The following three articles, International Consulting, Interpreter needed? A Word of Advice, and Translation Wanted? A Word of Advice , are intended to be brief introductions to the subject and may be printed and kept for further reference. They were first published in 1980 and 1981 in the Newsletter of the Dallas Fort Worth Chapter of the French-American Chamber of Commerce. They have been edited slightly for this web site.

INTERNATIONAL CONSULTING

International trade and the competition for markets means that not only does one have to know one's product and marketing potential, but it requires also an intimate knowledge and awareness of the country with which one expects to trade or is trading. This is a must for those companies about to enter international commerce.

The presence in many major American cities of foreign consular officials, trade commissions, government travel representatives and international chambers of commerce, is an important factor in providing services which assure the smooth conduct of international trade and commerce. However, there is only so much time these official representatives can devote to inquiries that are outside the immediate domain of trade and travel. This is where the international consultant can offer extended time and provide personal, custom, and vital services in that he or she can proceed far beyond the established official limits of trade inquiries.

An independent consultant concentrates primarily on one foreign country, and keeps up daily with current events - political, social, economic, cultural, intellectual, business and commerce. The consultant is therefore in an excellent position to know what makes a country run and is thereby able to provide valuable inside information which could be essential to the establishment or continuation of international trade. The international consultant provides also a variety of services, not the least being those of Translation, Interpreting, and Executive Briefings. Consultants work either on a retainer basis or are available for short-term engagements. All support staff working for the consultant on special projects are carefully chosen for their knowledge and experience.

The professional consultant, by virtue of educational background, linguistic skills, general knowledge, intellectual training, foreign residence and travel experience, can play an extremely important role as an official representative of a company exploring potential foreign markets, or as a consulting member of a trade delegation.

The immediate availability of an international consultant with a quick mind and grasp of matters, both business and technical, means that a small company that cannot afford to maintain a full-time international desk, can still, nevertheless, be assured of up-to-date information and expert advice for a fraction of the cost.

One important area that is finally being addressed by international companies is that of expatriation training, namely helping personnel make a smooth transition to overseas living. Service organizations that specialize in cross-cultural awareness and relocation are brought in to help orient personnel, perhaps even family members, when they are to be transferred to an overseas assignment with a foreign subsidiary or new company. Because of their expertise in this area, international consultants are often called upon to serve as trainers and resource persons.

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