95% of the world's consumers live outside the United States. Is your business reaching them? Most American small businesses never venture beyond our borders-not because they lack great products, but because international trade feels overwhelming. The regulations. The documentation. The risk. Where do you even start? Beyond Borders 2026cuts through the complexity and gives you a clear, actionable roadmap to transform global opportunity into measurable revenue. Written by a trade professional with decades of frontline experience-both as a U.S. government trade official supporting exporters overseas and guiding companies through international expansion in the private sector-this book delivers the practical strategies you need to succeed in global markets. What Makes This Guide Different: This isn't theory from an academic who's never shipped a product internationally. It's a comprehensive, step-by-step system built on real-world experience, including a **90-day action plan** that takes you from "interested in exporting" to processing your first international sale. What You'll Learn: - Market Research & Selection - Use data-driven frameworks to identify your best markets and avoid costly mistakes - Pricing & Payment Methods - Calculate landed costs, manage currency risk, and choose payment terms that balance risk and competitiveness - Export Documentation & Compliance - Navigate regulations, avoid penalties, and handle paperwork with confidence - Risk Management & IP Protection - Protect your intellectual property, assess country risk, and use insurance strategically - Finding & Managing Partners - Identify qualified distributors, structure agreements, and build profitable relationships - International Marketing - Adapt your marketing for different cultures, leverage digital tools, and generate qualified leads - Logistics & Operations - Build efficient export operations, work with freight forwarders, and deliver reliably The Numbers Don't Lie: Companies that export grow faster, create more jobs, and are more resilient than those serving only domestic markets. Yet fewer than one in three U.S. small businesses export-and among those who want to, nearly half don't know where to begin. Updated for the Current Trade Environment: Includes critical guidance on navigating the volatile trade landscape of 2026, with strategies for managing tariff uncertainty, adapting to rapid regulatory changes, and building resilience into your export operations. Who This Book Is For: Whether you craft artisanal goods, develop technology, deliver professional services, or manufacture specialized products-if you're a small business owner, entrepreneur, or executive considering international expansion, this guide will show you how to compete and win globally. Your competitors are already exploring international markets. Your customers are waiting. The only question is: will you reach them? Start your export journey today with the most comprehensive, practical guide available for American small businesses ready to go global.