Get to know the market before you make the leap

Let’s be honest, it’s exciting but often slightly daunting when you try and break into a new global market with your business. And it can seem literally a world away from what you know and are familiar with. So it’s always best to take baby steps in getting to know that market at a personal relationship level before you make the leap with both feet. Going global means recognizing and getting to know different business cultures and ways of doing things; it means getting to know people on the ground who can make your experience easier and much more enjoyable; and it means doing your market homework well in advance of any visit. It’s one of the reasons we originally launched our Lioness Lean In events across the African continent and our Start-up Night Africa! events around the world. They provide a women entrepreneur friendly, supportive and safe community in which to put a toe into the water in each marketplace and build relationships before you go out there on your own. Check out which cities we will be visiting next here.

Have yourself an inspired entrepreneurial day! - Melanie