The international business community might be more connected today than it has ever been, but that doesn’t mean business is the same wherever you go. One only needs to spend a few hours in a Chinese market to realise that commerce has a different way of taking place in different sectors of society. This adds weight to the growing argument that entrepreneurial success is improved when one has a better understanding of business in general – not just how business works in their country. This article offers four real benefits of getting some international work experience before heading out on your own:
1. Become Multi-Lingual
When you only speak one language, you can only realistically do business with people who speak that language. When you broaden your linguistic horizons and learn future-proofed languages like Spanish and Mandarin, you open yourself up to communication with a new audience of potential clients, business partners, investors or suppliers.
2. Learn How To Adapt
Living and working in a foreign country – especially if they don’t speak your native language – will require more than a sprinkle of adaptation. If nothing else, working abroad will teach an entrepreneur how to think on their feet, realign their strategy rapidly, and adapt to unforeseen challenges as and when required.
