We’ll soon be hosting our third installment of our #TradeElite Twitter chat, getting international business professionals talking about the issues that matter in global trade today. During our last chat, Doug Taylor, CITP, led us in a discussion on how to get more SMEs involved in export. We had some great tips from our expert international panel, as well as some thought-provoking questions and input from SMEs.
Our upcoming #TradeElite chat will focus on a topic that is vital for succeeding in international trade: profit margins. Price your product too high and you might not have a competitive edge on the global stage. Set your price too low and your export endeavors might turn out to be more effort than they’re worth.
Have experience in this area, have questions about pricing your product or service for foreign market, or just curious about the topic? Join us for some great discussion, knowledge-sharing and networking!
Topic: International Trade – It’s all about profit margins
Date: April 3rd 2014
Time: 2.30 p.m. – 3.30 p.m. EST (you can jump in and out at any time during the chat)
Chief Moderator:
John Treleaven (CITP). @jht4x4
John is an International Trade Consultant and Corporate Director interested in Canada as a trading nation based on business friendly local communities. He is also a member of FITT’s Board of Directors. | Treleaven Consulting Group Limited
Supporting Moderators: @FITTNews
Your friendly FITT Twitter sidekicks Jacob and me.
Special Guests:
Mike Strawson. @Chamberint_Mike
Mike has spent over 50 years in international trade with small and large companies. He’s a Senior Associate of Chamber International in the UK, delivering training and handling some major projects. He’s also a Fellow of the Institute of Export and International Trade. | www.chamber-international.com
Louei Ali. @LoueiAli
Louei is the Director of Business Development at Canada Topp Group based in London Ontario (Canada). Canada Topp helps Canadian companies with opportunities and business development in over 40 countries by acting as their export arm to reach a well established community of qualified distributors.
Here are some highlights from our #TradeElite chat last month!
#TradeElite – wlecome all. Q1 – why don’t SME’s export – what is the main reason
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
@globethoughts #TradeElite I think SMEs may be getting outdated advice. Back a few decades, few SMEs could export like they can now
— Becky Park DeStigter (@intlentreprenr) March 6, 2014
A1 – I think it’s the intimidation factor. It seems like a lot of work and they don’t understand the benefits. #TradeElite
— David Mark Noah (@DavidMarkNoah) March 6, 2014
@globethoughts A1-Lack of knowledge/understanding of other markets, which leads to perceiving risks much higher than they are #TradeElite
— Gaby Castro-Fontoura (@uklatinamerica) March 6, 2014
A1 – Fear of the unknown and also not knowing the resources that are available to make it happen. #TradeElite
— Louei Ali (@LoueiAli)
March 6, 2014
Q2 – should govts support SME export efforts financially #TradeElite
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
@globethoughts YES!! Definitely. The best at this that I know of is Israel. #TradeElite and their exports show it
— Becky Park DeStigter (@intlentreprenr) March 6, 2014
A2 – indirectly. not with subsidies but with the indigenous assistance on the ground in mkt (e.g. @exportgov #goldkey) #TradeElite
— Ed Marsh (@edbmarsh) March 6, 2014
Q2 – absolutely! but don’t limit your export efforts into areas funded by your govt, they’re also politicians! #TradeElite
— Gaby Castro-Fontoura (@uklatinamerica) March 6, 2014
Q3 – in your opinion what are the most promising markets for SME’s? #TradeElite
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
.@globethoughts A3 – For US companies new to export, Canada is a great market to cut your teeth!
— David Mark Noah (@DavidMarkNoah) March 6, 2014
@FITTNews @edbmarsh I am a huge fan of E. Europe and L. and S. America for Cdn. exporters #TradeElite
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
A3: Depends on your commodity. We sell cosmetics not aerospace tech, the demographics, income level & need are different. #TradeElite
— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) March 6, 2014
#Turkey, #colombia, #ghana and similar manageable vibrant markets provide diversification #TradeElite
— Ed Marsh (@edbmarsh) March 6, 2014
Q4 – is it more difficult for service or product SME’s to get involved internationally #TradeElite
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
@globethoughts A4 – #TradeElite Each has its complexities. It depends a lot on delivery, service, etc.
— Becky Park DeStigter (@intlentreprenr) March 6, 2014
Q4 – I find services companies find LatAmerica easier than product companies (logistics, import barriers, etc). #TradeElite
— Gaby Castro-Fontoura (@uklatinamerica) March 6, 2014
A4 – often see companies trying to sell products into markets where they simply don’t fit – then products R tough #TradeElite
— Ed Marsh (@edbmarsh) March 6, 2014
@globethoughts A4 – #TradeElite Each has its complexities. It depends a lot on delivery, service, etc.
— Becky Park DeStigter (@intlentreprenr) March 6, 2014
#TradeElite – just about out of time – could each of the panel provide a final word of wisdom please
— Doug Taylor (@globethoughts) March 6, 2014
it’s not wisdom. strategy – planning – execution | hard work | #marketinglocalization | travel – not by email! – #export #TradeElite
— Ed Marsh (@edbmarsh) March 6, 2014
#TradeElite Final advice: Lots of research & conversations to learn about true opportunities & risks. Exporting can be a biz accelerator!
— Becky Park DeStigter (@intlentreprenr) March 6, 2014
#TradeElite. SME to push more to enter new market. Great product +excellent team will result to profits. Consider language, culture,politics
— Albert Aguirre (@albertaguirreca)
March 6, 2014
We look forward to seeing you at our next #TradeElite chat and virtual networking session.
Look here for details on how to participate and build visibility for your international business and brand.
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