Quote:
Originally Posted by KandyGirl
My mother works at a Ford proving ground company, and this up coming Tuesday she will be meeting up with some Hyundai Representatives from Japan. She is extremely nervous because they speak little English and she is very unfamiliar with their customs. If she does a good job and keeps them pleased this could mean a lot of business for the proving grounds, as well as put her higher up in the company.
I was hoping I could have someone help us in explaining what are the do's and don'ts of this meeting!! Should she try to keep with Japanese customs or should she stay with American customs since they are in America? Should she bow, and should she bring a english-japanese dictionary? would it offend them or gain their respect for her to try and speak some Japanese and do their customs (like bowing before them).
We need desperate help!! Last thing my mom wants to do is to offend them and she is really nervous!! Thank you in advanced!!
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If this really is an important meeting she should be talking to a Japanese business professional consultant. This person could also likely act as an interpreter. Even if they Hyundai representatives are bringing an interpreter with them, never count on the other guys' interpreter. Have your own.
In terms of customs, etc. You could fill a library with the books that have been written. She may want to invest in one before the meeting Tuesday. But really, she should talk to a business consultant. Google "Japanese business consultant interpretation" and the name of the city you live in and she should find someone.
This is important. I used to work for a company that did exactly this work, and have done this kind of consultation. I cannot tell you how many companies contacted us AFTER the meeting they had with the Japanese only to find out that spending a couple hundred dollars on consultation to make sure they did things right could have ensured a contract worth millions of dollars. Often they are consulting to figure out what went wrong. Don't make the same mistake.
The answers she needs should not be solicited on an anonymous forum. They are found with a professional consultant and interpreter. It is the best investment they will make.
People may come here and say "bow" and "give your business card with two hands" but that kind of advice is only the tip of the tip of the iceberg.