for your German business

tips

1Direct communicationThis is hugh. If you can manage a clear and direct communication style this will be appreciated a lot. You can built trust, respect and communicate at eye level. Some Asian countries for examples dislike saying „no“, conducting long and indirect conversations to avoid the word. German businessmen appreciate clarity and often don‘t get the point or the hint you like to give. To avoid misunderstanding try to be clear and if necessary also use the word „no“- your business-partner will appreciate, feel comfortable doing business with you. Where people from your own continent understand what you like to tell- Germans might just not understand- because their communi-cation patterns are different. For German a „no“ is just seen as a normal part of a discussion.

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boundaries 2Business boundariesGerman people often have a clearer boundary between business and personal relationships. They feel comfortable with short-term relationships in business settings. As they feel that relationships are trans-actional. Germans rather have a low context culture, Asians often appreciate high context interactions in business. German businesspeople meet business partner often only during working days. They mostly won‘t meet a business partner at the weekend. When your ways part for what every reason you might not hear from them again. Built relationships and beside this be aware that business will increase for best product/price/service and is less driven by emotions or relationships.

lesshierarchy 3

Doing Business in Germany is basically not very much different than anywhere else.Also if you'd make 'mistakes' this would not cause mayor harm. But being able to connect with your customer in a smooth way, make them feel comfortable with you. If you are in the position to make transparent and put the statement that you know - will give you advantages in the long run to adopt a little to the German ways of do's and don'ts. 9

German culture defined

Less hierarchyUnlike some Asian countries hierarchical organisations become less hierarchical in Germany - very much in our fashion/textile branch. Teamwork and considering all members of one organisation as important factors for the total success in business for the best of all people are more and more common sense. Less focus on hierarchy. German people don‘t feel a difference between men and women in business context. Try to treat the German teams all with same respect no matter what title, status, age, gender. When you feel you don‘t receive the respect you do get from your own community from German customers, please keep in mind that it‘s often not meant to be impolite.

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FREE COPY

4Strategy firstBefore getting into business relationships or starting a deal European people need precise and specific information, leaving no room for any ambiguity or mis-communication. In Germany more than Asia people issue lengthy contracts, factoring every eventuality and plugging every loophole. Asian people place more faith on a persons word. This effects sometimes in a lack of strict legal contracts and documentation. This will not happen when working with German customers. The good thing? As all is clear from the beginning so you can rely on those points fixed from your side, too.There‘s advanced clarity for you. Maybe also less flexibility.

private bond 5Private bondFor several Asian countries family is a central point of existence. Some with large extended families. Where as in Germany people are more individualistic. They can hardly understand to live with 40 together with their parents and some Asian people feel Germans are stone-hearted sending parents to old-age homes. Try to be little cautious when asking very private quest-ions. Like family status, age, personal surrounding fields. German people tend to speak about their per-sonal situation only when they know you better. For some Asian countries it‘s accepted to take work-related calls on weekends or holidays, so is taking lengthy personal calls at work. In Germany people focus on their professional tasks only at work and leave all personal work for off-duty hours.

courtesy 6Vibrant courtesyGerman people behave differently in certain situations - based on their cultural background. More dominant body language, speaking loudly seem sometimes lack the sense for modesty, respect, diffidence. In some cases this can be interpreted as rude, unrestrained or can be little confusing for Asian people. Try to accept differences and be generous and understanding. German people do not focus so much on harmony between business partners as in Asia mainly. When receiving impolite, harsh and not kind words and gestures try to understand that this happens because they follow just a different way of communication pattern.

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TIMEcommitment

7Time commitment Culture plays a significant role in how time is perceived by a community.Most of the European countries view time as a commodity and take time commitments and deadlines serious. Even more does Germany.... If you want make successful business this is a hugh point to adress to. If you meet all schedules and deadlines - you will not be appreciated. It is just expected that you are and taken for granted. But if you don‘t it‘s having hugh negative influence. In some Asian countries people of higher rank make sometimes those of lower rank wait for them. Displaying their power in business relationships. In most Europe countries time is non-negotiable in business context.

8Full attentionYour full attention is meant to be a appreciative and respectful behaviour. For example to switch mobile off and not allow any disturbances while meeting your customer. Whenever you are together with your German customer, switch your mobile on silent mode. Spend your concentration and attention only on your business partner. Don‘t let it be disturbed by a ringing phone or a person stumbling into a meeting room with different purposes in mind than having issues with this particular customer who is with you at this moment. If you need to call back, please leave the room for this purpose. Do this whenever you are together with your client. Also in car, lobby, airport, dinner- no matter where. Once your customer is with you- try that he/she is having your full attention.

what to wear 9

Western wearWhen you decide what to wear please consider care-fully. As you and your customer are in fashion in-dustry - so you can be sure that your client will notice very well what you wear. Best suggestion is to look what your customer is wearing and select for the similar range. If he/she dresses very leisure in jeans & tee, please do the likewise. If he/she wears more formal - please do similar. Best choice are Western tailored garments- better than traditional clothing from your country. Customer will feel you understand their business when you dress like them. Otherwise your customer will not be able to connect with you as if you wear Western-type. Your aim is to built authority- your customer will get the impression you are on top of fashion that you are producing for European market.

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Hope this helps and gives you some inspiration... Thank you very much for reading and many thanks again for subscribing - you are great - and watch out for further content...

cheers from Germany,

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