3) Set your goals according to items listed in #2 above. Don’t let your goals run your life. Goals are important, but they are worthless if you lose your family in pursuit of them.

4) Try to get your wife and/or children involved in your business. The home should be a place of commerce. Children are a blessing, not a curse. Let them bless your business. Our oldest daughter has designed her own line of jewelry that we sell on our website. It started as a hobby, and then naturally progressed into a small business. Let your children do things for you, even if it is just filing papers or searching a topic on Internet that you may need. Make them feel like they are a part of business and it will go a long way to keeping your family together.

There are many other things that can be done to keep your home business from adversely affecting your marriage and family life. Some of them are OBVIOUS while others are not. A good rule of thumb is to remember that your family should be most important thing in your life next to your relationship with God. If you keep this in mind, and work your business with this as your primary “goal”, not only will you not cause damage, but I truly believe you will be blessed in whatever endeavor you are undertaking.

Cross Cultural Communication needs… Observation

Large amounts of cross cultural information can be read in people’s dress, body language, interaction and behaviour. Be aware of differences with your own culture and try to understand roots of behaviours. Asking questions expands your cross cultural knowledge.

Cross Cultural Communication needs… Patience

Man has been created differently and we need to recognise and understand that sometimes cross cultural differences are annoying and frustrating. In these situations patience is definitely a virtue. Through patience respect is won and cross cultural understanding is enhanced.

Cross Cultural Communication needs …Flexibility

Flexibility, adaptability and open-mindedness are route to successful cross cultural communication. Understanding, embracing and addressing cross cultural differences leads to breaking of cultural barriers which results in better lines of communication, mutual trust and creative thinking.

Following these five cross cultural communication needs will allow for improved lines of communication, better cross cultural awareness and more successful cross cultural relationships.