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



 



Overcoming Language Barriers in the Workplace

Overcoming Language Barriers in the Workplace = Compliance

Industries with the greatest concentration of foreign workers

22% service

16% construction

20% manufacturing

Considerations to create a SAFER environment for all workers:

Language

Culture

Understanding

Example: Construction sites often have a large level of immigrants or ESL (English as a second language) workers. The lack of appropriate communication can pose a problem because the worker does not understand the safety measures must be followed.

a.  The worker is afraid to lose their job and will take unnecessary risks to keep their jobs. This fear needs to be addressed by company supervisors, officials and discussed in training materials.

b.  They do not comply with the safety instruction because it is not given to them in their own native language, the understanding is lost.

·   It is the company’s responsibility to properly train these workers, OSHA compliance mandates that the worker understands the safety instruction given.

How to better communicate to ESL workers:

·         Translations/translators

o   For better safety compliance with a culturally diverse workforce where English is a second language or not spoken, consider:

§  Provide individuals with a list of commonly used words and meanings that are not readily replaced by pictograms

§  Provide simple instructions and guidelines in the spoken languages of your workers.

§  Ensure that groups of workers who share a common culture and language have one of their own bilingual fellow employees to act as interpreters. This raises the level of engagement, understanding and communication for all involved.

·         Multilingual Training is required to be OSHA compliant.

§  Comprehension is greatly increased

§  Retention is greatly increased.

§  Reduces training costs because the understanding happens sooner.

§  Reduces injuries by raising the comprehension and retention of the materials.

o   Training can take a variety of forms:

§  Video with voice-overs is better than close captioning because of literacy level issues

§ Classroom training with a bi-lingual instructor or interpreter.

§ Training materials are written in the native speaker’s language

§ Testing should be done in the native speaker language, using written and oral examinations.

·    Understand the foreign workers’ culture – understanding the cultural beliefs of these workers will enable effective communications.

o   Some Considerations and Examples:

§  Does the worker believe if he/she complains, they will lose their job.

§  Asian and Mexican workers nod as a sign of respect, not necessarily in agreement or understanding.

§  Do not use a first name unless you were given permission

§  Mexicans are soft spoken and raised voices indicate to them anger.

o    Does the worker have religious beliefs that need to be addressed:

§  Holidays they observe

§  Gender issues: Muslim men do not shake hands with women; do not look in the face of women. This may be an issue if a supervisor or co-worker is a woman

§  Religious concerns include

· Times to pray -  must they stop pray during the day

· Times to eat - must they eat at certain times, certain areas, etc.

· Holidays observed

o   Facial Hair requirements can be accommodated instead of restricting it.

Example: instead of shaving it off or safety and health issues can he mask it to ensure food manufacturing processes are still safe and healthy can help people still do their work and maintain their cultural beliefs.

The Service Industry, Construction and Manufacturing have benefited by integrating foreign workers into their workforce.  For example, the Service Industry has greater than 22% foreign workers and is growing. Our economy will not grow and prosper without welcoming these valuable workers. Adding proper communication in many languages will strengthen the workforce and increase production and loyalty. 

About the Author

Linda Richardson is the President and Owner of All Clear Translations, LLC. They help American manufacturers increase export sales through localization services of websites, software, technical manuals and marketing materials. Please contact linda@allcleartranslations.com with new projects.

Lost In Translation: When Should You Translate Marketing Content? | SiriusDecisions Blog

Lost In Translation: When Should You Translate Marketing Content? | SiriusDecisions Blog

This article makes very good and valid points. One I would add is: if your intended audience searches in his/her native tongue then you should translate or risk not being found. Often translation is a minor cost to the revenues found.

Transcending Language Happens but can you Build a Global Business Without Translation?

What do you think? 

Some things transcend language like emotions, music, great art, amazing food, fantastic wine. BUT, you cannot grow business across regions without cross cultural communication. Use Russian, Spanish, French, Portuguese to communicate your ideas, solutions, products. Communicate your company's core values. Communicate who you are and what you do for others. You do not know where someone is looking for your solutions.Use language to bridge the gap.Create websites in other languages that will be found on search engines in new regions.  The science of language translation will enable you to reach your goals, solve someone's problems, meet a new client and build your vision, your goals and your company. 

Are you ready? We are - let's build something of global value together and celebrate the wonderfulness of you, your team and your business. 

Celebrations - understood in any language!



Hoping you have many celebrations this year!

Linda Richardson