Improve Your International Sales Skills
There are numerous articles published today with advice on how to survive tough economies. And most of them give sound advice.
Comparison With International Sales Old Timers
As an international sales and marketing executive that has worked in Europe for over 25 years, I notice similarities between my personal experience and going back to the basics of business to survive the tough times today.
Years ago, the international sales offices here in Europe were often the neglected orphans for many large American companies.
I say international sales offices because the European headquarters usually ended up handling all international requests. This was before companies routinely opened up Asian offices.
The marketing and sales budgets were often so small it was ridiculous. For many companies, these budgets often barely covered printing costs for the basic sales and marketing collateral.
But as soon as the mother company experienced slow sales, the expectations for international sales grew beyond measure. Surviving with two conflicting guidelines meant the international field sales teams had to:
- Stick to solid business basics
- Become creative in finding solutions
Of course, after going through the previous North American recessions, companies realized the benefit of international sales. And many Fortune 500 companies expanded their investment in international sales offices.
Back To Basics Skills
Although my US colleagues seemed to have it easier at the time, this is how I learned:
- Cross-cultural marketing – with international field sales
- Specialized skills in positioning products to sell to new foreign cultures - direct field experience
- International marketing – on limited budgets
- Flexibility skills – for both emerging markets and tight budgets
Tough times get you to focus on the very basics of business. These fundamental business basics are solid. You learn how to identify :
- A good business proposition
- A valid offer that will work in your current market
- When your business is in the wrong time, wrong place and cannot survive
- When you need to look at a different way of making your business work
International Sales Focused On Business Basics
It is not always easy to return to business basics. But it is real. In international sales you always need to come back to the basics of business. Does your offer match the international market’s needs?
Different cultures have different needs. They want products for different reasons. If you lose sight of this you lose business opportunities. This is why international sales keeps you focused on business basics. And strong basic business skills are what you need in today’s economy.
More On Improve Your International Sales Skills:
- Basic Skills You Need To Stand Out Today
- Do Not Give Up Too Soon On Your International Business
- Do You Have A Clear Vision Of How To Get International Sales?
- Do You Know The Real Questions Your International Clients Are Asking?
- Emotion Buttons For International Sales
- How Good People Skills Also Grow Your International Business
- Improve Your International Sales Skills For Your Competitive Advantage
- Learning International Skills From A Course Or A Book
- The Multiple Facets Of International Sales Preparation
More In These Get International Clients Business Guides:
- Discover Your International Business
- Cross-Culture Sales
- Cross-Cultural Negotiation
- Cultural Web Tools
She is who I turn to when I have questions and you should too"
-- Chris Garrett, co-author of the "Problogger" book
