How to reach customers internationally.

[Abed]

My friend runs a business and he wants to expand to international markets.

There is a number of markets abroad and a number of companies he is targeting. However, he is still looking into which strategy he needs to conduct in reaching these potential customers ( Contacting them and arranging a meeting).

He wants to act as an international travel agent, in order to travel, meet these customers, introduce his products and potentially make sales. However, he is finding it quite hard to initial a connection and set up a first meeting with these buyers.

Any thoughts in approaching these buyers ?
Thanks.

 

[ISL Recruitment]

If your 'friend' wants to speak with people in other countries s/he needs to be able to speak in their mother tongue. I'd suggest telephone as a first point of contact, followed by a short series of emails.

If language is a barrier find a translator to help out.

Freelance websites are an excellent place to find language professionals who can set up the appointments for you.

 

[Needl Analytics]

I would suggest he starts with a list of all the industry events and goes along to one or two. These are the best places to meet people.

 

[StevePoster]

First, making a proposal (new, unique, interesting and beneficial) in which will effectively caught the attention of the target clients. This will be the first move before setting up an appointment or meeting to introduce your business field.

 

[Scott-Copywriter]

He wants to act as an international travel agent, in order to travel, meet these customers, introduce his products and potentially make sales. However, he is finding it quite hard to initial a connection and set up a first meeting with these buyers.

Any thoughts in approaching these buyers ?
Thanks.

I don't think these people being international has much to do with it. You would probably have the same issue in the UK.

No one is going to volunteer their time to sit through a sales pitch unless there's something in it for them.

Furthermore, it's not necessarily the best approach for your friend. They would only want to travel if there's a very strong chance of winning sales. If not, the cost of travelling would be prohibitively expensive.

If they spend £500 on flights and other travel expenses, and the prospect says no, that's a steep loss on an unsuccessful lead. I'm not sure if swanning all over Europe and beyond to set up first meetings is very economical unless there's the potential to shift massive order value.

In a way, they're probably doing you a favour by not responding. Your friend doesn't want to be travelling long distances in such an expensive manner for lukewarm leads. Sell the merits of the product first, build up an interest, and then put forward the meeting to close the sale when they're already keen.

 

[Maulik Patel]

You have the challenge to bring new international leads from your website, right?

To achieve this goal whatever you've done is appreciated but consider, there are lots of things you need to do in the well-organized way that gets you fruitful results.

There are different strategies to market the product and services. Here I would like to share something related.

My suggestion is to choose the best marketing channels for short and long term goals. For example, PPC, Paid Social media advertising for short term, Inbound marketing and SEO for a long term. Then decide the budget for each channel you can spend. Then set up a SMART goal for each channel with your marketing manager or marketing partner firm.

Now, you must have clear work reporting formats for each team and the individual employee. On regular interval, you should check report and progress towards the goals. If you find any glitch or inactivity, set up a meeting and resolve it quickly. By doing this kind of approach you will achieve your business' short and long-term goals.

 

[Nochexman]

My friend runs a business and he wants to expand to international markets.

There is a number of markets abroad and a number of companies he is targeting. However, he is still looking into which strategy he needs to conduct in reaching these potential customers ( Contacting them and arranging a meeting).

It does not sound as if your friend knows anyone at the companies he is targeting. Why is he targeting these particular companies? The answer might help to identify a way in.

Otherwise, has he asked for his existing customers to refer prospects to him?

 

[Bob Philpin]

Before I share my twopenneth - who are his ideal buyers?