• SHOP
  • SITES
  • NEWSLETTER
  • CEO HACKS
  • GLOBAL SEARCH
  • WEB SUPPORT
  • CONTACT
Rescue a CEO
  • Advice
    407348

    Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Growing a Business

    405499

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How they Find, Recruit and Attract Talent

    405119

    11 Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Delegation Tips

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404782

    6 Entrepreneurs Share How They Handle Generation Z and Other Generations in the Workforce

    404584

    10 Entrepreneurs Reveal the Pivots or Changes They are Looking Forward to in 2024

    404299

    22 Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Plan for Innovation

    404149

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How Niche Communities Have Disrupted Entrepreneurship

    404033

    14 Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Incorporate Sustainability Into Their Business

  • Productivity
    406085

    19 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    405896

    30 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    403980

    20 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    402491

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    399974

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Get Out of One’s Comfort Zone

    399549

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Encourage a Team to be Disruptive

    399226

    30 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on The Future Impact of Coworking

    398726

    29 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Have OR Don’t Have A Virtual Assistant

    398653

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Maintain Balance as CEOs

  • Answers
    406116

    5 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Bought Franchises

    405634

    19 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

    405528

    29 Entrepreneurs Share How The Workplace Has Changed

    405387

    11 Entrepreneurs Explain What They Had to Pivot During the Digital Migration

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404122

    7 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on Some of the Most Innovative Brands

    403974

    3 Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Share Their Operations Plan

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    402243

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

  • Marketing
    408137

    Tips for Using Affiliate Marketing to Generate Income from a Blog

    406258

    16 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    405843

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404794

    7 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    404689

    18 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404602

    12 Entrepreneurs Share How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404372

    10 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404339

    4 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

  • Blog
  • MORE
    • START
    • FAQ
    • NEWSLETTER
    • HACKS
    • ABOUT
    • SITES
    • GUEST POSTS
    • WEBSITE SUPPORT SERVICES
  • Community
    • FREE CBNation Buzz Newsletter
    • Premium CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Rescue a CEO
  • Advice
    407348

    Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Growing a Business

    405499

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How they Find, Recruit and Attract Talent

    405119

    11 Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Delegation Tips

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404782

    6 Entrepreneurs Share How They Handle Generation Z and Other Generations in the Workforce

    404584

    10 Entrepreneurs Reveal the Pivots or Changes They are Looking Forward to in 2024

    404299

    22 Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Plan for Innovation

    404149

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How Niche Communities Have Disrupted Entrepreneurship

    404033

    14 Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Incorporate Sustainability Into Their Business

  • Productivity
    406085

    19 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    405896

    30 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    403980

    20 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    402491

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    399974

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Get Out of One’s Comfort Zone

    399549

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Encourage a Team to be Disruptive

    399226

    30 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on The Future Impact of Coworking

    398726

    29 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Have OR Don’t Have A Virtual Assistant

    398653

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Maintain Balance as CEOs

  • Answers
    406116

    5 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Bought Franchises

    405634

    19 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

    405528

    29 Entrepreneurs Share How The Workplace Has Changed

    405387

    11 Entrepreneurs Explain What They Had to Pivot During the Digital Migration

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404122

    7 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on Some of the Most Innovative Brands

    403974

    3 Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Share Their Operations Plan

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    402243

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

  • Marketing
    408137

    Tips for Using Affiliate Marketing to Generate Income from a Blog

    406258

    16 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    405843

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404794

    7 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    404689

    18 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404602

    12 Entrepreneurs Share How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404372

    10 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404339

    4 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

  • Blog
  • MORE
    • START
    • FAQ
    • NEWSLETTER
    • HACKS
    • ABOUT
    • SITES
    • GUEST POSTS
    • WEBSITE SUPPORT SERVICES
  • Community
    • FREE CBNation Buzz Newsletter
    • Premium CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter
No Result
View All Result
Rescue a CEO
No Result
View All Result

Information from an International Businessman

in Advice, Ideas, Motivation
Reading Time: 4 mins read

Guest post courtesy of Lam Woon Cherk
—-

A Little About My Business

RelatedPosts

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Franchise

Tips for Using Affiliate Marketing to Generate Income from a Blog

Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Growing a Business

I run a small Malaysia-based web design firm which creates website for small and medium businesses (SMBs). Although based in Malaysia, more than 90% of my clients are international clients coming from countries such as United States, Australia, Norway, United Kingdom, Turkey, Nigeria and etc. The current main focus of my business is creating e-commerce websites for SMBs. Other than that, my company also creates portfolio websites for SMBs and help them run Search Engine Optimization (SEO) campaigns.

How do You Communicate with your International Clients?

As with many international businesses, the main form of communication between my clients and myself is e-mail. Once in a while we schedule meetings on Skype, but e-mail is still the main tool because of the convenience. Because I have Asian accent with my spoken English, e-mail is also a more suitable method in my case. Another thing I like about e-mail, which is also an essential part in international business, is the conversation records. I always make sure I e-mail my clients important short summaries after our Skype chats to make sure we don’t end up with disputes.

To further strengthen the relationships with my clients, I always added them on my LinkedIn account. I am using Microsoft Outlook 2013 which has this incredible feature of social media integration. Outlook 2013 automatically finds my clients’ e-mails on LinkedIn (and other Social Media), and allow me to add them to my connection in a few simple clicks!

See also  20 of The Most Essential Online Resources & Productivity Apps Online Business Owners Need

How do You Accept Payments?

PayPal is the payment method of my choice. PayPal makes it so convenient to receive money from all over the world. So far, I’ve only come across one instances where PayPal is not useable, that’s when the client is from Nigeria; other than that, PayPal is always the answer!
Although PayPal does take a little bit of commission, I am able to live with that for the convenience PayPal provides! The Invoice feature of PayPal also helps me save a lot of time!

Do You Notice Differences in Cultures in Different Parts of the World?

Yes I do! The main differences I’ve noticed is in terms of their attention to levels of details, aesthetical preferences and personal characteristics.
For example, European clients (limited to those countries that I’ve dealt with) usually pay a lot of attention to the details, and until those little bits are sorted out, they won’t launch the project. Clients from the United States and Australia have better tolerance over the details; or at least they are willing to leave the details for the time being in favor of a quicker launch – they prefer incremental improvements.

Also, while both Europeans and Americans are generally open-minded, Americans are usually more willing to accept suggestions. On the other hand, Europeans usually have their own ideas in mind, and although they are willing to listen to suggestions, they eventually will stick to their ideas.

Another difference I’ve noticed is the working styles. I noticed a very relaxed working style in Americans than other parts of the world. Relax in this sense doesn’t mean that Americans doesn’t get jobs done, but they are usually more tolerant over deadlines. Westerners also have a lot of respects over off-times and holidays. Comparing Westerners to Asians, I noticed Westerners have better respects over ones’ work-life-balance.

See also  25 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Maintain Creativity

How to Promote Your Business at International Level?

Have an incredibly persuasive website. When the main way an international client can know about you is through your website, you have to make sure your website is able to attract them! Lay out clearly what is the services you provide, and how they can get to you! If you have the time and budget, please also invest in SEO.

Also, choose one or two core focuses in your business and go after them in full power. If possible, try to find a relatively uncompetitive specialization. Remember that we are small businesses, and we have very little strength to fight head-to-head with big players. You have to find a niche that is special and focused enough to set you apart from the competitors but general and popular enough to keep your business coming!
Last but not least, give before you ask. I first learnt this idea in a book I read – The 100$ Startup. The idea is that to gain any trust (and thus ask for businesses), please show that you know something by giving away your knowledge. Be it through blogs (remember that you have a website?), white papers, forums, social media or any other online platforms, do not be stingy to share your knowledge. The more you share, the more people (most importantly your clients) will view you as authoritative, and they will naturally give you business!

Any Other Tips?

If you are providing services, always accept upfront payments before you start a project with a new client. While I do not have much bad experiences with clients running away (only 1 encounter to date), it is always safe to have your clients paid a reasonable amount of fee before you start. If any client is not keen on doing this, forget about him! Anyway, this point also relates back to our previous point: to have a persuasive website. If your website makes you look so trustworthy, I don’t find why your clients would want to decline the upfront payments!
Also discussed in previous point when we talked about mode of communication, always have black & white for your conversations with the clients. This will save you a lot of time when dealing with disputes!

See also  Entrepreneurs Explain How To Build a Strong Business Foundation

—-
Lam Woon Cherk bio: I am the owner of panoRazzi, a small Malaysia-based web design firm that focuses in creating portfolio and e-commerce websites for SMBs and building online presence for them. Other than my own profession, I am also extremely interested in entrepreneurship!

Previous Post

How to Successfully Recruit and Hire New Employees When You Don’t Have an H.R. Department

Next Post

The Story of Pill3r and How They Partner with Non-profits

Next Post

The Story of Pill3r and How They Partner with Non-profits

6 Principles that 10 Years Of Kung Fu Taught Me About Business

Comments 1

  1. Pingback: Entrepreneurs Pick the Top Countries to Conduct Business In - Rescue A CEO

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Join CBNation Buzz

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Welcome to CBNation Welcome to CBNation powered by Blue16 Media (Web Design & SEO). We are a B2B brand that is exists to help over 1M business owners succeed. Our philosophy and foundation is based on resources, visibility & connections (Visibility + Resources x Connections = Success). We are focused on being the #1 business resource for CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners.

We hope you enjoy this site, and please let us know if we can be of any help!

Please note in the sake of transparency our sites do contain affiliate links that pay us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclaimer.
CBNation Library
CEO Hacks
I AM CEO Volume 3

RSS Our Latest CBNation Content:

  • IAM2531 – Embrace Change: Mastering the Art of Pivots
  • IAM2530 – Award-Winning Scriptwriter Specializes in Rewrites that Elevate Scripts into Production-Ready Projects
  • IAM2529 – Branding Consultant Helps Clients Communicate Their Awesomeness
  • IAM2528 – Podcast Host and Business Coach Teaches Entrepreneurs to Embrace Fear
  • IAM2527 – Unlock Your Future on Day 204!
  • IAM2526 – Unveiling New Candidates in Zor

Our Sponsors

Subscribe

Join thousands of subscribers & be the first to get new freebies.

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What is CBNation?

We're like a Global Business Chamber but with content...
LOTS OF IT

CBNation includes a library of blogs, podcasts, videos and more helping CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners level up

CBNation is a community of niche sites for CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners through blogs, podcasts and video content. Started in much the same way as most small businesses, CBNation captures the essence of entrepreneurship by allowing entrepreneurs and business owners to have a voice.

CBNation curates content and provides news, information, events and even startup business tips for entrepreneurs, startups and business owners to succeed.

+ Mission: Increasing the success rate of CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners.

+ Vision: The media of choice for CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners.

+ Philosophy: We love CEOs, entrepreneurs and business owners and everything we do is driven by that. We highlight, capture and support entrepreneurship and start-ups through our niche blog sites.

Visit CBNation

RSS Our Latest Content:

  • IAM2531 – Embrace Change: Mastering the Art of Pivots
  • IAM2530 – Award-Winning Scriptwriter Specializes in Rewrites that Elevate Scripts into Production-Ready Projects
  • IAM2529 – Branding Consultant Helps Clients Communicate Their Awesomeness
  • IAM2528 – Podcast Host and Business Coach Teaches Entrepreneurs to Embrace Fear
  • IAM2527 – Unlock Your Future on Day 204!
  • IAM2526 – Unveiling New Candidates in Zor
  • IAM2525 – Embrace the Unexpected: Day 195 in Focus
  • IAM2524 – Letting Go: Your Journey to Inner Peace
  • IAM2523 – CEO Helps People Grow and Maintain High-value Business Relationships
  • IAM2522 – Commercial Real Estate Investor and Podcast Host Helps Clients Navigate Real Estate

©2023 CBNation | Powered by CEO Blog Nation & Blue16 Media | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Affiliate Disclaimer | Website Support Services

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Do not sell my personal information.
SettingsAccept
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
No Result
View All Result
  • Advice
    407348

    Common Mistakes Entrepreneurs Make When Growing a Business

    405499

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How they Find, Recruit and Attract Talent

    405119

    11 Entrepreneurs Share Their Best Delegation Tips

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404782

    6 Entrepreneurs Share How They Handle Generation Z and Other Generations in the Workforce

    404584

    10 Entrepreneurs Reveal the Pivots or Changes They are Looking Forward to in 2024

    404299

    22 Entrepreneurs Reveal Their Plan for Innovation

    404149

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How Niche Communities Have Disrupted Entrepreneurship

    404033

    14 Entrepreneurs Reveal How They Incorporate Sustainability Into Their Business

  • Productivity
    406085

    19 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    405896

    30 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    403980

    20 Entrepreneurs Describe Their Morning Routine

    402491

    16 Entrepreneurs Share How They Focus

    399974

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Get Out of One’s Comfort Zone

    399549

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain the Best Ways to Encourage a Team to be Disruptive

    399226

    30 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on The Future Impact of Coworking

    398726

    29 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Have OR Don’t Have A Virtual Assistant

    398653

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Maintain Balance as CEOs

  • Answers
    406116

    5 Entrepreneurs Explain Why They Bought Franchises

    405634

    19 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

    405528

    29 Entrepreneurs Share How The Workplace Has Changed

    405387

    11 Entrepreneurs Explain What They Had to Pivot During the Digital Migration

    404966

    26 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Stop Burnout from Happening

    404122

    7 Entrepreneurs Share Their Thoughts on Some of the Most Innovative Brands

    403974

    3 Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Share Their Operations Plan

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    402243

    17 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Keep Track of Their Numbers

  • Marketing
    408137

    Tips for Using Affiliate Marketing to Generate Income from a Blog

    406258

    16 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    405843

    30 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404794

    7 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    404689

    18 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404602

    12 Entrepreneurs Share How They Use Social Media for Their Business

    404372

    10 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

    404339

    4 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Podcast for Business

    402426

    23 Entrepreneurs Explain How They Use Their Blog for Business

  • Blog
  • MORE
    • START
    • FAQ
    • NEWSLETTER
    • HACKS
    • ABOUT
    • SITES
    • GUEST POSTS
    • WEBSITE SUPPORT SERVICES
  • Community
    • FREE CBNation Buzz Newsletter
    • Premium CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
 Share This
 Facebook

Share on Mastodon