By : Arnaldo Sehwerert
Source : http://www.recordonline.com
Category : Small Business Grant
There are strong indications that the economy is getting better, and, not surprisingly, our balance of trade is improving slightly as well. Since small businesses are the backbone of the American economy, it follows that the export market is important for that sector, too.
So, as a small-business owner, why would you want to export? The answer is simple: to make more money by reaching a bigger market.
Here are some interesting facts:
--96 percent of the world's consumers live outside the United States, so the potential for sales growth is phenomenal.
--Most exports are done by small and medium-size companies; 97 percent of all exporters are not big companies.
-- Export activities create jobs in the United States. It is estimated that one of every five manufacturing jobs depends on exports, and that each $1 billion in exports creates 6,000 jobs.
Still not convinced? Let's look at other good reasons why exporting is a great idea:
--There are low-cost options to market and promote overseas, take care of the logistics and paperwork, finance and get paid.
-- American products and services are highly regarded around the world, so even if your product is not known, the good image of U.S. products and services will have a positive impact on your ability to penetrate a market successfully.
-- There are appropriate steps to ensure that you do get paid and that your product and/or services are protected. You need to do your due diligence to sell in any market, including the United States.
--There are a lot of resources available today, both for hire and free, that support small business exports.
Granted, exporting is not for everybody, nor is every business activity suitable for exporting, but here are some easy steps you can take to self-test if you are a suitable candidate:
--Ask yourself: Is there a market in country "X" for my goods or services? If so, how big is the market, which countries are the primary importers, and why do they buy these goods or services?
--Select a market. Many newbies start selling in Canada and Mexico to gain experience in "easier-to-reach" markets.
--Establish a plan to promote and market overseas. Both the federal and New York state governments have support programs and will provide information and services either free of charge or at nominal cost.
--Determine your shipping strategy. There is no better way than to contact a reliable broker or freight-forwarder.
--Determine how you will get paid. Research and consult with a bank with experience in international trade.
Don't do it alone. The New York State Small Business Development Center's International Business Development program has strategically positioned small- and medium-size businesses to take advantage of business and trade opportunities in the global marketplace. Contact your local SBDC; they will help you establish an export strategy, identify the resources that suit your business and guide you through the process, at no cost to you.
And, finally, ask around. You'll be surprise how many local businesses are quietly making money by exporting, and so should you.
Arnaldo Sehwerert is director of the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center. SBDC columnists appear on alternating Mondays. The SBDC offers no-cost, one-to-one business counseling to new and existing businesses. For more information, call 339-0025, email sbdc@sunyulster.edu or go to http://mid-hudson.nyssbdc.org.
Source : http://www.recordonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120319/BIZ/203190327/-1/SITEMAP
