As a Minnesota based company, we run into people who have certain expectations of 'Minnesota Nice'. We work hard to fill that positive stereotype by providing quality customer service, personalized support throughout the sales process, and constant updates and enhancements to our products that meet our customers' growing needs.

However, sometimes stereotypes can cause confusion and problems in business because we think we already know all the answers.

For example, China is the place to go to get cheap rice right? Nope. Changes in China's social, cultural, and economic climates have greatly reduced their agricultural output. Right now, the place to get rice is Thailand, who dwarfs all other countries' output in both total volume and value imported into the United States. In fact the U.S. imported 77% of its rice from Thailand in the last 12 months; a whopping 982,335,403 pounds!

While the above anecdote is amusing, it also proves a good point. Doing proper research into all avenues of your business is indispensable. It will ensure you are dealing with quality suppliers, that you are able to see the market shifts before you are stuck with a warehouse full of unwanted products, and that no one is profiting from your brand name but you. Proactive trade research and some industry knowledge ensures your business keeps moving forward.