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Have you ever considered what growing a company has in common with gardening? In this Quick Take episode, We discuss the parallels between them, especially when you’re expanding into a new geography.
For instance, Scott takes a strategic approach to gardening. This includes uncovering his assumptions and considering the growing conditions in different parts of our yard, as well as the amount of effort and resources required for different plants to thrive. He does research and talks with the right people at the gardening center who are familiar with these issues. (To see photos of our garden, click the link under Resources).
Likewise, when you’re expanding a company into a new geography, it’s critical to be clear about your objectives and growth criteria. This starts with uncovering assumptions and seeing the new location for yourself. One of the best ways to do this is to ask questions of the right people who have deep knowledge about the country and culture.
For example, we revisit an excerpt from an earlier conversation with speaker, advisor, and Africa Advocate Dr. Deanne De Vries. We discuss three immediately useful ideas for what Deanne calls the “ABCs” (Appetite, Bandwidth, and Capital) of deciding whether doing business in Africa is right for your company. Listen to the full conversation by going to the link under Resources (below).
Deanne has spent much of the past thirty years living across Africa and working for various organizations. These include startups, global non-profits, international organizations, venture capital firms, and one of the world’s Top Ten logistics firms. She is also author of the book, Africa: Open for Business. ( Find out more about Deanne by going to her bio under Resources)
The number one way to de-risk investments in a new geography is through the relationships that you build on the ground – Dr. Deanne De Vries
This week on Growth Igniters® Radio:
- Our take on the strategic parallels of designing, resourcing and caring for gardens that thrive in different environments and expanding your business into a new geography.
- Deanne’s “three immediately useful ideas” for determining if you have what she calls the “ABCs” (Appetite, Bandwidth, and Capital) for successfully doing business in Africa. **The “ABC’s” can also be applied to expanding into any new geography.
Resources Mentioned:
- View photos of our beautiful gardens
- Read Dr. Deanne De Vries’s bio
- Listen to our full conversation with Deanne De Vries: “What It Takes To Successfully Do Business In Africa “
- Find out more about Deanne’s book, Africa: Open for Business: Discover the ABCs of Doing Business in Africa
- Learn about Pam’s keynote “Break Orbit: Achieve Long-Term Growth in a Short-Term World” at Pam Harper Speaks
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