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SelectUSA Preparation with Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio

Bill Kenney / February 24, 2024

Bill Kenney: Welcome to the latest episode of Belly2Belly. Today, we’re diving into the topic of how to get the most out of SelectUSA. Joining us is our esteemed guest, Paul Zito from RGP Northwest Ohio. Welcome, Paul. Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Thank you for having me, Bill. I’m thrilled to discuss gearing up for SelectUSA Summit 2024. Bill Kenney: Some have likened SelectUSA to the World Cup of Economic Development or US market entry. It’s about maximizing our interactions and laying the groundwork for meaningful conversations before the event itself. The goal is to ensure that when we convene at SelectUSA, we’re engaging in high-level discussions and driving progress forward. Wouldn’t you agree? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Absolutely. About RGP Northwest Ohio Bill Kenney: For those who may be unfamiliar with RGP and its role in facilitating successful market entry into the US, could you provide a brief overview of your organization’s activities? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Certainly. RGP is a privately funded Regional Economic Development agency celebrating its 30th anniversary. As one of JobsOhio’s six Regional partners, we assist companies worldwide in site selection and negotiation of incentive packages. Our focus is not only on securing physical locations but also on integrating companies into their respective industries, facilitating connections, and providing tailored support. Bill Kenney: It’s interesting how strategic connections often outweigh incentives in importance for companies. Building relationships and accessing new markets are pivotal for sustained growth, wouldn’t you say? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Absolutely. While incentives play a role, the long-term value lies in cultivating customer relationships and optimizing operational efficiency. Time and cost savings are paramount, especially for significant investments like new manufacturing facilities. Bill Kenney: Ohio’s positioning within the US market is unique, yet often overlooked. Could you shed some light on the state’s advantages, particularly its logistical strengths? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Ohio’s central location places it within a one-day drive of the majority of the North American population and manufacturing base. Additionally, robust rail, air, and port infrastructure enhance connectivity, making Ohio an ideal hub for distribution and supply chain operations. Bill Kenney: Indeed, Ohio’s geographic advantage offers unparalleled access to major consumer markets, which can significantly benefit businesses seeking to establish a presence in the US. Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Absolutely. Its strategic location, coupled with logistical infrastructure, provides a competitive edge for businesses targeting the US market. Why SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: As someone with extensive experience attending SelectUSA, what would you say are the key benefits for companies considering participation in this event? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: SelectUSA presents a prime opportunity for efficient networking and exposure to potential partners and investors. Over the years, we’ve consistently garnered valuable leads and connections, making it a worthwhile investment of time and resources. How to get the most out of SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: Preparation seems crucial for maximizing the benefits of attending SelectUSA. What advice would you offer to companies, especially those new to the event and the US market? Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Research and utilize available resources extensively. Explore state economic development agencies’ websites, leverage matchmaking systems, and tap into embassy and consulate networks for industry-specific insights. Preparing well in advance can significantly enhance the outcomes of your participation. Bill Kenney: Wise counsel indeed. Thank you, Paul, for sharing your insights and expertise. I look forward to connecting further at SelectUSA Summit 2024 and witnessing the positive impact of your work in Ohio’s economic landscape. Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: The pleasure is mine, Bill. I appreciate the opportunity to shed light on the importance of events like SelectUSA in fostering economic growth and collaboration. Bill Kenney: Until next time, take care. Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio: Goodbye. How to get the most out of SelectUSA Summary Points: Ohio’s central location and robust logistical infrastructure make it an attractive destination for businesses seeking to establish a foothold in the US market, providing unparalleled access to major consumer markets and manufacturing hubs. SelectUSA Summit serves as a pivotal platform for efficient networking and forging strategic connections, offering companies valuable opportunities for market entry and expansion in the US. Effective preparation, including thorough research, utilization of available resources, and strategic networking, is crucial for maximizing the benefits of attending events like SelectUSA, especially for companies new to the US market. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. Meeting ended after 00:16:42 👋 SelectUSA Podcast Recording (2024-02-15 14:10 GMT-5) – Transcript How to get the most out of SelectUSA Attendees Bill Kenney, Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio How to get the most out of SelectUSA Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors Watch the conversation here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” – SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ — Paul Zito, zito@rgp.org https://rgp.org/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney,bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

SelectUSA

SelectUSA 2024 Preparation with David Rose, US Expansion Partners

Bill Kenney / February 5, 2024

Bill Kenney: Welcome to the latest episode of Belly2Belly. Today, we’re diving into the topic of SelectUSA participation, and we’re joined by our esteemed guest, David Rose from US Expansion Partners. Welcome, David. David Rose: Hey Bill, good to see you. Abou US Expansion Partners Bill Kenney: Great to see you too. Our aim today is to equip companies with valuable insights for maximizing their experience at SelectUSA. David, could you provide an overview of US Expansion Partners and how you assist companies entering the US market? David Rose: Absolutely. At US Expansion Partners, we specialize in guiding companies through the complexities of establishing operations in the US. Whether it’s navigating regulatory requirements, setting up financial structures, or identifying strategic partners, we streamline the process so that companies can focus on achieving their business objectives as swiftly as possible. Bill Kenney: It sounds like you offer comprehensive support tailored to each company’s needs, facilitating a smooth transition into the US market. David Rose: Exactly. Our goal is to simplify the process and accelerate companies’ paths to success in the US market. Why SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: Having attended SelectUSA in the past, what value do you see in this event for companies looking to enter or expand in the US? David Rose: SelectUSA offers unparalleled opportunities to connect with key stakeholders and resources essential for a successful US market entry. From state representatives to industry experts, the event provides a wealth of insights and networking opportunities that can significantly benefit companies in their expansion endeavors. SelectUSA Participation Tips Bill Kenney: Preparation seems essential for making the most of SelectUSA participation. What advice would you offer companies, especially those new to the event or the US market? David Rose: Proactive preparation is key. Utilize the event app to schedule meetings in advance, allowing for meaningful interactions with potential partners and stakeholders. Additionally, take advantage of your time in the US to explore additional opportunities beyond the event, such as meeting with customers or partners in nearby regions. Bill Kenney: That’s excellent advice, David. Thank you for sharing your insights and expertise with us today. I’m sure companies will find it invaluable as they prepare for SelectUSA and their US market entry. David Rose: My pleasure, Bill. I look forward to seeing the positive impact of SelectUSA on companies’ expansion efforts. Bill Kenney: Until next time, take care. David Rose: You too. Thank you. SelectUSA Participation Summary Points: US Expansion Partners specializes in guiding companies through the complexities of establishing operations in the US, offering comprehensive support tailored to each company’s needs to facilitate a smooth transition into the US market. SelectUSA provides unparalleled opportunities for companies to connect with key stakeholders and resources essential for successful US market entry or expansion, offering valuable insights and networking opportunities. Proactive preparation is crucial for maximizing the benefits of attending SelectUSA. Utilize the event app to schedule meetings in advance and explore additional opportunities beyond the event to enhance your US market entry efforts. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. SelectUSA Participation Podcast Recording (2024-01-29 10:18 GMT-5) – Transcript SelectUSA Participation Attendees Bill Kenney, David Rose SelectUSA Participation Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors. Watch the interview here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ David Rose, David@usexpansionpartners.com https://www.usexpansionpartners.com/ Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

SelectUSA, Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA 2024 Preparation with Frances Simowitz, WEVE Acceleration

Bill Kenney / January 30, 2024

Bill Kenney: Hello everyone, and welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly. Today, we’re diving into the topic of SelectUSA preparation tips. Joining us is our special guest Frances Simowitz from WEVE Acceleration. Good afternoon, Frances. How are you? Frances Simowitz: Good afternoon, Bill. I’m doing well, thank you. Excited to discuss our topic today. About WEVE Acceleration Bill Kenney: Excellent. We’re thrilled to have you. Our focus today is to provide companies with insights into SelectUSA and help them make connections with key resources like yourself prior to the event. Frances, could you start by giving us an overview of what WEVE Acceleration does and how you assist international companies entering the US market? Frances Simowitz: Of course. WEVE Acceleration has been operating for nearly eight years, primarily based in New York. We specialize in helping international companies expand into the US market. Our 10-week Soft Landing program provides education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to support companies through their US market entry journey. We focus on facilitating sales and traction in the US market, which we believe is crucial before seeking investment. Our program is open to companies worldwide, and we also collaborate directly with governments to support their companies’ expansion efforts in the US. Why SelectUSA Bill Kenney: That’s fascinating. I appreciate your emphasis on sales and traction as foundational elements for US market entry. Now, let’s talk about SelectUSA. Why is it important for WEVE Acceleration to participate in this event? Frances Simowitz: SelectUSA presents a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with various stakeholders essential for international companies entering the US market. We engage with representatives from foreign governments, US governments, and startup companies, aligning perfectly with our mission to support global expansion into the US. It’s an efficient way for us to meet potential partners, clients, and startups all in one place. SelectUSA Preparation Tips Bill Kenney: Absolutely, it sounds like a hub of valuable connections. Now, as we approach SelectUSA, what advice would you offer companies to make the most out of the event? Additionally, for those visiting the US for the first time, any tips for maximizing their overall US visit? Frances Simowitz: Preparation is key. Companies should conduct thorough research to identify the relevant ecosystems and potential clients in the US market. Utilizing the event’s platform to schedule meetings in advance can significantly enhance the networking experience. For first-time visitors to the US, understanding where their target customers are located can help streamline their visit and make it more productive. Researching and setting up meetings with key stakeholders ahead of time will ensure that their time in the US is well-spent. Bill Kenney: That’s excellent advice, Frances. Preparation and targeting the right stakeholders are crucial for success. Thank you for sharing your insights today. We’ll be sure to include your contact information in the description below for anyone interested in reaching out to you before SelectUSA. Frances Simowitz: Thank you, Bill. I’m looking forward to connecting with companies and stakeholders at SelectUSA. See you there! Bill Kenney: Absolutely. Thanks again, Frances. Take care. Frances Simowitz: You too, Bill. Goodbye. SelectUSA Preparation Tips Summary Points: WEVE Acceleration’s Role: WEVE Acceleration, led by Frances Simowitz, specializes in assisting international companies in expanding into the US market. Through their 10-week Soft Landing program, they provide education, mentorship, and networking opportunities to facilitate sales and traction, which they consider crucial before seeking investment. They work globally and collaborate with governments to support their companies’ expansion efforts in the US. Significance of SelectUSA: SelectUSA serves as a pivotal event for WEVE Acceleration, providing a platform to connect with various stakeholders essential for international companies entering the US market. This includes representatives from foreign governments, US governments, and startup companies. Participating in SelectUSA enables efficient networking, offering opportunities to meet potential partners, clients, and startups all in one place. Preparation and Tips for Success: Frances emphasizes the importance of preparation for companies attending SelectUSA. Thorough research to identify relevant ecosystems and potential clients, as well as utilizing the event’s platform to schedule meetings in advance, can significantly enhance the networking experience. For first-time visitors to the US, understanding the location of their target customers and setting up meetings with key stakeholders ahead of time are crucial for maximizing their overall visit’s productivity. About MEET MEET helps international B2B & B2G companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821. SelectUSA Preparation Tips Podcast Recording Transcript (2024-01-25 13:39 GMT-5) SelectUSA Preparation Tips Attendees Bill Kenney, Frances Simowitz, read.ai meeting notes SelectUSA Preparation Tips Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors. Watch the conversation here Read “Ready for SelectUSA? Crush this 12-Step Checklist to Make Sure” – SelectUSA Summit, 23-26 June 2024, Washington, DC https://www.selectusasummit.us/ — Frances Simowitz, frances@weveacceleration.com https://weveacceleration.com/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

Exhibitor Tips, Participant Tips, Return on Investment, SelectUSA

The 5 Rules of U.S. Trade Show Follow-Up

Bill Kenney / August 4, 2022

Do you want to stand out? Do you want to begin building credibility and trust? Do you want to convert your trade show participation into new revenue? If you answered YES to any of these, then you need to master follow-up in the U.S. Failure to have meaningful and timely follow-up will neutralize even the best trade show strategy and execution. We are always astounded to see how poorly most people and companies are at follow-up. Here are the 5 rules that we find to be most critical regarding follow-up. Use them to realize the potential energy that your marketing and sales efforts creates. Immediate: Like fresh produce at the market, new contacts spoil if they are not actioned quickly. Your timely follow-up communicates your interest and intent. Trust is built as your reliability is experienced. Personal: Demonstrating that you’re a good listener by reflecting back on their top interests or needs, builds connection and opens the door for additional conversation. Be professional and respectful always. Ask: Every communication must have a purpose or next step that is revealed by the ask. This could be a request to meet, a reminder to send some promised information, or a nudge to introduce a key stakeholder. Give: Knowledge and relationships are built over time. In the first follow-up share a piece of company collateral or content that relates to your audience’s goal or concern. With each additional communication, show that your expertise is aligned with their needs. Persistent: Thoughtful and persistent follow-up is critical. Make sure to always communicate a relevant valid business reason for the next step that you are proposing. Valid business reasons must be expressed from the customer’s point of view. Let them know, “what’s in it for them”. Your follow-up should align with how you want to be perceived. If you are empathic, eager, and passionate then let that be reflected in your words and actions. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B growth companies soft-land and scale in the U.S. through trade shows and events. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Participant Tips, SelectUSA

SelectUSA Pro Tips – Part 3 of 3

Bill Kenney / June 6, 2022

There are a little over 2-weeks to go until SelectUSA 2022 and the last elements of your preparation should be coming together. As some have described it, this is the “World Cup” for U.S. market entry. Hundreds of support resources from the federal government, every state, many regions, business investors, and service providers will be on hand to help accelerate your successful U.S. market entry and expansion. We are sharing our pro tips for getting the most out of SelectUSA 2022 as a participant. Today’s installment will focus on successful participation. Follow these links to review Part 1 – Strategy and Part 2 – Preparation. These same rules can be applied to participating in any event. Participation Now that you’ve established your goals, defined your targets, developed a plan, and clarified your communication it is time to participate. This is just like buying a gym membership and consulting your personal trainer. The next step is to of course get into the gym and do the work. The top 3 items related to participation are: Divide and conquer: One of the biggest errors that event participants make is to work an event as a group. At SelectUSA you will make more high-value relationships by dividing and conquering. When team members work the event independently you will not only multiply the number of high-value contacts made but you will also showcase the quality and commitment of your team. Empower your team to be productive and effective independently. Engage: Be present at the event. Remove as many distractions as is possible so that you maximize the number of meetings and interactions with your target prospects, investors, multipliers, centers of influence, etc. SelectUSA is a short sprint. The conference has many components and lots of before and after-hours opportunities. You can’t do it all, so make sure what you do you do well. Follow-up: In the U.S. follow-up is quick, professional, and direct. Pre-write your post-SelectUSA base follow-up text so that your notes can be sent out promptly. The most advanced at follow-up will send their notes out on the same day as meeting contacts. Another motivator is that on 1 July many Americans will break for the 4th of July holiday. Follow-up not done quickly is almost guaranteed to get a slow response if at all. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B growth companies soft-land and scale in the U.S. through trade shows and events. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Market-Entry, Participant Tips, SelectUSA

SelectUSA Pro Tips – Part 2 of 3

Bill Kenney / May 5, 2022

There is only 1-month to go until SelectUSA 2022 and it’s not too soon to start your preparation. As some have described it, this is the “World Cup” for U.S. market entry. Hundreds of support resources from the federal government, every state, many regions, business investors, and service providers will be on hand to help accelerate your successful U.S. market entry and expansion. We are sharing our pro tips for getting the most out of SelectUSA 2022 as a participant. Today’s installment will focus on developing your preparation. Next month, in part 3, we’ll tackle participation. Check out part 1 on “strategy”, here. These same rules can be applied to participating in any event. Preparation Now that you’ve established your goals and have a plan it is critical to prepare. Like practice for an athlete or musician, preparation assures positive results. The top 3 items related to preparation are: Set appointments: Set as many pre-event and event appointments with target individuals as makes sense with the goals that you’ve set. Pre-event appointments allow you to cover many of the preliminaries so that your appointments at the event can be 2nd level and much more productive. Develop your value proposition and self-introduction: Your ability to convert meetings into opportunities will largely depend on how well you communicate. Any audience that you speak with be they customers, investors, EDOs, or partners will want to know succinctly what you do, what you need, and what’s in it for them. Keeping this initial statement to 30-seconds or less is ideal. The goal is to create interest and a conversation. One-page overview and business cards: A one-page overview of your company, your expansion goals, and your needs creates tangibility and clarity for any audience you will meet with. This document also allows your audience to take notes and more easily remember and share your details with others on their team. Business cards have a similar effect and can communicate a great deal simply and affordably. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B growth companies soft-land and scale in the U.S. through trade shows and events. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.

Market-Entry, Participant Tips, SelectUSA

SelectUSA Pro Tips – Part 1 of 3

Bill Kenney / April 13, 2022

There are only 2-months to go until SelectUSA 2022 and it’s not too soon to start your preparation. As some have described it, this is the “World Cup” for U.S. market entry. Hundreds of support resources from the federal government, every state, many regions, business investors, and service providers will be on hand to help accelerate your successful U.S. market entry and expansion. Over the coming 2-months, we’ll share our pro tips for getting the most out of SelectUSA 2022 as a participant. Today’s installment will focus on developing your strategy. Next month we’ll dive into preparation and in June we’ll tackle participation. These same rules can be applied to participating in any event. Strategy Like the rudder on a ship, an effective strategy guides our effort and assures that we arrive at the desired destination and outcome. The top 3 items related to strategy are: Set your goals: Identify your top 3 U.S. expansion priorities. What are your imminent U.S. milestones? What gaps do you have in accomplishing those milestones? Identify your leverage: Identify the resources that can help you resolve your gaps and accomplish your top milestones. What resources at and through SelectUSA can help you with your top priorities? Who could help you brainstorm potential resources? Who’s network can you leverage to make the appropriate connections? Create your plan: How will you connect to these resources prior to SelectUSA? Who can introduce you to these people? The goal is to have as many pre-SelectUSA meetings with target resources as you can. This allows you to have next-level meetings and make meaningful progress toward your U.S. expansion priorities at the event itself. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B growth companies soft-land and scale in the U.S. through trade shows and events. MEET’s processes help its clients ramp up sales quickly and maintain a steady stream of high-quality prospects going forward. Contact Bill Kenney for a no-obligation conversation: bill@meetroi.com or +1 (860) 573-4821.