How Can I Get Information On My Foreign Markets?

Quick answers to…

Today’s question is:

How can I get information on my market in different countries?

Use the same guerrilla tactics you could use in your domestic market.

Identify relevant:

• Websites
• Blogs
• Online forums
• Magazines
• Books
• Trade shows
• Events

Don’t forget to use the free online translation tools to help you in your market research.

Aim for places where you can pick up people’s opinions. Listen to what is said in your foreign market. Facts and figures can easily be misleading if you are interpreting them from a different cultural vantage.

Your international market research will go slower than in your domestic market. This is the one difference you will find. But don’t try to speed this up. This process will give you the time to adapt your own mindset.

I strongly advise mixing your online research with some research by phone. Call appropriate people who live in your foreign market.

Aim for more feedback from real people than online research data.  This human touch will give you a valuable insights on where to look next.

Above all else, keep active in your research.  Keep at it. Even if you make one phone call a day, or every couple of days.

The key is to cross reference your research.

Some call this multi-dimensional research. You need to hear from people with different viewpoints on your market. This gives you a much better understanding. It also eliminates any cross-cultural misunderstandings.

Read More About International Market Research

International Market Research Guide International market research is easy, find out more here.

Cindy King is a Cross-Cultural Marketer and International Sales Specialist, with over 25 years field experience in international business development. Learn how you can get more international sales