Success Lifestyle Magazine Issue 6- October 2019 | Page 6

5.
Exercise Autonomy
Flexibility is a huge advantage when
seeking to expand and explore new
ventures. The mere fact that you try to
learn or communicate in the language of
the audience you are trying to attract
shows possible investors and potential
customers that you are open to learning
about their culture and that you are
willing to extend yourself beyond the
norms or stereotypes that may exist.
The consistent rise of technology has
made it possible for you to conduct
business outside of Jamaica’s borders.
You no longer have to set up a
traditional
brick
and
mortar.
Consequently, you should adopt a global
mindset. Limitless potential exists for
businesses that want to make a deal with
firms from other countries or make
products for consumers in other
countries. Becoming fluent in a second
language is the first step towards
unlocking this potential. The question
is, “How can you easily learn another
language?”
Tips for an Entrepreneur to Easily Learn Another
Language
Gone are the days when you have to
sign up for a class, sit in a classroom for
hours, submit assignments and do a
myriad of other uninteresting tasks to
prove your language proficiency.
Entrepreneurs who are always on the
go will find it easier to invest in a good
app such as Duolingo, Babbel or
FluentU. These apps allow you to learn
at your own pace and select the
language and the level you would like
to start with. Here’s a disclaimer
though. These apps are not guaranteed
to have you speaking like a native, but
they definitely a starting point that can
be accompanied by other resources
when you get to advanced levels.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free app but it also offers
a premium service that requires a fee.
You can choose from over 22 different
languages and connect with people who
are learning the same language. You can
take a digital proficiency exam and
track your progress. It’s a popular app
that has over 300 million users.
Babbel
Babbel offers the option to choose from
over 14 different languages. It’s a
subscription app that offers lessons
focused on beginners to intermediate
levels. It also offers grammar and
vocabulary lessons. Babbel allows you
to practice your language skills in
engaging, real-life communicative
situations and it also offers tests and
certifications that help you keep track
of your progress.
FluentU
FluentU offers a language learning
experience with real-life videos and the
option to connect with a native speaker
based on your language choice. It
provides learning experiences from a
real-life context, thus you give a feeling
of language immersion although you are
doing online.
Final Words
Being fluent in more than one language
places you at a competitive advantage as
an entrepreneur. Not only does it open
opportunities to reach new markets, it
also helps improve brain function and
helps you establish deep connections
with new partners. Learning a new
language may seem intimidating but
there are apps such as Duolingo, Babbel
and FluentU, that make it easier. What
are you waiting for? It’s time for you to
learn a new language and take your
business to the next level.
" Being fluent in more
than one language
places you at a
competitive advantage
as an entrepreneur. "