Before you go ... international: Utah businesses can benefit from an international outlook.

• Position: How-To GUIDE

Utah has long boasted a class group of business professionals with extensive international experience and foreign language skills. These impressive skills and considerable vision, however, do not always translate to as much export success as one might imagine--which possibly means that Utah business is not capitalizing as fully as possible on the $300 billion in export sales done each year by small and medium-sized companies.

"Often times, people with great businesses and remarkable products don't even think outside of domestic markets until they're approached with a business opportunity by someone from another country," says Stan Rees, director of the Global Business Center at Salt Lake Community College.

Taking your business international may be far more possible than you imagine. The possibilities are almost endless and opportunities to expand internationally have never been richer. Perhaps best of all, a comprehensive set of resources is available to you right here in Utah.

"Don't be afraid to take the steps that bring your business and product to the international marketplace," says Rees. "It's just a matter of taking the time to make sure you're ready."

Getting ready, for most, can be accomplished through a few simple steps.

STEP 1: CONTACT EXPORT EXPERT

Regardless of where your company is on the path to going global, if you have the desire, there is right here in Utah who can help you. In addition to the Global Business Center, Utah also is home to the Utah U.S. Export Assistance Center, World Trade Center Utah and the Governor's Office of Economic Development. These organizations offer one-on-one counseling, tailored market research and analysis customized for your business, and can assist with locating and meeting with international partners.

Each of these organizations provides different services to disparate clientele. Fortunately, you don't have to be an expert to figure out which one can help your company with its needs. "Yes, there is an abundance of local...