Market expansion.

• Position: SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE

North Carolina exports

North Carolina's merchandise exports topped $27 billion in 2011, up 8% over the previous peak of $25 billion recorded in 2008. The state, which does business with more than 200 countries, is the 5th largest exporter among the 12 states in the Southeast.

1 Chemicals 18% 2 Machinery 15 3 Transportation & Equipment 10 4 Computer & Electronic 9 5 Textiles & Fabrics 7 6 Electrical Equipment, Appliance & Component 5 7 Paper 4 8 Food Products 4 9 Plastic & Rubber Products 4 10 Agricultural Products 4 Others 21 Source: N. C. Department of Commerce 12 Ways to expand your market

* Add a new product line

* Sell via the Internet / add e-commerce to an existing website

* Develop and implement a social media strategy

* License your product or service

* Open another location

* Franchise your business

* Become a private label manufacturer

* Sell to the government (federal, state and/or local)

* Go global - export your products and services

* Form an alliance with a strategic partner

* Merge with a competitor

* Vertically integrate--buy a supplier or distributor

Getting started with exporting

1 Evaluate your company's export-readiness

2 Identify potential target markets and...