Protected: Mind Map - How To Build Your Cross-Cultural Communication
November 14, 2008 by 
cindy
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Avoid Cultural Assumptions
November 13, 2008 by cindy
Assumptions are the source of many cultural blunders.
If you enter international business with wrong assumptions, and you do not correct them, then you have little chance of success.
If you make a wrong assumption during an international sales call, you can lose the sale.
Wrong assumptions lead to poor cross-cultural communication. They slow down your international sales process, and can even jeopardize your success.
The problem is that it is easy, almost natural, to make assumptions when you first begin international sales. It takes time get to know different cultures and to adapt your sales process. And before you learn to adapt your sales process, it is easy to make assumptions.
There are a few ways where assumptions seem to pop up more than others.
Lack Of Effort
If this is your first experience of international sales, you may not realize how important it is to get to know your new foreign markets. You need to adapt your business tactics to different cultures.
A lack of effort in getting to know who your international clients are leads you into all sorts of wrong assumptions. And your chances of making many international sales go slowly down the drain.
The difficulty is that we may not even know that our assumptions are misleading us.
False Perceptions
A more covert form of miscommunication pops up when we allow our own cultural perceptions to give reason to our assumptions.
When we base assumptions on our own perceptions meaningful communication is impossible.
The trouble starts here starts within ourselves. We perceive things, but interpret them wrongly.
Cultural Generalizations
Assumptions can also pop up due to accepted cultural generalizations.
We usually acquire these generalizations from our environment.
Avoid Cultural Assumptions
So, how can you avoid falling into the trap?
The easiest way to:
- First, refrain from reacting emotionally
- Then, get curious
- Turn to your international prospect, client or market
- Ask questions
More From Cindy
Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences with cultural communication and international sales?
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 Connect With Your International Markets Be sure to check out the other useful tips to connect with your international markets. |
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Easy Steps Towards Cross-Cultural Empathy
November 7, 2008 by cindy
Empathy with foreign clients can improve your cross-cultural communication and increase your chances of more international sales. So, let’s have a closer look at empathy.
What is empathy?
Empathy is the capacity of putting yourself in another person’s position and understanding his point of view.
Empathy is a key element of good cross-cultural communication.
First, let’s look at what empathy is not…
Empathy Versus Sympathy
Empathy is sometimes compared to sympathy.
But, there is a difference between the two. And from an international business perspective, in my opinion empathy does not have many similarities sympathy.
Empathy is about seeing the differences and understanding the other person, his situation, how he thinks, and how he reacts.
In business situations you usually empathize with someone without sympathy.
And this helps you to create stronger business relationships with international clients.
Objectivity In Cross Cultural Empathy
What happens when you have trouble finding empathy for your international clients?
Well, the reason why people encounter difficulties in understanding foreign markets is often linked to cross-cultural barriers.
In international sales, cross-cultural communication can bring in instant barriers making it difficult to empathize.
The problem occurs when your own cultural responses rush to the front. This is when you lose your objectivity.
To empathize with different cultures you need to make sure you do not have any of your own cultural filters blocking your cross-cultural connection. And if you are still having trouble working towards empathy, simply:
- Shift your mindset towards more objectivity - this is usually all you need.
Curiosity Leads To Understanding
Once you mind is open to understanding different cultures, it is easy to move along the path towards finding empathy with your international clients.
And what do you need to do to find empathy?
- Simply be curious
- Ask questions, lots of questions
- Keep your objectivity, so you can dig deeper until you truly understand what makes your international client tick.
More From Cindy
Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences with cultural communication and international sales?
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 Connect With Your International Markets Be sure to check out the other useful tips to connect with your international markets. |
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Empathy Connects And Crosses Cultural Barriers
November 6, 2008 by cindy
Empathy is the ability to understand other people.
Empathy Connects
The power of empathizing with your clients has a direct link to your business success. When you understand your clients you are able to sell your products directly to their needs.
How can empathy improve your sales?
Let’s look at this example:
A simple thing as adapting the vocabulary in your email subject line has a direct impact on whether your email campaign is successful.
When you have a deep understanding of your audience, you know what to write. You are able to find the words to get your reader to open his email. You write for your audience.
Your readers perceive empathy. And they can also easily pick up any lack of empathy.
Empathy creates a connection. A connection that is vital for sales.
Empathy Crosses Barriers
In international business, it is usually harder to empathize with your clients. Cross-cultural barriers can make it difficult to understand your international clients.
When you strive to empathize with your foreign clients you end up perceiving different cultural points of view. And the more you try to understand your foreign clients, the better you know how to sell to your international markets.
Sales and marketing professionals in first time international business development need to make a consistent conscious effort to empathize with their new clients.
Because…
- if you do not learn to understand your new international clients well,
- if you do not connect with your international clients, and
- if your communication does not cross any cultural barriers,
…you could make a fundamental error of building an international business strategy on the wrong foundation.
More From Cindy
Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences with cultural communication and international sales?
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Read the whole story
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 Connect With Your International Markets Be sure to check out the other useful tips to connect with your international markets. |
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Still confused? Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide
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Prequel To Empathy
November 5, 2008 by cindy
Good cross-cultural communicators usually have a good store of empathy up their sleeves.
What is empathy?
Empathy is the capacity of putting yourself in the other person’s shoes and understanding his point of view.
This is why empathy is often an element of good cross-cultural communication.
Now some people appear to be more capable of empathy than others, especially when it is empathy for people from different cultures.
Curiosity Opens Understanding
This leads to the question:
- How can you improve your capacity of understanding different cultures?
Well, obviously curiosity plays a role. Empathy is understanding other people. In order to understand different people you need curiosity.
- Curious about what they think differently. How they think. Why they think differently.
- Curious about why they do things differently. How they do things. Why they do things differently.
Questions Lead To Understanding
Let’s take this one step further.
Curiosity means asking questions:
- Asking questions directly to the person concerned.
- Questions to other people around you.
- And many more questions to yourself.
When you ask questions, you look for answers.
When you ask a series of questions you are looking for answers to tell a story.
With a series of questions you can find the answers that will help you to understand.
And if you continually ask questions this will even help you understand a different culture.
Questions, Curiosity And Empathy
Your international success can start simply with questions. Questions and curiosity in cross-cultural communication develops empathy with your international markets.
More From Cindy
Interested in reading more on my personal opinions and experiences with cultural communication and international sales?
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Read the whole story
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 Connect With Your International Markets Be sure to check out the other useful tips to connect with your international markets. |
Need Help?
Need instructions?
Need to see where this fits in?
Still confused? Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide
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International English
October 15, 2008 by cindy
Last updated 17 October 2008
In This Business Guide:
- What Is International English Or Global English?
- How Is International English Different?
- Why Use International English?
- Are There Varying Degrees Of International English?
- How To Choose Your Website Communication?
- American Or British English?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is International English Or Global English?
International English, also referred to as Global English, is simply English communication that is easier for non-native English speakers and a global audience.Imagine meeting a non-native English speaking person in person. Now imagine you have something you want to tell him or explain to him. You would not speak to him as you would your colleague at work. You would naturally adjust your communication so that he could follow your conversation easily.
How Is International English Different?
International English makes it easy for non-native English speakers to understand you.
To communicate well with a broad international audience, you need to eliminate:
- Culturally specific language and terminology
- Uncommon language and terminology
- Unusual grammar structures
- Long sentences
- Any inconsistencies
- All ambiguity
Why Use International English?
There are two reasons why you should consider writing content in international English.
- To appeal to one broad international audience including both native English and non-native English speakers.
- To facilitate translations in global expansion.
A Broad International Audience
Companies choose international English as a stepping stone towards further country specific target marketing. This gives them the time to:
- Gain international market intelligence
- Evaluate foreign expansion opportunities
- Create a plan for website localization adapted to their needs
- Establish viability for the investment in website localization
Base For Translations
When your content has been written in an international English, it is easier and faster to translate. There are two distinct advantages:
- Reduces the risk of cultural translation errors
- Can save you a substantial amount of money on translations
Remember: if you are committed to international business development, the trend is towards an increased number of languages.
- 5 languages used to be acceptable prior to the web.
- 10 languages was considered a good offering a short while ago.
- Today, it is common to find companies offering content in more than 20 languages.
Are There Varying Degrees Of International English?
Yes. And the degree in which you use International English can be a strategic international marketing decision.
Generally, the better your English communication, the more your international audience will understand you.
There are two points you should also take into account:
- A very well written text in English will usually be fairly easy for an international audience to read. But there may still be culturally specific language that may not be easy to understand for a broad international audience.
- Generally a text in International English that is optimized for easy translation, will follow similar guidelines. There are a few other elements that are important for easy translation, for example, punctuation.
How To Choose Your Website Communication?
If you are writing for an international website, the choice is obvious. You should write for a broad international audience and favor International English.
If you are writing for both your domestic audience and an international audience, you can:
- Improve your English for optimum understanding in both audiences.
- Implement online web strategies to stop pushing your international visitors away.
- Research your international market potential to evaluate the feasibility of creating an international website and possible specific country targeted websites.
American Or British English?
Spelling is a fairly easy decision. It does not really matter whether you choose American English or British English to use as your base for your International English.
First think about your international audience.
If you are not an American company and have a large European audience, or a large audience from former British colonies, British spelling is a logical choice.
Then, choose either American spelling or British spelling and stick with it.
But, remember, British and American grammar differ too.
And this is where you need to think a little bit more strategically.
If you are going to use your International English as a base for translation, you should incorporate easy practices for translation into different languages.
These different languages also have different grammar rules and a simplified use of grammar will help both translation and general understanding.
We will be covering some guidelines for grammar soon. For now, have a look at the Easy Guidelines For Writing International English below.
More On How To Use International English
3 Types Of International Communication
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The 3 Types Of International Communication
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Why You Need To Internationalize Your Own Communication First To Avoid Cultural Blunders
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Why You Need To
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Adapt Your Own Communication For International Business Success Like The Professionals
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Adapt Your Own Communication For
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Easy Guidelines For Writing International English
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Easy Guidelines For
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More From Cindy
Do not miss these articles on International English and culture customized content.
My Blog On Copywriting For International Markets - CindyKing.biz
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Read The Whole Story
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 - Connect With Your International Markets This is where you can read more on how to connect with your international markets. |
Need Help?
Need instructions?
Need to see where this fits in?
Still confused? Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide
Simply click on one of the 8 different color coded boxes immediately below to access other core business guides.
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Build Trust With International Clients
October 14, 2008 by cindy
Last updated 27 October 2008
Trust is vital in all business relationships. In international business you can lose trust without even knowing why.
Fortunately, there are two very simple tactics to creating trust in cross-cultural communication. And you also have a variety of communication tools you can use to build trust.
Consistency And Clarity
Consistency and clarity are the two main factors in building trust in international communication.
The Good
The good part is that consistency and clarity will also benefit all of your communication. For both domestic and foreign clients alike.
The Bad
The bad part is that this takes work. Even when you think your communication is clear and consistent in all aspects, your international audience may find small flaws.
The Ugly
The ugly part is when you do not make the effort to apply clarity and consistency throughout all of your communication. The cultural blunders caused by neglecting to build trust can be ugly. And of course, this can lead to a loss of international sales.
Building Trust Through Consistency
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Building Trust -
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Consistency For International Business Success
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Consistency For International Business Success• What is the best way to create your international websites? • How do you prepare for a global presence online? |
Where Clarity Strengthens Your International Sales
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Where Clarity Strengthens Your International Sales• How can you add more clarity to your international sales strategy? |
Create Clarity With A Consistent Vocabulary
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Create Clarity -
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Communication Tools To Build Trust
When you plan your international communication strategy be sure to choose the communication tools and platforms that build trust.
Tools For Clarity
Publish A Glossary For Clarity And Consistency
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Create Clarity And Consistency -
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Tools For Consistency
Case Studies can be used for marketing to both your domestic markets and your international markets. If you already have some case studies with your domestic clients remember to make these visible to your international readers. Of course you should aim at getting a variety of case studies with international clients. But their main value in an initial international business plan lies in their trust building capacity.
Best Small Business Tool For Building Trust In International Clients
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Case Studies -
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Easy Small Business Strategy Strengthens International Client Relationships
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Case Studies -
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Cultural Web Tools For Trust
Another way to tweak the trust response you get from your international audience is to adjust how you use web communication tools.
Try to adapt your trust-building communication tools to meet specific cultural needs.
Cultural Web Tools
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Guide To Cultural Web Tools• How can you tweak your web site to improve your cross-cultural communication? • How can you create trust more easily in your different foreign markets? • How can you connect faster with your international clients? |
More From Cindy On Building Trust
Interested in reading more on Cindy’s personal opinions and experiences with culture customized content?
Here are some articles from her blog:
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Read The Whole Story
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This is part of the Get International Clients Business Guide 5 - Connect With Your International Markets This is where you can read more on how to connect with your international markets. |
Need Help?
Need instructions?
Need to see where this fits in?
Still confused? Review your answers in the first Core Business Guide
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What Is The Biggest Barrier In Cross-Cultural Negotiations
October 1, 2008 by cindy
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:
What is the biggest barrier in cross-cultural negotiations?
Without a doubt the biggest barrier in cross-cultural negotiations is:
- our own mindset
We all tend to think any barriers in cross-cultural communication and negotiation is due to something beyond ourselves.
But we all forget that we all come to the cross-cultural negotiation table with our own cultural prejudices.
To put it in other words…
We automatically assume our way of thinking, our way of doing things, is the only way or the “right” way.
So, when you first start in cross-cultural negotiations, your own mindset will be your biggest risk in cultural blunders.
You need to put aside your own ideas, thoughts and opinions in your cross-cultural communication.
This takes a little practice…
Simply because these little ideas, thoughts and opinions have a habit of wanting to find their own way back.
You need to make a conscious effort to communicate with people from other cultures on a “prejudice-free” environment.
I have a little technique I use that has always worked well for me.
When I am communicating with someone from a different culture than mine, I imagine myself turning 90 degrees from my waist up to meet them.
It is as if I keep my full cultural profile out of their view and that is where my own cultural prejudices stay.
And that 90 degree turn is the one where I greet people politely.
I imagine myself in this position until the encounter is over. Some people say “put your best face first”. I guess I took that literally.
With practice this becomes easy and natural to do.
- If you can adapt your own mindset to receive cross-cultural communication without any of your own filters,
- If you are interested in understanding the other person,
- If you interact appropriately with the other person,
Then your communication will be successful 95% of the time.
Read More On Cross-Cultural Negotiation
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Cross-Cultural Negotiation Guide• Would you like an easy guide to keep you away from the big first time blunders? |
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Guide 7 - Run With Your International Sales Strategy• Do you need help setting up your international sales strategy? |
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Week 39 In Review
September 27, 2008 by cindy