TEFL Wells New York

Having worked in sales and marketing for over 25 years I have a special interest in business english. As International markets have opened up because of the WWW International business and the need for communication in english has been thrust upon many individuals and companies. The term “business english” encompasses a very wide varied spectrum of requirements from socializing, meetings, negotiating, front line sales, hotel reception, telephone and many others. My experience in business has provided me with a wide understanding of the requirements for individuals from much of this spectrum. I would like to present a model of a typical medium size manufacturing company that wishes to market its products through a network of wholesalers in countries like usa, canada, UK, and australia. I list below typical areas where english would be required and how the services of an english teacher would be utilized. Reception: Meet great visiting guests. Take messages and relay information. Telephone: Answering calls, understanding requirements or just the ability to direct the call to a preselected english speaker or department manager. Front line sales: External, there is an obvious need for these people to have a good command of the language relating to their product, business and also some ability to socialize. The writing of letters and emails may also be important. Front line sales: Internal; many companies use internal sales people, these people usually have a fair knowledge of english and some knowledge their product. They are often the initial contact and end up as the go-between Customers and technical staff. Their value and abilities can be greatly improved in the areas of writing emails, initial approach letters and emails, set quotation formats, replies and many other pre-written documents can be formulated to suit a companies needs. They are often proficient in written english but have poor oral skills. Technical: This is one of the more difficult areas, careful communication and understanding may be needed to assist these people with general english and also technical terms relating to product's performance, technical details and ratings. They are often professionals and engineers, we are not there to tell them about their jobs, rather to assist them in communicating their knowledge and abilities in english. Advertising: Internet, Web Site, general written brochures and specification sheets. It is often a fact that a company has a great web site but general attention to detail makes it difficult to read and it therefore will not instil confidence in a potential customer. An english teacher may provide guidance in the area of grammar spelling and correct terminology. Often the web site will have been created by an outside company, care should be taken not to alienate or disrupt an existing business arrangement. It would be prudent to advise and guide rather than criticise. This also holds true for brochures and specification sheets, remember, these may have been written with some pride by a senior member in the company. Management: Depending on how important management views the ability to communicate in english will depend on how they themselves embrace lessons. Some negotiation and encouragement may be needed to get these busy people to commit to regular lessons. The initial approach from a company may be to address a particular problem it has encountered. Typically there will be a larger underlying need that will manifest itself as interaction with new english speaking customer's increase. It is essential to have firm understanding of what the company expects and requires of you. Conduct an in depth survey of all areas requiring your services and present a summary, outlining where and how your expertise will assist their operation. Research the company and ensure you have a good understanding of the business, its products and operations. Be realistic with expectations and honest with your assessment. Ensure you goals aims and abilities and those of your perspective employer concur.