Cindy King's International Business Blog » definitions

21 Definitions Of International Business

Cindy King — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:00:18 +0000

One things that has surprised me over the last few years since I started this blog, is the number of different definitions people use for “international business”. You can read about how I use the term “international business” here. I’m not saying that it is right and others are wrong. This is simply how I understand the term. It is important to know what your definition is and how this compares to the definition other people are using.

Why are there different definitions? I think there are differences in the definition of “international business” because some people have different understandings of “business”. For some people throwing a bottle in the ocean equates to “international business”. People don’t always seem to appreciate the two way side of business.

This is why I like to ask this question during my Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews. It’s always interesting to widen your understanding of how others see the world.

Here are some of the definitions of “international business” I received on Twitter with the 140 character limitation.

What Is International Business?

International business ismuch more complex than people realize. Trouble is, people ‘do’ it the way they do it at home! - @deborahswallow
International business is Global trade – @ohh_la_la
International business is important for growth & needs to be done in a manner that’s inclusive of all cultures represented by Ur business partners – @HoeferleConsult
International business is basic principles of business blending with the various organizational and national cultural perspectives – @dkiernan
International business is the exchange of goods, services & knowledge by dealing with & understanding differences in cultures – @transdomo
International business is challenging but enlightening (if you listen and learn from your mistakes)- @culturematters
International business is our day to day environment. Every business might be seen with an international bias: conversing and trading values with someone who has a different culture, even if from a different company. – @tdebaillon
International business is challenging and fun….also transactions between two or more countries. – @DR4Ward
International business isengaging with emerging markets. These days that’s where capital & real purchasing power are – @XCulture
International business is thinking beyond your borders. – @jackyan
International business is the future. I think international business will more greatly affect all business in the future, even at the local level. – @CotterHUE
International business is building relationships online – @wisequeenWhat Is Your Definition of International Business?Which definition do you like most?
- Do you have a favorite?
- Does one stand out and resonate with you?
- Do you have another one to add?
Please share your definitions below.
International business is the next “new” local; we are all more connected than ever before, through media, through culture – @DoreenatDMS
International business is about learning to play by a new set of rules. Each country has its own way of doing things – @pocketcultures
International business is a key vehicle to global harmony; more job opportunities, collaboration, way to freedom – @psitutor
International business is trade interactions with the aim to bring profit and prosperity to nations, companies and individuals. – @culturalrealms
International networking is bringing the world together closer into one community – @mintblogger
International business is trading over the borders. I have imported tea and computer stuff, e.g. 3.5″ floppy disks – @lyceum
International business is always #crosscultural… and coming to an economy near you. – @SeanJamesOliver
International business is changing the dynamics of int’l relations & how people view the world & all those who live in it – @DavidComp
International business is simply the way business is nowadays! So many people work cross-culturally without realizing it – @CateBrubaker

What Is Your Definition of International Business?

Which definition do you like most?

Do you have a favorite?
Does one stand out and resonate with you?
Do you have another one to add?

Please share your definitions below.

21 Definitions Of Culture In One Word

Cindy King — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 23:00:01 +0000

Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews

After looking at some great definitions of culture, here are some even shorter definitions. This time in one word only. These are answers from Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews of the people I recommend you follow on Twitter for cross-cultural and international insights. These Twitter interviews are carried out in the spirit of having fun, so these one word definitions are not to be taken too seriously.

Of course, it’s difficult to come up with a definition of culture that resonates with everyone. And it’s impossible to come up with a one word definition that appeals to everyone. This is part of the fun and depends on what you see in this one word. But I do think this exercise helps us to see “culture” from different perspectives and broadens our understanding of how others perceive culture.

This is why I like combining several one word definitions and coming up with different associations to come up with a variety of different meanings. This helps me to broaden my own understanding of culture.

One of the responses on Twitter was: Culture is Zappos. Of course, this isn’t the best definition, but it certainly got me thinking.

21 Definitiions Of Culture… In One Word

Culture is reflection - @matthewbennett
Culture is a CODE - @deborahswallow
Culture is Life - @ohh_la_la
Culture is communication - @HoeferleConsult
Culture is values - @dkiernan
Culture is creativity - @transdomo
Culture is relative - @culturematters
Culture is infrastructure – @tdebaillon
Culture is communication – @DR4Ward
Culture is awareness – @XCulture
Culture is us – @jackyan
Culture is vital – @CotterHUE
Culture is life – @DoreenatDMS
Culture is identity – @pocketcultures
Culture is language – @psitutor
Culture is ethos – @culturalrealms
Culture is strength – @mintblogger
Culture is sense-of-life – @lyceum
Culture is shared/learned – @SeanJamesOliver
Culture is interesting – @DavidComp
Culture is perspective – @CateBrubaker

What Is Your 1-Word Definition Of Culture?

Which definition do you like most?

Do you have a favorite?
Does one stand out and resonate with you?
Do you have another one to add?

As usual, please share your 1-word definitions below.

21 Definitions Of Culture

Cindy King — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:00:43 +0000

Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews

Culture impacts the way we live. It shapes all aspects of our lives. And yet, we often forget we have a culture. It’s only when we are confronted with different cultures that we realize it exists. With all of the differences in our perceptions of what culture is, it’s not surprising there are many different definitions of culture.

What is culture exactly? What is culture?

This is the first question I ask on the Cross-Cultural Twitter Interviews I regularly conduct with the people on my list: Cross-Culturall & International People On Twitter. The answers are short and limited to a tweet or two.

Here are some great definitions of culture taken from these Twitter interviews in answer to the question: “What is Culture?”

21 Definitions Of Culture

Culture is the sum of a given society’s common history and its ability to reflect on itself. - @matthewbennett
Culture is the HEARTWARE of the Soul and the SOFTWARE of the Mind - @deborahswallow
Culture is a country’s culture entails attitudes, beliefs & values. Those shape each generation & are influenced by a multitude of factor – @ohh_la_la
Culture is the lubricant of daily life. A set of shared values & attitudes in a social group. An inherent code of communication. – @HoeferleConsult
Culture is how we relate to each other with respect to our beliefs and values - @dkiernan
Culture is created when the soul is rooted in tradition, the heart is learning by paradigm & action is influenced by society - @transdomo
Culture is everything we don’t talk about that we “know” is right - @culturematters
Culture is the ground over which we build our individual and collective behaviors – @tdebaillon
Culture is a way of life. The shared beliefs, attitudes&values of a group that are passed on, often without thought – @DR4Ward
Culture is the tapestry of our world. It contains our main points of reference and ways of relating to other people. – @XCulture
Culture is the collective achievements and societal norms of humankind – @jackyan
Culture is the foundation of a society. Everything done, everything said is because of the culture… Culture affects language and business, family… every level of a society. You must know the culture to succeed. – @CotterHUE
Culture is a collective of shared values, customs, and attitudes; beliefs expressed through action, artistic or otherwise – @DoreenatDMS
Culture is a lens which filters how we see the world – @pocketcultures
Culture is meaning making through shared values and patterns of behaviour – @psitutor
Culture is a set of human interactions & tangible creations, based on learned skills, knowledge, values and behaviors…shaped historically, geographically, economically, socially, and individually. – @culturalrealms
Culture is a belief, a practice within a community without which nation will cease to exist. – @mintblogger
Culture is “the sum of the intellectual achievements of individual men.” Ayn Rand – @lyceum
Culture is the cumulative set of learned values and behaviors humans acquire, both intentionally and unintentionally. – @SeanJamesOliver
Culture is a shared way of living defined by the arts, communication, values, beliefs and history – @DavidComp
Culture is shared, learned, invisible, dynamic, created, transmitted …I like the “software of the mind” idea when thinking about what culture is – @CateBrubaker

What Is Your Definition Of Culture?

What do you think about these definitions?

Do you have a favorite?
Do any stand out and resonate with you?
Do you have another one to add?

There’s more space below that on Twitter, so let it rip.

Global Or International Business?

Cindy King — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:00:22 +0000

International Business Development Strategy

There are words I prefer to avoid. Branding is one. There is just too much diversity in personal definitions when you talk to people from different cultures. Today on Twitter, I asked readers to give me their thoughts on another term I like to avoid using. Here is what I asked:

Do you see a difference between the term “international business” and the term “global business”? If so, what is it?

There were a few answers I had to share with you:

@DR4WARD – Domestic country doing business in neighboring country is international business. Competing on world chessboard is global.
@deanmeistr - “Global” sounds more trendy i.e. includes “3rd world” nations automatically, international sounds old-style IMHO.
@Lenticular_Girl – In media “global” is generic, and overused. The word “global” is going to become as useless as “green” soon in marcomm.
@SirGrenville – My view is that Global represents a business proposition which is truly that. International any single/multiple transaction.
@andyatkinskruge – My 2 cents – global and international often imply English-world – you need multinational / multilingual to break that paradigm

These answers are interesting. I think they are all “correct”.

But why did I ask the question in the first place?

Is The Difference Important?

I often talk to people that have different definitions or conceptions of what an international business is. These differences are so inbred, that I often find myself totally avoiding the words “international business” to avoid miscommunication.

People contact me because they want to develop their international business. The miscommunication problems are usually centered around the word “business”. To me a business has a structure. At the very minimum there is buying and selling carried out within a defined structure and with certain processes.

You cannot say you have an international business until you have a clearly defined structure to carry out your buying and selling.

What Is Global?

With internet, there is an additional monkey wrench. Everyone tends to think they have an international company just because they say they are willing to sell to people abroad. Often this means that the people abroad have to come looking for them too. all to often there is no business, just a bright shiny desire to sell abroad.

This is where two people can think they are speaking about the same thing, when in fact they are not. The problem gets more complicated when people say that global business and international business is the same thing. In a general conversation this can be true, to some extent. But it is not true when you are talking about international business.

My Definition Of International Business

I tend to use two different definitions for the term “international business”, depending on what I am talking about.

General meaning – Any business that has international clients – buyers and sellers located in different countries.
Specific meaning – To differentiate from an export company, an international company takes country-specific marketing and sales actions to sell their products in different countries.

And because of the difficulties I have in communicating with some clients, I try my best to avoid the term “global business”. The term “global business” just opens a can of worms.

Differences In Communication

In reality, I can use whatever definition I want to for “international business”, and I will always have a communication issue to deal with if the other person does not understand my definition.

This also goes for you and your definition of the term “international business”.

Be sure others understand, and continue to understand your definition of international business.

In my experience, it is also wise not to interchange your use the term “global business” and “international business”. In fact I do not even use the term “global business” with anyone I speak to about “international business”. The word “global” can trigger different definitions and change the discussion.

The question of vocabulary may seem like an innocent one. There are dictionaries after all. The truth is that vocabulary does make a big difference in how others understand you. In different countries, words can take on slightly different meanings. Yes, even when you speak in English.

Participate in the March Cross Cultural Communication Challenge and learn more ways to improve your cross-cultural communication.

A Comparison Of Words In Different Cultures

Cindy King — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:00:07 +0000

Cross-Cultural Differences

Here is another cultural comparison of words.

When you live in different countries you realize that people have very different definitions to common words.

No matter what the translation is, some words just do not translate perfectly. That is because they have a different meaning in different cultures.

Here are a few from my personal observations.

A Difference In Respect

Politeness is one most people pick up. It has a complex definition. Many different things come into play with varying nuances:

What you say
What you don’t say
How you act
How you don’t act

One of the ingredients to politeness is respect. And this can be comical. What is considered respectful in one country can be considered disrespectful in another.

For example, when beginning a business meeting:

In most southern or Latin European countries, some social interaction is expected before starting.

People like to know who you are and they also like to get a more rounded picture of you as a person. You can talk about your recent vacation or new baby. If you make a joke to start your presentation, people will respond to it.

But this is not the case in all European countries.

In Switzerland, people usually want to get straight to business. And the same social interaction could be seen as a lack of respect for their time.

Do the Swiss like social interaction, friendly conversation and jokes? Of course they do. It’s just that they prefer a different setting.

Respect almost always has a different meaning in different cultures. Sometimes there are many similarities between cultures, and the differences can go unnoticed.

A Difference In Civic Duties

Different cultures have different ways of expressing their civic duties, or sense of responsibility towards neighbors and fellow countryman.

Again, these are my personal observations.

In France people prefer to pay out of their pockets and not with their person or their time.

The cost of their social security system is heavy, but it takes care of everyone. The French

Never have to look at their bank balance before getting health care
Do not worry about the price of health treatment
Have unemployment benefits that actually do provide a good level of assistance and give time to get back on their feet – approximately 60% of their salary, for 2 years, for most people.

Americans prefer to give with their person and not their pocketbooks:

It is common for neighbors to help when others are in need
Volunteering is more socially popular

Of course, both systems have been abused and there are flaws to both.

But look at the two different ways these two cultures approach civic duties. If both countries were to exchange systems, they would probably not work at all.

Different Interpretations

The different meanings of words leads to different ways of doing things. When comparing two different ways of doing things, there are no right or wrong ways. They are just different.

Different Definitions For Culture Words

Cindy King — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 23:00:39 +0000

Improve Your Cross-Cultural Communication

I started this blog at the beginning of this year, and it is slowly finding its groove.

Cross-cultural business

A fair amount of visitors interested in “culture” in general also find their way here. And some of these readers do not immediately grasp the “business” slant.

Of course, this is because they read this blog with their own filters. And this makes them stand out.

The different ways people use certain words is intriguing.

Buzz Around Cultural Marketing

Over this past year, I have noticed an increase in the buzz around the word “cross-cultural” and other related words related.

This buzz seems to stem from one source.

There is obviously a wider recognition of the need for ethnic marketing within individual countries. And there are two very obvious reasons:

The Obama effect
Several leading countries will have ethnic groups representing the majority of their population within most of our lifetimes.

Different Words

With the increase in buzz around this, it is easy to see the different definitions people have for:

Cross-cultural
Multicultural
Intercultural
International
Ethnic
Racial

No. We do not always use these words with the same definition.

Of course, some people just do not know what word to use, and simply choose the first one they think of.

But sometimes I have to do a little research before I can grasp what people mean. People often have different definitions for these words.

Context In Definitions

Here is what I have noticed:

Different context = different definition

There seems to be a difference in definition when these words are used in a business context or a social context. These words tend to have a broader definition in a social context.

There is a current trend

I notice a distinct preference for the word “multicultural”.

A shift in flavor?

I also wonder if there is a slightly negative flavor to the word “ethnic”. It sometimes appears to be on a similar level as the word “racial”.

International Business

Now, let’s look at how you can use these words in business:

If you are selling to different ethnic groups within your own country, you will need good:

Ethnic marketing tactics
Cross-cultural communication skills

If you are selling to international clients on the front line, you will need good:

Cross-cultural communication skills
Cross-cultural marketing tactics

If you are establishing your international business, you will need good:

International sales strategies
International marketing strategies

And in all cases you are working in a multicultural environment.

You can use your favorite reference source to look up definitions for these words.

In communication across cultures, I would never break through if I imposed rigid definitions to others.

I do quite the opposite and concentrate my efforts on finding common grounds of understanding.

Definitions For International Success

Different definitions for common words are a barrier in international business. These barriers can start within your own team. Define the words you use to improve your:

Communication
Marketing
Business Strategy

Again, this is just food for thought. You do not need to use my definitions.

What is important to seeing the difference when people use the same word as you do, but give a different definition to this same word.

You know how to define your “ideal client”
You know how to create a “persona”
You know how to qualify a lead

Don’t forget to build your international business on a solid foundation.

Read more on how to improve your Cross-Cultural Communication here:

- Listen To Your International Clients To Build Trust And Increase Sales
- Where Cultural Miscommunication Happens
- Beyond Cultural Generalizations
- Getting Beyond Visible Cultural Differences
- Better Cross-Cultural Communication – Rephrase, Don’t Shout
- Why Empathy Develops Your International Business
- 7 Tips For Easy Cross-Cultural Encounters
- Morphing Into A Foreign Culture

Read about Cross-Cultural Communication Differences in these articles:

- Curiosity Versus Empathy
- Morphing Into A Foreign Culture
- Free Courses, Content And Culture Scams
- Different Countries = Different Rules
- Different Eye Tracking For Different Cultures
- Music In Cultural Differences

And read even more in the…

Get International Clients International Sales Road Map

Guide 5 – Connect With Your International Markets

• How can you connect with your international clients?• What communication do you need to connect with international markets?

Read about how to create your international marketing strategy.

Guide To Cultural Web Tools

• How can you tweak your web site to improve your cross-cultural communication?

Lots of tools here.

What Is Culture? A Mind Map For More Sales

Cindy King — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 12:25:13 +0000

Culture In International Business

Are you interested in how culture influences how you sell?

A What Is Culture? Mind Map will be posted on the Get International Clients website this Thursday.

..But there is a hitch.

It will be password protected.

Only Get International Clients Newsletter subscribers will get the password emailed to them.

That is why I’m giving you a couple days notice.

…and don’t forget, the Get International Clients Newsletter is free.

By the way, the Get International Clients Newsletter has been updated.

It is now a useful, practical action guide in international business development for small and mid-sized business professionals on the go.

You can read more about the actions steps you get in each weeks issue of the newsletter and how they help you create your own International Sales Road Map here.

Would you like to find out more about the newsletter and get more Mand Maps to help you assimulate international sales and marketing faster? Read more here.

The Difference Between An eMarketer And A Geek Marketer

Cindy King — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 23:00:24 +0000

International Web Marketing

Depending on where you live, you will see more ads for eMarketers than Geek Marketers. Where I live here in France, an “e” is an easy solution to refer to anything to do with the web. I have also noticed quite a few people in North America referred to as Geek Marketers. But there is a difference.

An eMarketer

An eMarketer is a web marketer. A person who does marketing online is an eMarketer. Web marketing does involve a minimum amount of “technical” knowledge. And many eMarketers are very savvy in the more technical aspects of internet business.

A Geek Marketer

A Geek Marketer is someone who masters all of the behind the scenes technical aspects of marketing online. A Geek Marketer is also a web marketer. Many Geek Marketers are also very savvy marketers in their own right.

Cultural Differences In Marketers

Here is Europe I have noticed a trend towards seeking web marketers with traditional offline marketing experience. This is probably due to the general evolution of web marketing in Europe. In France for example, Geek Marketing is still done by the IT staff. They usually have specific technical skills but lack the more general marketing skills.

Personal Experience

I use the word eMarketer to define my services. The little “e” prefix is very common around me here in France. Also, I have extensive experience in traditional marketing. The eMarketer label seems to fit me better. This is how I came into web marketing. And I have used traditional marketing in international business development. Sure, there are times today when I feel I could call myself a Geek Marketer, but my business marketing background will always be the strongest part of my web marketing skills. There do seem to be regional variations. I would love to here your definitions of the terms related to web marketer. How about leaving them in the comments below?

Cindy King's International Business Blog » definitions

21 Definitions Of International Business

What Is International Business?

What Is Your Definition of International Business?

21 Definitions Of Culture In One Word

21 Definitiions Of Culture… In One Word

What Is Your 1-Word Definition Of Culture?

21 Definitions Of Culture

21 Definitions Of Culture

What Is Your Definition Of Culture?

Global Or International Business?

Is The Difference Important?

What Is Global?

My Definition Of International Business

Differences In Communication

More On International Business Development Strategy:

More In These Get International Clients Business Guides:

A Comparison Of Words In Different Cultures

A Difference In Respect

A Difference In Civic Duties

Different Interpretations

More on Cross-Cultural Differences:

More In These Get International Clients Business Guides:

Different Definitions For Culture Words

Buzz Around Cultural Marketing

Different Words

Context In Definitions

International Business

Definitions For International Success

And read even more in the… Get International Clients International Sales Road Map

Guide 5 – Connect With Your International Markets

Guide To Cultural Web Tools

What Is Culture? A Mind Map For More Sales

More on Culture In International Business:

More In These Get International Clients Business Guides:

The Difference Between An eMarketer And A Geek Marketer

An eMarketer

A Geek Marketer

Cultural Differences In Marketers

Personal Experience

More On International Web Marketing

And read even more in the…

Get International Clients International Sales Road Map