A Basic Guide to Export!

One exporter’s experience abroad..

Island Gin Review Magazine — Playa de las Americas Tenerife

When it comes to the fine art of export (Irish style) the last year has brought many, many, highs, lows, everything in-between, 4am contemplation, 4am disappointments, unexpected good council and guidance from people and entities you didn’t expect, and unexpected and never ending threats of being drawn into distractions from people and entities that you expected would help! Ultimately the realisation that pushing your developing brand or product over the export line is most definitely 50% product and 50% you. The process of learning how to change your own internal narrative on where to go, and how to get “Export Savvy”

In short if you’re looking to export from Ireland in 2023/24. Consider the following. (just a few suggestions)

1. Get you product “match-fit” — before you go singing it’s praises to others, make sure it’s gonna hold it’s own out there among competitors. Keep developing.
2. Embrace your competitors! — look at them, learn from them, be transparent with them, try and even work with them if you can!
3. Think outside the box when trying to enter new territory, if the usual route is congested, take another. No matter WHAT your product line is, always seek out business people, an onboard business community abroad who communicate & share knowledge if vital. They don’t necessarily have to be in your industry! I call them NN’s, natural networkers. They chat, they have coffee, they’re always on the look out for new & exciting products. They transcend industries, are never pigeon holed, perhaps a little “salesy” but never phoney.
4. When they say “live the dream” I’m afraid that’s exactly what you have to do. You literally have to go and live (at least for while) in your chosen territory. You have to get to know people. Who they are? How do they operate? How you can operate with them? Business lunch's in real life business don’t wash. You do business, and then the hope is that your new business contacts like and respect you enough to have lunch with you (and talk about other things!)
5. Finally, give something back. Help others along the way (within reason of course). Trust your instincts. Filter distractions, and be yourself.