International Business Protocol

Today’s world is a global marketplace with ever-expanding opportunities. Most business owners and entrepreneurs who are involved in, or planning international expansion conduct extensive research in their respective fields. However, reliable information about societal values, customs, and nuances of culture and business protocol may not be readily available.

To have a superb experience when doing business globally, one must understand the uniqueness of cultures around the world, international business etiquette and manners and international business behavior. International business executives, international researchers, worldwide travelers, and international business students – can all have a great experience by learning how to function in other cultures and by using their cultural understanding, they can become more successful in the global business environment.

Projecting professional presence and understanding business protocol is key to succeeding in any environment. Inappropriate behavior is often not intentional; rather a lack of foresight or at worst, the end result of a self-absorbed society. Business social etiquette is in a state of disarray since most of the business interaction takes place electronically. Business social skills have become a lost art. However, when you do need to communicate in person, particularly in a foreign land or culture, you must be prepared.

Inadequate preparation and insensitivity to local business practices and cultural differences can, and frequently does lead to costly misunderstandings that at best, hinder progress or at worst, permanently damage potentially lucrative business relationships. Knowing when and how to greet, what greetings to say, gifts to be given and how to present them, punctuality hints and subtle nuances of conversation are critical to a successful interaction. In some places a simple handshake means more than the most airtight legal agreement; refusing an invitation to a dinner at someone’s home can be viewed as insulting and result in collapse of ongoing discussions, or in other places; as a dinner guest, serving yourself before the head of the host family has been served can be found most offensive.

Growth By Design’s Global Business Protocol coaching is designed to help you achieve the results you desire in cross-cultural situations. You will learn how to: