The world IS your oyster!
We believe that most companies can benefit greatly from a more international outlook and from taking a serious look at how to develop their export.
Too many businesses seem to be almost scared of exporting, often held back by internal myths which are rarely based on realities. Also, some failed export attempt many years ago can often make even the suggestion of looking at export an absolute ‘no-no’.
We also see businesses within the same sector and of a similar size growing their business by developing their international sales by opening their culture and minds and overcoming their initial barriers. Then often by following some simple rules they are able to create a sustainable business abroad whilst also gaining competitive advantage domestically by learning from their experiences overseas.
So the first step to successful exporting is all about internal company culture and skills. The more open and willing to learn you are, the bigger your export opportunity. It’s quite simple, you decide. The bigger the part of the world you regard as your home market, the bigger your scope becomes.
In a world where ideas and trends spread like wild-fire and where new technology enables you to communicate with opinion formers and consumers worldwide, the key barrier to international growth is often the culture and mind-set within your own company. The opportunities do exist out there.
No, this is not just about getting on a plane with a few samples and then going to see a buyer and Voila! – You have an order and a permanent listing or customer. It simply does not work like that and export is not just a remedy to increase sales for the next quarter. To be really successful you have to listen, learn, adapt, just like you do in your home market.
There can be considerable benefits from successful exporting which can help your company
1. Grow your sales potential worldwide.
2. Reduce your dependence on your domestic market.
3. Improve competitiveness in your domestic market.
4. Utilise excess production capacity.
5. Extend the life cycle of your product lines.
6. Minimise your seasonal sales fluctuations.
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Don’t get scared by the export procedures…get them done by specialists Yes, you do need to follow the various paperwork covering areas such as Incoterms, letters of credit, bills of lading and certificates of origin, etc. While you have to comply with these there are plenty of specialists who can help you with them. Outsource as much as you can to freight forwarders, customs brokers, the Chamber of Commerce and your bank. When your export grows you can always hire specialists. |
No, exporting is not rocket science, but at the same it should not left to chance if you want to really expand your business. So take the first step and have a serious look at your business and assess whether your products/services, culture, structure and time-frame are right for export and then look at the external factors such as markets, life cycles, cultures and communication. (See more thoughts, tools and to-dos on www.optimumexport.com)
Optimum Export helps and supports companies of all sizes, just like yours, to explore and exploit the international growth potential. Not just by giving you a few check lists and off you go – but by working with you to help adapt your proposition to new markets. Getting the product spec, packaging, pricing, channel strategy and communication right is no different to what you are doing in your home markets but we can help you get it right across the borders, languages and cultures.
We always try to deliver our work in an engaging and informative ways, with no jargon!
We would be delighted to discuss how Optimum Export can help you develop as an exporter. Call us on 075403343 or simply email Hanne-Louise on [email protected]