Hiring a diverse international team with members based in their respective countries can be instrumental in overcoming language barriers in global sales operations. Many U.S.-based companies often overlook the importance of investing the necessary time and effort to fully understand what it takes to sell a product in a different market successfully. To achieve success, it’s crucial to dive into the nuances of each specific market. Team members who are on the ground in these diverse regions can provide invaluable, native insights into effective strategies for attracting and retaining customers across various market segments.

Creating an inclusive environment within your sales operations team is crucial for navigating language barriers. While team building is always important, it becomes especially critical when managing an international team where language differences can disrupt interaction and productivity. It’s essential to create and facilitate opportunities for these team members to spend time together. This not only fosters a sense of camaraderie but also allows them to understand each other’s communication styles and expressions. By doing so, misunderstandings are minimized, leading to greater team cohesion and joy among the teams I manage.

Customer feedback is crucial in sales operations, especially when selling products in different countries. If a company has invested in understanding what sells in a particular market, then customer feedback becomes an essential checkpoint to verify the success of those efforts. Equally important is the feedback from your international team. It’s vital to seek their insights on team dynamics, the company’s international strategy, their individual contributions, and overall satisfaction. Encourage your team to share how they are doing and how they perceive your performance in their respective countries.