Show Good Faith - Seeing Is Believing

No one likes feeling alienated. 'Get lost! Go somewhere else!' followed by well known words and phrases that further stress your status as an outsider and your business as interference you know where you stand in their opinion. It can be a waste of time trying to explain you have rights, that your interest is genuine and in their best interest but you have to try. There are many and varied barriers to entry into industries, sectors, cultures and geographical areas. At the interpersonal, intercultural and international levels we come up against what seem to be impossible attitudes, biases, prejudices and doubt. Attitude change and the application of interpersonal skills are very important to the growth and development of business especially if the plan is to expand globally or internationally. Many countries have cultures that are naturally open to outsiders and welcome trade. Others not so much and some not at all. Reassuring people and assuaging doubts may make people more ready to do business. All business now is international so it is extremely important to get accepted in as many places as possible. Language may be one of the easiest barriers to overcome but it is a start. You have to be aware of cultural norms and sensitive to differences so as not to offend anyone. If you do encounter difficulties through social solecisms or offensive behaviour it might be good to have someone who can step in and sort the problem out before it is too late. Showing good faith and getting off on the right foot with people can be a good foundation for the future.