FREE 8+ International Sales Plan Samples in MS Word | Google Docs | Apple Pages | PDF

Most companies start their business locally. But as they start to make a name in every household, or have been able to consistently reach their target sales and have managed to become stable then perhaps should they start turning towards the global marketplace? Although this isn’t a farfetched idea, most especially nowadays with almost everything online, selling a company’s brand on a global scale will entail a lot of planning. Remember the international market is diverse and far more different from local customers. But then we have seen a lot of success stories over the years, multinational companies have managed to penetrate the international market with hard work and determination. But still, you need a well-crafted international sales plan to make it big in the global marketplace. Continue to read more about this particular kind of sales plan in our article below and if you want to get started with your planning feel free to download our international sales plan samples made available on this page.

9+ International Sales Plan Samples

1. International Sales Plan Template

2. International Product Sales Plan

3. International Sales Service Plan

4. International Sales Marketing Plan

5. International Strategy Sales Plan

6. International Sales Evaluation Plan

7. International Executive Sales Plan

8. International Business Sales Plan

9. International Sales Management Plan

What Is an International Sales Plan?

In general, a sales plan is a document that outlines all your objectives and how you’ll hit your revenue targets, who your target market is, and the activities needed to achieve your goals. If you wish to take your company’s products or services on a global level then you must be able to come up with an international sales plan with the same purpose but focusing your attention towards a different and more diverse kind of market. Getting international sales right and taking advantage of international business opportunities require a thorough understanding of the language and culture of the country a company wishes to do business in. But there are other concerns multinational companies face as well. While language and culture can be a barrier to international sales, the complexities of selling in a global market reach far beyond correct translations. It takes tremendous effort to try to bring your brand into the global arena, and a lot of research as well. So a company needs to be prepared with a lot of sales planning to do.

How To Develop an International Sales Plan?

Once your company has decided to go international, the first thing you need to remember is the competition. Most especially now when selling can also be done so conveniently online. To grow your business globally today, you need to understand why many traditional sales tactics are not working and how to develop an effective sales strategy that works. If not done right, it can end up costly for businesses that don’t sufficiently research and plan their expansion strategy. To develop the right international sales plan, here are several tips we can provide that may help you.

I. Do Your Research

Take time to do your research and compare how other global companies are able to successfully sell internationally. This would mean understanding how the sales trend works on a global scale. Also, take note that each country has different cultures and views. Learn about local traditions and holidays, make sure your sales and marketing teams know how long the average business day lasts, and even when the typical lunch break happens. You should be familiar with all that so you can plan your sales approach and strategies wisely.

II. Target Market

The international market is vast and wide, so you need to narrow down your target market so you will know where to find them. Once you are able to do that, the next step is to get a full understanding of their buying behavior or needs. You may create a buyer persona, a semi-fictional representation of your ideal customer.

III. Identifying Obstacles

Selling internationally can pose a challenge, so to be able to develop a successful sales plan would mean trying to work your way around these obstacles. Some common challenges most companies encounter are the language barrier, foreign law and regulations, currency rates, cost calculation and global pricing strategy, logistics, and many others. Your sales and marketing strategies must be able to overcome such barriers in order to succeed.

IV. Develop New Products or Services

Developing new products or services that can draw attention not just locally but for international buyers as well. Smart businesses re-evaluate their product lines and take a deeper look at their customer needs and expectations to come up with better ways to please them. If foreign buyers are able to relate and are interested in the products or services you are providing then have a big chance of being able to sell these successfully.

V. New Clients

Even if you have an existing target market in place, you need to try and seek out new international clients to tap into. Expanding globally would mean also expanding your market. Businesses need to be more observant of market trends and changes in how their clients interact with them and other businesses, including competitors. This will give you an opportunity to come up with a more diverse way of selling your products and services.

VI. Sales Budget

Part of your sales plan is to set aside a sales budget. Budget planning requires the same set of procedures such as research and comparison. Reaching out to suppliers or vendors such as logistics partners and other channels of distribution. Take note, that your sales budget will differ now are tapping into the global market.

VII. Expand and Adapt

It is a big endeavor if every company to expand globally, but it takes determination and strength to keep staying right on track. Businesses must be able to learn and adapt to the ever-changing consumer environment. It may take time, and effort to come up with the best strategies to nurture new leads and retain your clients. A series of setbacks are likely to occur, so you may need to think of something new again. It is all about experimenting until you end up successful.

FAQs

It is a big step for every company to conquer the international market, with new opportunities and a wide range of customers. Make sure to sit down and brainstorm your international sales plan carefully. The company needs to be fully equipped and ready to take on the global market community.