Within this challenging global marketplace, there is no need to overstretch your dollars to go global. Thanks to the Internet, you can do it virtually on a shoestring.

SMEs worldwide are using the Internet to increase their reach. According to a poll of US marketers by Bredin Business Information, 17 per cent of SMEs want to boost their online activity to make a bigger impact without much of a budget risk.

Read more about how it can be done, here.

Another good resource on trends and virtual office can be found here.

This fascinating article talks about how Colombia wants the world to recognize its passion. And it is not indicative of just Columbia (check out the Embassy of Colombia). A growing number of countries are using branding strategies to set themselves apart in the global marketplace.

No matter what you are passionate about -- whether it's a country, a service or a product -- don't forget to highlight its advantages.

And by the way, Columbia's new branding strategy is: Columbia is Passion.