Boy, were the trade shows REALLY different this October

I’ve written about this before. Mike Bellamy asked me to avoid politics in this blog. Which is mostly fine, because generally I am sick of politics.

But there are times when it is really, really, really, reeeeaaaaally hard, and this is one of those times. Why? Well, I’ve been going through the follow-ups from the recent Global Sources trade shows and one thing stands out like a sore thumb – the shortage of Americans in attendance.

I’ve spent the last 7 months putting together a group of sales reps to better serve our clients and help PassageMaker grow. We have 8 reps serving USA and Canada (more on the way), but my top priority was to establish reps in key foreign markets – Mexico, Brazil and Europe are already place, and I am working on covering the rest of the globe – but I had no idea this effort would pay off so soon.

Easily 85% of the follow-ups are non-USA leads. In years past, at least 60-70% were American. The reason for this reversal is disheartening. The USA is mired in recession, with a shortage of business credit, rising unemployment, etc.; while the rest of the world is recovering nicely. It does not have to be this way. As a small business owner, it is mighty disheartening to see so much indecision and ineptitude in Washington. When you have no clue what to expect next, caution dictates you batten down the hatches. The economy will not really get going again until people can plan for the future. And the solons in DC haven’t a clue the havoc they are creating.

And that is the extent of my political commentary for today. Have a great weekend.