We have found that when companies establish a physical presence, and locate executives and senior people in a market, they tend to be successful. When companies try to manage a market remotely, they tend to be spectacularly unsuccessful.

To compete in a specialist market like marine when you've got a high exchange rate is exceptionally difficult. Companies have got to be very smart and have a particular niche where they excel.

The advisory boards let the companies understand some of the cultural aspects of doing business in those countries, the regulatory environment and the protocols. Within months we can help build networks and credibility that would otherwise take years to develop.

Illegitimis non carborundum.Lat., Don't let the bastards grind you down.

When you have done your best with what you know how to do best -- and people everywhere look at you with a friendly smile.

Not all that many years ago the best people shied away from Sharpton, but he has remade himself and is still in the process. He is smart, quotable and clearly wants to be the Jesse Jackson of New York, if not the Jesse Jackson of the world.