Not too long ago, the phrase “Think Globally, Act Locally” was primarily used in reference to environmental challenges. Rather than depend on global changes, people were encouraged to reduce their consumption of resources such as energy or water and be “environmentally responsible.” The “Think Globally, Act Locally” phrase has evolved to take on new meaning. Due to globalization, businesses—such as engineering firms—now undertake projects that often impact people worldwide.
While it’s important to think globally, engineering firms must act “locally” in their respective markets. They can do this by building local roots and developing a large-scale mindset for your firm. This holds true businesses of all sizes, not just multinational corporations. You might not realize it, but your company might already be doing it by maintaining a local website and sharing information on social media, which both can attract a global following.
6 ways engineering firms can “think globally, act locally:”
Visit the Market
Take the time to visit the market you are considering expanding into. This will allow you to experience the culture first-end, determine the unique set of differences doing business in that location and ensure you are not neglecting any potential opportunities.
Establish a Local Presence
Make sure to become familiar with the market you are planning to expand into and immerse yourself in that culture. That might mean hiring a local translator or blogger. Not only will it assist you in doing business in that location, but it will also help you learn from others and provide ideas about things that can be done in your local market.
Tailor Your Digital Marketing
When entering a new market, it’s crucial to tailor all communications to the local audience. That includes positioning, programs and messages. Consider doing a PESTLE (political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental) analysis to best understand the area and be able to move forward strategically. Digital media continues to evolve and has made it accessible to market your engineering firm globally. Numerous studies have reported that local companies that make the time and effort to use social media will not only enhance their brand but also increase the bottom line, have lower employee turnover and attract investment opportunities and earn competitive returns.
Knowledge Sharing
Encourage your employees to work together and share knowledge. For example, holding brainstorming sessions often sparks innovation and helps with team building. Networking can also be very beneficial whether it’s in person or on social media. In addition to face-to-face collaboration, off-site events and meetings increase social interaction and offer workers a comfortable environment to openly share with peers.
Build a Community
Take the time to build a community consisting of clients, associations and even other like-minded companies. By connecting with other organizations that have a similar mindset, it can make a major impact on the success of your business. It will also help you connect with influencers in the industry and shorten the learning curve. Taking the time to form a partnership can help you achieve more!
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