business etiquette

The world has become a much smaller place with the advent of the internet. The economy of the world’s nations is more connected than ever before. Foreign business etiquette has become an important part of the business world. It is necessary to know how to deal with business owned by people of various cultures. Because of the prevalence of China on the world scene, negotiating with Chinese people is a part of international trade. Here are some Chinese business etiquette tips to help you in your business dealings with the Chinese.

Know the language. This doesn’t mean that you have to learn Chinese. It could be as simple as hiring a translator. The fact is, negotiating with Chinese business owners can be tricky due to the language barrier. A translator will help you to ensure that the deal you work out is understood by all parties involved. Have them repeat back to you the arrangement that was reached so that no one misunderstands.

Face to face negotiations are an important part of foreign business etiquette. Video conferencing has made it possible to connect across the globe. This is great for update meetings, but if you really want to make a good impression and form a good working relationship, proper Chinese business etiquette calls for negotiating in person.

Reputation is an extremely important part of Chinese culture. You lose face when your actions are revealed, not when you commit them. Don’t embarrass a Chinese businessman if you want to continue having a good working relationship. By showing them respect and giving sincere compliments, you help to build someone’s reputation and will improve your working relationship even further. Age and experience are very important to the Chinese. Show extra respect to older ones. Don’t demand as much respect if you are significantly younger. Paying attention to the proper showing of respect and honor is a vital part of negotiating with Chinese people.

There is a big difference between a bribe and a gift. Chinese business etiquette allows for gifts when there is reason (some sort of celebration or occasion) and witnesses. Gifts in secret with no apparent reason can be misconstrued as having an ulterior motive. Don’t be cheap with your gifts. Money is not an appropriate gift. Get something that holds aesthetic value and is considered beautiful. Your gift giving will be reciprocated.

Foreign business etiquette requires that you be in the know. This will ensure that you do not misstep and do anything offensive. On the other hand, it will ensure good business relationships and advancement of your operation.

Why You Need Business Etiquette?

Business etiquette is important for both customers and colleagues. According to the University of North Carolina, one out of every 775 people had moment when they no longer wished to be associated with a business. The reasons previous workers stated they lost time in their attempting to complete the essentials of their job requirements and they simply avoided work.

Customers will also notice the atmosphere and choose to conduct their business elsewhere if there is too much negativity.

How to Improve Your Business Etiquette Skills?

One valuable way of showing that you are courteous is by thanking others.

You don’t have to overly thank someone but letting them know that they’re appreciated goes a very long way. It has been proven that with the rise of social media, word of mouth quickly gets around. Employees and customers are able to voice their opinions and impressions of a business which makes it highly advisable to leave a great first impression. Maintenance of that positive impression will either cause a company to succeed or fail. As an enhancement of the availability of the social media realm, the business could also use this as an exceptional marketing technique.

Language is also an important factor in improving your skills. Even if you do practice using more colorful words in your everyday life, refrain from doing so in a business setting. It can catch others off guard and lead them to think of you in an unprofessional way. It is important to always present yourself as the lead authority in your field.

Being punctual is an essential part of the business world. It is terrible when you have a meeting and the person you were to meet never shows up. In fact, I remember a position I previously held. The entire interview was a bit odd. I showed up at the predetermined time and waited for nearly two hours. For some reason, I did accept the job but it was perpetually the manner that particular employer presented herself.

The lasting memory of being stranded outside as I waited is engrained in my thoughts.

In Conclusion:

With the courage of forming your own business or managing someone else’s establishment, doing your very best is always advised. When you present yourself in a proficient way, the clients that you currently have will turn into lifelong customers that refer your services to others.

By showing that you are able to be punctual, use appropriate language, and say thank you, you will set yourself a concrete place in the business world. Business etiquette is often a disregarded portion of business but it is significant.

For the entrepreneur seeking to launch their own business, the practice of showing respect and honor is even more important.

Financing and marketing a business can be difficult aspects of a business, but showing the appropriate decorum should be a natural and easy way to attract customers and retain employees.