• Don’t set out with preconceived ideas: just because your products are market leaders in your country does not necessarily mean that they are suitable for the target market.
  

=> Conducting prior market research can prevent numerous problems.

• Linking up with an ‘attractive’ but unreliable partner: 70% of international partnerships fail. Before signing up, you must assess your partner’s motivation and thinking behind the agreement.

=> That's why it is crucial to have a third party assess and check your partner before signing any agreement.

• Underestimating international competition. Many companies have seen their market share shrink because they hadn’t foreseen their competitors’ increasing growth. Similarly, before approaching a market, you must ensure that it is not already saturated by a multitude of highly competitive rivals.
  

=> Competitor research and market intelligence help you to position yourself better with regard to your competitors.