience also includes driving growth in early-stage, venture-backed companies where he led corporate strategy, marketing, sales and international market expansions.

Later in his career, the entrepreneur launched the Michigan-based global consultancy group GDP | Global Development Partners – a growth acceleration firm delivering results to middle market companies and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). GDP’s turnkey support enables business growth, job creation and social responsibility to companies seeking expansion domestically and abroad in a wide range of industries.

Today, as GDP’s Executive Partner, Jorge assists and guides US-based companies by providing a unique turnkey global growth support, helping expand their international market reach in a fully-assisted manner. With emphasis in the Americas, GDP’s expertise helps enable companies to capture international markets with reduced risks, shortened time frames and improved results throughout the process. An American Citizen since 2008, Jorge is also a professional speaker and author, imparting insights from his personal and professional experiences that help organizations and individuals overcome obstacles and achieve success.

“[The Award] is an unexpected and very humbling honor,” said Jorge. “It is somewhat surreal that the University would deem me as a worthy recipient of this extraordinary recognition, particularly when one considers the roster of accomplished alumni whom have been graced with such a prestigious Award.”

Expressing gratitude to Middle Tennessee State University for its contributions that have led to his professional and personal accomplishments, Jorge concluded: “I have sought to assist companies in accelerating their growth, in making an impact in their markets and in the communities they serve. It is an immense privilege to see these successes also translate into recognition through the Young Alumni Achievement Award. This is a great honor for which I am deeply grateful.”

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About GDP | Global Development Partners
GDP | Global Development Partners, is a global consultancy group delivering breakthrough growth strategy formulation, execution and turnkey international market development support to companies in multiple industry sectors and foreign markets. GDP’s proven methodology enables companies to capture market growth – internationally and domestically – with reduced risks, improved outcomes, and shortened time-frames. With clients spanning an eclectic mix of established corporations and start-ups, along with deep mindfulness for social responsibility, GDP helps accelerate the growth of its clients by unlocking latent potential to capture sustainable market growth while benefiting people, planet and profits. For more information, please visit www.GDP-inc.com or call (248) 973-7GDP.

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Royal Oak, MI – Jeff Jorge, Executive Partner of GDP | Global Development Partners, has been invited to join Automation Alley‘s International Business Services Advisory Council – one of the country’s foremost global growth and economic development groups.

The International Business Services Advisory Council (IBSAC) serves as one of the United States’ preeminent entities in enhancing the global competitiveness of small- and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs) interested in expanding their markets overseas. IBSAC also markets and promotes Michigan as a high-tech powerhouse and global center of innovation to companies exploring investment opportunities in the region.

The invitation-only Council is comprised of experienced business leaders and economic development experts who are well-versed in identifying international business trends, addressing the challenges of globalization, and providing guidance to assist companies and the region in achieving international growth.

“We are honored to be invited and to share our expertise and international network in support of IBSAC and of our region,” said Jorge. “In helping so many companies accelerate their global growth, we are well-versed in what it takes for them to succeed in foreign markets – and to do so quickly and in a low-risk manner. We look forward to adding to an already exceptional team of executives in support of helping Michigan companies grow abroad, and to attracting additional foreign investment into our region.”

“Mr. Jorge brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in helping companies grow in foreign markets, overcome barriers and attain sustainable traction,” said Noel Nevshehir, Automation Alley’s Director of International Business Services. “His perspective and support are instrumental in advancing IBSAC’s mission to accelerate the growth of companies in our area – and in the overall success of our region. We are honored to have him as part of the Council.”

About GDP | Global Development Partners
GDP | Global Development Partners, is a global consultancy group delivering breakthrough growth strategy formulation, execution and turnkey international market development support to companies in multiple industry sectors and foreign markets. GDP’s proven methodology enables companies to capture market growth – internationally and domestically – with reduced risks, improved outcomes, and shortened time-frames. With clients spanning an eclectic mix of established corporations and start-ups, along with deep mindfulness for social responsibility, GDP helps accelerate the growth of its clients by unlocking latent potential to capture sustainable market growth while benefiting people, planet and profits. For more information, please visit www.GDP-inc.com

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A (very) abbreviated synopsis of this study:

“The 2011 Global Retail Development Index reflects dramatic changes in the global economy and the different ways in which developing countries have been affected. Some developing markets have emerged  from the recession stronger than before, while others succumbed to the political upheaval that economic distress brings. Today, as leading international retailers are rewarded for their flexibility and long-term outlook in the face of short-term uncertainty, it is time to focus on a portfolio of countries—with different levels of risk, at different stages of maturity and with distinct consumer profiles—to balance short-and long-term opportunities.

The annual study ranks the top 30 developing countries for retail expansion worldwide, and helps retailers, technology providers and industry partners devise successful global strategies and to identify emerging market investment opportunities. The study is unique because it not only identifies which markets are the most successful today but also which markets offer the most potential in the future.“

The matrix (shown here) showcases the results of such study – and Brazil tops the list as the most attractive and with the greatest opportunity for continued growth.  Aside from significant expansion in the retail sector, which highly relevant for many US-based companies, Brazil also boasts one of the lowest risk indexes among the countries profiled.

Timing is ideal to capture this market for your business. If GDP can be of help to you in leveraging such retail growth within Brazilian borders, just let us know. We would be happy to help.

Global Retail Index – Study Results

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In looking back through the many clients that we have been fortunate to help, we have noticed a pattern of awareness-raising questions that made a significant difference in their growth rate. At times these questions were posed as a core element of our support engagement. In others they were simply used as a thought-catalyst. In all cases, however, the answers that emerged helped them to redefine aspects of their business that influenced near- and long-term growth.

We have compiled a few of such questions and we are rolling them out to you in a multi-part series starting today. So here is Part I in helping you ask key questions that can influence the growth of your organization:

1) How much have you leveraged technology to accelerate your growth?
Systems should be in place to help people operate at their peak, not the other way around. Yet, young and established organizations alike bleed resources daily by working harder and not smarter. How well-leveraged is your CRM (Customer Relationship Management) tool? Are lead-scoring, funnel management, and a buttoned-up sales process in place? How about using analytics tools to help glean richer information from prospects and close more deals? What about deploying a marketing automation solution – do you even know what it means for your business? If you don’t, you should. As a leader, it’s your duty.  Uncork the efficiency of your team by placing the right tools in the hands of the right people. It is often less costly and simpler than you might think, and your top-line will thank you.

2) To what degree are you prepared to develop new vertical markets?
Aspiring to grow outside of your current vertical market is can often be a strategic imperative as much as a basic operational requirement. You can fend off growth stagnation by seeking out new vertical markets that would be happy to buy what you are offering. In fact, it is one of the most solid ways to spur growth. However, be sure you know yourself and where you are headed before assigning copious amounts of resources and time to the endeavor. Prior to venturing out to the next market pasture, be sure to take an honest look at your own offering. Yes, hang onto your belief in success and strength of your business. However, do conduct an thorough assessment of what you have to offer and how it stacks up in the new market you are looking to pursue. It is *much* easier to sell something into a market void than it is to fight sophisticated, entrenched players off their territory. With a solid strategic and tactical plan, new markets can help transform your organization, your top-line and your future.

3) How many-fold can you increase your top line by expanding internationally?
In a recent article, we pointed out three top reasons why most companies should include international expansion into their strategic growth plans. If you find yourself in a recurring battle with the same companies, for the same customers in the same domestic market, maybe it’s time you take a look abroad. Yes, there could be other companies with similar offerings, but your company may have that which is just different, fresh, or appealing enough to endear foreign buyers to switch over to your brand. You never know until you look into it, and there are many low-risk, high return ways to do so for your business. Some of which are fully turnkey.

4) Are you leaving money on the table for not commanding the value your market is willing to bear?
One of our clients – a well established technology and technical services company – had been providing a unique, high-quality suite of services to a broad client base in both for- and non-profit sectors. Yet, they felt they could not quite hit a stride in profitability or even revenues until later into the projects because so much up-front work was required. When we asked them: “What other alternatives do your customers have if not buying from you?” They told us there were a few other companies, but that they believed they were one of the best as evidenced by their new and repeat business. We conducted an assessment and determined that the value of their services to clients was well above the monetary amount being charged for such services. We then suggested they place an up-front charge (of many tens of thousands of dollars) before any new project work began. Our hypothesis was that – if customers balked – then we would know that the repeat business was a function of low prices (which would prove to be a strong validation of the basis upon which the company should compete). However, if customers agreed, not only it would reinforce the value basis of selling, but would also increase revenues and profits. The result: 100% client retention after the new commercial structure was in place, with strong financial performance at year-end to boot.

Many of us are often too close to the day-to-day pressures of running a business in order to step back and take an objective look at how to tackle big picture strategic items – or the unexpected tactical glitch. Fluctuating between the 50,000- and 100-feet view multiple times in a day is a tough way to maintain perspective. However, in having a set of go-to questions to ask at different altitudes within your day can help to unlock the answer that can spur your organization’s growth.

The post 4 Questions to Ask of Your Organization to Stimulate Growth (Part I) appeared first on GDP | Global Development Partners.

In fact, Brazil represents a substantial opportunity to nearly any company looking to accelerate their growth curve. With 200 million inhabitants, a growing economy, and imports growing at a 31% annualized rate in 2011, Brazil shows an appetite for foreign-made products. Couple this to increasing demand from private consumption, government spending and fixed capital formation², and Brazil’s status as a highly attractive emerging economy is well-deserved.²

With a projected annual GDP growth rate of 4.2% for the 2012-2013 period³, massive infrastructure developments to support the burgeoning purchasing power of its population – and the upcoming 2014 World Cup of Soccer and 2016 Olympics – Brazil represents one of the most substantial opportunities for organizations looking to expand internationally.  At present, Brazil provides organizations in technology and numerous industry sectors with a unique ecosystem to substantially accelerate growth, to increase revenues, and to claim early-mover advantage in one of the world’s most coveted international markets.

With size as a frequent indicator of market potential, here are some additional facts⁴ that further illustrate the massive opportunity that Brazil represents to nearly any company looking to capitalize on its growth:

• Biggest aerospace power of the southern hemisphere. The opportunity: With defense and aerospace cuts in the USA, your next market growth may come from south of the Equator.
• Biggest fixed line telephone market of Latin America. The opportunity: Have a technology that depends on land-lines? Welcome to your new market with a legacy infrastructure.
• 3rd in the world in the aircraft industry. The opportunity: Akin to the defense and aerospace market domestically .Presents a major opportunity to diversify abroad.
• 3rd in the world computer market. The opportunity: Just about anything related to such a market stand to do well in Brazil.
• 4th biggest TV network in the world. The opportunity: A captive audience of brand-loyal, media-influenced consumers. Lifestyle choices are substantially driven by television.
• 5th biggest mobile phone market. The opportunity: Why confine a mobile app, website or software channel to a single language? Your next mobile-friendly money-making endeavor may need to be released in Portuguese.

A very short list of massive markets looking for solid players to enter, nurture and grow their presence. At a minimum, company leaders owe it to themselves to disprove the hypothesis that growth opportunities for most companies also means growth for their own.

So go ahead and give Brazil a look. It might just be the next springboard market that sets off your company into a transformation leap forward.

² Source: Center for Economic and Policy Research, 2011.

³ Source: Scotia Bank, 2012.

⁴ Source: UHY Advisors, 2011.

The post Why is Brazil such a great market opportunity for U.S. companies? appeared first on GDP | Global Development Partners.

We are very excited to share the news that our Executive Partner Jeff Jorge has been invited by Michigan’s largest technology association – Automation Alley – to speak at its upcoming conference: “Doing Business in Brazil: Latin America’s Engine of Growth,” on February 2^nd, 2012.

Jeff, a native of Brazil, brings first-hand knowledge of the culture, business climate and strategic market entry to the conference.  This knowledge – coupled with GDP’s experience in providing turnkey global market development support – will be the basis of a very informative talk. Here is just a snapshot of topics that Jeff will address:

• Cultural differences that affect how business is conducted
• Modes of entry and which are the most suitable relative to revenue upside, market control, complexity and investment
• Bridging the cultural and business gaps in order to gain commercial traction and growth in the region

Along with Jeff , trade experts from the U.S. Commercial Services Department will be on-site as well as telecasting in from the Embassy in Brazil. Together these experts will have a more targeted discussion on their respective areas, plus provide analysis of the some of the leading sector for U.S. Exports.

If you happen to be in the metro-Detroit area on February 2^nd, we invite you to join us at the event. More detailed information about agenda and registration can be found directly on the Automation Alley website here.

Can’t attend in person?  Please contact us!  Jeff would be happy to host a discussion on this topic especially for you and your company.

The post GDP’s Executive Partner to Speak at Automation Alley Conference “Doing Business in Brazil.” appeared first on GDP | Global Development Partners.

When posed this question, most top executives and leaders would be inclined to want to learn more. Yet, when the question is framed in the context of an international market, “uhms,” “hmms” and other murmuring doubt sounds begin – as though unless it is domestic growth, anything else is unchartered territory fraught with fear, uncertainty and self-doubt.

Here are some statistics that might show why FFF companies (those Fraught with Foreign Fear) are missing out from going abroad, showing the 2009-2011 growth rate of U.S. companies exporting products in key sectors¹:

• Transportation = +41%
• Chemicals = +38%
• Computers / Electronics = +34%
• Machinery = +34%
• All others = +67%

What does that mean for you? Maybe your next string of sales might not be to your closest buddies in your USA back-yard. Here are three reasons to include an international market expansion into your strategic plan for 2012 and beyond:

1. Improved resilience to macro-economic storms: Lots of companies did not make it out alive from the United State’s economic storm of 2008. Do a little digging (we did) and you will find that many of the low- to mid-market companies that met their demise four years ago were largely focused only in the domestic market. Spread your goodness to other global regions, customers and geographical markets and you are better apt to weather home-based economic storms. You treat your financial portfolio with the due diversification diligence it deserves, don’t you?!  The same diversification concept holds true for your business and your market/customer base.
2. Transfer market knowledge: Licensing, franchising, export, JVs… whatever mode of entry you choose, pursuing an overseas market makes you smarter about multiple facets of your business.  New customer behaviors, new applications for your product, a new category of channel partners, market trends that you can instigate domestically from overseas behaviors, new products or offerings spurred by foreign customer demand… the list goes on. You might learn more about your own company and your domestic market by looking outside of your current environment. It is akin to taking a walk in nature: get outside to gain a fresh perspective inward.
3. Grow your top line: Look at your watch. Right now – at this very moment – there are customers outside of your domestic market who could use what you have to offer. The same goes to the channel partners that service said customers… they want products/services/brands that are fresh, different, new, and better than what they have in their own domestic markets. Engaging with such customers, channel partners and other foreign market entities helps create a great ecosystem to increase your market reach and boost your sales.  Do this in a flourishing market with growing  gross domestic product, internal access to capital and hungry local customers and you find yourself in a position to create sustainable, positive sales growth for your business.

Foreign market growth is more attainable than most companies often believe. There are lots of resources – free and for hire – to help you accomplish an international market expansion, reduce your risks and improve your success rate. And with so much growth opportunity abroad the question is: will you let the opportunity pass or seize it to transform your business?

¹ Source: U.S. Dept. of Commerce, 2011

The post 3 Reasons Why Foreign Market Expansion Can Positively Transform Your Business appeared first on GDP | Global Development Partners.

Aside from vast fertile land, two climate zones, flourishing rivers and over 8,000 kilometers of ocean-front, Brazil also has many attributes and factors in its favor to become the world’s food super-power:

• Agricultural know-how: Skilled professionals with robust agri-science and business acumen. They have the knowledge to execute well, and the affordable labor to get it done.
• Capital: Both domestic and foreign. Local land owners want to increase yield. Foreign investors want the return. Solid match.
• Farming Infrastructure: the roadways to and from many farms may be atrocious, but the industrial farming capabilities (think 30+ harvesters canvassing a field in staggered formation) rank as some of the best and largest in the world. It takes capital and experience to pull it off. Brazil now has both, even if its non-farming infrastructure needs help.

Meaningful factors, no doubt. But one often overlooked, yet of increasing influence, is that of the growing (and hungry) Chinese population.

A recent New York Times article highlights Brazil’s central role in feeding the Chinese – a role that is anticipated to grow in the foreseeable future. With a growing population and a challenged landscape on which to (sustainably) grow a broader array of crops, China gets the fact it needs help feeding its people. Couple Brazil’s rapidly-growing economy, tech savvy young population, and growing appetite for foreign direct capital and new domestic ventures, it is easy to see why Brazil’s ability to supply much-needed food has become both an economic driver as a strategic imperative.

China has exposed many of Brazil’s and USA’s vulnerabilities – and vice-versa. But with China’s interest in Brazil expanding well beyond foreign investment and market growth opportunities, how is the United States capitalizing on this dynamic? How, if at all, is the U.S. leveraging its relationship with Brazil to influence relations with China? Can different (i.e. more advantageous) tariff and trade policies with Brazil re-shape USA’s foreign debt with its largest debt-holder? Conversely, how can Brazil adopt a different stance regarding tariff barriers, customs processes, tax burdens and other elements that influence trade with the USA and other countries – including China?

In his address to the American Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke lauded that the Bilateral Tax Treaty will be one of the quickest ways to encourage more cross-border investment. We happen to agree it is one of them, but hardly the only one. There is work to be done inside both borders to yield the greatest outcome for both nations. It is hard work, it takes a great deal of commitment – but it can be done.

The inter-play of countries in the world’s economic stage is constantly changing. China’s role – with its positive and negative influences (as with any country) – has helped re-shape the reality of USA-Brazil relations. As Brazil is becoming increasingly well positioned to influence China’s behavior – as food is as strategic a supply as they come – timing is ideal for both U.S. and Brazil to improve their own standing in the world’s economic stage. This moment can be a catalyst to the necessary changes in both the USA and Brazilian trade policies to catapult over obstacles and set a new course for debt reduction, economic influence and growth.

It is time the conversation deepen and that actions accelerate so that both nations – and their people – benefit. There are rare opportunities to influence macro-economic international change with such tangible benefits domestically. The United States and Brazil both have this opportunity right now.

The question is: Will they capitalize on it?

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