Business, Finance and Real Estate Blog

Here are three tips to help You make the adjustments necessary for a business trip abroad.

1. prepare a planned schedule.

A well thought out schedule should reflect what the company You wish to achieve. Think about your goals and the relative priority. For example, You will want to have two or three confirmed appointments well in advance and is comfortable all day. It would be more productive and enjoyable than a solid agenda that forces You to rush from one meeting to the next. Your schedule must be flexible enough to allow for unexpected problems such as transportation delays and/or opportunities such as an invitation to a lunch which was not planned.

Kaufman explain leaving a copy of your schedule with a trusted colleague, family member or close friend so they know where you are supposed to be at any time. Also give a family member or partner with a copy of your Passport, health insurance card, and any other relevant information. In addition, leaving emergency contact list with your travel planner.

2. search for information on culture.

Invest some time in learning about the culture, history and customs of the countries to be visited, said Thomas. Attend a seminar on cross-cultural or training. Read books about the country. Brush up on the differences in negotiation style, attitude towards punctuality, gift-giving customs, and the proper use of the names and titles (understands the importance of ratings and know who the decision maker when doing business).

Take, for example, Japan is considered polite to be late for a business meeting, but admitted to social events. In Latin countries, it is too late for a business meeting is more tolerable. In the Middle East it is usual to engage in lightweight chat before doing business. France and the United Kingdom have different views about discussing business over a meal, Thomas said. “Are you talking about the business at dinner or do you wait until after You eat your food? Little things can really offend people, “he said.

3. learn Protocol and etiquette practices.

Study of common protocols and etiquette of the country or countries you are visiting. Understand first how to say hello to Your colleagues and arrange an appointment will be most helpful. Check the normal business day and hours of work. In the Middle East, for example, the weekday Saturday through Thursday. It is not uncommon in many countries for lunch to last two to four hours. Also take into account the foreign accounts of vacations. Business manners, habits, diet, religious practices and dress acceptable humor varies from country to country.

Misunderstanding of gestures and body language can cause You more than embarrassment, but can lead to business complications, said Thomas. For example, the sign should be OK (thumb and index finger forming a circle with a radius of more points up) is commonly used in the us. But that means zero in France and Thomas said it was a vulgar gesture in Brazil and the Philippines (such as giving the middle finger here in America). She recommended find local people of the host country who you can talk openly and learn about the customs. Or a good trip planner will know the ins and outs of the country.