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International Business Etiquette and Protocols

Becoming knowledgeable in every country's "silent language" of etiquette is essential for developing good business relationships overseas.

Business people traveling the world can appreciate the consequences of the misunderstood gesture, saying the wrong word, and the uninformed judgment.  Understanding, managing, appreciating, and maximizing the benefits of cultural differences, has become a critical factor of the success of the global business person.  The global business person cannot afford to make mistakes when abroad, to misunderstand the intent of his or her foreign host, or to risk inadvertently offending someone.

Our "International Business Etiquette and Protocols" training is essential to anyone doing business in the international arena, at home or abroad.  You will learn the do’s and don’t of each country of your choice – that will help you build relationships that lead to “new” business. You will become knowledgeable about each country’s “silent language” of etiquette to help you develop good business relationships overseas.

This training provides important information about the basic day-to-day behavior in each culture that enables the inhabitants to pursue what they believe to be the best way to live their lives and conduct business.  We examine the day-to-day customs, etiquette, and protocols of each culture that makes them what they are – how they are different from our own.

Our training promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens horizons and yields tangible results in terms of business success; a real return in your investment.  Country specific (Asia, Europe, Latin America, and USA, sample topics include:

  • General Introduction
    • Fist impressions
    • Deeper impressions
  • History
    • Geography
    • Language
    • Holidays
    • Worship
    • Male/female relationships
    • Yes and no questions
    • Pecking order
  • Body Language Differences
    • Gestures to avoid
    • Physical contact
    • Proximity
    • Eye contact
    • Smile
  • Signs of Hospitality
  • Business Etiquette
    • Proper greeting (bow or shake hands
    • Proper forms of address
    • Language - phrases to avoid
    • Business cards
    • Forms of address
    • Conversation don's and don'ts
    • Women in business
    • Gender work relationships
    • Time management "Customs of punctuality
    • Compliments to avoid
  • Dining Etiquette
    • Dietary rules (food)
    • Dining habits of the country
  • Dressing Customs - not to offend including which colors to avoid
  • Health Practices
  • Superstitions and taboos
    • Unique to each culture
    • Colors
    • Flowers
  • Gift giving
Take our International
Business Etiquette Quiz

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