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Here are four steps to quick results

American companies tend to view the global marketplace as a one-way street. Recent RSM McGladrey surveys show that U.S. manufacturers are happy to buy foreign supplies and services in order to cut costs, but a surprisingly small number—just 36%—have plans to develop international markets for their products.

“Small to midsized companies in particular are missing an important opportunity to grow revenue,” says Tom Murphy, RSM McGladrey’s executive vice president of manufacturing and wholesale distribution. To develop a global strategy, he suggests that companies:

Build on existing relationships
When looking for potential markets overseas, consider places where your customers or suppliers already operate. They may be willing to explain local business practices, provide leads, or make key introductions. Such collaboration can be invaluable in developing solid business plans that are critical to raising expansion capital.

Take advantage of Uncle Sam
The U.S. Department of Commerce provides a wealth of information, including web seminars on topics like logistics in China, a step-by-step guide to researching foreign market potential, and even a matching service for finding overseas partners. “It’s a great place to get started,” Murphy says.

Pay attention to local laws
This can help you protect your products from foreign piracy, but is especially critical to avoid fines imposed for violations, such as failing to house accounting records in the local jurisdiction.

Take a long-term view
Manufacturers with a global business strategy report stronger revenue growth than those not looking beyond the U.S. borders, according to RSM McGladrey surveys. But growth takes time. Companies should expect to spend a minimum of a year establishing themselves in any overseas market, Murphy says.