Learning a new language gives way to a lot of business opportunities and benefits. It increases your connections and puts you above your competitors who remain monolinguistic.
Learning a foreign language changes your life and experiences.
I will go as far as to say that it’s like a key that opens doors and as a business owner, you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one language.
In a business setting, speaking a new language can show your customers that you are open to other cultures and traditions. If you speak your customer’s native language, it will help widen your professional network and promote business relationships.
Years ago, in Nigeria, I worked with a French couple as an Interpreter. They put in the effort to learn relevant words in English which they had an opportunity to use at a business meeting. Speaking a little English made the government officials trust them more.
A construction project had many companies bidding for the contract. During the meeting, my boss presented a lot of pictures of structures in different areas of the world. The buildings looked fantastic, solid and quite attractive.
However, there was a language barrier. I did all the document translations.
My boss and his wife prepared for the meeting and used the English words I taught them in a short period of time.
When we arrived at the meeting to present our work, seeing French people greeting and asking about little things like how the family was doing, and other types of greeting in English, created a connection with the government officials.
A new language gives you confidence and can help you bridge the language gap during business negotiations or meetings. Try to overcome any fear of making mistakes.
On this occasion, the contract was awarded to my boss and I think the language speaking was an advantage.
The meeting became so much fun when the government officials tried speaking French.
So, for the sake of your business, speaking a foreign language can encourage new leads, boost your business, give you recognition and help you generate more profit.
If you are motivated to learn French or English, contact me today for assistance.