Meet as many different contacts as possible ? this trip is about creating the conditions for you to do business and it is vital to develop a network of contacts if you are serious about selling your product or services internationally Take an active part in networking and social events ? developing relationships is often best done after the business discussion has ended Have a meeting with your bank representative ? this may be someone from your bank who has travelled with you, or it may be one of their sister banks. Either way, discuss with them how they can help you expand your business into the relevant market Stay connected with your business back home ? business doesn?t stop because you are away from it, so make sure you remain in contact with important clients and keep your colleagues updated on your progress After returning from the trade mission you should: Debrief your colleagues ? let them know how the trade mission went, who you met, what the outcomes were and what the next steps will be ? you?ll need their help, so try to get them on board with the opportunities Follow up with contacts you made during your mission ? send them any additional information or material requested during the trip Start refreshing your business plan based on your trip ? if it was successful and you are serious about international business, start planning for that growth journey now Follow up with your bank ? let them know how the trade mission went, what your plans are for the future and how they can help. Many banks will have dedicated international specialists whose job it is to help you do business internationally, so make the most of this Strike while the iron is hot ? you?ve invested time, energy and money in this experience so, whatever the next steps may be ? do them now The potential for your business in international trade is exciting and the impact of it is far reaching. Research shows that trading internationally can make businesses more resilient to changing economic conditions, spreading their risk across a number of different markets. It shows that businesses which trade internationally have higher turnover, employ more people, become more productive and ultimately, last longer in business. These articles should help you feel prepared to tackle and embrace a trade mission and we hope in turn, that you are able to really capitalise on the opportunities provided. The world may be your oyster ? it is certainly your opportunity! John Williams is head of Breakthrough at Santander
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