ECR

Companies doing business overseas will almost certainly come up against language and cultural barriers. How they are tackled could mean the difference between success and failure.

An Export Communications Review (ECR) can help companies to communicate effectively anywhere in the world without necessarily having to learn a new language. A consultant will discuss the company's current overseas business activities, look specifically at the way they tackle the language and cultural issues that arise and make recommendations for overcoming the potential barriers identified.

The review involves an in-depth discussion with a communications consultant, who will then prepare a report, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of current communications, considering written, verbal, personal, promotional and electronic interactions. The report will include practical recommendations to help the company communicate more effectively and suggest those organisations or companies who can provide the solutions. An indication of costs and whether financial assistance is available will also be included.

All of the advice offered is unbiased and based on years of practical experience. The aim is to give companies the confidence to deal with overseas customers both now and in the future. That's why, as well as offering solutions to immediate problems, longer term recommendations will be made which can be used as the basis for developing an export communications strategy.

While all exporters can benefit from a review of their communications with overseas customers, companies have been known to benefit considerably when they have had a review at the time they were considering entering a new overseas market, launching a new product overseas or undertaking a new overseas promotional strategy such as attending a trade show or organising a mail-shot to the market. Another good time is if the company is encountering a downturn in an overseas market or having communication difficulties with one of their overseas representatives.