Localization Is A Door To Innovation

I am always amazed at stories of product innovations when companies develop their international markets. These stories are inspiring. And when they are stories in countries I’m not familiar with they often completely take me off guard.

In his book “Redefining Global Strategy”, Copyright 2007, from Harvard Business School Publishing Corporation, Pankaj Ghemawat, gives a few examples of how everyday products were changed to adapt to local market demands in India:

• Detergent bars for people to wash their clothes by hand.
• Toothpaste made to be used with fingers instead of toothbrushes
• A bar of soap with one side coated in plastic so it would take longer to wear down
• A special shampoo and hair oil product

Hearing about such stories gives us all valuable insights into the cultural differences in our foreign markets. It makes us realize that other cultures have basic needs and desires different to our own. Other people live very differently than we do.

How can we use the inspiration from these stories in our own business? Read more

Localize Your Website To Transition To A Global Market Internet Business

This article is the second part of a series - Transition To A Global Market Internet Business. Read the other two parts here:
1 - Internationalize Your Website
3 - Culturally Customize Your Communication

International Development With Internet Marketing In Three Easy Steps

Once you have your main website open for international business.
If your website is actually speaking to foreign visitors and not alienating them, then it is time to take your next step in developing a global market presence.

All of your marketing efforts should be aimed at determining where you need to sign up for a localized website. Read more

Small Business International Development In Three Easy Steps - First Transition To A Global Market Internet Business

Last updated 20 August 2008

Some companies feel they have a global market ecommerce with an online presence. But are the international clients coming to your online store? And if they are, how did they find you? Does your online website have a real presence in foreign countries?

Once you have a local or national business operating through a website, there are a few steps you can take to develop your market further abroad.

Targeting international markets still involves the same type of market analysis you needed for your current business. Often a bit more market analysis is needed to allow for the cultural adaptation of your products. This market research is multiplied by the number of countries you would like to do business in. Read more