International Sales
Yesterday I talked about how some people want a quick solution to sell products abroad, almost like buying from a fast food joint. And how your current business structure, and your business operation practices dictate your international sales options.
An International Business Usually Starts With A Business
You see…
- If you do not have marketing processes in place, what are you going to do to get international clients?
- If you do not know anything about sales, how are you going to sell to international clients?
- If you are only just getting your business structure in place in your own country, what are you going to do to set up an international business strategy?
Now a few things are possible… and even a few more are possible if you have large sums of money to spend.
Many of these people should research options to work with export and import agents.
This is an easy solution if you do not want to do the work involved in building an international business.
Get Information And Connect With A Foreign Market
But where do you start? How do you look into your business options? How can you find out whether you have a good idea?
Yesterday, I told you my belief that looking for a fast food solution to develop your international markets is a bad idea.
It is much better to start seeking direct contact with your new foreign target markets.
There is much value to this beyond good business sense.
- You will find out what you like about this culture and what you don’t like. What you find inspiring and what is difficult.
International Market Research
It all boils down to doing a little international market research:
- Get relevant information and create a connection with people in a different country.
For some reason, when it comes to getting information international, people clam up. They create automatic barriers. Things become much more difficult than they really are.
After all people speak different languages. And this it gets easy. If you are reading this, you probably speak English. Do you know how many people speak English?
Chances are…
- You can easily find someone who speaks English, lives in your foreign target market and knows the answers to your questions.
Use The Phone
And this is what I tell readers that come to me looking for a fast food solution to get international clients for their products:
- Do your own research
- Hit Google
- Maybe a few advanced Google searches with country specific information
- Use your brain cells to think of ways to find people who could help you
- If your brain cells fail you, start with the Commercial Attaché in your Embassy in that country or your own national association.
- Pick up your phone and call people
- Identify someone who would have the information I want.
- One phone call to the right person (ie someone directly related to your question) would probably answer all of your questions at that stage of your business development.
- Take action on your next step
- Repeat the research and phone calls
Taking action, finding the right people to ask questions, and creating connections will show you what you need to do to get international sales.
Start Discovering Your International Business
The key is to start. Ask questions. If you hit dead ends, it is probably because you are not asking the right people the right questions. Get logical and focused on directing your research.
Would you like an easy process that will help you create the business structure you need to build an international business?
Have a look at the International Sales Road Map on Get International Clients. That is what all of the 8 different colored boxes is all about.
Would you like some brainstorming questions to help you find the right questions you need to ask?
Sign up for the Action Guide that goes with the International Sales Road Map.
To get international clients you do need to work at it. These resources show you how.
Read more on International Sales in these articles:
- International Sales In A Fast Food World
- Do You Know The Real Questions Your International Clients Are Asking?
- Do Not Give Up Too Soon On Your International Business
- When Businesses Waste Time To Get International Sales
- Do You Have A Clear Vision Of How To Get International Sales?
- Improve Your International Sales Skills For Your Competitive Advantage
- Cross-Cultural Strategy In Sales Negotiation
- What Makes A Good International Sales Specialist
- What Is An International Business Development Executive?
- Emotion Buttons For International Sales
- The Job Of An International Sales Specialist
- White Papers For International Lead Generation
- What Is An International Sales Specialist?
- Learning International Skills From A Course Or A Book
- Up-Sell Expectations Across Cultures
And read even more in the…
Get International Clients International Sales Road Map
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Discover Your International Business• Do you want to know how to develop your business abroad? |
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Cross-Culture Sales• Would you like to get more cross-cultural sales? |
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Cross-Cultural Negotiation• Would you like an easy guide to keep you away from the big first time blunders? |
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Cultural Web Tools• How can you connect faster with your international clients? |
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Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural Marketer and International Sales Specialist, with over 25 years field experience in international business development.
Learn how you can get more international sales |
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