And Finally ....
Mike Stokes
Retired Export Adviser. Author of "Positive Networking", "The Intrepid Exporter" and "Posh Claret"
I have been writing weekly articles on international trade matters throughout 2024 but there won’t be any more after this week. So, in bringing down the curtain on my 40 years of contributing to British exports, let me leave you with these thoughts.
·??Don’t go jumping blindly into export opportunities. It is vital that you research markets, cultures, economies, histories and trends – before meeting any prospective customers.
·??Don’t underestimate someone with whom you are going to negotiate. Just make sure that you are the party with the most information.
·??Don’t lose sight of the customer’s buying experience. Make sure that you are comfortable to buy from.
·??Don’t dilute those qualities for which we are known – be punctual, be polite, be honest and be organised.
·??Trust your gut reaction – if something sounds too good to be true, that is usually because it actually is too good to be true!
·??Exporting can be very strength-sapping and you will frequently have to work long hours – but it is worth it.
·??Ignore the newspapers. They will tell you that exporting is tough and that everything is against you. And yet British exporters continue to enter new markets and develop profitable, sustainable pieces of business. We can export!
?A full range of exporting hints and tips can be found in my book, “The Intrepid Exporter”
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