Business Development, Strategy Alignment and Consulting News from The Business City London -

	Regional Ettiquette - brief overview
	*French, Brits and Italians* The French, Brits and Italians do like their hierarchies, in France especially, where management is very set in its way, with everyone having their own place, and an assistant - charge de mission. France It's also important with the French to get their titles right. Britain For Britain is that its traditional formality is still respected in many parts of the world, and is certainly worth capitalising on when doing business with Asia and the Middle and Far Eastern markets.
	Germany In Germany, do not use the familiar 'you' if speaking German, and do not use the first name. Stick with Herr and Frau until told otherwise.
	Scandinavia On the other hand, in Scandinavia it's all pretty informal and if you feel like it you can probably call up the prime minister without too much fuss.
	Israel In Israel, too, where clothing is concerned, it's very casual, and even the prime minister could turn up to a meeting in a short-sleeved shirt. But things are changing and its perhaps worth checking before turning up in a Bahamas-beach shirt.
	Eastern Europe In Eastern Europe they will be more forgiving of any faux pas, but in Russia more than elsewhere. They are still not sure how things really work in other countries, so cut out any business jargon, keep things simple, and explain what you mean if necessary.
	Middle East Don't be offended if you are kept waiting in the Middle East by your business partner: People aren't always too rigid about appointments, and it is perfectly acceptable to pop in on someone. It has absolutely no bearing on your business relationship.
	In Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, women in the work place are becoming acceptable, but in Saudi Arabia at whatever level, business is only conducted by men.
	Being a woman will get you in the door, hut actually getting them to take you seriously takes longer. Be careful what you wear. Anything remotely provocative is a no no.
	Whatever your sex, you need to have several meetings making small talk before you can think of discussing business. *Never drink alcohol, even if your hosts do. Many do not of course for religious reasons* anyway. It is quite normal to be asked to return the following day.
	However, once a relationship is established, the big bonus is they do stay loyal. It is worth remembering that in most African and Middle Eastern countries, commissions are a normal way of life and an essential part of personal income. In many Middle Eastern countries, it is a very good idea to get yourseIf a local -partner to ensure that any red tape is kept to a minimum and to assist in smoothing out any local difficulties.
	The Far East is different
	Thailand In Thailand, you must never point your feet at people or touch their heads.
	Japan In Japan, if you go out with people, you always fill up the glass of the person next to you, never your own! Once you have drunk enough it is important to put your hand over your glass. Otherwise they will go on refilling it and you might end up drunk. Equally if you forget, the person next to you could die of thirst.
	General Working Hours In a Muslim country there is no point in planning a business meeting for a Friday, with Jewish people on a Saturday, or in Christian countries on a Sunday. Many countries, however, do work a six-day week. It is important to establish the working hours before going on. The Japanese, for example, can start as early as 6.00am while in Italy everything closes between 1.30pm and 4pm, as it still does in some parts of France.
	If your company is dealing with Japan, then do be courteous enough to have the reverse side of business cards printed in Japanese. When visiting Japan, remember that small gifts of English china will be appreciated, as will good quality whisky or brandy. Do be aware that if you are presented with a gift, on no account should you open it in front of them!
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