Developing a global business strategy: Benefits and steps
Developing a successful global business strategy is crucial for any business looking to expand beyond its domestic market. The benefits of entering the global market are endless. In this article, we will explore the main concepts of global business strategy.
A global business strategy is a plan that outlines how a company will expand its operations beyond its domestic market to become a global player. The primary objective of a global business strategy is to increase revenue, profitability, and market share by taking advantage of opportunities in the global market.
It involves identifying potential international markets, analyzing cultural differences, and developing a competitive advantage in those markets.
โTo compete in a global economy, companies must move beyond a focus on cost and efficiency to a broader strategic perspective that encompasses opportunities for innovation, growth, and risk management.”
Michael E. Porter, Harvard Business School professor
Developing a global business strategy requires careful planning and research; Below, weโve gathered the most crucial steps to help you build one for your business.
Key steps to creating a successful global business strategy
Identify your objectives
The first step in developing a global business strategy is to identify your objectives. What are you hoping to achieve by expanding into new markets? Are you looking to increase your revenue, reduce your costs, or gain access to new customers?
Once you have identified your objectives, you can begin to identify the markets that are most likely to help you achieve them.
Conduct market research
Before expanding into new markets, it is essential to conduct thorough market research. This will help you to understand the local culture, identify any cultural differences that may impact your business, and determine the potential demand for your products or services.
You should also research the competition in the local market and identify any potential barriers to entry. This will help you to develop a strategy that will enable you to compete effectively in the new market.
Develop a marketing plan
Once you have identified the market you want to enter, you will need to develop a marketing plan. This plan should include a detailed analysis of the local market, your target audience, and your competitors.
You should also identify the channels you will use to reach your target audiences, such as social media, email marketing, or search engine optimization.
Build a local presence
Building a local presence is critical when expanding into new markets. This can include setting up a physical office or store, hiring local staff, and developing relationships with local suppliers and partners.
Having a local presence will help you build trust with your customers, understand the local culture and business practices, and provide better customer service.
Implement risk management strategies
Expanding into global markets also comes with risks. These risks can include political instability, currency fluctuations, legal challenges, and more. To manage these risks, businesses must conduct a thorough risk assessment and implement risk management strategies.
One strategy is to diversify operations across multiple countries to minimize the impact of any single risk event. Additionally, businesses can invest in insurance policies that cover the specific risks they face in each market.
Manage cultural differences
Cultural differences can pose a challenge to businesses expanding into global markets. Companies must take the time to understand the cultural norms and values of the countries they are targeting. This includes the language, customs, beliefs, and etiquette of the local population. Failure to understand these cultural differences can result in misunderstandings, miscommunication, and, ultimately, loss of business.
“Global business requires a willingness to adjust to different cultures, different legal systems, and different ways of doing things. It is not enough to simply export your business model to a new location and expect it to work.”
Niall Ferguson, Economic historian and author
One way to manage cultural differences is to hire local employees or consultants who can help bridge the cultural divide. These individuals can provide insights into the local market and help companies navigate the local culture. In addition, businesses can invest in cultural training for their employees to help them better understand the local culture and adapt to it.
Benefits of developing a global business strategy
Developing a global business strategy can bring a range of benefits to businesses.
Increased revenue and profitability
A global business strategy can lead to increased revenue and profitability. By expanding into new markets, companies can access a larger customer base and generate more sales. This can also lead to economies of scale, which can lower costs and increase profitability.
Reduced costs
Developing a global business strategy can also help businesses reduce their costs by taking advantage of economies of scale, accessing cheaper inputs, and outsourcing some functions to lower-cost locations.
Competitive advantage
A global business strategy enables companies to develop a competitive advantage in the global market. By understanding cultural differences, companies can differentiate themselves from competitors and increase their market share by tapping into new markets, accessing new customers, and developing new products or services.
Market expansion:
Developing a global business strategy allows companies to tap into new markets and diversify their revenue streams. This reduces the risk of relying on a single market and enables companies to leverage growth opportunities in different parts of the world.
Risk management
A global business strategy can help companies manage risk. By diversifying their operations across different regions, companies can mitigate the impact of political instability, economic downturns, and natural disasters in any one market.
“A successful global strategy requires a clear understanding of local markets, cultures, and customer preferences. Companies that can adapt quickly to these differences are the ones that will succeed in the long term.”
Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo
The importance of a global business strategy
In today’s globalized economy, businesses must expand into global markets to grow and succeed. Developing a successful global business strategy is essential for maximizing growth opportunities, managing risks, and overcoming cultural barriers. By following the steps outlined in this article, businesses can create a local presence, implement risk management strategies, and develop a marketing plan that enables them to compete effectively in the global market. With the right strategy, businesses can increase their global reach, expand into new markets, and achieve long-term success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Globalization refers to the process of businesses expanding their operations globally and creating a worldwide strategy. Internationalization refers to the process of businesses entering foreign markets and expanding their operations internationally.
Global business expansion can be an important part of a company’s global business strategy. It allows companies to tap into new markets, increase revenue and profitability, develop a competitive advantage, and manage risk by diversifying their operations.
Cultural differences can have a significant impact on global business strategy. Different cultures have different values, beliefs, and attitudes toward business, and understanding these differences is crucial for success in international markets. Cultural differences can also impact marketing and product development strategies.ย
One year post-war, Ukraine’s businesses adapt and thrive amidst adversity. Entrepreneurs showcase resilience, reflecting national tenacity. Many diversify, venturing into e-commerce and digital realms. Despite hurdles, 44% of SMBs aim for growth, with 36% hiring. Their grit underscores Ukraine’s enduring spirit amid challenges.
To understand the ambitions, and challenges, of entrepreneurs and business owners, Payoneer surveyed 3,575 SMBs across 15 countries. What we found: SMBs see developing their businesses internationally as key to achieving their goals. However, many do not feel prepared to expand their business to a new country. Nevertheless, the majority of SMBs are optimistic about…
Freelancers offer flexibility and expertise without the overhead of traditional employees. However, processing invoices and payments for international freelancers can be a complex and time-consuming process. To work with freelancers effectively, it’s crucial to understand the available payment options for freelancers and how to best keep on top of accounting and invoicing.
Want to learn how to bill international clients when youโre based in the Philippines? In this article we spoke to three leading business owners who shared their tips to working successful international work. Learn how they collect payments and more below.
Asia-Pacific offers massive potential for DTC ecommerce. But cross-border payments can be a headache. We share an actionable strategy for DTC payments that’ll remove DTC payment hazards and expand your business with ease. What are you waiting for?
capabilities map Navigate global payouts Growing to a new market? Weโll help you grow wherever you go. Leverage our global licensing footprint and robust payment infrastructure to easily pay your payees in any far flung corner of the earth. Looking for a specific route? Letโs talk. Local Currency Available SWIFT Route This payment coverage map…
Do you send money internationally? Bank routing numbers are an important part of global banking. Learn what they are, how to find yours, when to use it, and more in this guide to bank routing numbers.
Outsourcing is a great way to grow your business. But the relationship depends on smooth, secure, on time payments. You also need to pay using local currency and payment methods. This guide shares best practices for B2B payment providers. The right payment provider helps work with the best, anywhere!
Choosing the right business bank account is an important decision for any business owner. Learn more about useful functions of accounts, transfers, International payments, and more in this guide.
One year post-war, Ukraine’s businesses adapt and thrive amidst adversity. Entrepreneurs showcase resilience, reflecting national tenacity. Many diversify, venturing into e-commerce and digital realms. Despite hurdles, 44% of SMBs aim for growth, with 36% hiring. Their grit underscores Ukraine’s enduring spirit amid challenges.
Want to learn how to bill international clients when youโre based in the Philippines? In this article we spoke to three leading business owners who shared their tips to working successful international work. Learn how they collect payments and more below.
Asia-Pacific offers massive potential for DTC ecommerce. But cross-border payments can be a headache. We share an actionable strategy for DTC payments that’ll remove DTC payment hazards and expand your business with ease. What are you waiting for?
Do you send money internationally? Bank routing numbers are an important part of global banking. Learn what they are, how to find yours, when to use it, and more in this guide to bank routing numbers.
Outsourcing is a great way to grow your business. But the relationship depends on smooth, secure, on time payments. You also need to pay using local currency and payment methods. This guide shares best practices for B2B payment providers. The right payment provider helps work with the best, anywhere!
Choosing the right business bank account is an important decision for any business owner. Learn more about useful functions of accounts, transfers, International payments, and more in this guide.