The Ins and Outs of Doing Business with International Clients

The businesses that thrive in today’s economy are the ones that think globally from day one. Even if your company is just getting off the ground, it’s important to consider potential international clients early on in the process. After all, the world is becoming a smaller place every day, and businesses that aren’t prepared for this new reality will struggle to keep pace. If you already operate a business with domestic clients or intend to begin your business journey by focusing primarily on local consumers, now is the time to begin strategizing about how and when you might expand your reach internationally.

The world is full of opportunities for ambitious businesses willing to take risks, and operating as an export-driven company can help you grow exponentially faster than staying put. Doing business with international clients may initially seem challenging, but it can also be a rewarding experience if approached strategically. Keep reading to understand the ins and outs of doing business with international clients.

Conduct Market Research

Before diving headfirst into international business development, it’s a smart move to conduct some market research. Specifically, you’ll want to take a close look at the countries your company is likely to target and the strengths and weaknesses of your brand in those regions. It’s also a good idea to take a look at your competitors in the international market to see who stands out. By understanding the climate of the industry and the unique characteristics of customers in the areas you plan to target, you can more effectively create marketing strategies tailored to their needs.

Explore Your Existing Network

You may be able to find international clients through your existing network of contacts and connections. This can be a very cost-effective way to conduct business internationally, but you may need to partner with a third-party logistics company to handle the shipping and logistics side of things. That said, don’t overlook the value of forming partnerships with other businesses in your industry. This can give you an opportunity to expand your reach by collaborating with another company and exchanging goods or services with them. You can also consider forming partnerships with businesses in other countries that are conducting business in your industry. This can open up a lot of new opportunities, and you may even discover partners that can help you expand your business in the long term.

Adjusting The Way You Communicate

Communicating with your international clients is an important part of doing business with them, but it’s important to adjust the way you communicate. Keep in mind that different regions have different customs. The best way to handle this is to start out by asking your clients how they prefer to be communicated with. Once you’ve found the right approach for international clients, stick to it. It’s important to be consistent in the way you communicate. This way, your international customers won’t feel like they’re getting a different message each time they receive correspondence from you.

Invest In A Certified Translator

Even if you only plan to do business with one country, it’s a good idea to invest in a certified translator. This person will be able to accurately and appropriately communicate with your clients in their native language. Depending on the language, you may have to hire someone who is both a translator and a linguist. While it’s possible to use Google Translate or another free translation app, relying on these tools can often lead to inaccuracies and misunderstandings due to mistranslations, which may lead to unsatisfied customers and lost revenue. Having a certified translator can save you a lot of time and trouble.

Make Your Website Friendly For A Global Audience

Another important step in preparing to do business with international clients is making your website friendly for a global audience. One of the best ways to do this is to use clear, concise language that avoids jargon and contains no grammatical errors. In some cases, you may even want to avoid using acronyms or words that may have different meanings in other countries. For the best results, hire a professional copywriter and certified translator to help create your website content.

Find Common Ground

Understanding your international clients is critical to success, but it’s also important to find common ground with them in order to build strong relationships. To do this, you may want to focus on your client’s interests and passions. Doing so can help you find ways to connect with your clients on a personal level and create long-lasting business relationships.

Pay Attention To Cultural Details

Once you’ve begun communicating with your clients and are getting to know them better, it’s important to pay attention to cultural details. For example, some cultures are more direct than others, so it’s important to work within the parameters of your client’s preferences. Doing so can help you avoid overwhelming your clients and help them feel comfortable doing business with you.

Be Mindful Of Potential Misunderstandings

Misunderstandings are common when doing business with international clients, especially for businesses that are just starting to export. If there is something you don’t understand about your customers or their needs, it’s important that you ask questions so you can better understand them. You should also be sure to communicate as clearly as possible so that you don’t accidentally offend your customers.

Accommodate Time Differences

Finally, you should be aware of time differences when conducting business with international clients. This can help you avoid scheduling meetings at inopportune times. You may also want to consider hiring a virtual assistant who can help you stay on top of your scheduling and who can help you stay organized. This can make it easier to manage time zone differences and can also help you reduce the amount of time you spend on scheduling and administrative tasks.

Final Thoughts

The world is growing increasingly interconnected every day. It’s important to prepare your small business for this new reality by considering potential international clients early on in the process. While doing business internationally may seem challenging, it can also be a rewarding experience if you approach it strategically. Keep the tips outlined above in mind to help make the transition smoother for your business.