Effective communication online means remembering you are communicating globally when you put anything online.
Your videos, blog posts and social media are available to people around the globe.
A friend of mine Donna Merrill wrote a post last week called Talking to the World.
Please check it out as Donna reminds readers of the differences we need to be mindful of when communicating.
Donna’s post was the catalyst for me shooting a video which I share here.
I share my thoughts as an Australian where we are a day ahead of most of the world and have opposite seasons.
As I write this it is 4 PM Monday where I live, it is 11 PM Sunday in Los Angeles, it is 2 AM Monday in New York and it is 7 AM Monday in London. Of course there are a whole lot of other time zones around the globe. If I started writing by saying “good afternoon” it would be lost on most of the world.
When I see people showing photos of their yards covered in snow in January in North America we are usually facing heat waves here. Now I keep seeing people in their little tank tops while I am rugged up. 🙂 It is great we share what is happening in our lives but we need to be mindful of the differences around the globe.
I love that social media has made is so easy for us to share and learn about our different cultures and seasons.
With this comes a need for awareness when we communicate so that we respect and include others.
Effective Communication in Marketing “down under”
Australia and New Zealand are very tiny populations in the scheme of the world however we are countries many marketers target.
If you are a marketer who includes us in your demographics acknowledging us goes a long way.
Many authors have tested the market with a new book in Australia and New Zealand before they take it global.
Robert Kiyosaki’s book Rich Dad Poor Dad was a best seller here in Australia before it became one in the USA and subsequently around the globe.
I am not sure if it is because of our isolation but most Australians and New Zealanders like to travel.
Effective Communication online is about embracing the world as a Global Village
The internet has changed how we do business. Boarders are no longer the barriers they were.
We now see people traveling the globe and running their business from a laptop.
That laptop lifestyle that so many aspire to is a reality for those who want to take it.
I have traveled to different parts of the world and plan to do much more.
For me traveling and learning about different places and cultures is something I have always loved.
If you do not want to travel and you are marketing online then at least learn what you can
about the people you connect with and remember you are communicating with a much bigger audience than where you live.
Please leave me your comments below I look forward to your thoughts on effective communication online in our global village.
Make it a great day.
Sue Price
Skype: sueprice
PS
Akaahan Terungwa says
Hello Sue,
You have a very interesting entry here particularly for some of us who aspire to live the dot com lifestyle. When I started doing business, I was in the habit of answering both email and phone with the traditional ‘good morning’ when some of my customers were about going to bed! I learnt with time and gradually, have replaced it with a more acceptable ‘good day’ which works all day round.
I have also learnt to forget about local slangs (at least when blogging or communicating to persons whose nationalities I’m not sure of). This has helped me avoid many a misunderstanding my good humor may cause.
Finally, I have understood that nationals of other countries love nothing better than an appreciation (and respect) of their culture. When dealing with the Chinese for instance, I remember getting more than excellent prices with some snippets of the Chinese language chipped into conversation or scribbled in an email.
The list, definitely continues.
Sue, be certain to make the day great!
Always,
Terungwa
Sue Price says
Hi Terungwa
It sounds like you have worked out how to communicate with people from around the world very effectively. Yes saying good morning when someone is going to bed is not the best rapport builder.
Yes we all love when someone shows respect and appreciation for our culture. I actually get excited when someone knows something about Australia and it makes me feel much more connected to them.
I find it pretty amazing that some people do not know that the seasons vary around the globe. I think if someone is going to market a business online they need to educate themselves further than their own backyard.
I hear what you are saying with the Chinese culture. They are a race who thrive on the sort of respect you have said here.
Thanks for your awesome comment Terungwa and you too have a nice day (or evening) 🙂
Sue
sherman smith says
Hey Sue,
This was a great topic!
I sometimes forget that the rest of the world is reading my blog. I use our jargon/slang that’s local here sometimes, not thinking that someone in Nigeria or Australia may not understand what I’m talking about.
But yes, we definitely want to be able to relate to the rest of the world the best we can. This creates a connection despite the fact the language you speak is their second or third language in whatever part of the word they are.
I also notice if you know a little bit about other people’s culture, they tend to be drawn to you. There are a lot of Americans here that tend to be more to themselves, that lack interest in other cultures. In business, that is definitely a no, no.
But I will definitely make a better effort to be much more mindful of the rest of the world so I can establish a better connection with others! Thanks for the share and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
Sue Price says
Hi Sherman
It was Donna who gave me the idea to shoot the video first and of course then include it here. I had left a comment on her blog and then realized how often I feel excluded when someone is referring to their local scene as if everyone was in it.
You are not alone in talking occasionally in local jargon as a huge majority of Americans do it. Given I come from a country with a small population I am conscious of being more global. I also worked with so many Americans and am more educated on the differences.
You are spot on Sherman it creates a connection when you include others. And yes if you know anything about Australia I am excited so I am sure it is the same with others in their own countries.
I agree there are Americans who do not know much about the rest of the world. The first time we traveled to the US as a family we were asked questions like ” where did you learn to speak English” , “is Australia part of Canada” – and the best one ” do we have electricity”.
Thanks for your comment Sherman and you too have a great week.
Sue
Ravi Chahar says
Hey Sue,
I have read Donna’s post about building relationships with people all over the world.
Bloggers are there to write post only for SEO but they forget that their readers are important.
Connecting with people all over the world is somehow an interesting thing to do which can boost up your business.
People need to focus at their communication skills which can make them a brand online.
Thanks for this wonderful post.
Hope you have a nice weekend.:)
~Ravi
Sue Price says
Hi Ravi
That post of Donna’s was a good one for sure.
You are spot on with some bloggers who write more for SEO and of course readers are very important.
I am glad you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment here.
I hope your week is going great.
Sue
donna merrill says
Hi Sue,
Thank you so much for including me in this post! When marketing, we have to be mindful that we are “Talking to the world” and there are different cultures, languages, and time zones.
I try not to use my American slang, especially when marketing!!! I’m always impressed of how people could speak different languages…I can’t lol. So we have to be very clear with the use of language.
As you mentioned, keep in mind the time of day! “Hi Everyone” just about covers it for me. And lots of my products are evergreen, so I cannot mention the season nor the time.
We also need to be respectful to others and keep in mind that with so many cultures we are talking to, they may not like harsh language.
Whenever I market, I do include Australia and New Zealand. For folks in America, they sometimes forget there is lots of people there that may want to join our ventures. (It was one of those things I learned in marketing)
I just had to laugh when you mentioned what you put on Facebook…I’ve seen that and know that it is winter where you live and also in a very warm climate. I didn’t see the guy who said it was Summer lol. There again..if he was a marketer, I would be a bit turned off because he didn’t have any consideration to learn about “the world”
I am so happy that my blog inspired you to do this Sue!
-Donna
Sue Price says
Hi Donna
Now I clearly know you understand as it was you who inspired me to share my thoughts.
I too am like you with people who speak more than one language. I learned French at school but I have forgotten most of it.
Australia and New Zealand are great markets. I have been on a couple of webinars recently to do with Facebook marketing where the presenters have mentioned to include us and Ireland often comes up too.
The post I am referring too was one of those very long ones and I said something like it was warm for winter and yes someone corrected me.Very funny. Maybe he is not a marketer 🙂 I have also had people surprised when I say it is already the next day.
Hey I do not know everything about the different countries and cultures but I try to learn what I can and be respectful.
Thanks for your comment here Donna and for inspiring my post.
Hope you are having a wonderful week.
Sue
Bren Lee says
Hi Sue! Happy Winter Evening! 🙂
I tend to forget at times where I’m addressing myself too. I have to remember I am speaking to the world and not just the USA but it’s hard at times. I know when you and I speak, you remind me that’s it’s almost the opposite where you are, I appreciate that heads up. I’m going to be more conscious now in addressing the world wide webs and all my friends there. Thank you for that kick in the pants. 🙂
Also glad to see you give a shout out to Donna Merrill. She’s truly an inspiration!
BTW, is that your pool? Is it warm enough to swim there in winter? Looks gorgeous!
B
Sue Price says
Hi Bren
It is much easier for me to remember the differences I think because I am in a country with small population and am in constant contact with people from the USA so I get the differences. I loved Donna’s post and yes she is a true inspiration.
Yes that is my pool and no it is not warm enough to swim in winter. 🙂 The ocean is still pretty warm here even in winter but I don’t swim as I get too cold when I get out. Our winter is short though.
Thanks for your comment Bren. Have a great rest of your week.
Sue
Adrienne says
Hi Sue,
I respect the message that Donna shared and you also speaking of this since you’re in another country but the message I’m getting from you is that you’re basically telling me that I can’t be me. I can’t speak like I normally speak and I can’t let my own personality shine which is why certain people connect with me in the first place.
You’re telling me that I can’t wish everyone a great morning because it’s not morning where you are. I can’t put out on social media that it’s a really hot day because it’s winter where you are. So you’re basically saying that because the internet can reach people from all over the world and some of them might be seeing or reading my content that I can’t be me?
In my commenting rules on my blog, I let people know that if you don’t speak English then your comment won’t be approved. I also add that I don’t mean to be disrespectful to anyone else but I live in America and I only speak English. I’m sorry to say but I prefer to just connect with people who speak English. It’s definitely not going to do anyone any good if we can’t understand each other.
I don’t believe in going off on certain subjects anyway like talking politics or religion since so many people are so very passionate about their own views and you are right, there are totally different cultures and they can find it offensive to say the least. Heck, I find some of what’s said offensive.
I also understand that you’re talking as well about marketing but I would hope that anyone that comes in contact with me will appreciate me for who I am. I don’t do webinars but I’ve never been offended when someone is on the other side of the world giving one and wishing me a great morning when it’s night where I am. That doesn’t bother me in the least. It bothers me when people correct me about that and get upset with me and are offended by it so in my mind I’m thinking that if you’re offended by something as simple as this this we probably don’t need to be connecting anyway.
Okay, this is how I feel and what I was reading into what you said. Maybe I’m over thinking this but I’m sure you’ll let me know! 😉
Hope you’re enjoying your weather.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
I am in shock at your comment and yes I do think you are over thinking my message 🙂
I shared my opinion after reading and commenting on Donna’s blog.
I thought my message is clear that I’m not telling you you cannot be yourself. I have blogged and made videos on using our own unique voice. Rather, the point I’m making is that when doing a webinar, it is better to leave out time, seasons, etc. Only because it will be dated. I’m not saying you shouldn’t be you…You have your own voice and that’s fine. I’m only suggesting that when we talk to so many people all over the world, it is nice to be mindful about certain things.
Also, Your commenting rules are in English and that’s fine. Donna and I do that too. It’s not about different languages, but considering different cultures. I am an avid reader of your blog and you never had insulted anyone at all.
Have a good rest of your week Adrienne.
Sue
Adrienne says
Well Sue, I read your post and listened to your video and you were not just saying this applied to webinars only. That’s why I was so shocked because I thought too that you shared a lot about being yourself but after reading this this is exactly how I took it. Not trying to be disrespectful at all to you but it’s honestly how I took that message.
Donna’s message didn’t exactly come across the same way yours did, you seemed to elaborate more so I’m sorry if there was a cross in communication but you know me, just telling you what I think. Hey, I never said I was perfect! 😉
Hey Sue, I love you and you have a great rest of your week too.
~Adrienne
Sue Price says
Hi Adrienne
That is why commenting is so good as we get to share our opinions and the way we see things.
Love you too Adrienne and you have a great Friday and weekend. I have a wedding to go to tomorrow so looking forward to that.
Sue 🙂
Mark says
This is a really great article Sue!
You make a great point about remembering that what we publish online, is there for the entire world to see.
You often forget or neglect that all too important fact!. BTW, I too am a big fan of Robert Kiyosaki’s Rich Dad series.
But I had no idea that he first published his book initially in Australia & New Zealand first.
Before going releasing it in America and then the rest of the world. And I watched your excellent and very instructional video!
And your main point about remembering to be inclusive is extremely important! And it’s something that far too often, get’s overlooked!
Thanks for writing and sharing such a highly informative post and video!
Sue Price says
Hi Mark
It is easy to forget we are talking to the world for sure.
I am sure not too many people know Robert Kiyosaki had his success with his book here first. He used to teach down here for some years before he wrote the book so people were aware of him.
Thanks for your feedback and comment here Mark. I hope you had a nice weekend.
Sue
Karmakar says
Hi Sue,
Thank you very much for sharing this information with us… 🙂
As you have quoted – “Effective Communication online is about embracing the world as a Global Village” I believe this is the basic strategy for every successful Global marketing firm…
In our blogger world I have seen many newsletters comes with the 1st sentence as – “Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening depending on the which part of country you are” – That is Global communication….
Regards…
Sue Price says
Hi Karmakar,
Thanks for commenting here. I agree many people do use that type of greeting and are very aware of time differences.
I love that we can get to market globally. I think these are exciting times.
Regards
Sue
Di says
Hi Sue,
Im here again, from Donnas blog and Im going through all the great blogger Donna mentioned and feel very privilege to know you personally.
I think I have already commented on this blog post, as I loved it and thought it very appropriate for not only bloggers but for everyone living on our planet.
Everyone comes from a different background, and we never know when they are going to hear our message, even if we are right in front of them talking TO them..they still might not really hear for a year later.
My point is I do try to stay aware of how I phrase things or explain things, so I don’t use short cut words, or slang. I figure we never know what or where a person really comes from unless we have known them for along time.
Thankyou sue
Sue Price says
Hi Di,
Yes you have been to this post before but thanks for coming back. 🙂
I think it is good to stay away from slang too. I laughed last night on Erica’s team call the Kiwis were saying “chur”. I have never heard it but noticed that a few of them use it. Apparent it means great.
It is amazing how many differences there are even between Australia and New Zealand.
I was very honored to be included in Donna’s post. Hey and I am very grateful to know you Di and I love we have reconnected in our online worlds.
Thanks for your comment.
Sue