Top Ten Tips
1. Research and plan early
Is there a market there for you? Is your competitive edge in the
UK transferable to Colombia? Desk research via the internet,
suppliers, customers, trade associations, trade journal editors and
exhibition organisers can be free of charge.
2. Seek out sources of advice and expertise
early
This should save you time and money on wasteful activity and
help to mitigate risk.
3. Get in touch with a global support network through UK
Trade & Investment
Find your local International Trade Adviser and overseas-based
Trade Officer by going to www.ukti.gov.uk and selecting "Find your local
trade team".
4. Consider your pricing strategy
Pricing must be competitive - US dollar or Colombian peso
pricing is the norm.
5. Think about language implications
Make the effort to produce brochures in Spanish - it makes a
difference. Also think about translation of parts of your
website.
6. Think about cultural implications
Make sure that your business cards are up to date and any titles
are included - Colombians place a lot of importance on titles and
good quality business cards.
Take business suits - Colombians in the major business cities
generally wear formal suits to all meetings.
Try to visit Colombians at their offices, rather than invite
them to your hotel.
7. Think about your strategy
It is usually best to have a local partner or local presence.
Think about your strategy - can your business model support margin
reduction or transfer of intellectual property?
8. Arrange a programme of visits in the
market
If you are new to business in Colombia, it is strongly advisable
to arrange a programme of meetings through the local UK Trade &
Investment office or other local contacts prior to travel. In
planning your itinerary, allow time at the end of your stay in
Colombia to pay a second visit to those potential clients who have
asked you to come back and see them again.
Be prepared to socialise and do working lunches. Do not
over-cram your time with meetings.
Allow plenty of time between meetings, as the larger cities can
get very congested with traffic.
9. Take part in a guided market visit
To take advantage of travel grants, local contacts, experienced
mission leaders and business networking, why not consider joining a
group-guided and supported market visit with UK Trade &
Investment? More details are available at: www.ukti.gov.uk.
10. Follow up
Don't forget to follow up and don't let the contacts go
cold.
Stay in touch with your Colombian contact/partner: don't let
relationships drift and make sure that you visit the market
regularly.
Source - UKTI