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Looking for something
interesting to read
on the plane?
How about
a good
mystery!
Book Shelf
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Go ni itte wa
go ni shitagae ...
When in Rome, Do as the
Romans Do!
The
Japanese version of this well-known proverb comes originally from
Chinese, meaning "in a village do as the village
does." Even in ancient times, it was recommended that
people follow the customs of the place one visits.
The
key to a successful trip--preparation, flexibility, a positive
attitude, and the desire to learn about different cultures, and the
patience to build long-term relationships.
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Before You
Go... |
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1.
Learn about the culture of each country you are planning
to visit.
All Asians are NOT
alike! Cross-cultural training is an
investment
that will continue to pay
dividends.
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2.
Learn a little of the language. A simple greeting
in someone's
language can make a world
of difference. |
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3.
Prepare travel documents. Some countries require
visas, others
do not. Take a
supply of medications--it can be a challenge
finding exactly what you
need in a foreign country. |
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4.
Learn about the dress code in each country you plan to
visit.
People are much more
casual in Southeast Asian than in Japan,
for example. |
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5.
Practice using chopsticks, and try to learn something
about the
cuisine of the
country. |
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6.
Consult with someone before purchasing gifts for each
country. It
is easy to commit
embarrassing blunders and faux pas. |
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7.
Whenever possible, arrange for introductions to
companies and
potential customers in
advance. Most Asians do not like "cold
calls." |
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8.
Be prepared for adapters for electronic equipment, and
confirm, in
advance, the services
available at hotels and companies. Your
dynamic PowerPoint
presentation may not be seen! |
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During
your visit... |
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1.
Ease in to the experience, if possible. Asians are
very serious
about taking time to build
relationships. It is considered rude, to
"just get down to
business." |
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2.
Try to schedule some time for some sightseeing--it is a
great way
to learn about the country
and culture. |
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3.
Be flexible and take extra time to get to appointments.
Transportations systems can
be extremely challenging for
first-time visitors.
Be sure to check out the prices--a taxi ride from
Tokyo's Narita Airport can
cause sticker shock! |
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Keep an open mind--different can mean better. |
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5.
People enjoy talking about their country--ask questions
and
show |
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After
You Return... |
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1.
Prepare thank you letters, proposals, summaries; send
promised
materials as soon as you return. |
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2.
Keep a log of gifts presented in order to avoid
duplication on future
visits. |
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3.
Frequent communication is appreciated. Be sure to
consider the
language you use--eliminate slang, jargon,
idiomatic expressions
that might not be
understood. |
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4.
Train all staff members that will have contact with
international
prospects and customers. Everyone
needs to be culturally
savvy!
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