Exporting 101: Your Company Needs It, Now Tell Your Boss!

Do you think your company should be growing sales by exporting? Is your boss too busy to listen? Trying to export without senior management support makes an opportunity a challenge. A successful small business exporter has a strategy, a plan, resources and executive commitment.

What arguments can you use to get your boss moving?  Try these:

• Money - companies that export are 17 percent more profitable than those that don’t¹
• Protection - exporting is a hedge against a domestic market upheaval – remember 2008?
• Predictability - exporting can smooth out your business cycles, eliminating seasonality¹
• Competitiveness – exporters become stronger in all markets, including at home¹
• Exit Strategy - increase the value of your business should you choose to sell¹
• It’s for Everybody - no business and no deal is too small

Before you start the conversation you may want to get a high-level education on specific topics:

How to Get Started

What is an Export Credit Agency and Why Do We Have One?

Small Business Export Opportunities

How to Export Videos

Exporting 101

5 Ways to get Paid for Exports While Mitigating Risk

No Business or Deal is too Small!

Negotiating Sales Terms

Negotiate Competitive Credit Terms

Taking Credit Cards for International Orders? Let the Seller Beware!

Paperwork

Export Documentation Checklist

Freight Forwarder - Your Friend in Exporting

And one more step. Call your local EXIM Regional Director who will walk you through some questions including:

• What does your company do?
• How many employees does your company have?
• Has the company been in business at least one year?
• Does your company have a DUNS number?
• What products are you exporting?
• What countries are you thinking about exporting to?
• Have you identified international buyers?
• Is your product originated in the U.S.?

Don’t worry if you don’t have all the answers or if your answer is no. There are government resources for companies at every stage of exporting. We will dive into the details and get you started in the right direction.

¹ A Basic Guide to Exporting 11^th edition, U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service page 17