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Although the European Community helps in aligning the many local rules and regulations, the distinct differences between the nations remain. The many languages, the different cultures and the various believes are important aspects in daily work, hobbies and spare time to consider when approaching European businessmen for a business deal. Even without hearing their language one can already indicate who is the Frenchman and who is the German simply by looking at their behaviour, clothes and gestures. European marketers take these local aspects into account when setting up marketing campaigns. Being too direct when approaching a German shall most likely result in a deal going sour. Please download "Setting Up Local Sales Channels" from our 'In The News' page if you wish to learn more about dealing with Europeans.

English is in most cases not the obvious language to address people (native language for only 18% of Europeans). Within the European Union (27 countries) 23 languages are spoken and business deals and contracts are very often in the native language. This makes entering European markets for most non-European companies a difficult task.

In other words, Europe is the ‘old world’, which is still a ‘small world’ where personal contact, the local, native language and adhering to local customs and behaviour still are part of the business relationship. Europeans still prefer to have a contact ‘around the corner’ rather than having to make long distance phone calls taking into account the different time zones, languages and business habits. Approaching companies from within Europe leads to increased acceptance, trust and stimulates setting up the partnership.

Europe has the potential of 450 million consumers, looking for innovative, efficient, modern and profitable solutions and products. But be aware, national standards (220V, kilo's, kilometres and Centigrade) may be different. Power plugs, gasoline, fashion trends and designs maybe different from what is accepted in your home market, to indicate a few hurdles. But opportunity is knocking when products are EC approved or ready for use in Europe.

To help you determine if your product or service will be in European demand, marketing experts have developed the SWOT Analysis. SWOT Analysis is a useful technique for understanding your Strengths and Weaknesses, and for identifying both the Opportunities open to you and the Threats you face. What makes SWOT particularly powerful is that, with a little thought, it can help you uncover opportunities that you are well placed to exploit. And by understanding the weaknesses of your business, you can manage and eliminate threats that would otherwise catch you unawares. More than this, by looking at yourself and your competitors using the SWOT framework, you can start to craft a strategy that helps you distinguish yourself from your competitors, so that you can compete successfully in your market.
Used in a business context, a SWOT Analysis helps you carve a sustainable niche in your market.

Sales4Sales is your local marketing and sales firm representing your business, analyzing local markets using the SWOT analysis, detailing your marketing to match local requirements, following up on leads, increasing sales and maintaining your new business relationships. Our clients rely on a local European 24/7 presence with extensive media coverage and personal customer attention. Potential European business partners are addressed in their native languages and stock levels are discussed. Sales4Sales negotiates your terms and increases exposure and visibility. We do so in a professional and personalized way and all aimed at successfully introducing your business to many new European customers. Sales4Sales increases exposure by addressing publishers, potential customers, opinion leaders, resellers and distributors and by participating during national events, trade shows and exhibitions.

Our expertise and sales support will help you overcome the hurdles and benefit from the opportunities knocking in European markets.

Questions? Let us answer them: request@sales4sales.com