It is possible to become financially and emotionally successful if you do your homework, plan realistically, and avoid or compensate for the potential pitfalls associated with internationally operating businesses. New businesses are inherently risky. Perhaps the friendliest environment in the world for opening a business, nearly half of all new businesses fail within the first year and one-quarter fail within their fourth year.
Despite the fact that there are no statistics on startup failures by country, you can assume that the odds of being successful abroad are at least as great. Although you cannot completely eliminate your chances of failing, you can improve your chances with a few simple techniques and tips.
1. Describe and Quantify Expectations
Look for markets with similar characteristics to those you are already serving in France or elsewhere when you begin your endeavor or when you think to accompany big businesses to set up in Franceorsomewhere else. You may want to consider providing your products or services to countries or regions where the regulations and laws there do not require too many changes.
Most businesses should begin small with the intention of expanding later. As an example, you could choose one or two products to offer your foreign customers initially or you could outsource manufacturing while gaining knowledge to move it back in-house after a while. As you test the waters of the market before committing many resources, keeping a high level of flexibility makes sense for the first few days.
2. Recognize the Environment
In comparison to setting up a business in your own country, setting up a business abroad could be easier, less risky, and financially more robust. Rather than assume that everything will go according to plan, it is better to wait for trouble. Setting up a store in another country involves four main considerations:
Regulations: Every country has different immigration policies, financial regulations (intra-country and inter-country money), taxation laws, and labor laws. If your business requires the import or export of goods, ensure the products are eligible for import or export and that the cost of moving them is reasonable. Particularly in emerging industrialized countries, property confiscation is not uncommon.
Stability in politics: Political turmoil has become more common in the past few years, particularly as a result of high unemployment and nascent democracies. It is true that turmoil offers great rewards, but it also carries great risks. Consider limiting your financial exposure to a country where politically or economically things are rapidly changing, until you are confident that you understand the environment and can cope adequately.
Recession in some countries:A global recession has impacted some countries greatly, causing significant tax burdens and negative economic growth, resulting in social unrest and potential attacks on foreign businesses. It is important to understand the consumer spending habits in your target market and the competitive business environment if you plan to sell your products or services domestically. When their market shares are affected, established companies are likely to react.
Culture: In addition to possible language problems, a wide range of cultural beliefs, values, and nuances can result in business difficulties. Consider hiring an intercultural cultural consultant until everyone in your organization is confident in your ability to communicate effectively across cultures. Keep in mind that even a seemingly simple gesture like a handshake could have deeper meanings than you realize. Sending a woman to conduct negotiations could spell disaster if she fails to bring a gift or brings the wrong gift.
3. Establish a budget
Insufficient startup capital is one of the most common reasons why companies fail, typically due to the unrealistic revenue and profit projections made by the business owner. Beginning a business is never easy, no matter where your company is located or how uncertain the environment may be.
Estimate expenses liberally while estimating income conservatively. Cash flow break-even (the time when the money coming in equals the money to be spent or exceeds it) will likely take longer to achieve than you originally anticipated.
4. Set up the shop before logistics problems arise
Infrastructure in industrialized countries is lacking in many countries. The free movement of goods may be restricted by regulations as well as taxes, duties, and fees for exports even when physical restrictions do not affect the movement.
Local government officials are regularly paid bribes in some countries. Violations are punishable both civilly and criminally. It is a good thing that the law permits “facilitation payments,” which are small bonuses intended to encourage the provision of services. A business that is going to be established in a country with “gifts” and bribes as the norm should seek legal advice before starting up operations about what it can and cannot do.
5. Contact an agent in your area
In establishing a physical presence in a new country, local agents, lawyers, or accountants with international law experience are often invaluable. A miscommunication or misunderstanding with local government officials could lead to your products being seized or your operations being shut down.
6. Establish a bank account with a foreign bank
Consider currency differences when exporting or importing goods and eliminate currency risks where possible. The exchange rate should be monitored continuously in order to stay on top of this. When money is converted between different currencies, it is possible for your income to disappear rapidly if you are not paying attention to the market.
You can transfer money internationally by researching your options. Sending and receiving money across borders shouldn’t usually be entrusted to a bank unless you require some specialized service. A number of times, the fees are exorbitant, and the money has to be released and credited to your account after several days.
