Start Global Insights: Global Sales, Local's Expertise, Actionable Case Studies
Start Global Insights: Global Sales, Local's Expertise, Actionable Case Studies

Start Global Insights: Global Sales, Local's Expertise, Actionable Case Studies

Dmytro Shvets, Global markets expert

Overview
Episodes

Details

Welcome to the Start Global Insights.

The podcast for businesses looking to expand globally.

On this show we interview experts from different countries to get insights about local business culture and help you to enter new global markets.

Let’s find together the answers to the questions:

  • How to prepare your business for international expansion?
  • How to select proper focus markets?
  • How to get market insights and research new markets?
  • How to find proper local partner and start your sales?
  • And many others…

Join us on this show and get answers about international trade directly from local players and global expansion experts.

Find the Start Global Insights on all major podcast platforms or on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@start-global

Recent Episodes

Intercultural Communication Decoded: The Global Anatomy of Trust
DEC 3, 2025
Intercultural Communication Decoded: The Global Anatomy of Trust
<p>Ready to master <strong>Intercultural Communication</strong> and adjust your <strong>Global Market Entry Strategy</strong>? The secret to international business success isn't just your product, it's understanding the global anatomy of trust.</p><p>In this episode of Start Global Insights, we sit down with cross-cultural expert and author <strong>Maryna Starodubska</strong> to decode the subtle, often unseen cultural dimensions that make or break international deals.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you will learn:</strong></p><p><strong>0:35 - The Anatomy of Trust:</strong> Defining generalized trust and the crucial <strong>Global Trust Radius</strong> -why a high trust score isn't enough for market entry success.</p><p><strong>3:37 - Cooperation Format &amp; Time:</strong> Understanding which cultures require face-to-face meetings and socialization versus those that allow trust-building via correspondence.</p><p><strong>5:19 - Trust Loans vs. Starting at Zero:</strong> The difference between <strong>"advanced trust"</strong> (loaned in Scandinavia/Baltics) and <strong>"earned trust"</strong> (required in the Middle East/Asia).</p><p><strong>6:20 - Power Distance (Rank Sensitivity):</strong> Why your <strong>Job Title</strong> determines who you need to send to the negotiation table, and how <strong>transient trust</strong> affects successor relationships.</p><p><strong>10:20 - Social Norms &amp; Emotion:</strong> How cultural factors like hospitality and emotional expression (<strong>Neutral vs. Affective</strong> cultures) impact your professional credibility.</p><p><strong>13:50 - The Minimum Research (3 Key Rules):</strong> The three essential cultural dimensions (<strong>Trust, Power Distance, Uncertainty Avoidance</strong>) you must check before entering any new market.</p><p><strong>17:50 - Five Costly Mistakes:</strong> Avoiding common blunders like bluntness, mandated overwork in the EU, and neglecting local expertise in highly competitive markets (like the 50 subcultures of the U.S.).</p><p><strong>23:40 - Cost-Benefit Analysis:</strong> Why seeking the "easy" market is the wrong strategic move, and the importance of weighing cultural distance against market lucrativeness.</p><p>Maryna also reveals the key cross-cultural methodologies (Hofstede, Trompenaars, etc.) that you must research for a successful market entry.</p><p><strong>LinkedIn profiles:</strong></p><p><strong>Host, Dmytro Shvets </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p><strong>Guest: Maryna Starodubska</strong>, Cross-Cultural Interaction Consultant, Kyiv Mohyla Business School Adjunct Professor. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/starodubska/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/starodubska/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</strong></p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p></p><p>Feedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p>
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30 MIN
How to Enter the Swedish Food Market: Cracking the 3-Player Retail "Monopoly"
OCT 22, 2025
How to Enter the Swedish Food Market: Cracking the 3-Player Retail "Monopoly"
<p>Looking to export your food products to Scandinavia? The Swedish food retail market is worth ~ €27 Billion, but it is famous for its concentration: <strong>90% of all sales are dominated by just three major players.</strong></p><p>In this essential episode of <strong>Start Global Insights</strong>, host Dmytro Shvets sits down with <strong>Jenny Köpper</strong>, CEO of Food Collective and former Category Manager for major Swedish retailers. Jenny shares the <em>insider roadmap</em> for securing product listings and thriving in this highly concentrated market.</p><p></p><p><strong>You Will Discover:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>The 90% Problem:</strong> Why the extreme market concentration dictates your entire sales strategy.</li><li><strong>Price Myth Busted:</strong> Why high Swedish shelf prices are a signal of high logistics costs, not high margins, and how this impacts your financial model.</li><li><strong>The Buyer's Mandate:</strong> What a stressed Category Manager is <em>actually</em> looking for in a product proposal (and why most cold emails fail).</li><li><strong>The One-Year Rule:</strong> Why you must plan for a minimum of 12 months from first contact to first order to succeed in Swedish business culture.</li><li><strong>The Sustainability Test:</strong> The non-negotiable role of traceability and sustainability compliance in securing partnerships and private label deals.</li><li><strong>The Margin Calculation:</strong> The crucial financial calculation required to ensure your partner earns with you, not without you.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>LinkedIn profiles:</strong></p><p><strong>Host, Dmytro Shvets </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p><strong>Guest, Jenny Köpper </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykopper/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennykopper/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</strong></p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p></p>
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31 MIN
Go Global Smart: Your Easy Guide to Researching Foreign Markets!
JUN 25, 2025
Go Global Smart: Your Easy Guide to Researching Foreign Markets!
<p>Many businesses jump into international markets without doing their homework, which can lead to big mistakes and wasted money. But what if we told you researching new markets isn't just for huge companies?</p><p></p><p>In this episode of Start Global Insights, host Dmytro Shvets chats with Olga Gvozdyova, a top expert from Ukraine's Entrepreneurship and Expert Promotion office. Olga has tons of experience helping businesses like yours figure out foreign markets and expand internationally. She's here to show you how easy it can be!</p><p>This episode is full of sources for your market research.</p><p><strong>In this episode, you'll learn:</strong></p><ul><li>Why doing your homework on new markets is crucial and can actually save you time and money</li><li>A simple way to start your market research, right from your desk.</li><li>The key things to look for when researching a new country</li><li>Where to find reliable and often free information to help you, including government agencies and online tools</li><li>How to pick the best countries to focus on, considering both market potential and what your company is ready for</li><li>Tips for getting real-world insights, like talking to potential customers and partners, and checking out trade shows</li><li>Smart ways to handle all the information you find so you don't feel overwhelmed</li><li>Why market research is an ongoing journey and how it can even help you land new deal</li></ul><p>Ready to explore new global opportunities with confidence? Tune in!</p><p></p><p><strong>LinkedIn profiles:</strong></p><p><strong>Host, Dmytro Shvets </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p><strong>Guest, Olga Gvozdyova </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-gvozdyova/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-gvozdyova/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</strong></p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p></p><p>The URL's mentioned in the interview:</p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://data.worldbank.org/">https://</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://cbi.eu/market-information">cbi.eu/market-information</a></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://data.worldbank.org/">https://data.worldbank.org/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Feedback: </strong>We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><strong>Develop your international expansion strategy with Start Global</strong>, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.start-global.biz/">https://www.start-global.biz/</a></p>
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37 MIN
How to enter Dutch markets. Insights from local professional.
MAY 28, 2025
How to enter Dutch markets. Insights from local professional.
<p>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. </p><p>With extensive experience in market analytics and understanding Dutch and international customers, Geddy shares invaluable insights on navigating this unique European landscape.</p><p>Geddy breaks down how to identify the best entry points based on your industry, moving beyond the obvious hubs of Amsterdam and Rotterdam.</p><p>This episode delves into the practicalities of market research, from leveraging online tools like LinkedIn and company websites to tapping into official statistics from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://CBS.nl">CBS.nl</a> and Eurostat. You'll also learn the power of local business associations and even how collaborating with local universities can provide fresh, cost-effective market intelligence.</p><p>Understand the nuances of Dutch communication—their directness, informality, and dislike for exaggeration. Learn how to build trust by having a strong digital footprint and delivering on your promises. Geddy also offers critical advice on the Dutch decision-making process, highlighting their preference for thorough evaluation and the importance of a compelling price-quality-service balance.</p><p>Tune in to unlock the secrets to successful market entry and negotiation in the Netherlands and transform your approach to international expansion!</p><p></p><p><strong>LinkedIn profiles:</strong></p><p><strong>Host, Dmytro Shvets </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p><strong>Guest, Geddy van Elburg </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/geddyvanelburg/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/geddyvanelburg/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major platforms and YouTube. Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</strong></p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p></p><p>The URL's mentioned in the interview:</p><p><strong>Statistics Netherlands</strong> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.cbs.nl/">https://www.cbs.nl/</a></p><p><strong>MKB Trade Office </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://mkbtradeoffice.com/about-us/">https://mkbtradeoffice.com/</a></p><p><strong>Eurostat </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat">https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Feedback: </strong>We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p><strong>Develop your international expansion strategy with Start Global</strong>, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.start-global.biz/">https://www.start-global.biz/</a></p>
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34 MIN
How to sell sweets to Japan? A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer. Part 2.
MAR 19, 2025
How to sell sweets to Japan? A story of a brave Ukrainian sweets producer. Part 2.
<p>Join Dmytro Shvets as he interviews Olena Tokar, CEO of Lol&amp; Pop, about their "magical" entry into the Japanese market.</p><p>Learn how a chance meeting at a trade show led to a major distribution deal, despite initial doubts and major hurdles.</p><p>Discover the rigorous testing required in Japan, how Lol&amp;Pop overcame blackouts in Ukraine, and why quality and persistence are key.</p><p>Listen to the first part of the interview in the episode #42.</p><p><strong>Key Highlights :</strong></p><ul><li>Unexpected success story of a Ukrainian candy maker in Japan.</li><li>Deal with a major Japanese distributor and placement in 350 stores.</li><li>Challenges of rigorous testing in Japan.</li><li>Importance of resilience, adaptability, and quality.</li><li>Practical tips for SMEs and exporters.</li><li>Focus on the Japanese market specifically.</li><li>Building trust and reputation.</li><li>Joining industry alliances.</li></ul><p></p><p><strong>Speakers LinkedIn Profiles:</strong></p><p>Dmytro Shvets <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/dshvets/</a></p><p>Olena Tokar <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonatokar/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/alonatokar/</a></p><p></p><p><strong>Listen to Start Global Insights on all major podcast platforms. </strong>Don't forget to subscribe for more global business insights.</p><p>Spotify: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISpotifyRSS</a></p><p>Apple podcasts: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIAppleRSS</a></p><p>YouTube: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGIYTRSS</a></p><p>In your browser: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS">https://rebrand.ly/SGISGRSS</a></p><p>Feedback: We value your thoughts. Please leave us a review on Apple podcasts, Spotify or email us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p><p>Develop your international expansion strategy with Start Global, your guide to foreign markets. Visit us at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.start-global.biz/">https://www.start-global.biz/</a></p>
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28 MIN