The importance of Manners, Etiquette and Cultural understanding for Global Business Travelers ??

I have been travelling for work for over 5 years now. It has been an absolute privilege for me to be able to do so. Not only have I gained invaluable experience but also grown as a business professional as I have traveled, met and learned from professionals from around the world.

As I am currently travelling I thought about the importance of having good etiquette, manners and cultural understanding for global business travelers.

In order to develop relationships it is crucial that business professionals have an in-depth understanding of their overseas client, their background and the environment they are operating in. It is also imperative that they showcase proper etiquette and manners as ambassadors of their institutions while on official business.

Here are my top three tips for global business travelers:

Manners & Etiquette: Your manners and etiquette will reflect your personality. Good business etiquette encourages revealing your positive qualities. This in turn will help your reputation. Remember it takes a long time to develop trust and a good reputation but a small mistake to lose it. Professional business manners and etiquette will provide a framework for stating the boundaries of terms & conditions, contracts and promises.

Cultural Understanding: Global success comes from a company’s capacity to grow and attract new customers. Therefore, knowing how to conduct your business in a new country and culture is a vital part of the process. Understanding the culture and the customs involved is as important as knowing how to market in those areas. Therefore, it is crucial that you undertake thorough research before moving into a new market. Take the time to look at other companies and see how they do business; you may even want to send a representative out to take a look and see what you need to know before you start.

Respect: This is my final and most important tip. Respect your new market. If you do not have respect for the market, its people and culture I can assure you that your potential clients and customers will be put off. This negative perception and experience from their end will have a negative impact on the brand and your relationship with the market.

I leave you with a quote by Fons Trompenaars.

“The international manager reconciles cultural dilemmas”

Safe travels fellow road warriors!