International Sales Strategy
Yesterday, I wrote about the increase in general requests about international business from people that do not really have a business, and very small businesses without a good business structure.
And I also see an increase in people without any international skills, background and experience who are eager to talk to people with international skills… for free.
When Businesses Need To Cope With Risk
I find these trends interesting to watch.
And the reason is because I live in France. The main concern of small/mid-sized business is risk. So I notice how they cope with the risks as they perceive them.
International business development has traditionally been expensive. In addition to the expense, international business also increases the barriers and hurdles towards success.
Cultural Differences In Coping With Risk
Looking at the different questions people ask about starting to develop an international business also gives you insights into their own ways of dealing with risk.
It is interesting to see these cultural trends in how people try to deal with this risk at the very initial stages of their interest in international business.
Some people dangle a hook without any bait… two miles high in the sky… and then expect you to want to find a way to jump up high enough to reach it.
These people are usually from cultures with a preference for indirect communication.
Some people only want fast food solutions and think they can grow an international business through outsourcing and 4 hour work weeks.
These people are usually from cultures with a preference for high individualism.
So how do you think such different cultures can hook up to do international business?
International Business With No Risk
Let’s look at a recent Italian reader…
He wrote me to say that he has moved to Thailand to open up business deals between there and his home country.
And he also mentioned that:
- He had previously lived in Thailand for a few years
- He is focused on an industry where he has many years of experience
- He wants to bring people together between Thailand and his home country, Italy.
So…
- He is focused on one foreign country
- He knows both cultures
- He knows the industry well
- He has clearly defined what type of international business he is in
Risk factor?
Well, very low for sure. And I bet he has the skills, or will rapidly acquire them, to bring this risk down to zero.
His English is sketchy. But he wrote to open discussions on developing business with cross-cultural skills.
And that contact was also right on target.
So he definitely knows how to connect two things together to get what he wants.
Just Good Business
The people I wrote about yesterday are not totally present and focused inside of their own business.
The Italian reader made the best connection between his personal and professional experience and his international business goals. He jumped in.
He took away just about all of the risk involved with:
- Good analysis of what he has
- Good decision to match his skills
- Massive action and took away many barriers
And I have no doubt he will eliminate any remaining risk involved due to the international dimension through standard good business tactics within a very short time.
More on International Sales Strategy:
- How People Cope With The Risk Of International Business
- International Sales In A Fast Food World
- Market Research Takes Your International Ideas Further
- When Businesses Waste Time To Get International Sales
- When Not To Look For International Sales
- Where Are the International Sales
Get International Clients – Business Guides On Sales
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