0816_TOEFL-Test-and-Score-Manual-1997

Going Global ● 265
The low labor cost is what attracts most U.S. businesses to Mexico. But
contrary to popular belief, Lew said his clients are not firing U.S. workers
and fleeing to Mexico. They head to Mexico to expand production.
“It’s not a zero-sum game. Our clients are not closing down U.S. factories,”
he said. In fact, he cautions, “Mexico won’t save a company—Mexico
will help a growing company.”
GREAT
Forge an International Alliance
Forging an international alliance is a quick way to
IDEA
expand your business without spending a lot of
money. The secret is to find a partner who can share his or her contacts
and also understand your vision and integrity. Entrepreneurs in the service
sector often have the easiest time striking informal agreements to work
together because they are selling time and talent.
A few years ago, a mutual friend introduced Manhattan architect
William Leeds to Indian architect Bobby Mukherji. Mukherji, founder of
a five-person firm in Mumbai, was interested in entering the U.S. market.
Leeds was eager to tap into India’s thriving economy, which is growing
rapidly.
For several years, the two architects designed a variety of projects,
including a fabric showroom, a trendy Chicago restaurant, and a major
Indian government office in New York City. Although they are no longer
working together, Leeds said they benefited from sharing their clients,
contacts, and talents.
“To be working with somebody from a place as far away as India gives
us a new perspective on architecture and a new approach to planning,” said
Leeds. “Bobby brought in new ideas that we wouldn’t necessarily have at
our fingertips.”
Besides new ideas, Mukherji provided access to unique Indian building
materials and a team of 25 Indian craftsmen and artisans on his payroll in
Mumbai. Many Mukherji projects, especially nightclubs, feature original
artwork and hand-carved details. Although they lived thousands of miles