Going Global #2: Ensure Early Planning
Uno, dos, tres: are you ready for take-off? In order to get a running start for fall and the coming year, take the opportunity to evaluate your global launch timeline. The global launch plan provides a clear vision and road map to facilitate execution by cross-functional and cross-regional teams. The creation of the global launch plan also provides the opportunity to engage teams worldwide. Ensure early input from key functional and country teams who will drive global and local program management, communication, and readiness activities. Vamanos!
The successful development and execution of the global launch plan is often determined by executive sponsorship, international revenue recognition, and commitment to local delivery needs. Active involvement and support from the executive team is essential in strategic planning and issue resolution. You need to have the launch plan ready and your team in place when you kick-off the first launch meeting. This requires approval and support of the actual plan, product launch timeline, and product launch checklist.
In building the global roadmap, the Global Minds Network Global Launch Report showed that a majority of participants have established a formal launch methodology and process. However, the successful execution of the launch process often differed between organizations. The lack of clear objectives, systems, and communication strategies contributed to reduced efficiency and results during the launch management phase. The most effective launch methodology and process included a series of stage gates and readiness reviews. A scalable model and solution that is adaptable to local needs is critical for ensuring global readiness throughout the regions.
A global plan with local involvement achieved the best results across cultures. An international template is recommended for localization and deployment among regions. Ensure early input from key functional and country teams who will drive global and local program management, communication, and readiness activities. In this way, country managers can select elements of the plan and provide local best practices and tools that support the global launch. While a consistent format for all internal and external launch material is necessary, it’s also important to ensure timely delivery of information and material that meets local market needs.
Early development of the global launch plan also provides the opportunity to engage cross-functional and cross-cultural teams worldwide. By providing a global planning template, the launch manager can collaborate with teams and ensure early participation in launch efforts. Objectives, milestones, and success metrics need to be realistic, time-sensitive and locally adaptable. In addition to key planning elements, the template should include a timeline and a checklist of core deliverables that can be reviewed for country implementation and localization needs. Increase interest and commitment by initiating the planning process through a “launch-a-launch” or pre-launch event where team members receive an overview of the plan outline and understand their role in the process.
An early planning process allows you to identify local market challenges and opportunities in order to modify positioning and formulate key messages. Enjoy a great start to fall: Create a global launch plan with local input and localized tools for improved business results worldwide. Then you’ll be ready to build your network and process across borders. Stay tuned for more tomorrow. Hasta mañana.
What’s your global readiness challenge? Respond to this blog or contact karina@globalmindsnetwork.com or visit www.globalmindsnetwork.com
