We cannot underscore enough the importance of continuous support for the decision to open the US market at a business strategic level. The decision to enter such a demanding market will need the unequivocal support of the highest Executive levels.

It is not a short-term ‘boost the revenue line’ activity, it is an investment. It will take time to reap the fruits of your labor. Executive management needs to plan for a combination of lower margin and higher operating costs to get the business off the ground. Expectations of a quick return on investment will surely be met with disappointment.

Invest in building the right team – a strong combination of business development skills with mature market experience and strategic thinking – that finds the right blend of European company values and American requirements. A team that can quickly analyze and articulate the US domestic market needs back to ‘mother corporate’. Most importantly, provide the team with easy access to highest Executive levels who can quickly turn-on any vital company support – because it will not come naturally. Any functional management layer will have brighter and higher priority objectives (and pecuniary rewards) that will not necessarily fit with (the lower short-term impact of) the US market entry efforts.

Unless the support of the US entry is made strategic, success will remain optional.