How to Find International Partners for Expanding to a New Market
In 2024, setting up a business in another country might seem easy. You can sign up online, find local partners, and start selling your products abroad without visiting that place. But it’s not always that simple.
Before jumping into a new market, you need someone on the ground—a partner you can trust. This person will help you get established in that area, and it’s essential that they are reliable and good at what they do.
So, how do you find this perfect partner? How do you check if they are trustworthy? Here are some important tips to help you find the right person.
How to Find Legitimate International Partners
1. Do a local search
Start by checking social media for potential partners. You’d be amazed at how much you can learn just from their LinkedIn profile or Facebook page. Look at how they present themselves and read their reviews, testimonials, and comments. This can give you a first impression of their professionalism, but remember, they can choose what to show.
Here’s a tip that often gets overlooked: use a VPN to access local news about your potential partners. Local sources can provide you with information you might not find elsewhere. This sounds complex, but you can do it in minutes. You don’t even have to be at the office. Just take out your phone, pick a top-rated software from a list from a reputable source like one made by Techopedia, and download it. Turn it on and see if any local news addresses your potential partners.
Thanks to modern translation tools, you don’t have to worry about the language barrier or discard all the news that isn’t in English. AI-powered tools like DeepL or even Google Translate are more accurate than ever, making it easier to understand foreign news, reviews, or even contracts. This opens up so many possibilities for your research.
After doing your online research, reach out to people who’ve worked with these partners before. Referrals give you a sneak peek into how they operate. You should ask questions about their reliability and professionalism—these insights can make all the difference in choosing a good partner or ending up with a bad one.
2. Verify the contact info they give you
When someone gives you a contact number, it’s always a good idea to verify it. One way to do this is by using a people search tool or reverse phone number lookup. These tools can tell you if the number is legitimate and even provide more details about the person or company behind it. It’s a quick and simple check that can save you from a lot of trouble.
Scammers are everywhere, and the last thing you want is to partner with someone who doesn’t exist. By verifying the contact info, you can confirm if the person or business is who they say they are. This extra step might seem small, but it can help you avoid costly mistakes.
Smishing, or SMS phishing, is becoming more common. Scammers send fraudulent messages to trick you into giving up sensitive information. Verifying contact details can protect you from these types of attacks. Confirming the authenticity of a phone number before engaging further ensures you’re not dealing with a scammer trying to steal your data.
It’s not just phone numbers; you should verify all the contact details you’re given, including emails and physical addresses. Cross-check them with other sources like social media or online data sources. Also, don’t hesitate to contact the contact directly through multiple channels to ensure the information lines up. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
3. Leverage industry connections
Sometimes, the best resource is the one you already have: your colleagues. Ask around for recommendations within your network. Chances are, someone knows someone who already has workers in your target market. People love sharing advice, and this could save you a lot of time and effort.
Conferences are goldmines for finding international partners. Industry experts and potential partners surround you in one place. Plus, the face-to-face element helps build trust faster. These events are designed for networking, so don’t be shy about making connections that could benefit your business.
Trade associations are another great resource. They have a broad reach and can connect you with professionals in the international market. These groups often host events or webinars, giving you direct access to potential partners. Also, it adds a layer of credibility when you’re linked to well-known associations.
Local chambers of commerce often have contacts in the business community and can help you find reliable partners. They’re usually well-connected with local companies and can introduce you to the right people. It’s a simple yet effective way to leverage an organization with those essential relationships.
4. Explore online platforms
LinkedIn is a must when searching for international business partners. You can filter your searches by location, industry, and even specific job titles. This gives you a direct line to the professionals you’re looking for. Moreover, LinkedIn allows you to gauge their credibility by reviewing endorsements and recommendations.
Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are not just for freelancers; they’re also a great place to find international consultants or specialists. These sites allow you to see ratings, past projects, and reviews from other clients. Also, it’s a great way to start small and test their reliability before fully committing.
B2B platforms like Alibaba or Global Sources can connect you with manufacturers and service providers worldwide. They offer detailed profiles, reviews, and transaction histories. Moreover, these platforms often include verified business badges, so you know who you’re dealing with is legitimate.
Industry-specific forums can be a treasure trove of information. You can find recommendations, reviews, and personal experiences shared by others in your field. Moreover, participating in these discussions can help you connect directly with people already working in your target market. It’s another layer of research that can pay off big.
Another effective strategy is to conduct market research specific to the country or region you’re targeting. Understanding local market trends, consumer behavior, and economic conditions can significantly impact your partnership decisions. Reports from reputable research firms can offer valuable insights, helping you identify which companies align with your business goals and values.
5. Partner with embassies and consulates
Your country’s embassy or consulate abroad can be a fantastic resource for finding international partners. The commercial sections often have lists of businesses looking to collaborate. Moreover, being introduced through an official channel adds a level of trust, as these agencies tend to vet the companies they work with.
Embassies often organize trade missions and events to promote business partnerships. Attending these can connect you with vetted local businesses and government officials. Moreover, these events offer an opportunity to meet multiple potential partners in one go, saving you time and making the process more efficient.
Governments often offer programs aimed at fostering international business partnerships. These programs may offer incentives, tax breaks, or other benefits for partnering with local businesses. Moreover, the companies involved in these programs are generally well-established and trustworthy, giving you some added peace of mind.
Embassies can refer to your local businesses that are open to international partnerships. You see, the embassy’s recommendation holds weight and can make building trust with potential partners easier. Also, it simplifies the initial stages of research, as you already have a point of connection.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the power of cultural understanding in international partnerships. Familiarizing yourself with the local customs, business etiquette, and negotiation styles can greatly enhance your interactions. A partner who appreciates and respects these nuances will likely be more trustworthy and aligned with your vision.
Tip: Be Selective with International Hiring
Finding the right international partner isn’t just a process—it’s an investment. You’re placing trust in someone you may never meet in person, but who will have a significant impact on your business outcomes. Instead of leaving the search to chance or rushing the process, spend time on diligent research, reaching out to vetted networks, and assessing potential partners thoroughly. An early investment in finding the right partner is well worth it, as a poor choice could lead to communication gaps, project delays, or costly setbacks. Prioritize finding a partner who aligns with your values and understands your vision.
Ultimately, the process of finding international partners requires diligence and patience. By combining online tools, leveraging your network, and conducting thorough research, you’ll be well-equipped to find the right partners to help expand your business into new markets.
Conclusion
Expanding into a new market is an exciting venture, but it demands thorough planning and careful decisions, especially when selecting a reliable partner on the ground. The right partnership can be a pivotal asset, helping you adapt swiftly and avoid common pitfalls, while a mismatched one may hinder progress and lead to costly setbacks. This process requires more than quick searches; it calls for diligence, leveraging trusted networks, and using reputable platforms to verify contacts and assess credibility.