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Guest Blog: Doing Business in Japan. First Understand the Japanese Mindset
Hajimemashite (Ha-jee-meh-mosh-teh), nice to meet you. The Japanese culture can be just as difficult to decipher as the Japanese characters and language. The Japanese are a very proud people who...
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Guest Blog: Doing Business in Japan – the Business Card Exchange
Preserving Harmony and Hierarchy: We have established two major facets of Japanese society: importance of the group over the individual and the philosophy of harmony between all things. In order to...
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Guest Blog: Doing Business in Japan – Meetings; Takin’ Care of Business
We now understand some facets of Japanese culture and have gone through business card (meishi) introduction protocols, now onto the meeting room. In terms of attire, generally people who stand out are...
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On China, Part 1: Respect Confucianism’s Hierarchy, Taoism’s Nature &...
Japan is a gateway to Asia, but across the sea lies the world’s largest population toiling away to create the second largest economy in the world. China is on the rise looking to take advantage of good...
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On China, Part 2: Good Communication & Relationships Will Bring Success
It is difficult to change the minds of the Chinese, but not impossible. In the U.S. we have a tendency to “wine and dine” clients, more or less buttering them up to proposals, creating a personal...
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On China, Part 3: Avert Misunderstanding with Tranquility, Poise & Balance
So we have had some contact with our colleague in China, but now to be formally introduced. Yes, it requires business cards, and yes it is similar to the Japanese presentation of business cards: use of...
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On Taiwan, Part 1: A Formidable Asian Tiger In It’s Own Right
Another Tiger of Asia is Taiwan, formerly known as Formosa. While China has tried to reclaim Taiwan after the Japanese returned it following World War II, the Kuomintang claims it is the legitimate...
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On Taiwan, Part 2: Meeting Etiquette, Seating, Banquets & Drinking
The Taiwanese usually take their vacations in the beginning of the year, encompassing Chinese New Year, so it would be best to schedule business meetings after March or April, but unless you’re a fan...
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On Hong Kong: The Little Asian Tiger- Fully Grown & Unique
Hong Kong, known as one of the Four Asian Tigers, maintained high growth rates and rapid industrialization between the early 1960s and 1990s and has developed into an advanced economy. Operating under...
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On Korea, Part 1: Confucius, Individualism, Relationships & Trust
The U.S. and South Korea have enjoyed a long security alliance, and the revised free trade agreement will be the most commercially significant agreement in more than 16 years. South Korea will likely...
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On Korea, Part 2: Introductions, Communication, Face & Flexibility
Introductions: No touchy! As with most Asian cultures, Korea is also a non-touching culture, so wait to be introduced to Korean colleagues. Business cards are typically exchanged, with similar...
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On Korea, Part 3: Meetings, Negotiations, Dinner & Alcohol
Utilize your network! Relationships are important in Korean society, they are the basis from which everything else is built, including business. The ability to accomplish your business goals is...
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Promoting Prosperity for a Better World: International Trade Administration
“The defining purpose of the [International Trade Administration] is helping to create economic opportunities for American workers and businesses. By promoting trade and investment we are promoting...
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Mexico and Central America, Part 1: Family Culture and Traditional Roles
When considering how one would want to ingratiate oneself into Mexican and Central American cultures, collectively hereafter referred to as Central American, I find that it is similar to how one would...
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Mexico and Central America, Part 2: Introductions and Communications
As with most cultures, in Centro-American culture it is best to be introduced through a third party like a friend of the family. Being well-connected is an admiral trait in Central America. Women are...
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Mexico and Central America, Part 3: Favors, Relationships, and Status
Mexico and Central America are both relationship and status driven societies. It’s really about who you are and who know and how they “take care” of you. The wait staff may serve a table that arrived...
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Mexico and Central America, Part 4: Tempo, El Jefe, and Notarios
While it is expected that new business associates will arrive at the appointed time, “la gringa” or “Norteamericano,” meetings typically won’t begin until everyone arrives, or at least the decision...
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Mexico and Central America, Part 5: Meetings and Negotiations
There are two different types of business meetings in Mexico and Central America: a meeting between peers and a meeting between unequals. Both have different goals and are conducted differently....
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Country Focus: Intercultural Nuances of Doing Business In & With Mexico
Chilies, corn, chocolate, and culture…Mexico has it all. Mexico city is built upon the ancient Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and is one of the largest cities of the world. Mexico itself has the 11th...
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Country Focus: Intercultural Nuances of Doing Business In & With Guatemala
The Mayans of Mexico also inhabited what is now known as Guatemala, labeling it the “Land of Tree;” in fact Guatemala was the first country to have uncovered the ancient ruins of the Mayan astrological...
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