Export Development Programme Thursday 20th October 2022

***Please note this programme is available to businesses based in the Fingal area only***

Programme Overview:

LEO Fingal has developed a programme aimed at preparing SMEs to be ‘export ready’ by improving their strategic, sales & marketing, business planning, productivity and leadership capabilities. The programme will deliver a suite of workshops and one-to-one mentoring sessions that will support SMEs in developing their business capabilities to engage in new markets and export opportunities culminating in an Export Plan.

The overall programme will aim to embed a new understanding of the core business skills essential for SMEs to compete more effectively in new export markets. Dedicated mentors will be allocated to each SME at the start of the programme.

Workshop #1 - October 20th - How to Sell Online 

We will begin workshop one with an introduction to Digital Sales Development, utilising a design thinking approach to export strategy. Participants will learn innovative business development methods built on circular design, peer development and dynamic lead generation and research methods for scoping international markets. The online customer journey will be mapped and explored to understand the key motivations behind a customer's decisions to buy, and allow for participants to source, track and engage new customer types in a streamlined process for new business development.

Workshop #2 - November 3rd - Planning for Export (Resources, Finances and Value Chains)

In workshop two we will build a practical and structured understanding of business planning and growth through an understanding and awareness of available resources. Participants will be prompted to look at their own organisation's structure and systems for day to day business operations, finances and supply chain. Before implementing an export growth strategy, participants will learn to analyse and test their current systems to ensure a robust business and resource management is in place prior to scaling up. A suite of business toolkits and templates will be provided to each individual to map, assess an measure resource availability, gaps and SWOT analysis.

Workshop #3 - November 17th - Bridging the Gap with New Cultures

In our third workshop, we will focus attention on the personal development aspect of sales and exporting. Understanding how to build effective relationships with new customers, peers and partners will develop the capacity of each participant to proactively engage new markets and build confidence in their roles. Understanding cultural differences in target markets is a critical point in the export journey, and this workshop will demonstrate how to research, analyse and implement cultural alignment that apply to new market entry, including sales engagements, pitching, marketing, social media presence and customer retention.  

Workshop #4 - December 1st - Developing your Export Plan

In our final workshop we will bring the learnings of the programme into a standardised export development plan for each individual. This innovative business plan will articulate the outcomes and exercises of the preceding weeks, while identify market entry points in specific markets. Participants will build a comprehensive export strategy that includes profiles, key messaging, digital touchpoints, social media and marketing placement, direct sales and overall business resource planning to implement and maintain export revenue streams. 

Places are strictly limited and are on first come basis.