One example of a cross-cultural marketing initiative is a recent project which called for me to map, evaluate, and create relevant propositions for a large, extended project working with a team of three constituents in three time zones, all roughly eight hours apart, for a location where I had no familiarity with the land or the culture which was in a fourth time zone. After many extended early-morning calls, and using public information, such as satellite imagery and weather data, I was able to evaluate the area and the project enough to write a solid proposal. I researched the history of the country and read the local news to understand why they were asking us for the work. Though I consider myself well-traveled, I often prepare business documents for affiliates in countries and cultures with which I am unfamiliar. So, I take some time to learn about the history and the current events in each region and the challenges that they face to understand and to help me communicate relevance and express genuine interest in the customer and their needs. Then, in preparing the document, I use language that is clear and concise so that the recipient, whose native language is not the same as mine, can easily read and understand it, or translate it with a free online translation service, and the message will remain clear. Throughout my professional career, I have attended meetings and delivered presentations in countries where English was not the native language, and each time I made a valiant attempt, sometimes successful, sometimes not, but always appreciated, to connect to my audience in their words. To do this I have studied the customs and languages of many places. Though I speak only two languages fluently, I can manage formal greetings, and sometimes even small talk in many of the most common world languages. If I happen to be traveling to somewhere that I don't know the language or customs, I will take the time to inform myself before I visit; sometimes knowing what to say is as important as knowing what not to say or do.