Inappropriate gifts

This post will also be about presents. But this time let's talk about inappropriate gifts.

In fact, it's also cultural. 

Gift-giving rituals

No something about gift-giving rituals in business. 

The usual questions: How should gifts be presented and received? How should they be wrapped up? Should they be opened in front of the giver? What should be said? When can they be refused? Let's see how things are in different cultures. 

Humor in business communication

Let's talk about humor in business communication.

It's a universal category, but definitely culturally specific. Both in the East and the West people love to make jokes and laugh at them. A good sense of humour is an admired quality in many cultures, even if the type of humor may vary. Just see how different it can be:

Indian culture

When we talk about cultures we talk about ourselves, we talk about us. What can be more important? Today let's look at the Indian culture. It's fantastic! Let's see what you should think of when communicating with a partner (even potential) from this country.

Small talk

Today I am going to speak about such an important thing in business as small talk. It's SO CULTURAL! I mean it's very different in different cultures. As an example, let's have a look at Chinese business practice:

A greeting is just a greeting...

How important can it be if you want to win a potential partner or customer? It must really be the right greeting! Let's compare: a greeting in Chinese business practice and a greeting in European cultures described above.

French vs Austrian

I am going to post info about different cultures. I hope it will be interesting AND useful, as many of you are already working with partners, suppliers and colleagues from different countries. If you have any specific questions about how to deal with in this or that cross-cultural situation, please let me know. I will try to help.

Let's start with Europe...