Speaker: Do homework before taking business global

Montana businesses should emphasize the state’s “mystique” when trying to go global, but there’s a lot of
research to do before shipping out that first order.

By the AP The IR

“The point is, there are just so many things you need to know before you start trying to export your products,” said Mark Peters,
who works for the Montana U.S. Export Assistance Center, a program of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Peters was one of several speakers Monday at a business round-table organized by Rep. Denny Rehberg, R-Mont., to talk
about exports. About 20 people representing businesses around the state attended the daylong event, working through a
check list of how to make sure a business is ready for export.
“You’ve got to have an internal conversation about whether you’re ready to go international,” Peters said.
At a fundamental level, taking a business global involves the same sort of due diligence work that opening any business does.
Do you have enough capital? Is there a market for the product? Can it be made and distributed at a profit? Is there room for
growth?
But international business introduces other factors, some as simple as different time zones and currencies. Others, such as
international shipping, foreign tariffs and overseas marketing, are considerably more complex.
“It may be that you enjoy making your product, but you’re not really into the marketing of it,” Peters said. “There are
companies that do this internationally, and it may be worth your time and money to have them handle that end of business.”
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