How to Start Exporting

The DCEB 'Exporting for Small Business' workshop is to outline the steps needed to gain a foothold in a ‘foreign’ market. Participants of the workshop will also have an opportunity to apply for an Enterprise Ireland Export Mentor.

It will look at reason to export, (and reasons where export may not be an option), it will demystify the process, and allow participants to compile a short, highly structured export plan.

Exporting for Small Business Module

• Date: 7th July 2009
• From 14:00 – 18:00
• Venue: National College of Ireland, IFSC
• €40 per person (heavily subsidised)

Click here  to book online 

• Reasons for Exporting
• What does exporting actually mean?
• An exploration of realistic and sustainable reasons to export, and reasons why perhaps exporting should not be considered.
• Is exporting an option?
• Information technology means the world has gotten smaller, if we have any kind of web presence, do we have the option to not export?
• Who do other companies export, and why do some not?

What’s different about doing business overseas;

• Are there any real differences with exporting?
• Can we adapt a ‘one size fits all’ or how much do we need to adapt our offering for different markets?
• Are we able to adapt our offering, and how will we know what the customer wants?

Selecting the Market;

• How will we know where to aim?
• Is nearest best?
• Is biggest best?
• Do we need to speak the language?
• How can we compile a sensible and realistic criteria for choosing which market to aim for, and to help us eliminate markets that are unsuitable?

Implications for the business and for the owner/manager;

• Do I understand what exporting is?
• Is it something I really want to do?
• Can I handle it in-house or do I need to buy in expertise.
• Exchange rates, an opportunity or a disadvantage?

Time and resources needed;

• What will it cost?
• How long before I see the results?
• Is VAT an issue, what about tariffs?

Sources of advice and assistance;

• Sources of information and advice?
• How can I filter the information?
• Keeping up to date with overseas developments.

By the end of the workshop participants will have worked through a number of short exercises to help access the difficulties in effective exporting; and will have developed a basic framework they can expand and apply in considering or planning their own export potential.

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