Strategic Insights

Why Every Foreign Company Operating in the US Needs a Second Opinion on Their Strategy

January 25, 2026
8 min read
KLIK Business Team
Business colleagues reviewing documents and discussing work in office hallway

Have you ever wondered if your current US leadership team is truly doing what's best for your business? If you're a foreign company operating in the American market, this question isn't just important—it's essential for your survival and success.

The United States represents one of the most lucrative markets in the world, but it's also one of the most complex. What works brilliantly in Germany, China, the UK, or any other country often fails to translate directly to American consumers and business practices. Yet many foreign companies make the critical mistake of assuming their home-country strategies will work just as well across the Atlantic.

This is where an independent strategy review becomes not just valuable, but vital.

"The most dangerous phrase in business is 'we've always done it this way.' For foreign companies in the US, that phrase can be even more costly when 'this way' was developed for an entirely different market."

The Trust Problem: When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

Let's be clear: questioning your US leadership's strategy isn't about distrust. Your team is likely working hard and making decisions they believe are right. The challenge is that even the most dedicated employees can develop blind spots, especially when they're too close to day-to-day operations.

Consider these common scenarios:

  • The Comfort Zone Trap

    Your US team may be executing strategies that feel familiar rather than exploring approaches better suited to the American market.

  • Communication Gaps

    Distance and time zones make it difficult for headquarters to fully understand what's happening on the ground—and whether reports paint an accurate picture.

  • Cultural Assumptions

    Decisions made with a European or Asian business mindset may miss crucial nuances of American consumer behavior and B2B relationships.

Why Foreign Companies Face Unique Challenges

Operating in the US as a foreign company comes with challenges that domestic businesses simply don't face. Understanding these unique obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them.

Cultural & Language Nuances

Even when everyone speaks English, cultural differences in communication styles, negotiation tactics, and business etiquette can lead to misunderstandings and missed opportunities.

Regulatory Complexity

The US has federal, state, and local regulations that often differ dramatically. What's compliant in California may not be in Texas, and federal requirements add another layer entirely.

Consumer Expectations

American consumers have specific expectations around customer service, product sizing, return policies, and delivery speeds that may differ significantly from your home market.

Distribution & Partnerships

Building relationships with US retailers, distributors, and partners requires understanding American business culture—from pricing negotiations to marketing co-op expectations.

Group of middle aged multiethnic business professionals collaborating around table, reviewing documents and using laptop, top view showing teamwork and corporate meeting environment

The Power of an Independent Strategy Review

An independent second opinion on your US strategy isn't about finding fault—it's about finding opportunities. Here's what a comprehensive strategy review can uncover:

1

Validation of What's Working

Maybe your team is doing everything right. An independent review can confirm this, giving you confidence in your investment and providing peace of mind to stakeholders at headquarters.

2

Identification of Blind Spots

Fresh eyes from someone who understands both international business and US market dynamics can spot issues that insiders might miss—before they become expensive problems.

3

Efficiency Optimization

Are you spending resources on strategies that aren't delivering results? A review can identify where to reallocate budget for maximum impact in the American market.

4

Market-Specific Recommendations

Gain actionable insights tailored to US consumer behavior, retail relationships, e-commerce strategies, and competitive positioning specific to your industry.

5

Risk Mitigation

Identify potential regulatory, legal, or market risks before they materialize. Proactive risk management is far less costly than reactive crisis management.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

60%

of foreign companies struggle to achieve profitability in the US within their first 3 years

$2M+

average cost of failed US market entry strategies before course correction

18mo

typical time lost pursuing strategies that don't work in the American market

What Should a Strategy Review Examine?

A comprehensive second opinion should evaluate all aspects of your US operations. Here are the key areas that deserve scrutiny:

Market Positioning & Competitive Strategy

Is your positioning resonating with American consumers? How do you stack up against local competitors who understand the market intimately? Are you competing on the right factors?

Pricing Strategy

Is your pricing optimized for US market expectations? Are you accounting for duties, shipping, and currency fluctuations while remaining competitive?

Distribution & Channel Strategy

Are you in the right retail channels? Is your e-commerce strategy optimized for American shopping habits? Are you maximizing opportunities with big-box retailers?

Marketing & Brand Communication

Does your marketing speak to American consumers? Are your brand messages getting lost in translation—literally or culturally? Is your digital presence optimized for US search behavior?

Operations & Supply Chain

Is your logistics network efficient for US geography? Are you meeting American expectations for delivery times? Is your customer service aligned with US standards?

Team & Leadership Effectiveness

Does your US team have the right skills and experience? Are they empowered to make decisions quickly? Is communication with headquarters effective?

Office, training and team advice for laptop, proposal and research notes with document for report. Man, woman and feedback for small business, collaboration and meeting for partnership or b2b project

When Is the Right Time for a Strategy Review?

The short answer: now. But if you're looking for specific triggers, consider a strategy review when:

Growth has stalled or plateaued
You're planning significant new investment
Leadership changes have occurred
Market conditions have shifted
Competitors are gaining ground
You haven't reviewed strategy in 2+ years
Headquarters has concerns or questions
You're entering new product categories

The Bottom Line

Operating in the US market as a foreign company is both an incredible opportunity and a significant challenge. The companies that succeed are those willing to question assumptions, seek outside perspectives, and continuously optimize their approach.

A second opinion on your US strategy isn't a sign of distrust in your team—it's a sign of smart leadership. It demonstrates that you take your American investment seriously enough to ensure it's performing at its best.

The question isn't whether you can afford to get an independent strategy review. The question is: can you afford not to?

About KLIK Business

KLIK Business specializes in helping foreign companies succeed in the American market. With deep expertise in cross-cultural business strategy, we provide independent assessments and actionable recommendations that drive results.

Ready to Get a Second Opinion on Your US Strategy?

Schedule a free consultation with our team to discuss how an independent strategy review can help your company achieve greater success in the American market.