In many ways Latvians have a similar professional mentality to Germans. However, they themselves are likely to emphasize their Scandinavian roots. Ultimately, Latvian culture is very individual, despite or perhaps even because of the numerous influences of various occupying powers in the past. You will notice a strong sense of Latvian national pride. Their metropolis […]
Working in Brazil without coming across the famous ›jeitinho‹ is practically impossible. The word derives from ›dar um jeito‹, which translates as ›finding a way‹, with the added suffix ›inho‹ making it into a diminutive. The expression means that for almost everything there is a way (out). Even when this is not entirely legal, one […]
In their presentations, Brazilians often use the diminutive and even apologise expressly. This is due to their indirect communication style. Even their tone of voice, pauses, gestures and facial expressions may sometimes give their business partners from other countries the impression that they are not competent enough. When attending a Brazilian presentation, allow plenty of […]
Romanians communicate in great detail. Their statements in meetings and negotiations are often long and complex; their response to questions is just as extensive. However, from the perspective of some foreign business people, often only a small part of the answer seems to actually relate to the original question. At the same time, foreign managers […]
Are you ready to give a presentation to your Gulf Arab project partners? If you want anyone to listen, do not spoil your chances by dashing to the front at 9am sharp and start presenting even before the projector has warmed up. Much more important are preliminary conversations with your listeners or the participants in […]
Be well prepared for the first business appointment in a Chinese firm. Arrive punctually and take note of suitable clothing style. Conservative dress code Well-known brands emphasize personal status in China, which is of particular relevance in the hierarchically-oriented Chinese business world. As a man you should wear a dark suit with a shirt and […]
The engineer had really been looking forward to his expatriate assignment to China. He had read several books on the Chinese mentality and tried to pick up some Mandarin. Yet, even months after his arrival in Peking he had the feeling that he had not got one step further in the Chinese subsidiary of his […]
Many Polish women had to very quickly find their feet in a new role as a Business Woman. A full-time job was nothing new to them, but in the new economic system it brought the need to reconcile challenges, family-life and overtime, as well as the requirement for continuing education. Networks guarantee flexibility In Poland, […]
The British like to stick to traditions. “Traditional” means that something has sustained the change of time and it has proven successful. A bright new tomorrow, bathed in the warm glow of yesterday – that is what Britons strive for. No wonder, a good cup of Earl Grey or English Breakfast Tea is not only […]
The most important rule when dealing with Czech business partners is to be aware of the state of the personal relationship at all times. In the Czech Republic, the relationship level is the most important level. A good personal relationship with a business partner always counts for much more than a joint project. In order […]
When you enter negotiations with Swedes you should be well aware of your inner attitude and also reflect what impression you are making on the other side during the conversations. Swedes will always see you as a negotiating partner and not as a negotiating opponent. They will search for a solution in a friendly and nice way, […]
In China the primary goal of business communication is to create a lasting solid relationship based on reciprocal trust and harmony. You do business with friends only, not with strangers. Small talk Therefore, the first step in paving the way for business is doing everything to get to know new partners better through small talk. […]
