Profile of Company N

【Business】Construction contracting, planning, construction, management and consulting services

【Capital】30 million yen

【Sales】2.65 billion yen  

【Number of employees】 49 

【Established】1998   

Profile of Company O

Company O is a first-class architectural firm in charge of Company N’s new overseas business division.     

Inquiries and issues

We would like to research the possibility of international expansion.

Paccloa’s Proposals and Support

Formulation of international business plan

Conducted F/S survey on the West Coast of the U.S.

Hearing and business meeting support for Japanese-style small wooden products

Guidance on how to make presentations to international companies

Outcome

Clarify timing of international investments

International expansion methods other than direct trade (collaboration, license agreements, franchise agreements, etc.)

Know-how on business negotiations with international companies

Know-how in structuring, delivering, and answering questions about presentations to international companies

Testimonial from the President (from Company O)

Q1 What was the status of your company’s international expansion at the beginning?

Venturing out internationally was all new territory, and while the idea of “trying to expand internationally to the U.S.” was still being discussed, we didn’t know where in the U.S. we would go. I didn’t know what kind of basis to use to make a decision.               

Q2 Did the advice you received from Paccloa have a positive impact on your international expansion?

It was all good.

Even after the advisor’s visit, as we proceeded with our overseas expansion project, we were sometimes keenly aware of the importance of what she was saying.

She gave us direct and frank advice on market area and target selection, and more directly, on whether or not this product would sell. It was also very helpful to have the help of local people to elicit their opinions.      

Q3 What did you think of the sometimes harsh advice?

To be honest, at first I was surprised that we were so naive. But now I think that was true.

The advice we received from the beginning was invaluable, and it is the reason our business has not fallen apart.   

Q4 Have you consulted with any other experts or consultants regarding international expansion?

I don’t mean other experts or consultants, but I think we could not have been aware of the differences in the way different cultures perceive each other (whether in business or product sales) if we had only talked with local Japanese or local people on our own.

I was able to understand the cultural differences between the two countries little by little through the explanations given to me each time, such as “I think this is how that person would have received that conversation. 

Q5 What, if anything, has made a lasting impression on you?

Based on past case data and experience, she provided calm and precise assistance.

At the same time, she patiently helped us take the first step forward with a passionate heart, saying, “Please take the first step toward international expansion and business success.

We sometimes feel discouraged in the international expansion business, but Ms. Ogawa’s enthusiasm encouraged us to give it another try.