There was a time when going global was considered an apt step
for only major players but things have changed now. Even small and mid-sized
enterprises are keenly exploring opportunities overseas, all because of the
changing technological and economic landscape. Even though thousands of
businesses of diverse sizes and types reach out to international markets every
year, some misconceptions about global expansion still prevail. If you are
planning to extend your boundaries and go global with your business, here are
some myths that you should not believe in.
Myth #1: Global expansion is always
expensive
The most daunting fact about extending your business outreach
and starting up in another country is that it is always expensive. There are
costs like establishing an office, recruiting workforce and paying up for
regulatory requirements that you may need to incur.
However, you can economize the process by partnering with an
overseas business consultant in the targeted country. Not only
can they help you with establishing the setup but also make it cost-effective
for your business by steering you in the right direction.
Myth #2: It is time consuming as well
When you do plan to reach out to another country, you will
realize that there are several steps involved in compliant expansion. A large
number of businesses simply give up the idea because they think that the
process would be too tedious and time consuming.
Here again, a pre-established business consulting agency can
help you to expedite the process by handling the bureaucratic requirements and
speeding the setup process. This is the biggest concern for businesses because
they can be trapped for years while handling the legal and regulatory compliance
issues.
Myth #3: A foreign market that speaks
the same language is the best option
Entrepreneurs believe that the best plan for overseas
expansion would be to reach out to a country that speaks the same language as
they do. But this is a big misconception as language and culture are not the
only parameters that determine the chances of success.
You need to consider factors such as consumer demographics,
purchasing power and regulatory norms in the targeted country to check whether
it has a potential as a market or not.
Myth #4: Global expansion is a major
commitment
Another major myth about taking your business overseas is
that it is too big a commitment. This mostly happens with small and mid-sized
businesses that have financial constraints and want to avoid unnecessary risks.
However, this should not be a reason to give up on the opportunity for booming
growth that you may achieve by tapping the international market.
You can read here to know all about the facts and
requirements for opening up a business subsidiary in another country. You will
probably find it less difficult than you believe.
Myth #5: Largely populated markets
have better potential
If you restrict you business only to countries with large
population, it may be a mistake. Obviously, you would believe that largely
populated markets have better business potential but this is not totally true.
Segmentation is one of the critical aspects of local and international
marketing strategy.
Rather than the population of a country, it is the potential
consumer segment that matters more for a business. Therefore, your decision
should be driven by extensive research and analysis of the market instead of
the size alone.
Myth #6: Success in local market
means success in all markets
A myth that kills major players that succeed in their local
market is that they become overconfident about making it big in other countries
as well. Your core product may be in demand domestically but this does not
guarantee that it will sell well internationally too.
The product may not be in demand in the targeted country or
you may have to face tough competition from other local and international
players in that market. Extensive research is the key before breaking into any
market and so is partnering with a local business consultant.
Beyond these myths and challenges, navigating an array of
regulations and laws can be extremely tough for businesses. Additionally,
deciphering agreements and tax codes of a new country can be equally big
obstacles for them. Therefore, it is best to seek in-country expertise for
assisting you in making the journey smooth and seamless. These experts serve as
local touch points to enable you in handling the most critical challenges from
the start. Further, they can play a key role in propelling your business on the
path to growth and success in a new overseas location.
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