Buying a Business in Australia

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I found this very informative description - take from it

"While there are many similarities between the US and Australia, there are some cultural

differences you should be aware of.

In the US, a harder sales technique tends to be used, while Australians don’t appreciate a lot

of hype or aggressive marketing. Australians prefer a more relaxed approach that is not too

forceful. Australians tend to be more cynical than Americans. We pride ourselves on being

savvy and we don’t like to be taken for a ride. For that reason, we tend to be on the lookout

for exaggerated or false claims when it comes to advertising and marketing.

Australians are likely to take more convincing than Americans. This may mean that it takes

longer to complete a sale, or that an overly aggressive marketing or sales technique alienates

buyers rather than bringing them to you. Just be aware of this in your negotiations and

marketing.

Another feature of the Australian psyche is the “tall poppy syndromeâ€. This is the idea that

many people resent those who achieve great things and try to “cut them down to sizeâ€. Be

aware that sudden or overwhelming success may attract its fair share of negative feedback

from those who don’t like others to outshine them.

There are a vast number of people in the US, and as a result, you can find quite substantial

markets for obscure and niche products and services. Australia is a smaller market so niche

marketing may not be as successful. Your product may still appeal to the entire market but if

the market is too small, your business won’t survive. Detailed market research is absolutely

essential before you begin in business to determine who your customers will be, and that the

market will be big enough for your business to survive. Keep the difference in mind when

considering the likely profitability of your enterprise. A niche or obscure product that works in

the US may not have a big enough market to stay viable in Australia.

There will be some subtle differences in the buying process and in running the business on a

day to day basis. Its wise to be aware of these. Make sure you have done your homework

and taken the best advice. That way you won’t be caught out by technicalities or brought

undone by cultural differences between Australia and the US.