With companies increasingly going global, there is an urgent need among them to have a multilingual team, which can help them better understand the language and culture of the countries they wish to market their services. As a result, companies are starting to focus on having a diverse team and are now looking at hiring employees who speak more than one language. However, this is often easier said than done, which is why companies are also looking at the option of hiring a multilingual virtual assistant.
Over 32% of employers in the US are more inclined toward candidates who can speak languages other than English and consider it an advantage over other job seekers. In addition, most small businesses prefer professional translation services and human interpreters from companies such as Day Translations which have certified professionals in more than 100 languages.
However, having an in-house team to handle customers who speak languages other than English is beneficial for businesses regardless of their size in multiple ways.
How Native Language Plays a Role in Marketing
There are about 7,151 spoken languages spread worldwide. Out of these, some languages are widely spoken by vast population, while some are barely even heard of. For example, while 1.5 billion people worldwide speak English, 1,117 million speak Mandarin, and 615 million speak Hindi, among others.
These are not just numbers but a wake-up call for all businesses to grow their market from only an English-speaking population to others! In addition, thousands of native language-speaking communities have zero exposure to English but could be interested in your products or services.
Finding these communities is not complicated; connecting with them is the real challenge if you do not have anyone on your team who speaks their native language. Native language works in more ways than you could think of. It allows customers to connect emotionally and builds a sense of trust.
Many companies have seen remarkable results by running advertisements in different languages besides English. Some companies have also started building their websites in different languages to reach out to their target audiences.
Why Hire a Multilingual Virtual Assistant?
Multilingual virtual assistants are not just good at understanding different languages but cultures as well. Knowing your client’s cultural backgrounds is a great way to connect better with them.
Market Diversity
With more and more opportunities to study abroad, people are moving from their native countries and settling in different parts of the world. That has led to more cultural and language diversity in almost every country in the world.
To be able to sell your products or services to someone whose first language is not English could be a task as translating tools can do only part of the job. However, to understand the need of the consumer and provide them with the right solution, you need to understand their language.
This can only be possible with the help of a professional in that language or an employee who shares the same native language. But would it be economical to hire a full-time employee for each language? The answer is no, the better option is to either take the help of professional translating companies or hire virtual assistants.
Most virtual assistants are multilingual and cost-effective compared to hiring full-time employees, making them a better, viable solution to connect with people from diverse backgrounds.
Access to a Broader Range of Skills
A multilingual virtual assistant has training in a wide range of skills. These professionals often have to complete diverse tasks for their clients. That makes them efficient in helping businesses grow while giving you more productive time on your hands. Because they work according to their schedules, they always have ample time to rest, allowing them to be productive.
A Multilingual Virtual Assistant Brings Confidence and Tolerance to the Table
Bilingual and multilingual people are more tolerant and culturally sensitive, which is essential for handling customers. In addition, virtual administrative assistants have the experience of working with people from different countries, which gives them a deep understanding of their culture and language.
Tolerance and sensitivity toward the customer’s culture are essential to building meaningful relationships and carrying the right brand image. In addition, having good communication skills, especially when it comes to knowing more languages, automatically makes the person more confident. This is why it is essential for any employee representing your company.
Confident employees are an asset to your company. These employees tend to work for the bigger picture and not just their tasks. They also tend to take positive initiatives by themselves for the growth of the company.
Networking Opportunities
With a better reach in the market, you can build a better network with clients, associates, and other companies. Mandarin, French, German and Hindi speakers, for example, are spread out across the globe. And building a network with diverse customers will always be beneficial for the company.
Improved Customer Service
You are most comfortable in your native language. This is why it becomes challenging to explain your grievances in a third language. To understand your customers better, you need to speak their language. This is why global brands use a multilingual virtual assistant who speaks to customers in their language.
A Multilingual Virtual Assistant Can Help Improve Client Relationships
Business relationships with clients in different countries are handled with ease when you assign them to a virtual assistant who speaks their language. This way, there are better chances of creating and retaining business relationships.
Cost Savings
A startup looking to expand its customer base in other regions needs a cost-effective solution. And hiring a full-time employee to handle clients can be quite expensive in the initial stages. Possible solutions for this scenario are hiring a multilingual virtual assistant or working with companies such as Day Translations, which have professionals fluent in more than 100 languages.
Less Cultural Misunderstandings
Language is one of the barriers when working with international clients. Different signs or expressions can mean different things based on the culture. While designing ads for your company in other countries, you cannot simply translate them verbally. A literal translation could lead to a different meaning altogether in that country.
Often cultural misunderstandings can lead to PR nightmares that cost a fortune to settle. We want to avoid cultural misunderstandings while working with different clients. This is why it is best to hire a multilingual virtual assistant who can assist you in managing the client.
Ready to Hire a Multilingual Virtual Assistant?
A multilingual virtual assistant can be an asset to any business, big or small. They are an invaluable asset in not just one department but are valuable in sales, marketing, and even customer support.
By drawing the right strategy with a diverse team, you can expand your global reach and explore new markets. Having diverse team will not only enhance a customer’s experience with your business right now but will also open new opportunities in the future.
Author’s Bio
Sneha is a content writer with Wishup who loves to explore and try her hands on everything. With her wit and good hold on sarcasm, she will challenge your meme game.