Always take the time to write thank you notes.
It is always good to do some research before you travel to another country, but it is essential to do so if you go with the intention of doing business.
Asian Economic Community
Here are some guidelines that will help you with your research:
The 2013 Inaugural Ball is fast approaching and there will be thousands of people attending the various parties around Washington DC.
The first thing you need to do is look at the invitation. Does it say Black Tie or White Tie? What’s the difference you say? There is a big difference but it applies to what the man should wear.
All communications can reach the public now. Even the CIA will declassify documents years later.
Think about what you are writing and who you are writing to. Use appropriate language; keep it short and to the point. Do not gossip about an employee or a manager or share private information in a written communication.
Try to reply to emails the same day or no later than the next day. If you will be out of the office, have your email set so it will tell people when you will return and who else they may speak with if it is an emergency.
From the breakfast meeting to the power lunch to the formal dinner, you have many situations where you might be entertaining a client.
Companies now have golf tournaments, cocktail hours and networking events. There is a social protocol for each one of these areas. Although using the wrong fork is not the most important etiquette faux pas, it is helpful if you do understand which utensil to use for each course.
By far it is how you welcome the guest, how you handle the conversation at the table and if you are truly gracious when inviting someone to have a meal with you.
In the United States, look the client in the eye and smile warmly. Give a firm handshake but not too firm.
When introducing the client, say, “Ms. Client, I would like you to meet the CEO of our company, Mr. Jones. He has been with our company for seven years now”.
Try to give small bit of information about someone so they will know what to say next. Always use the client’s name first. This shows respect to the client by mentioning him first.
All eyes are on the United Kingdom this year due to the Diamond Jubilee celebration of Queen of Elizabeth to the throne, and the summer Olympics. If your company is thinking of doing business here, it is one of the easier countries to manage because we speak the same language and we have similar customs. With that being said, do not send one of your sales staff to the United Kingdom without doing some research. Knowing slight variations in customs and protocol will go a long way in winning over a potential client.
The proper name of the country is The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. This includes the countries of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain refers to the large island that consists of England, Scotland and Wales. You should realize that the Republic of Ireland is a separate country and is not part of the United Kingdom. The Isle of Man and The Channel Islands are Crown Dependencies.
* Think about the kind of business you will be going to when you speak with a client. Are you going to an insurance or law firm?
* Clean clothes are a must with no spots or stains.
* Sandals are not appropriate when greeting a client.
* If a client comes to you and it is casual Friday, be sure to keep an outfit in your office that you can change into.
* Pay attention to updated looks. The dress or suit that worked well five years ago may not be in style anyone.
There are many Islamic countries in the Middle East and in Northern Africa. You will find that customs will vary from country to country. Therefore, do not attempt to travel in any Islamic country without doing research.
If you know of anyone who has personally been to one of these Middle Eastern or North African countries, it is a great idea to check with them first. Next check for articles written on the internet, buy books about the culture of these countries, and as a last resort check with the American Embassy in that country before traveling there. It would be a great loss of time and money if you traveled for business and did not get a sale because of a faux pas which could easily have been avoided.
People that live outside the United States and come to this country to do business, have hired an outside firm to thoroughly explain the way we do business here. They spend much time learning our language and
Be on time, be on time, be on time.
Being late just does not cut it. In fact, you should be about five to ten minutes early for an appointment. Use the time to head to the restroom to check for any flaws, fix your lipstick, or comb your hair.
Being late shows great disrespect to your client. His or her time is valuable and if you waste it by being late, you can say goodbye to the sale.
If you are late due to an accident on the road or because of traffic, be sure to call ahead and let them know your estimated time of arrival.
Better yet, leave early and anticipate any problem that might make you arrive late.
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