PHASE 1:

iMS first takes clients through a total market assessment.  This phase includes:

• A PEST analysis – a Political, Environmental, Social and Technological overview of the country or region of the world where your company is interested in exporting
• A Regulatory and Geographical analysis that determines if regulatory barriers may exist for your product or service or if geographic differences or distances may impact your sales targets
• Import regulations will be reviewed to ensure your company complies with the various and ever changing regulatory environments worldwide and to gain a competitive advantage wherever possible from Free Trade Agreements
• Cultural differences will be examined in this phase to gain insight into many import factors including language, history, business culture and perhaps the most important – to ensure the safety of your employees in the region
• A competitive analysis is critical at this stage both domestically and internationally because the more attractive the market, the greater the competition you will face

PHASE 2:

iMS will work with the export development team to evaluate the assets within the company.  This phase includes:

• Evaluation of resources – both human and financial – to determine whether exporting is feasible
• An exploration of the management team’s values, goals and objectives to ensure alignment
• The creation of the organizational structure required to meet export goals
• Training of the export sales team and other staff involved in completing sales transactions

PHASE 3:

The market entry strategy is critical to achieving sales targets.  iMS will work with your company to build in measurable goals for your export strategy.  This phase includes:

• Deciding your market entry strategy whether you are an exporter, planning to license your product or enter into a joint venture or whether you plan to set up shop in the target country
• Developing the 5 P’s of marketing – Product, Price, Promotion, Placement (target country) and the People to complete the transaction
• Choosing the target customer profile and the best marketing and distribution channel to reach them
• Developing a strategy to address the political, environmental, social, technological, regulatory and geographic issues identified in Phase 1
• Selecting an implementation timeframe and building milestones and measurable targets into the plan
• Building the implementation team and ensuring they have the training necessary to achieve the company’s goals
• Ensuring the financing is in place to carry out the strategic plan

PHASE 4:

Implementation is  the final phase and the true test of the strategic plan.  This phase includes:

• Promoting your product at trade shows, trade publications, sales trips and through other marketing channels
• Building personal relationships with potential buyers
• Negotiating the terms and methods of payment with customers
• Working with a customs broker and transportation companies to deliver your product to the chosen market

OTHER SERVICES:

iMS will work with clients through each one of these phases or on individual components within a phase.  Other services offered by iMS include:

• Training and education
• Sales management
• Account management
• International project management
• Government liaison services
• Presentations to companies interested in exporting