***the other ‘customs’ of international meetings: protocol

by:Yovog     2023-08-14
When I first started planning an international conference more than 20 years ago, \"going global\" was the buzzword of the time.
Companies outside the United States seek new markets and the Association seeks new membership.
When I started planning meetings abroad, my focus was on logistics: freight forwarding, foreign currency negotiations, working with airlines, tax cuts, activities for attendees to choose to enjoy at their destination, and create a positive experience that will not be forgotten . . . . . . All important aspects of the international conference.
I didn\'t realize that I ignored one of the most critical parts of the international conference experience: the agreement.
As an international conference planner, I also need to serve as a concierge officer without a title.
I quickly understood that my job was to understand the cultural expectations of completing the job.
Here are some of the protocol tips I have shared from my efforts
Experience gained: in other parts of the world, communication style is not the same as in the United States
I am not referring to obvious language differences.
Americans like to \"get right\" and know exactly what happens at every step of the way.
Our written and oral communication was in a hurry.
We often use \"shorthand English\" to think that the other party will understand what we mean.
For example, answering questions from the Japanese conference planning teamS.
The hotel sales executive said \"no problem\", which was interpreted as \"no, there is a problem.
The hotel lost business.
Exchanges are more frequent in many parts of Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
It starts with social chat and may include mentioning the work at hand and then going back to social chat.
Americans may be frustrated with the time it takes to reach a consensus on a certain issue, but should not try to speed up the process.
Understanding the relationship between the parties is more important than the contract.
In negotiations with suppliers, \"no\" does not mean that most of the time there is no; it means maybe.
Sometimes, like in Asian countries, \"maybe\" means \"no \".
Your dress set the tone for your business relationship overseas.
Fortunately, a conservative navy or gray suit is suitable almost anywhere, both men and women.
It conveys a professional spirit.
Moderate neckline is also important for women.
You may not have thought about it, but the color has a big impact on how you feel abroad.
Although red is a color of power in the United States, it is a color of mourning in some parts of Africa.
In Asia, red is a lucky color, while in Russia and many countries of the former Soviet Union, red still represents the blood of communism and revolution.
Purple is linked to death in Latin America.
White is the color of mourning in Asia.
The color must be considered for gifts and clothes.
Business cards you need to distribute business cards overseas twice as many as you do during your domestic meetings.
At almost every Office meeting, you give the receptionist and one of your contacts.
Always give your business card with your right hand or hands.
Historically, the left hand is a \"dirty\" hand reserved for personal hygiene, so don\'t use it to provide gifts or business cards.
Don\'t forget to translate the other side of the business card in the language of the country in which you do business, if English is not the main language spoken there.
Eye contact is highly regarded in the United States.
We determine whether another person is honest and credible by s/whether he establishes eye contact with us.
But don\'t stay too long in Asia.
Stable eyes are considered aggressive, even hostile.
The rule to follow is to look away if you feel your eye contact makes someone uncomfortable.
Intermittent eye contact is acceptable in most cultures.
GreetingsGreetings can be tricky.
The handshake is firm and relatively short (three seconds)
Business in North America and northern Europe.
However, the lighter (limp)
But the lingering handshake (10-12 seconds)
Is the norm in Asia.
In order to impress people, please follow the cultural norms. Observe.
What you get should be the reward you give.
In the United States, commercial gifts are managed by Congress.
The value of the gifts you receive from other US organizations is limited.
Other countries generally do not have these restrictions, and gift giving is an important part of a business relationship.
But there is art in giving gifts.
It\'s equally important to know when to give, what to give, who to give, and how to package it.
In your first meeting with a new customer or supplier, it will be normal to exchange gifts.
There are mandatory gifts-
Holiday around the world.
In Japan, exchange gifts on or during July 15
At the end of this year, in January. 1.
It is best to send a gift representing your company, industry or country, which is made in your country.
Some suggestions for proper gifts that work almost anywhere are picture books in your town or country, high
High-quality writing tools, Native American artifacts, candles, air purifiers, compasses and other travel accessories (
Muslims need to know the direction of Mecca)
And the zoom telescope.
Any gift of intelligence
Books, music and handicrafts (art)—
Would be grateful.
Some taboos: * leather gifts for Hindus * alcohol and any product, including the ingredients it gives to Muslims as a gift * giving knives, which represents the breaking of ties (
So don\'t give that cute carving.
* Gifts made in China to Japanese customers.
In many cultures, women are not as easily accepted in business as in the United States.
Because of their cultural norms, it takes time for international business to trust women\'s knowledge and abilities.
Be patient and professional.
Women and male colleagues tend to be ignored in business meetings;
Historically, they were treated as assistants, not as responsible persons.
It is often important for the group to make public references to women and to solicit their views on the matter so that all parties can participate in the meeting.
In order to successfully carry out business on the international stage, we also need to grasp another concept.
In northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and Belgium, people attach great importance to speed.
Thanks 10 minutes in advance.
In the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and Australia, we are very grateful for their prompt response.
However, in southern Europe (
Spain, Italy, Greece)
Most parts of the Mediterranean and Arab Gulf states may hold a meeting at 2 p. m.
Actually starting at 2: 30. m. and 3:30 p. m. (
Except for banquets).
In most parts of Latin America and Asia, it is even more lax, and the appointment time is only estimated.
You can\'t make mistakes because you are on time;
Just bring a book to read or work to occupy you while you wait.
Remember that Americans are almost the only people on Earth to eat at 6 in the evening. m.
Let\'s say you\'ll eat later than you get used to and keep this in mind when planning a group dinner that includes local colleagues.
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