Prior to exporting proper planning is essential.  The below are suggested planning steps to take prior to exporting.

I. Commitment by Management to Export
II. Analysis of Companies Readiness including
Product or Service
Operations
Personnel for Export Operations
Industry Structure, Competition and Demand
III. Marketing
Identify, Evaluate and select target markets
Product Selection and Pricing
Distribution Methods
Sales Goals: Profit and Loss Forecast
IV. Action
Primary Target Countries
Secondary Target Countries
Marketing Efforts
V. Export Budget
VI. Implementation Schedule
Measuring results against plan