{"id":366,"date":"2016-09-27T23:26:14","date_gmt":"2016-09-28T03:26:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/whatsyourpoint.mobi\/?p=366"},"modified":"2019-04-05T20:16:45","modified_gmt":"2019-04-06T00:16:45","slug":"expansion-demands-preparation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thecatalyst.com\/blog\/expansion-demands-preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Expansion Demands Preparation"},"content":{"rendered":"

Q: How do you reach out globally to evaluate the potential of a country you want to target for expansion before<\/em> investing heavily?<\/strong><\/h1>\n

A: Find a global conference<\/a> or think tank that features speakers and business experts knowledgeable about your chosen international market.<\/h2>\n

When \u201cglobal\u201d is the big issue, conference organizers will include embassy, trade, banking, and other dignitaries. This means a two- or three-day conference can place you in face-to-face contact with highly-knowledgeable, well-connected experts who are knowledgeable about the market you value for expansion.<\/p>\n

This combined \u201cbeen there, done that\u201d expertise can save you from expensive dead-end inquires and false-starts. I known entrepreneurs who used this type of contact-rich investigation opportunity and discovered their business was not the exact match that they expected. I\u2019ve known even more entrepreneurs who found that attending a global summit opened was like an advance screening and opened doors for them that they never knew existed. Contacts made during the conference may lead to introductions for the first country visit that amplify progress.<\/p>\n

Intellectually-stimulating global conferences and forums allow engagement with business people who know from experience.<\/strong> For instance, discussions concerning the relevance of North American best practices can save a lot of time and help avoid offending cultural norms when visiting the target country. This is networking at its best\u2014if you are prepared!<\/p>\n

Merely showing up with a fist full of business cards or a snazzy web presence is not enough.<\/h2>\n

Preparation for global expansion involves investigating the target country, so you can articulate why this country is your best expansion choice. This preparation will enable intelligent exchanges with those who know what you do not and will help you learn how to make the right expansion match:<\/p>\n