The first thing someone new to international business relations learns is that not everyone is the same. Anytime your business is involved in a global commerce situation, you must understand the nuances that matter most to the individuals with whom you are dealing. Stumbling haphazardly out of the blocks by making customary mistakes can be very harmful to any future success.

It is easier to communicate now than at any other time in history with people around the world, but that often also makes it easier to make mistakes, too. Emails and video conferencing have made it possible to transact business with people on the other side of the globe, and this is a great way to launch negotiations with companies you may know very little about. However, establishing a working situation almost always requires some personal contact before any firm deals are made.

During phone calls or video conferencing, it is extremely important to understand protocol regarding the culture of the people you are conversing with, and the same holds true in any physical meetings as well. Additionally, the first contact requires that you know etiquette concerning the handshake or greeting.

The Importance of the Greeting in International Commerce

In most international commerce, both parties attempt to learn the traditional form of greeting of the other party. Throughout the world, the western handshake style of greeting is understood, but that does not necessarily mean that it should be the automatic first choice. If you are familiar enough with the customs of the person(s) you are meeting, you should be prepared to greet them in that fashion. Read more...