You wouldn't drive a car without getting lessons, you wouldn't go scuba diving with sharks without some kind of training, you wouldn't practice medicine without extensive study and training. Well, starting an import export business is no different. The first thing you need is specific import export training.
How do you choose the import export training that best suits your needs?
You can go to any university, search through the yellow pages, even search the internet - these are all great sources of this training, but, and this is a big but. Will the course be run by somebody who knows what they're talking about, I mean someone who has actually run their own import export business, someone who knows how to choose products, someone who knows how to conduct product research, market research, someone who knows the ins and outs of the business.
Yes of course the professors will be excellent theorists - guaranteed, they've done all the reading and have probably been studying import export themselves, but have they actually imported or exported any products themselves, have they dealt with customs brokers, are they marketing experts?
Unfortunately, this is where some of this courses fall short. So how can you avoid this problem?
Here are some search criteria for you to use when choosing the best course for you:
> Ensure your coach/trainer has extensive experience across the broad spectrum of tasks required by importers/exporters, I mean make sure he/she has "walked the walk" and is not just "talking the talk".
> Ensure your coach/trainer can offer ongoing advice/assistance after the training is finished, including help with finding all the people you need to work with along the way.
> Ensure your course goes into detail regarding the marketing requirements, including, market research, product market research and online marketing.
> Ensure your course gives you the tools to find all the information you will need on your journey.
There are many different kinds of import export training in the market place. Your challenge is to find the right one for you. The course that fills all of your needs whether it be institution based, or one you can do in your own time in the comfort of your own home. So make sure your personal needs are met and enjoy the ride. This kind of business is an exciting one.
