How do you persuade foreign clients and partners?

1 Know your audience

Before you approach a foreign client or partner, do some research on their background, culture, and preferences. Learn about their values, goals, challenges, and communication style. What are their pain points and needs? What are their expectations and norms? How do they like to receive information and feedback? How do they make decisions and negotiate? By understanding your audience, you can tailor your message, tone, and strategy to suit their context and perspective.

3 Build rapport and trust

Persuasion is not only about logic and facts, but also about emotions and relationships. To persuade foreign clients and partners, you need to build rapport and trust with them. Show genuine interest and respect for their culture, values, and opinions. Listen actively and empathetically to their concerns and questions. Express appreciation and gratitude for their time and attention. Share some personal information and stories to create a connection and rapport. Avoid criticism, confrontation, and arrogance that may damage your relationship and credibility.

4 Adapt to their style and pace

Different cultures have different preferences and norms when it comes to communication style and pace. Some are more direct and assertive, while others are more indirect and subtle. Some are more formal and hierarchical, while others are more informal and egalitarian. Some are more task-oriented and fast-paced, while others are more relationship-oriented and slow-paced. To persuade foreign clients and partners, you need to adapt to their style and pace, without compromising your own identity and values. Observe their cues and signals, and adjust your level of directness, formality, feedback, and urgency accordingly.

5 Provide value and benefits

To persuade foreign clients and partners, you need to demonstrate how your offer or proposal can benefit them and solve their problems. Focus on the value and outcomes that you can provide, rather than the features and details of your product or service. Use evidence and testimonials to back up your claims and show your credibility. Anticipate and address their objections and doubts, and offer solutions and alternatives. Emphasize the mutual benefits and common goals that you share, and appeal to their interests and motivations.

6 Follow up and follow through

Persuasion does not end with a single conversation or presentation. You need to follow up and follow through with your foreign clients and partners to maintain the relationship and the momentum. Send a thank-you note, a summary, or a confirmation of the next steps after your interaction. Keep them updated on the progress and status of your offer or proposal. Deliver on your promises and commitments, and exceed their expectations. Ask for feedback and suggestions, and show your willingness to improve and adapt. By following up and following through, you can reinforce your message, build trust, and increase your chances of success.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?