Ukrainian entrepreneurs recently had the opportunity to take part in a unique training session, thanks to EU4Business: Irish expert, and director of the international consulting company Strategy Crowd, Roddy Feely revealed the secrets of how to develop a successful export strategy. The workshop – on 6-7 September – was organised by the Dnipro Business Support Centre with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) as part of the EU4Business initiative of the European Union.
Feely told his audience it was essential to evaluate their business and make an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages each year. "In Ireland, the population is 4.6 million and exports are the only chance for a business to become promising. I have a great experience in industry - 24 years! I have senior management positions in sales and marketing, operations, general management, and development strategies. I want to share those tools that will help Ukrainian entrepreneurs to conquer foreign markets," he said.
Communication key to successful strategy
The peculiarity of the training was that it was held in a dialogue format, underlining the fact that it is communication that generates successful methods and strategic plans. Participants were able to rethink their motivation and strategy for entering export markets, to start a journey based on the importance of adequate market research, having studied the routes to the market, the ways of the competition in rapidly changing international markets. Each participant was able to get advice on the possibility of exporting for his own company, as the seminar was attended by representatives of various fields: from alcohol manufacturers to rubber boat specialists.
Participants not only listened to the advice of the Irish specialist, but also fulfilled certain tasks: everyone had to assess the pros and cons of their own business, analyse the reasons why they should deal with exports, how to properly choose a market and compete.
Think ahead
The seminar also highlighted issues such as mentality and cultural particularities, as important components to be taken account in any export plan. No less important is to think strategically and run ahead for at least ten years. Who could imagine fifteen years ago that the phone would not only be a means of communication, but also a mini computer, a camera?
"The interactive course is specifically designed to challenge and launch exporters – newcomers – to their export journey. The course also includes 90-minute personal mentor sessions to help you and your team implement your export growth strategies and plans," Roddy Feely concluded.
The Dnipro Business Support Centre is part of the EU-funded Network of Business Support Centres, which aims to improve the competitiveness and bankability of Ukrainian SMEs through the provision of business advice and capacity building. It also supports BSOs in 15 regions of Ukraine in setting up a network of EU4Business Business Support Centres (BSCs). At least 30,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs will benefit from the project.