Do your research before you travel abroad for business, or you could get more than you bargained for.
Doing business abroad means learning a whole new language, and we’re talking etiquette here.
You’ll be confronted by cultural practices which are different from your own country and the result of not understanding these differences could cost you dear. It is all too easy to embarrass yourself by wearing the wrong attire, or saying the wrong thing and you could also find yourself in the situation of misunderstanding other people by making assumptions based on your own culture.
What is considered the correct business etiquette or just plain good manners really does vary hugely by country and if you fail to understand and adhere to these cultural differences you could quite simply fail to do business.
If you travel abroad for work it is vital that you research and familiarise yourself with local social behaviour to avoid appearing rude or unprofessional without meaning to.
To helping you avoid jinxing that contract in Germany or jeopardising that meeting in Japan we’ve got a few business tips to share
Being late in New Zealand is the height of rudeness and read as slack behaviour but Brazilians don’t mind if people are running late….
Eating finger food with your hands during a business meeting is fine in New York but in Rio de Janeiro it’s considered disrespectful. Even finger food should be eaten with a knife or fork.
In many places doing business over breakfast, lunch or dinner is a more informal way of discussing a deal but in China this is seen as distasteful – never discuss business in China during a meal.
It may be customary in the UK to thank your host, waiter or waitress for dinner at the end but in India this is perceived as a form of payment and considered an insult. In Australia there are rules about paying for drinks in a social gathering, including business drinks - only pay when it is your round!
If doing business in Germany greet people with a handshake and a nod of the head - a nod back will let you know that you’ve made a good impression. You should know that it’s common to be kissed two or even three times on the cheek when you meet in France or Italy but in the UK a firm handshake is the order of the day.
Appropriate business attire in the UK is of the utmost importance to ensure the best impression whoever you’re meeting – especially for that first meeting. Your shirt should be long sleeved and you should avoid shirts with pockets. NEVER put anything in the pockets of your shirt if you do wear them!
In Japan the word ‘no’ is uncommon - they will answer with a ‘yes’ even when they actually mean ‘no’ in order to show you that they have understood you and that they acknowledge your request.
In Japan it is customary to bring gifts and the way a gift is presented is more important than the actual value of the gift so ensure it’s been wrapped to a high standard. In China make sure you give and receive gifts with both hands – this is the same when giving or receiving business cards.
Avoid offering gifts in the USA as this will often be seen as bribery.
Good luck!
