Developing a business abroad is a step that many companies want to take. The desire to conquer new markets, to seize certain opportunities, are all reasons to go beyond French borders.
But the development of a business depends, beyond performance and profitability, on the entrepreneur’s ability to network. How, then, to build a networking strategy abroad? Advice.
Why develop your business abroad?
Firstly, it may be useful to recall the reasons which can push an entrepreneur to leave the national territory to conquer the international market.
Increase your turnover
A business must keep its main objective in sight: increasing turnover . And going beyond borders is sometimes a good way to increase a company’s turnover.
You boost your customer portfolio , your visibility , and therefore your chances of transforming prospects into real customers.
Reduce certain production costs
Manufacturing made in France is increasingly popular with consumers. Although it obviously costs more during production, the quality is generally there. In addition, it helps – in particular – to reduce theharmful impact on the environmentand the economy by favoring local producers . But some companies have no choice but to export abroad when resources are lacking in France, or when costs are much too high to allow the company to make ends meet.
Opening up to new markets, new customers
Your business is stable and you may want to open up to new markets? This is one of the reasons that may push you to export your concept. If your product, your services do not appeal to the French but to the population of another country, why deprive yourself of it?
Taking advantage of the reach of the web
Companies whose activity depends on the web can benefit from the advantages of its power. E-commerce sites are the first to be able to sell abroad, as long as the logistics of delivery are adapted.
So, by default, your site becomes accessible to the whole world and allows everyone to place an order. You broaden your scope of actions and increase the chances of converting each visit into a sale.
Enrich your teams with new talents
By setting up abroad,you are taking the opportunity to complete your team of talents. Experts in a preferred field, consultants familiar with the uses and consumption patterns in the target country, etc., the reasons are multiple.
You contribute to the diversity of your team and you enrich yourself on a human level with everyone’s culture, but also with the expertise, know-how and interpersonal skills of each person.
Enhance brand image
A company opening up abroad makes people talk more about it . Based on a good communication strategy around thisexport, you enhance your brand image.
Indeed, you appear as sustainable, stable, dynamic, and a driving force in your sector of activity. For many, this will be the confirmation of your success!
Why is networking important?
Networking is a habit that many entrepreneurs adopt, without which it becomes difficult to develop a business project.
Share knowledge and know-how;
Seize professional opportunities thanks to good contacts and great encounters;
Take advantage of your network’s network : If you have good – healthy – relationships with your network, you are not immune to taking advantage of your contacts’ network when you need it.
Present your company: you will have to pitch many times to present your company in a few seconds. This is a good exercise to gain speaking fluency and refine your sales pitch ;
Gain confidence : you are the spokesperson for your company and by building relationships, you consolidate your esteem and confidence in yourself and your business;
Show that you are present: proactive , you go to meet other professionals to reveal your strength of action. You go to conquer new opportunities and do not wait for people to come to you;
Getting out of the loneliness of entrepreneurship, especially if you are running your business alone.
How to network abroad?
Be patient and make an effort
Networking abroad takes time and energy because you are seen as the new kid on the block, the outsider , in the local market.
So, you should already understand that your approach and your strategy may take time to stabilize, to reap the benefits. Keep in mind that you will have to be proactive to make a place for yourself in a foreign network.
Understanding the customs of the target country
And for each action to be valued and have the greatest possible impact , you will only be able to succeed in your networking if you take into account the customs of the country in question.
What are the uses in terms of communication? Marketing? Are there any codes to respect?
An observation and analysis phase is highly recommended to avoid making any mistakes and to optimize your strategy. It is also a mark of respect to understand the country of establishment and to adapt to it.
Recruit internal resources for networking
Some professionals are experts in networking , especially abroad. You can absolutely choose to trust an external consultant to take care of this networking! Their mission will focus on this task, which saves you time. You will also be able to benefit from their valuable advice to gradually get used to it.
Recruit experts from the target country
When you expand abroad, it may be interesting to recruit a few professionals (in communication in particular), directly from the country of establishment. The latter know the customs, the standards, the codes , and will be able to be effective in the strategies to be implemented!
Be proactive
New to the market, you have to understand that networking requires effort, reciprocity, sharing . Humans come first, and must remain one of the pillars of this networking , otherwise you will lose the soul of your business and your relationships will be superficial.