This content was published: September 11, 1997. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
Claim Your Piece of the Export Pie
Photos and story by Mark Evertz
PORTLAND – In 1996, Oregon businesses shipped $9.8 billion in exports. Does your business have a piece of that pie? Expand your knowledge of international business practices, and develop the skills necessary for entering into foreign markets in Portland Community College’s International Business Management Program, a 10-month certificate program, on monthly Wednesday evenings beginning Oct. 8.
To register, or for a brochure with full details, please call 274-7482.
“We’re very satisfied to offer this program given the focus today in international trade, and the success of many businesses in the state with regard to exports,” said Tom Niland, director of PCC’s Small Business International Trade Program at the World Trade Center in downtown Portland.
The high impact program includes 30 hours of counseling from international business professionals, including bankers, lawyers and forwarders. Topics include:
Oct. 8 – Understanding the Global Business Environment – Learn how to assess export potentials, international management controls, country risk, and market entry alternatives.
Nov. 12 – Writing a Winning International Business Plan – Using a step-by-step approach, discover how to determine planning goals, set budgets, forecast sales, and define target markets and financial strategies.
Dec. 10 – Defining a Global Marketing Strategy – Emphasis will be on the strategic planning – entry, product and pricing strategies – as well as on distribution, logistic and advertising considerations.
Jan. 7 – International Trademarks, Copyrights and Patents – Intellectual property rights are important in international trade. Learn when to seek a foreign patent, when to file, and how procedures differ from U.S. practices.
Feb. 11 – Drafting International Distributor and Agent Licensing Agreements – Covers how to formalize the mutual responsibilities of a partnership, the risks both parties most frequently run into, and the key elements for a win-win agreement.
Mar. 11 – Bridging the Cultural Gap in International Business – Work effectively with individuals who may or may not share the same beliefs, values or communication styles, and increase your business success by adapting to those factors.
Apr. 8 – International Negotiations Styles and Techniques – Gain skills in the “art of negotiating,” by understanding elements of cross-cultural negotiations, non-verbal communication, etc. Learn from examples from major corporations.
May 13 – Global Distribution and Documentation – How freight forwarders and customs brokers assist companies, tariff schedules, needed import/export documents, and order entry procedures are just a few of the topics covered.
June 10 – International Export and Import Regulations – Get a handle on both domestic and foreign regulations that impact international sales or purchases. The class also covers hazardous cargo, duty drawbacks, special incentives and trade restrictions.
July 8 – Managing International Finances – Learn to make sales forecasts or cash flow projections based on competition, sales terms, and risk factors, among others. Also discuss the most commonly used international methods of payment.
Cost for the certificate program is $450. Classes meet from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at One World Trade Center, 121 S.W. Salmon, Suite 300. Please call 274-7482.