How to Scale A Business Internationally – A Case Study Of USB So what is the secret to scaling internationally?

We run masterminds and just over two and a half years ago Paul McConnon, the CEO of Unique Speaker Bureau (the most successful bureau in Africa and the Middle East) joined us for 3 hrs in Johannesburg. We were glad to meet Paul as I had reached out to him about 5 years beforehand but nothing had come of it. (Shows you that timing is very important in business)

Paul McConnon (28/11/2019) – at our Mastermind

Paul loved the mastermind and took away many things which he, unlike average operators, put into place immediately. The result he experienced as we headed into the unknown world of Co-Vid was growth, reduction of expenses, more freedom and joy. Let’s be honest…the business was doing better than ever.

Paul came to a second Mastermind and it was there we realised we had the makings of a great deal/business/partnership and friendship. He had a successful business that was at the top of its game, having been around for over ten years and run 7,000 events. We had global knowledge, a network globally and are known for our innovation, strategic thinking and directness. We planned a day to see what could come of our mutual desire to inspire organisations to work with thought leaders that are the best in the world to shift the poor ways business is often conducted (We call that a BIG mission). 

Paul & Yusuf Ismail (the best project manager guru ever) joined Landi Jac and myself and we sat outside under some trees and put together the basics of Unique Speaker Bureau International. 

Paul & Yusuf at lunch under the trees – early 2020

Three to four meetings later, over a period of a little over a year and we had everything we needed. A killer blueprint for a business model, the right offering, a need in the marketplace and four committed directors and shareholders who along with other members of both our teams could perform functions that would lift this business. They key to this was our 5-Star model: 5-star speakers, coupled with 5-star clients via 5-star licensees who own regions, all based on our Fuel | Ignite | Accelerate blueprint, which is unique in the industry. Most of our competitors are transactional. Our heart is for relationships. From them transactions will come. 

Our 5-star speaker blueprint 

It was time to incorporate and launch. We picked the UK to set up the international company in. (Paul’s Irish so I am sure he had to get his head around that – ha ha). Yusuf spent countless hours with our designers, systems people and Rickus our website guy (here’s a legend if you need anything built that’s crazy good) who did a phenomenal job of the website.

Rickus, Mike, Landi, Paul, Yusuf sharing a laugh at lunch in 2021.

Prior to launch we sold the Australian and East African license, through existing contacts and have the UK and Middle East in due diligence, with interest from numerous other countries. Then we needed a launch date. Landi Jac and I are a stickler for sacred wisdom, numerology and quantum physics so what better day than 22/2/22.

And so it was that we launched. The server almost crashed with enquiry on day one, and it of course meant we had to tighten up our systems for volume, but nothing but small issues which all businesses have. 

USBI is a global speaking bureau. If you have ever wanted to own a business that makes a huge difference in individuals lives, the way business is done and the legacy of conscious contribution then you should definitely talk to Paul about becoming a Licensee. 

If you are a company who is seeking training, speakers, consultants and coaches, then we can give you access to 5-star speakers, who are some of the best in the world, not only because they know their stuff, but also because they are a dream to work with.

If you are a speaker who believes you are 5-star or have what it takes to become that, then you should register on the site. As we grow we will need more and more 5-star speakers, and if you are not quite there, we can provide some mentorship and guidance.

Go check out USBI at CLICK HERE

What you are looking for may only be a click away. And if you feel you could benefit from a mastermind with us as well then book here or send us a note on Linked In.

So what is the secret to scaling internationally? Here it is in bullet form for you. (PS: This is not the first business we have scaled internationally)

1. Have partners and team that 100% share the same values and mission
2. Create a blueprinted system that makes people go wow
3. Take your time, Rome wasn’t built in a day… and you want to test your ideas all the way
4. Spend time on structure, shareholdings, future proofing, legals and location
5. Involve your existing network and clients – so they feel part of the journey
6. Build and test systems that can stand up to internationalism
7. Take a deep breath, push go and enjoy the ride. If you have the right team it will all be exciting.

Mike Handcock – Chairman Circle of Excellence Group

Even Simon our dog (complete with cookie) was in on the board meetings (Oct 2021)