You should start thinking about entering the international market only after you are well received in the local one. This decision should not made as your rescue plan when your business seems to be going badly. What to consider before your start to launch your business into a foreign country was described by Salesandmarketing.com.
Make sure you are ready
At the beginning of the decision making process, the main question is whether you and your offer are ready for international sales. Market conditions may be ideal, but that does not mean that your product is ideal for the market.
- Your product needs to have proven technology or functions which are easily explained in other languages.
- You need existing ,satisfied customers which can give you good references.
- You have to equip your new sales team with effective sales and marketing tools.
Do not forget that your product needs to comply with all the rules of the country where it will be sold.
Plan
Do not forget to plan, prepare and test your entry into the other country before you start to invest. Where can your offer beat the competitors? Consider in what countries your current clients operate. It is better to start in markets which are more accessible to you so you can test the demand and improve your sales pitch. It is good to involve salespeople from the country - they know the language and it will be easier for them to build relationships.
Pay the full attention to the market for at least one year
When you decide on a country, give it your full support for at least a year. You need to build your brand and see growth.
What to avoid
- Do not imitate - If the market you have chosen is already full, do not try to imitate an offer which is already successful there. It is better to find a market in another country
- Do not overinvest in a region which is not yet been proven.
-ka-