What do you do if your international clients and partners are difficult to connect with?

Understanding the specific needs and preferences of your international clients or partners is crucial in building a strong and effective relationship with them. This involves taking the time to research their cultural background, communication style, and business etiquette. By doing so, you can ensure that you are communicating effectively and respectfully, avoiding misunderstandings and fostering a more comfortable environment for collaboration.

When connecting with difficult international clients or partners, consider sending personalized video messages in their native language or incorporating elements of their culture into your communication. Hosting virtual cultural exchange events or sending curated gift packages with items from their country can also help build rapport and demonstrate your commitment to understanding and connecting with them on a deeper level.

There are two main needs, to be protected and safe, and not to lose opportunity. Playing around this will help you to build a proper communication strategy which definitely should take place for each individual you contact with.

Building rapport with international clients and partners often hinges on showing genuine interest in their culture. This can be achieved by learning a few phrases in their language, being mindful of their holidays and significant cultural events, or expressing curiosity about their local customs. By taking the time to research their country's customs and traditions, you demonstrate respect and a desire to engage on a personal level, which can strengthen professional relationships and make subsequent business interactions smoother and more productive. This effort not only shows respect for their culture but also helps to avoid misunderstandings and foster a more comfortable environment for collaboration.

It’s cool to build a rapport but also it’s very important to be yourself. In messages critical to speak the same language with your opponents and use same words, phrases, tone and length. At f2f meetings, it’s might be annoying if you will do it wrong.

Time zones can be a significant barrier when connecting with international clients and partners. To demonstrate flexibility and commitment, it is essential to be willing to adjust your schedule for meetings and calls. By finding a mutually convenient time, even if it means stepping outside of your usual business hours, you show that you value the relationship and are willing to make accommodations to ensure clear and consistent communication. This not only helps to maintain accountability but also fosters a more comfortable environment for collaboration, as it demonstrates respect for their time and cultural differences.

Time zone differences can make scheduling calls challenging. Be mindful of the time differences and try to schedule meetings at times that are convenient for both parties.

Leveraging technology is essential for effective communication and collaboration in today's digital age, especially when working with international clients and partners. Utilizing video conferencing tools, translation apps, or project management software can greatly enhance communication and ensure that everyone is on the same page despite any geographical distances. When choosing technology solutions, it is crucial to consider their ease of use and accessibility for all parties involved. This can greatly enhance collaboration and ensure that everyone is aligned on tasks and deadlines.

Patience is indeed a virtue, especially when dealing with the complexities of international business relationships. Misunderstandings or delays may occur due to language barriers or different approaches to business. It's important to remain patient and open-minded, taking the time to listen actively and clarify any points of confusion. This will create a more positive atmosphere for problem-solving and help build a foundation of trust and respect. By understanding the specific needs and preferences of your international clients or partners, you can improve your connection with them and foster a more comfortable environment for collaboration.

Flip the question on its' head: how have -I- been difficult to connect with, from my international partners' perspective? Provide both anonymous and named feedback methods, and ask trusted third parties or colleagues experienced with other cultures to share their thoughts with you. Exercising cultural humility goes a long way in identifying places for personal improvement and professional self-awareness. When soliciting feedback, ask questions about all the elements of the communication (not just the words): non-verbals, tone, location, audience members, etc. That may give you insight as to what others may find challenging about you. Also, when addressing what comes up, be open to "non-traditional" routes of connection & collaboration.

I’d also ask the person asking the question, which part of being international may be of concern really? Is it a difference in language, culture, perspectives, priorities and work styles? Is it being “international” - often folks’ master status - that is what is “getting in the way?” Or is there something else? Is it your being a certain way? Is it the lack of psychological safety? Or difference in niceties?

From my perspective the only one way to stay on touch with people is to be interesting for them. There plenty of ways how to contact them, when and where, but the form is most important part. Grow niche expertise, share insights and worth read materials. Be a rockstar for your clients and partners ??