National differences in the governmental and business infrastructure available for supporting
exporting vary considerably. German and Japanese firms have relatively easy access to
information and assistance. While US firms are not left totally to their own devices, the amount
of direct and indirect assistance to them is much less developed.
One of the biggest impediments to exporting is ignorance of foreign market opportunities. The best way of overcoming ignorance is to collect more information. In the USA, there are a number of institutions, most importantly the US Department of Commerce, which can assist firms in the information gathering and matchmaking process.
Business and trade associations can also provide valuable assistance to firms.One way for firsttime exporters to identify opportunities and help avoid pitfalls is to hire an Export Management Company. A good EMC will have a network of contacts in potential markets, will have multilingual employees, will have knowledge of different business mores, and will be fully conversant with the ins and outs of the exporting process and with local business regulations.
One drawback of relying on EMCs is that the company fails to develop its own exporting capabilities. The probability of exporting successfully can be improved by utilizing an EMC or export consultants, focusing on only one or a few markets at first and get them working effectively, starting out on a small scale, having realistic expectations about the time and commitment required, developing good relations with local distributors, and hiring local personnel. The example of 3M helps illustrate one firm’s approach.
One of the biggest impediments to exporting is ignorance of foreign market opportunities. The best way of overcoming ignorance is to collect more information. In the USA, there are a number of institutions, most importantly the US Department of Commerce, which can assist firms in the information gathering and matchmaking process.
Business and trade associations can also provide valuable assistance to firms.One way for firsttime exporters to identify opportunities and help avoid pitfalls is to hire an Export Management Company. A good EMC will have a network of contacts in potential markets, will have multilingual employees, will have knowledge of different business mores, and will be fully conversant with the ins and outs of the exporting process and with local business regulations.
One drawback of relying on EMCs is that the company fails to develop its own exporting capabilities. The probability of exporting successfully can be improved by utilizing an EMC or export consultants, focusing on only one or a few markets at first and get them working effectively, starting out on a small scale, having realistic expectations about the time and commitment required, developing good relations with local distributors, and hiring local personnel. The example of 3M helps illustrate one firm’s approach.
Comments
Post a Comment