Halloween Celebrations Around the World

What is your favorite Halloween story?

When I was about 10 years old, I was delegated with the job of taking my younger brothers trick or treating. We did not live in a "neighborhood" and had to walk a couple of miles to find the 10 - 15 houses we would invade. Our neighbors waited for us, baking us brownies, cupcakes and candied apples. We would stop in several of these homes, sit at their kitchen table and tell them about our past year. When we said "Trick or Treat" and were met with Trick my brother, Jay would stand on his head.  Unfortunately today, you would never allow your children to walk  that distance to other homes, sit in people's kitchen that you only see that day and behave in such a "free" way.

This particular Halloween, we decided to walk back through the graveyard near our home and properly scare ourselves. While walking home, heading up our very long driveway we heard something behind us. We turned around to find 2 ghosts screaming and running at us. We were terrified! How to get away from them?  Now is the time for me to be the heroic big sister and save my brothers. Instead, I ran OVER them to get into the house. My mother and sister were draped in sheets and had been waiting for us to return. They stopped, took off their ghostly coverings and laughed hysterically. I realized I may not be hero material when encountering the supernatural. Perhaps that is why I had younger brothers - let them be eaten first!

Here are some Halloween customs around the world:

Ireland - the birthplace of Halloween. Fortunetelling, bonfires, traditional food and beer is enjoyed.
Mexico - November 1st, Day of the Dead, altars are built and gifts of food, beverages are placed there.
Germany - some people hide their knives from evil spirits.
Great Britain - celebrations include fireworks and partying in costumes for a week!
Austria - people leave bread, water and a light on their table at night to welcome dead souls.
China - Festival of Hungry Ghosts is a celebration where angry spirits are offered food and gifts to pacify them.

My brothers Doug and Steven.

Happy Halloween - wishing you a memorable night!

Linda Richardson
President
All Clear Translations

International Growth - Easy as one, two three!

International Sales Is Easier Than You Think!

U.S. manufacturing is more efficient and innovative now than in any other time in history. Worldwide, companies are looking for solutions that are reasonably priced and high quality.  Better than 70% of the world’s purchasing power is outside of the U.S. Sometimes thinking about going international is an overwhelming thought for business development executives. Before you decide it is too hard, think about these statistics. 17 states had record exports in the first half of 2013, building on a trend of U.S. export records. More important than those numbers are the millions of American jobs supported by exports in manufacturing and other sectors. The top export markets for U.S. goods through the first half of 2013 included Canada ($150.6 billion), Mexico ($110.7 billion), Japan ($32.2 billion), Singapore ($15.2 billion), and Australia ($12.9 billion).

http://tradegov.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/staterecords2.jpg?w=300&h=144

Our largest trade partner is right across the border! Ease into exporting by looking north to our friend, Canada. What makes Canada a great next step in your international sales effort? They speak English, they have the same international dialing code +1, and some Americans can see Canada outside their kitchen window, really! Seriously though, Canadians buy over $290 Billion in goods from U.S. companies which amounts to 19% of overall US exports There is little language barrier, English and French are official languages in Canada.  58.4% of Canadians are native English speakers, 22% are native French speakers, mostly in Quebec, which has a large dominant French speaking population. To enter this market product sold into Canada from the U.S. must have a bi-lingual label (English and French). Translating your labels and website will easily ensure successful entry into this and other markets.

Listed below are growth ideas to expand your markets and grow your revenues.

5 Dynamic International Growth Ideas

1.     Connect with local resources that will help with market research and more

a.     SBA International Trade Specialist

b.    U.S. Commercial Service International Trade Specialist

c.     SBDC International Trade Specialist

2.     Learn where your next customer is and how they will find you

a.     Infrastructure – Brazil, India, South Africa

b.    Industrial Manufacturer – Brazil, Mexico, Canada

c.     Health Care  - China

d.    Luxury Goods – Mexico

3.     Talk the Talk! Translation is low cost but high ROI

a.     Translate your website – this can grow your sales up to 40%. Be found on regional search engines like Baidu (China), Yandex (Russia) and Altavista (Brazil)

b.    Translate your marketing materials -  creates increased loyalty and trust

4.     YouTube – the second largest search engine in the world

a.     Create short videos about your product

                                                  i.    Add a voice-over in other languages to be found worldwide

5.     International Trade Shows – often you can team with the U.S. Commercial Service to go to these shows and sell your products at a lower cost than by yourself. They will also set up appointments with international buyers attending the show.

Growing your business internationally is easier than you think. Take advantage of the local resources that want to help you succeed in a global market. Your competition is already selling globally, you need to level the playing field and build globally.

About the Author:

Linda Richardson is the President and owner of All Clear Translations, LLC. They use translations and localization to transform websites, software, technical manuals and marketing materials into all languages to help increase sales. Their unique process can include Plain English to help companies increase understanding and comprehension while reducing translation and production costs of manuals. Their audio voice-over technologies enable spoken and written communication in many languages. Email Linda at linda@allcleartranslations and visit their website http://www.allcleartranslations.com.

Five Tips to a Successful International Trade Show Exhibit.

Five Tips for a Successful International Trade Show Exhibit

International trade shows offer terrific opportunities for growing and establishing your global contacts and clients. You will gain exposure to many potential international suppliers and colleagues, distributors and more in one place. Maximize your investment by following the tips below:

1.       Act Global – English may be considered a universal language (by Americans) but you could benefit greatly by having a translator present at your exhibit.

At a minimum, translate your marketing materials and product information into your prospective clients’ native languages. Translated presentations give an opportunity to potential international prospects to comprehend your product benefits and the technical details of your amazing product. Overall, allowing them to understand the value of you and your company.

This small addition to your marketing materials will make international guests feel welcome and respected. Even if you do not speak their language, if you attempt to communicate in their native tongue you will be held in much higher esteem.

2.       Mind your manners  - Welcome, welcome, welcome your visitors to your trade booth. Offer them comfort, they have been walking and talking to many exhibitors. They may be tired and hungry. Some cultures are insulted if they are not offered a snack, beverage or a seat while learning more about what you do. Example: if you visit a Danish company, you will be in an inviting space, offered tea and cookies and made to feel very welcome. Also, be aware and recognize the role of women in some cultures and act appropriately.

3.       Mirror body language - Americans are known to engage quickly, be matter of fact and “cut to the chase”. Some cultures are uncomfortable with that level of direct interaction.

o   Follow their lead – if they bow, bow, allow them to extend their hand, do not stare or make direct eye contact if they are not.

o   Try not to come off as strong and rude.  Engage them personally, small talk is big!

4.       Business cards – Company cards are essential and a valuable introduction. Again, create bi-lingual cards for your international prospects. Choose languages that are your targets’ or the domain country’s official language. Hand your card to the prospect with both hands; accept their card with both hands. Never write on the back of an associate’s card, this can be seen as very insulting and may even seal their minds that you are not getting the deal!

5.       Follow up personally - Send a hand written note to your prospective clients or suppliers thanking them for their time and information. If you promised to send information, include it. This simple act will create a strong buyer/seller relationship, create respect and build your sales!

You will have successful interactions, confidence and increased sales using these tips. Happy Hunting!

About the Author:

Linda Richardson is the President and owner of All Clear Translations, LLC. Their translations and localization transform websites, software, technical manuals and marketing materials into all languages helping to increase your sales. Their unique process can include Plain English to help companies increase understanding and comprehension while reducing translation and production costs of manuals. Their audio voice-over technologies enable spoken and written communication in many languages. Email Linda at linda@allcleartranslations and visit their website http://www.allcleartranslations.com

Europe could be your destination for your next tradeshow! Translate and be heard.

Europe - land of ever changing borders!

Click the link to view this video  Europe 1000AD to present day the changes that have happened over the last 1000+ years.

Today, Europe seems to be stabile and secure. Europe is more unified than in any other period of history

What are your thoughts?

Do you think we will see the changes, uprisings, etc in the future?

Europe is the destination for over 50% of Trade Conferences each year. Europe could be your place to shine! Make sure you are seen and understood.

 

 

guten Tag

 

Linda Richardson