Thursday, December 2, 2010

So You Want to Become an Import Export Manager


Starting up your own business is an exciting opportunity. But when you enter the world of international trade, you will be faced with many challenges which can be overwhelming to a budding import export manager.


Many lucrative deals and opportunities have been lost because the import export manager lacked the sensitivity to understand culture, customs and business practices of the countries they were working with. Some of the reasons why many businesses fail within the first few years range from, lack of organization, lack of experience in pricing products and services, lack of an overall business plan, improper hiring practices, and failure to meet the competition. 

When you run and manage your own international business, you are responsible for everything. You will need to take control of your actions, your research, your information, and your decisions.

The field of exporting and importing is a true buying and selling game, one that requires good negotiation skills, a nose for finding the next hot item in your particular category, and keen salesmanship. The idea is to anticipate a future need and fill it. The principle is the same from Bangladesh to Silicon Valley: success in business operates on the principle of finding a vacuum and filling it.

Experts agree that to succeed in the wholesale business, an import export manager should possess a varied background. Aside from sales skills, practical, effective cultural sensitivity skills are necessary for establishing important relationships, and to handle the activities that go on behind the scenes. For example, warehouse set-up and organization, shipping and receiving, customer service etc. Of course, these individuals and agencies play key roles in the industry that you should know before you get started.

One of the most important skills for the import export manager is to know when to outsource a particular task to external experts. The import export business has a number of experts who can help make your management job much easier. The most important are the customs brokers and the freight forwarders.

Customs brokers are excellent sources to go to when processing important documents. They have the expertise necessary to make sure your documentation is accurate and that it has been sent through the appropriate channels to ensure the proper processing of your merchandise, thereby avoiding costly fees and penalties.

Another key service provider in the industry is the freight forwarder. Freight forwarders work out the logistics of shipping your goods, making sure your cargo reaches the destinations safely, on time, and in the most cost-effective manner.

These key individuals will work together to help you with different countries rules, regulations and documentation. Using them will help to make your import export manager role much easier and much more successful.

If you are looking for more information about Import Export Manager or you want to know the ins and outs of running an import export business then go to www.importexporthomestudy.com and claim your free report.

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