We have discussed in earlier articles some important details regarding Freight Forwarders and how you as a customer or client should approach the relationship to get the most out of it. But let us not forget the very purpose why there is a need for a Forwarder in the first place: exportation.
Exporting is defined as a trade function that involves shipping to another country. It is considered to be the oldest form of economic transfer and usually occurs on a larger scale. Exportation offers your company valuable growth, particularly when it occurs between countries, and requires a special approach that often requires more than just planning. Increased sales and profits can be achieved but this is dependent on the success of the exportation venture: there are many risks involved and a company might find itself picking from nothing but bones.
So before commencing to sending that product abroad, know these four simple keys to successful exporting. Ready?
Factors for successful business
Image courtesy of KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of KROMKRATHOG / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
1. Plan and plan ahead – always be a step in advance
Before going all-out on the export effort, make certain to draw and invest in a feasible business plan, identifying the best way to tackle the issues brought about by the global market as well as enumerating the financial risks, competition, and even company flaws that may prove as disadvantages in the long run. Have your goals set the first time and achieve them, slowly if you must but surely. Have your strategies ready. It’s also good to have a list of your next steps, future and possible endeavours, as well as back-up. You will need to grow eventually if all goes accordingly, but if your business does experience some missteps along the way, be prepared to take it in stride.
2. Improve on the product – undertake research to improve product quality, study the market and be prepared for fluctuations
Improving product quality may mean the need to build on the product’s most prominent characteristic and seeking to enhance its weaker points. This may also mean re-defining your product from time to time especially to better the features. Remember that although it’s true that the “original recipe” might work (and be your success), it is not for every company. So enhance the product when and as needed.
Study the evolving market because what can be sold locally may need to be re-packaged, refined and reassembled to cater to the international taste especially if it’s needed to pass into the target country. Always seek to know more of the market, the cultures therein and their needs, readying your business for current and passing trends, fickle consumerism and competition in the form of other companies aimed at the same thing as you are.
3. Establish good connections and relationships
Establishing a good bond may take as short as a few months or as long as a few years to improve especially in exporting, but hard-earned loyalty has many rewards eventually. So retain your customers’ faith and trust, keeping in mind that an initial success in any transaction could also mean just the beginning of a long-standing association with your clientele. Be the company that “they’ll be used to”, the first they will call for needed products, without disappointing expectations through quality goods and excellent services.
Establish a good rapport with your partners as well, keeping the company processes as harmonious with them as necessary to build that success. This is especially true with Forwarding Partners since they will be your link to the international market. So treat each new contract as more than just a means for your business to survive. Be part of your partners’ success as even the smallest party involved in your processes will also be part of yours…
Take care of your employees
Image courtesy of AscensionDigital / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of AscensionDigital / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
4. Protect your business and the people in it
Besides the management and export customers, your workers – especially those behind your production – are also a driving force that propels your business forward, so it pays to look after them. Remember to compensate them for a job well done, with full benefits that address their needs at work, and a transparent administration that wins not only the customers’ loyalty but your members and staff as well.
Running a business is never easy, and bringing the product to an international landscape can spell either doom or bloom for a company, but with much persistence and heart, any effort invested will ultimately pay off.
