Should I shake hands, bow down or kiss once, twice or three times?

If you are planning to do business with foreign associates there are some important things you need to know, especially when interacting with people from very different cultures to your own. Cultural differences can lead to companies not fulfilling their potential.

To maximize your overseas potential with colleagues and customers we are able to offer custom one-to-one training sessions over the phone, from the comfort of your own office.

Tell us the nationality of the person you wish to do business with & we will discuss relevant issues specific to your needs and their cultural practices. Issues include:

• The concepts of culture and multi-cultural working
• In-country business practices
• Social practices including meeting & greeting
• Dining etiquette
• Raising awareness amongst participants regarding behavioral and other differences
• Anticipating differences
• Creating ground rules
• 'Do’s' and 'don’ts' - how to avoid a faux pas through successful communication

Top Tip! If you do not speak your associates language and he / she cannot speak yours, we recommend having an interpreter present.  It is wise to check the language capabilities of your group at least 2 weeks before your meeting so we can book an interpreter with the relevant skills.  There’s nothing worse than investing in an international meeting and not being able to get beyond hello!

Japanese business etiquette

Here’s a taster of some of the things you will learn during our training on Japanese Cultural Awareness.

When doing business in Japan there is a heightened sense of formality to Western culture so your suitability in respect to conducting business will be assessed during a first meeting. Always maintain a sense of professionalism & formality!

The bow is an integral part of Japanese society. It is used when meeting, getting attention, to show gratitude, to express sympathy or as an apology. However, as a Westerner you would not be expected to bow when doing business in Japan. You will most likely be greeted with a handshake combined with a slight nod of the head.  Reciprocate this greeting.

Introduce yourself with your full name followed by your company name. It is important to use proper titles when addressing someone, so always find out the position of the other person.

The exchanging of business cards when doing business in Japan is a formal procedure. The card is seen to represent the individual, so it should be treated with respect. You should not treat the giving and receiving of business cards in the same way as you would in your own country.

Before traveling to Japan, ensure you have plenty of cards and have one side translated into Japanese.  You should have your job title included on your card. translate4me can translate and typeset your business cards prior to your trip. Allow about 3 weeks for translation, typesetting and printing. Invest in a business card wallet to store cards and keep this in the inside pocket of a suit jacket.

When exchanging, offer your card with two hands or just the right hand. Hand over your card Japanese side up. Make sure there is no barrier between you and the receiver, for example a table or chair.  When taking their card always use both hands as this shows deference.