Download presentation
Presentation is loading. Please wait.
1
Coming to America
2
The TransSynergy Group – Dallas, Texas Donna Hegdahl, CEO & president Finnish grandparents Grew up in high-tech Passion for helping entrepreneurs with marketing Antti Eravaara, VP of International Finnish Lived in America for 8 years High-tech experience US & Europe Passionate about helping Finnish companies succeed in North America
3
Who are you? Global Software Program Participants Education & preparation Entrepreneurial guidance Cultural differences How do you compare to US entrepreneurs Pursue the American dream See it all around them May or may not be prepared Many resources available
4
Now what? The Money Chase Funding Sources VC (700+ in US) Angel Investment Banker Traditional Bank Incubator (tech & business) --or-- Self fund “the bootstrap method” Plan for ROI to keep it going
5
For funding sources: package your idea You are one of many Speak the language of the money guys Do your homework The most important sales presentation, expect multiple versions, differing advice Long road (6 to 12 to 18 months) Check references Relationships “rule” ask for introductions Sell solution to a pain
6
Validate the market for your product Key step for either approach Demonstrate the viability of your product here, even if it’s selling elsewhere Consider a beta test prior to market launch Successful pilot - By the numbers: Market test - Testimonials - Case Studies Need to fund your pilot
7
First steps of preparation Establish US entity Protect your IP US bank account US accounting system US address (not a PO Box) US telephone & fax Import, warehouse & ship product
8
Marketing preparation Corporate identity Name – appropriate for US Logo – same or different than Finland Business cards/letterhead/envelopes Create US sales materials Brochure and other materials Web site or “subsite” with US focus
9
Next steps LAUNCH PLAN Identify a TARGET Prepare a timeline Look for launch events PR launch (media) Trade show or conference Industry event Multi-touch campaigns Quarterly campaign Direct mail Advertising Develop reference accounts & testimonials
10
Next steps Launch Plan (continued) Line up “people resources” Sales person or team for follow-up Technical support plan Speak English Available in US time zones
11
Find a TARGET and create a “win” Identify a small target group to minimize costs & resources Geographic US is huge Where is concentration Addressable niche Trade association Cluster of affiliated companies OEM Distribution or reseller Research top options Look at competition
12
Execute your plan Plan for 6 to 12 months, maybe 18 to 24 Why? Buying cycle of decision-makers No one wants to risk being first Due diligence on you as a new player Compare you with competition Wait and see if you “stick” Option: Run a beta test first
13
Consider Dallas? Known for Telecom “The Telecom Corridor” Logistics Biotech High-tech
14
Consider Dallas? California is losing it’s edge 40% of companies plan to move jobs out 35% sending jobs to Texas (vs. RoUS & RoW) Texas has become #1 competitor Availability of educated labor pool Low cost of doing business Texas is welcoming to businesses No regulatory hassles Central location – lower travel costs & time Lower total cost of doing business
15
Consider Dallas? Middle of the country CDT time zone, easy to call both coasts DFW Airport, accessible to any place in world Strong economy Cost of living Labor Housing Attractive weather (?) Little or no snow but hot in summer
16
Consider Dallas? “Can do” attitude Supportive to entrepreneurs Resources available to support startups Professional services (attorneys, accountants, consultants, executive search firms) Funding sources (VCs, angels, private investment groups, banking community) Networking organizations (chambers, Metroplex Business Council, MIT Venture Forum, Southwest Venture forum, CEO Roundtables, IAMCP)
17
Consider Dallas? Nokia US headquarters Finnish community Finnish suppliers Finnish American Business Guild 2 years old Plans to be Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Mentoring relationships Social activities Crawfish party in March Finnish Independence Day Gala in December
18
Why TransSynergy? Finnish and American resources Known for high-tech focus Known for helping entrepreneurs Lower cost than typical “agency” Long experience in helping high-tech Provide marketing, PR and virtual office services Hands-on even with strategy Network of resources
20
Position It Tell It Offer It Sell It Retain It The Marketing Formula
Similar presentations
© 2024 SlidePlayer.com Inc.
All rights reserved.