The International Trade Professional’s Top 5 To Do List for 2010 Have you ever noticed that things just don’t get done unless you have a proper plan of attack? Keeping a hard copy of your to-do list handy will keep you on track. Just like at home, your professional to-do list should contain obtainable goals and coincide with a feasible timetable for you to check the items off the list. In order to help you get started, TRG has created this list of to-dos for the International Trade Professional.
Print this out, keep it in sight and let the check off begin…
□ Take Initiative: Apply for or review your C-TPAT membership. Not only will your company receive numerous benefits from a C-TPAT membership, but it will increase the value of your relationship with U.S. Customs. If you are interested in learning more about applying, visit CBP’s website.
□ Connect with Experts: Set up educational alerts for yourself via social networking sites and online resources where information is continually updated.
o LinkedIn has various groups dedicated to International Trade. When you join a group, you have the ability to ask questions to the other experts in your field and will receive excellent advice for free! Try it out. A few groups you might find worth joining are Customs Specialists or Global Trade Compliance Professionals.
o Blogs are another free wealth of information. If you sign up for Google Readerb you can subscribe to multiple blogs and all of the posts will filter into one easy-to-read website. Our blog on ISF: Jamie’s ISF Blog
□ Gain Exposure: Become a member of an established trade association. There is a small handful of worthy associations for importers to consider as a valuable resource. The International Compliance Professionals Association (ICPA) and the Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI) are two groups TRG does recommend as invaluable resources for International Trade Professionals. Groups such as these include members with the greatest of experience and understanding in trade compliance.
□ Investigate: Complete a thorough review of your import costs. To get started, find out what you are really paying for your brokerage services. TRG Direct has created this form called Deciphering Your Broker’s Bill to help you determine where your fees are stemming from.
□ Explore: The past 10 years have brought technology to trade. Remote Location Filing has brought Direct Filing capabilities, Automated Commercial Environment has created Electronic payment opportunities, and Global Trade Management systems have expanded abilities. Explore each of these technologies and see which could affect your business practices in the most positive way. You may need to present your case for Customs compliance to senior management. Exploring venues will help you do so.
Is there something you think we should add to the list? Let us know: jleary@trgdirect.com
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