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Easy International Business Development With The Right Marketing Mix

Internet can toot the “Global” horn. But businesses often just don’t see how internet can help them expand internationally with their products and their markets.

Businesses tend to limit their horizons all by themselves with regards to their products and markets.

They still to think of international development strategies in the traditional way of doing business: foreign staff and offices, with foreign client profiles similar to their domestic client profiles.

The problem lies in the traditional background of the staff caught up in their domestic markets and the traditional nature of the business.

Old International Development Strategies

Traditional international business development used to be all about hiring overseas staff, setting up offices in foreign countries or hiring unfamiliar third parties. Those were your only choices for international development.

And real international development through the internet? That just does not seem to be a serious player. The vast majority of the first successful international business stories seemed so far from the standard business world.

Yet internet marketing today can play a significant role in making a business international. In fact it can be a whole new means of international development for just about any traditional business, if they use international business skills and expertise.

Easy International Development Phase

Internet is simply a means of communication.

You need to incorporate international sales and marketing skills within this communication tool to actually get international clients. And you will need to use different touches of traditional international marketing.

This does not involve hiring foreign staff or opening foreign offices immediately.

But you will need to create targeted foreign marketing campaigns, delivered in a format that works in your foreign markets, in order to develop your foreign markets from your current location.

Three Different Factors To Find The Right Marketing Mix

And things are a little bit more varied than standard internet marketing. Here are the different factors you have to find the right international marketing mix:

All of these factors need to come into play at some stage of your international internet marketing. You will need to tweak your mix, stimulate foreign market feedback and readjust further, until you create real communication with your foreign markets.

Finding the right mix for your particular markets gets you more international clients.

Two Simplifiers For International Expansion

There are two big differences with traditional international business expansion and today’s international internet business development:

These two differences make international expansion is easier than ever before. Any business can find a way to use internet marketing for foreign lead generation.

An initial international internet marketing strategy with the right marketing mix is an ideal starting phase for any international development program.

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Small businesses can feel greatly challenged if they are based in one country and selling to foreign clients another country. An intimate understanding of your foreign clients will lead to more sales. How can you get an accurate analysis of the demographics of your foreign markets?

It is often hard to really get into the demographics of your international markets. It can be hard to stretch yourself to fully understand cultural differences and the consequences these differences may or may not have on your sales and marketing strategies.

This is also a factor which complicates a single language markets made up of many different cultures. You not only have one set of specific demographic characteristics. You can literally have dozens.

The best place to start is to determine specific demographic information for each of your target markets, and to move on from there. The process actually gets easier the more cultures you learn to adapt to. Your company will get faster at understanding how to adapt to each different culture.

An interesting example was how MTV adapted its music to each country. There are two main factors that came in to play.

MTV realized early on that they needed to adapt their music to the culture in each country. This is fairly easy to understand.

But what was interesting was that they realized that in some countries the vast majority of households only had one television set. Therefore their television shows would also have to be culturally acceptable to other generations. If the older generations were offended in any way, MTV would not be turned on.

Demographics do need to studied and defined for each culture. Gaining insight into the differences in demographics and it consequences on your product’s foreign market is a very enriching experience. The value of this knowledge also lies in the potential leverage for more foreign business opportunities.

Fully understanding your international markets will show you the opportunities for your international business growth.

Whatever corner on earth you belong, there will always be reports be it positive or negative. It will dominate households, institutions, companies and government. International business issues are no exemption to that because virtually everybody is affected with the change. It may not have such a strong impact on you but nevertheless, it has something significant which you just have to care about.
Here is a compilation of international business issues that came out recently in a magazine circulated all- over the world.
Energy Gush
Due to the heat wave, the Northeast power grid is shoved to a higher level. Good thing that after the three years of blackout, investor- owned facilities have almost doubled its yearly investment in energy transmission capacity as compared in the late 1990s. In 2005, the United States Congress passed the pioneering mandatory reliability standards for the industry. However, electricity lines are still heavily loaded and another disappointment may just abruptly gush forth.
Greater Value for McDonalds
This is one of the international business issues that are pleasing to the ears. Due to the World Cup Tournament and Pirates of the Caribbean, McDonalds second- quarter earnings rose to 60% which is equivalent to $835 million. They also received another huge incentive from the spin- off of its Chipotle Mexican Grill Unit and mushrooming breakfast- eaters, with those alone, they got a staggering $125 million.
Seemingly Rescue 911
Last July 17, commerce liaisons from all over the world convened at Geneva in Switzerland. It was because there was an urge among global leaders at the Group of Eight summit held at St. Petersburg, Russia. The topics that were touched on were agricultural subsidies and industrial tariffs. This is also to help the declining Doha Round of trade talks.
Another Colossal Merge?
Chief Operating Officer of General Motors, Rick Wagoner, recently sat down with Carlos Ghosn, Chairman of Renault- Nissan. The two discussed about how they can possibly work together which is a far cry from what people have been expecting when he welcomed the idea of bringing two companies in one. Well, this is absolutely one of the many international business issues that you have to stay tuned to.
Techie Fanatics
This is absolutely great information for those who love to download movies to their computers. CinemaNow which is supported by Microsoft and Liongate is beginning with around a hundred flicks from MGMs Barbershop and Sonys Charlies Angels. According to Chief Executive Officer Curt Marvis, there will be more studios who will make a contract soon. It includes Movielink that owes five others such as Warner Bros and Paramount. It will utilize Sonic Solutions Roxio Cineplayer to burn DVDs. This probably will increase movie sales just in time when DVD store sales are sluggish. Create your own custom trading pins of your favorite design today!

With more corporations seeking for expansion, this has also resulted to open doors for greater employment opportunities. It has also attracted several individuals to seek for greener pastures where they know there is a higher compensation that can sustain not just themselves but also their respective families. Yes, you have the desire but are you up to the challenge of having international business careers?
Here is a checklist for you to evaluate yourself if you are fit to pursue international business careers. This has been compiled by Stephen Taylor who holds a Master of Arts degree in International Management Studies- Global Leadership from the University of Texas.
Do you tend to be cynical?
Adaptation should be the most important factor when deciding to work in a foreign nation. Remember that they have their own customs and traditions which may appear unusual on your end. Since you are alone out of the many, you just have to really adjust until such time that it will just be common.
A lot of the executives who are now successful in their fields have a strong personality. When they are thrown into a whole new environment where he or she has only a morsel background of the area, the initial reaction is to take control of the situation. Establishing relationships is also very important so that the locals will learn to cooperate with the emigrant manager.
Are you task oriented?
It is a borne fact that your primary resolve in achieving international business careers is to give what is due to the pay that you are receiving. However, most of the communities outside your own country seek the support of everybody else and not just on a personal note. It is a must that the culture of that place be discovered by you. A great start would be to read articles so that when you are there, you have an idea.
Do you welcome change?
It may inject fear but it is healthy to simply expect the unexpected especially when you are miles away from home. There can be employees that can get into your nerves because you feel like they do not give the credit due to you or even managers that can be very annoying because they demand too much. Either way, the call is to value.
The ability to be open to anything, be it victory or failure, is unmistakably an advantage to others who are just close- fitted in their idealisms.
Are you willing to take risks?
Engaging in international business careers has been very dangerous at this time. There have been a lot of terrorists groups who threatens security and other impediments.
If you are determined to the plans that you have, the most wise approach is to undergo a process of discernment and not just do your own will. Regrets does not come before but after.

What makes each country unique from each other is that they have their own standards to be followed in every aspect. International business practices are absolutely not an exemption to that especially, plenty of corporations are targeting to head to the global market to find more avenues for profit.
In the case of Bolivia, dubbed as a donkey sitting in a gold mine, it remains to be the poorest nation in the South American region because of the said high corruption levels. However, amidst the fiscal crisis they are experiencing, it is good to discover what are there international business practices to keep in pace with economic stability. Not to mention, they are rich in natural resources and is the second biggest producer of gas field after Venezuela.
Here are there international business practices divided into categories namely exporting, trade organizations, commercial policies, foreign investment and taxation.
Exporting is broken down into agents & distributors, import restrictions, import duties and documentation. Agents & distributors are required no legal obligations for emigrant firms to maintain local liaisons but there is representation needed when those emigrant firms make public bidding or branch operations. Import restrictions are anything that will impose health risks or threaten national security. Import duties include paying a tariff rate on non- capital goods from a percentage of 10- 17 based upon cost, insurance and freight. Documentation refers to the five legal papers that must be presented to the authorities such as sellers commercial invoice, inspection certificate, insurance policy, packing list and bill of lading.
Trade organizations are comprised of corporations, private companies and branches. Corporations can only legitimately exist when it can accomplish all the requirements of the Commercial Code. Private companies can easily be established when they have an execution of an incorporation deed and MECE registration. Branches must meet two prerequisites such as local representative and legal entity.
Commercial policies are one of the international business practices in Bolivia wherein the Central Bank functions an exchange sale market and sets conversation rates.
Foreign investments include restrictions and investments. Restrictions laid down are not that stringent as compared to others. As a matter of fact, foreign investors are given the same rights as with the domestic investors. Incentives given by the government is in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund, Inter- American Development Bank and World Bank. Together they commit to attract more asset ventures in the country.
Taxation is segregated into corporate taxes, personal income taxes and treaty taxes. Corporate taxes are calculated based on their net worth determined by the Tax Code. Personal income taxes are assessed on the sum salary earned. Treaty taxes refer to the agreement made known as the Andean Pact with Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela as well as the signatory of the River Plate Basin Treaty with Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

When you are determined to pursue economic relations in the global market, there are a lot of seemingly unnoticeable details that need to be looked into. Cultures and traditions of different nations have to be greatly considered in order to avoid any international business blunders. It may not just be embarrassing on your end, worst is that it might be the cause of failure.
The reason behind it is that, there is lack of familiarity with the practices, customs and etiquette. Yes, there is a huge disparity because you come from both corners of the world but an initial step of any effort to discovery will always lead to success. Here are some tips to do away with those international business blunders.
Shake Hands or Bow Down?
In Japan, a slight stoop signifies respect and humility, such is very important to observe when having appointments with the Japanese. However, there are different levels that have its corresponding meaning. Shaking of hands are acceptable in Italy especially when saying bonjour or bidding ciao. In the United States, the males do not get on their feet when a female enters or leaves a room. They do not even kiss a womans hand because it is reserved for royalty. In Thailand, the conventional manner of welcoming a person is by placing both hands together in a prayer position at the chin and bending over in a certain angle. The higher the hands, more elevated regard is shown. Fingertips should not be raised above the eye level. Aside from hello, it means thank you and Im sorry. This is one of the international business blunders that is equivalent to refusing a hand shake in the Western coast.
Gift or Bribe?
Exchanging presents connotes the depth and strength of a commerce relationship with the Japanese. It is usually given at the first meeting. When having to receive something from them, it is also expected to share in return. In Germany, it is rarely done. Small finds are already appreciated but expensive ones are not a generally observed. However, it is not one of the international business blunders as compared to other countries.
Proper Gesture
The infamous OK sign that originated in the United States means good but it has several definitions in other places. In Brazil, it is a symbol for money carrying with it a vulgar connotation while it suggests zero in France. In the English county, one of the international business blunders is to sit with the ankle resting on the knee. Instead, the legs should be crossed with one knee on top of the other. Patting at the shoulder and putting an arm around the new acquaintance is also a no- no. In Thailand, it is offensive when an arm is placed over the back of the chair when a person is sitting. In Ethiopia, holding out the palm and repeatedly closing the hand indicates come here.
Name Calling
Using titles before the first name such as Mister or Madam is highly suggested in France, United Kingdom and Denmark. In Germany, first names are seldom applied. In Thailand, they address each other through first names and reserve the surnames in very formal events. In Belgium, communicating with French- speaking individuals should be as Monsieur or Madame while the Dutch are either Mister or Miss. Having the two mixed up is one of the international business blunders that can be a great insult for them.

Are you planning of economically expanding outside the borders of your native land? Are you thrilled to spread the word about your products and services to a bigger audience? If your answer is a yes then here are international business marketing tips for you.
It is a borne fact that talking about international business marketing is fiscally risky especially that you are like diving into the realm of uncertainty where there are diverse cultures that have to be coped up with. However, a simple step will make a lot of difference. If there is no firm decision to simply do it then nothing will absolutely happen. Take on these friendly advices and in the long run, you will be surprised where you are.
Talk to your clients
It really makes a whole lot of difference when you personally converse with your clients. It is there that you can launch stronger ties where you can also discover what are those you need to improve. Ideally, it is performed by treating them somewhere as long as it would not be inside your office because tendency is, it can restrict them to open up and on your end, you would not be able to achieve your goal. Simply get in touch with about 5 to 10 people by sending them a letter. When you get a favorable response, make an appointment and ask value- based questions such as the challenges they are facing and solutions for recovery. Send a thank you letter a day after to express your gratitude. The thing here is that, you are able to gather substantial data necessary international business marketing.
Creative marketing campaigns
Ingenuity always sells. International business marketing will constantly require you to strive for innovation, this is because novelty attracts. It does not have to be a high- cost production commercial just to capture potential individuals. Think out of the box as others will say it. It does not matter what your other competitors will critique as long as you will reap the objectives of your action. The secret behind is that you understand perfectly what you are aiming for and not just for the sake of doing it. When those are done, it is high- time to get publicity. Contact the media for a press conference. If possible, hire a public relations officer to have those accomplished without a hassle on your part.
Leverage existing relationships
Make a list of all those that you know. Prioritize them into either A, B or C- A is for the advocates, B is for the budding supporters and C is for those you can hardly get in touch with. Send them an e-mail of everything that you have prepared so that when you will call them, you just have to ask them for numbers of those that they are acquainted with. This is one of the mediums for international business marketing that is cost- effective and high- impact. Remember just not to be seen as a spammer.

Videoconferencing is a new technology that is quickly opening doors in the online world. International business is catching onto the trend and it is becoming more and more commonplace among both newly established not to mention, well-established businesses. Videoconferencing is well on its way to becoming more affordable for businesses with modest budgets. No longer is it the technology for the wealthy.
For example, in 2002 the price for videoconferencing equipment dropped a whopping eighty percent from its original price. Some international businesses have been quick to take advantage of videoconferencing whereas others, such as the architecture firms have been slow to do so. There is a tremendous potential for the growth of business on international levels and companies well aware of this fact are using it to their greatest advantage.
There are many opportunities available to make use of videoconferencing technology and they require a low risk factor as well as a very small financial investment. There is a federal program known as the CS or Commercial Service of the United States Department of commerce (also called the U.S. Department of commerce Support) that makes every effort to support firms located in the United States (in particular companies that are medium to small in size) in order to encourage exports.
The U.S. Department of Commerce Support is a network known through out the world that has as its express purpose to do everything in its power to encourage the international business interests and to help them grow in every way possible. To describe its duties in a more complex way, The CS offers comprehensive, customized solutions to the international trade challenged of the U.S. companies and provides export promotion assistance through a variety of products and services.
To further its goals the CS makes use of videoconferencing as often as it is fitting to do so. They make it possible for a firm in the United States to directly communicate in real time with firms in other parts of the world.
Any number of aspects of international business can be discussed in these international videoconference sessions and members of a firm interested in feedback and ideas can visit many new perspectives from their colleagues across the globe. At the present time the CS can connect more than forty countries in the world via videoconferencing and their plans include expanding in the near future to include eighty countries.
Many things can be accomplished through a videoconference including the opportunity to learn as much as one can about foreign markets, to consider the challenges inherent in cutting edge technology and to meet colleagues and/or business partners in other countries to toss around a plethora of business plans and ideas.
Videoconferencing is a revolutionary concept that is changing the way international business is conducted. When videoconferencing is made use of on an otherwise regular basis, it saves both money and time for companies (or rather lots of time and lots of money!).
This time and the financial resources can be put to much better use in companies and less waste is always considered good business. As opposed to travel expenses, the money can be put towards research, marketing, promotional campaigns, imports, exports, the acquisition of new equipment and the development of new technologies.
Videoconferencing for international businesses is often done office to office across the globe by way of either satellite videoconferencing or ISDN videoconferencing. A satellite videoconference has much to offer.
First of all the production and distribution is on par with the exceptional quality of television and the communication between the offices all takes place in real time as there is no delays whatsoever in terms of audio or video. If two-way interaction involving smaller groups of people in a variety of locations around the world (or even in your city or state) is desired then your best bet is to go with ISDN videoconferencing. This type of videoconferencing has often been described as being an interactive meeting experience.
This form is very convenient as well as affordable and allows for multilocation communication by way of a connection that consists of a digital telephone. There is both clear and uninterrupted audio and video feed that is two-way and in real time and finally sharing documents with the individual or individuals on the other end of the communication is a snap because computer applications can easily be shown (such as a spreadsheet in Excel or a presentation done in PowerPoint).

In the international scene, knowing and identifying cultural differences can make a big difference between successful business negotiations and mortifying rejections. International business communication plays a major role in this, as knowing how to communicate through their point of view is a great advantage.
Each country has their own way of saying things, what may not be offending to you may be offending to them. International business communication is all about knowing the important thing that lies behind peoples words in the international arena.
International business communication is communicating across cultures and the first thing you must always put in mind is the basic understanding that one size doesnt fit all. Always putting in mind that the cultural practices or habits you have does not mean that everyone else around the globe does. As they say, When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
The most important and worrying variables in the international scene of business are the cultural differences that most international business executives fail to comprehend resulting in most international business slip-ups. The failure to identify and adapt to these differences through effective international business communication can mean the difference between a closed deal and a faceless failure. Assuming cultures affect the way people communicate with each other and language above all else, is the core of culture.
Culture is the different ways in which people behave, act, or think towards themselves, families, and other people in the society. It includes customs connected with social, political, family, and religious values. Different cultures have deviating values for time and its use, for personal space, and for family values and chats. These differences must be identified and recognized to bridge the gaps between cultures and for real communication to take place.
Some of the effective international business communication guidelines that may help you swing that deal are:
Listening with an open mind
Communicating across cultures is all about putting aside personal feelings and listening deeply to the person talking. Develop your listening skills and learn how to hold your tongue. Knowing your own culture and the others culture as well will give you a better chance of bridging the differences. Keeping an open mind and sensitivity to these differences is a key factor for better communication.
Non-verbal and Verbal behavior
Every language had their own linguistic preferences, and these preferences will give clues about those particular cultures behavior, manners, and thinking. The English use modesty and understatement, and are sometimes purposely unclear to avoid confrontation and very polite. Eloquence, expressiveness, and flowery of words are most common among Italians and Spaniards, Germans on the other hand are very logical in manner. Knowing what people mean when they say yes is very important; it may mean yes, I understand but not yes, I agree.
Gestures
Gestures involves sensitivity and awareness, as gestures that are not offending to you might be very offending to the other, as in the case of beckoning someone to come over, some would hold out their hand with the palm up and then move the fingers gesturing the person to come. In Asian culture however, this gesture is considered rude. To gesture someone to come in Asian culture should be done with the palm facing down and then rolling the fingers.
Learning effective international business communication is communicating across cultures, and it takes great sensitivity and awareness by studying cultures and becoming more perceptive and adaptable in communication efforts.

You want to get more international clients but don’t know where to start? Here is a simple plan for small businesses, or businesses who are highly motivated to expand internationally, but want to do it on a very small budget. This method also has the advantage of going one step at a time, giving you and your team the time to learn to adapt your products and sales procedures to different cultures.

Start with one targeting one country. If this is the first time you are expanding your business abroad, one country at a time is best. If you cannot decide which country to target first, come up with a short list of countries and go through the steps below for each country.

At this stage, it is a very good idea to break this research into part internet research and part phone call research. Do not by-pass the phone research. Fifteen minutes a day, over Skype, can give you much valuable information. You might even develop your first overseas business relationships.

Most importantly it will help you begin to evaluate the best way to position your products for best international sales results.

Here are some ideas to help you choose which country you would like to expand your business into.

1. Research your own client and prospect data base.

Go back as far as you can, to identify any foreign clients and look for any trends.

Are there any similarities?

Can you determine a specific country or area?

Can you organize a client survey to get more information?

2. Have a brief look online at where you competitors are overseas.

Check out the same information for other companies related to your industry which might not be competitors. You might share a similar target audience.

Is there a country in particular where your competitors are located?

Can you identify a country where you competitors appear to be trying to get into?

Can you see any trends, or angles to position your products?

3. Check which Internet Search Engines are the leaders in target country.

Search for keywords in those countries – use the advanced search options

This will give you a better idea of who your real competitors are in the target country.

Can you see any trends, or angles to position your products?

4. Research industry data

Look for differences in industry standards and regulations on the foreign country

Can you identify a foreign country with many companies in the same industry linked to companies within your industry in your country?

Can you see any trends, or angles to position your products

5. Research press articles, major publications.

Look for publications in your country and in the foreign country. Use the free online instant translation tools to get a good idea of what is in the news.

Can you identify the current key players?

Try to get an up-to-date feel for your industry in the foreign country targeted

Knowledge of recent events will give you something to talk about during your networking by phone.

6. Call any international clients you may have.

Ask them why they bought from you, were they happy, why they chose your company and try to get as much background information as possible about the foreign competition.

7. Keep online research to a minimum.

Simply get the names of the players and any major trends. Then move to the telephone. Start networking on the phone and continue.

Telephone networking will help you adapt your mindset to bring your company to international markets

Telephone conversation can provide you with more background information faster than you can get over the internet

Be sure to aim to speak to people with real insider knowledge of your industry in your foreign country. And look for various sources from different angles to get a broad view.

After a week or so, you should be feeling a direction towards one particular county. Continue your networking a little longer.

After a month or two or even a few weeks, if you methodically did your research through networking, you should feel comfortable in strategizing how you can sell one of your products in one specific foreign country.

You have to recognize that you will need to jump in without all of the information you would want. But you need to feel comfortable and have enough positive feedback to move forward.

This is the half of the second part of 8 Steps To Develop Your International Business. If you would like to get this full report it is yours free when you sign up for the Get International Clients newsletter.

Are you committed to speeding up your international sales cycles?

Learn how to combine cross-cultural marketing tools and international sales strategies for faster sales.

Join us on the International Sales Road Map

Would you like to develop your international business? Are you a beginner at international sales and marketing? Read the Beginners Guide Discover Your International Business