Business meetings with foreign partners

Business communication and business etiquette in different countriesand regions can differ substantially. What in one country is considered decent for a business person, in another can be perceived as an insult. And, in order to avoid disagreements that can frustrate a profitable transaction, you need to be aware of these differences and understand the cultural characteristics of communication.

First of all, when dealing with partners, befriendly, respect people with whom you do business. While in negotiations with foreigners, use the services of an interpreter, especially if you are not too sure of your knowledge. In addition, the availability of an interpreter allows you to additionally gain time and think over what the interlocutor said. In responsible negotiations, it is advisable to involve a professional translator whose quality of work you already had the opportunity to verify.

It is not considered an insult to ask partnersspeak more slowly if they speak too quickly for you, explain it with your weak knowledge of the language. Never blame them for what they say quickly. Similarly, if negotiations are conducted in your own language, do not blame them for the accent - speak slowly, clearly pronouncing words.

Rules of conduct with the opposite sex playan important role not only in the conduct of business, but also in ordinary foreign trips. For example, in Saudi Arabia, handshakes are mandatory, but it is forbidden to touch a woman in Western clothes. In Japan, the older generation is not very happy to shake hands with people from the West. In Argentina, women are the first to reach out for a handshake.

Try to learn the key phrases in the language of the visited country - words of greeting, gratitude, etc. This will help you smooth out the differences between the cultures of your countries.

As for the specifics of business etiquette,Germany, for example, should immediately forget about the negotiations, leaving the meeting room. Business matters are discussed before and after dinner, but with food - never. Germans love consistency and punctuality, they are not supporters of risk, so they think it through. Concluding deals, the Germans insist on strict implementation of the obligations, and, if they are not, on the condition of paying high fines.

In China, it is not forbidden to talk about business forfood, you can also talk about family and children. While in Japan the exchange of business cards is an extremely important ritual, in Italy they can be awarded only at business meetings, but not at public events.

In Australia, drinking alcohol duringbusiness lunches are not welcome, but in Germany you can afford a small amount of alcohol, in France it is not permissible to drink strong drinks before meals and smoke in between meals.

Bowing is the traditional form of greeting in Japan,while the lower the bow, the more respect is expressed. In no case should not rush to the Japanese with open arms and pat on the shoulder. While in the Netherlands, do not call this country Holland, the indigenous people are very offended by this (the Netherlands, in addition to Holland itself, includes Suriname and the Netherlands Antilles).