Our Weblog: Excerpts of Exports
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
National Export Iniative
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There is a Federal initiative to double US exports within five years. In an effort to meet that goal, the International Trade Administration (ITA) has launched a yearlong program to help existing US exporters enter new markets. This should be a good service as existing exporters do not have to be educated in doing business abroad as do the new to export. Other efforts include working with private sector partners to increase exporting. As a private sector service provider, I see this as a good plan since there are some things that the governement does not do that the potential exporter must do for himself. For example, the government does not qualify potential exporters.
Other than a very basic export ready overview, the potential exporter must determine his export readiness or enlist the help of a consultant. Having worked in the public sector myself, I would often meet companies that saw exporting as a way to prop up sales when domestic sales lagged. Exporting takes more time and more money than domestic sales. And patience. Companies that spread too few resources over too many markets can end up going out of business. And if they manage to stay afloat, these companies would then abandon any inroads that they had made in foreign markets when domestic sales picked back up. Before a company seriously considers exporting as a way to grow business, they must see if they have both the financial and human resources for the long haul. It usually takes a year of dedicated effort before any international sales become a reality
ITA will also emphasize the Gold Key service provided by the Commercial Service. I have had several clients who have used this service on more than one occasion and have recommended them. These are for the very experienced and the not so experienced exporter. For additional information, please click here.
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