Published on August 24, 2017 -You may think that there is no good reason to learn Spanish. After all, many native Spanish-speaking people learn English if they want to communicate in an English-speaking country like the USA, Great Britain, Canada, Australia and many others. If you're a businessperson, ask yourself this question: "Why did they learn English?"
The answer is pretty simple: They wanted to grow their business, their brand, and their customer base.
When Spanish-speaking populations want to communicate with businesses whose primary language is English, they learn the language. It just makes sense. By not learning English, they are effectively blocking off enormous potential for growth and profit.
This is how you must think when it comes to learning how to speak Spanish. It's in your own interest, and in the interest of your company, to do it. It opens up the market and will increase sales.
You may be saying to yourself, "I've never thought of this before. I've never had the need to do this before." Well, times have changed. As the old cliché goes, the world is a much smaller place now, thanks to worldwide communications and the internet. Ecommerce is as common as picking a cellphone and making a call halfway around the world. Many English-speaking executives employ those who are bi-lingual, with Spanish being their first or second language, but it is only somewhat helpful.
If you invest in Spanish-speaking countries, it is a good idea to consider taking Skype Spanish lessons . Of course you could leave it up to your employees who know Spanish to interact with your Spanish-speaking colleagues and customers, but you'll be ahead of the game if you yourself learn the language. It will demonstrate your professionalism and your level of sincerity when it comes to doing business with them.
Mark Klein, energy consultant and owner of Pacific Northwest Energy Consultants LLC shares, "my Spanish coach is able to tailor lessons to help me interact in specific business environments".
Learning a new language is not a piece of cake, especially if you're older or more set in your ways. Having an open mind is the first step to learning a new language. Once you've decided to take the leap and learn some Spanish, your next step is to decide which method of learning it is right for you.
You do want to build a successful business abroad, don't you? Remember that nothing worth pursuing comes easy.
You could try with apps like Duolingo and software like Rosetta Stone, and although these are good options, it could feel like a one-way learning experience without real life human interaction. In the last 3 years of meeting hundreds of learners, I've yet to meet one that actually speaks the language after using a "proven system" developed by the big brands.
Another option is to attend a local school to learn Spanish. This option is better than using software, because of the human interaction, but it has its challenges. For example, you will have to put aside extra time to travel to the location where the classes will take place. Also, if the teachers are not native Spanish speakers, then learning process will be somewhat more complicated and less effective.
One of the most flexible and effective ways to learn Spanish is to do it online with a native Spanish speaking tutor. Most online Spanish tutors use Skype, so you'll be able to learn from the comfort of your own home, while interacting with a real teacher who will help you learn in the most natural way possible. A big plus of using a native Spanish tutor, is that you will also be able to learn from him or her about the culture and the people. Because of this, you will not only learn a new language, you actually be able to communicate, understand and interact with Spanish speaking people at a more personal level. Dramatically increasing your chances of building a successful business abroad is much easier with the help of a native Spanish speaker on your side.
Wouldn't it be nice the next time you speak in a Spanish-speaking boardroom to be able to communicate fluently in Spanish instead of feeling awkward for not knowing how, or having to rely on an interpreter or colleague to translate?
Invest in Spanish coaching for yourself or a key employee. If you are looking to expand your business into the massive latin markets all around the world, you must take the plunge into learning this amazing language than can literally transform your business forever.
