Networking across cultures

Effective global networking requires you to comfortable in a global setting. Techniques and strategies that you have used in your local networks may not work in a global context, and they may even backfire. It is very important to familiarize yourself with the context in which you will be doing business by learning as much as you can about the local culture. We've all heard stories of the American businessperson in Japan who, intending to say "nice to meet you" instead says something unseemly about that person's sister. Needless to say, offending someone will not benefit you or your business.

Since networking in any culture is about relationships, pay particular attention to the structure of social as well business relationships in the host culture. Are people very concerned with age, rank or gender, or is it a more egalitarian society? How do people gain one another's trust? What are the worst social faux pas- and how can you avoid committing them? And lastly, although understanding of the host culture is absolutely essential, don't overdue it by trying to act more chinese than the chinese. While they will appreciate your efforts to speak the language and understand something about their culture, they might think you are a bit eccentric if you show up to a meeting decked out in their country's traditional garb.