I am introducing you to my twelve basic truths to achieving export success.  Each one represents the culmination of the learnings and insights in Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably. There are many more, but I have found that by paying attention to these twelve, you are pretty close to export nirvana.

1. Develop a global mindset. Set aside time to think about and determine whether you are cut out for exporting.
2. If you love what you do, once you decide to export, pick one core capability (a product or service)—it’s the answer that wells up within you that matters the most—stay fully committed to it, and show some heart (care) at every step of the way.
3. Put in the homework up-front (learn the market and distribution network for a particular country, for example) and use your export dream team throughout the journey.
4. Target a market and adapt to it on an as-needed basis; that includes modifying products and services to customers’ needs.
5. Find customers and nurture them to death. Customers are the lifeblood of a business. Without them, there is no business. “The value of your company is based upon the value of your present and future customer relationships,” says best-selling author of The Customer Revolution Patricia B. Seybold.
6. Learn how to work effectively with others and treat your customers, employees, and anyone else who matters like royalty. Be reliable.
7. Develop and follow an export plan, even if it is scribbled on the back of a napkin, because that will help make your export dream a reality. You can adjust your plan as you go along, so the details don’t have to be perfect, but to truly shape your export universe you must set aside time to do some focused thinking on how you will get there. After all, what you are doing is planning your actions for the most advantageous time for your export business. What will that look like?
8. Keep your finger on the pulse, not just in terms of competition but of industry trends in general, where sudden, massive changes or improvements can disrupt or create a whole new market space at the bat of an eye. And don’t play in your competitor’s sandbox. Build your own. That’s what Steve Jobs did at Apple and it worked.
9. Define and create a superior online presence that resonates with the world. Online interactions support offline networking. The bulk of your customers will do most of their buying online.
10. Get paid on export transactions – no ifs, ands, or buts – and make a profit – always.
11. Plan for success, give it all you’ve got, and don’t forget to give to others your help when they need it or ask for it.
12. Stay fresh, take risks, and do something – anything – that gets you one step closer to your exporting goal. You never want to be crippled by fear of failure, so do something, anything, that takes you one step closer to the opportunity you desire.

If you aspire to act on these key points, you are guaranteed to succeed with your export business. They will allow you to get to the top and stay there.

The above is an excerpt from Exporting:  The Definitive Guide to Selling Abroad Profitably.  It was written by Laurel without artificial intelligence.