Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA, Workshops and Webinars

Making the Most of SelectUSA with Maria Onorato and Claire Gordon, California GO-BIZ

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Bill Kenney: Welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly! Today, we’re joined by Maria Onorato and Claire Gordon from California’s GO-BIZ organization to discuss SelectUSA preparation. The goal is to help you make the most of SelectUSA 2024. Welcome, ladies. It’s wonderful to have you here. California GO-BIZ: Thank you, Bill. We’re thrilled to be here. About California GO-Biz Bill Kenney: Our conversation aims to assist companies preparing for SelectUSA by providing insights into available resources. Maria, could you start by giving our audience an overview of what California GO-BIZ does to support companies entering the US, especially California? California GO-BIZ: Certainly, Bill. GO-BIZ, the California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, is the state’s lead agency for job growth, economic development, and business assistance efforts. Our international affairs and trade team, which includes Claire and myself, works directly with businesses worldwide to facilitate their expansion into California. We offer services such as incentive navigation, site selection assistance, and permitting support. Additionally, we connect businesses with local and state partners, provide access to resources, and offer guidance in strategic industries. Bill Kenney: Impressive range of services, Maria. Claire, would you like to add anything? California GO-BIZ: Absolutely, Bill. In addition to our core services, we provide resources tailored for international businesses, such as an international investor starter packet, success stories highlighting businesses that chose California, an incentive guide, and information on incubators and accelerators. We strive to ensure that businesses have the support and guidance they need to navigate the complexities of entering the California market. Why SelectUSA Bill Kenney: That’s invaluable support for businesses looking to establish a presence in California. Now, turning to SelectUSA, why does California GO-BIZ participate in this event, and what benefits do you see in attending? California GO-BIZ: SelectUSA is a crucial event for us on multiple fronts. Firstly, it’s an opportunity for us to showcase California’s business-friendly environment and diverse opportunities to a global audience. Secondly, it allows us to engage with international businesses directly and provide them with insights into the resources and support available in California. Finally, it facilitates networking with other states and local communities, fostering collaboration and sharing best practices. Making the Most of SelectUSA Bill Kenney: Indeed, SelectUSA serves as a platform to promote investment opportunities and foster collaboration among states and businesses. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time, what tips or recommendations do you have to help them make the most of the event? California GO-BIZ: One key tip is to leverage California’s diverse regions by exploring various opportunities across the state. We provide tools like the Zoom prospector mapping tool to help businesses identify industry clusters, workforce data, and incentives in different regions. Additionally, scheduling meetings with our delegation through the networking app in advance can ensure meaningful connections. Attending California’s spin-off events before and after SelectUSA is also beneficial for engaging with local partners and gaining insights into specific regions. Bill Kenney: Excellent advice, Maria and Claire. Leveraging California’s diversity and utilizing available resources can enhance the experience and outcomes for companies attending SelectUSA. Thank you both for sharing your insights today, and I look forward to seeing you at SelectUSA in June. California GO-BIZ: Thank you, Bill. We’re excited for the event and eager to support businesses interested in exploring opportunities in California. Bill Kenney: Likewise, looking forward to it. Thank you again, and see you soon! Summary Points: California GO-BIZ, the state’s lead agency for business and economic development, offers a range of services to support companies entering the US market, including incentive navigation, site selection assistance, permitting support, and connections with local and state partners. Participation in SelectUSA allows California GO-BIZ to showcase the state’s business-friendly environment, engage with international businesses, and network with other states and local communities to foster collaboration and share best practices. For companies attending SelectUSA for the first time, it’s essential to leverage California’s diverse regions, utilize available resources such as mapping tools, and schedule meetings with the California delegation in advance. Attending California’s spin-off events before and after SelectUSA can also provide valuable insights and networking opportunities. 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 00:10:41 👋 Podcast Recording with Maria and Claire (2024-03-05 15:05 GMT-5) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, International GO-BIZ 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/ — Maria Onorato, maria.onorato@gobiz.ca.gov Claire Gordon, claire.gordon@gobiz.ca.gov California GO-BIZ: https://business.ca.gov/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

SelectUSA, Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA Preparation with Jessica Reynolds, Maryland Department of Commerce

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Bill Kenney: Hi and welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly. Today, we’re here to talk about getting ready for the SelectUSA Investment Summit with our guest Jessica Reynolds from the Maryland Department of Commerce. Welcome, Jessica. It’s great to have you here. Jessica Reynolds: Thank you, Bill. Pleasure to be here. About Maryland Department of Commerce Bill Kenney: Jessica, for the companies considering attending SelectUSA, could you give us an overview of how the Maryland Department of Commerce supports companies entering the US market, particularly in Maryland? Jessica Reynolds: Absolutely. As the state’s Economic Development agency, we offer various services to foreign companies interested in entering the US market, especially in Maryland. We provide market research, statistics, introductions, site visits, and information on business and government regulations. Additionally, we offer funding programs and incentives tailored to different types of projects. Our goal is to serve as the main point of contact for companies seeking information and assistance, coordinating resources within the state and providing access to county-level information to simplify the process of market entry. Jessica Reynolds: One of our primary programs is the Global Gateway Soft Landing Program, which offers foreign companies a unique opportunity to explore Maryland’s business environment. This program provides access to 19 partners across the state, including incubators and accelerators, offering services and support tailored to various industries. We also cover the first six months of participation in the program, including up to $10,000 in incentives, to encourage companies to consider Maryland as their entry point into the US market. Why SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: That’s impressive support for companies looking to establish a presence in Maryland. Now, SelectUSA is a significant event, especially since it’s hosted in Maryland. Besides its proximity, why is participation in SelectUSA important for your organization? Jessica Reynolds: SelectUSA is the premier event for foreign investors seeking to invest in the US market. It brings together representatives from all states, providing a unique opportunity for companies to quickly gather information and make connections with key stakeholders. The event offers valuable insights through panel discussions and presentations, making it essential for organizations like ours to participate and showcase Maryland’s business opportunities. Suggestions for Getting Ready for SelectUSA Bill Kenney: Absolutely. It sounds like a crucial event for fostering investment and collaboration. For companies attending SelectUSA and visiting the US, do you have any specific recommendations about getting ready to make the most of their experience? Jessica Reynolds: Certainly. For SelectUSA, I recommend scheduling meetings in advance with state representatives to ensure meaningful interactions. The event can get busy, so planning ahead is key. Additionally, exploring the show floor and participating in spin-off events can provide valuable networking opportunities. Maryland, for example, will host a two-day spin-off event covering various sectors, offering additional insights and networking opportunities. Bill Kenney: That’s excellent advice. Making use of networking opportunities and spin-off events can enhance the overall experience for companies attending SelectUSA. Thank you, Jessica, for sharing your insights today. I look forward to seeing you at SelectUSA in June. Jessica Reynolds: Thank you, Bill. I’m excited for the event and eager to connect with companies interested in exploring opportunities in Maryland. Bill Kenney: Likewise. Thank you again, Jessica, and see you soon! Getting Ready for SelectUSA Summary Points: The Maryland Department of Commerce offers a range of services to support companies entering the US market, including market research, introductions, site visits, regulatory guidance, and access to funding and incentives. Their Global Gateway Soft Landing Program provides tailored support and incentives for foreign companies interested in exploring Maryland as their entry point into the US market. Participation in SelectUSA is crucial for the Maryland Department of Commerce to showcase the state’s business opportunities and foster connections with foreign investors. The event provides a platform for quick access to key stakeholders and valuable insights through panel discussions and presentations. Recommendations for companies getting ready for SelectUSA include scheduling meetings in advance with state representatives, exploring the show floor for networking opportunities, and participating in spin-off events like Maryland’s two-day event covering various sectors. Making use of these opportunities can enhance the overall experience and facilitate meaningful connections. 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 00:12:17 👋 Getting Ready for SelectUSA Podcast – Jessica / Bill (2024-03-01 09:33 GMT-5) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, Jessica Reynolds Getting Ready for 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/ — Jessica Reynolds, jessica.reynolds@maryland.gov https://commerce.maryland.gov/commerce/office-of-international-investment-and-trade Spinoff event: https://mailchi.mp/maryland/innovation-maryland-selectusa-2024-spinoff-tour – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney,bill@meetroi.com MEET,https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

Market-Entry, Workshops and Webinars

Successful Internationalization with Marco Barozzi, Expo Consulting

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Bill Kenney: Hi and welcome to the next episode of Belly2Belly. Today, we’re speaking with Marco Barozzi from Expo Consulting about successful internationalization. How are you today, Marco? Marco Barozzi: I’m doing well, thank you. It’s a pleasure to be here. About Expo Consulting Bill Kenney: Great to have you. Many companies are expanding internationally and are curious about strategies to succeed. Can you tell us about Expo Consulting’s role in assisting companies with international expansion? Marco Barozzi: Certainly. Expo Consulting, founded in 1997, specializes in helping Italian companies enter foreign markets through international trade fairs and events. We offer personalized services to small and medium-sized enterprises, building relationships with trade show organizers and other relevant stakeholders worldwide. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, we remain committed to providing our clients with the best support and results. With over 25 years of experience, our multilingual team focuses on putting the customer first and facilitating their entry into global markets. Bill Kenney: Impressive dedication to supporting companies in their international endeavors. Do you specialize in specific industries, and are you primarily focused on B2B? Marco Barozzi: While we have experience in various industries, such as food and beverage, packaging, machine tools, tourism, and more, our expertise spans across different sectors. Italy being an export-oriented country, we cater to the needs of diverse industries, offering horizontal knowledge and experience. Top Challenges Internationalizing Companies Face Bill Kenney: That’s a broad spectrum of expertise. From your experience, what are the top challenges companies face when expanding internationally, and how do you help them overcome these obstacles? Marco Barozzi: Cultural differences pose significant challenges for companies expanding internationally. Misunderstandings, communication breakdowns, and ineffective business practices often stem from a lack of cultural sensitivity. Additionally, navigating legal complexities, compliance issues, bureaucracy, and supply chain disruptions can hinder expansion efforts. Political instability and economic downturns in target markets further contribute to uncertainty. At Expo Consulting, we help companies address these challenges by providing cultural awareness training, legal guidance, logistical support, and strategic advice tailored to their specific needs. Top Attribute for Successful Internationalization Bill Kenney: Those are indeed complex challenges. On the flip side, what key attributes have you observed in successful founders or leaders of companies that have scaled internationally? Marco Barozzi: Successful founders and leaders of internationally scaling companies exhibit cultural awareness, open-mindedness, and resilience. They understand the importance of adapting products and services to local markets and building trust over time. Strong, diverse teams with multilingual skills contribute to effective communication and problem-solving. Adaptability, resourcefulness, and patience are crucial traits for navigating the complexities of international expansion. Ultimately, successful international expansion requires a long-term, strategic approach rather than a quick fix. Bill Kenney: Absolutely, it’s a journey that requires patience and perseverance. Thank you, Marco, for sharing your valuable insights today. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you. Marco Barozzi: Thank you, Bill. The pleasure was mine. I’m always available for further discussions. Successful Internationalization & Exhibitor Tips Summary Points: Expo Consulting specializes in assisting Italian companies with international expansion through participation in trade fairs and events. Their personalized services cater to small and medium-sized enterprises across various industries. The top challenges companies face when expanding internationally include cultural differences, legal complexities, bureaucratic hurdles, supply chain disruptions, and political instability. Expo Consulting provides support in navigating these challenges through cultural awareness training, legal guidance, and strategic advice. Successful founders and leaders of internationally scaling companies demonstrate cultural awareness, open-mindedness, resilience, adaptability, and patience. They prioritize building trust, forming diverse teams, and adopting a long-term strategic approach to international expansion. 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 00:13:16 👋 Belly2Belly successful internationalization podcast – Marco (2024-02-29 09:01 GMT-5) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, Marco Barozzi Successful Internationalization & Exhibitor Tips Transcript This editable transcript was computer-generated and might contain errors. Watch the conversation here Read also “The 5 Rules of U.S. Trade Show Follow-Up” — Marco Barozzi, mbarozzi@me.com https://www.expoconsulting.eu/en/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney,bill@meetroi.com MEET,https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

SelectUSA, Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA Preparation with Dan Glazer, Wilson Sonsini

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Bill Kenney: Welcome everyone to the next episode of Belly2Belly, today we’re here to talk about preparing for and attending the SelectUSA Investment Summit. We’re joined by Dan Glazer from Wilson Sonsini. Hi Dan, great to have you here. Daniel Glazer: Hi Bill, I’m doing well, thanks for having me. About Wilson Sonsini Bill Kenney: Dan, you’ve been involved with SelectUSA for quite some time. Could you give us an overview of how Wilson Sonsini assists companies entering the US market? Daniel Glazer: Absolutely. Wilson Sonsini, based in Silicon Valley, focuses on providing legal support to tech and life sciences firms across the US. Our team guides companies through various stages, from inception to IPOs or M&A deals. We have a specialized US expansion team catering to non-US companies seeking to enter the American market. Bill Kenney: I understand you lead Wilson Sonsini’s London office. Can you tell us more about that? Daniel Glazer: Sure, our London office comprises a team of around 40 US and dual-qualified lawyers. We work closely with European tech and life sciences companies, providing them with support akin to what they’d receive in Silicon Valley, right in their own backyard.   Why Attend SelectUSA? Bill Kenney: SelectUSA seems like a pivotal event. What draws you back to it each year? Daniel Glazer: SelectUSA gathers a global audience interested in investing in the US. It’s a unique platform where companies and economic development organizations from all 50 states convene. This allows attendees to explore various opportunities and incentives offered across the country. Tips for Attending SelectUSA Bill Kenney: So in that that leads into my last question are there some recommendations you would share with companies that are attending about ways to get the most out of SelectUSA? Daniel Glazer: I’d suggest… Research and Planning: Invest time beforehand to research and plan your approach. Use the SelectUSA website to identify states or localities that interest you for potential business expansion. Narrow down your options to a manageable number and schedule one-on-one meetings with representatives from those areas. This focused approach helps in gaining deeper insights into what each region offers, making the conference experience more productive. Understand Represented Entities: Understand which states, localities, and organizations will be represented at the event. Determine in advance which types of organizations you want to connect with, such as the US Commercial Service, the Department of Commerce, or the SelectUSA team. These entities can offer valuable insights into various aspects of expanding into the US, including tax, insurance, banking, or legal matters. Make the Room Feel Smaller: With over 3000 attendees, it’s crucial to identify the most relevant individuals or organizations for your goals. Focus on engaging effectively with them to make the conference environment feel more manageable and productive. By following these recommendations, companies can make the most out of their participation in SelectUSA and effectively pursue their expansion goals in the US market. Bill Kenney: I love it! The picture that came to mind as you were talking was the idea of making the room feel smaller. With over 3000 attendees, each of us is likely trying to connect with numerous people. So, it’s essential to figure out which individuals or organizations are most relevant to your goals and focus on engaging with them effectively. Attending SelectUSA Summary Points: Wilson Sonsini’s Role and London Office: Wilson Sonsini, a Silicon Valley law firm, aids tech and life sciences companies throughout their US journey, from inception to IPOs or M&A deals. Their specialized US expansion team supports non-US companies entering the American market. Dan Glazer heads Wilson Sonsini’s London office, which provides US-style legal support to European tech and life sciences firms, eliminating the need to seek assistance in Silicon Valley. SelectUSA Significance: SelectUSA serves as a vital platform for companies globally interested in investing in the US. It brings together businesses and economic development organizations from all 50 states, offering attendees insights into various opportunities and incentives nationwide. Research, Plan, and Connect: The key to maximizing your SelectUSA Investment Summit experience lies in thorough research and strategic planning. Use resources like the SelectUSA website to pinpoint states or localities aligning with your business expansion objectives. Prioritize one-on-one meetings with representatives from these areas to gain comprehensive insights. Amidst a vast attendee pool, prioritize engaging with the most relevant individuals or organizations to create a more focused and fruitful conference environment. 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 00:09:25 👋 Attending SelectUSA Investment Summit Podcast Recording (2024-02-27 10:34 GMT-5) – Transcript Attendees Bill Kenney, Daniel Glazer Attending 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/ — Dan Glazer, daniel.glazer@wsgr.com https://www.wsgr.com/en/ – Feel free to contact us with any questions Bill Kenney, bill@meetroi.com MEET, https://sheikharin.com/meetroi/

SelectUSA, Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA Preparation with Paul Zito, RGP Northwest Ohio

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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, Workshops and Webinars

SelectUSA 2024 Preparation with Frances Simowitz, WEVE Acceleration

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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, Market-Entry, Return on Investment, Workshops and Webinars

MEET’s Intelligent Trade Show & Event System

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In our more than 12 years of helping international companies scale in the U.S., we have seen the many challenges that these companies experience when they try to productively participate in U.S. trade shows & events. The U.S. market is large and highly competitive. The trade show and event landscape is abundant and complex. And U.S. buyers have specific needs and expectations. All of this makes leveraging U.S. trade shows and events particularly challenging. The top critical fail points that we see in companies trying to expand in the U.S. include They select the wrong trade shows and events to participate in They negotiate on emotion and anecdotal information rather than fact Their teams are not well prepared, directed, or empowered to leverage the opportunity They do not have a reliable method to measure and continually improve results To solve this we developed The MEET Intelligent Trade Show & Event System (video). This system is built on a series of analytic tools. TRADE SHOW EVALUATOR (video) helps you choose the best and most efficient trade shows and events for you to participate in based on your target buyer persona and expansion stage. TRADE SHOW NEGOTIATOR (video) reveals the best path to negotiate with each trade show organizer. You will be able to quantitatively value each trade show and help the organizer become an ally in your success. TRADE SHOW COOKBOOK (video) helps you identify the specific value drivers for each trade show and event to properly prepare, direct, and activate your team to engage and enroll targets effectively. Each individual will have specific performance goals pre-, during, and post-event. TRADE SHOW ROI CALCULATOR (video) helps you not only measure the result of each trade show and event against specific value drivers but also gives you a basis for accurate hypothesis testing, rate and option negotiation, and continuous performance improvement If this sounds interesting to you, please tune in. We’re going to have a few more sessions that go into the details of each tool. We’re excited about the evolution of these tools and think that they will have a great impact on your business. We certainly would appreciate any thoughts, questions, or feedback that you have. We’ll see you all again very soon. About 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.

Workshops and Webinars

Successful U.S. Market Entry with David Rose from US Expansion Partners

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Watch on YouTube Listen on Spotify hi and welcome to the next episode of belly to belly and today we’re here to talk about U.S expansion and who better to talk about U.S expansion with than the head of U.S expansion Partners David Rose welcome David hi Bill thanks for having me on the podcast today oh it’s it’s great to be with you and you know where our audience are companies that are expanding into the US that’s who we’re really talking to here and so you know I’d I’d love you know we’re going to get into a conversation about sort of best practices but before we do that if you wouldn’t mind just taking a moment to tell just talk a little bit about your work and how you help companies and that obviously gives your any comments you make good context so if you would mind telling us a little bit more yeah so my background I’ve been in in Tech here in the U.S my whole career I started my career with an HR tech company um not an undergraduate and had a unique opportunity to do a startup inside of that company uh started a new business line and we grew to 150 million in Revenue in less than two years years bought a 400 million dollar publicly Trading Company and it’s grown into a five billion dollar line of business so that was my first start up inside a Fortune 500 company and it’s kind of all I’ve done ever since so I’ve done five venture-backed startups I’m a three-time CEO so I’ve been doing Tech startups in the US for for many years now and I have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do and I just um more than anything else like a lot of things that are coincidental was contacted by a company who was looking for help with expanding to the US and I had just moved from CEO to chairman of a company I had some open cycles and I thought well I sure like you guys I know how to do that why don’t I just take that on as a project to help not realizing it’s a much bigger problem that seems unsolved in the market than I had planned on so here we go we’re going to start a business to solve for this that’s fantastic so you know we wanted we want to talk about you know sort of get to Best Practices but before we do maybe talking a little bit about you know as you look at companies coming into the U.S what are the big things that they get challenged by is there as they’re looking to expand here uh that’s a great question and that’s a huge answer so I’ll try and make it as as um because there’s a lot of pitfalls and I think one of the big ones that has to do with um with employees which are going to be your biggest cost when you come to the U.S and I think there’s a couple so I always think about expanding to the U.S in in three or three stages so you have basically an entity formation you have to create a company you have to make it operationally ready you don’t have accounting and Banking and HR and those kind of things in places and then you start thinking about go to market so I think a lot of times the first P First Step a companies make is they’re just going to come in and want to hire someone without really thinking about how do you create an entity how do you how do you have it operationally ready so you can pay bills and make payroll and those kind of things and then what role usually go to market strategies the first step a lot of times people say is I’m ready to hire and I think that’s a kind of step four so a lot of times people get ahead of themselves and kind of jump right to that step and if you do the other three kind of previous to that I think you’ll find a lot more success and then the other thing around people I see people doing very quickly is they’re going to want to hire a senior executive in the U.S so they’re going to hire I want to hire a U.S CEO I mean that was a conversation I had with my first clients we want to hire a U.S CEO and it makes a lot of sense on paper but what you realize is if you go after someone in the U.S who has a really great CV and great deep experience right and so maybe they’ve worked and maybe you’re a tech company and maybe this company this person you’re looking at for your CEO has worked at a great brand like striper figma or Microsoft or Google what you don’t realize is just because they’ve had a great career in the U.S doesn’t mean they know anything about starting a business in the U.S in fact most people who are a senior executive at Microsoft or Google probably have no idea how payroll works or HR works or Insurance works or even how go to market works or how to look for product Market fit signals because all that’s been done for them before so they’re probably a great scaling executive but probably not so great at a startup executive that makes sense so yeah really talking about the the timing of uh personnel and making sure that you have the right people at the right stage of of the process it sounds like a a really massive uh challenge that a lot of companies deal with for sure and I think another really important step is a lot of companies um make the mistake of because

Market-Entry, Workshops and Webinars

Why Are You Expanding Internationally?

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One place where internationalizing companies get tripped up is not being clear about the purpose of the international expansion. If you can’t answer or don’t have an answer to the question, “why are you expanding internationally?” then it’s probably something you need to step back and answer. Think about all of the reasons why you might expand. Your reasons for expanding should be fully in line with what your goals are as an organization. Answer, “what do you want to accomplish and by when?”  As you can understand and articulate your organizational goals, lining up your international expansion to those goals is paramount for an efficient and successful expansion. Ultimately, all of our businesses are operating on limited resources the top of which are time, people, and capital. It is critical then that we use those precious resources to our best advantage. So, think about the goals that you have and how will expanding internationally helps accomplish those goals. Conversely, it is also important to consider how will international expansion potentially puts those goals at risk. Being aware of the potential challenges and risks will enable you to realize and manifest the best decision-making and strategies. These top reasons for expanding internationally should help you begin the process. You will likely think of others and add them to the list. Expand service to existing customers. Expanding to satisfy current customer demand is far and away the safest and most reliable reason to expand. Having ready customers and profit streams pulling you into a new market better assures financial stability and success. Potential to increase revenue and profits. Going to new markets where there are more and/or higher-margin customers can be a great reason to expand. Entry into new markets. There is a learning curve when you enter any new market. Starting sooner can potentially get you further ahead faster. Expand customer base. Whether it’s a land grab or incrementally growing your customer base taking market share is a mid and long-term play. Diversification through expansion. Besides growing revenue and profits, diversifying your markets can also help stabilize the business long-term by hedging individual market variability. Access to additional talent. New markets bring significant opportunities to add new team members with advanced skills, competencies, and experiences. Building a strong global team of “A players” is the hallmark of every great company. Gain competitive advantage. Outflanking the competition in new markets can create additional competitive and market share opportunities.  Enhance and improve company reputation. Larger customers can be attracted as your global footprint increases. Reference customers in new geographies and industry verticals accelerate growth as these examples build market trust. Create economic and operational efficiencies. Done right, the expansion of your organization will create operational efficiencies as costs are spread over more customers and revenues. About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. 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.  

Exhibitor Tips, Participant Tips, Workshops and Webinars

5 Reasons You Need to Start Carrying Business Cards Today!

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As we all re-enter going to trade shows and events post-COVID, we’re seeing an incredible number of people, as many as 80%, no longer carrying business cards. By not sharing business cards, trade show participants are significantly limiting their ability to make valuable connections and losing lots of opportunities. If for some reason you’ve stopped printing, carrying, and sharing business cards we suggest you change course immediately! I’ll give you a quick story. I was at a trade show a couple of weeks ago. As I was meeting people I was giving them my business card. The first person I met said that they don’t have a business card but they have a QR code. When I scanned their QR code it sent me to their LinkedIn profile. The next person I met said the same thing, “I don’t have a business card but I have a QR code”. Their QR code sent me to their website. The next person I met with their QR code sent me to their email address. The next person their QR code sent me to their Whatsapp. In each case, I was getting sent to different places. The next person their QR code sent me to their profile on the trade show app. Now, I know it all sounds great that we are saving trees. The problem is as somebody who loves to follow up and wants to help connect you to value people and resources I can’t find you the next day. Having all of these different platforms that people are linking their QR codes to has created incredible confusion and complication when meeting people at events. Not to mention that none of them support easy note-taking, event association, scoring, transferability, etc. If you don’t help the people you meet have all their contact info in one place and ultimately their preferred place, you will likely not hear from them again. This isn’t because they don’t want to follow up. It’s because you’ve made it impossible for them to find you and if they can by some miracle find or remember you they won’t remember the context and priority actions. Given that there is not one online standard contact information exchange platform and that these disparate tools, including all event apps, spread the contacts you meet at events across a myriad of different platforms you need to recommit to carrying and sharing business cards as the only reliable option for professionals to exchange contact information. Here are our 5  key reasons why you need to carry and pass business cards at every event: An affirmative exchange of your contact information is solid. You don’t have to worry about technology. You don’t have to worry about anything at all other than handing your card to somebody. As you’ll see in the next four that that handoff does quite a bit to empower action from the people you meet. It’s your branding. This is actually an opportunity to hand your logo to someone and they’ll accept it. You’ve spent thousands and thousands of dollars to build your brand yet you somehow resist handing it over to people. If somebody is willing to accept your brand give it to them. Give them two! Give them ten! They can give it to their friends! Giving a business card enables note-taking which empowers future action. You’re going to meet people who think of something or someone that they can connect you to. Without their easy ability to take notes that information gets lost. If you’re sharing a QR code with your LinkedIn or all these different other platforms it’s both impossible to find you the next day and very difficult to catalog actions. Maybe you’re looking for investment. Maybe you’re looking for customers. Maybe you’re looking for a key employee. None of that stuff can be written down or cataloged easily without a tangible business card and therefore it’s not actionable. Empowers speedy connection to key internal resources. You make it easy for the person you meet to hand your contact info with notes to the more appropriate person in their team for follow-up. The person you meet from an organization at events isn’t always your best company contact. When you pass an analog business card you remove the friction and allow the quick transfer of your contact information with notes to the right internal resource. This empowers fast and accurate follow-up. Empowers real-time connection to key external resources. It’s not unusual to meet good matches and connections for people you meet at events while you’re still on site as these are places where like-minded people gather. Having these opportunities in real-time makes it even more important to have contact information and notes easily accessible. Nothing is easier than having someone’s business card in your pocket and handing it to or allowing a target resource or powerful connection to take a photo of that new contact’s card. As you continue to reduce and eliminate friction in exchanging contact information at events, you’ll make more and better connections. Using business cards will make it consistently easier for the person you meet to take favorable action on your behalf and you for them. If someone will accept your brand image hand it to them every time! Hand them 2 cards. Hand them 10 cards! Watch or listen to the podcast: Youtube Spotify About MEET (meetroi.com) helps international B2B companies gain traction and scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. 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.

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