The “Little Black Book” Every Business Needs

Press Release

SYDNEY, 25 June 2019 – The US market offers Australian businesses access to a massive customer base, billions in potential VC funding and a large, innovative talent pool, yet statistics show 70% of local businesses still fail to gain traction there.

Sydney-based consultancy FD Global Connections is determined to change those numbers and it is opening up its ‘little black book’ to make it happen.

FD Global Connections has launched Growth Avenue, a first-of-its-kind program designed to provide Australian businesses what they need most when expanding internationally – a deep understanding of the market and an ‘on the ground’ network needed to gain traction.

The program is now helping Australian scaleups fast-track sales in the US by matching them with a US-based, Interim Business Development expert (IBDs).

FD Global Connections’ network of IBDs are career sales professionals with expertise in specific industries, such as Banking, Insurance, Health, Food & Beverage, Lifestyle and more. Each IBD is hand-picked by FD Global to serve as a powerful resource to fast track business growth.

Trena Blair, Founder and CEO of FD Global Connections says scaling successfully in the US hinges on winning sales quickly and nothing compares to having experienced, local business development knowledge working for you on the ground.

“It’s often said that it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Personally, I believe it’s a mix of both but the who proves much more challenging when you’re a growing Australian business looking to take on the massive US market.”

“Our Interim Business Development professionals are ‘super connectors’ – the type of people companies need in their corner to make the right introductions and meet with prospects. They are highly-skilled and experienced in their industry domain and have the local know-how to generate that all important revenue.”

“This is a unique opportunity for Australian businesses – particularly small business to mid- sized corporates – to connect with our trusted and experienced network. We’re tapping our contacts to significantly de-risk your expansion into the US.”

FD Global Connection’s network of IBDs extends across the US. Philip Delvecchio is one such expert who has already worked with more than 200 founders from around the world. Mr. Delvecchio is the founder of Hapday Group, which provides strategy, business development, investor relations, operational support tech companies, and has already started working with an Australian business via Growth Avenue.

“Selling effectively in the US is a unique beast and for that reason, there are plenty of incredible companies that go unnoticed. The road for international companies can be even more challenging.That’s why I see so much value in Growth Avenue. It isn’t a traditional program – it’s providing the direct impact and consistent involvement that businesses truly need, with a value equivalent to making your first major hire in the US.”

“FD Global Connections has consistently connected me with exciting businesses with strong potential. We’re already working with one Australian business and I have high expectations for what our partnership can achieve over the next few months.”

Ms Blair has built FD Global Connections’ network over more than 20 years as an international executive at companies including Optus, Westpac and American Express. Having lived and worked in New York, she has managed global regions including Asia Pacific and the America’s and was recently named by Forbes as an expert in expanding businesses from Australia into the US.

Ms Blair also developed and launched the International Business Experience (IBE) subject for MBA programs at the UNSW Business School (AGSM), and created the highly-successful US Study Tour based on Design Thinking for University of Sydney Business School undergraduates. She is a Trade Advisory Board Member at the American Chamber of Commerce in Australia and was also engaged by Austrade to establish their San Francisco “Landing Pad” program for early stage scaleups.

How does it work?

Companies interested in participating in the Growth Avenue program will first partake in an assessment by FD Global Connections to ensure their readiness for the US market. Once accepted, an introduction will be facilitated to an appropriate IBD, relevant to the scaleup’s industry and business needs. From there, each business and its IBD will choose how they will best work together to achieve their goals, including setting a remuneration agreement and other work terms.

More details about the program are available, and register, at: Growth Avenue.