Why Diverse Perspectives and Digital Platforms Boost Business

As a freelancer belonging to a community-based platform, it’s easy to understand the benefits of working with diverse and international teams. Aside from the amazing networking opportunities that come from connecting with like-minded freelance friends and professionals, you’ll have a well-rounded understanding of the realms of remote work.

In today's universal and online working space, the freelancing world continues to extend even further from a local and community sphere. You have most likely collaborated with talented professionals from different corners of the globe on remote work platforms or international client projects. 

This article explores how these cross-cultural encounters aren't just one-off experiences, they are valuable assets that can significantly boost your freelance growth and overall success.

Learn via cultural exchanges

The digital age has transformed how we work, breaking down geographical barriers and creating unprecedented opportunities for collaboration. The rise of remote working patterns and platforms have made it possible to join teams across multiple continents. Although this is nothing new, the value and appreciation that businesses have for nurturing diversity within employees has blossomed. 

In fact, reports indicate that creating a culture of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) is more important than it has ever been with 88% of employers agreeing D&I agendas are a positive and essential strategy for success, for attracting top talents, and for creating a culture where everyone feels valued. Freelancers working across cultures bring unique cultural perspectives, broaden perspectives and invite new approaches into the organization. 

It’s therefore not a surprise that such a diversity of thought and experience can be a powerful catalyst for sparking creativity, innovation and future development.

Benefit from exposure to new work styles

When you work with international teams, you gain exposure to different problem-solving approaches, practical tips, and creative methodologies. A designer in Tokyo might approach visual hierarchy differently than one in Paris, while a property developer in Spain might introduce you to traditional Spanish villa layouts that you hadn't encountered before at home. These exchanges aren't just about technical skills—they're opportunities to broaden your professional mindset and enhance your creative toolkit.

Different regions often have distinct approaches to work and collaboration, such as:

• The US market often values innovation and quick iteration. American teams typically encourage direct communication and rapid prototyping, which can help you become more agile in your project approach.
• European markets often emphasize work-life balance and sustainable productivity. Their approach to project management typically involves longer-term planning and structured collaboration, which can teach valuable lessons about sustainable freelancing practices.
• Asian business cultures frequently highlight group harmony and attention to detail. Working with Asian teams can enhance your ability to consider multiple stakeholders and perfect the finer points of your deliverables.

However, with the opportunity to collaborate and co-work with a diverse team, freelancers can benefit from having a wealth of different work styles to choose from. It is possible to become stale in a role that you once loved or might have done for a while and adopting, and adapting to a range of new work approaches can be inspiring. Rather than feeling as if every day is the same, paying attention to and learning a new way of doing the same role can give you an important fresh perspective and, in turn, make you more versatile and valuable as a freelancer.

Embrace diversity in remote teams

Success in diverse teams requires more than just technical skills and you will already know that you need to be aware of cultural nuances and bias awareness. The companies that foster diversity across their remote and in-house teams are 35% more likely to outshine peers. Understanding different communication styles and business etiquette across cultures can enable you to navigate any international projects more effectively.

Meanwhile, having an appreciation for different perspectives is an excellent way to foster more innovative solutions. When team members from various backgrounds share their approaches, the results often surpass what any single cultural perspective might have produced, and the phrase “two heads are better than one” comes to mind. 

Flexibility in working hours and communication methods shows respect for team members in different time zones while building strong professional relationships.

Collaborate to boost business 

To maximize the benefits of diverse collaboration, you might like to actively seek out international projects and teams that challenge your usual way of working. Each new project is an opportunity to expand your professional repertoire and any amount of time you invest in understanding different business cultures and communication styles is time well spent. 

Likewise, take time to reflect on your cross-cultural experiences, and how different cultural mindsets at work vary across roles, people’s age or demographics, and educational background. These insights can be valuable when pitching to new clients with other benefits:

• Enhanced creativity and innovation emerge when different viewpoints combine to solve challenges. Your solutions become more robust and applicable to broader markets.
• Improved problem-solving capabilities develop as you learn to approach challenges from multiple angles, incorporating various cultural and professional perspectives.
• Expanded market opportunities arise as you become more adept at working across cultures, making you valuable to clients seeking global reach.

Build your global network

The global freelance community offers numerous opportunities for growth. Join international freelance platforms and professional networks where you can connect with peers from different countries. Participate in industry events and online communities to expand your professional circle beyond your local market. Share your cross-cultural experiences through content creation and networking to position yourself as a globally-minded professional.

The impact of diverse collaboration extends far beyond individual projects. Your resume gains international credibility, making you more attractive to clients seeking globally-experienced professionals. Your professional network becomes more diverse and resilient, opening doors to opportunities across different markets. Your ability to work effectively across cultures becomes a valuable selling point, particularly as businesses increasingly operate globally.

Therefore, taking up the chance to collaborate with overseas colleagues and gain an insight into a new culture helps to broaden your perspectives and, at the same time, enhance your professional growth. From adopting different techniques and learning novel resources or digital tools from freelancers working across the world, being introduced to other ways to approach your role is one of the most enriching ways to advance your career today and in the long-term. 

Equally, the experiences and insights gained from working with international teams enhance your professional capabilities and ability to contribute in innovative freelance and co-working settings. You’ll already appreciate the benefits that come from exchanging ideas and of sharing information as a member of a thriving community. The Freelancers Hub is an inspiring and diverse network to belong to, and one that is as empowering as it is supportive whatever sector you work within.