The world is an increasingly interconnected place: outsourcing, movement of capital and labour and the increased buying power of formerly poor nations make selling abroad ever more attractive.

Do you want your company to go global? Keep these tips in mind when eyeing foreign shores:

•    Research and map out your export journey. How will you get your product abroad and how much will it cost.

•    Know where you want to go. Find out the best most receptive markets for your goods and services. Keep in mind culture differences and hurdles.

•    Take that decisive step and follow it up with sensible judgment. Jump in with both feet first, but be prudent about how and where you deploy resources and capital. Make sure you have a first-rate, local management team in place.

•    Keep your ambitions in check. Don't let the prospect of "going global" colour your judgement and overestimate the current capacity of your people or your business.

•    If it doesn’t seem right, don't try to rationalise otherwise. Taking a successful product or service abroad can be an enormous burden if your company is not ready for the move.

•    Make personal contact with local suppliers, distributors and government officials.

•     Factor in a carefully calculated lead-time for world market penetration. It requires time and patience.
In a global marketplace, you must be prepared to meet the unknown.

And you? Are planning to take your company abroad?


Sam Juneau-16/6/2008.