ETIQUETTE (Cultural Notes)

1.    It is customary for people in India to greet each other by holding their palms together.

2.    In Germany wishing for luck may be signaled by squeezing your thumbs.

3.     Most women in China do not change their surnames when they marry.

 

4.      Shoes are not worn inside Japanese houses or temples. There will be an assortment of slippers for guests to choose from. Leave your shoes (toes pointing towards the exit) at the designated spot and enter the main room

5.     Don’t get confused by what Japanese mean by “yes”. “Yes” (hai) does not translate to “Yes, I agree  with you,” or “Yes that is what I am going to do.” More often it means, “Yes, I hear what you are saying.” This can lead to confusion.

Business Etiquette

20. When socializing at a cocktail party, it is best to hold your glass in the left hand so that your right hand is free for shaking hands, eliminating the need to switch hands at the last minute. It also prevents you from offering a wet handshake due to the condensation from the glass.

21. In a business scenario, one should hold a door open for superiors or clients (regardless of gender) simply as a matter of respect.

22.  Boring though it may sound the safest topics that make for small talk and serve as icebreakers in social get-togethers are the weather, popular sports or the pleasant party setting. Even if you are passionate about issues such as improving the education scenario or uprooting corruption, do not bring them up. For all you know, the person you may be talking to might be an educationist or a local politician himself/ herself! Topics such as religion, politics, family and personal appearance and grooming are an absolute no-no.

23. Perfume, cologne or aftershave should be applied sparingly, evoking a subtle scent. Strong fragrances are often offensive to business associates and therefore inappropriate in a professional venue.

24. If you end up speaking with a phone solicitor, you can simply say “I’m sorry, we’re not interested. Thanks anyway”. Then, without waiting for a reply, quickly hang up. Do not feel guilty, and think of it as doing them a favor by not wasting their time and yours.

25. If someone forgets to introduce you, it’s appropriate for you to introduce yourself by saying something like: “My name is Jane; I don’t believe we've met, and you are?”

26. When two business people communicate stand about 3 feet apart. Any closer and you could invade your colleague’s personal space. Any further and you’d be yelling. This distance will vary depending on a country; know the cultural differences before conducting business in a foreign country. 

Business Etiquette

16. When using a speaker phone tell the person who called that you have them on speakerphone. Identify each person who is in the room. State their purpose in being present during the conversation.

 

17. A client has been waiting for about five minutes to meet with you but you're running a little behind schedule, and you need a few more minutes to finish up, so you take a minute to walk out and apologize in person and offer him a cup of coffee and a magazine.

 

18. You enter a coworker’s office or cubicle to chat and she's on the phone, so you leave a note saying you need to speak with her and try to get her at another time.

19. When answering phone calls, answer promptly (before the third ring if possible). Before picking up the receiver, discontinue any other conversation or activity such as eating, chewing gum, typing, etc that can be heard by the calling party.

20. When socializing at a cocktail party, it is best to hold your glass in the left hand so that your right hand is free for shaking hands, eliminating the need to switch hands at the last minute. It also prevents you from offering a wet handshake due to the condensation from the glass. 

Business Etiquette

11. When you greet a visitor in your office, you should tell him/her where to sit. Indicating where your guest should sit will make him/her feel more comfortable.

 

12. You're scheduled to meet a business associate for a working lunch and you arrive a few minutes early to find a suitable table. Thirty minutes later your associate still hasn't arrived. You are not obligated to wait any longer; you should order your lunch and eat. You've waited 30 minutes. Expect an apology later, though

 

13. If a meeting is scheduled for 9:00am, you should arrive not earlier than 8:50am, which gives you ten minutes to get organized.

 

14.  It is appropriate to tell business associates that their zipper is open; otherwise they will be embarrassed once they realize their zipper has been open. Take that person aside and subtly advise him/her to zip up. This rule also applies to food or lipstick on teeth and other potentially embarrassing situations.

 

15. When receiving a business card take the time to look at it because a card is representative of the person and their business. Write pertinent notes on the card later, not in the person’s presence.