business etiquette

Chinese business etiquettes are different. As a matter of fact, it is something like the whole world is on one side and China alone is on the other side. Why is it like that? The reason can be traced back to the history of China. Chinese civilization is oldest of all continuous civilization and it has a history which is 4,000 years old and is completely verifiable. Ever since the development of Chinese culture, the inhabitants made it a point to stay within their boundary and this made them shy when the outside world tries to get in touch. This element of shyness is reflected in Chinese business etiquette.

There are several Chinese business etiquettes which you need to learn before you try to get involved in serious business with Chinese people. The first and the foremost thing that you need to keep in mind that it is a referral which will lead to any business relationship. The reference needs to come from a different business associate. The stronger the recommendation, the better it is because; it is the recommendation which can earn you the best deals and prices. However, with the advent of globalization and internet, you may be able to get the best prices, fair trades all through the internet. You can even approach any Chinese company through emails or cold calls.

Yet another Chinese business etiquette is that if you are trying or planning to invest in any Chinese company, it is better that you contact and then approach any business advisory or investment committee. The best information will always be available with these advisories and committees and they can direct you to the right direction through information on raw materials, location and other business factors.

The most important Chinese business etiquette is that there is a tendency of a business relationship converting to social relationship and this happens inevitably after some considerable time of business. Business in China or with Chinese people cannot be kept aloof and professional as it happens in the West. The more personal you become with your Chinese business partner and more you discuss about your personal life, your political views, your hobbies etc, the more will the Chinese businessman think of getting involved in business with you.

The other Chinese business etiquette is that maintain seniority. If you are addressing the chairman of the company, start something like this: “Chairman XYZ”. If it is director, it must be “Director XYZ”. It should never be Mr/Ms XYZ. You must consider giving face. That is, you must give “due respect”! For instance, if you are buying a gift for the manager and the director of the company, the gift for the director needs to be costly and better than the one that you buy for the manager.

The final Chinese business etiquette is that if you are looking for a business talk with your Chinese counterpart, make it a point to take a trip to any restaurant. While you are in a lunch or a dinner, make sure that you don’t sit on a seat meant for someone else. Host and guests have different seats and they are all according to seniority. Drinking is something that Chinese love and their wines are fuel. Show medical grounds to drink less or better get someone along with you who can drink on your behalf. Not drinking will be a kind of dishonor and your business relationship might be at risk. Again don’t challenge any Chinese business counterpart in drinking. Chinese are voracious drinkers and you will definitely lose.

Keep these essential Chinese business etiquettes in mind before you get indulged in any business relation with any Chinese person.

What is the difference between two individuals that are competing for the same job, client, or business deal that have the same background, education, technical skills, and a similar product or service? The difference it the small stuff. It turns out that in business, the worst advice anyone can offer is “Don’t sweat the small stuff”. It is the attention to detail and the small stuff that equal big business.

It takes 3 to 5 seconds to make a first impression; therefore, as potential employees are considered to be an asset a candidate’s appearance and demonstrated verbal communication skills create an instant and lasting impression. By presenting a positive impression you evoke a favorable reaction from clients, and also build self-esteem and confidence.

Often times we do not get a second chance and a negative image can block you from your true potential. Long uncombed hair, casual attire, tattoos over the body, body piercing and an arrogant attitude is an appropriate look for any rock concert, but not in business. You have a choice you can adjust your professional style or consider changing your career. As a professional you want your image to convey to your customers and your co-workers a feeling of comfort and confidence about your skills and knowledge.

In the business and professional world, it is a crucial component to a person’s success to understand the proper business etiquette and protocol guidelines. Having an understanding of appropriate behaviors and manners in the workplace, you will have the knowledge that will set you apart from your competition. Business etiquette intelligence guides us in communication and establishes effective interactions that are the building blocks of relationships. Regardless of age, gender, income, educational levels or marital status all of us will be judged based on our social skills and how we react in a given situation.

When a company neglects these skills as an important part of the culture, they are often times the victim of their own lack of vision that can lead to lost revenues. A recent survey found that employees are becoming ruder to their co-workers and colleagues. Companies are beginning to take note that the lack of business etiquette, common courtesy and kindness is costing them business and also a factor in employee turnover which affects their bottom-line. As this is a growing concern, individuals that adopt these social skills will not only be recognized as someone that has the technical ability to perform a job, but also be valued as an asset to the company.

Often times the term etiquette brings to mind something that is stuffy or arrogant. Actually etiquette is in its truest form the way you make others feel. Think for a moment about someone you consider to be successful. What characteristics or traits does this person possess? Do they make you feel like you are the most important person in the room? Do they seem to have an uncanny ability to connect with people? The truth is that 85% of our success is based on our social skills. The great news is that these skills can be learned.

Today’s environment offers new challenges of how we maintain a personal connection while being connected in this age of technology. Some rules have changed to evolve with the time; but understanding etiquette and protocol intelligence is the key to building both personal and professional relationships

So how does this effect today’s business professional? Well, now that we have a general understanding of etiquette and protocol intelligence, we can learn some do’s and don’t to help you make your best impression. It is important that we have the confidence when meeting someone for the first time so that we establish that we are a business professional as well. Trust in our business practices is crucial and by projecting a confident image we can establish the ground work for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Remember the perception camera is always rolling. Ask yourself the following questions to sure to are following the K.I.S.S. Method to determine if your behavior is having a positive or a negative impact on your personal brand.

Does my behavior offend, insult, ignore or interrupt another person? Would I consider this behavior rude, awkward, unprofessional, or tacky if I witnessed someone else doing it?

Have I assessed the situation to have a clear understanding of the possible implications of my actions both personally and professionally? These guidelines will help you steer clear of those potential hazardous situations that can have a negative impact on your professional image.