Shrinking the Globe with International Conference Calls

International conference calls are becoming more and more common as international trade continues to thrive.  International conference calls are handled much the same as local conference calls as far as the programming and the call center goes.  There are other difficulties unique to international communications that need to be worked on for the international conference calls to continue without problems.One major difficulty that employees can experience is the time differential between the countries.  Depending on which company the international conference calls are going to be received and sent from, someone may have to be up an off-shift to be sure that the meeting goes off without problem or delay.  The person who would be moderating or attending the late or off-shift meeting should be warned well in advance, as to when this meeting is and encouraged to get extra sleep before the meeting.  Attending the international conference calls should be done in a bright, well-lit room with some background noise.  This will assist the participant in remaining awake.  Good clothing should also be worn to give the participant the feeling of working, and not just relaxing.  Another difficulty that is unique to international conference calls is the language barrier.  While it would be nice for all customers and venders to speak the language of the business they attend to, that is always the case.  If the customer or vender does not speak the language of the people at the business, then a translator will need to be present at the meeting.  This translator should be someone that the business is familiar with and trusts.  The translator should also possess a strong ability to communicate about business in both languages. An inability to communicate about business would make the translator more or less worthless at any international conference calls.Etiquette and customs can be a worrisome part of international conference calls as well.  For example, there can be customs indicating who speaks first and in what order the people are introduced.  While it is generally accepted that the ignorance of a custom is forgivable, there should be an attempt to learn the customs and mannerisms of the people on the other end of the line.  This can smooth out any wrinkles in the business transactions between the two companies.  If there is a true effort to accommodate the customs of the other corporation, there will be a better chance of a good business relationship.  If disregard is shown toward the customs, then a poor business relationship can be expected.  The people and individuals behind the company should never be forgotten.Though placing conference calls has been made significantly easier with the creation of call centers, maintaining these connections is a matter of luck and hard work.  All conference calls are stressful, but international conference calls are even more so.  But with the proper planning and understanding of language, culture and time differentials, employees can survive these meetings without any long-lasting effects.