| Being prepared for an international business meeting | | | | in business, and women are at home. If you happen to |
| requires information and knowledge of what will be | | | | be visiting Guatemala, El Salvador, Colombia, Chile, |
| discussed or presented at this meeting. A nice social | | | | Nicaragua, or Peru make sure you familiarize yourself |
| gesture when meeting an international company for | | | | with the current affairs and political dealings that are |
| the first time, usually, is giving a gift. Take the time to | | | | going on within those countries and avoid any |
| research local customs before making a purchase, | | | | discussions about these subjects for it most certainly |
| though, as some countries find it insulting to receive a | | | | will destroy any business dealings you hope establish |
| gift. Knowing what to do before you go will not only | | | | with any companies therein. |
| show that you cared enough to learn about your | | | | When first meeting prospective business clients, |
| destination's etiquette, but may also open up all kinds of | | | | handshakes are important so be firm but brief, and |
| new doors and opportunities for you and your | | | | always make sure you keep constant eye contact |
| company. | | | | throughout the handshake. When shaking hands with a |
| Many multi-national businesses and their governments | | | | woman, remember to be courteous and allow her to |
| have very strict policies when it comes to business | | | | extend her hand first. Expect the person you're |
| associates accepting gifts. Many Asian countries are | | | | speaking with to stand close to you and look you in |
| concerned about corporate corruption and see gift | | | | the eyes, don't move back or break eye contact |
| giving as a bribe, so holding off on gift giving until you | | | | because you could offend the person talking to you. |
| get to know the company and its policies may be a | | | | Below are some social taboos you should be aware |
| good idea. You should know that in Malaysia, most | | | | of since using any of the following gestures can cause |
| businesses require you establish a working relationship | | | | problems. |
| with them before giving a gift. Even here in the United | | | | 1. The "OK" sign made with your forefinger and thumb |
| States, our government sets a $25 spending limit on | | | | is an offensive gesture in Brazil. |
| how much a business gift can cost. | | | | 2. Placing your hands on your hips in Argentina means |
| An important fact to know about Latin American | | | | you're signaling a challenge. |
| culture is that it is predominantly patriarchal, and very | | | | 3. Raising your fist to your head in Chile is a sign of |
| rigid divisions between work and home exist. Men are | | | | Communism. |