Is Business abroad about language or communication?

We very often hear that we need to learn a new language to take the step to a new market in a new country. To be fluent in several languages is of course a great advantage in making business with other countries. The more secure you feel in both understanding and make your self understood - the better situation do you have in a meeting or a negotiation situation. 

You will also feel more comfortable in other situations like when you travel, book a room, orders at a restaurant etc... 

Our recommendation is that you consider a new language for your business relations as a tool to use to achieve the goals you have set up for the New Market. To be able to communicate, to listen and to deliver a message that is correctly understood is the Key. 

If you talk to a professional Language Teacher spelling and grammar and using the correct forms of verbs and nouns are what you should struggle with. To be able to read, write and fluently speak a new language takes time and the older we get the more difficult it is for us. 

We can always use an interpreter but that is very often recognized as loosing a bit of the tempo and feeling in the dialogue. If you need to use an interpreter - try to build a relation with someone or even hire one to build a "team" that is focusing on the business and not on the language it self.

We often find our selves in situations there both parties are using a second language and not mother tongue in a business situation. That is actually a very positive and equal situation. No one is taking advantage of being superior in speaking and playing around with words and expressions that confuses.

Focus on communication as a business tool

Create your own dictionary with the key vocabulary, words and abbreviations that is important in your sector and for your specific goods and services. Practice to do your presentation and describe the offer before you are in the real situation and stick to your "manuscript". 

Don´t be afraid to ask for clarification and explanation if you don´t get what your partner, customer or supplier tells you. It is good for both parties to sort things out during the meeting instead of breaking up deals afterwards.

With all the automatic tools for translation of text and voice today you might also be able to find a tool or two that fits your purpose and type of dialogue. Keep your eyes open and ask colleagues, friends and even strangers travelling what they use and what they can recommend.

Key point in our message - don´t let the language stop you from doing business - find a way to communicate, build a relation, create trust and mutual understanding - and just close the deal!