As soon as you decide to take your product overseas, you have immediately have become a small fish in a very large pond. Unless you are extremely fortunate and have a product which is unique you have a great many more competitors for the customers dollars than you ever had at home.


Obviously you need to gain some kind of advantage over your competitors, and one of the simplest and most economic ways to do this is to take the time to become aware of the culture in the country which you are selling.

Do your homework on simple items such as Business card and Business meeting etiquette.

Most countries have at least one English language newspaper and these are usually available on the internet. Check these out last thing before you go, see what is making news in the country, (avoid politics and religion) look at the sports section, see what the national sport is and where the national teams are playing. India and Cricket for example.

When you get there keep your eyes and ears open, and don't expect business to proceed as it does here.

Remember in China, for example, you are working in a culture which is some 5000 years old, after working in the 200 + year old  Australian culture.

Be assured these small things will be noted by your hosts, and you will be given credit for your efforts and show of respect for their culture.

Spend some time before you travel on the internet or ask at the Exporters Club. It will be time well spent.