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International Brand Strategy

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International Brand Strategy

A Guide to Achieving Global Brand Growth

Kogan Page,

15 min read
8 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Why do many brands fail when they expand internationally? Global brand strategist Sean Duffy says they lack preparation.

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Analytical
  • Overview
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Brands need to start speaking to their target consumers in their particular language and must do so by switching their perspective to that of the customer. Navigating global contexts requires a mind-set shift, brand strategist Sean Duffy stresses, one which embraces complexity while overcoming binary thinking and command-and-control leadership styles. Duffy shares his comprehensive knowledge of global brands to help you plan your entry into new markets, create value and develop a competitive advantage.

Summary

There’s a significant chance of failure when expanding into global marketplaces.

Your odds of success are not optimal when you expand into international markets – conservative estimates suggest the failure rate for launching a new product is 50%. However, leveraging the power of your target consumer’s perspective can help increase them. Most companies make the mistake of communicating with consumers from a corporate perspective rather than reflecting consumers’ realities to them. Profitable brands know how to offer value from their consumer’s perspective. These brands create offers that align with customers’ needs and current options while reflecting their values and culture in their language. 

Even established brands can fail when expanding into global markets. For example, Target – one of North America’s biggest retailers – had to abandon overly ambitious plans to expand into 124 stores in the Canadian market. Target’s expansion attempts were ineffective because the company neglected to live by its corporate mission and brand values, choosing instead to pursue...

About the Author

Sean Duffy is an international brand strategist with Duffy Agency. He has worked with many global brands including Volvo, Absolut and Ikea.

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