International travel is important for most businesses. However, foreign business etiquette is tricky to master. It\u2019s different all around the world. Frequent business travelers need to be adaptable. They need to be polite and know how to behave in different situations.<\/p>\n
Here are five ways to prepare yourself for your next foreign trip.<\/p>\n
Do some research on your destination.<\/p>\n
Or, if you are greeting foreign colleagues, research their country.<\/p>\n
You don\u2019t need to become an expert.<\/p>\n
But they will be impressed if you know a few things.<\/p>\n
Research the economic situation. This is very important for international business. See what the situation of the industry is there.<\/p>\n
However, be careful to avoid touchy subjects. There\u2019s nothing wrong with researching politics and religion. In fact, it is probably helpful.<\/p>\n
But you don\u2019t want to offend anyone.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s best to avoid politics and religion as conversation topics.<\/p>\n
If they bring the subject up, try and remain neutral. Don\u2019t judge their religion or talk too much about your own. Asking questions is ok.<\/p>\n
Ask about more than the weather.<\/p>\n
Ask about the country\u2019s geography, food, and art.<\/p>\n
Expressing interest will please your guests.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re traveling, it\u2019s best to make arrangements yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n Unless your host is insistent, book your own hotel through a good booking service<\/span>. You don\u2019t want to get into an awkward situation.<\/span><\/p>\n Controlling your own booking makes sure that you stay in control.<\/span><\/p>\n That way if something goes wrong, you have somewhere private to go.<\/span><\/p>\n If you are hosting guests, offer to make arrangements for them.<\/span><\/p>\n You might not need to book a hotel or transfer service. But have a list of places they can stay or services they can use.<\/span><\/p>\n Organize a cultural outing.<\/span><\/p>\n Invite your guests to a night at the theater or offer to take them to a nice restaurant. Show them around the city.<\/span><\/p>\n Likewise, plan things to do during your trip.<\/span><\/p>\n If there\u2019s anything you really want to see, tell your colleagues.<\/span><\/p>\n You might not have to do what you want.<\/span><\/p>\n But having a plan gives you something to do if you have extra time.<\/span><\/p>\n Having a nice place to stay is the most important part of business travel.<\/span><\/p>\n You need a home away from home.<\/span><\/p>\n Travel can be dangerous. It can also be stressful.<\/span><\/p>\n Be aware that your guests might need time to relax. Pay attention to their needs. Ask if they are hungry or thirsty.<\/span><\/p>\n Make sure that you aren\u2019t overstaying your welcome.<\/span><\/p>\n Check that you aren\u2019t overstepping any boundaries.<\/span><\/p>\n See if there are any internal problems in the business you are visiting.<\/span><\/p>\n Most of these issues won\u2019t be communicated openly.<\/span><\/p>\n You have to be aware of body language and have a good feel for things.<\/span><\/p>\n Trust your gut if you think things aren\u2019t going well.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to make last-minute decisions. If you aren\u2019t comfortable with something, say so.<\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid to voice your own needs.<\/span><\/p>\n English is the international business language.<\/p>\n However, there are many other languages frequently used.<\/p>\n Here is a list of the most useful business languages.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to become fluent. Even learning a few words will impress your colleagues and customers. It\u2019s only polite when you are a guest in their country.<\/p>\n Learning a language will also help you understand what\u2019s going on.<\/p>\n Relying on translation isn\u2019t always good.<\/p>\n There could be conversations going on behind your back that you don\u2019t know about. You don\u2019t want to be cheated.<\/p>\n It\u2019s also fun to learn another language.<\/p>\nStay Alert<\/span><\/h3>\n
Learn a Language<\/span><\/h3>\n
Be Flexible<\/span><\/h3>\n