The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) is partnering with OWIT-Toronto to build and enhance women’s global business skills, expertise and knowledge. The partnership seeks to leverage existing  resources, expertise and capabilities to empower women in global markets with key information, knowledge and up-to-date international issues on accessing global markets and advancing profitable competition.

FITT is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses. FITT’s international business training solutions have become the standard of excellence for global trade professionals across Canada and around the world.

Established in 1992 through a joint initiative of the Canadian government and private sector, FITT is now an authoritative standards body for international trade certification, accreditation and training. FITT’s Certified International Trade Professional – CITP® | FIBP® designation is the standard of excellence for global business practitioners worldwide. As part of the partnership with OWIT-Toronto, FITT is currently offering a 40% discount for OWIT members on all online courses and workshops.

“Cross-border business is complicated, even more-so following the onset of the pandemic and the related supply chain disruption and great resignation. For businesses making the leap into global markets, know-how is survival. Through this partnership, connecting women to the right training to properly address the risks, plan strategically, and avoid costly errors will empower them to become high-performers for their organizations and improve retention. And this is crucial for building export-capable businesses and people worldwide,” said Caroline Tompkins, CITP, President & CEO of FITT

Helen Hemmingsen, Board Director and past President of OWIT-Toronto Chapter, warmly welcomed this collaboration.

“OWIT-Toronto is very pleased to partner with FITT to upskill and advance women’s abilities in global trade. Recognizing that skills development is key to more inclusive international trade, this partnership advancing global business knowledge will support our members to more effectively integrate into global markets,” Hemmingsen said.

“With the dynamism of global trade, upskilled women exporters and service providers will have the ability to reap more benefits from global trade.”

The OWIT-Toronto and FITT partnership will further support women in acquiring practical skills and know-how on the complexities of doing business in respective international markets. Equally to building proficiency and skills in international trade, it provides the opportunity to tap into OWIT-Toronto’s global networks, resources and export education to support businesses going global.

OWIT-Toronto and OWIT members can register to access the 40% off FITTskills online courses and workshops or contact info@owit-toronto.ca for more information. Non-members can sign up to be part of a dynamic world-wide organization advancing women in international trade and take advantage of the robust training offers.

The post FITT partners with OWIT-Toronto to enhance women’s global business skills appeared first on Trade Ready.

One of the perks of a career in business is travelling to attend conferences, meet clients or form new partnerships. These trips can open up a world of opportunities for your work, but they can also be stressful if not well planned. Having travelled extensively for business and pleasure for over 20 years, I’ve learned a few things that have made these trips more productive and enjoyable. Rather than learn the hard way, here are five essential hacks especially for women travelling internationally on business.

1. Keep Calm and Carry-on

Travelling for business can be quite hectic. If I had a dime for every time I had to go directly from the airport to a meeting, I would have at least five dollars by now! Even if you do have time to check into your hotel before the games begin, why would you want to prolong your time in the airport? Even worse is being delayed by late or missing luggage. And if your power suit is in your checked suitcase, your next meeting might feel more stressful than it has to. For these reasons, I highly recommend that you don’t check any luggage unless your trip’s duration is more than a week.

Carry-on and hit the ground running, with your rolling suitcase behind you as you get to the front of the taxi line. It’s a real confidence boost, which is great for business.

2. Don’t Look Strange in a Strange Land

50 countries and five continents later, I’ve been fortunate to have experienced a diverse range of cultures and traditions. As a Canadian, I understand how we pride ourselves on our stance regarding diversity. We’ve also come a long way toward gender equality, as opposed to many other countries. When travelling, it can sometimes slip one’s mind that our choice of apparel or how we carry ourselves in our own country may not be appropriate in others.

If your business trip is to a far-off land with different customs and beliefs, I suggest you do a bit of research to see whether what you intend to pack would pass muster where you are going. In many places, women wearing low necklines or sporting bare shoulders and knees can be seen as offensive to locals. Whatever your stance on personal freedom, when travelling abroad, we have a responsibility to show respect for cultural differences.

3. The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Your Luggage

Fun fact: the 80/20 rule that we apply in business also applies to our wardrobe. That’s right, we only wear 20% of what is hanging in our closets, and luggage is no different. Most people are chronic over-packers but if you stick to your favourite neutral professional outfits that are interchangeable with black or beige footwear, you will truly be amazed at how little you need to bring with you.

To make use of all the space in your carry-on, many savvy travellers use packing cubes  – magical nylon zip bags that you can fill with a staggering amount of stuff. These cubes will change your travel life, trust me. Just be sure to weigh your suitcase before you go to the airport to make sure it doesn’t exceed your airline’s weight restrictions.

4. Bleisure is the New Black

While the vast majority of business travel for North Americans is domestic, international business trips have been steadily on the rise since the 2008 economic downturn. Not surprisingly, people travelling for business abroad are extremely likely to tack on some vacation time to their international trip. In fact, Expedia Group reported that this was the case about 80% of the time last year for American business travellers.

Whether you are preparing for a trip near or far, know that adding some leisure time to your itinerary is worth considering, since Bleisure has become all the rage. For women travelling alone, this may sound daunting, but there are lots of ways to explore if you don’t feel comfortable going solo – join a walking tour, sign up for a local cooking class, or become a member of a global expat organization like InterNations , where there are a wide variety of group activities to choose from.

5. Don’t Spare the Self-Care

Women are well known for putting their time and health at the bottom of their priority list. Business trips only exacerbate this bad habit, so make sure you have a plan to fit self-care into your itinerary. The healthier and more well-rested you are, the more effective you will be in your work while on the road.

The major travel self-care items I see getting lost in transit for women are hydrating (with water not wine), eating a good breakfast and taking me-time. Bring a water bottle and use it regularly, make sure to eat a healthy breakfast and get as many greens in your meals as you possibly can. Although it can be fun to go out exploring in the evenings if you have the time, try to spend at least one night of your stay relaxing in quiet me-time.

Business trips can be exciting, intellectually stimulating and open up a wide world of opportunities. But not planning in advance can make them more stressful than they need to be. With these five travel hacks for women in business, you’ll be on the path to a calmer and more productive trip.

The post 5 Travel hacks for women in international business appeared first on Trade Ready.

What kind of networks are out there that can help a small business? Should I look for a mentor? Do I really need a website or social media to grow my business?

These are just some of the many questions that anyone trying to start or grow a business will face. Growing a business is tough. For good reason, the word ‘entrepreneur’ conjures up visions of long hours, sleepless nights, and risk. Understandably, not everyone may be ready for entrepreneurship.

For women who are starting, growing or running a business, you can add even more challenges to the mix. Access to financial capital, information, support and networks tend to be the primary barriers faced by women entrepreneurs.

Financing your business

When it comes to financing their business, studies show that women entrepreneurs are more likely to face obstacles in receiving traditional funding or venture capital and tend to receive less money.

Finance may be the single most important aspect that will affect the viability of running or growing your business. That’s why small business advisors strongly recommend that you boost your financial literacy. Take a course, do your research, inform yourself, ask for help and know when to call in the experts.

Beyond traditional financing, there are many more options than ever before, such as angel investors or crowdfunding, and new business investment funding models. Do your research and talk to people. Consider all the options that may be open to you.

If you’re planning for growth from going global with your business, consider this advice from global trade bankers:

1. A strong relationship with your bank and a good solid deal team that understands your business is key when navigating some more complex types of business growth, like going global. Laying the foundation of this relationship as early as possible will only help.
2. Most experts recommend making connections with your financial institution, and building a relationship, even if you aren’t quite ready to start. It’s so much better to build that relationship early. That way your banker can help you get ready for exporting and all that goes with it. Planning is so important when it comes to going global with your business.
3. Talk to your banker. They are connected with agencies such as Export Development Canada. Your banker can help you formulate your plan and test for readiness, explore payment options when dealing in different markets and provide you with risk mitigation tools.

How women can secure more access to resources such as mentoring, networking and skills building

Connect with people, ideas, initiatives and organizations you admire and want to work with in your local community and around the world. Find a mentor. Identify a role model and build a community around you.

Network through business associations, or become a member of a trade association like OWIT (Organization of Women in International Trade) and I.E. Canada (The Canadian Association of Importers and Exporters).  Membership in a global network like OWIT can help you develop contacts, educate yourself and keep up to date. Establishing connections with other women entrepreneurs opens doors to new networks, opportunities and learning.

Also consider taking on leadership roles in organizations that assist in both building your network and skills and providing resources such as experts to consult.

Follow entrepreneurs like Michele Romanow, Nicole Verkindt, or Vicki Saunders to get inspired and further develop your entrepreneurial mindset. If you’re circling around the idea of a new business venture but it’s not going anywhere, maybe you need to step back and get some perspective. To paraphrase Michele,  you need to start before you have all the answers or the perfect product. Don’t hide away until it’s perfect – either someone will get the idea out, or you miss out on collaborating. In other words, don’t second guess yourself into never starting. Start by taking any small action to get the ball rolling.

Take advantage of free tools like the business start-up checklist from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. They offer lots of information, ranging from starting a business and financing, through to growing your business and also list a wide range of networks and business support organizations across Canada.

What’s encouraging is that there are numerous resources available to women-led businesses – and to make it easier we’ve put together a list to get you going.

Resources, advice and networks

Export Development Canada

Export Development Canada can provide knowledge, information and assistance with going global. They can help you take your business to new markets with financing, risk managing strategies, business advice and even connection opportunities.

Business Women in International Trade (BWIT)

The BWIT Program, which is part of the Trade Commissioner Service, provides products and services to help women entrepreneurs internationalize. They offer a variety of resources including publications, research and training opportunities. Best of all, BWIT’s services are FREE! Get help navigating the complexities of international markets regardless of the size of your business. Check out the step-by-step guide to exporting.

The BWIT website funding page lists resources specifically targeted to women-entrepreneurs looking to expand globally.

BWIT also offers a list of networks and associations for business women across Canada and world-wide.

Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps companies navigate international markets. Canadian trade commissioners are located in more than 160 cities worldwide, and can provide you with key business insights and access to a network of international contacts.

The services of the TCS are free. They have hands-on knowledge that comes from helping thousands of companies each year tackle concrete problems and pursue opportunities in foreign markets.

Trade commissioners will help you evaluate your potential. They will discuss your competition, entry strategies and your company’s HR capacity. They will look at your capacity to fill large orders and manage long-term growth.

Trade commissioners will identify risks and challenges you might encounter. If you have a new opportunity in a challenging market, they will walk you through scenarios related to payment, taxation, visas and personal security.

Their website provides a wealth of information and resources, such as tips from experienced businesswomen, experienced women exporters, consultants, and trade officials. Want to start exporting today? Take this quiz and check your score – Export quiz: Are you ready?

You can also look into CanExport, a Government of Canada program providing direct financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) registered in Canada that are seeking to develop new export opportunities and markets.

National and regional associations

Women’s Enterprise Organizations of Canada (WEOC) is a national network of entrepreneur support organizations that provide resources for women entrepreneurs.

CME-MEC – Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters is Canada’s largest trade and industry association, offering various resources to explore new market potential.

OWIT – the Organization of Women in International Trade is a global association for women in international trade and business with 2,000-plus members.

Consult your local chambers of commerce and regional organizations such as Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE).

WEConnect Canada – network with other certified women business owners and the WEConnect Canada team.

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT)

The Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) provides international business training, resources and professional certification to individuals and businesses.

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, invest in personal development for your employees, or meet your own personal career goals, the right training and certification can help you enhance your knowledge and credibility, stand out from the competition and take advantage of opportunities.

The post Practical advice and resources for women starting or growing a business appeared first on Trade Ready.

What 2019 global trade trends should you be looking out for? Here’s a preview of what could be dominating the headlines and your work conversations throughout the next 12 months.

1. Will the new USMCA be ratified?

After over two years of anti-NAFTA rhetoric from President Trump and many rounds of negotiations, a replacement deal to govern North American trade, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was finally signed by the leaders of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico on November 30, 2018.

Before coming into effect, however, the deal must be ratified by the legislatures of all three countries. This step could be particularly challenging in the U.S., where a newly elected Democratic Congress may object to some aspects of the deal or simply be unwilling to give Trump a victory on the issue.

While the general sentiment is hopeful for a full ratification in 2019, a significant roadblock in any of the three countries could leave the issue open-ended for at least several more months.

2. Brexit is coming

With a March 29, 2019 date set for the UK to officially leave the EU, Theresa May’s government has little time left to gain domestic support for the Brexit deal she has negotiated. While a December vote was postponed due to a lack of support, May has survived a non-confidence vote and re-scheduled the Brexit vote for the week of January 14.

If a deal is not reached by the March 29 deadline, the UK will face a “hard Brexit” with no guidelines determining significant UK-EU issues like the Irish border, migration, travel, and trade. Despite UK government plans for this contingency, a no-deal Brexit could send the British economy spiralling downward with negative implications for the global economy as well.

3. Is your data safe?

As major corporate data breaches become increasingly common headlines, and the value of data seemingly increasing every day, companies face a conundrum: how can they gather the data they need, but also keep it safe?

Adding extra levels of online security and authentication for customers, as well as changing internal processes to improve passwords, store data more securely and eliminate potential security gaps may all need to be added to your 2019 to-dos to ensure a high level of trust between you and your customers, suppliers and partners.

4. Addressing gender inequality to improve economic opportunities

Despite a growing awareness and focus on the importance of women’s entrepreneurship, studies show that many challenges remain. According to a policy research paper published by the World Bank, the “gender gap in business ownership remains high in many economies around the world”, and “the gap in female entrepreneurship is especially apparent in low-income economies, where women are much less likely than men to start a new business.”

New research from PayPal Canada and Barraza and Associates also indicates that in Canada, “on average, women-owned businesses earn $68,000 less than men who run similar businesses.”

As issues like access to venture capital and corporate procurement opportunities continue to face women-run businesses, one area of success is in e-commerce businesses. 50% of new e-commerce businesses started in the last two years in Canada are run by women, compared to just 34% 10 years ago.

5. AI tools becoming increasingly commonplace

AI has several applications in international trade, from analyzing metrics and economic trends or optimizing warehouse and inventory management to linguistic translation and online sales or chat services, not to mention exporting AI tools themselves.

As technology is refined and these tools are more widely understood, questions regarding data security and IP protection are starting to come to the forefront. But for businesses willing to take the leap, AI has the potential to transform some of their business practices and give them a competitive advantage in their industry.

6. The CPTPP comes into effect – how could it affect you?

As of December 30, 2018, the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) comes into effect. This trade deal replaced the TPP after President Trump withdrew the U.S. from that agreement in January 2017 but still includes the other eleven countries from that deal: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

The agreement removes the vast majority of tariffs and other trade barriers, and enforces new standards for human rights and environmental and labour practices.

Will there be a noticeable increase in trade between businesses in these countries? And with opportunity for new countries to join the deal at a later date, could early successes entice any other countries to take steps towards entering the agreement?

7. The fading appeal of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies

A year ago, the potential for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies to serve as a transformative tool in global finance seemed high. Bitcoin’s value had never been higher, and increasing numbers of banks and other financial institutions were taking steps into the cryptocurrency arena.

What a difference a year can make.

After a December 2017 high of $20,000, Bitcoin is currently valued around $3,500. Other major cryptocurrencies are also valued at 85-90% below their all-time highs. Public excitement has turned to skepticism in some corners, or concerns about fraud and scams in others.

Even if values increase in 2019, significant changes will be needed to restore trust and support in cryptocurrencies before its wider acceptance in international trade can be re-considered.

8. Accelerated growth of service export industry should continue

Service exports can cover a multitude of areas: international customer service, financial, legal or consulting services, research and development, online services and platforms, and more.

In Euler Hermes’ 2019 forecast, they predict service exports to be the fastest-growing trade economic sector, with an estimated global growth of $365 billion USD, similar to 2018 growth levels.

As service export opportunities continue to grow in the world’s largest economies and emerging economies alike, businesses should look for ways to expand their service offerings through methods like servitization, or service exports directly connected to your existing product exports.

9. Personalizing is key to reach new customers or businesses

With the increasing numbers of ads, emails and content out there competing for attention, more businesses are trying to apply the personal touch in an effort to stand out.

From using increasing amounts of data to target specific ads to personalizing email offers and even web pages around user behaviour and interests, there are more ways than ever to make someone feel like your efforts were created just for them.

On the other side, businesses are increasingly turning back to old practices that had fallen by the wayside. Personal calls, direct mail and printed media like magazines or booklets are returning to the marketing playbook, as what was once cliché is now a novel or unique approach again.

10. Small businesses need employees ready to help grow and expand to new markets

According to a Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) survey, about 40% of small businesses are unable to find the right employees to grow. EDC also noted fewer Canadian businesses are newly exporting or planning to export to new markets in the near future.

To overcome these challenges, small businesses require employees able to research international markets, assess potential risks, create and implement market entry strategies and manage the international logistics, finance, marketing and sales, and other areas.

Looking for practical, flexible training to take your business into new international markets with confidence? Check the full list of EDC-FITT online courses and workshops to see which options work best for you.

We face an eventful year ahead, full of innovation, political risks, and important new opportunities for business growth.

What trends will you be most interested in throughout 2019?

The post 10 global trade trends we’ll be watching in 2019 appeared first on Trade Ready.

There are two established pathways to enter global markets:

1. As a supplier to large global companies; and
2. Through the use of innovation and technology to create a unique market or platform for entry into foreign markets.

Either pathway has its own special challenges for women.

Women entrepreneurs often have limited access to resources, especially to financing. This impedes their ability to scale up to meet increased demand, to properly market products or services, and to grow their businesses. In the U.S., for example, women-owned businesses are smaller across most sectors.

Women may also find it more difficult to tap into those informal networks that develop while socializing during lunch or after work. This is why we have been creating our own women-focused referral and support networks. The Organization of Women in International Trade (OWIT) and similar groups play a huge role in this regard.

When I travel overseas, I’m particularly aware of my physical vulnerability as a woman. As a result, I often sit in my hotel room when I’m not in meetings – unless I can connect with someone safely.

If I’m traveling to a country with an OWIT chapter or virtual member, I can use the network for business referrals and to make the social connections that make me feel safer getting outside of my hotel room for drinks or dinner.

Women face barriers in both emerging economies and developed economies

Women entrepreneurs in emerging economies may face legal, social, and cultural barriers with which women in more developed economies no longer have to contend. In some countries, women still do not have a legal right of ownership of the means of production.

A 2013 study by the Inter-American Development Bank’s Multilateral Investment Fund ranked the best and worst Latin American and Caribbean countries for women entrepreneurs. The rankings were based on risks to and support for women entrepreneurs in these countries. I placed these risk/support factors into three categories:

1. Societal conditions, as manifested in the overall strength of the economy and the degree of political stability, good governance, and absence of corruption.
2. Extent of support for micro and small entrepreneurs (MSMEs), which is how the majority of women entrepreneurs in the region (and most emerging countries) are classified. Is there access to credit, technology and technical support? Does the legal structure recognize and support MSMEs, for example, through minimal barriers to start a business or favourable tax policies?
3. Support for women in business, measured through such factors as the availability of business support organizations and child support/elder care services, the extent of crime and security risks, and the levels of female enrolment in vocational programs.

These barriers are not specific to doing business internationally, but compound the challenges we mentioned above.

A significant number of women in emerging countries are involved in “informal” cross-border trade. For example, the average annual value of informal cross-border trade in the 15 countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is estimated at US$ 17.6 billion.  Seventy percent of SADC cross-border traders are women. “Informal” traders procure or supply goods across borders and sell them on the streets or, when provided, in markets (rather than stores). These traders receive even less recognition and support from the formal economy.

Women in India wait 37% longer on average than men to see the same customs official. In East Africa, women involved in cross-border trade are forced to pay larger bribes than their male counterparts, or to provide sexual favors to border officials who detain them or confiscate their goods.

Banks rarely cater to their needs and they have limited access to formal credit. They may operate in unsafe environments that lack such basic facilities as proper lighting, adequate bathroom facilities, or proper storage for their goods.

Given the right conditions and support, why shouldn’t some of these women traders be able to set up storefronts in the countries in which they currently operate?

Richard Sears was a railroad station agent when he began selling watches to other station agents on the side. From his profits, he began the R.W. Sears Watch Company in 1886. Today, Sears & Roebuck is a major American retail operation with divisions in Canada and Mexico. His story is a great example of how a small business can grow exponentially by entering national and international markets.

Women entrepreneurs in developed economies tend to be less internationally oriented than their counterparts in emerging, less-developed economies. These women are more prone to focus on their large domestic market. In the United States, for example, only about 7% of women entrepreneurs are involved in international trade. Meanwhile, the average receipts for U.S. women-owned exporting firms were $14.5 million, whereas the average receipts for women-owned non-exporting firms were only $117,036.

It’s also important to realize that it is no longer possible to ignore global markets. This is where a company may find not only its next customer, but its next competitor.

Progress is being made slowly but surely

Companies have begun to value women-owned businesses (WOBs) as suppliers and are seeking them out – this is the best example of progress to date. Large global companies are establishing their own supplier diversity programs with the goal of integrating WOBs. The current challenge being addressed is how to make the connection between these companies and WOBs.

To address that challenge, the emerging model works to connect women entrepreneurs directly to global companies and their supply chains.

WEConnect International, for example, recruits women-owned businesses to join as members in the countries where they operate (outside of the U.S.). They then provide training and certification to groom them as certified suppliers to the corporate members who are part of the WEConnect network.

SheTrades has also been developed by the International Trade Centre as a web-based application to make WOBs visible to global buyers and to each other. Both models are still works in progress but provide key opportunities, particularly to small companies.

The post Female entrepreneurs face their own challenges in global trade – but it’s not all bad news appeared first on Trade Ready.

It was only a few decades ago that Canada and its neighbors to the south held that men belonged in the workplace and that women should mainly be concerned with wifely and motherly duties at home. Women who did venture into professions were often subjected to being ignored, undervalued or at worst sexually harassed.

And as my own mother-in-law reminded me just last week as she questioned my choice of profession, it isn’t always men who perpetuate historical expectations of a woman’s role.

The good news is that the world is changing. Women have risen to the top of fields like science, politics and business in countries all around the globe.

Every generation of women seems to arrive into a world more open to their potential than the one before it.

Now for the practical approach. While going into global markets means being exposed to other cultures’ values and expectations, that doesn’t mean that we ladies can’t come prepared to deal with anything that comes our way. Here’s what I think you should know:

Take control of the situation when facing unwanted advances

Let’s tackle the most dangerous gender issue first. Very few women want to be propositioned (or worse) while traveling and doing business in another country. It’s incredibly awkward at best, and puts a burden of refusal on the woman. But this really does happen to women of a variety of ages and backgrounds.

The first advice I have is to avoid situations where you are left alone with one male counterpart at the end of an evening or outing. Plan ahead to so that you can stay with your colleagues and decide when you will leave to return to the hotel together.

NEVER let yourself become intoxicated in a business social setting. Ever. You always need to have your full wits about you to make smart decisions. To politely opt out of binge drinking (common in some parts of the world), simply say that you need to stop for “health reasons”, or simply that you’re “not used to drinking”.

If you are propositioned, remember that this may not be a professional taboo like it is in North America. He may not see this as an offending act. Keep your composure. Politely refuse while saving face for both of you. My fellow global jetsetter women often use fidelity to a real or imagined relationship or spouse as their reason for not accepting the offer for an interlude. This generally works.

Don’t let yourself become the “Invisible Woman”

The last time I heard of an “invisible woman” she had been on a trade delegation trip to Mexico. The Mexican delegation was comprised of men who felt more comfortable forming relationships with her male counterparts. She quickly realized that if she didn’t try to counteract their behavior, it would become a long and fruitless trip.

This woman interjected herself into conversations. She made her presence felt, while staying professional all the while. She also brought the issue to her male counterparts so that they understood that she was being culturally shut out of the conversations. This helped and soon she was generally accepted as well as the men.

Show you’re the boss to avoid the female discount

Dutch cultural anthropologist Fons Trompenaars famously studied how status is assigned in a culture. In many Western cultures, we accord status based on merit or what someone does and says. In much of the world, status is ascribed or given based on other factors such as a family name, gender, age, university attended, etc. A woman in some places will not be given the same level of status as her male counterpart because her ascribed status is lower.

All is not lost. To counteract this cultural phenomenon, there are a few tricks. The first is to come prepared with a letter from your company president stating your specific role and the level of your responsibility (financial, number of employees managed, etc.).

If this is an issue, then if at all possible, travel with at least one subordinate. Have the subordinate help you out by showing deference to you in front of your international counterparts. This submission can include letting you enter all rooms first, siting first, speak first, introduce yourself first, as well as asking your opinion before making a decision. All of this sends clear signals that you are the boss.

International business dealings may present some additional challenges for women, but that does not mean that we should not assert ourselves on the global stage.

Every year the climate for global business improves for women and our actions can continue to drive towards gender equity.

If you have additional questions about doing business internationally as a woman or other global business topics, please feel free to email me or read my 200+ articles on The International Entrepreneur website.

The post How women in international trade can overcome cultural obstacles to succeed in any global market appeared first on Trade Ready.