Some of the most remarkable changes to how we lead our lives today have been facilitated by the birth, and dramatic evolution, of the internet. Very few aspects of our lives are still entirely unaffected by the diverse range of online platforms now available to us, and this is true in the business world as much as in our personal lives.

Central to all of this is connectivity. The internet is often credited with having somehow shrunk the world. It has done this by bringing people closer together through innovative avenues of communication. We are now able to converse with people in entirely different parts of the world with a speed and simplicity that would have been almost unthinkable only a generation or so ago.

The smartest and most forward-thinking business owners have grasped the opportunities such connectivity provides with enthusiasm and made it an essential aspect of how they operate. As a result, you do not have to look very far for examples of people who have utilized the web to reach an international audience. Mukesh Valabhji is one such individual and anyone seeking inspiration in this area can read more about Mukesh Valabhji on intelvision.

These are a few of the most popular and effective methods with the greatest potential for connecting with international consumers.

• Bilingual websites. The online world has evolved so quickly that websites almost seem a little dated. Never underestimate, however, the importance of your online “shop window,” and make sure it is regularly updated and well maintained. Online software has made it easier than ever to establish a bilingual website that can talk to clients, and potential clients, quite literally in their own

• Social Media. Most successful brands have made sure that they are properly represented on the most popular social media platforms, as these provide a means of communicating on an immediate, informal, and almost intimate, way. This helps to build a relationship and strengthen a brand in an entirely unique manner. Think about what platforms are most popular among the market into which you wish to break and focus on how you can make an impact here.

• Dedicated applications go one step further even than social media platforms in laying the foundation for a strong relationship between a brand and a consumer. They provide a channel to treat the client in a way that is personal to them, and makes them feel like they have a kind of special insight and access to the organisation.

While it is impossible to know with complete accuracy what the future holds, success in business is heavily reliant on being able to read into trends and use this insight to make informed predictions and decisions. Most experts agree that the future of business lies within the online world, and the most successful individuals from a global point of view are without exception those who have used the powerful tools this provides to enhance their own connectedness.

• Technology