Luxe Beat Magazine MARCH 2015 | Page 59

Travel appropriate. Remove your shoes before entering homes. Unfortunately, I’ve been unable to secure information on business meetings. The culture is iff r nt an ai a o n with someone who has worked there for three years and he has visited all the various villages. Each has its own custom other than the smile and raised eyebrows. Punctuality is not important. Hong Kong Punctuality is very important in this culture and viewed as a form of respect. Allow for the congested streets and try to arrive a few minutes early. Observe the hierarchy o th o an o not try to n a in conversation that is too personal. India ro t t r ar to ait Also, do not be upset if meetings are interrupted. Show respect and be willing to engage in small talk. India is a country that is growing and trying to westernize itself. You are dealing with a hierarchical society an it i r t in ana nt styles. The boss gives orders and they are to be followed to the letter, even if they are not accurate. The manager who acts like a boss is next in line. Take care to observe the hi rar hy a ar that any nt r an off hor nt r ay taff y hi h y at intelligent and motivated graduates who may lack day-to-day commercial experience. Managers may be t nty an t a r ay be twenty-three. Their inexperience is just that, not incompetence. Work with them to get your problems solved. It may take a little longer, but you are dealing with intelligent individuals who are bringing cultural and westernized ways together in a challenging environment. ha on on tin t n y ar ar i r a it ha n successful and he always treated those involved with respect, we were met with a brass band, had a special luncheon, and treated with the greatest warmth. As I saw with my own eyes, good business ra ti ha a tin ff t do expect their Western visitors to arrive on time. New Zealand Make your appointments prior and on r ti a i a or i itor to arri a itt ar y in at can easily indicate you are unreliable. Whereas New Zealanders appear quite casual with each other, they tend to be more reserved. There will be some small talk, but polite and not too personal. They like directness, so have your facts, r an t r ar har does not make the sale. Russia Appointments are required and frequently take at least six weeks to arran on r h n yo arri in the country and a day or two before. n t a h han an o can your meeting or be cancelled on short notice. Have material prepared in English and Russian. Pakistan It has been my experience that Pakistanis are not the most time conscious. However, they will and The Philippines Ti ay to i t it is advisable to be punctual and allow nty o ti or tra i ornin and mid-afternoon are the best times. r to on r in a an Samoa Make appointments and be prepared that your meeting may not start when scheduled. However it is important that you are there on time. If you are going to be late, call and furnish expected arrival time. Singapore Prior appointments are necessary and Western visitors are expected to be punctual. If you are a group, line up in order of rank so you can be led to your proper seat. Singaporeans understand American nuances, but o not n yo r in too ran in your approach or it could be con 6