How to Successfully Do Business Overseas

I used to work with Tom. Tom was promoted as our business development manager in charge of expanding our business in Africa. Tom had only operated in western countries and he was at ease with the western culture and its customs. For his first international business trip, he was sent to Nigeria to meet our current clients and new prospects. As we all know business development is not about selling but rather about building relationships to consequently offer services to fulfil the needs of your clients. 

Tom's first business lunch was with Franklin, the managing director of an international oil and gas firm. Franklin was used to working with Phil as our company representative, and this lunch was an opportunity to pass over the management of Franklin's account. It is customary with some countries to give to your client a traditional gift from your country, such as chocolate from Harrods or Scottish shortbread; anything that represents the British culture. These little details show that you care about the foundation of long-term business relationships. Unaware of this custom, Tom didn't bring anything to the lunch. 

To show his discontent, Franklin used Tom's business as a toothpick. 

This was so embarrassing. The business relationship was damaged and it took a while to reposition it back to where it was previously.

I have travelled across the world during my international career. I studied cross cultural differences with fascination and I learned a great deal through my business experience. I have seen managers failing to sign deals just based on their lack of cultural awareness. In my previous business article, I taught the importance of personal branding. In this article, I will reveal to you a few tips you need to know to break challenging markets such as Asia.

1 - Dress for Business

Professionalism begins with your brand persona. So always dress professionally to make a positive impact and satisfactory business impression. Acknowledging cultural differences whilst looking and acting prepared will always be received positively and will help you seal the deal.

Take the time to study the cultural norms of the country that you are doing business in, and find out how they dress. A particular flower for example, may be acceptable in your country, but in another country, it could be used for mourning which would be totally unacceptable in a business situation. Attention to detail is essential and will help you to avoid causing any upset.

2 - Time

Punctuality is also valued differently, so be aware that some cultures are more time conscious than others. In South America and Africa, scheduled appointments are considered as a time guideline rather than something they need to stick by. In Europe, they are always punctual and being late is perceived as unprofessional. Take this into consideration and consequently allow your schedule some time flexibility.

3 - Greeting

In western countries, a hand shake is the commonly accepted form of greeting. In Saudi Arabia, women should wait for a man to offer his hand first. If she offers her hand first, he may not shake it. So save yourself the embarrassment. In Japan, people bow to greet each other. In Italy and Egypt, don't be surprised if your client or partner offers a kiss on the cheek. The best way to start on a good note is to offer a traditional present from your country. This is not bribery but rather a good gesture. However in Asia, this might be perceived as bribery and they are quiet likely to refuse your present. Always address and greet your business partners or your clients by their last names and titles unless you are invited to do otherwise.

4 - Communication

Business people in different countries communicate differently. In Nigeria or Germany, people tend to speak loudly when sharing ideas. In Ghana or Japan, they speak softly and don't interrupt each other. Don't forget to watch your body language when interacting as it could be distracting in countries that are not accommodated to so much body movements to emphasise an idea.

To conclude, always do your research when working in business and in markets that you are not familiar with. Ask advice from colleagues who have experienced working with certain countries. Their knowledge and experience are great values for your own success. Observe and adjust to the ways that your clients or business partners communicate. The more information you know, the more you are in control and capable of signing the deal.

If you would like to find out more about brand image and cultural awareness, please do not hesitate to contact me. Visit my website http://www.3coloursrule.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Flavilla_Fongang

Travel Like A Business Owner, Frugally!

People who don't travel much will often think that business travel is exotic. Interesting cities, nice hotels, restaurant meals all seems so much better that the everyday "humdrum" existence they live!

Then there are the people who actually travel for business, whose view might be a little different. Longer hours, no home cooked meals, miss their own bed, hotels are all the same when all you do is use them to sleep and shower, restaurant meals get old and then there is the time away from family. Not often mentioned but equally off putting is the exposure to germs and people you might not otherwise choose to meet! Too often you find yourself in an aircraft where invariably you are sitting next to a large person who overflows into your space, and has a very obvious cold!

Now that I have put business travel into context, it IS a valuable, and needed, activity for any business that has multiple locations or even just clients in multiple locations.

Business owners approach travel with the goal of achieving their business needs as effectively and as "cost effectively" as possible! Here are some business travel tips from a business owner:

"Beware of little expenses; a small leak will sink a great ship." Benjamin Franklin

1. Book ahead! Last minute travel is costly... and does not allow you to plan your days as effectively as you might.


2. Look at travel options... don't go with the same airline all the time just to collect points! In Canada I might travel on Westjet, Air Canada or Porter based on price, convenience and my travel needs for a given trip.


3. Be frugal with hotel bookings. Generally it's just a bed and a shower. You don't need the most expensive hotel. I find a reasonable place, convenient to my meetings. I often use sites like Hotwire to get great rates and have friends who use airbnb.


4. Limit travel in business hours. I get early morning flights when headed west, and late evening flights when headed east. This means I can maximize my time at my destination. For example if I leave Toronto at or before 7am I can arrive in Calgary or Vancouver around 9am local time, giving me a full day in that city.


5. Look after your body. Eat well, get enough sleep and work out. You don't even need a gym to work out! Pushups, ab exercises, squats, lunges, walking the stairs etc. are all good exercise that you can do anywhere.


6. Travel with hand sanitiser. In the "germ environments" of planes and hotels it makes sense to act like a health professional. Wash your hands often!


7. Travel with supplements. You will likely not get the nutrients you get with your regular diet so bring vitamins, ColdFX even some pain medication. It will help you stay healthier and hence more effective.


8. Limit your alcohol intake. It is easy to let this get away from you when you are visiting colleagues and clients in other cities. Exercise some restraint, your body will thank you.


9. Take materials with you that will make your travel time effective. Catch up on reading, create a reading file with photocopies or cutouts of articles. Put materials on your kindle, iPad or other reader.


10. Travel light. Learn to pack effectively and think through your wardrobe... if you can travel with carry-on luggage only you will save time and aggravation. (Learn to us an iron... there is one in most hotel rooms).


11. Spend like it is your own money. As a business owner it IS your own money! Tip appropriately, but not extravagantly. Choose reasonable but not crazy restaurants. Take the team for a couple of drinks, but don't make a night of it.

"Entrepreneurship is living a few years like most people won't. So that you can live the rest of your life like most people can't." Unknown

These are lessons I have learned over the last 18 years owning and operating my own business.

What tips do you have to share?

Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle, one of Canada's largest professional staffing companies. You can read more of his writing at the Eagle Blog http://www.eagleonline.com/blog/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Dee

Professional Chauffeur Services - A Smart Way for Airport Transportation

Professional airport transport services are very convenient, because they allow you reach your flights or hotel rooms on time. The vehicles used by these limo services are generally well maintained, and you won't have to worry about vehicle breakdown in the middle of nowhere.

There are many companies that provide this service, but you will need to find the right ones to serve you the best.

Good experience

Go through the websites of a few popular companies, and choose the one that has good experience and reputation in the field. Before hiring a cab, check their user reviews too. This will help you know if there are any negative remarks about the operator. Most of these service providers have attractive websites, but that does not mean that they all are good. So, choose wisely.

Vehicles used

Information about the vehicles available would make you more comfortable while using their services. Go for the operator that has new vehicles and different models, so that you can get a good number of choices.

The type of vehicle you choose is also depended on the number of passengers travelling. The operator must be able to provide a vehicle accordingly, keeping in mind everyone's comfort. Moreover, some good companies also provide means of entertainment like portable TV sets in a car. Such facilities relax your mind and make your journey peaceful.

Professional services

You need to be aware of the companies that do not provide you with the upfront cost. Check all their rates and pricing policies. Any honest company would be straightforward about their pricing and services. You don't want to be a victim of any foul play and waste your money. Check for all the details before spending your money.

Find a professional airport transfer service that uses experienced chauffeurs to transport passengers. The chauffeurs must be very polite, well dressed, punctual and knowledgeable about different routes.

Airport transfer services are beneficial in many ways

• You can easily focus on work in hand instead of struggling with the traffic. Your work can be easily completed while you get to your destination.
• This service reduces stress. We all are tensed when we have a flight to board. Using this service you can easily reach the airport without any stress.
• It leaves a good professional image when a business person arrives at the airport with their own designated driver. It portrays a good impact on your clients at the airport.
• They will also pick you up from your office or home and would drop you safely at the airport, reducing the efforts you put in to walk to the terminal from the car parking lot.

Find the right professional airport transfer service, as it is very convenient to travel with well trained drivers. You will get to your destination without any delays.

We offer Sydney airport transfers service for the most competitive prices. We also provide fleet services to our corporate clients. Please feel free to visit our website today to book your limos in Sydney online.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alok_Jaiswal

How to Successfully Do Business Overseas

I used to work with Tom. Tom was promoted as our business development manager in charge of expanding our business in Africa. Tom had only operated in western countries and he was at ease with the western culture and its customs. For his first international business trip, he was sent to Nigeria to meet our current clients and new prospects. As we all know business development is not about selling but rather about building relationships to consequently offer services to fulfil the needs of your clients. Tom's first business lunch was with Franklin, the managing director of an international oil and gas firm. Franklin was used to working with Phil as our company representative, and this lunch was an opportunity to pass over the management of Franklin's account. It is customary with some countries to give to your client a traditional gift from your country, such as chocolate from Harrods or Scottish shortbread; anything that represents the British culture. These little details show that you care about the foundation of long-term business relationships. Unaware of this custom, Tom didn't bring anything to the lunch. To show his discontent, Franklin used Tom's business as a toothpick. This was so embarrassing. The business relationship was damaged and it took a while to reposition it back to where it was previously.

I have travelled across the world during my international career. I studied cross cultural differences with fascination and I learned a great deal through my business experience. I have seen managers failing to sign deals just based on their lack of cultural awareness. In my previous business article, I taught the importance of personal branding. In this article, I will reveal to you a few tips you need to know to break challenging markets such as Asia.

1 - Dress for Business

Professionalism begins with your brand persona. So always dress professionally to make a positive impact and satisfactory business impression. Acknowledging cultural differences whilst looking and acting prepared will always be received positively and will help you seal the deal.

Take the time to study the cultural norms of the country that you are doing business in, and find out how they dress. A particular flower for example, may be acceptable in your country, but in another country, it could be used for mourning which would be totally unacceptable in a business situation. Attention to detail is essential and will help you to avoid causing any upset.

2 - Time

Punctuality is also valued differently, so be aware that some cultures are more time conscious than others. In South America and Africa, scheduled appointments are considered as a time guideline rather than something they need to stick by. In Europe, they are always punctual and being late is perceived as unprofessional. Take this into consideration and consequently allow your schedule some time flexibility.

3 - Greeting

In western countries, a hand shake is the commonly accepted form of greeting. In Saudi Arabia, women should wait for a man to offer his hand first. If she offers her hand first, he may not shake it. So save yourself the embarrassment. In Japan, people bow to greet each other. In Italy and Egypt, don't be surprised if your client or partner offers a kiss on the cheek. The best way to start on a good note is to offer a traditional present from your country. This is not bribery but rather a good gesture. However in Asia, this might be perceived as bribery and they are quiet likely to refuse your present. Always address and greet your business partners or your clients by their last names and titles unless you are invited to do otherwise.

4 - Communication

Business people in different countries communicate differently. In Nigeria or Germany, people tend to speak loudly when sharing ideas. In Ghana or Japan, they speak softly and don't interrupt each other. Don't forget to watch your body language when interacting as it could be distracting in countries that are not accommodated to so much body movements to emphasise an idea.

To conclude, always do your research when working in business and in markets that you are not familiar with. Ask advice from colleagues who have experienced working with certain countries. Their knowledge and experience are great values for your own success. Observe and adjust to the ways that your clients or business partners communicate. The more information you know, the more you are in control and capable of signing the deal.

If you would like to find out more about brand image and cultural awareness, please do not hesitate to contact me. Visit my website http://www.3coloursrule.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Flavilla_Fongang

Tips for a Worthwhile Business Travel

When you are traveling for business, it is best to iron out the basics-such as packing, hotel reservations, car services, plane tickets and what not-so that it is not another task that you have to do on top of the business that you have to take care of. If business plans are important, then planning your trip merits planning as well. If all these are mapped out smoothly, not only will you be able to have a worry free business trip, but it is also possible for you to have a fun time during your trip.

1. Research about the place beforehand. Knowing more about the city you are visiting could help you manage your time or maximize the vacant time that you have while you are there. Let's say you are going to a convention. Knowing about the other events that will take place will help you go to as much events or conferences as you can during your stay there.

2. Packing light in a carry-on bag gives you one thing less to worry about. Not having to fret about your luggage check in does not just make your trip less worry-some, but it also saves you time both upon your arrival and departure. This gives you more time to prepare for your trip's agenda, or some last-minute shopping before your departure.

3. Be nice to the locals. This rule is not exclusive to business travels only, but it will do you a great favor if you are nice to everyone, especially the locals, or pretty much everyone else. If you exude camaraderie, people tend to become more helpful to you. The front desk staff will be more forgiving if you lose your hotel key, you'll breeze through security easily, and you can event gets a few tips from the locus about the best places to visit for leisure if you are on a tight schedule.

4. Meet with people you have connections with through social media. These days, meet ups, (or to use a term that is more localized on social media) are very common. This serves as a mini-convention for people who share the same interest of line of business. Sometimes, new business ideas come up during these meet ups. It helps you know more about the industry, widen your network, or simply make new friends.

If you are frequently our for business, whether it's for a business plan, a convention, or a simple meet and greet with clients, make sure that you make it worthwhile, and you take home more than what the original agenda is.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=B._Boyd