If you’re wondering where to begin when it comes to assessing if you’re export ready, then take a look at the list of questions compiled below. They will help you develop insights on where to start.
Some businesses jump directly into implementation when it comes to export and by-pass the whole notion of a bit of navel-gazing to set the scene and establish a supportive environment around exporting. Those who start by contemplating some basic questions as outlined below will fare better for tackling the hurdles that will arise along the export journey.
Spending a little time to assess your readiness is important because it will help you decide if you are capable of servicing an international marketplace or whether you should devote more time on the home turf before challenging your business to export. Consider these questions:
• Are the directors supportive and think of export as integral to the future of the business?
• Has someone in the business got the time to deal with customers overseas?
• Is venturing into exporting part of the overall business strategy?
• Does your offering have a uniqueness that is potentially attractive to an overseas market?
• Which place is the offering a good fit for?
• Are you prepared to adapt or modify the offering if required to meet foreign cultural preferences or legislative requirements?
• Does your offering have a competitive advantage?
• Can you demonstrate a good track record in your local market?
• Do you have an organised and defined approach locally?
• Where will you receive advice on how to develop a focus for export?
• Will you need to have support service in the target marketplace?
• Will production capacity cope with supply to additional markets?
• Do/can you meet the necessary export/import regulations, food safety standards?
• Do you know how to pinpoint the best market?
• Can you strictly adhere to promises of deadlines and delivery?
• How will you manage communication, and will you need an interpreter?
• What financial support may be required?
• Do you have appropriate insurance coverage?
• Do you have a contact with expertise and access to logistics support?
• Do you have adequate knowledge of payment mechanisms and negotiating deals?
Investing in answering these questions before taking the plunge into foreign territory will maximise your opportunity and enable you to focus on what you want to achieve. That way, you’ll have a clear vision to plan for and work towards. You will feel more confident and sure about your goals. Preparedness will set you apart from your competition, which may well be contending for the same opportunity.
Check out this previous blog posting for details on what detective work you may need to do in order to decide on which market to tackle, how to approach planning, and actually setting out to achieve your export goal.
State governments offer a range of services and advice for new and existing businesses interested in exporting.
At a recent seminar I listened as 
Australia Pavilion BioFach Japan 2010 
I visited several places throughout southern China on and off over a 5 year period at the beginning of the new millennium while working as an export manager for a manufacturing company. We were engaged in manufacturing gas appliances and I was responsible for their $20 million European sales and marketing division. What James McGregor touches upon in this short, informative piece brought back faded memories of what it was really like to deal and work within mainland China. For anyone who is keen to understand more about the often unseen truth of doing business in China, it is a highly insightful read. 
Eligible Victorian based companies are utilising Small Business Victoria grant funding to catapult their export drive. It is a program that can be beneficial to businesses that are either new or experienced exporters. In fact, a broad range of SMEs from many different sectors are in a position to take advantage of this great opportunity to help consolidate their goals and objectives for achieving export oriented sales.
