Coffee, hygiene and the etiquette of exporting

Sep 10 2009 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

BLOWING your nose in Japan, pointing your finger at a Columbian or arriving on time to a Paraguayan party are all social no-nos which could scupper your attempts to win business overseas.

While taking your company on a global adventure can prove lucrative, the process is also fraught with danger. Each market has its own set of rules which, if broken, can severely offset your plans to take over the world.

In Saudi Arabia, for example, if you eat your food with the wrong hand your levels of hygiene may be deemed seriously questionable.

In China, your choice of seat in a boardroom could land you in hot water for disrespecting your superiors.

As part of our Go Global campaign with North East Chamber of Commerce, we sought some etiquette tips from North East businesspeople.

Page 2: Hand it to the Saudis