In-Vision Builds Bridges

Once upon a time, I owned a VW Rabbit. I was back then a member of the US Armed forces. I received orders to go to Germany for a couple of years. As I was preparing my car to be shipped to Germany, I found a whole in the muffler. I decided at that time that since the VW was a German car, it would be cheaper to replace the muffler in Germany. I was in Germany 3 months when I decided to replace the muffler. I must admit that the police convinced me that my car was too loud and noise pollution is not acceptable in Germany. I took his advice and took my car to a German repair shop. I was informed at that time that it would take 3 months to get the muffler shipped from New Jersey. The German mechanic recommended the US military exchange because the exchange can get it in 2 weeks using US military transportation system. The exchange had the muffler in stock and my car was fixed the same day.

I later transferred back to the US. This time I needed to replace a tail light cover. I thought for sure any auto parts store would have that because the car is made in New Jersey. Well I was wrong: the tail light cover was made in Mexico.

I shared this story to illustrate the point that we live in global economy. Governments are forming alliances like NAFTA, CAFTA and the European union. Corporations are outsourcing operations and they are using talents where they can find it.

To succeed companies must reach beyond geographic borders. The need for bilingual staff is even greater with the ability of the Internet where the spoken language is not necessarily English. It is also understood that lot of small companies may not be able to hire a person just to translate documents. This is where in-Vision becomes valuable.