International business is complex, competitive and full of opportunities. In order to fully capitalize on those opportunities you need to be able to handle the complicated nature of doing business in international markets and stand out from competitors coming from all over the world.

Sounds like a daunting task, but the good news is that there are a multitude of useful resources out there for international business people looking for information, targeted training and guidance.

But with so much out there, and so little time, how do you know which professional development efforts will make a tangible impact on your career and your business?

For this month’s #TradeElite Twitter chat, we asked the experts just that. Our panel consisted of those who have found success in international markets and helped other individuals and businesses go global successfully as well. Here’s what they had to say about the training and certification that added the biggest benefits to their careers.

Panelists:

John Treleaven, CITP (@jht4x4) Principal, Treleaven Consulting Group Ltd., based out of Sidney, British Columbia

Craig Atkinson, CITP (@CraigAAtkinson) Trade, Technology and Sustainable Development Specialist at the International Trade Centre and Founder/Director of Lexmerca International Trade, based in Switzerland, England and Canada

Laura Dalby, CITP (@Dalbinator) Canadian Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Canada in Guatemala, Belize

Adriana Carrillo, CITP (@acarrillo2016) Export Advisor, consultant with over 20 years experience in international markets, based in Toronto, Ontario

Emiliano Introcaso, CITP (@introcaso) Export Help Advisor, Trade Advisory Services, Export Development Canada, based in Toronto, Ontario

Marcela Mandeville, CITP (@MsBrightIdea) CEO, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, based in Edmonton, Alberta

 Let’s get right into it! How important is it to have training and/or certification specific to international business when you expand from domestic to global markets?

A1: #Training, and #certification, are critical in understanding the nuance of a new market and also for signalling credibility in #trade. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A1 Very important! International certifications (such as the CITP/FIBP) are a great validation to the skills that employees can bring to their employers. A CITP can help your business grow in the right markets, by properly assessing your company’s capabilities. #TradeElite

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

A1 and designations in other areas, such as Accounting for example, are as important as the CITP designation. Individuals holding these designations support their businesses by keep up with trends in the field as part of their professional development #TradeElite

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

Overwhelmingly important is these very, very concerning times. International trade will continue to happen but transaction costs are rising fast. Knowledge and experience are only effective antidotes.

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

Knowledge is power, so the more you are knowledgeable about others markets the better you can plan, act and react

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

A1: Training is as important as your bottom line. @FITTNews courses will teach you where to find resources, such as @TCS_SDC . Then you save time and $. Example: what gov’t funding could you apply for? Resource: https://t.co/QVgotJPm1t #tradeelite #cdnbiz

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A1. There are simply too many possible risks to not have an expert on board. From Cultural differences to legal requirements. It’s good business to have a strong team on this. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

A1: Training and certification are great investments to save time and money by offering up to date knowledge and skills on understanding int’l markets and how to best execute a well-thought out strategy #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

When we talk about “upskilling”, what kind of opportunities for professional development exist for global business professionals?

A2: Why not start with government programs and support available to #cdnbiz? Example: Step-by-Step Guide to #Exporting: https://t.co/RoJqCO8MEH #tradeelite @TCS_SDC …

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

To successfully exploit the services-government & private sector-nothing more important than knowing the questions to ask & capacity to discern good advice. @FITTNews provides both.

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

A2. You may increase your skills by accessing specialized training such as the FITTskills online/in class courses and by experiencing everyday the real life of being an international trade professional

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

A2: … Opportunity example: #DYK @TCS_SDC can help #cdnbiz considering IFI contracts? Eg. understand IFIs, key contacts, guidance. More info: https://t.co/NKYpl4RjSr #tradeelite

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A2: There are direct skills, to navigate markets, obtained from “upskilling” ( through training such as that offered by @FITTNews). Participation in #trade training can also help broaden your network. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A2: @FITTNews training (of course:)), webinars and other online learning opportunities from @edc and @bdc_ca and @cme_mec, etc. #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

A2. There are definitely free resources you can build your knowledge with. If you’ve settled on a field, there are specific trainings like a P.Log or CCS or CTCS (in Canada) that can help in your role. Overall, the #CITP20 designation is the most thorough. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

From a business owner’s perspective, how can upskilling and certifying employees really affect revenue?

A3: Upskilling employees = motivated, high performing, time and $ saving. This also contributes to a healthy work environment. Develop core business training and seek feedback from employees on their needs. Invest in your people for success. #tradeelite …

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A3. It has a direct impact. Certified professionals know how to proceed, how to decrease risk, therefore, how to do things in the best possible way. This feature gives companies a differentiation from those that lack qualified staff.

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

A3: Upskilling can affect revenue by creating the potential for participation in new markets where there were barriers to entry. Such breakthroughs can grow sales beyond domestic expectations. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A3 Employers must hire qualified personnel in any discipline to ensure that they get the most value from the employees. Hiring certified employees allows companies to get their employees working in what’s important, faster! #TradeElite https://t.co/iRV7SfUOAd

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

A3: Helps build a culture of learning and continuous development. Employees with relevant, valuable skills and knowledge are a key asset to any business. Investing in talent improves customer satisfaction and creates new opportunities for the business to grow. #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

A3: … Another example, can your employees or service providers use #INCOTERMS properly? If not, that’s going to cost you $. @FittNews article explains: https://t.co/ZZX8MRS6qF #export #tradeelite

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A3. Bottom line – in house experts salaries are less costly than third party consultants. Then in house experts train internal employees to at least level up. The more people thinking globally, the better growth you will have. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

@FITTNews Training & certification in a special area of expertise truly empowers not only the employee but the organization as well. The training brushes up the key skills & knowledge while the certification ensures that the bearer of that certification has the true skills (1/2)

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) June 14, 2018

Based on your experience, what type of training or “upskilling” has been most beneficial to your work?

Q4. There are many ways to learn. Yet, I would say that attending specialized seminars, workshops and events related to international trade hadd helped me. An example could be #YourFuture2017

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

A4: Traditional post-secondary #education for writing, research, world knowledge. I also took many @TCS_SDC courses since @CanadaFP invests in employees. Then @FITTNews certification to be part of #tradeelite AND watch the news, read market reports @UOttawa @SFU @douglascollege https://t.co/Rn2vCsyGHu

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A4: For me, #digital skills have been the most important… and not only for #trade: they impact all aspects of doing business in the new economy! #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

So true @craigaatkinson that you need the digital tools and knowhow to be competitive today. From social media, software, e-platforms, integrated payment systems, banking and more! #ICT #technology #business #tradeelite https://t.co/1oCgteVUSc

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A4 In my line of work, certifying the @FITTNews courses was the best investment I’ve done in my life. I took the FITT program through @SenecaPartTime and it allowed me to grow in my career much faster. #TradeElite #highered #Toronto https://t.co/x08vE1UUfA

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

A4: Definitely @FITTNews certification and the #CITP credential, ongoing learning on topics related to business and global issues and a @Ualberta MBA degree #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

We know our panel is full of experts on this…Do you have any tips for balancing a busy work/travel schedule with doing professional development and training?

Continuing education is always key. I suggest #learning breaks if possible. Maybe just 20 minutes a week to start. Learn a concept, or many! Take charge of your learning. #training #PD #profdev #TradeElite

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

I would say that having a good professional network helps to be updated. Having access to specialized online resources also helps when trying to quickly keep on top of things.

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

A5: I find travel days to be the best time to read and catch up on topics of interest. I also set time aside every week to explore something new or refresh knowledge #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

A5: For me each time I traveled, studying for my diploma & prepping for my certification was my favorite thing to do each evening when I retired to my hotel room or when I was back in city it was the one thing I looked forward to post work. Weekends too helped me. #TradeElite

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) June 14, 2018

A5: Build training into the very work you’re doing. It can be good to learn about topics of interest, but it is important that training relates to your core work to optimize your time. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A5 I am the worst to answer this question…. it’s all about logistics and managing your time properly. Don’t make my mistake of not making enough time to balance life. #Mistake #DontDoIt #TradeElite https://t.co/QVzRRSU1EJ

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

Ok – I’ll join you in sharing a mistake @introcaso . Don’t do what I did & put it off. It’s worth getting it done as quickly as you can because it can affect potential opportunities & jobs. #Mistake #DontDoIt #TradeElite https://t.co/pB2dTm52YF

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

A5. Focus on the which one really gives you what you need. No point taking all of the trainings all of the time. Be strategic. Then give yourself a target of completion & be accountable. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

What are your tips for SME business owners who want to upskill their staff or themselves without taking away from productivity?

A6: It’s valuable to look at the company’s growth plan to understand which skills and knowledge are needed to move ahead. Better skills are going to benefit the company now and in the future and will help to improve productivity overall #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

As an #entrepreneur you have to wear many hats, my best advice is if you do not know how to proceed then hire specialized professionals. If you can not afford that then try to be connected with as many possible people, organizations that have the knowledge that you need.

— Adriana Carrillo (@acarrillo2016) June 14, 2018

SMEs are always outsourcing needed IP and labour. If involvement in international trade is more instinctual than rational there will be big problems ahead.

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

A6: Identify the areas that your staff would like to be trained in (consult your staff) & make sure it fits into your org goals. If I were an SME owner I would make my staff take time off maybe a day or two in a week to take the training at work. It would serve as a break (1/2)

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) June 14, 2018

A6 (2/2): from their daily work schedule and more importantly train them in areas which would benefit them & the org. SME’s should schedule time/days during their yearly planning for dedicated training & plan accordingly so that productivity is not affected. #TradeElite

— Varun Anthony (@Varunanthony) June 14, 2018

Surely knowledge increases efficiency. If not you and your business have deeper issues than skills acquisition…

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

Choose the skills that will best add to your bottom line then hire or train for them. Take at least one @FITTNews module&decide if more would be helpful

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

A6: Adding skills = more productivity. I found this article with 5 reasons why: https://t.co/TvpV040mrX @businessdotcom #tradeelite … https://t.co/TauExjRSQm

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A6: Create incentives and clearly identify opportunities for employees to upskill. Any short term loss in productivity (e.g. time) should be made up for in long term increases in productivity due to training. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A6: …Example: one of my team members took a course on digital design for her own interest. Now we do all invitations, product design in house and it saves $$. We supported the #business bottom line and employee job satisfaction. Win-Win. #tradeelite …

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A6 one way companies can upskill is to make a professional development plan with their employees so that not everyone takes specific time off work at the same time. Plan, Produce, Succeed! #Training #TradeElite #Productivity https://t.co/GK0A2Ka9G7

— Emiliano Introcaso CITP PLog MBA (Cand.) (@introcaso) June 14, 2018

A6. I disagree with the premise of the q. How productive is the employee if they don’t have the knowledge? Yes, your employee may dip for a period of time, but the result & new knowledge they will utilize is so worth it. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

Are some credentials and training opportunities more valuable in certain international regions than others?

There may be programmes which focus on the finer points of one market or a trading block but none will provided a more comprehensive grasp of what makes international trade training thru @FITTNews a global skill set.

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

A7: CITP is global. I am fortunate to have attended 3 colleges/unis, then I sought out @FITTNews for practical skills. I studied #politics #LatinAmerica in Uni and then FITT for #business every day examples #tradeelite Here’s more about why I chose FITT: https://t.co/KUOH7GSIjY https://t.co/S8ikwfYfv3

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A7: At some level, any #trade related training is important for understanding the context of import/export. The particular value of training may apply a certain market. For example, supply chain management training may be more relevant to a manufacturing business. #TradeElite

— Craig A. Atkinson (@craigaatkinson) June 14, 2018

A7: I trust that everyone regardless of geography would rather transact with a well trained and credentialed individual. This will carry a lot of value and will even show in the quality of work. #TradeElite

— Louei Ali, MBA, CITP, EPC (@LoueiAli) June 14, 2018

Networking and mentorship are a couple of great options for global business professionals looking to learn and open career doors. How have you made some of your best international business connections?

Always, always link into the local Trade Commissioner office and seek their views and door opening skills

— John Treleaven CITP (@jht4x4) June 14, 2018

A8: Great connections through @FITTNews and #CITP networks and work to support women entrepreneurs with @WEOC, @WEConnection, @WBECanada @WBENCLive #BWIT #tradeelite

— Marcela Mandeville (@MsBrightIdea) June 14, 2018

Q8: … the @TCS_SDC has sector specific and interest networks as well, such as for #womenexporters #BWIT . More information: https://t.co/ogmmD5RNp2 #tradeelite …

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A8: … Local/ Canada Chambers of Commerce (and chambers in Canada) also have great #business networks. In #Guatemala: @CanchamGT #tradeelite

— Laura Dalby (@Dalbinator) June 14, 2018

A8. Being a member of Trade Groups like @FITTNews, attending market updates like @EDC_Events Go Global & making the effort to get to know people however you meet them. Thinking about how people can collaborate & helping people where you can. #TradeElite

— audrey ross (@tresAudrey) June 14, 2018

If you’re looking for #globalbiz mentoring and networking opportunities, follow the #CITP20 activities this month and look for how you can get involved. There will be a mentorship contest announced soon, stay tuned! https://t.co/I0BQHpzn0z #tradeelite

— FITT (@FITTNews) June 14, 2018

If you’re inspired to get started with practical #import #export training, you’re in luck. All FITTskills courses and workshops are 20% off! What are you waiting for? https://t.co/YyGptzkBaK #tradeelite @ExportDevCanada #CITP20 pic.twitter.com/XTV6I9FrSd

— FITT (@FITTNews) June 14, 2018

Read the rest of the chat and join future discussions by following the #TradeElite hashtag. And stay tuned for the next #TradeElite chat, coming up Thursday, July 12 at 2:30-3:30PM ET, and if you haven’t yet, join us on Twitter at @FITTNews.

The post How upskilling and certification can affect your global career and bottom line appeared first on Trade Ready.