Last Updated on Mar 12, 2020 by James W
If your small business is doing well stateside, you may feel that it’s time to take your company overseas to continue growing. It might sound like a stretch, but many small businesses partner with others around the world to grow and expand, and it’s a viable way to turn a small business into a larger one with an international presence.
However, for many small business owners, simply setting up overseas can seem like a nearly impossible task. If you’re ready to take the plunge, use this guide to help you go international and expand your company’s reach.
Connect
1. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other business organizations in the area once you move overseas. Even if you’re just going over for a visit, you might be surprised how many people will be willing to help you get settled and understand the lay of the land in an unfamiliar place. You may not be able to join local business associations at first, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be allowed to attend meetings and meet influential people in the area.
Remember, connections can really go a long way when you’re far from home and not 100% sure about your market and area yet.
Get Your Shipping In Order
2. Make sure that you get all of your shipping in order well in advance if you’re taking product overseas with you. Steel containers for shipping often need to be lined up in advance, and you can’t just send them across the world like you might a piece of mail. Believe it or not, many small business owners don’t plan far enough in advance for getting their containers or merchandise, leaving them with nothing to sell once they arrive and plan to set up shop in another country. This can be a disastrous mistake.
If you’re not quite sure how to go about using containers and getting your items across the world, consider working with a reputable company like Port Containers that understands the business. Shipping companies can also help you with all sorts of things like safe packing practices and customs on the other side, which can be a real nightmare for the typical small business owner who is unfamiliar with large-scale international shipping for resale purposes.
Banking Matters
3. Get help with your banking. International banking is perhaps the most difficult part of setting up overseas. Hire a skilled consultant or bring someone aboard your team to help you navigate the often tricky waters of international banking.
