1,5 min read –
12 Valuable Insights
I wish I knew at 40 years old
To Accelerate Success in Export Sales.
1. Never attend critical meetings alone. Bringing a colleague provides better decision-making, especially under pressure.
Full story The 5-million $ contract miss – Cintasia
2. Your local agent’s quality is make-or-break. Select carefully: the ideal partner acts like James Bond, not Austin Powers.
Full story Is your Business Agent James Bond or Austin Powers? – Cintasia
3. In sales, only results count. Moral, feelings, emotions, or justice take a backseat.
Focus relentlessly on outcomes and find what works.
4. International travel is draining; pace yourself to avoid burnout. Travel for high-stakes and delegate routine visits to trusted locals.
More here Export Sales Manager: Employee Vs Freelance – Cintasia
5. Time perception varies culturally. Western linear (monochronic) time clashes with Asian circular (polychronic) views. Misalignment leads to missed opportunities.
More here https://cintasia.com/sync-or-sink-the-role-of-timing-for-successful-business/
6. “Selling in packs” or synergies is overrated. Alliances add value, but they’re just the cherry on top. Prioritize the cake, not the cherry.
Full story The “Hunting in Packs” Export Strategy – Cintasia
7. Basic language skills and cultural knowledge help, but they’re secondary. You can’t truly think like a local, and you don’t need to. Partner with reliable locals who bridge gaps and catch subtle signals.
More here You cannot think like a local – Cintasia
8. Standard due diligence falls short. Legal, financial, and governance checks are essential but insufficient. Conduct on-the-ground verifications with expert eyes to assess operations and risks.
More here Due Diligence and Far West Rodeo – Cintasia
9. Selling has evolved. Customers no longer tolerate corporate slide shows about your revenue or headcount. Arrive prepared with solutions to their specific problems, uncovered in advance, or you won’t earn a second meeting.
10. Act like a striker in soccer: goal-focused and independent. But eventually, put your ego aside and involve your team, ensuring sustained support and long-term success.
11. Master the basics of cross-cultural differences. Geert Hofstede’s framework is essential. You don’t need a PhD, just practical awareness to navigate etiquette.
More here Mastering Cross-Cultural Business Etiquette – Cintasia
12. Build rock-solid trust with your boss. As an export manager, you’re often on the road. You need a responsive leader who backs you without mistrust. If that dynamic is absent, then your mission and well-being will suffer. Consider leaving if it can’t improve.
We are CINTASIA, and since 2022, we help develop your sales and operations successfully in Indonesia.
PS: We have published 175+ other articles ➡️ News & Insights – Cintasia