1. New Federal and State Export Finance Resources Forum
Baronette Renaissance Hotel
Novi, Michigan
November 18, 2011
Five Common Export Myths
Noel Nevshehir
Director of International Business Services
Automation Alley
Troy, Michigan
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2. Export Myths
Myth One: My company is to small to export. Only large firms with name
recognition, abundant resources, and formal export departments can
export successfully
Fact: While its true that large firms typically account for far more total
exports, the vast majority of exporting firms are SMEs
Myth Two: I cannot afford to export. I don't have the money for hiring new
employees, for marketing abroad, or expanding production for new
business
Fact: There are various low-cost ways to market and promote
abroad, handle new export orders, and finance receivables. In many
cases, it does not require hiring new staff or setting up a trade
department. At little or no cost for example, you can receive product and
country market research, worldwide market exposure, trade leads, and
find overseas distributors through various public- and private-sector
resources
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3. Export Myths
Myth Three: I cannot compete with large overseas
companies because my products are unknown and my
prices are too high for foreign markets.
Fact: If the product is known in the domestic market then it’s a
plus point but even an unknown product can be exported in a
foreign market. Low demand of a product doesn’t indicates that it
will be also not accepted in the international market. Price is also
an important, but it is not the only selling point. Other competitive
factors play a large role including quality, service, and consumer
taste
Myth Four: Exporting is too risky and I may not get paid
Fact: Selling anywhere has risks even in the domestic market.
However payment risks can be managed, mitigated and even
guaranteed with financial tools such as letters of credit
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4. Export Myths
Myth 5: Exporting is too complicated and I won’t understand the
legal code and regulatory requirements
Fact: You don't need to be an expert to export for the first time. There
are abundant of resources available that help first time exporters
about the ins and outs of expanding your market overseas
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5. Upcoming Automation Alley
Export Conferences and Events
Brazil: Latin America’s Engine of Economic Growth February 2, 2012
Cybersecurity: Assessing Your Global Risks and Threats February 17, 2012
Driving Efficiencies Into Your Global Supply Chain March 8, 2012
Creating Globally-Focused Strategies & Business Plans April 19-26, 2012
Israel and Turkey: Strategic Cross Roads to the World June 21, 2012
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6. Automation Alley Trade Missions
United Arab Emirates (virtual trade mission) January 26, 2012
Association of the United States Army (AUSA)
Winter Symposium and Exposition (Florida) February 22-24, 2012
HANNOVER MESSE 2012 (Germany) April 23-27 2012
Brazil (Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo) May 20-26, 2012
India (virtual trade mission) June 27, 2012
Canada (Montreal, Toronto, and/or Vancouver) September 16-20, 2012
Israel and Turkey (Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Istanbul) November 2-9, 2012
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7. Trade Mission Successes
•Automation Alley missions have generated $166 million in exports for
company participants while creating 917 direct and indirect jobs
•2008 Recipient of the Presidential “E” Award for Excellence in Exporting
• “Since Automation Alley is best in class for international trade, we will
engage them to maximize the potential to other regions.” –Governor Rick
Snyder (2011 State of the State Address)
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8. Testimonials
“We have secured more than $7m in new business and created 27 local jobs as a result
of participating on Automation Alley trade missions to China, Central Europe, and India.
The extreme professionalism and conscientiousness of the Alley staff along with their
ability to arrange meetings with the right companies were instrumental to our success.”
Daniel Kocks, CEO, Enterprise Automotive Systems-Warren, Michigan
Clean Emission Fluids’ participation in Automation Alley’s trade mission to Brazil
exceeded all expectations, specifically: caliber of individuals at trade meetings, planning
and foresight, utilization of time, level of support and advance assistance, during and
after the trade mission. Business objectives are on solid footing to yield long term value.”
Oliver Baer, CEO, Clean Emission Fluids-Grosse Pointe, Michigan
“The business opportunities that Automation Alley arranged for us in Israel were
exceptional. We fully expect to build strategic relationships there as a result.”--Greg
Guidice, CEO, RazorThreat Inc.-Pontiac, Michigan
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9. International Business Center
Building Expansion
• Newly-constructed, state-of-the-art facility
• 3,200 square feet of meeting and office
space
Member Resources
• Executive Board Room
o Includes wireless Internet connectivity, projection screen,
conference call capability, and interactive whiteboard technology
• Video-Conference Room for virtual trade missions
o Connect with up to 3 remote locations simultaneously
• Collaboration Room
o 2 HD television screens for project display
o Laptop connectivity and seating for 8 people
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10. We’re on a mission to grow your business
Thank you
Noel Nevshehir
Director of International Business Services
Automation Alley
Troy, Michigan
T: 248-457-3288
E: nevshehirn@automationally.com
W: www.automationalley.com
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