Australia is still the lucky country regardless of the pessimistic views we regrettably hear daily. The fact is that Australia has proved resistant to the shock wave of the global economic crisis. And yes, we are experiencing growth in some areas and decline in others. However this is to be expected during any transition.

Data from around the globe shows that the world is in fact going through a major economic transition. Women are currently on a cusp and the planet is heading toward an economy led by women. Statistics show that the balance of power is in fact shifting, women are a strong economic force, which today control more than 70% of total global consumer spending, which equates to 20 trillion dollars; by 2030 women will control almost 80% of total global spending.

I wonder, and often ask the question: ‘If women control the majority of what is consumed, do women have control of which companies rise and which fail? If women have the power of the purse, and we know ‘money talks', do women have the power to decide the world's economic future? In order to assist the economy and our communities, in my humble opinion, women need to flex their economic power by making educated decisions based on facts, before spending.

If you are one of the tens of thousands women who are yet to receive equal pay for equal work, should you not ask before you buy ‘whom you are buying from'? Is the company producing your favourite product a ‘female friendly firm'? Do they have women on their board? Do they treat and pay their employers equally? Is their product safe for you and your community? Before you give hard earned cash to anyone, ask the questions. And thanks to technology, the answers are at hand. All you need to do is ask and decide.

You have the power and you need to exercise your power and put your money where your mouth is, today! Remember money talks and the bottom-line is the ultimate determining factor. When you begin to spend your money in a way that supports women, you will see dramatic changes; remember if nothing changes, nothing changes! And yes you have the power to change your spending habits and with every decision the power to make a difference!

Much of the pain currently experienced by retail is not all due to ‘consumer confidence' as we often hear; there are a variety of factors including the new buying power of Gen Y, technology, collaborative consumption, the archaic attitude of retailers and the rise of the Australian dollar.

Yes, the Australian dollars rising to extraordinary heights has provided some adverse affects on exporters, and the tourism industry has felt the blow. However, those looking at the glass half-full have come up with innovative ways to adapt and thrive.

The new markets within the global village now provide incredible niche opportunities.

I recently heard Jodie Fox talk about her online business ‘Shoes of Prey', which provides a perfect example to prove my point. This young Australian woman is now selling ‘made to order shoes' online to women around the globe; in fact she has taken a large chunk of the global market with her innovative idea and distinctive service. The product is not ‘new' perse but her delivery and innovate creativity has filled a massive gap in this massive international market.

Regardless of whether you are importing or exporting, or both, there are opportunities; but you do have to innovate and think outside the square to find your niche. If you need ideas on how to import or export, I suggest you check out the Export Show which provides great platforms for SMEs. (www.importexportshow.com.au)

At the show you will find a wide variety of suppliers of international trade services, government agencies and associations that educate. The show theme this year is Best Practice in International Trade and it promises to assist exporters at all stages; from start-up to established.

The show is free to attend and includes a series of seminars, ‘How-to' workshops, roundtables and presentations featuring experts and successful SME case studies.

Regardless of your business needs; remember you have the power to change, innovate and explore the world with your fingertips. When you spend, spend wisely and be informed!

Yolanda Vega is CEO of the AWCCI. She was the first editor of Wealth Creator Magazine and has more than 20 years experience in communications and business. A former CEO of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Australia, Yolanda has liaised with government bodies, small business and international corporations. She also represented Australia at the International Women's Forum World Conference in 2009. www.awcci.org.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it