If you are new to Asia, doing business there can be daunting. Understanding the basics of business etiquette in the place you are visiting in advance will prepare you for cultural differences.
Asian populations are some of the biggest in the world, with plenty of business benefits for those who are prepared. However, the road back home is littered with non-Asian business roadkill. Those who failed to penetrate the Asian market were unprepared.
We will provide six key areas in this article that are essential for a business to be effective and successful in Asia.
1. Get Prepared Before You Leave
Whether you are establishing a business in Asia or moving there permanently, you will be stepping into an entirely new lifestyle. Before you embark on this new journey, you should consider some of the following factors that will help you feel more prepared before you arrive.
- Obtain a visa and other necessary documents
- Consider your qualifications if you want to work for an Asian company
- Prepare a list of potential employers, and connect with them in their preferred communication method
- Research the area you plan on moving to
- Get to know the country’s values and culture
- Decide how you will commute
2. Learn the Language
Learning the language when you’re moving to Asia will give you an edge over your competitors. Having a good grasp of the language of the company you’re looking to work for will make you an attractive candidate to potential employers.
The process of learning languages such as Japanese, Chinese, or even Thai may seem daunting at first, but there are plenty of methods by which you can become more familiar with the country you intended to do business in.
Whether you study by yourself or hire someone, there are many learning resources available, even online. You can learn the native language either way, and that will be among the most valuable things you can do for yourself before you move.
3. Get Some Help
In many Asian markets, local companies are preferred over those from outside. Therefore, you might want to consider partnering with a local organization in Hong Kong to build your business. It’s important to make sure you work with a trustworthy and reliable business to help manage your own.
If you’re unfamiliar with running a business in Asia, finding a digital platform you understand can allow you to focus on the bigger picture while someone else manages the smaller details. Asia’s methods of doing business are very different from those in the West, so it’s important that you are aware of these nuances especially when it comes to handling taxes and accounting.
4. Attending Meetings
In order to successfully conduct business in a foreign country, it is important to understand how business communication will work there. Besides the differences in cultural traditions, Asia is much more sensitive to subtleties in body language and facial expressions.
- In many parts of Asia, passing anything to someone with your left hand is taboo- the left hand is considered unclean.
- Often, pointing is regarded as extremely rude as well.
- Always keep your hands out of your pockets when talking- in some Asian countries it is considered arrogant and rude.
As you can see, there are several elements of business etiquette to be aware of depending on the part of Asia you are visiting.
5. Do Your Research
If you are looking for a specific type of job or industry in Asia, make sure you learn as much as you can about it before committing. It’s important to do your research, especially if your ideal position requires language skills or any other skill set that doesn’t come naturally to you.
- Are there any specific cultural dos and don’ts?
- What will your job be?
- Are there any particular challenges in the position?
- Are there company benefits?
6. Get to Know The Culture
In some countries, communication tends to be relaxed and direct. Asian cultures, on the other hand, can be quite different, especially in business. Strong verbal communication, direct eye contact, and a firm handshake aren’t appropriate in every relationship.
Asia tends to build trust through time, respect, and a more subdued style of communication, though, of course, this is a slow process. Don’t rush the process. It is especially appropriate to consider this option if you do not have a lot of time to spare when you visit Asia. Allow yourself plenty of time to negotiate.
There are many different cultures in Asia, and we’ve provided some tips to help you establish yourself as a friendly, trustworthy, and credible person with whom Asians will feel comfortable doing business.
Consider what you have learned about this culture and use that as a guide to navigating potential business relationships.
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