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I Advice - Cross Cultural Solutions for Exporters
"When two trains are approaching each other at a crossing, they shall both come to a full stop, and neither shall start up again until the other has gone." That is a quote from actual railway law some years ago. We all know with what authority these bureaucracies are built. You will not succeed doing it this way.If you're trying to lead change in an organization overflowing with bureaucracy you'd better get ready for some fights. In one company where we worked to drive a big change project, the bad guys running the bureaucracy came bubbling out of the woodwork like a gusher of bad crude.It was the end of the quarter and the changes we were working on were far from complete. They weren’t even scheduled for completion for another nine months but that didn’t stop the head of manufacturing from driving sales orders straight out the bac
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff an
When starting out in any career, it is obvious that all people don't perform at the same level despite having comparable educational qualifications. Aside from the acquired skills that we depend upon to perform at a work place, there are certain factors that we need to be overly attentive towards. These are aspects that we are entirely responsible for. There are numerous fine points and guidelines that guarantee success at the entry level itself. Though many people may start their work at a very basic level and climb the corporate ladder successfully, this is not a feat that is achieved by all. This is because at some stage, we tend to get bored and careless since the work has become routine. There are various good habits for success at the entry level that are simple to follow and can ensure small triumphs at the initial stages.Be Discip
Growth and success in today’s global economy depend on being able to trade internationally. However, although the larger multinationals of the world have no trouble doing so, smaller companies, such as exporters, have struggled to make an impact and benefit from the new world order. This is because cross cultural solutions are not being used to address cross cultural obstacles to their success.
This article offers first time exporters and SME’s some initial advice on how to capitalise upon cross cultural solutions. It will look at the two key areas all companies must address to crack foreign markets - language and cross cultural awareness.
Language:
The use of language is critical to cross cultural success in two distinct ways. The first being the use of written language in materials such as leaflets, manuals and websites. The other is the use of foreign languages to communicate with international clients.
Translations
If you have a product/service that you feel can sell well outside your country, you need to be able to present it in foreign languages. You should not expect everyone in the world to be able to read, write and speak English.
There are certain key facets of your business and product/service that must, as a rule, be translated. These include business cards, company brochures, leaflets, emails, websites and of course information about your product such as manuals.
Let’s look at a couple of these aspects, namely the business card and websites.
Despite technological advances there exists one piece of paper that remains constant when doing business across the world – the business card. When travelling abroad for business always ensure you translate your business card into the local language. This gives you two immediate benefits. Firstly, the recipient will always be able to find you as they can understand your card. Secondly, the translated business card will always make a greater impression to the receiver as you are saying, “I respect your language and culture and have thought through how to better our relationship.”
The website has now become the most popular point of reference for people when searching for information, services or products. As internet access improves globally, the number of non-English speaking internet users increases. If a business is serious about breaking into foreign markets it is imperative that the website is translated into the languages of target areas. At present the languages of choice are French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic and Chinese. A translated website is an amazingly economical yet productive means of attracting foreign custom.
Translation is the easy part of getting your cross cultural plan moving. There are numerous translation agencies that can help with these services. However, always ensure the translation agency is an established and recognised firm.
Speaking a Foreign Language
Communication is the fundamental starting point for any business relationship or transaction. If a common language does not exist the chances of any successful business occurring is slim.
Businesses now more than ever need to invest in multilingual staff. The ideal scenario is that the main people behind a company either know or learn a language. However, this is not easy. An alternative solution is having staff who can speak to foreign clients on the phone or via email in their own language. This capability dramatically increases the revenue potential of any business.
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff and
Moving into an office is a big step when you run a small business or start-up, and finding the right premises in the right location and at the right price is a daunting task. Get it right, and your office premises will help you improve productivity, attract and retain good employees and give a positive impression to your customers. But get it wrong, and you could be left tied into a costly lease with premises that might not suit your needs in the future. Philip Dodson, of Office Planet explains what businesses need to do to find the right office space to meet their requirements.What Type Of Office Do You Need?Before you start the search for your office, you really need to know what type of property will be suitable for your needs.A virtual office solution will provide you with a total office experience without having to p
Language:
The use of language is critical to cross cultural success in two distinct ways. The first being the use of written language in materials such as leaflets, manuals and websites. The other is the use of foreign languages to communicate with international clients.
Translations
If you have a product/service that you feel can sell well outside your country, you need to be able to present it in foreign languages. You should not expect everyone in the world to be able to read, write and speak English.
There are certain key facets of your business and product/service that must, as a rule, be translated. These include business cards, company brochures, leaflets, emails, websites and of course information about your product such as manuals.
Let’s look at a couple of these aspects, namely the business card and websites.
Despite technological advances there exists one piece of paper that remains constant when doing business across the world – the business card. When travelling abroad for business always ensure you translate your business card into the local language. This gives you two immediate benefits. Firstly, the recipient will always be able to find you as they can understand your card. Secondly, the translated business card will always make a greater impression to the receiver as you are saying, “I respect your language and culture and have thought through how to better our relationship.”
The website has now become the most popular point of reference for people when searching for information, services or products. As internet access improves globally, the number of non-English speaking internet users increases. If a business is serious about breaking into foreign markets it is imperative that the website is translated into the languages of target areas. At present the languages of choice are French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic and Chinese. A translated website is an amazingly economical yet productive means of attracting foreign custom.
Translation is the easy part of getting your cross cultural plan moving. There are numerous translation agencies that can help with these services. However, always ensure the translation agency is an established and recognised firm.
Speaking a Foreign Language
Communication is the fundamental starting point for any business relationship or transaction. If a common language does not exist the chances of any successful business occurring is slim.
Businesses now more than ever need to invest in multilingual staff. The ideal scenario is that the main people behind a company either know or learn a language. However, this is not easy. An alternative solution is having staff who can speak to foreign clients on the phone or via email in their own language. This capability dramatically increases the revenue potential of any business.
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff an
How a Simple Packaging Product Can Greatly Enhance Your BusinessModern manufacturers are under more pressure than ever to make their operation run smoothly, efficiently and economically. An increase in the number of competitors, higher supply prices, and a growing emphasis on cost cutting have all led manufacturers to seek new, ingenious methods to increase the productivity and profitability of their business.One such method is lean manufacturing, a revolutionary business philosophy that focuses on enhancing product quality, cutting costs, executing more efficient delivery methods, and employing personnel in the most productive manner possible so as to maximize profitability and performance. Industry giants like Toyota and General Electric have instituted lean manufacturing principles and have realized incredible success as
Despite technological advances there exists one piece of paper that remains constant when doing business across the world – the business card. When travelling abroad for business always ensure you translate your business card into the local language. This gives you two immediate benefits. Firstly, the recipient will always be able to find you as they can understand your card. Secondly, the translated business card will always make a greater impression to the receiver as you are saying, “I respect your language and culture and have thought through how to better our relationship.”
The website has now become the most popular point of reference for people when searching for information, services or products. As internet access improves globally, the number of non-English speaking internet users increases. If a business is serious about breaking into foreign markets it is imperative that the website is translated into the languages of target areas. At present the languages of choice are French, Spanish, Italian, German, Arabic and Chinese. A translated website is an amazingly economical yet productive means of attracting foreign custom.
Translation is the easy part of getting your cross cultural plan moving. There are numerous translation agencies that can help with these services. However, always ensure the translation agency is an established and recognised firm.
Speaking a Foreign Language
Communication is the fundamental starting point for any business relationship or transaction. If a common language does not exist the chances of any successful business occurring is slim.
Businesses now more than ever need to invest in multilingual staff. The ideal scenario is that the main people behind a company either know or learn a language. However, this is not easy. An alternative solution is having staff who can speak to foreign clients on the phone or via email in their own language. This capability dramatically increases the revenue potential of any business.
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff an
A popular question we always get is "How can I get sponsored for the Series 7 Test?"If you are looking to break into the securities business as a broker, you will notice many firms require the Series 7 license. What is the problem for most people? They don't have the license and it cannot be taken until you are employed or affiliated with a firm who will do it for you. There is the problem.Many firms will still hire "broker trainees" that are unlicensed and will eventually sponsor their new hired for the Series 7 once an initial training period is completed. These firms are willing to go through that process for attractive candidates. Broker dealers that are in a strong hiring mode will offer training and sponsorship.Other firms are only looking for Series 7 representatives or people with other licenses. The options for peop
Translation is the easy part of getting your cross cultural plan moving. There are numerous translation agencies that can help with these services. However, always ensure the translation agency is an established and recognised firm.
Speaking a Foreign Language
Communication is the fundamental starting point for any business relationship or transaction. If a common language does not exist the chances of any successful business occurring is slim.
Businesses now more than ever need to invest in multilingual staff. The ideal scenario is that the main people behind a company either know or learn a language. However, this is not easy. An alternative solution is having staff who can speak to foreign clients on the phone or via email in their own language. This capability dramatically increases the revenue potential of any business.
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff an
Chocolate is unquestionably the number one comfort food. Worldwide, no other word excites our hearts and minds, yes, even our palates to action. It can be obtained in many forms. There is hot chocolate, cold chocolate, and spicy chocolate. If your passion is rich, dark, bittersweet, or milky sweet it can be easily satisfied. There is even white chocolate for those who fancy a light, creamy taste without the flavor that the alternatives deliver. What is it about chocolate that so permeates our subconscious until we ultimately indulge our craving?If you look at all the characteristics that this confection is noted for you will undeniably find the list lacking nothing. The very first few that come to my mind are:Sweet or bittersweet tasteRich, creamy indulgenceWarm, inviting, comfort
Cultural Awareness:
Cultural awareness or cultural intelligence is increasingly being viewed as a critical skill in securing success on the international stage. With more people from culturally diverse backgrounds meeting within the business environment, clear and effective communication is necessary between them. Although in many cases a common language may exist, usually English, culture can and does still cause problems.
The business world is littered with cultural gaffes that have had negative consequences. Take the case of the American manager who shouted at Indonesian staff and was duly chased with axes or the Australian executive who planted a kiss on his Muslim client’s wife’s cheek and lost his company millions of dollars in business. Not having an understanding of cultural differences can be a risky business.
Although there are many areas one could learn in terms of cultural awareness there are some key points the exporter or SME must get to grips with. These include areas such as how to meet and greet people, the use of names, body language, building relationships, giving presentations, negotiating and entertaining.
With a greater awareness of different cultures a person immediately becomes more effective in doing business abroad. Having an insight into how another culture thinks and behaves allows one to tailor their approach and hence maximise their potential.
Let us take a simple scenario. Two business people travel to China to start talks on a joint venture with a Chinese company. One goes with lots of preparation on their presentation offering concrete statistics, future projections and the like. They have no knowledge of how business is done in China. The other takes cultural awareness training and learns not only the protocol of meetings, gift giving and negotiating but also that business in China depends on guanxi (having good connections). As a consequence he contacted a reputable middle man to introduce him to the company.
Now who do you think would be more successful? Clearly the latter as he has learnt the rules of the game. Cultural awareness can and does give people real competitive advantage. For the exporter or SME using such cultural awareness appropriately can pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
The common phrase you hear today suggests the world is getting smaller. This implies we are all having an easier time communicating with each other. Incorrect. As the world “becomes smaller” the opportunity to communicate is greater and as a result the challenges this poses are also greater.
For businesses wishing to genuinely capitalize on internationalization a well thought out strategy that includes a cross cultural element must be drawn up and implemented. Competition is great and one of the easiest yet most effective ways of getting ahead of the rest is to use language and cultural knowledge to your advantage.
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