Lillith,
Not sure if you participated in the Globalization 2008 conference this last week at the Embassy Suites, but there seemed to be a couple common themes noted by the speakers/panelists:
1. Leverage/hire someone who grew up in the local area where you are planning to do business (best if they have been educated in Western-style University) and have them educate you on the nuances of communication and etiquette. Translators appear to be left to more literal translation tasks. If you can have multiple people who appreciate your interests, have mutliple help you out.
2. Utilize the various government agencies/departments available locally to help connect you with people in the other country who are reputable and interested in doing business
3. Utilize the various government agencies/departments in the foreign country to help connect you with people in the other country who are reputable and interested in doing business
4. Get on the ground in the other country to get a feel for the cultural differences and show efforts to "meet them halfway"
5. Utilize legal services in the local area where you are planning to do business to make sure local laws/customs are adhered to and issues are considered for the eventuality that the relationship will not last forever.
Personally, I have always found it mutually beneficial to learn basic phrases like "Please", "Thank-you", "Good morning", "Hello", "Good bye" and other light conversation to help with that undeniable first impression. Short of immersion language/culture training on a 3,6,9, or 12 month trip to the other country living in the environment, the panelists may have provided some of the best insight I have come across.
Brent
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