Moving to International: What Your Company Needs to Know About Overseas Business

Moving to International: What Your Company Needs to Know About Overseas Business


A few years back, my best friend started a small online business. He started selling baby products, and soon his small business had grown quite big. Determined to do more, my friend decided to expand his business by establishing a physical outlet in the Philippines as that's where most of the products were coming from.

Although it was a challenging transition, the international move proved beneficial, and today, my friend has a business in more than five countries.

Are you afraid of international relocation or expansion?

If your business is doing well stateside, you need to expand overseas to capture additional customers and gain market exposure. The overseas market has a lot of opportunities for business owners.

Some of them are:

  • Access to low-cost inputs.
  • New customers.
  • Greater brand visibility.
  • Diversification.

In this fast-paced environment, it makes more sense for business owners to take their business to a whole new level by moving to another country that offers a greater competitive advantage.

What to Ask yourself Before Moving Internationally?

However, moving your business to the international level is not a light decision, and it requires excellent planning and commitment.

Before taking this big step, ask yourself the below-mentioned questions. These questions ensure whether your business is up to the task or not.

  • Will the product you are planning to move overseas sell well in the targeted culture?
  • Is your target market familiar with your product or service?
  • Do you feel comfortable in that country?
  • What is the infrastructure like? Can you get the accommodations and support?

In addition to these questions, you need to have complete knowledge about the country you want to move your business to. For example, if you are moving to Philippines, you should know everything, culture, rules, markets, etc.

We are going to enlist all the necessary points for you to consider so that you can get the most out of this opportunity.

1. The Target Country

As we told you earlier, any business needs to know the target country and market fully. The new market will be definitely different as people in each country have a difference in their buying behavior informed by their demographic, psychographic, and geographical factors.

The business model needs to work with the target market for expansion.

The integration is necessary; otherwise, the results will be shocking. Whatever the objective is, research about the target market will help you achieve that.

2. Culture

The cultural difference plays a vital role in determining whether the business will be successful. Do the research and gather knowledge about the country's culture. If your product or service does not add value to meet the desires of locals, there is no point in moving.

Moreover, gather the knowledge to conduct the business among locals. You are going to invest your time and energy in moving overseas; therefore, don't underestimate the cultural differences.

Seek first to understand the culture and then make an informed decision.

3. Study the Laws and Regulations

Knowledge about the laws and regulations is essential. There may be strict laws that your company will face in overseas locations. The approval process is very lengthy.

We advise you to seek experienced legal counsel for overseas business practices to identify hazards that can cause barriers for your business. Even if you have to spend a lot on overseas expert legal counsel, go for it to help you in the longer run.

4. The Infrastructure of Target Country

If your product or service is famous among the rural area overseas, the infrastructure will come into play.

Getting the items to the consumers residing in major cities is simple. The problem arises with the consumers of rural areas. They have infrastructure problems, and some routes are not even developed. Therefore, the time to deliver in those areas may increase.

5. Language Barrier

The language barrier is the most crucial factor to consider before moving overseas. If the target market's language is different from yours, it will impact your day-to-day business.

Furthermore, hiring an interpreter can slow down the running of a business or lead to mistakes due to miscommunication. In addition, it can also affect the productivity of staff.

We advise you to take language lessons before you move overseas. For example, if you are moving to the Philippines, take lessons in the Filipino language before moving. In this way, you will understand what's going on with your business.

6. Competitors

If your business is doing well in the local country, that does not mean that it will produce the same output overseas. Researching the competitors and how they go around with their business is very important.

The research will help you find answers to a couple of essential questions. Is your product unique in the target market? Who are your competitors? How will you deal with the situation if your product is already famous in the target market?

The answers are essential because they will help your business plan accordingly.

7. Strategy

A well-planned strategy is required for moving your business overseas. If you think you will go there and the customers will come, you are wrong.

You are making a significant investment in finance and resources, and for this, your strategy should be based on:

  • Objectives
  • Revenue benchmarks
  • Pricing
  • Product names
  • Product acceptability

8. Cost

The process of moving your business to an international level is costly. Take into account the cost of promotional material, telecommunication, digital services, product modifications, etc.

In addition, if your product needs shipment on a large scale, keep that price in your mind too. We advise you to meet multiple logistics companies and see which suits your budget. You can also ask people for reviews about a logistics company before selecting.

9. Foreign Government Consideration

The stability of local government and authority is the turning point when moving overseas. Different aspects to give thought to be:

  • Currency exchange rate.
  • The access to materials and resources.
  • Communication and transport selections.
  • Government help program for businesses.
  • The key to cheap capital.
  • Protection policies.

Conclusion

Expansion of your business to an international level can go in both ways. It can lead you to success if you have everything planned out. On the other hand, it can be a total nightmare if you are unprepared.

The factors mentioned above are the primary factors to consider when planning to move overseas. Feel free to let us know about your feedback in the comments.

Moreover, if you want to add something or need assistance with something, we are here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth moving to the international level in business today?
Such a transition is a global process that will not happen in one day or one week. Only you as a business owner or your personal auditor-consultant will be able to evaluate the possibilities of your business. And say if you are ready to move from your small business to scaling into the global economy.



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