How to protect yourself from a failure?
Today’s world can offer a lot of opportunities for everyone. If doing business in previous century was a truly rare option of a human being, nowadays more and more people choose to work for themselves. Local business sales are increasing, customers love your goods and services, and it is getting too cramped for you to functionate? Let’s go international! But first it is strongly recommended to learn more about your global colleagues. Why, you ask?
SMELLS LIKE MISTAKES…
Imagine that all of a sudden you get a phone call from your employee who’s responsible for the department of collaboration with Japan and he needs you to represent a company for two business partners from Japan instead of him as he’s feeling very sick. You know nothing about that country, palms start to sweat, an atmosphere around you is getting hotter every second. You decide to use your kindness and friendliness which means looking as usual and wanting to share your frankness you welcome Japanese colleagues with kisses on both cheeks, take them to your favorite pub and offer them a beer and a beef hamburger. And……. now you are sure that you are never going to see them again.
DISCOVER VARIOUS CULTURES
Understanding which manners are acceptable when making global relations is a must for all businesspeople. There are such different cultures around the world, that some things may contradict your beliefs but once you’ve started international communication you have to accept everything and try to keep your attitude as professional as possible. Before meeting your business partners, it is worth it to the time to research and find out as many details about their home country as you can, to ensure your best performance. Is it acceptable to be late, should you shake a hand or bow down, chit-chat first or go straight to the point, what is the best to eat for a business lunch, these and many other questions should be reconsidered until you’re going to feel confident enough to welcome new colleagues. Otherwise, your fellowship may face a sad ending as in the case with Japanese partners mentioned before.
READY, STEADY, IMPRESS!
Although, no matter which country you do business with, it is essential to understand that people are quick to judge. Sometimes you might encounter situations with no time for preparation. For that reason, good first impression is number one concern. Believe it or not but it takes only a tenth of a second to make a first impression about a complete stranger. From the perspective of neuroscience two brain parts which have the biggest influence of that fast process are amygdala and PCC (the posterior cingulate cortex). First helps to establish the reliability and whether the object is dangerous or not. The subsequent one manages decision making and evaluates rewards we could possibly gain. A lot of details for such a short amount time! Hence, think twice before doing something in front of your business companions because there will never be a second chance to make a great first impression.
FIVE SPECIAL TRICKS TO MAKE A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION:
So, the question is what you need to focus on in order to present the best version of yourself. Here are some simple tips which will be valuable for a good first impression in your business meetings:
1. DRESS RESPECTIVELY
For all occasions it is a must to look neat and clean. Make sure that you match your outfit with the dress code you and your business partner set on. If there is no such agreement dress formal and not provocatively. If you are a female, try to avoid bright lipstick or deep neckline. It could distract attention and be considered unethical. For both male and female it would be reasonable to avoid large pieces of jewelry, but small accessories could improve general image.
2. PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO YOUR BODY LANGUAGE
Stay comfortable but keep your posture straight, do not hunch. Crossed arms and legs reflect that you are closed off and do not trust your partner so try to refuse doing so. Hand gestures are acceptable, but it would be better to keep it more restrained. Try to stress less and decline all involuntary movements — finger tapping, leg shaking, etc.
3. CONTROL YOUR VOICE TONE
Talk as usual with the same intonation you are used to. Research of 2012 shows that people with lower-pitch voice are considered as more intelligent and trustworthy. So, do not let stress beat you by making high chicken sounds coming out of your mouth.
4. MAKE EYE CONTACT
It will demonstrate that you are self-assured, and you care what your colleague says. But do not make it awkward by keeping your glance too long. It is not a dominance fight.
5. SPEAK CONFIDENTLY
Even if you do not really know the answer to question, getting flustered is what you should avoid. Just tell your partner that you need to check information and you are definitely going to figure it out lately.
