If you’re not prepared to deal with the fact that we live and do business in a global marketplace, you might just as well get fitted out for a blue collar and find your spot on the assembly line. If you can find a spot on the assembly line, that is. These days, e-mail, Internet marketing, and teleconferencing are the order of the day. Still, there are times when we find ourselves facing the need to conduct business face to face, regardless of how global our business has become. And when you do, the best way to get there is via private jet charter.
Traveling by private jet charter offers several advantages when doing business internationally, including:
- Speed. Sometimes time is money. Getting there first can make the difference between putting the deal to bed and putting it on ice. Using a private jet means that you are not on the major airlines’ schedule.
- Prestige. Let’s face it; there are certain parts of the world where it matters more than others. In some countries, arriving in a private jet lends you an appearance of prosperity which causes people to take you more seriously.
- Comfort. Business doesn’t stop just because you’re in the air. Flying on a private jet is more conducive to your comfort, which is especially important if you are transacting business while you are en route.
Of course, there are any number of things which are more important than how you arrive in another country. The most important thing for any international businessperson to remember is that other countries have cultures which are often very different from our own.
When doing business overseas, you can really give yourself a leg up by learning a little bit about the target country’s business culture. Simple things like knowing how they shake hands there (yes, it is different from one country to the next) to gift giving etiquette really make a difference in many business transactions.
In some cultures, it is important to know when to speak (and when not to). Speaking out of turn has blown many business deals, especially when dealing with Asian cultures.
Make it a point to learn at least the rudiments of the language of any country you will be doing business in. Don’t get us wrong, no one expects you to be fluent in Danish just because you have minor business dealings in Denmark. However, it says volumes about you if you at least put forth the effort to learn how to say hello, good bye, and thank you.
Remember that, in the end, all business is face to face. Even if your only contact is through e mail, you will improve your bottom line in international business if you make it your business to learn a little about the culture of those you have dealings with.
