12/ 02/ 2008
In this global economy, it's possible that some of your clients and associates live and work outside of the United States. It is also likely that at some point you will be invited to make a business trip to your clients' countries. Here are some tips for making your international business travel a success.
1. Dress formally
Even if you normally dress semi-casually for your business meetings, make sure you bring your best suits and ties along for your meetings abroad. Showing up to a meeting dressed informally may be taken as a sign of disrespect to your hosts. Even if they are dressed in business casual attire, it's best to err on the side of caution.
2. Use clients' formal titles
Just as you should dress more formally for a meeting abroad, you should also call your clients by their title and last name unless specifically invited to use their first names. This holds true during your first and subsequent meetings. While this might seem stuffy to our American sensibilities, doing otherwise in many countries would be a sign of disrespect.
3. Learn the proper handshake and greeting
There's one business rule that is as true elsewhere as it is in America: first impressions count. That's why it's important to learn how to meet your colleagues with the greeting or handshake that is considered proper in their country. The handshake, incidentally, may not be the typical handshake we're accustomed to in the U.S.; instead it could be hands joined at the heart or even a hug. Practice the appropriate greeting before you go.
4. Use your hosts' language with caution
It is a thoughtful idea to want to converse with your hosts in their native language. However, unless you are already fluent, this may lead to awkward misunderstandings. If your hosts don't speak English, let an interpreter handle the bulk of the communication.
5. Don't assume gestures carry the same meaning internationally
When there are language barriers between you and the person with whom you are communicating, it is natural to want to emphasize your meaning with gestures. However, this is not a good idea, as gestures carry different meanings in different cultures. For example, the sign of the thumb and first finger joined in a circle means "okay" in the United States. If you made this gesture to your French business colleague, however, he would think you were directing a crude insult at him.
6. Know your host's attitude toward time
Though punctuality is very important in the U.S., this isn't true of every country you may visit. While you'll find your Japanese or English counterparts put a similar value on being on time, you might find yourself cooling your heels for a good half hour if you arrive on time for a meeting in Spain. While it's a good idea for you to be on time since you're the guest, don't take it as an insult if you're left to wait.
Before visiting any country, it's important to do your homework. Pick up a few travel guides specific to your destination and make sure they have a section on business travel. For more information about the documents you'll need to travel abroad and current travel warnings, the U.S. Department of State's Web site is an invaluable resource. Bon voyage!
