Given how widespread and reliable cloud-based platforms have become, it’s no wonder that so many businesses have started networking internationally. Statistical data has shown that 40% of business owners are networking online more than they do in person thanks to the tech tools available to conduct international business.
Whether you work in SaaS, eCommerce, or service outsourcing sectors, working with international clients will require you to rethink your tech tools selection.
Here are the most useful, essential tools which can make doing business internationally easier.
Advantages to Using Tech Tools to do Business Internationally
What are the perks of shifting your focus on doing business internationally and using modern tech tools to do it? Operating locally has become a hindrance more than ever because of the internet.
While you can claim your Google My Business and attract more local clients to your retail store or offices, many more clients await internationally. These clients will have certain expectations from your brand and expect you to meet them. Mainly, your business needs to be smart and tech-oriented in terms of working with clients abroad.
You need to easily onboard them to online platforms, present your projects and communicate with them despite possible language barriers. Fulfilling international business trends is nigh impossible without turning your attention to the latest tech tools. Here are the advantages of using tech tools to operate internationally rather than locally:
- Access to a wider client pool
- Easier business management
- Streamlined staff collaboration
- Improved brand reputation
- Increased return on investment (ROI)
1. Dedicated Project Management Platforms
The first step in operating internationally is to ensure that clients from abroad can participate in your projects seamlessly. This is where project management platforms come into play as obvious contenders.
Cloud-based platforms which allow for easy access to project dashboards, online collaboration, and presentations are already commonplace. Different platforms come with their own sets of features but all of them revolve around easy online collaboration for international businesses. Some of these include Trello, Asana, Hive, and Basecamp.
Explore several platforms before you settle on the one which fits your business philosophy and existing workflow.
2. Dedicated Smartphone App
If you want to make a name for your business internationally, investing resources into developing your smartphone app is a great decision. Having your smartphone app to rely on for networking and client servicing is a step in the right direction.
Many global businesses such as HubSpot, Google, and Amazon have smartphone apps of their own. They allow you to completely bypass third-party apps for client servicing and focus solely on your product instead. While developing a mobile app is a time-consuming and resource-intensive process, it will pay off tenfold once your app is launched.
3. Writing and Translation Stacks
Working with international clients will undoubtedly lead to language barrier problems in some instances. Instead of dropping these clients outright, you can use tech tools dedicated to writing and translation.
These tools will allow you to acquire certified document translation which will improve your writing skills and localization effort toward clients abroad. By translating your emails, documents, and correspondence to Spanish, Italian, or German, you will gain favor with your clients and improve your business’ reputation.
Most importantly, you won’t have to pass up on any client going forward simply because they speak a different language.
4. International Payment Systems
Since every business needs to make an income to stay operational, making sure that international clients can pay for your services is essential. Every client is likely to have access to a variety of currencies, both paper and digital, and want to pay with their respective resources.
This can be troublesome if you don’t have multiple international payment options set up for their convenience. While some clients may go out of their way to engage you, many will simply look elsewhere for the products/services they need.
You can avoid this by setting up payment systems through PayPal, Stripe, Skrill, Amazon Pay, and other international services. Give your clients options and they will be far more likely to convert into paying customers.
5. Specialized Video Conferencing Tools
No matter which kinds of projects you work on with international companies, freelancers, and other professionals, odds are that you’ll need to communicate frequently. Email and instant messaging apps will only get you so far, while video conferencing tools can provide you with much more robust brand collaboration opportunities.
Using tech tools like Skype, Zoom, and Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams is essential for modern international businesses. You can quickly organize meetings, conduct interviews, review documents, and pitch your projects via reliable video conferencing tools.
Failing to have an established video conferencing tech tool in your stack might dissuade some clients from working with you. Don’t leave things to chance and find the perfect video conferencing tool early on.
International Business in Conclusion
Staying in touch with the latest tech tool trends for international businesses is your best bet to establish your brand abroad. Look for tools that fit with your portfolio, staff workflow, and mission statements to better align them with what you’re already doing.
Onboard your staff properly so that everyone knows how to use the new tech tools and your future as an international business will be set.