What are the steps to create a business export plan?

After having undertaken a preliminary assessment of your company’s export capability, and deciding that your business is ready to export, the next step is to start planning your export strategy.

Developing a simple, practical and flexible export plan will help ensure your export business is profitable and sustainable.

An export plan:

• identifies what you want to achieve from exporting
• lists what activities you need to undertake to achieve those objectives
• includes mechanisms for reviewing and measuring progress
• helps you remain focused on your goals. 

Developing an export plan is central to any export strategy. Careful planning will ensure that your company:

• understands market competition
• has the resources to become a viable exporter
• identifies weaknesses and strengths in your business before committing to exporting
• gathers well-researched and accurate information
• has clear export objectives, and a timeline for achieving them.

The export plan should be an extension of your company’s business plan, and concentrate on the conditions in your chosen market