How languages can help you succeed in international business.
Want to become a better player in cross-border business? Find out how to boost your sales by improving your company's language and intercultural skills. This website offers information on the benefits of languages when doing business and gives you tips and tools for better language management.
SMEs' experience
Success stories of small businesses that really made it thanks to a thorough language strategy. Learn from these top-performing European SMEs how they improved sales by employing innovative language management strategies.
Danfo AB - Sweden,
Evricom - Bulgaria,
FILC - Slovenia,
Golla Oy - Finland,
IKO Sales International - Belgium,
Kartographie Huber - Germany,
Nikwax® Ltd - England (UK),
Steelpress - Poland,
Stenders - Latvia,
Tarmeko Spoon - Estonia.
10 tips for success
How to boost your business with these concrete steps. A successful language strategy can start with small changes. You will see how this can have a big impact. Keep languages in mind in all your actions and you will open up new possibilities. Concrete tips from small businesses that turned languages into success.
1. Adapt your website to different languages and cultures This generates trust with your potential clients and makes it easier for them to understand your products and services thoroughly. It also shows evidence of long-term commitment to their particular market.
2. Offer traineeships for foreign students Consider organising shorter or longer work placements for foreign students. Finding someone from a country with which you are planning to do business can help you obtain valuable first-hand market information.
3. Install language technology Language-learning programmes, electronic dictionaries and special terminology databases should be readily available to anyone who needs them.
4. Cooperate with local universities Network with local and foreign students for practical training, consulting opportunities, etc. You will gain linguistic and cultural capital while they will derive valuable experience.
5. Recruit staff with proven language skills In the globalised business world, international communication skills are a real asset. Recruit people who have invested in and then updated these skills and who are not afraid to use them.
6. Recruit native speakers Languages mean encounters with people and other cultures. Look for native speakers to provide your company with language assets along with a valuable insight into foreign cultures and practical examples of day-to-day intercultural communication.
7. Organise language training for sales and negotiations Learn how to convince your clients in their own language. Targeted intensive language courses are available for specific goals.
8. Use professional translators and interpreters For official documents, a legal context, after-sales service - use professionals to maximise the end results. Translating your website or promotional material also calls for linguistic skills and cultural knowledge.
9. Employ local agents When you enter a new market, think of employing a local partner based in that country. The local partner will provide invaluable help with market research, local negotiations, administrative procedures, etc.
10. Organise cultural briefings for your staff Cultural briefings are highly beneficial for staff in contact with people from foreign cultures and also enable you to prepare thoroughly before entering a new market or travelling abroad. At the same time, they can also act as a staff motivator.
Related Links:
The Language Guide for European Business – Successful communication in your international trade.
Evidence from research
Results from studies on the use of languages in European SMEs. A recent study carried out in SMEs in the 27 EU member countries clearly shows that companies with a consistent language strategy have increased sales turnover by 10 to 25%. 40 companies out of 182 screened companies were interviewed for the PIMLICO study, commissioned by the European Commission's Directorate-General for Education and Culture. The study was completed in December 2010. The results show that European companies still lose contracts because of language and cultural barriers. However, some companies have learned from their past communication problems and realised how crucial language management is when operating across borders.
10 successful companies were identified as the "top performers". They share in common the fact that they have a wide and innovative language strategy in place, which they apply to most of their actions.
Support services These European, national and regional contact points can provide you with business and communication support.
Supranational level.
Useful links These EU websites give you more information on languages, business, jobs and related topics.