10 Keys to Going Global

Like many others, you’re hoping to take your company global. After many months of building a viable business in your own country, you are now looking to deliver your product to the world. However, this job is much easier said than done. To help you succeed with this difficult task, we’ve compiled the top ten keys to going global:

1. Assess Your Readiness: You may feel it’s the right time to go global, but is it? Is your team ready to cope with immediate expansion? Do you have the resources to handle this growth? Always crunch the numbers before taking any steps.

2. Plan Your Strategy: Having a clearly defined strategy is central to the success of any business, and that is no different when you’re looking to go global. You must clearly define each step you’re going to take in order to achieve your goals.

3. Start Simple: Don’t try and do too much too quickly. Start small. In the beginning, start by creating a functioning website in the local language or hiring someone who can speak the language fluently.

4. Use the Local Language: Everyone wants to do business in English, right? Wrong. Most people prefer to do business in their local language, and for many it is a sign of respect for you to converse with them in their own tongue.

5. Learn the Local Culture: Every country is different and the people in every country are different. Do your research, and tailor all aspects of your business to resonate with the people in your target country.

6. Seek out Local Investment: For each step in your globalization plan, you’ll need funding. So, why not consider local sources? That way you can get the finance you need – and local contacts that may prove invaluable later on.

7. Localize Your Support: Your support services are the soul of your business. You must ensure that the local language can be used through all means of contact, including emails, live-chat, and phone calls.

8. Use a Quality Localization Service: How you sell your product will make or break any globalization effort. If your marketing communications or product documentation is poorly localized, this will influence how people see the quality of your product.

9. Use Local Managers as Mini Startups: Trust in those you hire. Use a local manager, someone from the target country, and allow them to develop your business in that country, as their own start-up, using their local expertise. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

10. Be Patient: It can be easy to rush into things before you are really ready, which can lead to wasted opportunities. Take your time, and wait for the right moment to strike.

It can be discouraging to venture into new markets, but it doesn’t have to be a difficult process. Partner with the right globalization team to help you make your move strategically.

Written by: Joshua Hughman Lead Senior Writer at CSOFT International