Internet Myth #2:
I Can Sell Worldwide Over the Internet!

Have you ever tried to buy something from a Website in Turkey? Or Germany? Have you ever tried to read a Website written in Chinese or pay for something in yen? You probably wouldn't.

Yes, your Website is available to visitors from around the world. They are able to access it and have it show up on their screens whether they are in Columbus, Ohio or New Delhi, India. But, that's about as far as it goes.

One of the great things about the Internet is that it makes it possible for companies and businesses to sell their products or services worldwide. It provides opportunities for International exposure and business transactions never before dreamed of.

However, the reality is that very few businesses are capable of using the Internet on a worldwide basis. Here are some of the issues that become reality when dealing with business worldwide:

• Time.

  You will be called upon and expected to respond to customer service issues at any time, all of the time.

• Language.

  Not everyone speaks or understands English. Though it is the predominant language used on the Internet at this time, many limitations arise from this practice.

• Monetary Units.

  Yen, Franks, Marks, Rupees... conversion issues can be complex and confusing. The burden falls on the Website to deal with any or all of these.

• Appropriateness.

  Is a foreign market really a good market for you? Does your sense of style or business come across appropriately to your foreign visitor? Do you have the right product or service for a foreign market?

• Regionalisms.

  Slang, mannerisms, humor... all of these can be very tricky when dealing with an International market. Are you ready for that?

These are just some of the basics. An even greater level of complexity emerges when you actually begin setting up for International trade. Items like foreign shipping and duty.

If you don't deal with International trade in your business now, without the Internet, you probably should not consider dealing with it with the Internet.

Niche markets and emerging markets around the world may become possible for you to tap into with your business using the Internet. But don't be lulled into thinking it'll be easy or quick.

It's a whole different world of issues.

Alex Johnson does Internet Consulting and Strategies for businesses. In addition to his business, AJConsulting.com, he writes and speaks about Internet topics. His business specializes in Internet Promotion and Internet Business Profiling.

Alex can be reached at AlexJohnson@AJConsulting.com

Phone 603-647-4190