International trading cannot take place without channels where businesses can make contact with companies from another country. Before the time of the Internet, trading companies can only rely of trade directories for leads. However, with the rise of the Internet, this is a thing of the past. Today, businesses can make contact easily with someone halfway across the globe just by sending an electronic mail. For sure, technology plays an important role in helping to stimulate International trade.



There are many ways you can make contact with other companies online. The first point of contact is usually from B2B portals. These websites are also commonly known as trade leads directories. In a way, they are similar to our hard copy trade directories because they serve a similar function. You will be able to list your company information in a trade lead directory, and invite others to contact you. You may also initiate contact by emailing other companies in the same directory.

When making your first contact, remember that first impression is very important. Like it or not, there is such a thing as Internet etiquette. These are unwritten social rules on the Internet. Observe these rules, and you will stand a much better chance of achieving your own goals.

Before you even make contact, take the time to learn more about the company you are contacting. Make sure that they have what you are looking for. Otherwise, it would just be a waste of everybody's precious time. Read the company descriptions carefully, and if possible visit their corporate websites. This will help you draft your first email.

In your first email, always try to be as professional as you can. That means drafting a formal email. Try to avoid emails that sound too friendly. The party on the other side doesn't know you that well yet. When the relationship is more mature, there are plenty of chances to write super friendly emails. For starters, just stick to professional emails.

State your intention very clearly in beginning of your email. Start with something like, "I see that you offer ABC products. I would like find out more about this feature." If you can capture the attention of the reader in the first few lines, half your mission is accomplished.

Remain respectful throughout the rest of the email. Introduce yourself, and let the other party know that you are sincere in doing business with them. Let them know how they can help. Or if you are selling something, let them know how you can help.

In the world of trading, trust is very important. So you should do everything within you can to help foster a trusting relationship. If you say you are going to do something, keep your promises. Otherwise, whoever is on the other side will find it hard to trust you.

Without trust, trading is almost impossible. After all, the companies may be on the other side of the world. So something does go wrong (and things do go wrong in real life), it is very difficult to rectify the problems.

So be as professional as you can when participating in trade lead directories. For all you know, some solid business contacts are waiting for you!