Doing Business in South Asia

South Asia is home to world’s largest democracy, some of the fastest growing economies and booming stock markets. Traveling within the region is definitely exciting, especially for those from North America who are well acquainted with vast uninhabited spaces; the network of congested roads and buildings can be overwhelming.

South Asia is is not only a hub for history and cultural diversity, but a force to reckon with, when it comes to global business. In fact many companies from North America have outsourced some of their services to take advantage of time differences in order to offer 24 h service to clients, and reap the benefits of cheaper labor costs.  In the years following the post colonization era foreign investment in South Asia still continued, and although there was a decrease in foreign direct investment in 2012 companies still continue to look favorably upon the region for investment opportunities. South Asia remains a lucrative market and it is always advantageous to be better acquainted with the cultural and social aspects of conducting business in the region.

Our experience in conducting business in South Asia coupled with our knowledge of the cultures prevalent in the region, has provided us with insight in to the business etiquette and protocol used within South Asia. Here are a few business etiquette tips for doing business in South Asia:

1. Time isn’t always money
Don’t expect your 9 a.m. meeting to start on time. Your South Asian counterparts may arrive as late as 9.45 and will not be concerned that they are not on time. This can be frustrating to business associates from North America where punctuality is essential and it is considered rude to be late for a business meeting.

2. There is never a direct No
South Asian society is very polite and its best to avoid using the word “No” during business dealings. “We’ll see”, “Possibly”, “May be” are phrases that can replace the word “No”.

3. Refrain from ordering beef
Opt not to order beef at business meetings as cows are considered sacred in India, which is the largest country in the South Asian continent.

4. Quit your wine-ing
It’s best to limit alcohol to just one glass or none at all as some of the South Asian countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh  are prominently Muslim and alcohol is not permitted.

5. Take my card
Business cards play an important part in conducting business in the region. Business cards are  presented with both hands, like a gift. Take a few minutes to read and look over the card. Do not just put it away or keep it lying around. After taking a good look at it, put it away in a safe place.

6. Titles matter
At business meetings, stick to the hierarchical structure. Credentials and titles matter in South Asia.

7. Religious celebrations are often national holidays
Prior to meeting business colleagues, ensure that you are aware of any religious holidays as most religious festivals are marked by a national holiday. For example, Sri Lanka celebrates the festivals of four religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism and Islam.

8. Guess who’s coming to dinner
If invited to a colleague’s residence, do not refuse trying out any food that is offered to you. If you do refuse it, it will be taken as an insult. It’s best to at least taste it out of respect for the host.

9. Do not open
If you receive a gift from a business colleague, do not open it in the presence of the one who gave it to you.

10. Suit up
Men are generally expected to wear a suit and women are expected to be modestly dressed in a business suit or pant suit.

11. Let’s do lunch
Do not expect to seal the deal at the very first meeting. Building a relationship matters most in this part of the world and the business deal would follow after the relationship is established.

12. It’s not what you know it’s who you know
Knowing people of influence goes a long way in any business relationship in this part of the world. You will be treated differently if you’re known to someone who is higher up in the corporate structure.

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting

10 Dining Etiquette Do's and Don'ts

Dining etiquette is often overlooked and discounted as frivolous when it comes to projecting a professional image. However, with more business meetings being conducted over lunch or dinner dining etiquette has taken on a more central role in the corporate world.

Here’s a look at 10 do’s and don’ts of dining etiquette. This content comes straight from our program Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

1. Don’t tuck your napkin in to your shirt

Your napkin should lay across your lap with the folded end closest to you. Although it might be tempting for some gentlemen to protect their favourite work shirt or tie, tucking your napkin in to your shirt collar is never an option.

2. Refrain from using cutlery to gesture at the table

This is a common mistake people make when talking at the table. When you’re speaking put your cutlery down, the last thing you want to do is point your fork or knife at a potential client or business contact, this comes across as dangerous and somewhat threatening.

3. Keep your cell phone off the table

Although many of us feel the need to have our phones with us at all times resist the urge to text, call, or use social media during a business lunch or dinner. By keeping your phone out of sight and stored away in your purse, bag, or jacket pocket you will not be tempted to refer to it during your meal. Make sure your phone is on silent. If you are indeed expecting a call, inform the person you are dining with and excuse yourself from the table to take the call.

4. Avoid primping at the table

Many ladies feel the need to touch up their lipstick after a meal. Though projecting a professional image is essential, hair and make up should be reserved for the ladies room and not the dining table. Resist the urge to break out a compact mirror to check your make up and touch up lipstick.

5. Your napkin is not a tissue

Never use your napkin to blow your nose at the table. Your napkin should only be used to dab the corners of your mouth. If you have a runny nose simply excuse yourself and retire to the washroom to blow your nose.

6.  If it falls leave it on the floor

If you happen to drop your napkin or cutlery on the floor during the course of your meal do not pick it up and resume eating. Simply call the waiter over, explain what happened and ask for a fresh fork, knife, or napkin. Although it may seem like common sense to pick it up, keep in mind that you are at a professional business meeting and reaching under the table will make for an awkward moment and come across as unprofessional.

7. Too hot to handle? Don’t blow on it!

If your food is too hot to eat right away, resist the urge to blow on it before taking a bite. Instead wait a few minutes for it to cool down. If others are waiting for you to commence eating simply explain the situation to them and encourage them to proceed.

8. Don’t be picky!

Some restaurants provide you with toothpicks at the end of the meal. Toothpicks should never be used at the table. If you need to use a toothpick to get food out of your teeth, you should always excuse yourself and retire to the washroom. Although toothpicks are presented at the table they should not be used at the table.

9. Never chew with your mouth open

Your food should stay in your mouth while you’re eating. Do not open your mouth and chew food to the side of your mouth. You should also avoid talking with your mouth full as you will risk being rude and possibly spitting food at your colleagues.

10. Maintain good posture

As your mother always told you : keep your elbows off the table. Placing your elbows on the table causes you to hunch or slouch with sends the message that you’re not really engaged in the business meeting. Make sure you sit upright with your hands either folded in your lap or placed on your thighs. You may also rest your wrists on the table but make sure you are sitting up straight. Good posture is a sign of confidence!

Copyright © 2013 by Professional Edge Consulting