Export
Issue No. 26 - December/January 2005/06
Land of (too much?) opportunity
by Rex Buckingham
Many Australian companies have considered taking the plunge into North America, but the decision makers are often torn between the magnitude of the opportunity and the horror stories they have heard from those once bitten or frustrated by the time it takes to get a foothold.
It is such a big market — population 300 million, GDP US$11 trillion — all we need is a small piece of the action, right?
But maybe it is too big, too complicated, testing and approvals too bureaucratic.
We hear the Americans are litigious by nature — are our business cultures compatible?
And then of course, there is that old chestnut “What will I wear?”. Don’t laugh; in some situations it can be a cardinal sin to over-dress for a meeting.
After making just about every mistake one can make developing business in the USA, I am still steadfast in my belief that America is the land of opportunity.
The trick is to not be intimidated by the challenge! Just make sure you are over-prepared in every facet of the process.
My company, Export Access, is dedicated to assisting Australian companies prepare and execute their export strategy.
Since we began trading, in July 2005, we have been engaged by companies keen to take their products to the U.S but don’t have specific experience in the market, or full-time, dedicated human resources to focus on this activity.
It is important that export strategy can be achieved without losing focus on day-to-day, or domestic management activities.
Our project model allows for the budget to be tailored such that the most substantial expenses can be deferred until a solid base of business can be established.
Furthermore our charges will often qualify as an International Market Delivery agent under Export Market Development Grant export grant guidelines.
Export Access is currently working for clients based on both the eastern seaboard and in South Australia. The type of p...
