Why Language Barriers Are Still Holding Back Global Business Growth

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Going global is increasingly on a CEO’s and a CMO’s to-do list. In the UK alone, 87% of those businesses who trade internationally are planning on expanding their overseas operations this year, with a further 10% aiming to step outside the UK for the first time.

That’s a lot of cross-market communication campaigns. But, despite emerging technologies helping business bridge borders more easily than ever before, they’re still being held back by language barriers – to the tune of almost £50bn per year in the UK.

In this age of instantaneous tech, a lack of language skills is still putting global business success on mute. How can marketers avoid getting lost in translation?

Find out here.

Going Global Doesn't Have to be Complicated

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To go global, businesses must navigate complex regulatory environments, cultural differences, language barriers, and logistical issues, not to mention the task of finding customers and getting paid.

Given the potential benefits of expanding internationally, the effort is worth it on mastering the above.

How can businesses best prepare for and navigate the inherent challenges of global growth?  Prepare a global strategy and take the time to consider all aspects of going global to ensure success. 

Money Talks As Long As You Understand the Language

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Problem:  Language barriers can hinder international commerce.  Solution: Language barriers can be solved by machine-based translation programs, which are becoming sophisticated enough to enable people in different countries to communicate as if they spoke the same language.

But online buyers beware:

While machine translation is getting smarter, many consumers still have memories of the humorous, incorrect outputs they’ve gotten from Google Translate and other programs while trying to send emails or complete homework assignments. For businesses and customers to trust the technology in a commercial setting, users need to feel more secure about the results since their cash is on the line.

Read more about new technology that could turn small businesses into international companies.

How to Get Around Language Barriers the World Over

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No matter where you do business in the world, do your products speak for themselves?  How is that working for you?

In the case of Niagara-based Pillitteri Estates Winery:

“The way we try to get around the language barriers is with a lot of visuals,” he said, adding that he travels to trade shows and exhibitions abroad with price sheets, business cards, and other materials already translated to the local language, as well as a video display showcasing the ice wine harvesting process. “They see the price and taste the quality and from there the business can begin.”

Read the entire article:  Doing Business Abroad?  Here's how to get around language barriers