A few first reflections

A few first reflections on our trip to the Maine International Trade Center and Hydro International last week:

Ms. Amy I.: "Both Mr. B. (MITC) and Mr. H. (Hydro) emphasized and portrayed the importance of face to face contact in business situations.  This proved to be the case when visiting the two organizations, as the meetings were extremely helpful in fully understanding the products, business structure, and trade information."

Mr. Dave M. "The Portland trip this past Thursday was quite enjoyable.  Both MITC and Hydro International offered some very nice insights into international business and the seemingly massive amounts of variables at play in this field.

One take-a-way for me was the common statement from both MITC and Mr. H. that despite all of our cool and trendy developments in technologic communication, face to face communication is still, and will always be extremely important in business communication.  It seems that the drive for ever more technology-driven communication is but a folly if that is the sole means for information exchange.

A take-a-way from MITC in particular was the enormity of international trade even for the small mom and pop operations.  It seems that the world is available for just about any business of any size.  And the somewhat annoying political element was interesting too.

A take-a-way from Hydro International in particular was the idea about worldwide logistics and finding opportunities.  I'm referring to the German company that makes their SB product here in the United States now.  Also the idea of bringing non-proprietary products onboard to supplement in house products was interesting as well.

Another take-a-way was that this trip is going to be so much fun with this student group, and that's not just because of my superior wit you know.  These guys and gals seem to be a good bunch that want to have fun while learning.  Is there a better way to learn/work?  There isn't in my book."
I second this!!   NJ  :)