Export Success - Top 10 Golden Rules to follow

TOP 10 GOLDEN RULES TO
BOOST YOUR FASHION BRAND AT EXPORT

So, you’ve finally decided to push your collection at export. Are you excited? You should be!
The world is your oyster. More people are waiting for your product in global markets than at home.
Why speak to the one at home when you can speak to the many internationally?
As you start growing globally, you will also see increased interest from your domestic Buyers and some will buy your collection.
You and I know that you have the potential to grow a global and profitable Brand however, in order to succeed, you MUST learn from the mistakes made by the competition. This is what you need to do:

1. Set up a clear vision for your brand with strong values and measurable goals. Measurable goals are a must when it comes to building the next 6 to 12 months, e.g.: “I want 5 Buyers, 20 leads; I want to post 2 videos every week on Facebook…”. Align your next 6/12 months goals on your 3-year vision

2. Build a Team around you even if those people are interns, part time or freelance.

3. Understand who your customer is and where to find him/her precisely. Check the Brands you are sitting alongside to answer that challenge.

4. Manage expectations: every individual or service provider you work with should receive a job description or a brief from you. If you fail to do this, the probability for success is greatly reduced.

5. Have a solid process for all key tasks in the business. Apply the 80/20 rule to identify the processes you will work on (i.e., 20% of your efforts will produce 80% of the results).

6. Spend time on identifying your customers. Strengthen the selling and marketing process every single week. It is the lifeblood of your business. Dedicate time, human and financial resources to this task.

7.Organise weekly or monthly meetings with your team to keep them informed about new projects and progress in existing ones. Understand the importance of empowering them and don’t forget to delegate. You want them to own their job and not rent it.

8. Learn how to say NO to some projects if they do not help you achieve your next few months’ goals.

9. Have a clear process for project management. This will help to deliver your project on time and reach the results you expect.

10. Have a sounding board to challenge you. The right person will help you to see a red flag where you see a green flag with the reverse being true as well. Challenge the person as much or more than he/she challenges you. Always remember to leave your ego on the hanger when you enter the room!

Good Luck.