The Business Trip Faux Pas Solopreneurs Shouldn’t Make

A business trip is an exciting prospect. You’re jumping on a plane and going to meet a client – what an incredible experience! But, you still need to make a fantastic first impression no matter how good your pitch is. At home, you’re used to shaking hands, yet there are cultural differences when you leave these shores. Fall foul of them and the deal might be in jeopardy before the meeting starts.

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The best way to prevent a faux pas is to know what they are in the first place. So, here are four of them that apply to any business trip.

Don’t Swap Devices

Okay, this isn’t a cultural one but it does apply to the majority of business trips. To make an excellent first impression, you need everything to go smoothly, from the greeting to the presentation. However, it’s tough to troubleshoot problems when you’re not used to the device. Https://setapp.com/how-to/ctrl-alt-delete-on-mac details how difficult it is to start task manager on a Mac, so imagine the scale of the job. Unless there is ample time to get used to your new device, you shouldn’t switch it out before you fly or else you run the risk of looking inept and unprofessional.

Don’t Reject Their Customs

Some weird customs exist around the world and you will come into close contact with them on your business meeting. Because they look unappetizing, it’s tempting to say “no thank you” and avoid trying it altogether. However, it’s a massive mistake as they are usually an extension of their welcome; they bring the parties together. Saying no to matte in Argentina or entering a room before older people in China is disrespectful. Whatever they ask, you should accept the invite and try it at least once to build a strong connection straight away.

Get The Greeting Right

A greeting is a way to break the ice, but it can also be awkward. Not knowing how many kisses to give in France, for example, is a terrible way to start a negotiation. Why? It’s because it sets the tone, one where you fumble around, make excuses and apologize. Of course, kissing as a greeting in some cultures is viewed as over-the-top and might make someone uncomfortable. Therefore, it’s critical to research their national welcome so that you know how to react when you are introduced. If in doubt, shake their hand; it’s an international gesture. Https://www.afar.com/ has more info if you need it.

Leave The Jokes At Home

There is no such thing as a national sense of humor; every country and culture has a different one. As such, it’s easy to offend people when you’re trying to lighten the tension by making a joke. You never know how they will react as people can be patriotic and nationalistic, so it’s best to leave your pranks at home. If you get the sense they like to laugh, you can crack a couple, but only after getting to know them properly. Otherwise, it’s too much of a risk.

How do you ensure your business trips go without a hitch?