The current decade has proved challenging for many types of businesses across all sectors of the modern economy. In 2020, the first truly global pandemic in over a century arrived in the form of the COVID-19 virus. This forced millions of retail companies that relied on physical premises to close for extended periods while movement restrictions and lockdowns were in place.
For some, this forced the permanent closure of their businesses due to financial losses sustained during these periods. Millions of other companies were affected by the pandemic and needed to swiftly make the transition to remote working to ensure business continuity. Thankfully, today, the worst impacts of the virus seem to be over, and businesses can now look to the future with renewed optimism.
If your business shows signs of sustained growth, you may be considering expanding into other territories to take advantage of new markets. This article will provide advice on how to effectively achieve this by discussing some of the key points that need to be considered when entering overseas markets.
Build online IT infrastructure
Modern business relies on cloud-based IT systems to support a workforce that may need to work remotely. This is especially true if you intend to set up business overseas while still relying on staff in your native country to control and administer organizational processes. As your business grows, it will need an increasing number of online applications to ensure its continued smooth and efficient functioning.
These applications need to communicate with each other and be controlled and managed using application programming interfaces (APIs). In turn, an efficient API platform is needed to co-ordinate all these processes and provide layers of security to your online IT infrastructure. Cloud-based applications are susceptible to cyber attacks, especially if hackers or malicious code can find a weak point in your online systems that provides an easy route of entry.
API platforms can secure weak points in your system by monitoring traffic and communication between online digital assets. Automated routines and protocols can be set up to manage access requests and identify any malicious activity in these networks. When running a business in multiple countries, this technology is vital to ensure the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of your cloud-based applications.
Hire multi-lingual specialist staff
Any business that seeks to project a professional image overseas should consider hiring specialist staff who speak multiple languages. The sales, PR, and communications departments of your firm will rely on these staff members to form strong working relationships with other stakeholders in your overseas operations. This can help to build trust with overseas clients and will ensure that any cultural differences do not lead to problems occurring when operating in a foreign country.
Ideally, you will want to hire native speakers who can converse in your language. They will be aware of cultural considerations from living in the country and may also be able to advise on accepted practices such as those related to the normal pay schedules for staff and differences in business law. In short, these multi-lingual staff will help your business quickly adapt to its new overseas marketplace and will allow your brand to grow more effectively.
Image Credits: Toni Pomar
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