512: Understanding Cultural Differences Within Your Company And Clients

This Podcast Is Episode Number 512, And It's About Understanding Cultural Differences Within Your Company And Clients   We're in a dynamic, multicultural country with many different races of people from diverse origins, just within the domestic market; it's vital that you know who might be interested in your goods or services and how they could perceive particular messages.

Whichever specialty your construction business is in, cultural differences can directly impact your profitability. If you try to understand your crew's and clients' cultures – their customs and differences – you'll have a better chance of keeping them and gaining more, respectively.   Suppliers, vendors, and service providers respect leaders who have a vision, mindful and considerate, and can power through every obstacle to achieve success. They will support you in ways you cannot even imagine because it is in their best interest. Decide how you want to lead, how you want to be respected, and the work culture you want to create.  

Ensure certain business areas don't offend potential subcontractors and clients from different cultures.

Body language – it's important to know what body language to communicate to potential staff or clients you meet or in visual advertising directed at your customers. For example, if your business has a sizable Indian customer segment, be aware that a typical western hand wave meaning 'hello' is usually interpreted by Indians as 'go away' or 'no.'

Communication – the secret to success in any business. If your company can communicate on the same level as your local customers, you're already heading in the right direction. One example that failed miserably was when PepsiCo marketed Pepsi in Taiwan using an ad tagline, "Come alive with Pepsi!" They didn't realize the Chinese translation meant, "Pepsi brings your ancestors back from the dead!"

Awareness – simply being aware of your prospective customers' cultural backgrounds will allow your business to convey its messages more accurately and with less chance of offending.

By drawing up some personas of the main types of clients in your target market, you'll begin to break down what each kind of personal values. You may even find their trigger points – those that make the purchase.

Ensure you're familiar with each persona:

Etiquette – such as getting to know the culture of Chinese customers and being patient when conducting business.
Dress – if you have significant customers in the Pacific Islands, it's more common to dress informally when doing business.

Business and religious customs – familiarity can go a long way toward a successful business. For example, Japanese people consider it rude to make demands when doing business, while Indonesian people prefer to do business face-to-face.

History – if you're kicking off an advertising campaign that uses an aspect of history to get your message across, make sure it's accurate and not likely to offend a particular demographic.

Simple acts of mindfulness promote a positive reputation for your construction company. One common example: When working on residential projects, it is important to note that Asians, in general, and most Eastern Europeans, dislike wearing outdoor footwear inside their houses. It is customary to remove your shoes or wear shoe covers to show respect as you enter; not only that, it ensures the floors and carpets are clean and clear of possible mud and dirt.

Often businesses don't take sufficient time to have people on the ground interacting with their potential customers. There are language barriers and different customs that need to be considered.

Speaking with advisers who have the exact origins of your major market segments is a brilliant idea. The advice could prove invaluable – ensuring you don't offend through ignorance or lack of knowledge.

You must ensure all aspects of your marketing work together, delivering the same message – one that's aware of the cultural differences amongst your clients. By being aware of the critical factors impacting your business, you'll set yourself up to maximize sales from a global melting pot of potential customers.

About The Author:

Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or sharie@fasteasyaccounting.com