Decoding ways of doing business in India

1.    Be persistent: First, in all relations in India, be persistent. Remember!,India is a competitive country.

2.    Pick up the phone: E-mail alone doesn't works in India.We are also open for alternative forms of communication, such as WhatsApp and text messages, but what they really appreciate is a phone call.

3.    Make relationships: Australian businesses must be patient. Many arrive expecting to do a deal on their first visit, but India is a "relationship market." That means a company has to come and spend time in the country to show the local players that it's serious. 

4.    Due Diligence: Australian companies should resist the temptation to dive into a relationship. It should first do reference checks and speak to other partners like Austrade or existing Australian companies to avoid getting taken advantage of.

5.    Easy in English: English is one of the officially recognized languages, so you usually don’t have to worry about language barriers. No one frowns on the use of English — We are supposedly the second largest English speaking country in the world

6.    Connect with cards: Be sure to have a business card, but there’s no need to present it in the bowing fashion seen in other parts of Asia. Speaking of first meetings, be prepared for some questions you might not be asked in Australia or USA. Indians will ask if you about Cricket, Politics . They may jump between business and personal topics.

7.    Hierarchy matters: Don’t be surprised at the adherence to hierarchy. Usually, only the most senior person at the meeting speaks, but they’ll understand that’s not the case for Australians.

8.  Negotiations: Negotiations can be tortuously slow especially during the getting to know you process. Most of the decisions are made at the top level and it takes time.

Be Persistent, show patience, match the price and most importantly stay in touch via a phone call!

Say Namaste to India!

Leaving you with a famous quote which perfectly fits the journey to India:

'' You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.”