New in town? Or testing the waters?

Opening your first foreign office can be a big step and costly if you have to retreat. Several agents have sprung up to serve the temporary market or for companies seeking space.

I recommend: Regus and Office General are good sources for short-term space on a global basis.

Go virtual

Do you need a full-blown office? If you are running a "street on the feet" sales operation, chances are a virtual office will do the trick until you grow.

I recommend: Stratis can arrange computer connections, phones, receptionists, a mail drop and any number of short-term spaces for sales people on the move during the day. Business Meeting Places (both units of Regus) offers alternatives to a pricey hotel board rooms.

Hire local talent

Any major world financial or political capital will have an active office market, and a thriving commercial real-estate culture as well.

I recommend: OfficeFinder connects you to local agents depending on geography. If you have time, build contacts first through the American Chambers of Commerce; no one will know local property better than in-country members. Join the chamber, too, of course.

Get a big gun

Most of the major U.S. commercial agents now operate foreign offices. If your needs are complex or require very specific locations (say, in the financial district), they'll have the resources and know-how.

I recommend: Some of the largest include Jones Lang LaSalle, NAI Global, CB Richard Ellis, Colliers International, Cushman & Wakefield and Trammell Crow.