The Internet is a tool that should be used to its fullest capacity. It connects you within a few minutes (most of the time) to any subject, any topic, any resource, any information, any location, anywhere and every where you might want to connect with. So, why isn't it used to its fullest potential? Why aren't the new small business owners of today trying to globalize their businesses? The Internet can extend and increase your business anywhere in the world.

 I come across websites owned by new business owners. Some are stay-at-home-moms/dads that had enough gusto to say, "I have this idea for a business" and they just do it. They spend well earned money and time hooking up with an internet provider, web server, web site designer, banner developing services, search engine submittals, etc. They do not realize that roughly 56 million people on line who access the Internet are not English speaking. The people that are on-line are as diverse as the information found on the Internet. So, why not try connecting their interest?

Large companies who are currently trying to have a global existence see more than half of their business coming from International resources. Expanding internationally can significantly inpact your sales. This impact can only be affective if both parties can communicate. You can not market your business if both parties speak different languages. If they can not read and understand your message, how can they buy in to it? Having as many documents and literature translated into the languages understood by your potential customers will significantly increase your business potential. You need to decide which language you will make your web site and documents accessible in. The most popular and effective choice, in my opinion, would be the Spanish language. The Spanish community holds the highest percentage (25%) of Non-English speaking people on the Internet with the Asian community following behind (22%). There are different Spanish dialects but they are all very understood between them. The most used Spanish dialect is Castilian and the most concentrated population in Southern California would be Mexican Spanish. It all would depend on which part of the country you are located in.

If the thought of having your whole website translated into another language, seems too much for you when you are getting started, you should consider which are your most effective pages and have those translated. Get in touch with the people that read this section and get their feedback. You will notice that the sections you have translated will end up needing more of your time. This is when you might want to consider contracting a document translation service to assist you in this new endeavor. 

The FoDreams.Com website uses AltaVista Babel Translator free service below:

To have this work on your website, simply go to http://www.altavista.com/help/free/free_searchbox_transl

All of your press releases, correspondence, manuals, brochures, catalogs, newsletters and publications would be important items to have translated to the target language chosen. A good document translation service can assist you with deciding which documents you should translate first.

 There are many bilingual resources that you can get assistance in when trying to have your site visualized in the Spanish community. Here are a few such links:

 Latin America's Professional Network: 
Buscador Mex Master
Going Global
InterGuia

Remember, the Internet is a marketing tool that has endless potential. Don't stop the potential of reaching every aspect of the Internet with only concentrating in one market place. The numbers show for themselves that English speakers are not the only ones surfing the web!

WECCO - West End Connection Company
P.O. Box 1948
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91729-1948 USA
Telephone:(909)899-0747, (800)277-8227
Fax:(909)899-1017