The world is getting smaller and expectations for proper protocol in international business circles are determining how much of the available "pie" foreign companies are going to earn. With the increase of offices abroad and partnerships across borders, the skills of diplomacy and international protocol are being called into use more and more. Another growing trend is business trade missions coming from overseas to learn how Americans do business. As Americans, whether we are personally savvy or not, we have to overcome the prevalent description used to describe us -- the "Ugly American".
How can you make your first impression on someone from another culture be positive? Have a little respect. Too simple? What does a little respect mean? It means more than you think. It of course covers your interest in the other person's right to do business and their interest in doing business with you. But what if you've never done business outside the United States? How do you work in a mixed culture business setting? When it comes time for you to travel overseas, four practical preparations can help you arrive in a courteous frame of mind and start your trip on the right foot:
Read Cynthia's entire article International Protocol: Cultural Differences in Business
Cynthia Lett, our official Business Etiquette Expert
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