Blog - Strategy

Entering New Markets: Timing Horizons for Emerging Markets

Posted by Scott Newton on Jul 31, 2012 6:17:00 PM
Today wraps up our July 2012 blog theme on entering new markets with one last question that is often on the minds and in the discussion of management leading the charge for growth: “What is the time horizon I should set when entering a new market before expecting to see results in my Income Statement/P&L?”. The answer to the question starts with setting  the critical few-maximum eight- strategic performance indicators (SPI) which reflect how well the strategy is progressing- taking into account both leading and lagging information.  The expectations must be based on your most accurate strategic assumptions combined with as close to real-time market data as you are able to assemble.  As we have discussed in the last few posts- general data is not enough- rather getting to the specific data needed and blending this with the strategic assumptions resulting in a budget that most responsibly reflects both the opportunities and risks within the new market. One area you can refer to in validating timing horizions is to compare them with your overall strategic time-frame- when revisiting the time-frame horizons of the company, group, or business unit- how well does that reflect on your expectations within the early stage/emerging market(s)? The second tool you can use in preparing timing horizons and expectations is in creating a product/market matrix by quarter or year which is linked to a detailed project plan- do the numbers you are predicting in sales correspond with the timing in setting up the infrastructure necessary to serve the target customers?  If you are working with a recently acquired company, a distributor, or JV partner- are their timings to reach key milestones realistic?  Ask to see their assumptions and cross-check them against your own- and where you identify variation initiate a discussion and process to resolve. Lastly- ensure your risk and protection plans for the new market are both up-to-date and have involved data from the source (internal and external) and departments within your company or group best able to answer the questions of how to mitigate risk in your new target market both short and long-term.  The risk plan is an area in which you need to stress-test the overall project/program to enter the new market- this will be a very valuable tool in setting the time horizons which are realistic for your board and shareholders and the overall performance of the company and new business unit. Thank you to all for your comments and feedback which are taken very seriously by our editiorial team- we look forward to seeing you visiting shortly for our new August themes.