Your International Mindset

Successful international business development is a question of mindset. Yes, there are also many other key components too. Such as:

• Identifying the right product to sell abroad
• Choosing the right market
• How you position your product in that new market
• The marketing you use
• Your communication
• How you adjust to your new market needs

Your mindset influences each of these steps. And your international success depends on your mindset

Your International Mindset

Your international mindset is the foundation on which you can build your international business development.  Your mindset fuels the actions you take.

This is why the right international mindset takes you farther.  It has a direct impact on your international success.

When you begin the process of acquiring an international mindset you will make progress.

How To Adjust Your Mindset

And, when you first start to develop international markets most people need to adjust their mindset.  You need to open your mindset to:

• Curiosity
• Flexibility
• Change
• Different logic and thought processes
• Different ways of doing things
• A quest of understanding
• Put aside your own personal prejudices long enough to see “reality” from another culture’s perspective.

This last one is often the most difficult. And this is why it usually takes a little time to acquire an international mindset.

Not Easy For Everyone

Another interesting thing to factor into your international business development…

Different people can struggle differently with adjusting their mindset.  And even if they come from the same culture.

1. Some people will do this so naturally that it is almost unnoticeable. This is a question of personality, upbringing, environment.  A general openness to personal change.
2. Most people will experience a shift in mindset as they start taking action.  They respond and learn as their world touches a different world, a different culture.
3. And there are some people that will resist a change in mindset… This is also a question of personality, upbringing, environment, culture and a general rigidity to personal change.  These people will usually blame others for their lack of success.  Or they might think that their reality is everyone’s reality too.  If they are lucky, they will later wonder why they are not making any progress, and they might progress to make the shift in mindset.

I often notice how the different cultural behavior scales seem to influence the speed and capacity of acquiring an international mindset.

Looking at these scales has a certain appeal.

But, remember, cultural generalizations can lead you down the wrong path.

The process of international business development can be put on paper.  It is a strategy.  It is actionable.  It is easy to put in place once you know what to do.

What can be more difficult than this?  The difficulty is in:

• Acquiring an international mindset.

Mindsets Are Challenged Today

But international businesses today have their mindsets challenged on several fronts. Let’s look at some examples.

First…

A marketing mindset is required for online success.  The technically minded web professionals need to acquire a marketing mindset for success.  There is no way around it.

Second…

The social web is a new mindset.  There are those that are active in social media who do not get it and they stick out like a sore thumb.  When new comers take the time to identify the right mindset, and adopt it, they become successful in social media.

Adapt To Different Environments

So how do you adapt your mindset?

It comes down to:

• Get to know the different environments you interact with.
• Understand the people in these environments.
• Understand the conversation going on in these environments.
• Adjust your own conversation and style of communication to fit in with this new environment.

And this involves your personal conversation.  Your personal communication in this environment.

That is why it is difficult to adjust your mindset.  It requires an openness and a personal commitment to change.

Mindset In Business

Following a set of actions and going through a process is easier for a business than adjusting individual mindsets.

And why does a business need to question the mindset of the people involved in their international business development?

Because if you do not have the right mindset, you cannot develop a strategy that works.  Your whole international business development strategy could:

• Take you longer
• Cost you more
• Or be wrong

International Business System Develops Your Mindset Too

This is why I developed the 8-step International Sales Road Map here on Get International Clients.  It is designed to help you acquire the right international mindset while taking action to get more international clients.

• Get International Clients is a business directory with how-to and strategy articles that feed your international mindset.
• The Get International Clients weekly newsletter is an International Sales Action Guide that also helps you acquire your international mindset.

This 8-Step International Sales Road Map is for businesses committed to:

• International business expansion
• Real communication with foreign markets
• The use of international web marketing
• International business opportunities

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Join Us On The International Sales Road Map

New Format - Get International Clients Newsletter

• Are you committed to developing your international business?
• Do you know what you need to do to get more international clients?
• Do you want an easy to follow action plan?

Then you will be happy to read about the up-coming changes here at Get International Clients.

Starting September the Get International Clients Newsletter will become the ideal companion to follow the International Sales Road Map.

But don’t worry, the Get International Clients Newsletter will still be FREE.

The weekly newsletter will only change its format slightly.

You see, I am tired of hearing the excuses from the brick and mortar companies. I am tired of seeing small internet business owners with great international potential making the same mistake:

NOT taking the right action to develop international business is the biggest barrier to international business success.

Developing an international business takes work.

The key to success is to take small steps consistently. You do not need to spend months and months wondering what to do, and trying to figure out what budgets you need.

In any case, you will not be able to answer these questions accurately prior to jumping into action.

So don’t waste your time. Take action today. Even small actions. And continue taking action regularly.

Sequential Newsletter Gives You Easy Steps To Follow Every Week

If you are already a subscriber, you will know that the current format of the weekly newsletter already gives you useful tips and action steps. What will be different? Up until now, the newsletter is issued every Sunday evening my time and everyone gets the same newsletter every week. The new format will be sequential. Your newsletter will still be published every Sunday evening. But the newsletter you get will depend on when you signed up. So if you subscribe in September or in December or sometime next year, your first newsletter will be the same. The new format gives you easy action steps in the sequence you need to develop your international business.

• Each week you will go through a different step.
• So you will complete the 8 steps in 8 weeks.
• And then it starts again.
• The next 8 action steps will take your further along the path of developing your international markets.
• And this process will repeat itself every 8 weeks.

Get the action steps you need to open up your business to foreign markets.

Get the motivation you need to take action right now and create the international business development process best suited for your business.

The International Sales Road Map is for all business owners and marketing professionals who are not doing anything specific to develop their international business. This includes companies without any international clients at all, and companies with accidental international sales. Brick and mortar companies and online businesses.

This means you have to start right from the beginning in the first 8 weeks.

And then during each 8 week cycle we will review the International Sales Road Map process, adding on additional action steps, so you can improve your strategy.

Every week you will receive an action step and a homework assignment for you to take that week.

To get the most out of the Get International Clients Newsletter you must commit to taking consistent action.

Additional Current News During The Week

In addition to the Get International Clients Newsletter I will send you each Sunday evening, I will also send you an email or two during the week if I have been working on something that I want to share with you.

For example, when I notice any trend in the questions coming in, I will share my answers with everyone.

This way you get more current information.

But I have to warn you, some weeks the work I get paid for will be keeping me too busy for these extra current news bits. So I am only going to send them to you when I can.

In-Depth Special Reports Answer Your Questions In Detail

This is also where the free monthly reports come in handy. You can read them when you have time.

You can stay focused on taking the small actions you need to take each week, and keep your momentum feeding your international business development.

The special reports are there when you have more detailed questions.

All newsletter subscribers will get one monthly report free with their subscription.

The free monthly reports start in September too, and they will go further in depth into one of the actions covered that month.

By the way, these same reports, free for the Get International Clients weekly newsletter subscribers, will be available for non-subscribers, but at a price of $29.99.

I could say there are two reasons why you should sign up now for the Weekly Newsletter.

• It is true, when you see the value of these free reports when they are published in September, you will want to sign up immediately.

But, the real reason why you should sign up for the International Sales Road Map Weekly Newsletter is very simply to start taking action today.

Let me guide you through the steps you need to take to develop your international business.

The sooner you start to develop the skills you need to communicate effectively with your foreign markets, the sooner you will get international clients.

Don’t wait and let others get the competitive edge you could have today. Sign up below.

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New Navigation For The International Sales Road Map

As you can see, there have been a few changes here on Get International Clients.

There are now several new icons.

An important part of these improvements is the 8 different color scheme for the 8 different steps of the International Sales Road Map.

This new color scheme should make navigation between the different steps much easier. It will also help you to follow this process designed as a key tool for your international business development.

These colors will be used for all of the Business Guides within the International Sales Road Map.

All of the action steps in the International Sales Road Map have been assigned to one of the 8 steps, and therefore one color.

Having each action clearly identified with one step is ideal for businesses just beginning their international development. But in practice some actions may cross over into a different step. This is all part of the process.

These 8 steps are designed to be continued in one long, on-going process until it becomes second nature. This is how you will:

• Develop the right international mind-set.
• Take consistent action to develop your international business

As soon as you finish going through all of the 8 steps the first time, you need to go back to Step 1 and repeat the process over and over again. And this is where some businesses find themselves doing an action from step 2 as they are in step 3.

This is normal. Don’t stop your actions.

It is important to keep the dynamics of the process going.

I will soon add a time line to show how some actions may overlap as you progress several times through the 8 step process.

Don’t forget to check out these other useful resources:

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Guide 6 - Analyze Your International Viability

Last update 17 October 2008

In This Core Business Guide 6:

Step 1 - Get The Right Marketing Process

• The 3 Differences In Your International Marketing Plan
• Flexibility In Your International Marketing Plan
• How Feedback Develops International Markets
• Viability Analysis In Your Marketing Plan

Bonus For Action Guide Subscribers
More From Cindy
Next Step
Need Help?

Before running your international sales strategy, set up a dashboard to analyze your sales results. Your international business success depends on adapting your business to your international markets.

Good tracking procedures and regular analysis will help you to adapt your business faster and in a more suitable manner.

Information on how to analyze your international viability is currently only available through paid phone consulting sessions.

Please contact me at cindy@cindyking.biz to set up a session.

This business guide is scheduled to be published before the end of 2008.

Get The Right Marketing Process

Marketing Accountability For Viability Analysis

The 3 Differences In Your International Marketing Plan • How is your international marketing plan different to your domestic marketing plan? • What are your top priorities in an international marketing plan? • What do you need to know to create an international marketing plan?

Flexibility In Your International Marketing Plan • How can you plan for flexibility? • What are the questions you need to ask yourself? • Why is it important to plan for flexibility?

How Feedback Develops International Markets • Why do you need feedback from your foreign market? • Why is it important to stimulate feedback? • How should you plan your marketing strategy for feedback?

Viability Analysis In Your Marketing Plan • Do you have a process of marketing accountability? • How can you get the information you need for your international viability analysis? • When should you start?

More To Come Soon

Bonus For Action Guide Subscribers

Get International Clients Action Guide readers get free special bonuses each month with their weekly email subscription.

More From Cindy

Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences on how to connect with international markets?

CindyKing.biz International Business Development

Next Step

Run With Your International Sales Strategy • Do you need help setting up your international sales strategy? • Do you want to know what to say to your foreign prospects to get the sale? Read about how to create your international sales strategy.

Need Help?

Need instructions?

• Instructions on how to use Your International Sales Road Map

Need to see where this fits in?

• A complete list of current Core Business Guides & Sub Guides for Your International Sales Road Map.

Still confused? Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide

• Core Business Guide 1 - Discover Your International Business

Simply click on one of the 8 different color coded boxes immediately below to access other core business guides.

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Guide 2 - Plan Your International Sales Road Map

Last updated 20 October 2008

In This Core Business Guide 2:

Step 1 - Get It Right From The Start

• Are You An International Exporter?

Step 2 - How Will You Position Your Business

• International Positioning Process Versus Branding

Step 3 - What Will You Say

• Plan Your Foreign Language Content

Step 4 - Your International Marketing Framework

• 3 Reasons To Start With Integrated Marketing

Step 5 - Create Your International Communication Platform

• Website Internationalization
• Website Localization
• Foreign Search Engines

Step 6 - Begin To Develop Your International Mindset

• Cultural Differences In Standard Work Schedules
• Job Titles For Different Cultures

Bonus For Action Guide Subscribers
More From Cindy
Next Step
Need Help?

• What choices do you need to make right in the beginning?
• What criteria are involved in your choice?
• How do you choose your communication platforms?
• What sort of a website should you use?
• What platform do you use to communicate with your international clients?
• What options do you have?
• How can I move forward if everything is in a foreign language?

Get It Right From The Start

Identify Your International Business Strategy

Are You An International Exporter? • Who do you sell your products and services to? • How do you sell them? • Can you go from an export business to an international business? Find out why you need to define this first.

How Will You Position Your Business?

International Business Positioning

International Positioning Process Versus Branding • Why is it important to have a process to verify your international positioning? • And why is it sometimes difficult to position your business in international markets? Read about why you need a process to establish and verify your international business positioning.

What Will You Say

International Content Planning

Plan Your Foreign Language Content • Do you think you will need a lot of translations? Read more about how planning your content can help you find the best communication platform for your strategy.

Also read:

• When Do You Need Translations

Your International Marketing Framework

Identify Key Elements Of Your International Marketing Strategy

3 Reasons To Start With Integrated Marketing • Why is it easy to implement integrated marketing right from the start? • How can integrated marketing help your international business? • Are you already doing integrated marketing without knowing it?

Create Your International Communication Platform

Internationalize Your Website

If you are serious about developing your international business you will need a website that communicates well with both your domestic market and your international markets. It is possible to do this from one website.

Some businesses need two websites or web pages.

Sometimes your local markets simply need something very culturally specific. Websites like these tend to put off a large portion of your foreign visitors.

This is where you need to look at internationalizing your website. Even the smallest touches can help.

Learn more about this and find out what you can do to internationalize your website in the:

Website Internationalization • How easy is it to set up an international website? Read about your international communication platform options.

Localize Your Website

Website Localization usually comes after Website Internationalization. At least, this used to be the case.

If you are hesitating about whether a Localized Website is appropriate for your business, have a look at Sub Domains on an International Website, or even your current website. Search engines have improved international search results recently.

This is a current trend to keep an eye on.

An International Website with Sub Domains may be your better option, depending on your current and expected international market reach.

You usually need to know more about your international market to set up a Localized Website than you do with a International Website.

If you do not have enough specific market knowledge for one country, and do not have the resources to get this knowledge, you may find it useful to start off with an International Website.

But some companies start off with Localized Websites.

Localized Websites are websites with one country URL, and targeting on country. They offer a distinct competitive advantage by bringing you closer to your foreign clients.

Website Localization • When do you need to have a Localized Website? Read more about reaching specific foreign markets.

Foreign Search Engine Submissions

Remember to investigate how to get maximum visibility in foreign countries for your web marketing. Read more about how to submit your website to foreign search engines.

Foreign Search Engines • How easy is it to set up an international website? Read about your international communication platform options.

Begin To Develop Your International Mindset

Other Things To Keep In Mind

Here are some other things you should keep in mind.

Cultural Differences In Standard Work Schedules • Start developing your basic international skills. Read about how differences in work schedules is important.

Job Titles For Different Cultures • How job titles can cover different job functions in different cultures. Read more on how to connect with the right people.

Bonus For Action Guide Subscribers

Free Fact Sheet - 7 Traditional Paths To International Business

This is a password protected bonus for Get International Clients Action Guide subscribers.

All subscribers get weekly emails with tips on brainstorming questions, actions steps, and troubleshooting suggestions in this Action Guide. In addition, subscribers get free access to bonus reports, mind maps and fact sheets.

Not yet subscribed to the weekly Action Guide? Then, sign up here to get your free bonuses.

7 Traditional Paths To International Business Remember, this is for Action Guide subscribers only. You will need the password in your weekly email to access this bonus.

More From Cindy

Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences with culture customized content?

CindyKing.biz International Business Development

Next Step

Guide 3 - Design Your International Visibility International market research is easy, find out more here.

Need Help?

Need instructions?

• Instructions on how to use Your International Sales Road Map

Need to see where this fits in?

• A complete list of current Core Business Guides & Sub Guides for Your International Sales Road Map.

Still confused?  Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide

• Core Business Guide 1 - Discover Your International Business

Simply click on one of the 8 different color coded boxes immediately below to access other core business guides.

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International Business Success Basics

This guide is aimed at both beginners and non-beginners in international business.

If you are not getting the international results you want, before doing anything else, review these international success basics.

Get International Clients - Business Guide 1

5 Traditional Marketing Steps To Become An International Business • Be sure your marketing is adapted to your business.

The 7 Traditional Paths To International Business Development • Be sure your marketing is going in the right direction

Your International Mindset • Why is your international mindset key to your international success? • How do you acquire an international mindset? Don’t forget to read this… especially if this is your first time around the 8-step International Sales Road Map..

Get International Clients - Business Guide 2

Small Business Action Strategy For First International Business Development Plan • Create a process for your international business development

Get International Clients - Business Guide 3

International Market Research • Base your international business development on continuous international market research

Get International Clients - Business Guide 4

Turbo Charge Your Multicultural Internet Marketing To Get International Clients • Use a cross-cultural and multichannel marketing strategy adapted to your business

Get International Clients - Business Guide 5

The 3 Types Of International Communication For International Business Success Online • Use cross-cultural communication techniques to develop your international business faster

Get International Clients - Business Guide 6

Analyze Your International Viability • Use regular viability analysis to make sure your get on the right path

Get International Clients - Business Guide 7

Why Your International Lead Is Key To Your International Success • A clear definition of your target lead keeps your marketing focused.

Get International Clients - Business Guide 8

Cultural Web Tools • Use regular viability analysis to make sure your get on the right path