International Business

New business consultants are often near sighted (can't see anything far away) with their belief in their ability to reach and positively impact companies around the world. That's usually because they falsely believe that much of the world is too far behind the technology curve or that many countries have different laws, cultures and business practices they do not know and that scares them.

Let's take each one of the fears mentioned above one at a time, first is the false belief that other countries are too far behind the technology curve.

OK let's say that might be true for a percentage of the world, there's still the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and Europe as well. Each of these countries has a strong knowledge and fluency in the English language. In addition you will find each of these countries also have high speed internet, credit cards (so you can get paid online), and millions of prospects each.

Next how to overcome the differences in laws, culture, and business practices. Once you have started a conversation with a prospect, either through email or a request for a phone consultation you can narrow what their needs are and than just ask them.

Ask them if there is any business practices within this project that they know of that are different than those in the U.S. If they say yes, than ask them what they are, next ask them what they believe is the best way to address theses issues. If they offer you suggestions you're in business, if they say they don't know, inform them that you may need to consult experts in those areas in which you have no expertise.

This will not weaken your credibility; if anything it shows them that you are the right person. You are a true international business consultant, someone who understands the complexities involved with international business. Moreover you will have demonstrated your ability to identify those areas in which you need to bring in other team members, to provide the best results you can for the client.

Remember the client wants results; they don't usually care how you get them just that you get them. Just stay legal and give what you promise, and do it with confidence of someone who can do the job even if you don't have the answer to every problem, let them know you know how to get it. If you do that you'll succeed beyond your wildest dreams.