Truly Global

THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF BRINGING YOUR COMPANY TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS

by Anna N. Schlegel ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 4, 2016

A debut book provides advice from a localization expert for companies that want to go global.

Schlegel, who ran her own translation company and worked both in Europe and the United States on translation and localization for numerous employers, approaches globalization from an enterprise perspective in this work. In 22 brief chapters, the author offers a kind of soup-to-nuts introduction to how a business can most effectively pursue worldwide ambitions. She covers such topics as international operations, the selection and management of a team, the concept of “geo alignment,” how to target the right countries, how to choose the correct departments, how to globalize products, and more. The book is an intriguing mix of strategy and tactics in the sense that it addresses both the “why” and the “how” of globalization. For example, in describing geo alignment, the author highlights the strategic necessity of a “tight alignment between all headquarters (main and geos) and the final and successful penetration of your offering into a specific country or key account.” But she also provides a specific checklist for what should be considered before moving forward with a geo alignment program. Similarly, when Schlegel discusses which countries to target, she explains both why it is essential to select particular nations and how to go about doing so. “Ideally,” she writes, “your company has a model that explains which countries deserve what entitlements. This includes which countries will have a call center in the primary language, localized products, a comprehensive digital presence, and globalized partner programs.” These insights could only come from someone steeped in global business. Whether it is hiring for an international team, developing a content strategy, detailing the primary differences between translation and localization, or establishing appropriate metrics, the content of this short, useful book should prove highly valuable to any corporate leader or manager who needs to get a firm grip on globalization. Consider this a solid overview rather than an in-depth treatment. At the end, Schlegel delivers additional resources for further exploration (“Places to network, read about latest trends, present your ideas, and practice your leadership”).

Tightly organized and well-written; answers fundamental questions about what it takes to broaden the scope of a business into international markets.

Pub Date: Aug. 4, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-4602-8704-0

Page Count: 108

Publisher: FriesenPress

Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2016

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION