Beyond Borders - Government Can Help

Let me share with you an astounding statistic. More than ninety-seven percent (97%) of consumers live outside the borders of the USA. And yet, less than two percent (2%) of the small businesses in America with a realistic shot of entering this rapidly growing global market simply say no or turn their head the other way.

It’s hard, no doubt. We recently delivered some electric bikes to a major utility company in the northeast that regulations alone took more than eight months to resolve. The bikes contained lithium batteries made in another country and the import regulations changed twice because of air disasters and other factors.

Nevertheless, we eventually solved the problem and the goods were delivered. It can be done. And with a $30 trillion prize, why don’t we care? Once America discovers how easy it really is, we will see an explosion of commerce and the corollary creation of jobs in an economic sector where they are sorely needed.

Paradoxically, don’t believe the headlines. I have ALWAYS found the “Made In America” brand popular around the world, but it has never been on fire like it is right at the moment. American companies get immediate – and positive – consideration in most, but not all, locales around the world.

According to the U.S. government, there is an ongoing trend called the “rise of the micro-multi-national.” Yes, a small business like yours can do it – and should do it. And if for any reason you can’t hire me, or another consultant, the U.S. government has immense resources available to you for free.

According to the most recent session I attended with Doug Barry of the U.S. Commercial Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the 300,000 small businesses that currently export are responsible for more than 60 percent of U.S. exports. Amazingly, that number represents less than 2 percent of all small businesses in America. Just imagine the room for growth!!!

The U.S. Commercial Services offers free or low cost consulting for small businesses that want to export. With 107 offices in 70 countries around the world, they offer immediate assistance on free-trade agreements and all of the “painful points” of exporting.

For more information, send me an email for a private consultation or you can goggle U.S. Commercial Service to find the nearest office or contact doug.barry@trade.gov.