Why become an export consultant?

Many Danish SMEs are either not aware of the possibilities that exist for them to enter foreign export markets or they do not have the right competencies or resources in-house to take the necessary steps. By offering your assistance as an export consultant, both you and the SME can benefit from the partnership.

It can be a great opportunity for you and the businesses which you cooperate with to enter specific export markets if you believe that you have the right skills and knowledge to become an export consultant and that you are ready to start your own business.
Advantages of starting an export consultancy:

• You will be able to use your competencies regarding international markets, export, business development, culture and language etc.
• You will have the opportunity to cooperate with Danish businesses and become part of the Danish business community
• SMEs often do not have the resources to hire a full-time consultant. Becoming a freelance consultant gives you the chance to demonstrate your skills, earn money and become a close business partner of the SME. The business might then be open to the possibility of entering certain export markets, since you are providing expert knowledge without them having to take on a full-time employee.

As a foreigner, you know the language and the culture of specific markets, and often you also know something about how the market is developing. This is valuable for an SME, which does not know the cultural codex or, for example, the negotiation techniques in the market which it wants to enter.

However, you also need to sell your knowledge, identify the opportunities which are open to the SME and address the business’s other demands. But if you succeed, you and the SMEs can develop a fruitful partnership that will benefit everyone concerned.