Benefiting at work from Brain Based Insights

How far beyond your workplace do networks expand in a day?

Not surprisingly, Jane Clark, editor at USA Today, reminded us that some Americans hope to change our global image. In her feature, “That Ugly American Image is Getting a Makeover Guide,”  Clark shows global practices that could improve your bottom line.  For some firms a starting place is merely the practice itself … of networking on a wider scale.

Many people I speak to see global brainpower as good for business, as well as for mending broken US-international relationships. They’re not alone either.

The Travel Industry Association of America (TIA) is solidly behind improved global exchanges... “The American-image problem is of primary concern to TIA, says spokesman, Allen Kay.

Granted, TIA leaders lose business because of damaged US image since they promote travel to this country. Travel and Tourism is said to generate $1.3 trillion in economic activity in the U.S. every year. That figure breaks into a whopping $3.4 billion daily. Or think of it as  $148 million an hour …  or $2.4 million a minute … or $40,000 a second.

Would your firm increase profitability by building international communications.

If so, you may be interested in suggestions from the New World Citizens Guide published by Business for Diplomatic Action.

It’s stated that Americans will want to:

-- speak lower and slower;

-- leave slang at home;

-- listen as much as you talk;

-- dress up;

-- remember that your religion may not be theirs.

What would you add to build stronger international ties?

It seems to me, for instance,  that global business opportunities would increase with well-placed questions to people across cultures. Want to know what car buyers in China value, for instance? Are you aware that 33% of Chinese rate engine and transmission performance as No. 1 priority as opposed to less than 20% of buyers in the US.

How do people at your workplace rewire their brains to include international people and perspectives? How do you?