Etiquette Tips For International Business

ETIQUETTE TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS GERMANY RUSSIA INDIA D. Wear clean, hole-free socks. It's polite to remove shoes when entering an Expected to use cutlery to eat sandwiches Always take off gloves before you shake hands Indian's home MEETING & GREETING MEETING & GREETING MEETING & GREETING • Always take off gloves before you shake hands • English sideways hand wave is often misinterpreted as "go away" or "no" Shake everyone's hands on entering the room Keep their titles formal, until invited to use first names • Never call a Russian "comrade" EATING & DRINKING EATING & DRINKING EATING & DRINKING • Moderation is frowned upon, so be aware of your drinking capacity Customary to arrive up to 30 minutes late for a business dinner Expected to use cutlery to consume sandwiches Allow your host to drink first • If a garland is placed around your neck, take it off within five minutes. This denotes humility NEGOTIATING NEGOTIATING • Russians may initially seem stand-offish, establish Germans are very wary of hyperbole NEGOTIATING trust to break barriers • Lay off any language using self-deprecating humour Talking about things other than business can help build up a rapport • Hate to offend by saying "no". When an Indian says "TIl try" and remains vague, it usually means "no" • Lateness frowned upon • Wear clean, hole-free socks. It's polite to remove your shoes when entering an Indian's home British OK sign – the thumb and index finger joined to form a circle – is a German obscenity • Don't be deterred by the constant use of the word "niet" ("no"). Can merely be the basis of the opening of negotiations .. ... .. FRANCE LATIN AMERICA CHINA The French don't respect hands in pockets, yawning or scratching in public Don't be surprised by displays of affection, such as a hug Exchange translated business cards with both hands ! MEETING & GREETING MEETING & GREETING MEETING & GREETING • Latinos are warm and engaging people, but a degree of formality is expected – don't call a client by their first name until asked to do so • Avoid eye contact Greet with "bonjour" (good morning) or “bonsoir" ("good evening") followed by their formal title. "au revoir" ("goodbye") – when departing • Exchange translated business cards with both hands • Don't be surprised by displays of affection, such as a hug, and don't expect everyone to arrive on time Handshakes should be swift and light EATING & DRINKING • In case you want to speak French, use "vous" rather than "tu", unless invited to • Never say “no" to a drink EATING & DRINKING • Keep business and your socialising separate • Food in Latin America is a social event, so expect a degree of informality EATING & DRINKING NEGOTIATING Don't talk business over dinner • "No" is a no-no here as well. Use “we will see" • But it's polite to accept food if offered NEGOTIATING • Remain understated and calm • The French don't respect hands in pockets, yawning or scratching in public Speak in quiet tones NEGOTIATING • Whistling and clicking fingers deemed rude Hand symbol for OK is an offensive gesture in Brazil • Never do a Western-style index finger point. Use • Don't expect to negotiate in English – think about hiring an interpreter your open hand instead • Try to show appreciation of French culture, politics and history • In Mexico, status is important. Ensure a member of senior management is part of discussions • Refrain from frowning while your Chinese business partner is talking TranslateMedia