International Relations Committee Wants To Help You Expand Your Business With Exports

Over the next few months the Association’s International Relations Committee will provide information on exporting that is relevant to Association members. For instance, have you ever thought about exporting as a way to increase your top line? You probably have and if you’re like most small businesses in the U.S. you are stymied in moving forward because good information is lacking. Maybe it’s the time and effort required to dig up all the information that keeps most away from harvesting benefits of the effort to develop exports. In any case, domestic manufacturers are probably giving up potential new revenues by not seriously considering exports as a business focus.

According to a recent survey sponsored by the National Small Business Association (NSBA), 63% of non-exporting small businesses are interested in starting to export. The survey also discovered that non-exporting businesses say their main barrier is lack of information and an unclear understanding of where to start. Small business owners and managers rarely have the luxury of “excess time” in their busy days to investigate what’s required to start exporting. They sense there is a potentially good opportunity for their products in foreign nations, but because of limited resources, they can’t move forward easily.

Where is there a demand for their products? How can I find customers? How much are they willing to pay? How do I get it to them and still make a profit? How do I support my product in the field? How do I get paid? How do I protect my product from being “knocked off”? These are just a few of the questions and concerns small business owners ponder when looking at exports as a business growth strategy.

Exporting isn’t the easiest way to expand your business, but it does offer a potentially significant opportunity for your business to grow. But, as we see in the NSBA survey, small businesses don’t know where to start or where to go. In today’s world of “doing more with less” business owners find it difficult to find the time to take on a new project, especially one that may appear to be the most daunting of all: exporting. The good news is there is plenty of help and support available to the small business, and for that matter, all sizes of enterprises. In most cases this assistance is free for those who take the time and effort to explore what’s available.

Members, especially manufacturers who are exporting now, are well poised for the future. If you are not yet exporting, you should take a hard look at this business growth strategy. Total world population is estimated to be over seven billion people, and forecasted to be over 11.0 billion by the year 2100.

It doesn’t take an expert to rapidly conclude that the demand for food will continue to increase significantly. And, it really doesn’t take a rocket scientist to further conclude that the most significant population growth regions are not here in the U.S. Developing nations will continue to require increased food production and will depend on new technologies and practices to improve production and reduce costs. Farm equipment manufacturers, especially those who have “tried and true” products can build new markets in new regions and ensure their long term future for growth.

The International Relations Committee is dedicated to assisting members in their export efforts and helping expose members to exports as a viable business strategy for growth. As you may have any questions or requests please contact Committee Chair, Jack Kane at jkane@pathfinder-logistics.com.