A survey of U.S. mid-size firms found that the majority—albeit by a relatively narrow margin—remain domestic-market oriented. Among 356 senior executives participating in a survey by the Center for the Middle Market at Ohio State University, 55 percent reported selling and operating solely within North America. Of these domestic-oriented firms, only 27 percent plan to become active beyond North America in the next three years—and just 7 percent report that they are currently expanding overseas.
In fact, even companies that already engage in sales or operations beyond the continent—including everything from simple exports through engaging in manufacturing on foreign shores—remain focused primarily on the U.S. market. Sixty-four percent of this international segment note that only a minority of their activities are conducted outside of North America, and just 11 percent—or 5 percent of all respondents—say that a majority are.
Why are so many mid-market companies reluctant to join the global market? Fear seems to be a factor. Eighty-two percent of domestic firms say that their focus on the home market arises from a strategic choice. These businesses see international markets as an expensive, possibly risky, diversion. Fifty-nine percent believe that the costs of expanding abroad would outweigh the benefits.
However, those who have taken the international market plunge have largely come to believe that global markets represent the future, with many committing to further expansion abroad. Ninety-four percent of companies with a global presence report plans to expand that presence in the next three years, and 57 percent say that international sales have met or exceeded expectations.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
