In our previous newsletter, we addressed the topic: Are you preparing for and anticipating changes in global commerce?
Specifically, we discussed the potential to leverage the growth of e-commerce, both from the perspective of consumers and businesses providing goods and services. We examined how the internet enables small enterprises to present themselves with the stature and credibility of larger corporations, while also allowing large organizations to convey a more personal and approachable image through their online presence. This also allows for the development of your brand identity on a global virtual platform.
Also in the previous newsletter, we discussed the following questions as you begin the global strategic journey, with a view of e-commerce being the growth engine:
1. Is e-commerce something for you to consider for your business?
2. What are some of the things you will need to consider?
3. The World Wide Web is global. Are you?
4. Are you preparing for today and tomorrow’s new normal?
5. If we bring back manufacturing, and markets open to countries worldwide that we have little to no business in, are you prepared to manage these needs?
6. Are you preparing to support the growth of the manufacturing boom in the U.S.?
7. How do your customers view you today?
8. Are you a preferred vendor, solutions provider, or a trusted advisor?
This newsletter will address strategies and considerations for international expansion, focusing on both physical presence and organizational structure.
In certain countries, establishing a physical presence is considered a critical factor in achieving effective global expansion, and discussions addressing these fundamental questions from our previous newsletter are equally significant.
We will examine several strategies for effectively expanding your business into international markets.
A substantial moment of growth for a business or organization is to scale your business internationally. Because of e-commerce today, the web is international, and the world is becoming smaller. No one expects to go onto a website to see a business or service that is only available domestically. Therefore, for businesses to succeed, they need to be able to meet the demands of these international customers and successfully scale.
Expanding a business internationally presents significant challenges, and minor errors made during the initial stages can result in substantial setbacks. A common oversight among leaders is neglecting to recognize that they are guests in another country. Begin this conversation several months in advance, and discuss as a group the strategies for effectively expanding your business into international markets.
BE CLEAR HOW LONG YOU’RE STAYING
This is extremely important because governments and entities are trying to gauge your commitment as an organization. For instance, are you present solely due to a current innovative product or business model, or is your objective to establish a lasting presence and sustainable operations? Your intention should be to contribute in a meaningful way.
DON’T SHOW UP UNANNOUNCED
Simply arriving and announcing your presence does not guarantee success. Because you are a household name in your own country, that does not mean anyone knows who you are in their country, and you cannot assume they do. You must work at describing who you are and what you do for your new customer base. A thorough, articulated strategy to describe who you are and what your product does is important to give you credibility and an understanding of how this product, business, or solution fits into a long-term strategy. This entails enabling individuals within the country to recognize the various roles they may assume and the opportunities for engagement available to them.
UNDERSTAND AND ACCEPT THEIR CULTURE
This can be the biggest obstacle. Your organization may have great processes and procedures in your country, but these do not always translate into the current rules and regulations of the country in which you are expanding. Many times, labor rules do not always get the due diligence that is necessary for international expansion. For example, there are work councils in different countries that guide how you exercise your personal time.
There could be more religious holidays that are celebrated than you may be used to. In many countries, decision-making is more collaborative. Whereas in the United States, for example, being aggressive or assertive can be recognized as a sign of strength, in other countries that may not be the norm and can be a turn-off.
Always try to understand and inquire about how things are done to avoid any misunderstandings.
CONCLUSION
When entering a new country and seeking to integrate your business into its culture, it is essential to consistently demonstrate, through your conduct, that you merit both respect and commercial opportunities. To be successful as an organization, you must be viewed as someone who wants to be part of the country and viewed as an organization that is sincere, fair, honest, and impartial. Remember—no one is too big to fail in a new country, and there is no substitute for making a good first impression.
Take Your Leadership Skills to the Next Level with Tighten the Lug Nuts: The Principles of Balanced Leadership.
https://tightenthelugnuts.com
LOOKING TO BOOK A SPEAKER FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT?
Let’s work together. I am a practitioner as well as an educator and motivator, and an experienced senior leader and CEO with over 45 years of boots-on-the-ground experience. I led one of the largest rebranding initiatives in franchising history – The UPS Store, revolutionizing the $9 billion retail shipping and business services market.
I believe that none of us can achieve success without some help along the way. For each of us, there is a person, a mentor, who we are grateful towards and who can help us get to where we aspire to be. Sharing stories and experiences as a speaker is a way of recognizing the value of these experiences and giving back to the next generation of leaders. It also is a way of demonstrating in words and deed the value I am placing in mentorship. As for me, I have been fortunate to have worked with and mentored by some incredibly special people, and none more incredible than Coach John Wooden.
“Rocky was the Keynote Speaker at our FragilePak Connect Conference. His presentation on Balanced Leadership was educational, informative, and delivered with great energy and enthusiasm. We especially appreciated Rocky attending the conference to learn more about who we are, what we stand for and what we are trying to accomplish as a team. He received a 4.9 score on our survey and the following comments best represent the overall comments.”
“He was the best speaker and had useful life tips”
“Fantastic”
“Amazing”
Rick Schad / VP FP Certified Providers Network
FragilePak
I have broad experiences to share that can help others as they grow and take on new challenges. During my time as president of UPS Supply Chain Solutions, I integrated over 20 acquisitions that became UPS Supply Chain Solutions. I steered UPS’s entry into the health care industry and created the mantra, “It’s a patient, not a package. ®” With the ability to see a clear vision of the changing business landscape, the passion to develop strategies, tactics, and metrics to drive desired results, and the passion to develop the Best, The Brightest, Most Informed, and Best People in the industries they serve.
Please give me a call today at 610-322-0720 or email at
[email protected]
THE LEADERSHIP LIBRARY PODCAST SEASON 8
Looking for quick morning leadership advice in under 5 minutes?
Check out Rocky’s leadership library podcast.
https://tightenthelugnuts.com/podcasts
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: THE MICROMANAGEMENT FIRE
For more information visit our website https://www.3sixtymanagementservices.com/. My book,
Tighten The Lug Nuts, will also serve as a workbook for these important topics and discussions.
Read my latest Forbes article:
TIGHTEN THE LUG NUTS: THE PRINCIPLES OF
BALANCED LEADERSHIP
Looking to become a better leader or get noticed at your job? Buy Rocky’s best selling book:
Visit our website, https://3sixtymanagementservices.com, as well as my book, Tighten The Lug Nuts, for additional information.
Contact me at: [email protected].
Have a leadership question for Rocky? EMAIL ROCKY TODAY
For more information or to book Rocky at your next event visit our website at https://3sixtymanagementservices.com
Our Sales Training Workshop Includes Classroom Training and Actual On Road Training as we spend a day with each sales professional.
