International
Social enterprise is increasingly part of a global community and a number of the social enterprise ambassadors now work in an international context. They source materials from overseas, supply foreign markets, or franchise out.
Here are some experiences and tips on working internationally from the social enterprise ambassadors.
1. Is working internationally right for you?
Sophi Tranchell, head of Divine Chocolate, says: “Be true to your mission and totally clear about your objectives - how do you fulfil them by taking your business overseas? You also need to check your proposition - the problem you’re addressing and the solution you’re offering - and make sure it works in other cultural contexts.”
Sophi Tranchell, head of Divine Chocolate, says: “Be true to your mission and totally clear about your objectives - how do you fulfil them by taking your business overseas? You also need to check your proposition - the problem you’re addressing and the solution you’re offering - and make sure it works in other cultural contexts.”
Reed Paget, founder of water company Belu, adds: “Everyone can export, but is it right? We could triple our turnover at least by selling outside the UK, but we are taking the moral stance - it makes no environmental sense for us to export.”
2. Should you adapt your product / service?
“Does your product work in another market?” says Penny Newman, CEO of Fifteen. The ambassador, who was instrumental in turning Cafédirect into a global brand, before moving to Fifteen, adds: “Before we could sell in Hong Kong, we had to learn how the concept of Fairtrade and our products would work there. We looked at whether products should originate from Indonesia or China to be more meaningful within the context of our mission and purpose.”
3. Make personal connections
“Fifteen franchises out to other countries and it’s important to ensure that the people you are working with internationally really match your credentials. You need to find out their motivation. You need to spend time in the countries you are working with or sourcing from,” says Penny.
“Fifteen franchises out to other countries and it’s important to ensure that the people you are working with internationally really match your credentials. You need to find out their motivation. You need to spend time in the countries you are working with or sourcing from,” says Penny.
Kresse Wesling encourages social entrepreneurs not to replicate their business on every street corner just because they can. She believes it takes away the personal touch. “Part of the fun and challenge of expanding beyond your original market is working with new stakeholders, meeting their demands, and ensuring that you take a keen interest in the local area,” she explains.
4. Respect your global neighbours
Saeeda Ahmed, of Trescom says: “Traditions and cultural values may be different and the people you are working with might have difference perspectives to you. Look at what their needs are and work in partnership.” Sophi adds: “Try to make sure all your impacts are positive.”
Saeeda Ahmed, of Trescom says: “Traditions and cultural values may be different and the people you are working with might have difference perspectives to you. Look at what their needs are and work in partnership.” Sophi adds: “Try to make sure all your impacts are positive.”
5. Be patient
Saeeda says: “Don’t expect overseas business transactions to always be easy. Different cultures can work in a variety of ways that you might not be famillar with. Be very clear about everything as some things are lost in translation.”
Saeeda says: “Don’t expect overseas business transactions to always be easy. Different cultures can work in a variety of ways that you might not be famillar with. Be very clear about everything as some things are lost in translation.”
For more advice on expanding internationally, check-out the social enterprise ambassadors website
You can also find out more on the following websites