I am the local ambassador in Detroit for www.InterNations.org, an online community that meets regularly. The membership is comprised of expatriates living in the area as well as Americans who have lived abroad or are globally minded through travel/interest.  Our group met last night for happy hour.  It is always an interesting mix of folks from all over the world. With travel experiences that could be written about.  What is so great is we all live in Detroit now – we all share a love of travel and adventure.  And meeting other people with that same passion, help feeds our souls.

For me, these relationships are key to growing personally and professionally.  I have made friendships that have helped me get work and jobs.  Additionally, I can honestly say that if I traveled to almost anywhere in the world, I have a great place to stay with a friend and a built in tour guide.  This is a great deal of comfort because traveling alone can be daunting.

This can also be a great benefit in the global business arena…as strong relationships are a MUST.

American’s are known for their “time is money” ways and are often very superficial in their business relationships; compartmentalizing their personal and professional lives.  In most of the rest of the world – people’s personal relationships are what drive their professional dealings.  Understanding this important cultural nuance will not only help you professionally but enrich you personally. 

Taking the time and really getting to know your customer, distributor and vendor in other parts of the world will help you build trust, credibility and friendships.  The stronger relationship may help you get what you want faster, easier or even cheaper.  Think about it – you are more apt to do favors for your friends as opposed to strangers. 

6 tips to building multicultural relationships:

1.  be open: willing to ask questions and share information

2.  be tolerant of differences: just because it is not what you do – don’t assume it is wrong

3.  do what you say you will do:  if you suggest doing coffee – make a date

4.  leave business for last: let them guide the conversation that direction

5.  reach out: ask them to do something like dinner, a bike ride or a visit to a place of interest

6.  learn: inquire about their language, culture, traditions etc

Everyone loves to talk about themselves, knowing how to ask good questions and taking the time to listen to their answers is as good as gold.

I love the global model of relationships, I like learning about their families, holidays and their work. I believe I have learned more about myself and what it means to be an American by having wonderful relationships with friends around the world.  I know that I am richer in my soul and pocketbook for knowing my international friends. 

What are some ways you take time to get to know the people you work with around the world?

Gary shares current supply chain trends and how they are impacted by globalization.  Trade finance has become a increasingly important item to consider in global business to ensure an efficient supply chain.

The international marketplace is very dynamic and the current economy is making small to mid size businesses look at all their choices to ensure their imported and exported goods get t where they need to go without stopping cash flow for their businesses.

Gary does highlight the services UPS offers in this area which can be very helpful to integrate the three flows of global commerce

1.  Goods

2.  Information

3.  Funds

How are you financing your Global Supply Chain now?  What have you found to be the  most helpful?

1. U.S. Image

2.  World Economy & Globalization

3.  Quality of Life

4.  Islamic Extremism

5.  As well as ratings for China, Iran, U.N., Russia and the EU

25 countries from all around the world participated in the study including Kenya, India, France, Israel, Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, China and many more.

Each of the areas above are broken down into 5  or so questions pertaining to the topic.  Pew provides the full question wording as well as notes to consider regarding the question.

It looks the U .S. is doing better in some areas but thoughts of the wars are still negative.  (no surprise here)  There are reports on Obama and the global economic crisis as well.  All really good stuff for the information junkie and those exploring their global business options – to see local sentiment of the U.S.

The Pew report also provides a historic look at previous opinions dating back to 2002.  It is enlightening to see how opinion have shifted both favorably and unfavorably in the different areas over the years. 

So , why should we care?  Inherently as human beings we care what others think of us, we want to be accepted and respected.  It is the same in global politics.

The challenge is how to get acceptance, respect and what so many countries seek…power, all at the same time?

Do you think that is even possible?

Denise discusses the following global business issues:

1.  History of the Asian Pacific Region

2.  Why Immigrants are here in the U.S. doing business

3.  Cultural Differences/Sensitivity – great tips!

4. How the Asian Pacific population in the U.S. is growing and their incredible buying power

5.  Why a cultural specific chamber can help ease the international process

Take a listen to the interview for more great information!

Have you done business in Asia?  Any tips for success you can share?

Globalization is real, new technologies, advanced communications and improved delivery options are making the world smaller every day.  We now have access to information and markets around the world with just the press of a few key strokes on your computer.  Know that foreign companies are competing here domestically – which makes you a global competitor right in your own back yard.

Why limit your company’s sales to local or national markets?  There are 6 billion people outside of the U.S.

Globalization is not the enemy.  Increased exports for local businesses means more profits, more profits means more growth domestically which intern means more jobs locally.  Often times globalization is made out to be the bad guy when we lose jobs here in the U.S. – when really advancing technology causes about 70% of job loss.

Within 10 years the Institute of the future predicts that 1/2 of all U.S. small businesses will be global by 2018

The global business train is leaving the station – are you going to be on it or left behind holding your hat and saying I wish I had gone on that ride?

John’s personal experience growing up in the People’s Republic of China and now living as an American for two decades provides insight into the similarities and the differences in business and culture between the People’s Republic of China and the United States.

Specifically we talk about:

1. Shanghai Growth

2.  Education in China and the U.S.

3.  Tips for doing business

If you want to contact John you can at jogu@comcast.net.

Now don’t get me wrong, I am not naive enough to think that many countries around the world make bribery and power a part of business, it can even be a part of their culture.  Heck, I am sure it happens here in the U.S. too.  I know that backroom deals and slipping people money can be common practice is certain parts of the world.  I know that these situations are often common place in third world countries where governments don’t regulate business – well maybe they do but they can be paid off to look the other way. 

Some things to consider when taking your business global, think about these things:

When dealing in business with people of other cultures, it is important to keep differences, at top of mind. Diversity is key to understanding the global marketplace  your potential customers, business partners and vendors may have different perspectives on ethics and proper behavior than those you hold.

Understand where you are doing business

Entering global marketplace requires a global state of mind. Leave behind traditional American jargon and opt for international English including general, direct and courteous ways of communicating thoughts, feelings and ideas.

Don’t speak the language? Find someone who does. When it comes to verbal interpretations and written translations, take no short cuts. It is important that you and your global counterparts have a clear understanding your business dealings. 

Know and understand the country and the culture of those with whom you will be working. Do your research.  It is important that you know the boundaries when it comes to asking personal questions. What you think is polite conversation could actually be an offensive question or comment to someone else.

Be available and understand your global market

Broadening your marketplace broadens your workday. If you’re working with someone who is halfway around the globe, “nine to five” won’t always cut it. Be prepared to put in the occasional early/late and odd hours to make sure that everything is running smoothly.  Time zone issues can cause a lot of frustration if you can’t communicate in real time.

Company information and your staff (including you) should be available when someone needs you. Be sure that your employees and partners around the world have access to the information they need in the language they need. Also, make sure there is a point of contact, should they need additional support. Remember, toll-free numbers don’t work outside of North America, so your global counterparts will need a direct-dial number.

Do what your mother taught you
When dealing in business on a global level, some of the basic rules still apply: play by the rules. Under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), it is illegal for any individual, firm or anyone in connection with the firm to pay, offer to pay or bribe in any fashion foreign government officials to obtain or retain business. One exception to this act is “grease payments,” where firms will pay lower level government officials to secure routine government actions.

Getting into the global marketplace can be both challenging and extremely rewarding. Just be sure that you’re informed and ready to handle the additional responsibilities this work provides and you will have much success. 

In this Economist Article they talk about how global growth has slowed and will decline in 2009.  It all seems a little scary.  Why should you NOT be scared?  I have a few reasons:

1.  There ARE people making millions in this economy – why can’t it be you?

2.  Fear breeds fear – if you have a solid business model and have done your homework about the market you want to reach than don’t let the fear hold you back. 

3.  If you were on the fence before the big Economic disruption than I am sure these headlines haven’t given you much confidence.  If waiting and continuing to do your homework is what makes you comfortable than I say – wait.  Lay all your groundwork, do all your research, make all those connections and when things turn around – which they will (the Economist article suggests small growth in 2010)…they always do – you can take the global business leap…when YOU are ready. 

Global business is a lot of work, it is exciting and it does have risks.  I don’t want to convince you otherwise.  However, I don’t want you to turn away from something that may just save your business or create unbelievable opportunities either.  Keep the news in perspective, don’t let fear make your decisions and trust your business sense to help you make the global business decisions that are right for you! 

• By trading internationally and introducing an effective globalization strategy, companies large and small can stave off the effects of local economic slow-down.  This has helped  companies like IBM, Ford, GM, HP and other global players since the beginning of the credit crunch.  An effective method of avoiding the worst effects of national economic slowdown or recession is obviously to trade globally.
• Trading globally means more than selling products to other markets and shipping them there. From localization of the products, manuals and marketing collateral, to communication with the new customers in their language, there are many things to be considered at a linguistic and cultural level. There are many small and medium sized businesses in certain sectors who – using the Internet and support from some partners – can act globally at relatively little expense, and so soften the blow.
• The web seems the perfect and easiest place for any organization to sell its products and services to a global audience. This was certainly true while ‘global’ coverage and the reach of the Internet concerned a largely English speaking user base. Research does show that this is changing and that the English users are shrinking due to access to multilingual sites. 
• Build a sturdy multilingual foundation. Consider who in your organization needs translation and localization and how they get it now. There are obvious departments such as technical authoring, or software or product development and production,etc. that buy translation on a large scale. The chances are, however, that if you trade internationally every department will encounter some need for language services at some point. The second question then is how you manage these translation and localization needs effectively.  You can check out one of our sponsors at www.iterotext.com.  They specialize in technical documentation translation.
• Creating a website in as many languages as you can afford and hoping for the best is not enough. It is like starting on the housing ladder. Think first of all which are your most desirable target markets and in which countries —and thus which languages you must cover. It might make sense, for example, to begin with countries that are culturally similar to yours so product localization is easier to get right. Depending on what you are selling you might also have to localize your marketing collateral and legal documents. Start with one or two new languages and spend the extra money on marketing campaigns. It makes a lot more sense to enter markets properly one at a time than to ‘theoretically’ address many and hope your new target market will find you.
• Depending on the size of your organization you may have some sort of terminology management and translation memory (TM) tool(s) in place already. However, these are probably only accessible to certain people in certain departments, right? Have you ever considered creating and maintaining a centralized, multilingual terminology database, which you make available to your entire staff?  This will ensure consistency in your international communication.

Tapping into international markets means that you are spreading your risk and creating potential. It does not have to be as difficult and as expensive as it may seem at first. On the other hand it is not as simple as putting your products and services on the web.  Global business and multilingual communication may have nothing to do with house prices, but it can certainly help you create a customer base which is not wholly affected by the next credit crunch, bursting bubble or wave of foreclosures. Even though a lot of people are struggling right now, there are those who are doing well thanks to smart planning. With the right global strategy you and your business can do well to.

You follow people you find interesting and other people follow you – probably hoping you will be interesting.  They do not want to follow spammers though.  Be thoughtful and build relationships and this tool will work fantastically for you.

Currently, I have followers in over 20 countries and I follow folks all over the world.  I am able to build relationships, learn new information, and hear what is happening around the world in real time.  In the article “Twitter Influence Spreads Around the Globe” They say “Make no mistake about it — Twitter is a global phenomenon and it’s spreading fast.”

I have included the International Web Traffic chart from the article to show how twitter has spread around the world.  The U.S. is the leader in tweets but is closely followed by Japan, Spain and the U.K. If you are looking to enter new markets than this may be a way to find a network of people to help  you be successful. 

If you know what LinkedIn and Facebook are than the transition to twitter will be easy for you.  If not, there is very little ramp up time and it is totally free.  When I first signed up, I felt a bit overwhelmed at all the information being transmitted. However, after some time…I was able to process the tweets and started enjoying hearing more from those I followed.  I have met people on this medium and have since met them in person and have built a true working relationship with them.  There are some great people on twitter that so easily share their expertise, their opinions and their lives with a community of followers.  I have found twitter a great tool in my social media strategy, twitter may work for you too!

Let’s connect on twitter!  www.twitter.com/beverlycornell