Growing to Fit the Global Market

This post brought to you by our Guest Blogger - Dana Petersen

As international commerce continues to grow, our global workforce becomes more integrated and some employees are getting an edge by learning a second (or third) language or seeking job assignments abroad. Likewise, your regular business contacts may include non-native English speakers or business partners overseas. Even if you have no time to learn another language, you can still do your part to be a good communicator.


Whether your medium is written or verbal, messages must be clearly stated. When communicating with a non-native English speaker, avoid idiomatic expressions such as, "it's like pulling teeth" or "getting my ducks in a row". Phrases like these may be unfamiliar even to fluent English speakers and they do not translate easily. Instead, say what you really mean: "it's extremely difficult" or "I need to organize things".


In addition to language barriers, be aware of conflicting time zones. When scheduling web meetings or phone calls, you may need to consider both international and U.S. time zones. Some countries observe daylight savings time, but others do not. When possible, confirm appointments by stating both times - your local time and their local time.


As instantaneous communication grows to reach new markets, transacting business is paradoxically more simple and more complex. Technology can overcome logistical issues and create opportunities for new partnerships but it does not guarantee our success. Like it or not, as the business world continues to grow smaller, our professional responsibilities grow ever larger. ¿Estamos preparados?

*Dana Petersen is a graduate of Iowa State University with degrees in Marketing and Ag Business. Her versatile writing background includes news articles, technical writing, and observational humor. She currently works with agricultural exchange students at the Foundation for Worldwide International Student Exchange in west Tennessee. Contact her here if you'd like to learn more.