| 1. |
World Clock www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Immigration / visa specialist www.immspec.com
Currency Exchange www.xe.com/pca/
|
| 2. |
Leave any
vestiges of "my way is the only way" attitudes
or thinking behind. Go with an open mind.
Be open to different ways of doing things, different
values, behaviors, and motivations. Don't judge. Be "curious"
and "fascinated" instead. Invest some time in
preparing yourself for your encounters with other business
and cultural styles. |
| 3. |
Invest some
time in preparing yourself for your encounters
with other business and cultural styles. Increase your
understanding of the countries and culture(s) you're visiting
by attending cross-cultural seminars or trainings. Or,
seek out information from one of the many books available
on the subject or on the Internet. |
| 4. |
Study
up on the general protocol and etiquette of the country
or countries you're visiting. Understanding how to greet
your counterparts, dine with them and manage appointments
will be most helpful. Learn a few words of their language
as well. Your business associates will appreciate any
sincere attempt to meet them "part way." |
| 5. |
Travel
light and pack smart. The conveniences taken for granted
in places like the United States and Canada are rare if
not non-existent in the majority of other countries. Heavy
suitcases will quickly become cursed burdens along with
excess marketing materials, equipment and product samples. |
| 6. |
Dress
conservatively, and depending on the city and country,
add a touch of elegance and class. First impressions are
as important in Paris, Sao Paolo, and Hong Kong as they
are in the United States. |
| 7. |
Depending
on your destination, question the necessity of carting
along your laptop or other related equipment. In many
cities around the world, differing electric and telecommunications
standards can render your laptop useless. If electronic
devices are necessary, be sure to pack the appropriate
adapters, power supplies and converters. Don't expect
to have easy access to your e-mail while on the road.
In some cases, it may be impossible to log-on to your
Internet Service Provider's server remotely. |
| 8. |
Make an
extra effort to be flexible. Expect delays, frequent
changes in plans, and cancellations. Try to allow twice
as much time as would normally be expected to reach your
destination, complete your negotiations or close sales
in an overseas setting - particularly when doing business
in Asia. |
| 9. |
Do your
market research before you go, but be open to adjusting
it when you get there. Be flexible on pricing and distribution
strategies. Don't assume that market data or sales techniques
that work in North America will work in other countries.
|
| 10. |
Mind
your manners. Be on your best behavior at all times.
You are not only representing your company, you are an
ambassador for your country as well. Politeness, graciousness
and patience go an incredibly long way to accomplishing
your ultimate objectives. NEVER lose your temper or show
feelings of frustration openly. Exhibiting any form of
anger is the fastest way to burn a bridge anywhere in
the world. |
| 11. |
Never forget
to use prudence and common sense in your travels. Beware
of falling prey to the custom of drinking and doing business
over luxurious lunches and elaborate intoxicating dinners
in many countries. Late nights, excess consumption of
alcohol and other alluring temptations will only compound
the ravages of jet lag and the exhaustion of language
differences. Anything that could potentially diminish
your ability to negotiate and accomplish successful results
should be avoided. Take care of yourself. Your health
and your sensibilities are two things you will take for
granted until you are suddenly in a compromising situation
without them. |
