Because of the above incidents, I was convinced that my knowledge of the service offered by the company I represented was not enough. I was convinced that I was not likeable as a business representative.
That WAS what I thought. And I was wrong.
I judged my business partners' attitude based on my own tenets of proper behavior. I used my own cultural background as my yardstick to measure their politeness and to judge their reaction/action.
People have different reaction to every action. And when doing business abroad, we have to keep in mind that people from different cultures have differences in business styles, manners, how people are greeted, etc.
Lessons I learned?
- It is imperative to have a working knowledge of the business culture of the country being visited.
- Do not take things personally. More often than not, it is nothing against gender, culture or person. It's just that they behave the way they do because their culture dictates it.
One of these days, I will tell you some of my booboos while dealing with a business partner abroad. You'd either think I was stupid or you'd laugh.
What about you? Care to share any of your experiences?
Comment Preview