In his 2005 book The World Is Flat, Thomas Friedman claimed that we are living in a flat world.  Because of the spread of the Internet, and technology that became accessible to small and large businesses across the globe, the borders that previously hindered international business have come down, allowing us to more easily communicate with people across the globe.  Of course, this has massive implications for businesses.  The world is moving faster than many of us can keep up.

At the same time, the flat world has created many opportunities that would not have previously arisen.  Businesses can now operate beyond the borders that have previously restrained them from competing on a global scale.

What are the ways that your business can break down the borders that previously held your company back?

1. Compete Beyond Geographical Borders
Journeys that once took days or weeks can now take only a hours.  Efficient international travel has opened new markets and new opportunities.  Additionally, there are many commercial and governmental resources to help companies of  all size with the logistics of entering new markets.

2. Compete Beyond the Borders of Language
The Ethnologue website quotes 6909 living languages being used in the world right now.  However, even if a business is competing globally, 100 languages are usually the maximum amount that businesses need to use.  However, many international businesses do use English.  And if you need to use another language, Internet translation tools help (but you should not completely depend on Internet translation tools, as they are imperfect).  Additionally you may be able to take advantage of local resources like college students or foreign nationals.

3. Compete Beyond Technological Borders
The Internet is allowing companies to reach out to businesses across the globe.  New technologies are helping companies to cut costs across all operations.

4. Compete Beyond Monetary Restraints
Because of new technology that is accessible to all companies, the cost of doing business is lower than ever.

One thing to remember is that the global economy has fundamentally changed.  Businesses will continue to use technology to reduce costs and increase revenue.  The companies that treat this as a fad or something that will go away in a few years may not be around in a few years.   The companies that can see the trends in the market and adapt to those trends will become globally competitive.

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