You have a product that someone outside the U.S. finds.  It happens all the time in the era of the 'World Wide Web.' But, shipping to a foreign market is, well a foreign concept.  Still the feeling that there may be other customers outside the U.S. that would love your product won't go away.  So the thought of just ignoring the lead sticks with you.

Enter the global leader in logistics, UPS, and suddenly doing business overseas doesn't seem like a distant reality.  The Go To Market Show visited with Kenny Mayer and Joey Rosenberg to discuss the company's evolution from a domestic shipping company to a global leader in logistics.   

For most companies, the initial decision to ship globally starts with an opportunity like the one described above.  Rosenberg says fear of the unknown is a common hurdle.  Most small businesses are experts at producing their products.  They're not experienced in the nuances of global distribution and logistics is an afterthought.  She says UPS fills that void by leveraging systems, relationships and expertise that they've developed over the years to help companies move products internationally.  They are, in essence, a logistics consultancy leveraging best practices to deliver packages and shipments efficiently - regardless of the specific challenges of doing business in different countries.

Mayer says UPS provides supply chain solutions and tradeability services that expand beyond shipping efficiency, helping companies with market intelligence, and other expertise designed to identify distribution opportunities that will expand a company's footprint in new territories. The combination hits both sides of the P&L - expanding revenue while also driving efficiencies that keep expenses down.

To connect companies with this vast experience and expertise, UPS has designated points of contact that a business can work with to find the right solution for their logistics needs. They are knowledgeable about the process, and just as important, know who to go to for answers to even the toughest questions.   

Mayer says there are good reasons to look abroad to expand business. For one, 95% of the world's consumers live outside the U.S., so the opportunity for growth is huge.  Just as important, competitors from abroad and here at home are looking to capture market share your company may currently hold.  Looking into international distribution, knowing that you have a partner like UPS makes good business sense. And it might just make your competitors brown with envy.

For more information on UPS global logistics visit www.international.ups.com.