Globalization has great opportunities for small and medium-sized companies, which still see how this opportunity to reach new markets is relegated within their business plans, because they do not have clarity about the logistical, commercial and legal processes required to enhance their foreign trade activities.
Today, Colombia has enormous untapped potential. However, entrepreneurs seem to be unaware of the export possibilities of hundreds of products that can become exportable goods through creativity, adaptation and development. We have raw materials and enough labor force to make Colombia a more important country in the context of international trade.
But first we must define the fundamental aspects that a company must consider to enhance its international trade activities.
There are four fundamental reasons why companies internationalize:
Growth. Internationalization means expanding the company's markets, and therefore allows to obtain a higher turnover. That has a number of positive effects derived from growth, both for the company and for society, if the company acts efficiently, greater business benefits.
Competitiveness: Internationalization is a way to increase the competitiveness of the company by facilitating increased sales and investments in international markets.
Diversification of markets: Do not depend exclusively on the domestic market, in the face of falls in consumption the company assumes higher risks.
Ensure the supply of inputs for their production: Inputs that cannot be obtained in their home market and that need to be imported from other countries.
Myths
Only large companies can export
False. In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises, there are all the opportunities and tools to succeed abroad. Indeed, the potential of Colombian SMEs is immense and there is a great opportunity that is being lost because they do not have clarity on how to carry out international tradeprocesses, and take advantage of the opportunities it offers, because according to a statistical analysis by ProColombia, companies that export can have up to 41% more sales than those that do not.
Training in foreign trade is only for exporters
False. Whenitdoes not have among its objectives to reachinternational customers, knowing the advantages of the 16 current trade agreements that Colombia has is ideal for both exporters and those entrepreneurs who import.
Likewise, by understanding how logistics processes work, it is easier to make key decisions in import and export processes such as cost schedules involving high and low seasons, proper packaging depending on the load, and some more specific aspects of conservation, such as the cold chain for some food products.
Learning to export is only for managers
False. The export processes involve the entire company whether large, medium or small. In fact, through internationalization, in addition to goods and services, a transfer of knowledge and good practices is also developed, which makes the employees of a company much more competitive not only in Colombia but throughout the world.
Exporting only means selling abroad
False. The export culture goes beyond exporting as a business. An excellent example are the commercial meetings between national entrepreneurs and potential international buyers, because in addition to wanting to sell the product, different factors must be taken into account such as: clearly identifying the objective to be achieved; know the business culture from which the other entrepreneur comes and be familiar with customs such as meals, places
typical, the way business cards are delivered and the meaning of the correct words and their proper use; and make sure you have an excellent corporate image such as an excellent website, updated business cards and preferably a corporate contact email as it generates more credibility with the customer.
Realities:
• Exporting companies have growth opportunities when entering new markets, business expansion is key to a globalized economic system.
• Acquire through the import of goods and raw materials essential for its operation.
• Acquisition of export knowledge and international logistics processes through companies specialized in international logistics reduce the risks of foreign trade activities and transfer their experience to the company so that they can take advantage of its commercial potential.
• Developing new product portfolios, usually new markets drive companies to innovate and expand their commercial offering.
• Increase your income by taking advantage of the dollar's exchange rate benefits(TRM)
To end this article, business management should consider it strategic to have allies that provide them with total solutions in logistics in their international trade activities (export and import) to support their growth and expansion plans.
Is your company ready to develop the full potential of international trade?
We design and operate international transportation solutions
and consolidation of air and sea cargo.
Do not hesitate to contact our team
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