China  -  Sweden  -  Argentina  -  Middle East  -  Japan  -  Egypt

In China, pay attention to the seating arrangement...

Entertaining over meals is a very important part of doing business in China. A typical meal can consist of an eight course meal over which the relationship is advanced. During these important meals, pay attention to the seating arrangements. Typically at Chinese restaurants, tables are round. The guest of honor or VIP should sit furthest from the entrance, with the best view. The host should always sit opposite of the guest of honor or VIP, and therefore closest to the entrance so that the host can more easily deal with the restaurant staff. The next most important guest will sit to the left of the guest of honor, the third ranking guest sits to the right of the guest of honor.

In China try not to write on someone’s business card.

In China when given someone else’s business card don’t write on it. To some, it can be considered an insult, as if you are changing something on it you don’t like (when really you may just be making a note to yourself).

In addition, try to give and receive business cards with TWO hands, as this is a symbol of respect.

Lastly, if you plan to do business in China, consider having the other side of your business card translated into Chinese.

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Avoid scheduling business trips to Sweden in the months of June through August and December.

Vacation time?!? Well not for you at least but for the Swedish, that is when many take their vacation time. So when making your appointment with your Swedish client avoid these months because your client probably will be on vacation.

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In Argentina, a simple handshake is enough at first....

Argentina is a unique country because most locals are of Italian, Spanish, or French descent and their etiquette and traditions are shaped by the cultures all of those countries.  The most common form of greeting between business personnel (men and women) is a handshake and slight nod of the head. Once a relationship has been built to the point of friendship, then hugs, kisses and slapped backs will become the norm. FYI: It is acceptable to kiss on the cheek when greeting someone you've met before and upon departing.  This type of greeting is traditional among and between both men and women.

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In the Middle East, don't cross your legs in a business meeting.

Spoken language is only a small part of everyday communication. A large part of our feelings and intentions are illustrated via nonverbal communication. Understanding body language of the destination country and interpreting body language correctly will not only assist you to avoid unpleasant situation but will grant you appreciation and respect from locals.

Ready to settle in with your Middle Eastern client? You may be most comfortable sitting back in your chair and crossing your legs. Well, please don't. In the Middle East, one of the most insulting things you can do is sit with your legs crossed so the bottoms of the feet are pointed in the other person's direction. The foot is the dirtiest part of the body and the sole of the shoe is the dirtiest of the low. To show someone the bottom of your foot or shoe could signal that you are looking for a fight.

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In Japan always present your business cards with two hands.

You have probably seen in movies where the Japanese present things with two hands and bow, and you think to yourself that it’s just part of the movie. Well guess what? They really do present things with two hands. So when you are meeting your client for the first time and want to give them your business card be sure to give it to them with both your hands AND receive their card with both hands. It is a sign of respect and they will appreciate your understanding of the culture.

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In Egypt take the tea.

You would think drinking tea is a British thing to do. Well think again because Egyptians like to give tea to their clients while in business meetings. When offered tea, be sure to take the tea because it shows a sign of acceptance. Even if you don’t like the tea, take it anyway because if you don’t accept it they may take it as a sign of rejection.

Comments? Questions? Email us. To learn more about the Trans-Global Executive MBA program, click here. To RSVP for an upcoming open house, click here.