The recent coronavirus pandemic has created uncertainty for businesses seeking to expand their products or services to customers outside the US - and for understandable reasons. The professionals working at the PCC SBDC and Global Trade Center continue to monitor all developments as it relates to small business and will contribute that expertise to the Global Trade Management Series for the foreseeable future.
This global trade series is designed for business owners with several years of experience running a business, or professionals working with established companies and who are seeking trade-specific professional development opportunities. The following subjects introduce participants to key areas of focus enabling the business or individual to expand their expertise to overseas markets.
For Exporters: Selling to Customers Outside the United States
If you are new to exporting outside the United States or using international e-commerce for the first time, this course is for you.
Examine how to identify best markets for your product; how to identify best partners; what regulations and/or certification is necessary including product modification; resources available to assist; how to protect your product in a market outside the U.S.; E-Commerce method of sale, including website modification; and how to best exit a distributor agreement.
Compliance with U.S. Import and Export Regulations
This course is essential for everyone involved in international business.
Who is legally responsible for compliance? What government agencies beside BIS (Bureau of Industry and Security) are involved? Why is compliance important? Review of key focus areas; compliance terms; and prohibitions.
Getting Paid for Export Sales (Trade Finance)
Among the topics to be covered are: how to make foreign accounts receivable bankable: determining buyer risk; determining country risk; international methods of payment; credit risk management; credit insurers; what does credit insurance cover; and working capital for the exporter.
Managing Your Supply Chain
Proper supply chain management is essential for any successful business. Being able to handle supply chain interruptions determines how well your business can handle political and economic change. With proper supply chain management, you can keep your business running efficiently and handle any interruptions.
Explore transportation options; international logistics; elements of a supply chain; supply chain vs global value chain; business components that drive a supply chain function; 2020 INCO Terms and why they are important; IT and information flow; and service providers and selection.
Legal Aspects of International Business
This class is essential for every business that doesn't have an on-call lawyer experienced with international business.
Understand the role of your attorney; choice of legal entity; direct vs indirect exporting; distributor vs sales representative; leveraging intellectual property; licensing; royalties; contracts; exclusivity; pricing and terms; agreement termination; dispute resolution; tax issues; protection of intellectual property and registration; and compliance with foreign and US laws.
Cultural Awareness and Understanding (Intelligence)
One important skill for exporters working with suppliers, employees, or clients across borders is relationships building. However, every nation and culture has different ideals, customs, and expectations.
Learn the impact of behavior and understand what your counterparts are trying to communicate. Develop cultural sensitivity and be aware that differences in perspective exist so that lack of sensitivity doesn’t torpedo your sale.
Which courses should I take?
Courses within the Global Trade Management Series can be taken together as a series at a reduced price , or taken one-by-one depending on your specific need or focus. The study of these core subjects empower a global business professional or small business owner to incorporate knowledge that saves time, energy and money - or to weather uncertainty as markets constrict and contract.
Interested in learning more?
If you are interested in improving your business's operations abroad, sign up for these classes today. For more information, check out our Global Trade Management Class Page. You can learn more information about each course and sign up to receive updates.
