With many tech events just around the corner, this is the perfect time to fine-tune how you connect with international leads, partners, and providers.
Whether you’ve struggled to communicate ideas across cultural lines or simply want to get more out of your cross-border interactions, this guide is for you. In both my personal and professional life, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting colleagues, clients, and multiple friends from all over! So, here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
1. Step outside of your comfort zone
At an international event, it might be easier to just stick with your colleagues from your country, delegation or group. However, if you only spend time with familiar faces, you won’t get the chance to stand out and make new connections!
Sure, approaching strangers may be uncomfortable and you might be unsure on how to go about it, but that’s exactly what these events are for. Leave your comfort zone, be open, honest, and ready to talk about yourself. You never know what that could lead to!
2. Don’t be afraid to ask!
Let’s say you’re talking to someone from Uruguay and they’re mentioning how much they miss walking along the rambla. You’ve got no idea what that is, and that’s perfectly fine!
Any opportunity people get to talk about what they love, where they’re from, or what makes them happy often puts them in a good mood and makes way for genuine connection.
They’ll passionately tell you about how “it’s this gorgeous promenade on Montevideo’s coast that gets the best sunsets in the world!”, they’ll maybe even show you some photos. Moral of the story: just ask
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3. Lost the thread of the conversation? Don’t panic
Chances are you’ve already had conversations where one of you wasn’t entirely fluent in the language being used. That’s okay. What matters is ensuring no one gets confused or feels left out. If something wasn’t clear, whether to you or the other person, it’s important to pause and clarify. Rephrase, repeat, or gently ask them to do the same.
As long as you're respectful, most people will appreciate the effort. Nevertheless, if anything’s not that important, you can let it go and steer the conversation in a new direction. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s genuine connection!
4. Adjust your language to your audience
No matter what language you’re speaking, follow this simple rule.
- If you're a native speaker talking to a non-native: slow down when needed, avoid using local vocabulary or slang.
- If you’re a non-native speaker talking to a native: don’t hesitate to ask them to speak more slowly if necessary, or to rephrase something.
Communication is a two-way street. The key is mutual awareness and respect, meeting each other where you’re at to make sure everyone stays on the same page.
Sidenote: don’t assume that being a non-native speaker means someone lacks fluency. Making that assumption could come off as condescending, and may do more harm than good.
5. Body language, small talk: the usual
Frankly, this is relevant when talking to anyone, ever.
It’s simple: look at the person you’re speaking to in the eyes (don’t overdo it, though), avoid crossing your arms, have your body pointed towards them, the usual body language-related notes you’re so tired of hearing about. It really makes all the difference. If your body language is off, the person might get the sense that you’re not fully committed in the conversation.
Same goes for small talk. The weather, some new movie that came out, your favourite sports, a nice non-controversial book you’re reading. Whatever, just anything that works to humanize you in a simple conversation. However, avoid talking about topics that do not cross borders quite well.
Oh, and careful when making any gestures that could be interpreted differently in other cultures. That’s just room for a misunderstanding!
6. Have resources in different languages!
Alright, you’ve successfully met up with Jane Doe, VP of Partnerships at TotallyRealCompany Inc. Now, picture what goes on next. She’s interested, but when she presents your offer to her executive team, she realizes all your materials are only available in English, and her CEO doesn’t speak it well.
Your product may be outstanding, but can it make it overseas? Make sure your key resources, such as pitch decks, product overviews, or one-pagers are available in different languages, especially those relevant to the markets you’re targeting!
It’s all about showing that you’re actually interested in that specific lead and bridging the language gap to cater to their needs.
7. Never make assumptions about others
This might be the most important point.
We live in a world filled with preconceived notions of each other, but we are way more similar than we realize!
It’s frustrating to be misjudged before you’ve even had a chance to introduce yourself. Let’s not do that to others. Be genuinely curious and respectful.
Yes, cultural awareness is key, (not just for doing business, but for building lasting connections) but that doesn’t mean treating each other entirely differently. It just means taking into account certain differences we may have in the way we think or act.
Heck, you might be missing out on partnerships or getting a deal with great people and great businesses! So, I insist, never underestimate people, you might be surprised.
One of the best things about partnering up or doing business with people from all over the world is that you get access to new markets and potential clients. So, make sure you’re taking advantage of every opportunity, even the ones that seem more distant!
And if you’re feeling like getting some practice, let’s meet up and see where that takes us.
