Monthly Series – International Sales Best Practices
During a cross-cultural conversation seasoned international business professionals make sure that what they say is in alignment with the communication as a whole. If you are not in international business, this may seem unnecessary. A conversation is a conversation. You may think you are always in control of the meaning you are conveying.
In cross-cultural conversations, this is not always the case. Problems do come up often enough due to a lack of attention to the conversation as a whole. The two parties may think they are speaking to each other, when in reality one or both parties are off target. If you are not paying attention, this situation can go on long enough to create a disconnect or confusion.
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CCCC Tip #27 -
Make sure that all of the elements of your communication say the same thing. |
This month’s series takes last month’s tips to get extreme clarity in cross-cultural communication and brings them into an international sales perspective. Remember to download the free calender for an easy reference to all of the 30 Cross-Cultural Communication Challenge Tips on clarity. Get the complete International Sales Best Practices series here.
First start by looking closely at what you communicate. Sometimes we think we are being clear, when in fact someone else can pick up a second meaning or become confused. They can come away with a different understanding to what you think you conveyed.
This can always happen. With cultural differences the risk of missed communication is always present.
There is one way to pick up cultural miscommunication quickly and to set things straight. And this is to constantly pay attention to the conversation as a whole.
Cross-Cultural Communication Skills & Sales Best Practices
Today’s quote from Jeffrey Gitomer’s Little Red Book Of Sales Answers goes along these lines too.
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“You already know how to make every sales, you’re just not using your own sales power.” – Jeffrey Gitomer |
Listening to your communication is not difficult. Maintaining attention throughout your entire conversation or sales negotiation can be difficult. It require effort and focus.
In addition, it is not just about listening. International sales professionals need to juggle several different activities.
To maintain clarity in cross-cultural selling you need to listen for several things at the same time and adjust your communication when needed. This multitasking can be tiring when you begin selling internationally.
- You don’t really know what to look for.
- You also spend a fair bit of effort adapting to new cultures.
- You make mistakes that take additional effort to correct
With experience your cross-cultural selling will get easier. The key is to listen and use what you learn to improve your international sales skills.
What Is Your Experience Of This In International Sales?
- How do you know when your international clients do not understand what you say?
- What do you find difficult to listen for in cross-cultural selling?
- How have listening skills improved your cross-cultural sales?
Please share your comments below. I’d love to hear your stories!
Want To Get The Cross-Cultural Communication Tips?
Two Cross-Cultural Communication Challenges are currently available:
Get all of the tips from these 30 & 31 day challenges, and learn more about the other planned later this year:
All International Sales Best Practices
You can find the complete list of International Sales Best Practices published to date here:
She is who I turn to when I have questions and you should too"
-- Chris Garrett, co-author of the "Problogger" book
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