Expanding your business into a new market, especially an international one, is an exciting, yet tricky undertaking. There are many benefits to growing your business globally including reaching a new set of customers and a new geographic market. At the same time, success does not come easily. You must grapple with regulatory challenges, cultural differences, and country-specific dynamics. One wrong step and your time, energy and resources may all be wasted.
How can you ensure your success? Matt Craft, Vice President of Capstone addressed these issues in a workshop hosted by the International Trade division of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In his presentation, Matt explained that success begins by considering which customers you want to reach and what markets they will be in. Next, you select the right market for your business by looking at those that have a healthy, stable demand for your products and services now and in the future. A careful analysis of future demand is important to growth. You don’t want to spend lots of effort entering a market only to find that it is shrinking. Your new international market should support your company’s long-term growth goals.