In today’s market, expanding your business to reach globally is now the norm, not the exception. Every product or service is made for a specific consumer in mind. Marketing to another culture will usually bring about changes in the product, strategy, and how the market is approached. No culture is exactly the same, therefore when expanding into a new market, expect to make changes. 

There are several aspects of expanding a business relationship into a new culture and are essential to success. Research, respect, and adaptation are all key and can be applied to every business relationship around the globe. Read on to learn more about how you can adapt your business to be more successful on a global scale.

Know your market and the culture to which you are selling and working alongside. To be successful, a seller needs to adapt to the cultural norms of the buyer. To gain business partners abroad, it is essential to be aware of local customs, traditions, and methods of doing business. 

Researching these aspects of a potential new market and partnership can mean the difference between success and failure. Showing a wealth of knowledge in the local culture shows you put the effort in to making the first impression a successful one. Business partners will be more receptive to someone who makes an effort versus a business partner that flies blindly and makes major cultural faux pas. 

Long-term relationships with international business partners should be a priority. Every culture responds to situations differently. It’s important to be as aware as possible so you can market, sell, negotiate, or manage more effectively. There are several ways you can show respect to another culture without having to do hours of extensive research. 

Greetings — Research the respectful way to greet someone. Americans may opt for contact greetings such as handshakes or hugs, but other cultures may see those interactions as overly intimate.

Listen — Nothing says I am engaged and interested in what you have to say like listening. Respond both verbally and non-verbally without interrupting to show you are truly hearing what the other is saying. You can gain invaluable insight into how to interact with another culture by doing so.

Off the Grid — Being interrupted mid-sentence is never respectful. Turn off the phones or any other device that may interrupt your business meetings. This not only shows respect, but also reveals where your priorities are. 

Take the responsibility of learning about another culture and finding ways to adapt needed changes into your existing business model. Oftentimes, you do not need to reinvent the wheel. Minor adjustments can make a massive difference when thorough research has been done.

Seek mentorship from others who have successfully entered your target market. Research what companies have done to change their practices or products to suit a new culture and see where those changes are applicable to your business and business relationships.

Maintaining connections is also essential. There’s no better way to stay up to date on current local issues or changes than to maintain a connection with cross-cultural business partners. The key to success is diligence, patience, and a willingness to change when needed.