It's a small world, and that means your business, no matter how small, likely has -- or will have -- a global stakeholder, which makes intercultural communication consulting a modern-day necessity. The logistics of global reach are improved in the age of e-mail and Web conferencing, but no matter how much technology changes, it cannot overcome the inevitable cultural differences parties in different countries face.

How do you keep cultural differences from turning into cultural difficulties? Cross-cultural consulting offers you a way to plan for and manage challenges that global reach can bring. Before you hire cross-cultural consulting firms, know the steps involved with cross-cultural communication consultants basics that you are most likely to need help with.

1. Bring far-flung global teams together to work as one.

2. Give project managers sent to other countries the data they need to succeed.

3. Make two companies one after mergers and acquisitions with intercultural communication consulting.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Harness global teams through cross-cultural consultancy

When you've got teams working in Asia, Europe and South America, they need to communicate with each other and with you, and that's a tall order. Cross-cultural communication consultants offer ways to get far-ranging global teams on the same page even when they work different hours with different approaches.

I recommend: ITAP International has an in-depth discussion on Developing a Consulting Tool to Measure Process Change on Global Teams. Chaco Canyon Consulting defines global teams, the challenges they face, and solutions for success.

Pack business cross-cultural communication consulting in your project manager's suitcase

Sometimes virtual communication is not enough, and you must send a project manager to another country to manage a remote team. That project manager must at once establish your business goals and procedure while respecting the indigenous office. Cross-cultural consultants can help your project manager become a diplomat, with profitable results.

I recommend: George Washington University has a brief on Cross-Cultural Differences and their Implications for Managing International Projects. The International Business Development blog has one project manager's experiences.

Create a successful international union with intercultural communication consulting

Every company has an internal business culture that can clash with a potential merger partner's culture. If companies try to merge across national borders, culture clash takes on an added -- and even more dangerous -- dimension. Head off divorce with international communication consultancy basics.

I recommend: "Managing Cultural Differences in Cross-Cultural Mergers and Acquisitions" is a robust diagramming of the issues you will need a cross-cultural consulting company to help you deal with. See the problem from the other side at Arun Kottolli's blog entry on Managing Cultural Integration Post M&A.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're sending a project manager to live permanently outside of the country, remember that manager's spouse: cross-cultural communication consulting firms can provide training and counseling to help him or her settle in successfully, too.

Intercultural communication consulting firms provide important skills to help companies master today’s international business challenges. Cross-cultural communication consultants equip businesses with practical tools for intercultural communication. Through customized consulting services, cross-cultural consulting firms offer strategic training, knowledge and insight to help businesses maximize their effectiveness.

International communication consultants are invaluable when your business needs global talent not currently available on your staff. With vast resources, cross-cultural communication consulting firms provide cost effective and results-oriented solutions for your company's specific international business challenges.

Before beginning your search for an intercultural communications consultant, it is important to define your needs. Identify the goal of your intercultural communication consultancy, including services needed, timeframe and budget. This information will help your select the best international communication consultant for your business.

When selecting an intercultural communication consultant, research each consulting firm and evaluate the following:

1. What kind of experience do the cross-cultural consultants offer to maximize your company's potential as an international business leader?

2. What cross-cultural training and global management services do the intercultural communication consulting firms provide to enhance new and existing international business ventures?

3. How much should my business invest in cross-cultural consultancy solutions and advisory services?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Hire cross-cultural communication consultants that specialize in your industry

Select cross-cultural communication consulting firms with extensive international experience in your business or industry. Ask to see a list of past and present clients, and request references.

I recommend: Global Integration focuses on improving communication in international companies and provides an extensive online client list. Aperian Global has experience with for-profit, not-for-profit and government enterprises in the pharmaceuticals, health care, banking, finance, accounting, manufacturing, management consulting, information technology, education and petrochemicals industries. Global Intercultural Services provides cross-cultural consultancy for Fortune 1000 companies in the pharmaceutical, medical, consumer products, insurance, finance, software, manufacturing and consulting industries.

Choose intercultural communication consulting firms with proven skills

Review the consulting services provided by each cross-cultural consulting firm. Evaluate the firm's experience, qualifications and certifications, and request successful project examples of the specific skill sets you need. Assess the intercultural communication consultancy's ability to provide cross-cultural training and global management services that will increase your international business presence and profits.

I recommend: 3C New York offers a comprehensive menu of corporate communication management services focused on the United States and Germany. Global Vision Strategies provides customized global business services, including global management training, cross-cultural training and foreign language training. Grovewell feature a variety of services to improve cross-cultural communication, including growth strategies, competency modeling, leader assessment and international merger and acquisition integration.

Select cross-cultural consultants that meet your budget

Many cross-cultural communication consulting firms operate on a retainer with a minimum time commitment. Several utilize an hourly fee structure for short-term projects. Your international communication consultants cost will depend upon the scope of your services.

I recommend: Get a quote from IOR Global Services, a cross-cultural consulting company that offers customized programs and strictly adheres to customers' budget restrictions. Submit an online inquiry to get fee structure information from Transnational Management Associates, a leader in cross-cultural training and talent development.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure your cross-cultural consulting company has extensive experience in the global markets relevant to your business. Some cross-cultural consultants boast about the number of countries they have worked with, but the number doesn't really matter if they don't have experience in the country and culture your company is pursuing for international business ventures.

Get an edge over competitors by getting basic and additional cross-cultural communication consultants education and training. Getting a degree and then continuing your education in international consulting shows clients that you dedicate yourself to your business. It keeps you current with world changes and new ideas.

An intercultural communication consultant should know the finer details of etiquette and culture for the countries he represents. A consultant should also help clients make cultural transitions smoothly. To obtain your focus and establish yourself as a professional consultant you might want to:

1. Get a degree to show that you own a legitimate cross-cultural consulting company.

2. Receive cross-cultural communication consultants education and training through online courses.

3. Look for seminars geared toward furthering your career as an intercultural communications consultant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Obtain a degree that aids you in cross-cultural communication consulting

Many cross-cultural consultants in the business world hold degrees in Cross-Cultural Communication and Trade and International Relations. The coursework required to get these types of degrees gives a student hands-on and in-depth study of intercultural communication.

I recommend: Association of Professional Schools of International Affairs offers a detailed look into a Master of Arts degree in international studies. Its extensive program covers areas from cross-cultural training to international education. EducationDynamics summarizes what a degree in International Relations entails. It offers a list of educational institutions that offer Masters and PhD degrees in this area.

Take courses that update you on the inner workings of international communication consultants

Extend your education after you receive your degree by taking courses in intercultural communication consulting or cross-cultural psychology. This keeps you current with the latest trends in the consulting industry and world diplomacy.

I recommend: President and Fellows of Harvard College offers a course in Cross-Cultural Psychology, which covers diversity, culture and cross-cultural comparisons. Take this course either on-site or online. EDI and Dr. R. Jerry Adams offers a list of courses, games, articles and training for those interested in expanding their intercultural training knowledge base.

Attend workshops to learn more about cross-cultural consulting

When you attend seminars and workshops related to cross-cultural consultancy, you have the opportunity to brush up on your training and establish yourself as a front runner in the business world. It shows your dedication to providing the latest ideas and techniques to your clients.

I recommend: GlobalWorkshop.com offers a list of reports and workshops in consultant-related areas. You can find information based on specific countries or specific topics. Associates in Cultural Exchange offers programs customized for training in cultural awareness. Its focus is to educate consultants in developing tips to help others make smooth transitions in international business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider becoming an intern at reputable cross-cultural consulting firms to get hands-on experience in the field.