Communicating across the continents

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Category: Culture

Published on Wednesday, 30 July 2014 02:36

Written by Johnny Ward

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Our ability to communicate is what sets us apart from the animals (that, and opposable thumbs) and although we may speak different languages, all human civilisations have devised forms of verbal and written communication. Furthermore, we have the ability to learn to speak each other’s languages – and where our knowledge of language fails us, we have pictures, emoticons and symbols. Being able to communicate with people around the world is important for business, social progress, art and culture, as well as gathering news. That’s why, if you have a business, you need to make sure that your advertising material can ‘speak’ to those who do not speak you language.

Make the most of your logo designs – could you use symbols or pictures which clearly show the nature of your business to potential international clients? Any stationery or advertising material that gets sent out should also do this. As much of the design as possible should be universal – for example could you use the word ‘Gratis’ under the word ‘Free’ on your flyers? International and cross-cultural communication is vital for continued trade, and with the growing number of business start-ups, the chances are that you are going to want to look outside the UK for trade growth.  Instantprint.co.uk explain that business cards can also be easily utilised for cross-cultural communication – a symbol, your name and a phone number with a country code tells a potential customer who you are, what you do, and where you do it.

Remember that customs differ greatly from country to country – do your research so that you don’t unintentionally include offensive material in one of your press packages.

In Tibet, it’s normal to stick out your tongue in order to greet guests (just remember to stop doing it when you get back to the office) and in Tuvalu, Polynesia, it is customary to sniff one another’s cheeks.

Business cards are still one of the best tools for getting your details out there. At Instantprint you can design and print top quality business cards online. The site can also help you to make your business card suitable for international use – i.e. stripping down text and replacing it with symbols, and creating a design which is universally appealing and sums up the nature of your business.

Revising the design of your business card is advisable every few years in any case. You and your business will have grown substantially over a five year period, and your business card should reflect this change. Instantprint print orders in one working day, and offer 24/7 support, so they can help you out, no matter what your schedule.