The three biggest pitfalls when expanding across the border


When firms in their very own nation have gotten (nearly) all the things out of their product, they often have two choices: launch a brand new product or take the step overseas.

The latter choice usually entails taking a look at our neighboring international locations. That appears like a protected alternative, as a result of there cannot be that a lot distinction between shoppers in close by international locations, can it?

We requested greater than 200 managers of Belgian firms to which nation they’d most wish to broaden. The record is unsurprisingly led by France (15.4%) and the Netherlands (15.3%). However you additionally must take numerous issues into consideration when increasing to these international locations. On this weblog you’ll acquire perception into the three greatest pitfalls and how one can keep away from them once you take the step throughout the border.

1. Crossing the border with out preparation

In numerous tv packages we may see how individuals flip their lives round and go away for a international nation with little data or preparation, for instance to start out a B&B. They usually don’t converse the language, in some circumstances a home has not even been purchased and the contracts have been signed by an middleman. A state of affairs doomed to fail. The constructing ultimately seems to be rickety, the contractor isn’t dependable and the cash runs out quicker than anticipated. As an organization, you naturally need to keep away from scenes like this. Thorough preparation is due to this fact essential earlier than you determine to broaden overseas.

Actually see that preparation time as analysis time. This may occasionally present that now isn’t the precise time to broaden or that you’re concentrating on the mistaken nation. But when all indicators are inexperienced, then it is best to name in an area knowledgeable that can assist you with the investigation. For instance, do they suppose that your product in its present kind will enchantment to native shoppers? A related query, since 29 % of the managers in our survey don’t imagine that their merchandise would promote properly throughout the border. A neighborhood knowledgeable can then assist decide what tweaks are wanted for the brand new viewers.

The preparation time can be a wonderful time to map out who your opponents are within the new market and what your USPs are.

2. Not having an area method

We’d after all desire to repeat our enterprise mannequin from Belgium and paste it in a brand new setting. Though there could also be features you can undertake, you really want to get began with an area method. Contemplate, for instance, translating your web site and beginning up social media within the native language.

But additionally ask your self how you’re working in your model consciousness there. Right here in Belgium it goes with out saying that customers know your organization title, however that may usually be completely different overseas. You continue to must work in your credibility. It helps to be regionally current. For instance, by opening an area workplace with workers from that nation. For instance, 63 % of the respondents in our survey point out that they solely need to broaden if they’ve no less than 1 worker within the new nation.

However you may as well begin smaller by attending vital occasions in your sector. It is a wonderful alternative to make new contacts. Who is aware of, you may even give a lecture there and instantly present what data you could have in-house. Remember that in a brand new area you’ll spend much more money and time working in your model consciousness.

3. Inadequate data of native legal guidelines and rules

A last pitfall that many firms fall into is that they’ve inadequate data of native legal guidelines and rules, and whether or not these guidelines apply to their firm. For instance, 39 % of the managers in our survey point out that their group isn’t sufficiently conscious of the monetary laws in different international locations. Contemplate, for instance, completely different tax guidelines or VAT charges that you need to cost throughout the border. It is usually advisable to rent an area monetary knowledgeable for this, who can familiarize you with these guidelines.

As well as, pay shut consideration as to if your product should meet different necessities overseas and whether or not it falls in the identical product class. You could have to make some minor changes to your product or apply for sure permits earlier than you may truly promote your product.

A well-prepared particular person counts for 2

A profitable step throughout the border due to this fact stands or falls with thorough preparation and data of the native market. Take the time to analysis the market, spot tendencies within the nation and encompass your self with the precise individuals who can assist you with their native data. Then you’ll earn again your funding in a foreign country, even on this economically unsure time, double and thick.

Would you wish to know extra about how one can finest take the step overseas? Obtain de cross-border guide and study from consultants from Q-Park, Marie-Stella-Maris and Studio Noos who’ve already taken the step.