How to Do Business in English Without Having English as a Native Language

To do business in English is not a linguistic issue

Many prefer not to do business in English due to their limited proficiency in the language. However, a successful business doesn’t depend only on the written and spoken language.

So let’s start here and, once and for all, dispel the myth that you need to speak fluent English to do business in English. As a Swedish citizen, Swedish is my native language. My second language is Spanish, as I have been living in Mexico for many years. I would say that English is my third language. Despite this background, I do business in English.

There are probably many reasons for that, but the principal one, especially if an online business, is that the big market is dominated by English. When reviewing my followers across the various platforms where I’m active, I found that I have followers from more than 25 different countries, where the majority do not have English as their official language.

The level of English indeed varies a lot in those countries. Still, the majority of countries speak languages other than their own on a daily basis. Then the question arises, why do they follow me in English? My conclusion, so far, is that the market speaks English.

As a consequence of this fact, I decided to delve deeper into the variables that make a business relationship feasible beyond the purely linguistic one.

When You Do Business in English, Take Into Account These 3 Variables

Three variables to do business in English — Image by Bruno on Pixabay

Basic knowledge of English is, of course, essential if you intend to do business in English. However, as the market scenario is changing dramatically, three other variables are just as important as the language.

Globalization

Since the Internet became an indispensable medium for any business, regardless of its niche, the international market has become increasingly tighter. Communication is easy, and all the practical barriers we had just a few decades ago are gone.

Cultural differences and advantages

Even as markets converge, each country still retains its unique culture and traditions. The advantage is that we more easily learn and even adapt to these cultural differences.

For example, in Mexico, tacos have long been a traditional food, and nowadays, you can find them in almost every country. The same applies to Indian, Chinese, and Indonesian cuisine.

Marketing strategy

Can you imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger speaking English without his pronounced German accent? He didn’t become a famous actor and even a governor of California by accident.

His success didn’t depend on his imperfect English. Instead, his German accent became an integral part of his identity and brand.

If you aren’t a native English speaker, don’t try to speak perfect English, because you will never do it. Turn it around and take advantage of your imperfect English, using it as a tool in your unique arsenal of assets, just like Arnold Schwarzenegger and many other famous people.

To successfully do business in English is not about the perfection level of your language, but the following factors:

Find your niche

A one-size-fits-all approach will never work in global marketing, or more straightforwardly, marketing to everyone is the same as marketing to no one.

With the tremendous size of the global online market, it’s tempting to approach as many as possible. But don’t do that.

“Everyone is not your customer.”

Seth Godin

Invest time in tailoring your niche. Be as detailed as possible, and you will reach real potential customers.

Leverage cultural moments

Do business in English and leverage cultures — Image by Walter Spiess on Pexels

Primarily, when conducting business in English with another language as your native language, it’s essential to acknowledge and address relevant differences. The Mexican beer Corona is an excellent example of utilizing culturally relevant moments.

In the video below, I will go deeper into how Corona conquered the U.S. market without giving up its Mexican heritage.

Consistency is key

With the right niche defined and leveraging cultural differences, the basic groundwork is in place. Now it’s time to utilize your brand identity, and over time, you will build strong brand recognition and loyalty.

My business, The Golden Age Lifestyle, is a business targeted at retired individuals or those aged 55 and above, planning for their upcoming retirement. The approaches on my website, blog, and YouTube channel can vary, but the niche always remains the same.

Although I’m from Sweden and living in Mexico, I only do business exclusively in English.

Sometimes I can mess up my messages due to my imperfection. Initially, it was a roadblock to my development. I wanted to get it all perfect. It wasn’t until I recognized that perfectionism was a hurdle for me that I was able to overcome it.

Today, I use this language limitation as a tool (thinking about Arnold Schwarzenegger). Remember, it’s the message that matters and not your English skills. This reassurance can help you overcome any anxiety about your language proficiency.

What I Learned as a Non-native in English to Do Business in English

After overcoming the initial fear of not being fluent in English, I started my business in 2013.

Instead of focusing on the downside of not being fluent in English, there are numerous advantages to being multilingual. Knowing more than one language gives you access to more than one culture and more than one idiocracy.

Successful businesses, especially those operating online, are all about clarity in communication rather than perfectionism. Turn your accent into an asset.

Watch the video, and learn more.

The link to the page mentioned in the video:

https://thegoldenagelifestyle.com/Do-Business-In-English-Free-Training

“English is not merely a language anymore; it has become a way of life for millions of non-native English speakers around the world.”

M.F. Moonzajar

Turn Your Accent Into an Asset: Do Business in English With a Global Edge

In today’s digital world, being a non-native English speaker isn’t a limitation—it’s a unique advantage. Your bilingual skills and cultural insights allow you to connect with diverse audiences, create relatable content, and build trust in ways others can’t.

Instead of waiting to perfect your English, use your voice as it is—authentic and genuine. There’s a growing global audience seeking someone like you. So take the leap, start that online business, and turn your background into your biggest asset.

The world needs more entrepreneurs who bring fresh perspectives and bridge cultures. As a non-native English speaker, you have the potential to be one of these inspiring individuals. Why not let that be you?

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