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Simply designing a Web site that includes information that the designer is interested in international work is not the best solution to finding clients. Of course, a Web site can attract international clients. Project portfolios, text descriptions of projects, and explanations of experience will attract some clients. Design firms with a specialty‐focused practice are also attractive to international clients as local firms in a country may not have extensive expertise in, for example, healthcare or hospitality design.

TABLE 3‐1. Ways to attract international projects

Here are some other ways that a firm can attract projects on the international scene.Investigate if your current clients have projects outside the United States. Talk to them about your interest in working with them in projects outside the United States in the future.Seek out joint venture projects with U.S. firms already doing design work internationally.Research on the Internet design firms in foreign countries and make a contact to them about your firm and interest in working with them.To begin, focus on projects and clients in countries that are somewhat similar to cultural and political experiences of the design firm owners.Networking at professional meetings and social media may lead to contacts with a foreign national in the United States who might be looking for a designer.Direct marketing campaigns to businesses in foreign markets could result in a contact.A strong brand communicated via the firm's Web site might interest prospective clients.Research international design competitions that can allow the firm to enter projects designed in the United States.Major trade shows like NeoCon attract numerous industry‐related individuals who work for companies that sell/export goods and thus might also be looking for people to work with their companies.However, when you make contacts with international clients, be sure you can explain how you will bring value to them.An experienced firm may choose to open a branch office in an international city and market in that city/country.

Building a reputation at home for best practices and excellent design work is critical to being considered for foreign work. For example, a design firm in the United States might obtain international project overseas when a project done in the United States belongs to clients who have an international presence. Excellent design work for this type of client is a great way to open the door for international projects. “Maintaining a solid reputation and level of trust with established clients who are expanding into foreign markets can bring global opportunities.”³

Performance is a big issue in a foreign client's decision. It is critical of the U.S. design firm seeking work in a foreign country to perform all phases of any project with the utmost care. The on‐site project manager must be an excellent communicator and manager of customer service in general. The better the job the firm does in all phases of all projects along with expertise, these are critical to finding and impressing potential international clients. Review Table 3‐1 for several ideas on how to make contacts and locate projects on an international platform.