Several companies such as Ford (Learning from Mistakes opening incident) and Coca-Cola
we discussed how several companies such as Ford (Learning from Mistakes opening incident) and Coca-Cola (Strategy Spotlight 7.4) adopted a localized international strategy.
Interview a manager in an organization with foreign market exposure and ask the following questions:
(1) what are the main benefits of localizing products or services in your industry?,
(2) how do you manage the resulting complexity of localizing products or services?
(3) do you find it necessary to localize other value chain activities (such as HR management)?
Then ask yourself this question: Do the responses indicate that the organization is guided by established industry best practices or systematic strategic analysis of the internal and external environment?
Question 1: What are the main benefits of localizing products or services in your industry?
- Better understanding of the local market: Localizing products or services allows companies to better understand the local market and the needs of their customers. This can lead to increased sales and market share.
- Increased brand awareness and loyalty: When a company localizes its products or services, it shows that it is committed to the local market and that it understands the local culture. This can lead to increased brand awareness and loyalty.
- Improved customer satisfaction: Localizing products or services can improve customer satisfaction by making them more relevant and appealing to the local market. This can lead to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.
- Reduced costs: In some cases, localizing products or services can actually reduce costs. For example, if a company localizes its marketing materials, it may be able to reach a wider audience with a smaller budget.
- Start by doing your research: Before you start localizing your products or services, it is important to do your research and understand the local market. This includes understanding the local culture, the local language, and the local regulations.
- Use a localization partner: If you don't have the resources to localize your products or services in-house, you can use a localization partner. A localization partner can help you with everything from translation to cultural adaptation.
- Be flexible: It is important to be flexible when localizing products or services. Things don't always go according to plan, so it is important to be prepared to make changes as needed.
- Get feedback: Once you have localized your products or services, it is important to get feedback from local customers. This feedback will help you to improve your localization efforts and ensure that your products or services are meeting the needs of the local market.