What is the most important facet of a business trying to adapt to a global market? Is it finding and optimizing the perfect delivery strategy? Is it finding the best firms to work with abroad? Is it expanding outwards and placing offices in neighboring countries, in an expansionist effort to become better and more worthwhile as a firm? Or, could it be simpler than all of that?
The following tips will help you in the art of complete communication, no matter how ambitious your global goals:
Translation
You simply cannot work well with other businesses if you are not available to communicate with them effectively. A global interpreter platform is simply the best and most important thing to set up on day one of your global implementation strategy. Here you will have the very best in reactive communication, developing a solid, substantial and professional reputation with everyone you come into contact with. Defining the smaller points of a business deal will only work if you are able to communicate those points effectively.
While many firms abroad will have English capabilities, it is never worthwhile to outright assume that you are being fully understood, and neglecting to bridge the gap yourself can come across as arrogant. Sometimes, a sensitive yet lucrative business deal could be secured by showing yourself as the firm willing to engage with your partner on their level. This will prove your business insight and capability, and hopefully begin the start of a strong bond and dialogue for the future.
Cultural & Societal Norms
While many businesses abroad are trying to adapt to a world of free market capitalism, you cannot assume that all cultural norms will try and become similar to the Western way of doing things. For example, while India is the largest growing economy in the world, you would be mistaken to treat them like an American nation. They have their own pride, respectful way of conducting business, and expectations of bonding between firms.
Instead of expecting them to adapt to you, adapt to them. Make sure you have a solid understanding of the nuances of the legal world there, to the point where you hire in house local lawyers or outsource a local firm to advise you. No matter who has the stronger hand in defining the terms of the business deal, coming into the firm with the willingness to learn about them not only helps your mutual financial friendship, but it allows for a more effective communication platform, which can translate to heightened business efficiency and worth.
Mutual Growth
A business dealing abroad should never be in the interest of taking value out of a country, but imbuing your firm with the benefits of the country, while also investing in that location. If you can, hire locally abroad, and make sure that your offices have their own flair in the countries they are set up in. A spirit of mutual growth should always be considered when it comes to developing your business interests effectively. This not only makes you a fond force for good in the locales you are interested in, but it can actually help you compound results when you are lifting yourself and your partners up, rather than trying to squeeze from them the most amount of resource or capital.
With these tips, you can be sure that your global reach is an outstretched palm, rather than a balled fist.
