5 expert tips for working with the Trade Commissioner Service

Make the most of your time working with us to grow your business globally by following our blueprint for export success. Exporters who work with us consistently see value in the relationship, and our impact speaks for itself. We receive ongoing feedback from thousands of clients per year, including through in-person interviews, where 93% say they will use our export advisory services again, and 92% would recommend us to their colleagues.

The key is knowing how to work with us strategically to unlock the most value for your business.

Whether you’re exploring a new market or scaling internationally, these tips will help you save time, build stronger connections, and get more out of our support.

To help you meet your export objectives, it’s essential for us to understand where you’ve been and where you’re heading. There’s no better place for this than at an intro meeting at one of our regional offices across Canada. The more context you provide, the more useful and personalized our advice will be. 

• Tell us what you’ve done so far: What steps have you already taken to get your products or services into international markets? Sharing this context helps us build on the work you’ve done rather than duplicate it. 
• Be goal-oriented: What are you hoping to accomplish? Whether it’s growing sales in a particular country or meeting potential business partners, knowing your specific objectives allows us to provide the right kind of support.

When you use our first intro meeting to share your story and short and long-term goals, we can work with your unique situation to craft a tailored approach that supports your objectives and addresses your challenges. 

A TCS client in life sciences described our initial approach well by saying “They helped us understand what had to happen first - and what could wait. That saved us months.”

As an organization, we work with thousands of businesses every year. Maintaining regular contact with us is a great way to stay top of mind when opportunities arise. Think of us as partners in international business development - we’re here to help, and staying connected ensures we can support you when it matters most. 

• Share your progress: Let us know about your successes and challenges. If you meet with a Trade Commissioner or attend one of our events, following up with feedback helps us support you better. 
• Build a relationship: Investing in consistent communication will pay off in the long run. The stronger our relationship, the more effective our collaboration will be.

By staying proactive, you can tap into our global network of trade professionals when the right opportunities arise. 

An engaged exporter described this best in a recent request for feedback by saying “They flagged issues before they became problems. That only happens when someone really knows your business.”

We’re here to connect you with the right people, organizations, and opportunities to help drive your international success. To do that effectively, it’s important to match your expectations with the services we offer. 

• Be specific about your needs: Are you looking for distributors, suppliers, investors, or government partners? Let us know who you’re trying to reach and provide a timeline. If your request is urgent, providing as much information as possible is the best way to ensure that it can be resolved quickly – especially if you are communicating across time zones.
• Share the challenges you’re facing: Are there barriers stopping you from breaking into a particular market? Tell us what’s standing in your way, whether it’s finding the right contacts or getting clarity on confusing local regulations.

The more we understand your challenges and situation, the better we can tailor our advice and intelligence to support your business, including insights that go beyond publicly available information. 

As one client put it, TCS market-specific intel is “the difference between what looks attractive in a report and what actually works once you’re there.”

While our expertise spans a broad range of industries, it’s impossible for Trade Commissioners to be experts in every sub-sector in an industry. That’s why it’s so important that you help us understand your business. 

Here’s how you can get the most out of our expertise: 

• Educate us about your business: Take time to explain your company’s value proposition, typical market-entry strategy, and competitive advantages. The more we understand your business, the better we can support you abroad. 
• Tell us your pitch: Be ready to clearly communicate who you are and what sets you apart. Whether we’re introducing you to potential partners or helping you enter a new market, having a concise pitch will give us the tools we need to represent your interests effectively.

By building a strong working relationship, we can position your business to succeed in markets around the world through the connections that just aren’t available to everyone. 

As one exporter put it, “When the Trade Commissioner makes the introduction, people take the meeting seriously.”

We offer more than advice. It’s our mission to provide you with tools and services that help your business prepare, connect, and compete globally. Here are some of the top ways we can support you: 

• Export advisory services: Our Trade Commissioners can help you assess your export readiness and navigate the entire process. 
• Funding programs: Financial support is available to help your business pursue opportunities abroad. 
• Trade events and training: Explore webinars, trade shows, and training sessions to sharpen your export skills and make valuable connections.
• MyTCS registration: Registering gives you access to tailored resources and up-to-date opportunities, sent straight to your inbox.
• 24/7 support: Chat with Eva, our AI-powered export virtual assistant who is available anytime to help you find information about our programs and services.

These programs and resources are designed to give you the competitive edge you need to succeed internationally, whether you’re exporting for the first time or exploring target markets around the globe. 

If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, the first step is simple. Contact one of our regional offices to connect with a Trade Commissioner near you and start your journey with us today: