Why Should You Want International Clients?
Quick answers to…
Your Frequently Asked Questions
This is part of a series to answer the questions readers leave on my blog and business directory.
If you have a question you would like to have answered, related to international business development, cross-cultural marketing or international sales communication, simply leave a comment here below and I will get back to you.
Today’s question is:
Why should you want international clients?
This was an interesting question that came up several times recently.
There are those who are totally driven by the idea of creating a worldwide company. And then there are others who need reasons.
I’ll only give you one observation here.
It often appears to me that companies only really appreciate the value of international clients when the going gets very tough in their domestic markets.
This is something I have experienced first hand on several occasions, within different companies. The classic scenario I have noted is:
International sales were needed to make a product range profitable. Until then international sales were considered icing on the cake.
A product unexpectedly lost money on domestic sales and it was the international sales profits that saved the day.
This gave everyone time to respond and make better decisions.
But there is one big hitch…
- International sales can only really save you from a bad domestic economy if you have the international sales structure and international business intelligence already in place.
Most people think of the prestigious aspect to be able to identify themselves with an international company.
But the real value is in learning how your products are used and appreciated in other cultures. This knowledge and skill also helps you to get better at what you do best back home.
Different cultures will always have a different take on your products and services. If you fully understand this for all of the different countries you sell to, you can actually improve your own sales pitch, your sales processes and strategies in all of the countries you sell to.
It’s not only the extra clients and money you can get for your business. It’s also about what the extra markets out there can teach you about your business.
And yes, once you have acquired these stronger business skills, you are more capable of identifying additional international business opportunities you would not see otherwise.
International business spreads your risk out across a broader base and it helps you improve your business skills for your domestic market.
Need More Inspiration?
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Guide 1 - Discover Your International Business• Do you still have questions about what product to sell? • Do you need to review the different international marketing steps and the different steps to becoming a global business? Have another look at the brainstorming questions before continuing. |
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Guide 6 - Analyze Your International Viability• Do you want to know your chances of success?• Do you want to know how to improve your chances of international success? |
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Guide 7 - Run With Your International Sales Strategy• Do you need help setting up your international sales strategy? • Do you want to know what to say to your foreign prospects to get the sale? |
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How To Prevent Most Cross Cultural Miscommunication By Examining Your Own English Communication
April 18, 2008 by 
cindy
Miscommunication between people happens all the time, especially when one of the parties is using a second language.
We often end up hearing miscommunication stories in the form of a joke: “You wouldn’t believe what happened to me…” But we don’t always hear all of the stories. Especially if we cause the miscommunication with international clients.
Native English speakers have the so called advantage of speaking the so-called world business language. If this is your case, it is likely your clients put up with the visible problems of miscommunication.
You may not even be aware there is any miscommunication, and your business can suffer from it.
Communication Across Cultures Is Better With A Whole Brain Approach
February 5, 2008 by cindy
Cross cultural communication is not an exact science. When you begin a cross cultural business conversation for the first time, you cannot be sure where it will end. Within cultures people are different. There are different ways of saying hello within the same cultural group.
Most people do not fully understand the way how differences in cultures impact communication. Some people enter a cross cultural conversation without making any concessions. Some go as far as behaving as if everyone is from their home town.
Other people are excessively studious and read up on specific local habits. They will want standardized answers on what to bring if you are invited to dinner, how to dress, when to arrive, what to say.
How can you prepare for your first inter cultural meeting? Read more
