Ways to achieve global success

This time last week, we were just coming to the end of Export Week which is a national campaign to encourage more companies to trade overseas by selling their goods and services around the world.

The message from the Chamber is clear: this is not something that businesses should think about for a week and then discard, it should be on the radar 365 days a year.

Exporting is crucial to individual businesses, to the region and to the UK as a whole.

The facts show that those companies that tap into overseas markets are more likely to grow, more likely to take on new staff and more likely to survive in the medium and long term.

During Export Week, the Chamber launched its new Coventry and Warwickshire International Trade Hub which will see the Chamber continue to successfully deliver the UKTI service to more than 1,000 businesses each year as well as engaging with 5,000 firms on either exporting for the first time or increasing their export potential.

The new hub will also see the Chamber broker other Government support such as export finance and Export Vouchers.

It means the Chamber will be the first port of call when it comes to export documentation, letters of credit, online tools for exporters, brokerage to language support, cultural awareness and training.

Also, during Export Week, I was delighted to be asked to speak at two events, one of which focused on the language and culture of overseas trade.

I decided to share just a few hints and tips with the delegates and thought I would also mention them here because I believe they are very important for businesses who want to be a success on the global stage.

They are:

* Even if your customer speaks your language fluently – learn some words of their language, and a greeting

* A little knowledge of their language will help you understand better

* Web users are four times more likely to purchase from a site that communicates in their own language, so consider translating your website

* Use professional translators

* It’s not just words; in some countries colours, numbers and symbols have significance that could impact on your communication or sales

* Learn the basic protocol for greeting people, talking and building relationships

* Written materials must be professional.