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Golden Meadow International Inc.

St. Malo, Manitoba, Canada

 François Catellier

The Canada/Manitoba Business Service Centre (C/MBSC) is pleased to feature Golden Meadow International Inc., a successful company that has extensive exporting experience both domestically and worldwide. We invite you to read President Francois Catellier's answers to our top exporting questions and learn what is takes to be a successful exporter! 

  1. How do you know when you are export ready?
    You need to have the same confidence in selling abroad as you have in selling in your local or regional market. Information is key when deciding if you are export ready. Below is a list of "musts" to consider when contemplating the export game:

    • You have the support of senior management to proceed;

    • Senior management is prepared to conduct significant travel in pursuit of developing the export market;

    • Senior management has the right expectations when it comes to achieving export success;

    • Your company has the financial resources to develop the export market;

    • Your company has the human resources to develop the export market;

    • You have the capacity to double your production or services.

    Finally I would add another component, and that is having clearly defined goals. Remember that having a goal without setting a timeline is simply a wish.

  2. What resources did you use to learn about export opportunities?
    Exporting opportunities are discovered no different than finding market opportunities at home. Initially, you will rely on the assistance of others to help you define a market outside of your existing markets. Some of these outside resources may include:

    • The Canada Manitoba Business Service Centres (CMBSC);

    • Canadian Embassies;

    • Industry associations;

    • Chambers of Commerce;

    • Trade Brokers, (if you are in the commodity game);

    • Consultants;

    • Relatives and acquaintances in the target market;

    • Existing customers, distributors with contacts in your target market.

    Once you have selected a target market you can find exporting opportunities and potential partners by:

    • Going on a fact-finding mission to that market;

    • Attending a tradeshow;

    • Doing an Internet search;

    • Working with a Manitoba Trade specialist;

    • Working with a trade specialist from the agence national et international du Manitoba (ANIM)) if you are going after a francophone market.

     

  3. What are the greatest challenges and biggest benefits of exporting?

Some of the challenges may include:

    • Contractual disputes;

    • Rapid Currency fluctuation;

    • Payment risk;

    • Transportation logistics;

    • Political intervention;

    • Language and cultural barriers;

Some of the benefits may include:

    • The ability to reach your sales objectives faster;

    • Exporting can allow you to participate in a growing market;

    • Exporting can assist you in diversifying your markets thereby reducing your risk;

4.  Can e-business help?

You bet your megabyte it can. The Internet is still in its infancy. Look out as our younger generation hits the workplace. Already we are seeing billionaire kids in their pyjamas that have developed very successful Internet businesses, with wacky names like "Yahoo" and "U-tube". Canada Post predicts a $2-4 trillion shift to e-business in the next 5 years. E-business flattens the globe.

5.  Can small business compete in International markets?
Yes, small business can compete in International markets if they go after the niche markets that larger companies don't have time for - this will generate better profit margins for them. My consulting company, Golden Meadow International Inc., succeeds in international markets by offering personal and customized services.

ABOUT François Catellier P.Ag. | President
Over the last decade Mr. Catellier, dynamic speaker and presenter, has been operating a successful consulting company in which he has provided:

  • Association management services to the Canadian Special Crops Association, including international market development assistance;

  • Assisted Cover-All Shelters (Saskatoon) in evaluating the international market potential for their products worldwide with emphasis on Australia and Europe;

  • Assisted start-up companies with market intelligence and business plan development;

  • Assisted "Apprentissage lllimite" to develop their US export plan for French learning tools used in levels K-3;

  • Provided export training assistance in French to companies within Manitoba bilingual municipalities;

  • Assisted the federal government of Canada in a Fact-Finding Mission in the Maghreb region of Northern Africa;

ABOUT Golden Meadow International (GMI) Inc.
Since 1995, GMI has been providing export market development assistance and training. The principal has conducted market development initiatives in over 30 countries in all types of economies. The growing list of satisfied GMI clients includes:

  • Norinchukin Research Institute (Japan);

  • Hoechst AG (Germany);

  • Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada;

  • Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada;

  • Canadian Special Crops Association;

  • Cover-All Shelter Systems;

  • Western Economic Diversification Canada;

  • Canada Business Service Centres;

  • Economic Development Council for Manitoba's Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM);

  • Agri-Tec Canada;

  • National/International Agency for Manitoba (ANIM);


Golden Meadow International Inc.
P.O. Box 101, 25134 Hwy. 59
St. Malo MB
R0A 1T0
Canada

Tel.: (204) 771-3589

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