Shows
Start Global InsightsHow to enter Dutch markets. Insights from local professional. Are you an exporter eyeing the Netherlands? This episode of our podcast for exporters offers an insider's look into the Dutch market, featuring Geddy van Elburg, Managing Director of MKB Trade Office and owner of Ion Moon International Digital Marketing Agency. With extensive experience in market analytics and understanding Dutch and international customers, Geddy shares invaluable insights on navigating this unique European landscape.Geddy breaks down how to identify the best entry points based on your industry, moving beyond the obvious hubs of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.This episode delves into the practicalities of...2025-05-2834 min
Start Global InsightsHow to sell sweets to Japan? A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer. Part 2.Join Dmytro Shvets as he interviews Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol& Pop, about their "magical" entry into the Japanese market.Learn how a chance meeting at a trade show led to a major distribution deal, despite initial doubts and major hurdles.Discover the rigorous testing required in Japan, how Lol&Pop overcame blackouts in Ukraine, and why quality and persistence are key.Listen to the first part of the interview in the episode #42.Key Highlights :Unexpected success story of a Ukrainian candy maker in Japan.Deal with a major Japanese...2025-03-1928 min
Start Global InsightsFrom Local to Global: Candy Export Success. A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer.This episode features Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol & Pop, a Ukrainian candy company that successfully expanded globally.Olena shares her inspiring entrepreneurial journey, from starting the company inspired by Martha Stewart to overcoming the challenges of franchising and exporting.Learn how she navigated quality control issues, invested in learning about exporting, and ultimately broke into the US market during the COVID-19 pandemic.Discover the importance of adaptability, perseverance, and believing in your idea, even when faced with obstacles.Episode Highlights:From YouTube Inspiration to Global Expansion: Discover how Olena's entrepreneurial...2025-01-2925 min
Start Global InsightsFrom 100 Slides to 7 Words: Easy steps to powerful sales pitchIn this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with communication expert David Trafford to explore the art of clear and concise business communication. David, who has extensive experience in preparing startups and companies for pitching their products to international clients, shares his insights on effective communication strategies that resonate with potential customers.Episode Highlights:- The importance of doing thorough research and due diligence before entering a new market.- Common mistakes companies make when presenting their products to foreign clients.- David's simple yet...2024-10-2336 min
Start Global InsightsHow to sell to Argentinian markets and globally. Local expert insights and case study.In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with Jorge Etchebehere, former International Sales Manager at Rizobacter Argentina, to explore the intricacies of sales to and from Argentina. Jorge shares his experience in international trade, peculiarities of Argentinian markets and his journey in broadening Rizobacter's reach across continents.Episode Highlights:Insights into the Argentine market, including cultural nuances, negotiation styles, and the importance of local partnerships.Jorge's journey from local beginnings to international success with bio inoculants.Strategic insights on selecting target countries for expansion.The role of cultural similarities in establishing...2024-10-0937 min
Start Global InsightsExplainer: Your international trade shows are not working? Here are simple steps to fix it. Are international trade shows really worth the investment? In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets delves into the intricacies of participating in global trade fairs, addressing common misconceptions and providing actionable strategies for maximizing your success.Episode Highlights:Understanding the realistic expectations for first-time exporters at trade shows.The importance of preparation: How to effectively plan six months ahead of the trade show.Strategies to engage potential clients before, during, and after the expo.Designing an attractive and functional booth, even with limited resources.Utilizing digital channels and social media for promoting your...2024-06-2725 min
Start Global InsightsEntering the Spanish Market. A guide for exporters from local expert.In this episode we will discuss one of the largest markets of Europe with almost 47 million of consumers.The guest of the show is Pedro Jara, an independent consultant from Spain with over three decades of expertise in retail and business consulting. Pedro brings a wealth of knowledge from his experience in management roles within large retail chains, his work in trade with the Extremadura government, and his support for businesses entering the Spanish market.Episode Highlights:An overview of Spain's economic health and political stabilityInsights into Spain's regional differences.Strategies for international food...2024-05-2236 min
Start Global InsightsSelling Space Technology for Pets Globally. The Resilient Rise of Ukraine's Collar in the Pet IndustryIn this episode of Start Global Insights, Maksym Pylypenko, the head of the sales department at Collar, a Ukrainian manufacturer of innovative pet products shares the insights from the company's global journey.With a history dating back to 1995, Collar has grown from a small company into a global powerhouse with 500 employees and distribution to 78 countries. Maksym shares Collar's remarkable journey of international expansion, innovation, and resilience through the challenges of war.Highlights from the episode:- The strategic move from local to global: Why Collar chose to expand beyond Ukraine's borders....2024-05-1036 min
Start Global InsightsHow to enter Japan's retail market. Expert's insights. Part 2.How to enter Japan's retail and start selling your goods in this country?This is the second part of the interview with Rupert Sutton, Director & Partner Director & Partner at Weben Partners.Rupert has more then 30 years of experience in working in consulting, marketing and sales in Asia and Europe, with biggest part of it of living and working in Japan.In the Part 1 of our conversation we have discussed the intricacies of the Japanese retail market its structure and other channels to enter Japan with FMCG. You may find the first...2024-04-2425 min
Start Global InsightsDoing business in Saudi Arabia. The Basics. In this episode of Start Global Insights about Saudi Arabia, Dmytro Shvets meets Konstantin Gridin, a partner at CFC Big Ideas with over two decades of experience in international business consultancy. Konstantin shares tips and tricks from his extensive work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.Highlights from the episode:- Insights into Saudi Arabia's unique business culture.- Essential advice on selecting the right local agents and distributors, avoiding common pitfalls, and the importance of managing these relationships effectively.- The evolving role of women in Saudi business...2024-04-1031 min
Start Global InsightsHow to enter Japan's retail market. Expert's insights. Part 1. This time the guest of the podcast is Rupert Sutton, Director & Partner Director & Partner at Weben Partners.Rupert has more then 30 years of experience in working in consulting, marketing and sales in Asia and Europe, with biggest part of it of living and working in Japan.In the Part 1 of our conversation we have discussed the intricacies of the Japanese retail market and other channels to enter Japan with FMCG.Highlights from the episode:Understanding the unique characteristics of Japan's retail environment, including its emphasis on expertise and focus for success.Exploring...2024-03-2033 min
Start Global InsightsHow to Sell Globally via Partner Networks. Cisco experienceWhen you're entering a new foreign market, nobody knows you there.Trust in your brand is low, and your understanding of the target audience is limited to research data.You've got two options: invest in building brand awareness and earning trust over time, or leverage the trust already established by local partners, like dealers or distributors to fast-track your path to initial sales.But finding the right partner is just the beginning of a complex journey.To learn how to effectively build and grow your partner networks, I asked the General...2024-02-1445 min
Start Global InsightsThree things you need to know about any country before expansion. 2003 Wrap-up.Another year comes to its end and it’s time to wrap up.There were 19 episodes this year. We have explored and virtually travelled with you to 10 countries and got insights from local experts from: Denmark, Ukraine, UK, USA, Israel, Canada, Japan, Lithuania, UAE and finally Colombia.The more interviews I conduct the more I see the commonalities in all markets that we talk about. In this Christmas episode I will go through some points that are similar in all countries.Listen to the Start Global Insights podcast on all major platforms and Yo...2023-12-2708 min
Start Global InsightsHow to enter Colombian markets. Local expert's insights.My guest in this episode is Rodolfo Móseres Dieppa, he has 30+ years experience in International Trade and Investment, runs RMD & Associates Consulting and helps to Canadian government in assisting Canadian businesses in their expansion.And before that Rodolfo made a career as a Consul and Trade Commissioner to Canada for TPO ProColombia with a mandate to promote and develop SME exports from Colombia into the Canadian Market place and to complete the FTA between Colombia and Canada.And as you’ve guessed, we will talk about Colombia, a beautiful and interesting country in South Ame...2023-12-1334 min
Start Global InsightsSelling to the United Arab Emirates. B2B Sales expert's insights. Olga Galyant. Part 2.My guest in this episode is Olga Galyant, the commercial director of Global Swiss Group, a global supplier of vitamins and dietary supplements with headquarters in Switzerland, USA and United Arab Emirates.Olga has almost 20 years of experience in B2B Marketing & Sales in multi-national companies and lived and worked in quite a bunch of countries like Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, UAE and Switzerland.And in this second part of the interview with Olga we’ll discuss her experience of entering the Gulf region and United Arab Emirates in particular..In th...2023-11-2924 min
Start Global InsightsHow to sell globally. B2B Sales expert's insights. Olga Galyant. Part 1.My guest in this episode is Olga Galyant, the commercial director of Global Swiss Group, a global supplier of vitamins and dietary supplements with headquarters in Switzerland, USA and United Arab Emirates.Olga has almost 20 years of experience in B2B Marketing & Sales in multi-national companies and lived and worked in quite a bunch of countries like Ukraine, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, UAE and Switzerland.So, we have an amazing opportunity to get indeed global insights on B2B sales today.In the first part of the interview we covered:Sales...2023-11-1522 min
Start Global InsightsHow to negotiate in the US. International negotiations with Linda Netsch. Part 2.Is there at all the U.S. negotiation culture? Or is it a number of many cultures within this huge country?With the guest of this episode we propose you to use the Harvard interest-based negotiation approach to deal with all of them.This episode is the 2nd part of the conversation with Linda Netsch, the founder of Align Consulting, a general manager at the law firm Flex by Fenwick, a Lecturer on Law at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools and a visiting lecturer at UCU Business School.Linda has more than 20 years...2023-10-1843 min
Start Global InsightsDoing business with Lithuania. Insights from a local expert.Join us in this episode of Start Global Insights as we reveal the potential of Lithuania as a strategic business hub.My guest this time, Saulius Racevicius, a local professional, with 20+ experience in banking and finance, sheds light on the insights of doing business with this interesting country.In this episode we discussed:The resilient economy of Lithuania amidst regional challenges.Lithuania's courageous journey to independence and the impact on its business landscape.The core of Lithuanian business culture: personal relationships, practical decision-making, and a flat organizational structure.Trade connections that have elevated the...2023-10-0431 min
Start Global InsightsNegotiating internationally with Linda Netsch. Part 1No matter if you are selling locally or globally, to establish your presence in the market you need to negotiate. This is a skill that needs constant development and practice.In this episode we will talk about Harvard negotiation approach with Linda Netsch, the founder of Align Consulting, a general manager at the law firm Flex by Fenwick, a Lecturer on Law at Harvard and Stanford Law Schools and a visiting lecturer at UCU Business School.Linda has more than 20 years of experience of helping clients to become better negotiators and leaders in US, Europe...2023-09-2028 min
Start Global InsightsEntering UK markets with London Chamber of CommerceOne powerful gateway to enter the UK market and tap into its vast potential is the London Chamber of Commerce.My guest in this episode is Nick Charles, a Head of Community and Member Relationships at London Chamber of Commerce and IndustryFor 11 years Nick is helping to almost 7000 members of the chamber to connect to each other and develop business opportunities within the UK and overseas.In our conversation we will discuss:Why businesses from the UK and around the world are drawn to the London Chamber of Commerce.How becoming...2023-09-0629 min
Start Global InsightsEntering the Canadian markets. Local expert's insights. Part 2.This episode is devoted to trade with Canada. Part 2.Our guest is Maria Guzman, a Senior International Market Consultant at Ontario Ministry of Economic Development.Maria has 15+ years of experience in international business development with Government & Export Development sector, private Companies and Non/for profit organizations.In the second part of the interview with Maria we will discuss:how to approach buyers and clients in Canadais it worth using chambers of commerce and trade shows in Canadadecision making process and communication culturebusiness culture differences between the provinceshow to get initial trust and...2023-08-2332 min
Start Global InsightsNavigating the Japanese Market: A Guide for ExportersDiscover the ins and outs of entering Japan's business landscape. In this episode, we're joined by Satoru Madono, a Japanese expert with over 40 years of experience in international finance and assisting foreign corporations in establishing a foothold in Japan.Join us as Satoru provides valuable insights and strategies for exporters looking to thrive in Japan's unique business environment. From historical influences to modern challenges, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to success.Key points from the interview:- Closed and Inward-Oriented Country- Government Protectionism- Choosing the Right...2023-08-0938 min
Start Global InsightsExplainer: Three easy steps how to research a foreign marketAlmost all foreign experts Start Global Insights podcast interviews say this magical phrase to the exporters: Do your homework and research the market you are going to enter.So, the next episode will be devoted to the topic of Market research.The explainer is split into three easy steps that one should follow to complete systematic market research.Here are some key points from the episode:Set clear goals for your market research. What do you want to achieve with your research? Do you want to understand the size of the market...2023-07-2609 min
Start Global InsightsEntering the Canadian markets. Local expert's insights. Part 1.This episode is devoted to trade with Canada. Part 1.Our guest is Maria Guzman, a Senior International Market Consultant at Ontario Ministry of Economic Development.Maria has 15+ years of experience in international business development with Government & Export Development sector, private Companies and Non/for profit organizations.We will discuss:the multinational business culture in CanadaCanada as a gateway to the US marketpackaging regulations and product adaptationinformation sources to analyze different regions of Canadathe significance of a personalized approach when dealing with potential Canadian buyersand much more...Stay tuned for Part 2, where...2023-07-1228 min
Start Global InsightsExploring Israel from the perspective of a start-up and innovation ecosystemsIn this episode we will talk about Israel, one of my favourite countries in terms of international business that I use as an example in my international expansion strategy courses.My guest in this episode is Or Haviv, a partner, and head of innovation at Arieli Capital.Or has more than 17 years of experience in working with Israeli innovation ecosystem and innovation centres, and will share with you the insights about this side of the country and how to use it to enter the worlds markets.Don't forget to subscribe to Start Global...2023-06-2817 min
Start Global InsightsHow to expand to the UK marketWelcome to the podcast episode, where we explore the exciting topic of entering the UK market.Our guest, Anne Gadd, brings a wealth of experience from her two diverse careers in commerce and law firm marketing. Anne shares invaluable insights on the challenges and opportunities that await businesses looking to establish themselves in the UK.From understanding the vastness of the market and choosing the right location to navigating regulatory compliance, Anne emphasizes the importance of thorough research and preparation. She also highlights the significance of creating a strong online presence and engaging marketing materials...2023-06-1421 min
Start Global InsightsTHE END OF THE SEASON ONESo, it’s been a quite interesting and exciting time during the first season of the Start Global Insights.We have prepared and recorded 17 episodes of the podcast for exporters, including stories and secrets about 10 different countries.And now it’s time for a small break. We will be back with the new season in one months. And meanwhile you can enjoy listening our episodes about making business in Poland, Romania, Germany, Sweden, Finland, USA, Italy, Estonia, Denmark and of course Ukraine.In the new season we are waiting for the guest from Israel, Norway, United Arab Emirates and many more...2023-03-2900 min
Start Global InsightsHow to export furniture and sell it to Starbucks. Tivoli from Ukraine, an exporter case study. Can the tradeshows be an effective tool for your international expansion?Many would say – no. But it’s like in he old joke about pesto recipe “Your pesto recipe is bad, I did all what you wrote, but I didn’t have pine nuts, olive oil and basil, so I took peanuts, sunflower oil and parsley – nothing close to the real pesto souse” 😊In this episode of the Start Global Insights I talk to Julia Lisovska, commercial director of the successful Ukrainian family-owned furniture producer Tivoli that exports to more than 24 countries of the world.Julia is s...2023-03-1526 min
Start Global InsightsHow to generate international leads. The systematic approach.How to generate leads? How to find clients abroad? These are the most common questions from the exporters that I hear in my consulting practice.So I decided to invite the expert in international lead generation, Maryna Solomanchuk, the CEO of Sparklead.Maryna shared her experience in this field, and we will discuss the following:What is the process of lead generationWhat’s the most important in this processWhy you can’t just send out emails and when it becomes a SPAMWhy buying a clients database may be a bad ideaWhat tools may be use...2023-03-0129 min
Start Global InsightsUkraine is the capital of not only freedom... How to sell to Ukrainian markets? And yes, even during the war!In this episode we will talk about Ukraine and how to do business in the country as even during the war it has a tremendous potential for international trade.And not to be bias about the country I asked the General Manger of Cisco Ukraine, Serhiy Martynchuk to help me with insights.Sergii has more than 20 years of experience in sales and developing business in Ukraine and several other CIS countries.We will talk about the following:How’s the business in Ukraine doing during the war.What is the roadmap for en...2023-02-1532 min
Start Global InsightsHow to make business in Denmark, the happiest country in the worldThe next episode is devoted to the one of the happiest countries in the world – Denmark.Peter Kofler – Danish entrepreneur is sharing his experience and insights on how to make business in his country.We will discuss:Why Denmark is a good choice to start your international expansionIs it easy to reach decision making persons in DenmarkThe Danish communication cultureIs it worth taking part in Danish exhibitionsThe digitization in DenmarkAnd much more…Don't miss the next episode, subscribe to the Start Global Insights podcast on all major platforms and YouTube.Speakers Linked...2023-02-0131 min
Start Global InsightsExplainer: How to choose your international expansion focus marketsThere are around 200 countries in the world you could sell your goods and services. But your resources are always limited and it’s impossible to enter all countries simultaneously. How to understand what country should be your TOP priority?In this explainer episode your host Dmytro Shvets, the international expansion consultant, is sharing his experience in choosing the right market for your international expansion.You will get a step-by-step instruction on how to prioritize your potential markets and focus your resources in the most efficient way.This podcast is made in a partnership wi...2023-01-1807 min
Start Global InsightsHow governments support exporters and what free resources you can find for your international expansion.When you start exporting you don’t have to look for tons of information, there are organisations that already have done it for you.Most of the developed countries have so called Trade Promotion Offices that help their own exporters to sell internationally. But who said you can’t use this information as well not being from that country.The guest of this episode is Andriy Lytvyn, the deputy director of the State Institution Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office of Ukraine.The office analysed the best practices of all major TPOs in the worl...2023-01-0428 min
Start Global InsightsHow to export to Italy. The insights from the local expert.If you think about Italy, what comes to your head? Sunny beaches, pizza, pasta, fashion, supercars…But in addition to that Italy is a huge market for exporters from all over the world. Many different regions with own peculiarities and needs.We discussed how to export to this sunny European country with a special guest of our Start Global Insights Christmas episode Dario Peirone, the chairman of the board of CEIPIEMONTE.From the episode you will know:What’s the difference between the regions of ItalyWhere is the best place to do busi...2022-12-2128 min
Start Global InsightsSelling IT to Germany. Insights from the local expert - SVP of LeanIXIn this episode we will talk about B2B sales in Germany with Christopher Cole, a Senior Vice President for EMEA at LeanIX named by Deloitte as one of Germany's fastest growing technology companies in 2022.We were really lucky to get Chris sharing his multinational sales experience and to discuss with him the following:- The potential of the German market- How to generate leads in Germany- What you need to know about German business culture- What sales stage takes most of the time...2022-12-0731 min
Start Global InsightsRomania. Analysing the market with local expert.In this episode we will talk about Romania with Romulus Oprica – the managing partner of market research agency BrandBerry.Romulus has more than 20 years of experience in market research and marketing consultancy in Romania. During his career Romulus worked both with local Romanian companies, international corporations, and NGOs.We will discuss:Where to find information about Romanian marketsWhat is the best way to find local partnerHow to check the reliability of potential local partner in RomaniaHow to negotiate in RomaniaIf Dracula is still aliveAnd much more…The URL used in the episode to chec...2022-11-2327 min
Start Global InsightsUkrainian e-bikes for the US market. A story of one exporter. This time my guest is Daniel Tonkopi, the CEO and founder of the unique Ukrainian e-bike producer Delfast.Their bikes hold the world records in speed and distance, drive longer than Tesla, used by police, army and ordinary people around the world.In our conversation Daniel shares his story about entering US market.We will talk about:How to sell in USWhat is the role of PR and marketing in international expansionWhat is the best way to understand the local markets...and other insights from the experienced exporterThis podcast is...2022-11-0930 min
Start Global InsightsExporting to Poland. How you should communicate about your business before you start sales.Today my guest is Karolina Janik and we will talk about Poland and communication you need to make about your business before starting your export. Karolina has almost 20 years of experience in marketing communication. She is the owner & CEO of Personal PR, the biggest integrated communication agency in Pomerania in Poland and lecturer in the University of Gdansk.We will discuss:What is the roadmap for entering Polish marketWhat are the biggest mistakes foreign companies doHow to get published by Polish mediaHow get insights about the market from the potential Polish clientsIs it important...2022-10-2635 min
Start Global InsightsExplainer: How to start exporting. The international business expansion roadmap.In this episode you will hear what steps should be made by exporters in order to expand their sales to new markets.Your host Dmytro Shvets, the international expansion consultant, shares his vision of international expansion roadmap based on more than 15 years experience of creating export strategies.2022-09-3008 min
Start Global InsightsThe story of Finnish trolls. How do Finnish companies make international business and how to sell to FinlandThe guest of this show is Topi Paananen, the CEO and Entrepreneur at Peikko Group, a Finnish construction company.Topi has more than 20 years of experience in global business development, 17 of which in the family owned Peikko Group. He was also named by EY as an entrepreneur of the Year in Finland in 2020.We will talk about:How to international markets can increase your revenue from tens of millions to hundreds of millionsWhy trust is one of the most important issues in doing business with FinnsWhy to enter multiple countries at once is a...2022-09-1430 min
Start Global InsightsCustomer Experience Management in Estonia. How to understand Estonian customers.This time the guest of the show is Andrus Kotri, the customer experience expert from Estonia.We will talk about the Estonian Market from the perspective of local customers and local business culture.Andrus has more than 10 years of experience in understanding customers in all Baltic countries, and Estonia in particular, and 17 years of international business experience in Eastern, Northern and Northern Europe.From the conversation you will know:What the customer experience management is and why it is important for your business.What you should start your business expansion with.How...2022-08-3133 min
Start Global InsightsEntering the Estonian Market. Local expert's secrets and insights.This episode is about expansion to the Estonian market.My guest this time is a local Estonian expert with decades of experience in sales in Estonia and Eastern Europe.From the episode you’ll learn:What you should do before talking to potential Estonian customersSome pages from the Estonian historyWhy Estonia it is a good idea to make Estonia as an entry point to the European UnionWhere and how you can get insights from your potential customers in EstoniaWhy Estonia can benefit from existence of UkraineThat establishing the relations with Estonians will take timeWho mi...2022-08-1732 min
Start Global InsightsAmazing experience and resilience of an innovative Ukrainian heating systems producer. A story of one exporter.My guest in this episode is Vladyslav Sushko, the co-owner of the brave Ukrainian exporter Hybro Technologies, an innovating heating system producer, that survived twice during the russian invasion to Ukraine and relocated production first in 2014 and again in 2022.The story of their international expansion and future plans despite of the war.We will talk about:What is the most important to start going global?What main obstacles do exporters meet at their way?What is important to do when you start building your relationship with international B2B clients?Why it is important...2022-08-0331 min
Start Global InsightsComing soon. A story of one exporter. Trailer to the Episode 2.Ukrainian innovative heating company Hybro Technologies shares their export story.Next Episode is about a journey of exporter, mistakes and correct decisions, secrets and insights.Coming soon. Next Wednesday.2022-07-2801 min
Start Global InsightsEntering the Swedish Market. Local expert's secrets and insights.Johan Gustafsson, my guest at this show, a Swedish entrepreneur and business developer shares his experience in doing business with companies in Sweden.We will talk about:The most important things to know before entering Swedish market.Why trust is so important by international B2B sales?The aspects of negotiations with your potential customers in Sweden.What is common between Sweden and the Lords of the Rings?Why Sweden is a corrupted country in its own way?The possible roadmap of starting sales in Sweden?How is Israel connected to sales in Sweden?Is it...2022-07-2036 min
Start Global InsightsStart Global Insights IntroThe introduction to the Start Global Insights:Join us on this show and get answers about international trade directly from local players and global expansion experts.Let’s find together the answers to the questions:How to prepare your business for the international expansion? How to select proper focus markets? How to get market insights and research new markets? How to find a proper local partner and start your sales? And many more…2022-07-1600 min