Start Global Insights: Global Sales, Local's Expertise, Actionable Case Studies

Intercultural Communication Decoded: The Global Anatomy of Trust

Ready to master Intercultural Communication and adjust your Global Market Entry Strategy? The secret to international business success isn't just your product, it's understanding the global anatomy of trust.In this episode of Start Global Insights, we sit down with cross-cultural expert and author Maryna Starodubska to decode the subtle, often unseen cultural dimensions that make or break international deals.In this episode, you will learn:0:35 - The Anatomy of Trust: Defining generalized trust and the crucial Global Trust Radius -why a high trust score isn't enough for market entry success.3:37 - Cooperation Format & Time: Understanding which cultures require face-to-face meetings and socialization versus those that allow trust-building via correspondence.5:19 - Trust Loans vs. Starting at Zero: The difference between "advanced trust" (loaned in Scandinavia/Baltics) and "earned trust" (required in the Middle East/Asia).6:20 - Power Distance (Rank Sensitivity): Why your Job Title determines who you need to send to the negotiation table, and how transient trust affects successor relationships.10:20 - Social Norms & Emotion: How cultural factors like hospitality and emotional expression (Neutral vs. Affective cultures) impact your professional credibility.13:50 - The Minimum Research (3 Key Rules): The three essential cultural dimensions (Trust, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance) you must check before entering any new market.17:50 - Five Costly Mistakes: Avoiding common blunders like bluntness, mandated overwork in the EU, and neglecting local expertise in highly competitive markets (like the 50 subcultures of the U.S.).23:40 - Cost-Benefit Analysis: Why seeking the "easy" market is the wrong strategic move, and the importance of weighing cultural distance against market lucrativeness.Maryna also reveals the key cross-cultural methodologies (Hofstede, Trompenaars, etc.) that you must research for a successful market entry.LinkedIn profiles:Host, Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/Guest: Maryna Starodubska, Cross-Cultural Interaction Consultant, Kyiv Mohyla Business School Adjunct Professor. https://www.linkedin.com/in/starodubska/Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSSApple podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSSYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSSIn your browser: https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSSFeedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at podcast@start-global.biz

How to Enter the Swedish Food Market: Cracking the 3-Player Retail "Monopoly"

Looking to export your food products to Scandinavia? The Swedish food retail market is worth ~ €27 Billion, but it is famous for its concentration: 90% of all sales are dominated by just three major players.In this essential episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with Jenny Köpper, CEO of Food Collective and former Category Manager for major Swedish retailers. Jenny shares the insider roadmap for securing product listings and thriving in this highly concentrated market.You Will Discover:The 90% Problem: Why the extreme market concentration dictates your entire sales strategy.Price Myth Busted: Why high Swedish shelf prices are a signal of high logistics costs, not high margins, and how this impacts your financial model.The Buyer's Mandate: What a stressed Category Manager is actually looking for in a product proposal (and why most cold emails fail).The One-Year Rule: Why you must plan for a minimum of 12 months from first contact to first order to succeed in Swedish business culture.The Sustainability Test: The non-negotiable role of traceability and sustainability compliance in securing partnerships and private label deals.The Margin Calculation: The crucial financial calculation required to ensure your partner earns with you, not without you.LinkedIn profiles:Host, Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/Guest, Jenny Köpper https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykopper/Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSSApple podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSSYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSSIn your browser: https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS

Go Global Smart: Your Easy Guide to Researching Foreign Markets!

Many businesses jump into international markets without doing their homework, which can lead to big mistakes and wasted money. But what if we told you researching new markets isn't just for huge companies?In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets chats with Olga Gvozdyova, a top expert from Ukraine's Entrepreneurship and Expert Promotion office. Olga has tons of experience helping businesses like yours figure out foreign markets and expand internationally. She's here to show you how easy it can be!This episode is full of sources for your market research.In this episode, you'll learn:Why doing your homework on new markets is crucial and can actually save you time and moneyA simple way to start your market research, right from your desk.The key things to look for when researching a new countryWhere to find reliable and often free information to help you, including government agencies and online toolsHow to pick the best countries to focus on, considering both market potential and what your company is ready forTips for getting real-world insights, like talking to potential customers and partners, and checking out trade showsSmart ways to handle all the information you find so you don't feel overwhelmedWhy market research is an ongoing journey and how it can even help you land new dealReady to explore new global opportunities with confidence? Tune in!LinkedIn profiles:Host, Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/Guest, Olga Gvozdyova https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-gvozdyova/Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSSApple podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSSYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSSIn your browser: https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSSThe URL's mentioned in the interview:https://cbi.eu/market-informationhttps://data.worldbank.org/Feedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at podcast@start-global.bizDevelop your international expansion strategy with Start Global, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at https://www.start-global.biz/

How to enter Dutch markets. Insights from local professional.

Are you an exporter eyeing the Netherlands? This episode of our podcast for exporters offers an insider's look into the Dutch market, featuring Geddy van Elburg, Managing Director of MKB Trade Office and owner of Ion Moon International Digital Marketing Agency. With extensive experience in market analytics and understanding Dutch and international customers, Geddy shares invaluable insights on navigating this unique European landscape.Geddy breaks down how to identify the best entry points based on your industry, moving beyond the obvious hubs of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.This episode delves into the practicalities of market research, from leveraging online tools like LinkedIn and company websites to tapping into official statistics from CBS.nl and Eurostat. You'll also learn the power of local business associations and even how collaborating with local universities can provide fresh, cost-effective market intelligence.Understand the nuances of Dutch communication—their directness, informality, and dislike for exaggeration. Learn how to build trust by having a strong digital footprint and delivering on your promises. Geddy also offers critical advice on the Dutch decision-making process, highlighting their preference for thorough evaluation and the importance of a compelling price-quality-service balance.Tune in to unlock the secrets to successful market entry and negotiation in the Netherlands and transform your approach to international expansion!LinkedIn profiles:Host, Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/Guest, Geddy van Elburg https://www.linkedin.com/in/geddyvanelburg/Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSSApple podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSSYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSSIn your browser: https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSSThe URL's mentioned in the interview:Statistics Netherlands https://www.cbs.nl/MKB Trade Office https://mkbtradeoffice.com/Eurostat https://ec.europa.eu/eurostatFeedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at podcast@start-global.bizDevelop your international expansion strategy with Start Global, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at https://www.start-global.biz/

How to sell sweets to Japan? A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer. Part 2.

Join Dmytro Shvets as he interviews Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol& Pop, about their "magical" entry into the Japanese market.Learn how a chance meeting at a trade show led to a major distribution deal, despite initial doubts and major hurdles.Discover the rigorous testing required in Japan, how Lol&Pop overcame blackouts in Ukraine, and why quality and persistence are key.Listen to the first part of the interview in the episode #42.Key Highlights :Unexpected success story of a Ukrainian candy maker in Japan.Deal with a major Japanese distributor and placement in 350 stores.Challenges of rigorous testing in Japan.Importance of resilience, adaptability, and quality.Practical tips for SMEs and exporters.Focus on the Japanese market specifically.Building trust and reputation.Joining industry alliances.Speakers LinkedIn Profiles:Dmytro Shvets https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/Olena Tokar https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonatokar/Listen to Start Global Insights on all major podcast platforms. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSSApple podcasts: https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSSYouTube: https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSSIn your browser: https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSSFeedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at podcast@start-global.bizDevelop your international expansion strategy with Start Global, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at https://www.start-global.biz/