Language selection

Search

Step-by-Step Guide to Exporting – Step 3 – Charting your route: developing your export plan

PDF Version (14.4 MB)

It is critical to understand your target market abroad and the major focus of your business before you enter the international marketplace.

– Export Award Winner

Tip

Contact your industry association to find names of successful exporters who can provide you with practical advice. BDC and the Canada Business Network are two sources for advice.

Table of Contents

3.1 Why plan?

If you plan your export project thoroughly, you'll have a better chance of doing well in your target market. Bad planning (or no planning) can lead to major failure abroad and could severely damage your domestic operations as well.

Financial institutions and other lending agencies will not normally provide funds to a business that lacks a well-developed export plan. In addition, potential partners and investors will want to see exactly how you plan to achieve your objectives.

In short, you'll get nowhere without an export plan. This chapter will help you create one.

Export myth: Exporting is too complicated for my company to undertake

Remember, you don't have to do everything yourself. Outside experts can represent you, find overseas customers, manage sales orders, handle paperwork and deliver the goods.

3.2 Foundation: your business plan

A good export plan begins at home. Now is the time to review and renew your business plan if it is out of date. If you don't have one, this is definitely the time to create one.

3.3 Building on the foundation: your export plan

Once you've polished up your business plan, you can start creating your export plan. This step isn't something you'll finish in a week. Even after you've begun exporting, you'll need to update it regularly.

An export plan is a business plan that focuses on international markets. It identifies your target market(s), export goals, necessary resources and anticipated results.

Your export plan should contain the following:

  1. Introduction
  2. Organization
  3. Products and services
  4. Market overview
  5. Market-entry strategy
  6. Regulatory and logistical issues
  7. Risk factors
  8. Implementation plan
  9. Financial plan
Date Modified: