One of the business startup structures we like the most is where a highly successful US or European based technology business decides to open an office in Australia by hiring a Country Manager and renting some office space.
In many cases this is amazingly successful as the US and Australian markets are similar, and the benefit of having a large US based organisation to solve the really challenging product issues can be a godsend.
The team at caret and stick has been part of a number of US expansion projects and is very familiar with the issues which pop up regardless of the technology, service or industry. Managing time zone differences and the currency conversion rates can be tricky enough, but connectivity back to the US based intranet, distribution decisions, channel partner training, channel partner programmes, lead generation, documentation localisation and getting a .com.au website up can just overwhelm the local resource seriously impacting the all important ‘selling time’.
caret and stick have done all this before and can help. We can structure a number of packages which provide the US or EU management team with a predictable and structured approach to initial expenses, providing the local team the infrastructure they need to get out there meeting prospects.
Packages are custom designed for each organisation, but a typical startup package looks a little like the following:
- Company registration, registered office, ABN, GST registration and bank account creation
- Telecommunications and Internet access; including direct dial international numbers and fixed cost outgoing call solutions. Site to site VPN and head office connectivity solutions
- High level market analysis; competitors, market maturity statement, localisation recommendations
- Presentation analysis, case study workshops, role play workshops
- Localisation of company information, data sheets and website
- Laptops, phone hardware, office space, incoming physical mail solutions
- Press launch, conference attendance, introduction to local relevant associations
- Lead Generation options, marketing plan and PR milestone plan
Cost approximately $15k AUD per month for three months.