If your new small business is going to survive, you must sell your products or services around the world. The global marketplace is upon us, so every Canadian entrepreneur should be embracing opportunities to export.
Doing business in foreign countries is not as scary as it sounds. It’s really just an extension of your local market. To start thinking globally, follow these tips:
– Read books. Pick up some books about exporting your products or services. Read the excellent book, Why Mexicans Don’t Drink Molson by Andrea Mandel-Campbell.
– Travel. On your next vacation, open your eyes to business opportunities in that country. While travelling, many entrepreneurs bring back winning ideas from foreign lands or spot opportunities to export to their own.
– Embrace Multiculturalism. Canada is one of the most multicultural nations in the world, which means we have millions of people living here who have strong connections to many countries. Work with people living here who can jump start your operations back in their homeland.
– Think differently. Gone are the days when Canadians could sit just back and sell locally. International competition is here, so you must think globally. The systems you’ve already developed to sell your wares in Canada can likely be modified to work in foreign lands. All you have to do is decide to go for it.