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Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands: Cultural Etiquette in Sales and Marketing

Shaun Nelson

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Published in Kiss Bow Or Shake Hands Sales And Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide From Presentations And Promotions To Communicating And Closing

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In today's interconnected world, it is more important than ever to be aware of cultural etiquette in sales and marketing. When interacting with clients and colleagues from different cultures, it is essential to understand their customs and practices to avoid misunderstandings and build strong relationships.

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

by Terri Morrison

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
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This article will provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and navigating cultural etiquette in sales and marketing. We will cover topics such as greetings, handshakes, and other non-verbal cues. By understanding and respecting the cultural nuances of different countries, you can increase your chances of success in global business.

Greetings

The way people greet each other can vary greatly from culture to culture. In some cultures, it is common to shake hands, while in others it is more appropriate to bow or kiss on the cheek. It is important to research the customs of the country you are visiting before meeting with clients or colleagues.

Handshake: The handshake is a common greeting in many Western cultures. However, it is important to note that the strength and duration of the handshake can vary from culture to culture. In some cultures, a firm handshake is seen as a sign of respect, while in others it may be seen as aggressive.
Bow: The bow is a common greeting in many Asian cultures. There are different types of bows, each with its own meaning. The most common type of bow is the "90-degree bow," which is used to show respect to elders or superiors.
Kiss on the cheek: The kiss on the cheek is a common greeting in many European cultures. However, it is important to note that the number of kisses and the side of the cheek that is kissed can vary from country to country.

Handshakes

The handshake is a common gesture of greeting and farewell in many cultures. However, there are some important cultural variations to be aware of.

Strength: The strength of the handshake can vary from culture to culture. In some cultures, a firm handshake is seen as a sign of respect, while in others it may be seen as aggressive.
Duration: The duration of the handshake can also vary from culture to culture. In some cultures, a long handshake is seen as a sign of warmth and friendship, while in others it may be seen as uncomfortable or awkward.
Eye contact: Eye contact is an important part of the handshake in many cultures. It is a sign of respect and sincerity.

Other Non-Verbal Cues

In addition to greetings and handshakes, there are a number of other non-verbal cues that can vary from culture to culture. These include:

Body language: Body language can communicate a lot about a person's thoughts and feelings. It is important to be aware of the body language of the people you are interacting with, as it can give you insights into their culture and their intentions.
Facial expressions: Facial expressions can also communicate a lot about a person's thoughts and feelings. It is important to be aware of the facial expressions of the people you are interacting with, as they can give you insights into their culture and their intentions.
Personal space: The amount of personal space that people need can vary from culture to culture. It is important to be aware of the personal space of the people you are interacting with, as it can make them feel uncomfortable if you get too close.

Cultural etiquette is an important part of sales and marketing. By understanding and respecting the cultural nuances of different countries, you can increase your chances of success in global business. By taking the time to learn about the customs and practices of the people you are interacting with, you can build strong relationships and achieve your sales and marketing goals.

Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

by Terri Morrison

4.4 out of 5