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Essential etiquette (CNN) -- Knowing how to conduct yourself overseas not only helps you avoid embarrassing situations, it also helps you build effective business relationships and clinch that deal. Remember a simple faux pas can make or break an international business deal and with more deals done via video and teleconferencing, on the phone or by e-mail it makes that "in-person" business travel trip all the more important. Travel can create a lot of stress when doing business. By learning tips on etiquette to limit it from trips, you will be able to focus more on getting things done. But what may seem acceptable in your culture does not always work overseas. It is prudent to research the country you are travelling to in detail. That leather jacket you are wearing on a business trip to Mumbai is not appropriate when meeting a Hindu colleague, for whom the cow is a sacred animal. Jetting off to see your Italian supplier? Make sure you are well groomed aesthetics are crucial there. Business cards are all important in Hong Kong and mainland China, have enough to hand round to everyone and present them respectfully in both hands, this also happens in Indonesia. Punctuality is not necessarily an important character in Brazilian business culture. The higher the rank of an individual, the later they are likely to turn up for a meeting, while being on time can be of great importance in Japan. When having a business lunch in the Middle East it is always important to establish a personal relationship, so wait for your host to bring up more serious matters, same in France. In Mexico visuals presentation go a long way, and remember Japanese traditionally prefer oral agreements to written ones, if you can avoid demanding a written agreement if possible. It is perhaps better not to bring up the topics of religion or the Russian monarchy in Russia. Your views on Taiwan or Tibet may not be welcome in China, while in Thailand the royal family is highly respected. In the Netherlands higher education is considered a very important part of your resume so it is wise to include degree details on your business card. A sign of respect throughout Asia is formality. Hierarchy is a crucial factor and the first person to enter a room is always the head of the group. |
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