By Peter Klinge, Jr.
I attended a NY event where there were 4 panels of business experts representing each of the countries in these fast growing regions.
The consistent keys they spoke to focused around establishing trusted relationships with local partners.
In effect its about having strong people and cultural skills. While knowing the local language is helpful, in a global economy with many international opportunities perhaps it’s not as necessary as one might think.
The requisites are:
– Listening and observing is the most important part of communication- not talking too much helps;
– Cultural awareness of different perspectives;
– Understanding and serving the needs of others should precede the transaction aspect of one’s interactions;
– Enjoy people and the environment you’re in. Go with the flow; don’t be in such a hurry.
Focus on these area with genuine interest in people and the world, and you will gain empathy. This establishes the most valued asset one can have… TRUST.
This seemed to be the universal aspects of every panelists I saw and met with, and is consistent with my own international experience.
Peter Klinge is a director and executive with Providence Companies www.provcos.com a Miami based international finance and trade company focusing on BRIC development.
