Export Audit, Strategy and Planning:: Exclusive Strategic Modules:: Varoma International:: Complete Information

Business, Marketing and Export Consultants - Melborune, Australia




EXPORT & INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS:
With the advent of new technologies and expansion of global economies, the global marketplace has gradually reached the door fronts of potential exporters. Traditionally, companies looked at exporting their goods once they had established themselves in their domestic markets. E-commerce, open markets, and logistical advances have changed that to some extent. Exporters can now showcase their products directly to the global consumers. A business can gear itself for international business first before launching in the domestic market. There could also be an exclusive opportunity to become part of a global supply chain. There are, however, a range of important issues to be considered before venturing into international business. International markets demand dedicated focus, clearly defined strategy and objectives, time, resources, skills and investment in addition to a company's own internal capabilities for sustaining a long-term overseas business. Export Readiness To explore and determine a company's exporting capabilities, we recommend conducting Export Readiness Audit that looks at various aspects of internal and external processes such as; > Product/brand Features and Value Preposition > Available Skills and Resources > Inventory Control > Supplier Relationships > Funding and Management Commitment > Overseas Market Knowledge The audit takes a long-term view of business and aims to identify critical issues that directly or indirectly affect the organisation's export capabilities. The data generated from the audit helps analyse the prevailing situation of your business and address short or long term issues, if any.

EXPORT STRATEGY & PLANNING:
Often, companies tend to view export as an add-on or a supplement to their existing domestic business. However, exports should be part of company's business objectives with a long-term strategic planning. Developing Export Strategy Our comprehensive Export Strategy and Planning Module provides a unique framework for preparing an organisation for launching its products and services in the international markets -as well as assisting existing exporters with enhancing their current international business. It combines strategy and planning into one seamless program that not only brings focus on organisation’s internal and external resources but also helps build new capabilities. Complemented by your existing systems, skills and knowledge, it can help achieve more in a relatively short period of time. We can undertake the strategic review and planning process following the initial audit. Some of the benefits of building an international business can be; > Leveraging domestic business in creating international opportunities > Reaching out to new and potential markets worldwide > Building new capabilities and increasing sales revenues > Gaining higher competitive position through innovation and distinction > Creating goodwill and building global relationships/networks > Utilising existing resources in achieving higher returns Overseas market entry options can include overseas distributor, franchisee, licensed manufacturer, buyer, agent or even a branch office. We can help determine the appropriate entry strategy options for your company through our extensive auditing and strategy development process. Development and implementation of Strategic Export Plan helps set primary objectives and goals and putting right strategy in place to achieve them. It also helps integrate export initiatives into the overall business planning and direction.

EXPORT STRATEGY & PLANNING:
Some of the areas covered under our Export Strategy and Planning module are; > Product Review and Analysis > Organisation’s Strategic Review > Export Market Analysis > Situation Analysis and Industry Profile > Export SWOT Analysis > Export Planning and Development > International Dynamics > Key Forecasts and Analyses Development of an export plan alone cannot guarantee success unless there are proper systems in place for implementing, measuring and monitoring the key processes and outcomes. In essence, export strategy and planning must align with a company's overall business strategy and objectives. Considering the amount of time, resources, efforts, skills and investment required in learning the international markets, it is essential that the export business is developed with a long-term perspective and objectives in mind. In addition to planning, we offer Export Management advice to effectively implement, measure and monitor your export business initiatives. Skill Support Finding experienced and skilled staff in international business could be a real challenge. Since a large percentage of exporters fall under SME category, in most cases the owners or top executives handle the export portfolio. This could lead to job overload and segregation, resulting in slow development and outcomes. We aim to fill the skill gap by offering professional, specialised and dedicated support to your business. Our consultants have first-hand experience in dealing with major international markets worldwide and have developed invaluable contacts and networks across various industries and sectors. Contact us for an obligation free discussion and assessment of your specific requirements.

EXPORT BUSINESS MANAGEMENT:
Global marketplace brings global competition and challenges with it. A growing export business must ensure that it is retaining its existing customers and market shares in the process of entering the new markets. The strategy very much depends on product life cycle and usability but efficient export management initiatives should be in place to monitor changes in the market conditions. Our Export Management Plan covers issues such as export market review, product/brand performance review, market feedback analysis, quality control, cash flow analysis, inventory movement, risk assessment and distribution/agency agreements review and recommendations. International markets generally differ in their structure, consumer profile, economic conditions, legislature and operational systems. To retain the intended brand profile and product positioning in the targeted segments can be demanding and highly challenging (depending on the overseas business structure). Some of the issues that we address in our Export Management process are; > Product Positioning and Brand Performance > Consumer/Market Sentiments and Market Dynamics > Constant Market Feedback and Evaluation Process > Growth Barriers and Market Access Issues > Effective Implementation of Sales and Marketing strategies We offer our full assistance to existing exporters in developing an efficient and a versatile export management system that can be implemented across various functions. We can further act as export agents for companies that either do not wish to engage directly with the overseas clients or customers (thus minimising exposure and risk) or have constraints approaching a market directly due to cultural, social or economical reasons. Contact us to discuss how can we best assist you in managing your international business.

EXPORT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT:
Sustaining the competitive advantage in an international market can be a real challenge with continuous threats from domestic players, new entrants and changing market conditions. Like in any other market, a company has to look for constant opportunities in their overseas markets to further develop its business. New sales avenues have to be identified and materialised. It could mean an expansion in the existing markets or reaching out to new territories. Some of the business development initiatives in the international markets can include; > Expanding the consumer base in the existing markets > Increasing the market share through sales and marketing initiatives > Creating new products to cater to a larger market segment > Leveraging existing markets to create new opportunities in the region > Entering new markets and increasing global presence It is essential that the ground information and market intelligence are available to your company in order to formulate a proper strategy for individual markets. We can assist in evaluating your existing business, markets, and key partnerships to determine if all the available resources are used effectively and the full business potential is realised. Business development is a continuous process and key measures can be put in place to assess the expected business outcomes from time to time. Entering a new export market, or getting an export order, may appears as a major success in the short term. However, export success really depends on the competitive positioning, brand identity and long-term prospects of you business in the international markets. We can assist in developing a Strategic Action Plan to take your business to the next level and help achieve your intended objectives. Take advantage of our FREE first meeting session (45-60 minutes) for a quick evaluation of your business and recommendations.can best assist you in preparing your business for exports and identifying opportunities in overseas markets.

ASPIRING EXPORTERS :
Considerable support and assistance is available to new exporters from state and federal governments and various independent institutions. Australian Trade Commission (Austrade) runs New Exporter Development Program that provides advice, resources, overseas business matching and information on grants - such as Export Market Development Grant (EMDG) - to exporters. More information can be found on Austrade website. It will also be useful to attend relevant seminars that Austrade organises throughout the year in all the states. In Victoria, BusinessVictoria's export portal provides valuable information for new exporters. Other departments such as Export Finance and Insurance Corporation (EFIC) can be helpful with information on export finances. These and other resources can be found on our Resources Page . Enormous amount of information is further scattered on the Internet if you have the patience. Some of the issue/barriers that new exporters face may include; - Lack of skilled and experienced staff - Limited resources, including investment capacity - Limited or no exposure to international business - Modification of products to suit international requirements - Facing unknown domestic (respective markets) competition - Legal issues such as international trade mark registration - Cultural clash, language barriers, different social norms - Finding trustworthy overseas business partners - Increased business risk and legal responsibilities - Slow returns, lower profit margin (compared to the home market) - Fear of unknown and unexpected The list can still go on. However, it is not to dissuade new exporters. With the help available from the government departments and industry bodies, many of these barriers can easily be overcome. Contact us to find out how we can best assist you in preparing your business for exports and identifying opportunities in overseas markets.

Varoma International Pty Ltd PO Box 3292 Caroline Springs, VIC 3023 Australia Tel: +61 3 9363 1190 Fax: +61 3 9363 1192 Email:
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