There's hardly any chance that you can get away with bad etiquette in your global business endeavor, bad manners will make you loose your company's goodwill, customers and sales in no time. To make it even worse, you can spoil your country's image if you are not courteous enough with your foreign clients. Irrespective of the position you hold in your company, when you meet some client, you are representing your company as a sales person. Business meetings are not a place to show attitude, flaunt your rough & tough personality, being bullish or non-serious. You are not going to meet your international clients a lot, so when you do, make sure you were well prepared for the occasion.
Language:
More than vocabulary, it's the right choice of words, more than accent, it's being clear in what you say, more than fluency, it's conveying your message to the receiver without any confusions. English is the standard business language, and to get into some global business, you need to be familiar with this great communication tool. Good proficiency in English will make it so easy for you to operate while poor English skills will halt your progress every now and then. Apart from English, you need to know a little bit of native languages when traveling to places like Germany or some Asian and Middle Eastern countries.
The all-important Punctuality:
One thing that is equally important and equally appreciated in every society is punctuality. Getting there in time, or slightly earlier than the fix time will do a great deal in casting a positive impression. Being on time shows that you know the value of time; it also reflects at your commitment. How successful do you think a sales person can be who arrives late at business appointments? The client will be judging your sincerity and how seriously do you take your business by your punctuality.
Appearance & Introduction:
Appearance includes your dress, expressions and body language. Read a little about body language and winning expressions and try to apply the basics like smiling, being upright and showing enthusiasm. Don't experiment with what you are wearing; in most cases black suit is a safe option unless you are meeting someone at a golf resort. Be attentive when you are introduced to a group of people, if you have to introduce your companions, use full names and titles.
Gifts & Dinners:
Corporate business gifts like Desk Accessories, Pen sets, business card cases can place you in other person's good book and make your job a lot easier if you are looking to get some contract or strike a deal (same do not apply to the Government officials, there's a difference between gift-giving and bribing). When it comes to business dinners, take them as seriously as your business meetings. If you are eating out in some foreign country like China or UAE, learn their table manners in advance to avoid any kind of embarrassment.
Phone Calls & E-mails:
When writing business letters or e-mail mention the intended recipient and subject line clearly. Make sure your answering machine or voice mail system is properly working, try to return the calls promptly, when on phone, be polite and talk clearly.
Nov 8, 2011
Nov 6, 2011
British Business Etiquette for Foreigners
There is a general impression of Britain to many outsiders that it is overly formal and rigid, especially when it comes to business. However, over the past century, Britain has become increasingly diverse, both in terms of its population and how the country does things.
When doing business in the UK however, it all comes down to what generation you are doing business with. The older generations tend to be more formal in their manner, preferring to work with people they known or who have worked with associates. There is also the preference to do things in more traditional manners, such as face-to-face meetings. However, with a younger generation of businessmen rapidly coming to the fore, there has been a chance in the business dynamic.
Younger businessmen are notably less formal, and are more eager to do business with new companies and partners without building a long relationship. They also prefer networking and relationship building, knowing that these could be key to spreading their brand around the world and among other industry companies.
How despite generational differences, there are basic etiquette tips that should be adhered to, no matter the age of the client. They are generally found in most countries, and these guidelines won't be unfamiliar to anyone who has attended a European business meeting.
You should always wear a suit or business attire to a meeting, and shaking hands upon arrival and departure is the standard greeting. Eye contact during conversation is regarded as polite as is the exchange of business cards if you have them. Business gifts are generally not done in the UK, though it is not uncommon to go out for a business meal.
When it comes to business and meetings, punctuality is also very important, therefore if you are running late, it is polite to inform anyone you could keep waiting.
Once in the meeting, discussion is often direct, though many UK businessmen prefer to understate their statements, using phrases as "perhaps" or "it is possible". Meetings are generally formal, with the purpose being laid out early on so that an agenda can be reached.
There may be some initial small talk at first, but be aware that British businessmen are often there to do a deal, and as such you must make sure you have the facts and figures to back up any claims that you might make. In fact, it is not all that different from Dragon's Den.
When doing business in the UK however, it all comes down to what generation you are doing business with. The older generations tend to be more formal in their manner, preferring to work with people they known or who have worked with associates. There is also the preference to do things in more traditional manners, such as face-to-face meetings. However, with a younger generation of businessmen rapidly coming to the fore, there has been a chance in the business dynamic.
Younger businessmen are notably less formal, and are more eager to do business with new companies and partners without building a long relationship. They also prefer networking and relationship building, knowing that these could be key to spreading their brand around the world and among other industry companies.
How despite generational differences, there are basic etiquette tips that should be adhered to, no matter the age of the client. They are generally found in most countries, and these guidelines won't be unfamiliar to anyone who has attended a European business meeting.
You should always wear a suit or business attire to a meeting, and shaking hands upon arrival and departure is the standard greeting. Eye contact during conversation is regarded as polite as is the exchange of business cards if you have them. Business gifts are generally not done in the UK, though it is not uncommon to go out for a business meal.
When it comes to business and meetings, punctuality is also very important, therefore if you are running late, it is polite to inform anyone you could keep waiting.
Once in the meeting, discussion is often direct, though many UK businessmen prefer to understate their statements, using phrases as "perhaps" or "it is possible". Meetings are generally formal, with the purpose being laid out early on so that an agenda can be reached.
There may be some initial small talk at first, but be aware that British businessmen are often there to do a deal, and as such you must make sure you have the facts and figures to back up any claims that you might make. In fact, it is not all that different from Dragon's Den.
Nov 3, 2011
Business Etiquette Tips For Woman
Smile and shake hands
Keep smiling. You'll be more relaxed and in a better mood, and people can't help but be warm and friendly in return. Whenever you're introduced, or is someone comes up to ask a question, remember to smile and extend your hand. Conventions are a great opportunity to network and meet others-and a smile and ready handshake helps smooth the way.
Some men have been taught, not to extend their hand first, to women, so you need to put your hand out for the handshake. To help recall a person's name later, say his or her name aloud as you shake hands. Repetition is a memory aid, as is associating that, person's name with someone you already know with the same name.
Be on time
It can be hard to judge how much time it will take to finish your breakfast at a restaurant crowded with convention attendees, or to figure out how long it will take to find rest rooms and locate a seminar room, but, don't let new situations and distractions keep you from attending panels and other events on time.
When doors are constantly opening and closing because of late comers to a seminar, the rest of the attendees are disturbed. The mouse may also disrupt the speaker. It might be assumed that a woman late because she's flaky or was still putting on her makeup. Don't reinforce that image: Be polite and be on time. Pad your commute schedule with plenty of time-even if it means arriving too early. You can always bring something to read or work on.
Carry business cards
This is your opportunity to meet others in your industry. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards and carry them with you to all events. People remember names when they see them in print. And the cards you collect may prove to be from valuable business contact later. When meeting others, initiate a business-card exchange as often as possible. Make sure to write a note or two on the back of the card you receive so you'll be able to remember the contact later when yon sort, through a deck of cards after the trip.
Join a group
It can be downright scary to walk into a room full of people and realize you don't really know anyone there. At, an opening event mixer, there is a business responsibility to network and meet others. But women have been taught to wait to be introduced. This situation is an exception to that old standard, and it will take some courage to get started.
First of all, put yourself in a positive frame of mind by reminding yourself that you are a bright, interesting, and professional individual whom others are just, waiting to meet. Look over the room and find a small group that isn't clustered in a tight, exclusionary huddle. Walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. You look like you're having an interesting conversation. I hope you don't mind if I join you. My name is "
Alternately, you might find someone who is standing alone, perhaps looking over the scene much as you are. If there is entertainment, you can walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. This band is quite good, don't you think? My name is..." and extend your hand. Or perhaps you can make a comment on the interesting presentation of the food or mention that you might have seen the person in a seminar earlier in the day, as a way of opening a conversation.
Often, such gatherings are designed to get participants to mix and meet new people. For example, there may be some sort of "ice-breaker," perhaps clues written on the backs of name tags that direct attendees to seek out particular people. Or you may be assigned to a particular table or group. These devices should help ease you into making those initial contacts. Just be sure to keep the ball rolling after your first introductions.
Making safe small talk
Once you've got the conversation started, it may be difficult to keep it going. After you get past the usual questions about what someone's job is and what seminars he or she has attended, it may be a challenge to come up with anything else to say. After all, those people are strangers.
First of all, play it safe and apply the standard rules of small talk - don't discuss money, religion, or politics. An obvious topic is your industry. Perhaps there are some new developments, current issues, or even universal concerns that you could bring up. Some simple non-work topics to continue a conversation could include movies, vacations, music, art, sports, weather, or books. You can find out a lot about person just from these areas of interest. Some people like to discuss their children, but let someone else open that conversation, and enter cautiously. If you do discuss your work or employer, be positive. You don't want to run down your company or be a complainer in a public forum.
Don't overpower the conversation, but don't be a shrinking violet. One of the most sure-fire ways to keep a conversation going is to ask questions or others. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and it will help put them at ease.
Keep smiling. You'll be more relaxed and in a better mood, and people can't help but be warm and friendly in return. Whenever you're introduced, or is someone comes up to ask a question, remember to smile and extend your hand. Conventions are a great opportunity to network and meet others-and a smile and ready handshake helps smooth the way.
Some men have been taught, not to extend their hand first, to women, so you need to put your hand out for the handshake. To help recall a person's name later, say his or her name aloud as you shake hands. Repetition is a memory aid, as is associating that, person's name with someone you already know with the same name.
Be on time
It can be hard to judge how much time it will take to finish your breakfast at a restaurant crowded with convention attendees, or to figure out how long it will take to find rest rooms and locate a seminar room, but, don't let new situations and distractions keep you from attending panels and other events on time.
When doors are constantly opening and closing because of late comers to a seminar, the rest of the attendees are disturbed. The mouse may also disrupt the speaker. It might be assumed that a woman late because she's flaky or was still putting on her makeup. Don't reinforce that image: Be polite and be on time. Pad your commute schedule with plenty of time-even if it means arriving too early. You can always bring something to read or work on.
Carry business cards
This is your opportunity to meet others in your industry. Don't forget to bring lots of business cards and carry them with you to all events. People remember names when they see them in print. And the cards you collect may prove to be from valuable business contact later. When meeting others, initiate a business-card exchange as often as possible. Make sure to write a note or two on the back of the card you receive so you'll be able to remember the contact later when yon sort, through a deck of cards after the trip.
Join a group
It can be downright scary to walk into a room full of people and realize you don't really know anyone there. At, an opening event mixer, there is a business responsibility to network and meet others. But women have been taught to wait to be introduced. This situation is an exception to that old standard, and it will take some courage to get started.
First of all, put yourself in a positive frame of mind by reminding yourself that you are a bright, interesting, and professional individual whom others are just, waiting to meet. Look over the room and find a small group that isn't clustered in a tight, exclusionary huddle. Walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. You look like you're having an interesting conversation. I hope you don't mind if I join you. My name is "
Alternately, you might find someone who is standing alone, perhaps looking over the scene much as you are. If there is entertainment, you can walk up, smile, and say, "Hi. This band is quite good, don't you think? My name is..." and extend your hand. Or perhaps you can make a comment on the interesting presentation of the food or mention that you might have seen the person in a seminar earlier in the day, as a way of opening a conversation.
Often, such gatherings are designed to get participants to mix and meet new people. For example, there may be some sort of "ice-breaker," perhaps clues written on the backs of name tags that direct attendees to seek out particular people. Or you may be assigned to a particular table or group. These devices should help ease you into making those initial contacts. Just be sure to keep the ball rolling after your first introductions.
Making safe small talk
Once you've got the conversation started, it may be difficult to keep it going. After you get past the usual questions about what someone's job is and what seminars he or she has attended, it may be a challenge to come up with anything else to say. After all, those people are strangers.
First of all, play it safe and apply the standard rules of small talk - don't discuss money, religion, or politics. An obvious topic is your industry. Perhaps there are some new developments, current issues, or even universal concerns that you could bring up. Some simple non-work topics to continue a conversation could include movies, vacations, music, art, sports, weather, or books. You can find out a lot about person just from these areas of interest. Some people like to discuss their children, but let someone else open that conversation, and enter cautiously. If you do discuss your work or employer, be positive. You don't want to run down your company or be a complainer in a public forum.
Don't overpower the conversation, but don't be a shrinking violet. One of the most sure-fire ways to keep a conversation going is to ask questions or others. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, and it will help put them at ease.
Nov 1, 2011
Useful Business Etiquette Tips For Woman On Business Trip
Business etiquette is another issue of concern for the female business traveler. En route, you may not be involved with clients. But once you arrive at your first meeting or set loot in a convention hall, you're in a business setting, and etiquette questions arise. We especially challenging for a woman to combine the appropriate business response with the most well-mannered one. The two are not mutually exclusive. But many women have not had to face these etiquette questions at home because the situation occurs for the first time while they are traveling.
Convention Manners
Whether this is your first, trip or an annual ritual, an industry convention provides a unique opportunity for women to meet and network with others in their field. In some cases, others from your company may attend, perhaps even your boss. In any case, you are representing your firm and want to be on your best behavior. There will be some challenges to face-such as how to introduce yourself to perfect strangers and attending evening events while still getting enough sleep to face the next day's seminars.
You may find that some men are more forward and aggressive at a convention. Keep your cool, and remember that the intensity and closeness of the setting can bring out the worst in people. Then, let it bring out the best in you. Step up to the challenge, because the benefits to your career are worth it.
Limit alcohol intake
After years of attending conventions, I think I have seen it all. Women who've had drink too much dance on tables. Men publicly, passionately kiss women (who aren't their spouses) because they've both had too much to drink. At a convention, it seems, people want let their hair down. Although fun and frolic may be amusing at the moment, a minute-by-minute retelling of various sophomoric actions certainly can't be comfortable for the participants upon return to the office.
Most often, the easiest way to reduce the potential for embarrassing behavior is to limit alcohol intake. This sounds simple enough, but many first-time convention attendees forget that maxim when the drinks are free. Promise yourself before you walk into the first convention event that you won't have more than one drink. Switch to soda wafer after a glass of wine or that martini. Limit those wild nights and overindulging to non-business situations, when you're in the company of your loving family or understanding friends-not when your job or future career moves could be in jeopardy. Even if no one from your office is at the convention, word somehow spreads and could come back to bite you.
Now that, you have the number-one convention problem under control, there are a few other considerations that will help make your convention experience easier.
Dress appropriately
This isn't the time to bring out that very sexy dress you've de-dined to wear at the office, or to step into some flattering but killer high-heel pumps. Your feet will appreciate the low-heeled shoes after a day of standing!
Follow the convention dress code, wearing nice pantsuits or skirted suits. Make a fashion statement with a designer scarf or unusual jewelry, rather than a backless dress or a slit-to-high-thigh skirt. (On the practical side, dress in layers. Convention halls are notoriously freezing-or hot.)
Smile and shake hands
Keep smiling. You'll be more relaxed and in a better mood, and people can't help but be warm and friendly in return. Whenever you're introduced, or is someone comes up to ask a question, remember to smile and extend your hand. Conventions are a great opportunity to network and meet others-and a smile and ready handshake helps smooth the way.
Some men have been taught, not to extend their hand first, to women, so you need to put your hand out for the handshake. To help recall a person's name later, say his or her name aloud as you shake hands. Repetition is a memory aid, as is associating that, person's name with someone you already know with the same name.
Oct 31, 2011
How to use business etiquette in Japan
How to use business etiquette in Japan
As with companies in the United States, make a good impression on your customers or potential customers, is essential in Japan. Business etiquette is a little different in Japan than in America, it is important to know the basics before the next meeting of Japanese business and Dress.underestimated, as a casual dress n is not acceptable when doing business in Japan. Men and women dressed in costumes are simple and tasteful, that compliance is very important in Japanese culture. Anything that might make you "stand out" should be avoided.Bow with your host. After your Japanese hosts bows to you, make sure the arc of equal height, that the way you bow low indicates where you are with your host society.
Your Japanese hosts May shake your hand, but if a handshake is weak, it is not intended to be offensive or you are dealing with a low, it is often simply because they are uncomfortable with custom.Bring your business cards. At the beginning of a business meeting, it is customary to exchange business cards, and many times, companies will not be realized until this is done. The Japanese use two hands when giving a business card, and you should do the same. It is also on the offensive damage or change the map that was given to you in any way. This includes setting your pocket or wallet, or write to theknow the hierarchy. When you sit at the meeting table when you are served a drink or food during the meeting and so on, is determined by your status at the meeting.
Allow your host to direct you to your seat, do not sit anywhere, as can be shocking. Wait until it is your turn to sit and your guests to drink or eat before you make your Mind.ways. May the Japanese view that some Americans might consider too much courtesy, but when you are trying to impress a Japanese client, courtesy and politeness are expected at any time. This is true even when you're asked questions that seem inappropriate in the United States, such as age or marital status.bring a gift. It is customary to exchange gifts at the end of a business meeting. Gift ideas include memories of your hometown, gifts from high-end retailers and expensive wines and liquors. If you are not sure what to get your boutique hotel May be able to give you appropriate suggestions.
As with companies in the United States, make a good impression on your customers or potential customers, is essential in Japan. Business etiquette is a little different in Japan than in America, it is important to know the basics before the next meeting of Japanese business and Dress.underestimated, as a casual dress n is not acceptable when doing business in Japan. Men and women dressed in costumes are simple and tasteful, that compliance is very important in Japanese culture. Anything that might make you "stand out" should be avoided.Bow with your host. After your Japanese hosts bows to you, make sure the arc of equal height, that the way you bow low indicates where you are with your host society.
Your Japanese hosts May shake your hand, but if a handshake is weak, it is not intended to be offensive or you are dealing with a low, it is often simply because they are uncomfortable with custom.Bring your business cards. At the beginning of a business meeting, it is customary to exchange business cards, and many times, companies will not be realized until this is done. The Japanese use two hands when giving a business card, and you should do the same. It is also on the offensive damage or change the map that was given to you in any way. This includes setting your pocket or wallet, or write to theknow the hierarchy. When you sit at the meeting table when you are served a drink or food during the meeting and so on, is determined by your status at the meeting.
Allow your host to direct you to your seat, do not sit anywhere, as can be shocking. Wait until it is your turn to sit and your guests to drink or eat before you make your Mind.ways. May the Japanese view that some Americans might consider too much courtesy, but when you are trying to impress a Japanese client, courtesy and politeness are expected at any time. This is true even when you're asked questions that seem inappropriate in the United States, such as age or marital status.bring a gift. It is customary to exchange gifts at the end of a business meeting. Gift ideas include memories of your hometown, gifts from high-end retailers and expensive wines and liquors. If you are not sure what to get your boutique hotel May be able to give you appropriate suggestions.
Oct 27, 2011
Spain Business Etiquettes
First of all you need to research about the culture of business because of which you are visiting to Spain. It is extremely important if you business relates modern multinational corporation or a traditional Spanish company. In both cases, business dealings are quite different and come as a shock to you if you do not research about it properly.It is important to dress in formal business attire following a cultivated style of clothing that uses muted colors. The people of Spain are brand conscious and designers or brands are often noted. In Spain, you dress indicates a level of success and your social status too.
However, females should not dress in order to invite attention over their physical sexuality.Conversation is an inevitable that when it comes to business and pain. In Spain, you should be absolutely prepared for lively and friendly business conversations. You may find your counterparts to behave gregariously but that's okay. A lot of time this behavior may seem artificial but Spanish prefer knowing you before effectively engage in your business. The quality of your character is always more important for Spaniards then the success of business. Therefore it is extremely important that they get to know the real you and your statusIt is important that you consider the hierarchy. Make sure that you communicate with someone who you think have equal importance as you in the company.
It is also important that you bear patience while negotiating. A lot of times you will be interrupted by Spanish people but you must not get disgusted. It is simply an indication of the fact that Spanish people are engaged and they are much interested in a detailed discussion.It is important that you take advantage of business timings in Spain. Enjoy the afternoon siesta, the common time when Spanish people take a break from their business in office timings. People like to converse and have business meetings over the dinner table in Spain. Restaurants serve meals till 9 PM and you will not interrupt you if you are in an active conversation till 11 PM. So make sure that you get ready for your associate to set up a late evening meeting.
However, females should not dress in order to invite attention over their physical sexuality.Conversation is an inevitable that when it comes to business and pain. In Spain, you should be absolutely prepared for lively and friendly business conversations. You may find your counterparts to behave gregariously but that's okay. A lot of time this behavior may seem artificial but Spanish prefer knowing you before effectively engage in your business. The quality of your character is always more important for Spaniards then the success of business. Therefore it is extremely important that they get to know the real you and your statusIt is important that you consider the hierarchy. Make sure that you communicate with someone who you think have equal importance as you in the company.
It is also important that you bear patience while negotiating. A lot of times you will be interrupted by Spanish people but you must not get disgusted. It is simply an indication of the fact that Spanish people are engaged and they are much interested in a detailed discussion.It is important that you take advantage of business timings in Spain. Enjoy the afternoon siesta, the common time when Spanish people take a break from their business in office timings. People like to converse and have business meetings over the dinner table in Spain. Restaurants serve meals till 9 PM and you will not interrupt you if you are in an active conversation till 11 PM. So make sure that you get ready for your associate to set up a late evening meeting.
Oct 25, 2011
Business Etiquette in China Like Emily Post
In reality, most people who ask this type of question are wanting to know, is there any type of behavior I should avoid to spoil a deal or should pay attention to to help seal the deal.As to the first part about what to avoid, there really isn't too much. The Chinese are quite accepting. Most of them have the expectation that foreigners are almost a different creature so it is not uncommon for foreigners to do some seemingly shocking things. Just be polite, professional, and pay attention to what others are doing and you should be fine. Be sensitive to others reaction to try and gauge if you are offending, and if you think you are apologize.There is one thing that I have seen foreigners do that has spoiled deals. That is joking around about important political or famous people, whether current or historical.
In the West, especially in the US, we have a history of freedom of speech, and we see everyday people like Jay Leno and John Stewart making fun of politicians as a career. This does not exist in China and can offend your hosts so much that they are unable to continue working with you.As far as what you can do to help move along a business relationship. The first thing you can do is learn some Chinese. Even the most basic "Ni Hao" will often be met with a response of "Wow, your Chinese is so good." If you take the time to learn a few more key phrases like "Xie Xie" and "Bu Ke Qi", you are going a long way to show that you are interested in learning about their culture and customs.This is a good start and the rest you can learn as you are here in China interacting with others.If you found this information useful and want more like it than visit our website.
In the West, especially in the US, we have a history of freedom of speech, and we see everyday people like Jay Leno and John Stewart making fun of politicians as a career. This does not exist in China and can offend your hosts so much that they are unable to continue working with you.As far as what you can do to help move along a business relationship. The first thing you can do is learn some Chinese. Even the most basic "Ni Hao" will often be met with a response of "Wow, your Chinese is so good." If you take the time to learn a few more key phrases like "Xie Xie" and "Bu Ke Qi", you are going a long way to show that you are interested in learning about their culture and customs.This is a good start and the rest you can learn as you are here in China interacting with others.If you found this information useful and want more like it than visit our website.
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