Posts Tagged ‘language’
International business travel – do’s and don’ts
My first business meeting in a country where English is not the native language was German. I was terribly nervous. I was all trying to apologize for speaking in English and not knowing how to make your own language. She dried them as no big deal. It turns out that English is widely accepted in Germany as the language of business and most Germans are taught as second foreign language in their early school years.
Thus began my journey in the new world of international business travel. I made many mistakes along the way, but finally I could make these trips and business meetings routinely without all the drama. I’ll spare you the learning curve and part of this two international companies and do you:
• Use the buddy system. Normally you need two pairs of eyes and ears, things that normally do on auto pilot if you do at home.
• Pay attention to local aid. If you have someone waiting at the airport to settle in the hotel, help with logistics and take her for your conference, then do not miss the opportunity. It simplifies things. And although English is the language of business, not take for granted. An assistant brings the language of this hue and take the time to learn to get everything on the table and understand.
• Speak slowly. You have to brake and stop, so often the host to have time to translate in their minds. You need your expectations, at least halving. It takes twice as long to ideas when they will exchange translations.
• Do not be an ugly American. Keep the settings at any time that you are a guest and his time and society is a gift for you. Try some phrases in their language for small things like “learn” Thank You “,” nice to meet you “,” good morning “and” goodbye. “Show interest in their culture and history and respectful of their traditions and past.
• Not being prepared for culture shock. Immersion in another culture, it will be great for you. Go Between this and the jet lag of his mental energy to run out and it will crash hard the first couple of nights. Do not be surprised if you die for a cheeseburger and everything you want to do at night is hiding in your room.