Are You Literate?

Check this out:  Robinson College of Business offers an incredible mentor program through the Institute of International Business, including a monthly meeting, "CrossTalk," where an entire cohort of mentors and proteges meet to exchange ideas.  It may have changed my life!  Without fail, , the renewed energy towards my student career and professional career unfolds in a new light with every CrossTalk.  The two nuggets of wisdom below are a few of many extracted from the recent idea exchange between global business leaders of today and the proteges who will be leaders tomorrow.

Now, here we go... 

Chances are pretty high that you already know how to read, write & speak, but can you speak the language of Business?

Well, hang on.  First and foremost, let me take a step back and start again. Can you read, write and speak?

To be a respected and followed leader, your basic business skills must include strong reading, writing and communications skills.  Period.  The recent buzz around the weaknesses in professionalism and proficient communication skills means you must make sure your skills are stellar!

You've got a good grasp of these skills?  Then, what next?  Well, of course, you want to be more than just a big fish in a small pond, right?  To take yourself to the next level, become fluent in the Language of Business.  Know the words, the trends, the people, the publications, the books that are relevant to not only general business, but to your industry.

Check out trade publications that are relevant, but that also interest you.  

If your eyes glaze over before you even finish the letter from the editor, chances are you wasted your money on a magazine you'll never read, and that certainly isn't your goal!  You want to know things!  You want people to know you know things!  Find relevant, engaging publications that your peers, clients, boss and industry movers and shakers would read.

Think about this.  The staggering results of being "Literate" will allow you a deeper glimpse into the world in which you live and work.  Empower yourself to hold your own in the boardroom, the classroom and at networking events or cocktail parties.  What if the CEO of your dream company is next to you in the buffet line?  Can you get his attention with your well-informed, intelligent dialogue?  Think of it like the 30 Second Elevator's Speech's close cousin.

Next, become an expert.

If you're looking to dive into international business, specialize in a particular part of the world.  (PS. Every company is a global company, so yes, this includes you even if you're defining your career goals or company strategy domestically.)

Decide on a country or region of the world that means something to you - even if you think it has nothing to do with those career goals or strategic decisions.  Be an expert in Italy simply simply because you're Italian.  Pick somewhere that matters to you!

Say you do select Italy, a founding member of the EU.  The world is flat! Consider the effects of the Italian culture and economy on the EU culture, its social norms, business etiquette, economic policy, and legal regulations.  Recognize the impacts of those elements on the other EU countries, their global trading partners, and the global economy.  See?  Kind of a big deal!

Saddle up and harness your potential to improve your professional prowess.  Build your awareness of the world outside of your own.  Speak the Language of Business with proficiency and ease and you'll advance to a higher level of leadership!