Based on information provided by numerous independent Government sources, the cost of an executive failing because they are not culturally prepared or educated for the international market can range between US$55,000 to US$400,000. It has been demonstrated time after time that one untrained, unfeeling individual on even a five day business trip can quickly destroy any relationship and thus the business opportunity in that country or region.

To solve this and provide Companies with an increased likelihood of succeeding internationally, Hoggard International has developed a series of training and instructional seminars. These informative and practical seminars prepare business people and, when required, accompanying spouses and children to work and live in the new culture. The seminars are offered in house and as such can be modified to meet your Company's specific needs and requirements.

Two of Hoggard International's most popular seminars are our three day Cultural program and the International Marketing program recognized by and taught at the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and Graduate Business School St. Gallen (KS GBS) in Switzerland. The seminars are a combination of lectures, videos, interaction and discussion, role-playing and case study reviews.

Several of the other seminars, ranging from a single day to three days, include the following:

• Pre Departure - How Do you Prepare
• Ten Key Aspects of International Business
• Safety When Traveling and Business Espionage
• Cultural Awareness
• Foreign Business Negotiations and Methods
• Contract Development and Negotiations

Hoggard International also offers 10 seminars dealing with specific countries and regions of the world. These are used by Companies to train the individual going for the first time or as a refresher for the more experienced traveler or the entire Company. As the union representative from one of Saskatchewan's larger corporations stated, "It (the Japanese Country Seminar) was the best money management ever spent as we now understand and appreciate why certain things need to done when foreign visitors arrive."

All participants receive their own printed copy of the seminar notes and overheads, as well as the accompanying resource materials so they can review the material prior to departing, while in the plane or in the foreign country.

The Cultural training seminar is also an excellent way to train non-traveling personnel who come in contact with your foreign buyers when they come to visit your company. As companies have discovered, some times to late, your Company is only as strong as its weakest cultural link. Where is yours?

Whether as a refresher or in preparation for that first visit to the market, the Hoggard International's interactive seminars provide the participants with an enjoyable and educational experience they will talk about for months to come.

To arrange for your Company's international business and cultural training needs contact Hoggard International's training coordinator at: info@hoggardinternational.com