Developing Women Entrepreneurs for the Global Marketplace from Temple University

Helen Glickenstein of Bensalem, Pa., attended last year's Developing Women Entrepreneurs (DWE) conference at the Fox School of Business and Management with interest, but with little hope of ever expanding her contemporary art gallery globally. After a disappointing trip to India where she had hoped to establish partnerships that would help her sell her art, Glickenstein feared that she was entering a competitive market that was out of her reach.


Plenary I: Getting Started - Developing an I.B. Strategy
Joanna Savvides, President, World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia

"Fear more than anything held me back", Glickenstein said. "I was totally scared."

However, after attending last year's DWE conference, Glickenstein found new hope in "thinking globally." Taking the advice of successful entrepreneurs at the DWE conference, she decided to ask for assistance from local international trade offices and to be more open to expanding her business.

With the help of the Bucks County International Trade Office and the Internet, Glickenstein established partnerships in Australia. She traveled there, bringing samples of contemporary American artwork, doing all she could to develop her business.

"Before [The DWE Conference], I would've never asked for help [and] I wouldn't have realized the importance of the Internet," said Glickenstein.

To her surprise, she found that American artwork in Australia was a virtually untouched market. "It's not that they wouldn't buy American artwork; they just can't see it," she said.

Also, she discovered that Australians were fans of artwork by Dwayne Hickman, former star of Dobie Gillis, a1960's t.v. series. Through the help of the Webmaster for the Dobie Gillis website, she was able to make contacts with interested buyers.

Glickenstein summed up what she learned at the DWE conference by saying, "Persevere and you can do it. It takes time, but stick to it. Keep an open mind and be open to opportunity. You are not alone."

Helen Glickenstein - Owner, Glickenstein Contemporary Art Gallery

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