Expanding somewhere unfamiliar.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether the problem exists there in the same form Who already serves it
What differs: regulation, payment, expectations, language
What it costs to reach customers there Whether your existing advantages transfer
WHY THE LAST ONE MATTERS
Reputation, relationships and local knowledge rarely travel.
WHAT COMMONLY DIFFERS BETWEEN REGIONS
Price sensitivity Preferred payment methods Communication channels Trust requirements Regulation Delivery logistics
WHAT TO DO FIRST
Speak to people in that market.
WHAT TO AVOID
Assuming similarity because the language is shared Extrapolating from your home market Relying on published data alone
WHAT TO TEST CHEAPLY
Serving a few customers there before committing.
WHAT THAT REVEALS
The practical obstacles nobody mentions.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT COMPETITION
Who is established, and how entrenched.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT REGULATION
Whether you may operate at all, and what registration is required.
WHY BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE
It can make the opportunity impossible.
WHAT TO BUDGET FOR
Learning the market, which takes longer than expected.
WHAT TO DECIDE
What evidence would justify committing properly.
WHAT TO AVOID
Committing substantially on optimism.
