Things to Be Mindful of Networking Across Cultures

WHY SHOULD YOU BE NETWORKING ACROSS CULTURES??

Business networking is one of these opportunities that should be seized by every businessperson willing to gain experience, knowledge, friendship, and valuable professional relationships. Being in this dynamic environment full of people ready to help each other and exchange new ideas without a doubt dramatically influences your personal and professional growth. In the globalization era, you can maximize the way you benefit from business networking by meeting business people from the whole world. You have the chance to befriend international business gurus and prospects, learn from their experience or work together.?

International Business Networking creates some significant opportunities for your business growth. Imagine that you want to enter a new market; what would be better than finding a businessperson that knows this market and can share their experiences with you? Even better, they can offer you partnership or help find trusted suppliers or lawyers familiar with local law. A synergic business association can also be the way to look for potential international business partners, employees, or clients. Business networking offers some great business expansion benefits, but one should be mindful while networking across cultures. Cultural and social norms are different in every country, and you might think that it is hard to adjust. Do not worry, as this article’s task is to help you get prepared for it and benefit from cross-cultural networking to the greatest extent possible.

WHAT TYPES OF THINGS MUST BE ACCOUNTED FOR IN CROSS-CULTURAL COMMUNICATION?

We should all be aware that cultures vary between themselves; something considered normal in one might be scandalous in another. As much as international and open-minded might be a person we are talking to, some things might not be acceptable in their sub-consciousness, and these things might affect the way they view us. Simply because they grew up in a different culture, this standard might be “imprinted” in their mind, even if they wouldn’t let us know that they feel offended by our actions.

Therefore, to avoid making a wrong impression, we should do at least a brief research of what is considered rude in the culture of our conversation partner before it even starts (of course, only if we know that in advance). If we don’t know who we are going to meet, we should follow these three simple steps: ?

·????????RESPECT

·????????OBSERVE

·????????ADAPT?

???????????Starting with respect, before we even know anything about the cultural values of our communication partner, through respect we can ensure that we do everything in order to present ourselves from the best side possible. ?

???????????Now the next two steps are especially important if we want to make a good first impression and possibly acquire a new business partner. We should observe and spot, if applicable, any differences. If we are confident that these differences can be used by us to address our potential business partner in a respectable way, we move to the third step and adapt, implementing their cultural norms into our negotiation strategy.?

???????????Keep in mind that as much as you have done your research and got ready for cross-cultural networking, there might be people that didn’t. If their behavior would appear strange or even rude to you, remember to be aware of these cultural differences that might make them sound like this, even if they have best intentions.?

HOW DO YOU COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY ACROSS CULTURES?

???????????When we have already done our research and are aware of all cultural norms, we need to ensure that our communication will be effective. Effective communication is the one in which both sides can understand each other and haven’t lost sense of any message said by the other side. So, what can we do to make sure we communicate effectively in a cross-cultural environment??

·????????SPEAK SLOWLY – English of your conversation partners might be on a different level than yours, or they might simply not be used to your accent.

·????????IF SOMETHING IS UNCLEAR, ASK QUESTIONS – in order to not miss anything at any stage of the conversation.

·????????MAKE SURE THAT THE OTHER SIDE UNDERSTANDS EVERYTHING – ask if they have any questions; if they do, answer them patiently

·????????DON’T USE SLANG – non-native speakers would not understand what you are trying to say. Remember: a language is nothing else than a communication tool!

·????????BE RESPECTFUL – as simple as that.

Follow these five simple steps to ensure effective communication, leading to mutual understanding and achievement of your goal. This way, you can establish long-term beneficial relationships in any international business network.

Are you ready to start international business networking?

???????????If you keep in mind everything you read in this article, you will most certainly make a great first impression and establish international relationships that will last for years. Now, you are ready to start international business networking and benefit from it to the greatest extent possible!

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