How to Increase International Sales? Send the CEO to a Foreign Country.
I just read an interview with Michael Snedden, president and CEO of MultiLing Corporation, a translation services company. Three years ago, MultiLing made a commitment to expand operations to Europe. Michael packed up his family and moved to Germany. They submerged themselves in the culture, hoping to integrate and learn German more quickly. After one year, they hired a tutor to teach German four hours a day, four days a week to Michael and his wife. What a great example of perseverance!
The interview provides interesting insights into the challenges of moving abroad, cultural differences and tips for doing business in Germany.
I recommend it!
Tags: business in Germany, international-business, Michael Sneeden, moving to GermanyRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Customs and Culture, Resources and Links
3 opinions for How to Increase International Sales? Send the CEO to a Foreign Country.
Jerry806
Apr 17, 2008 at 4:54 pm
Certainly Sneeden did the right thing of learning the language, after all he is CEO of a translation company. Too often the upper management just passes through without any real understanding of where their company does business.
Some years ago an upper management type at ADP read a memo to fellow workers highlighting his companies involvement in the BENELUX countries. The goof stated that he did not know what the BENELUX countries were. When he was told that they are Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg he must have said something to his boss further up the ladder because within a month he was moved to Luxembourg. He stayed two years, learned nothing and now is in charge of another failing division.
Chris
Apr 18, 2008 at 10:06 am
Great story, particularly interesting for those of us who own our own business and still want to spend a few years in Europe one of these days.
Jean Mercedes
Apr 20, 2008 at 2:43 pm
@Jerry - unfortunately there are too many business people in the US with a lack of knowledge about other countries. We try to raise “geo-cultural awareness” a bit with this website.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: