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Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Lessons from a fine dining experience

The food was exceptional but what I came away from the meal with was well it was an ‘experience’ and not just a ‘meal’. A number of things went into the 3 hours that we dined at Maha that stood out and left me pondering what I could learn from the success of this restaurant and apply to my own business.

fine-dining.jpg

Lesson #1: First Impressions and the Power of Contrast

Walking into Maha there was an immediate transformation that occurred that drew us into the experience.
Situated on a small and fairly interesting street filled with the back ends of buildings and car parks (I have to say I wasn’t expecting much of a place in this part of the city) – Maha’s fit out immediately created an impression that lasted for the rest of the afternoon (and beyond).
It was anything but like the street outside and was a luxurious yet tasteful version of a middle eastern dining room. Dark, cosy and inviting – in stark contrast to the bright, stark, surrounds of concrete outside.
Lessons: first impressions matter  and creates a lasting impression that sets up the experience. 

Lesson #2: Simplified Dining

Sometimes dining in places like Maha can be an overwhelming experience, being confronted with a menu filled with dishes that need translation, and feeling overwhelmed with a wine list, with so many options,  no idea where to start isn’t anyones idea of a great way to start a meal.
Instead at Maha we were warmly greeted, seated and giving a very simple drinks menu (with an invitation for a more extensive one if we required it). The menu for the day was a banquet (chefs choice – although we could have some input if we had special needs) which I also appreciated. Conversation was not interrupted with choices of food and drinks and the overwhelming nature of those menus and wine lists were eliminated.
Lessons: choice is great but sometimes it can be overwhelming and simplicity can be appreciated.

Lesson #3: Engaging the Senses

fine-dining-1.jpg
Throughout the meal it was not just our taste buds that were stimulated. In the corner a three piece band played middle eastern music, outside was a court yard where people smoked shi sha pipes (creating sweet smell that drifted into the room) and at the end of the meal we were offered to have our hands rinsed in a little lemon cologne which engaged both our senses of smell but also touch.
The cologne also made a lasting impression – as I fell asleep  the fragrance lingered on, and I was once again reminded of the experience of Maha.
Lesson: engage the senses and you transform something that can be quite one dimensional into something experiential.

Lesson #4: Unexpected Gifts

When it came time for the bill to be brought to the table the waitress also delivered three small white boxes (one for each couple) with some small pastries in them. They were a little take home gift to extend our visit.
These gifts served a several purposes including: something we didn’t ‘pay for’ – it is amazing what impression getting something for free makes (or course we DID pay for the gift as the pastries would not have cost much and our bill more than covered it). This perceived extra value and a gift will of course create a lasting impression, increase the chances of us returning and telling our friends about the experience.
  1. extending the experience – today as I ate a pastry (24 hours after dining at Maha) I’m still thinking about the meal.
Lesson: gifts (big and small) and extra value create an impression!

Lesson 5: Focus Upon the Positive

As we were about to leave our waitress stopped by the table. Instead of asking if everything was ok (often the way wait staff word this question) our waitress asked us what our favourite part of the meal was?
 By asking what was the best part of the meal, shifted our minds away from parts we might not have enjoyed (not that there were any for me) and onto the best parts of the meal just as we were about to leave. We left pondering the good rather than what could have been better.
This also served as a great way for the staff to gather feedback on what was working – something that no doubt helps them to continue to improve what they do.

Lesson 6: Choreography/Process

Our experience didn’t just happen. Everything from the way in which we were greeted, through to the small touches like the lemon cologne and complimentary pastries were intentional and planned steps in a choreography of a typical visit to Maha.
I’m certain that the process evolved over time but the experience was not left to chance – there was a clearly thought through process in place which ensured the best chances of a great experience for diners and a profitable business.
Best of all, the ‘choreography’ wasn’t obvious or intrusive in any way, it just naturally unfolded.
Lesson: great experiences don’t always just happen. A little thought can go a long way to helping people move through an experience in a positive way.
Which of these principles could you take and apply in your blog or online business?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Keeping Women in the IT Industry


Studies prove that women possess outstanding communication and negotiation skills ? qualities desperately needed in the IT industry


The gender crisis in the information technology (IT) industry is getting worse  women remain the industry minority. Their presence continues to decline.
According to a recent Gartner report, women represent nearly 50 percent of the labor force, but their percentage in the IT workforce has dropped to around 25 percent.
The Gartner analysis of gender roles in IT revealed that women have superior communication and listening skills and are better than men at reinforcing collaboration.
The IT industry is in the midst of a transformation -; many of the skills required by IT departments today focus on areas like strategic planning, program management and vendor administration, rather than software and applications development.
As a result, softer communication and negotiation skills are becoming important. As this issue continues to impact the industry, IT departments need to promote more encouraging environments for women.
An unwelcoming culture and lack of mentors help bar women's success in career advancement. According to the "Women in Technology 2007" report, only 52 percent or respondents believed that their organizations offered favorable climates for women. Only 27 percent found formal mentoring and networking programs for women.
Some IT companies are seeking to make a positive impact in the workplace for women. Established in 1976, the company CA has become a leader in recognizing and encouraging the vital role that woman play in IT. Among the company's efforts is the global DigiGirlz program with Microsoft, which encourages young females to consider a technology career path.
CA has also established The Women's Executive Roundtable, a membership organization, which holds regular meetings for women executives in IT, allowing them to network and discuss industry and career issues.
Andy Goodman, executive vice president of worldwide human resources at CA, commented, "We are pleased with the progress we have made with our efforts in attracting and retaining women employees and are proud to have the representation on our executive team of three top females that trends ahead of most in IT where it is not unusual to have only one top female executive."
As CA's strong example reveals, if IT departments and organizations acknowledge the vital role women play in the industry and invest more in supporting them, the gender inequality may be reduced, leading to a better-balanced workforce in one of of the worlds top industries.

Write your book NOW!



Have you ever wondered how some people just go from success to success and make it seem so easy? While some just simply wing it, many people have a formula and it is easy to create the formula yourself and reap the benefit.

So, here is the key! We all know what we are good at and what is important when it comes to your career, but have you ever written it down as a list? It is an interesting task and one that everyone should do. So how do you write what your career looks like? Here, you start with what you don't want! Think about the things that you would find uninspiring, like a particular industry or job or task that you are not interested in. then think about the things you do like, and feel you are good at! The key is to compare the like list with the dislike list and make sure you don't accidently go for something that you put in your dislike list as a career choice!

Once you have your list, you have started to create your formula. The key in life is to do things that you are "good at" and therefore you will be successful. Nobody wants to be in a role where they don't feel like they have contributed and got a satisfactory result! Now one word of warning, whilst you need to know what you want to do, remember life is about the journey... so you may find to get to your outcome you might need to do some things on the way that are part of the learning experience.

My suggestion is this, make sure you can see the career path (and your wish list) in all the jobs you apply for and when you are in an interview situation, ask questions that relate to your wish list! Make sure you don't focus too much on career progression, they want to know that you want the job on offer, but it is important to get an understanding of what the future holds for you.

While you continue to build on your career, do courses and attend conferences, even privately, that will help you to achieve your wishlist.

It is amazing how relating back to your wish list often will help you to refocus your career goals and get to where you need to be. Then when you are out and about and looking at career options you can tick the boxes from a place of wisdom and know that your choices will be part of the framework of your career desires!

Try it! 


Your Career.


Monday, May 16, 2011

Etiquette in Interview Tips


Interview Tips

BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

The job interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

Research

  • Ensure that you have completed a thorough research of the company before you attend your interview. This is easy to achieve and can often be done through a search engine on the internet. This will allow you the opportunity to read information from newspapers, annual reports, etc. The more information you can glean the better, showing the company that you are interested in what they do.

  • Why do I want this job?
    Have a clear understanding of why you are applying for this job. Review in your own mind what your reasons are for wanting this job and what makes you the best candidate for the job. Write down your answers and make sure that if you were the employer, these are the answers you think a prospective employer would want to hear.
  • Prepare yourself
    It is important to understand that whilst this interview is the perfect time for you to “sell yourself” it is also the time to develop a rapport with the interviewer. Remain conscious of this during your interview and question whether there is adequate communication occurring between the two parties, or, is the entire conversation one sided.
  • What should I wear?
    Remember to dress professionally or appropriately for your interview. Through your research you should have gained an idea of what the company dress code and expected attire is. Ensure you present yourself accordingly, and if you are unsure of what to wear, then make it as professional as possible.
The job interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

AT THE INTERVIEW

  • Always be at least 10 minutes early for your interview. Try not to be too early - anything over 30 minutes early is inappropriate.
  • Receptionists, admin staff, secretaries, assistants and other staff in the office will play a very important part in your success in obtaining this role, so don’t overlook their importance. Interviewers will often ask their receptionist or admin assistant for their opinions on a candidate.
  • Don’t forget to shake hands with your interviewers with a firm hand shake.
  • Bring a note pad and pen to the interview. Remember to take down relevant notes of points that are mentioned. However, don’t write too much as it is very important that you maintain eye contact with your prospective employer during the interview.
  • Never interrupt your interviewer when they are speaking. If you have something you wish to add, note it down so that you remember to mention it later.
  • Remember to show enthusiasm for the job and give examples of your experience, understanding and interest in what the role entails. Remember to smile and display confidence. This is not the time to be shy or undersell yourself. However, also remember not to be arrogant.
  • Please don’t assume that the interviewer has a thorough understanding of your capabilities from your resume. Often they have gained merely an overview from the summary contained in the C.V.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS

Be prepared with answers to the following questions:
  • Why do you want to leave your present job and why did you leave each of your past jobs. It is very important when answering questions about past and present positions that you do not give negative comments about your employer or colleagues as this may reflect badly on you. Be prepared for how you can explain your reasons for leaving in a positive way.
  • Be able to list at least 4 or 5 of your major strengths
  • Be able to list your weaknesses in a truthful way but without highlighting areas that may cause the employer concern
  • Know what job you enjoyed the most and why
  • Know what job you enjoyed the least and why (make sure that the answers to these two questions reflect positively in relation to the position that is being applied for)
  • Understand what your longer term goals are and why this position is in line with these goals.
  • Understand what KPI’s (if any) were required of you in your last positions and be able to demonstrate your understanding and ability to meet these targets.
  • Describe what comments your previous bosses would make about you. What did they think of you?
  • Be able to answer confidently why you are interested in this role, and what makes you the best person for this job?
Woman at interview
Susie Wilson Image Group

BODY LANGUAGE

  • Understand the importance of body language at your interview.
  • How you display body language is as important as why you say.
  • Ensure you face your interviewer, try to relax, smile, and look interested and positive.

AFTER THE INTERVIEW

  • Don’t forget to confirm at the end of the interview that you are very interested in the position and confirm that if you were offered the position that you would love to accept it.
  • Shake hands as you leave
  • Don’t be afraid to ask what the next stage is after this interview and whether you have a chance at obtaining the role.
  • Ask when you would expect to hear an outcome from the interview.
  • Follow up your interview with a thank you phone call, email or letter to the interviewer.

QUESTIONS

Here is a list of questions that are often asked at interview. Remember to be honest and truthful, but also think carefully about your answers and put yourself in the interviewer’s shoes when you consider your answers.
  • Tell me more about you so that I can get to know a little bit about who you are?
  • What are your greatest achievements in your career so far?
  • What are your personal interests?
  • How would your mother describe you?
  • How would your teacher describe you?
  • Why are you leaving your current job?
  • Why should we hire you for this position?
  • What makes you the best person for this position?
  • What is your greatest accomplishment in your life so far? Why do you consider it to be?
  • Which job have you enjoyed most in your career and why?
  • Which job have you enjoyed least and why?
  • Can you demonstrate and example of working to a tight deadline in your current or last job.
  • Can you describe a difficult situation that occurred in your job and how you overcame the difficulty
  • Can you demonstrate how you have advanced in your career over the past three years
  • Where would you like to see yourself in your career in five years time?
  • Have you worked in an environment where you have been measured by results? Please describe this.
  • Do you feel that you are in a role that suits your abilities? What would you change if anything?
  • How are you best managed?
  • Who was your best boss and why?
  • Who was your worst boss and Why? 

Etiquette in Resume Tips.


Resume Tips

Tailor your resume to the job

Target your resume or cover letter to the position you are applying for. Look at your resume before you hit the send button. Emailing resumes can often be a trap and a waste of time. It is so easy to hit the send button and send off a whole heap of job applications, just to get no-where. The reason often is that your resume does not relate or highlight your skills in relation to the job you are applying for. We receive many applications for positions and in the resume or cover letter the candidate is highlighting their skills and interest in a completely different position.

Relevant Information

Make sure that your resume contains information that relates to the position you are applying for. This information should be contained in the first page. Look at the ad that you are applying for and highlight the key requirements in the job. Make sure these requirements if you have them, are detailed and included in the first page of your resume.

Important Information First

Summarise your work history on page 1 so that you can detail current and relevant experience immediately when the document opens up. Often job seekers list important information at the very end of their resume or their current job at the end of the resume. Look at what is most important and most impressive about you and make sure that comes first.

Make it concise - no bulky documents

Do not send large documents with copious words that will never be read. Make your resume concise and to the point.

 

What does this say about you?

  • Look at your email address - what does that say about you? For example doespartygirl@hotmail.com.... sound like a professional email address?
  • Listen to your voicemail message on your mobile phone. How do you sound, how does that reflect in your application when someone calls you back and has to leave a message?
  • Check your resume for spelling and grammatical errors
  • check that all your details are current and correct
  • If you are including a photo of yourself with your resume, have a look at the photo, does it correctly reflect the position you are applying for? Is it professional enough? If in doubt, leave it off or produce a more appropriate photo. 

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Etiquette in business "Boost your business"

Your business can't go according to plan if you have no plan.






Boost your business
What do you want to achieve this year? More new customers per week? Higher average order amounts? Better customer service ratings? No matter what it is you are shooting for, goal setting is one of the most important things that you will do in the New Year. I've got a few tips to help you get there. 1. Keep it Challenging but Realistic.
Any goal that you set for your company should be challenging but don't over do it. For example, if you had an average order amount of $700 last year, you wouldn't want to set your goal for this year at $3000 per order. Unless you make drastic changes in how your company runs or what you are selling, that goal is just not realistic. You know best what you may be able to achieve in your particular industry, so be honest with yourself and set your goals accordingly. 2. Write All Your Goals Down.
You may say to yourself on January 1, "I want to get 20 more new customers per week this year." A few months later you will be saying "Did I say I wanted 20 or 30?" Or more realistically, you have forgotten that you even made that goal. If you have all of your goals written down you will be able to not only go back and check them, you will also be able to go down the list every few months and check to see how many of them you have completed. 3. Assess Your Current Situation.
To set goals you have to know where you are at right now. In 2010 I wanted to assess our customer service rating so we sent out a survey to all of our customers on which they could rate us in each department of our operation. That helped us establish our base. Now we send the survey to every customer after every order. This way we can keep track of how we are doing and if there is ever a hiccup we can fix it quickly. Don't assume anything. Always assess the current situation before setting a new goal.
It's Only Going to Hurt A Little... Now, in financial goal setting for your business, one invariably comes to the question: “How do I decide on a budget when starting a marketing plan?”
To set goals you have to know where you are at right now. In 2003 I wanted to assess our customer service rating so we sent out a survey to all of our customers on which they could rate us in each department of our operation. That helped us establish our base. Now we send the survey to every customer after every order. This way we can keep track of how we are doing and if there is ever a hiccup we can fix it quickly. Don't assume anything. Always assess the current situation before setting a new goal.
It's Only Going to Hurt A Little... Now, in financial goal setting for your business, one invariably comes to the question: “How do I decide on a budget when starting a marketing plan?”
This is obviously the first question that you have to answer in order to get started on your new campaign - and in order to reach the income goals you have set for yourself.
So how do you figure out what your budget should be? Here is an easy method to help you find a number that is going to work for you and your business. Some might say that it is a good rule of thumb, but I personally judge things on whether or not they work and get results. That's all.
Moving on... Start with the amount of income that your company generated last month and multiply it by .14 (or 14%). That means that if you had $50,000 in Gross Income last month you should budget to spend $7000 on marketing in the next month. Wait... I know, it sounds painful but it is just like a shot at the doctor. It might hurt for a minute (or in this case a month) but down the road you are going to be glad that you went through it. Putting that much toward the right marketing will bump up your income the next month and start you on a cycle of steady growth.
I know that some businesses run tighter than others and it is possible that you won't be comfortable with that amount in the beginning . Don't misunderstand me, any marketing is better than no marketing. Don't get discouraged if your budget is lower than 14%. But use 14% as the ideal to strive for because, for me as well as many other growing businesses, it has proven to give the best rate of growth possible. How do I know, you ask? My company has expanded 400% in the past 2 years. Now picture your business at 4 times its current size... There's that smile I was looking for!
The growth of your business is based on three factors; quality products, great customer service and the proper amount of marketing. If you know you have the first two taken care and you still aren't experiencing healthy growth then you need to take a serious look at your marketing budget. So sharpen your pencils, start calculating and decide how rapidly you want your business to grow.
Please take a moment this week to sit down and decide on your goals for the New Year. Even if it is past the New Year and even well into the year, set your goals for the rest of the year.
Everything is easier when you are working towards a goal. My goal is your success and I assume that is your goal as well. 







Susie Wilson Image Group- Business Consultants. Australia
http://www.susiewilsonimagegroup.com

Monday, May 2, 2011

How much do you know about office gift giving Etiquette?


Sunday, May 1, 2011

Japanese Etiquette...


Susie Wilson Image group- http://www.susiewilsonimagegroup.com


Japanese Society & Culture
The Japanese and 'Face'Map of Japan
. Saving face is crucial in Japanese society.
. The Japanese believe that turning down someone's request causes embarrassment and loss of face to the other person.
. If the request cannot be agreed to, they will say, 'it's inconvenient' or 'it's under consideration'.
. Face is a mark of personal dignity and means having high status with one's peers.
. The Japanese will try never to do anything to cause loss of face.
. Therefore, they do not openly criticise, insult, or put anyone on-the-spot.
. Face can be lost, taken away, or earned through praise and thanks.



Harmony in Japanese Society
. Harmony is the key value in Japanese society.
. Harmony is the guiding philosophy for the Japanese in family and business settings and in society as a whole.
. Japanese children are taught to act harmoniously and cooperatively with others from the time they go to pre-school.
. The Japanese educational system emphasizes the interdependence of all people, and Japanese children are not raised to be independent but rather to work together.
. This need for harmonious relationships between people is reflected in much Japanese behaviour.
. They place great emphasis on politeness, personal responsibility and working together for the universal, rather than the individual, good.
. They present facts that might be disagreeable in a gentle and indirect fashion.
.  They see working in harmony as the crucial ingredient for working productively.



Japanese Non-Verbal Communication
. Since the Japanese strive for harmony and are group dependent, they rely on facial expression, tone of voice and posture to tell them what someone feels.
. They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word as words can have several meanings.
. The context in which something is said affects the meaning of the words. Therefore, it is imperative to understand the situation to fully appreciate the response.
. Frowning while someone is speaking is interpreted as a sign of disagreement.
. Most Japanese maintain an impassive expression when speaking.
. Expressions to watch out for include inhaling through clenched teeth, tilting the head, scratching the back of the head, and scratching the eyebrow.
. Non-verbal communication is so vital that there is a book for 'gaijins' (foreigners) on how to interpret the signs!
. It is considered disrespectful to stare into another person's eyes, particularly those of a person who is senior to you because of age or status.
. In crowded situations the Japanese avoid eye contact to give themselves privacy.



Japanese Hierarchy
. The Japanese are very conscious of age and status.
. Everyone has a distinct place in the hierarchy, be it the family unit, the extended family, a social or a business situation.
. At school children learn to address other students as senior to them ('senpai') or junior to them ('kohai').
. The oldest person in a group is always revered and honoured. In a social situation, they will be served first and their drinks will be poured for them.

Etiquette & Customs in Japan


Meeting Etiquette
. Greetings in Japan are very formal and ritualised.
. It is important to show the correct amount of respect and deference to someone based upon their status relative to your own.
. If at all possible, wait to be introduced.
. It can be seen as impolite to introduce yourself, even in a large gathering.
. While foreigners are expected to shake hands, the traditional form of greeting is the bow. How far you bow depends upon your relationship to the other person as well as the situation. The deeper you bow, the more respect you show.
. A foreign visitor ('gaijin') may bow the head slightly, since no one expects foreigners to generally understand the subtle nuances of bowing. 



Gift Giving Etiquette
. Gift-giving is highly ritualistic and meaningful.
. The ceremony of presenting the gift and the way it is wrapped is as important--sometimes more important--than the gift itself.
. Gifts are given for many occasions.
. The gift need not be expensive, but take great care to ask someone who understands the culture to help you decide what type of gift to give.
. Good quality chocolates or small cakes are good ideas.
. Do not give lilies, camellias or lotus blossoms as they are associated with funerals.
. Do not give white flowers of any kind as they are associated with funerals.
. Do not give potted plants as they encourage sickness, although a bonsai tree is always acceptable.
. Give items in odd numbers, but not 9.
. If you buy the gift in Japan, have it wrapped.
. Pastel colours are the best choices for wrapping paper.
. Gifts are not opened when received.



 Dining Etiquette
On the rare occasion you are invited to a Japanese house:
. Remove your shoes before entering and put on the slippers left at the doorway.
. Leave your shoes pointing away from the doorway you are about to walk through.
. Arrive on time or no more than 5 minutes late if invited for dinner.
. If invited to a large social gathering, arriving a little bit later than the invitation is acceptable, although punctuality is always appreciated.
. Unless you have been told the event is casual, dress as if you were going into the office.
. If you must go to the toilet, put on the toilet slippers and remove them when you are finished.


Watch your Table Manners!
. Wait to be told where to sit. There is a protocol to be followed.
. The honoured guest or the eldest person will be seated in the centre of the table the furthest from the door.
. The honoured guest or the eldest is the first person to begin eating.
. Never point your chopsticks.
. It will yield tremendous dividends if you learn to use chopsticks.
. Do not pierce your food with chopsticks.
. Chopsticks should be returned to the chopstick rest after every few bites and when you drink or stop to speak.
. Do not cross your chopsticks when putting them on the chopstick rest.
. Place bones on the side of your plate.
. Try a little bit of everything. It is acceptable to ask what something is and even to make a face if you do not like the taste.
. Don't be surprised if your Japanese colleagues slurp their noodles and soup.
. Mixing other food with rice is usually not done. You eat a bit of one and then a bit of the other, but they should never be mixed together as you do in many Western countries.
. If you do not want anything more to drink, do not finish what is in your glass. An empty glass is an invitation for someone to serve you more.
. When you have finished eating, place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or on the table. Do not place your chopsticks across the top of your bowl.
. If you leave a small amount of rice in your bowl, you will be given more. To signify that you do not want more rice, finish every grain in your bowl.
. It is acceptable to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. Conversation at the table is generally subdued. The Japanese like to savour their food.

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Japan


Understanding of Foreign WaysEtiquette in Japan
. Japanese understand that it is very difficult for foreigners to work in Japan.
.  They will not expect you to speak or read Japanese, or be conversant with their strict cultural nuances and protocol.
. Mistakes are allowed as long as genuine respect is shown at all times.
. They will usually try to help you but often feel embarrassment at their own lack of understanding or English language ability.



Relationships & Communication
. The Japanese prefer to do business on the basis of personal relationships.
. In general, being introduced or recommended by someone who already has a good relationship with the company is extremely helpful as it allows the Japanese to know how to place you in a hierarchy relative to themselves.
. One way to build and maintain relationships is with greetings / seasonal cards.
. It is important to be a good correspondent as the Japanese hold this in high esteem.



Business Meeting Etiquette
. Appointments are required and, whenever possible, should be made several weeks in advance.
. It is best to telephone for an appointment rather than send a letter, fax or email.
. Punctuality is important. Arrive on time for meetings and expect your Japanese colleagues will do the same.
. Since this is a group society, even if you think you will be meeting one person, be prepared for a group meeting.
. The most senior Japanese person will be seated furthest from the door, with the rest of the people in descending rank until the most junior person is seated closest to the door.
.  It may take several meetings for your Japanese counterparts to become comfortable with you and be able to conduct business with you.
. This initial getting to know you time is crucial to laying the foundation for a successful relationship.
. You may be awarded a small amount of business as a trial to see if you meet your commitments.
. If you respond quickly and with excellent service, you prove your ability and trustworthiness.
. Never refuse a request, no matter how difficult or non- profitable it may appear. The Japanese are looking for a long-term relationship.
. Always provide a package of literature about your company including articles and client testimonials.
. Always give a small gift, as a token of your esteem, and present it to the most senior person at the end of the meeting. Your Japanese contact can advise you on where to find something appropriate.



Business Negotiation
. The Japanese are non-confrontational.
. They have a difficult time saying 'no', so you must be vigilant at observing their non-verbal communication.
. It is best to phrase questions so that they can answer yes. For example, do you disagree with this? Group decision-making and consensus are important.
. Written contracts are required.
. The Japanese often remain silent for long periods of time. Be patient and try to work out if your Japanese colleagues have understood what was said.
. Japanese prefer broad agreements and mutual understanding so that when problems arise they can be handled flexibly.
. Using a Japanese lawyer is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Note that Japanese lawyers are quite different from Western lawyers as they are much more functionary.
. Never lose your temper or raise your voice during negotiations.
. Some Japanese close their eyes when they want to listen intently.
. The Japanese seldom grant concession. They expect both parties to come to the table with their best offer.
. The Japanese do not see contracts as final agreements so they can be renegotiated.



Dress Etiquette
. Business attire is conservative.
. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should dress conservatively.



Business Cards
. Business cards are exchanged constantly and with great ceremony.
. Invest in quality cards.
. Always keep your business cards in pristine condition.
. Treat the business card you receive as you would the person.
. You may be given a business card that is only in Japanese.
. It is wise to have one side of your business card translated into Japanese.
. Give your business card with the Japanese side facing the recipient.
. Make sure your business card includes your title, so your Japanese colleagues know your status within your organisation.
. Business cards are given and received with two hands and a slight bow.
. Examine any business card you receive very carefully.
. During a meeting, place the business cards on the table in front of you in the order people are seated.
. When the meeting is over, put the business cards in a business card case or a portfolio.