I recently published a feature in the travel section of The Globe And Mail. It offers advice to business travelers heading to some of Canada's fastest-growing trading partners. Excerpt below, and full story is here.
Chinese patience and Norwegian punctuality
During his business travels, Sass Peress learned to always throw back his drink when a business associate in China said “
gambai” — bottoms up. “It is seen as rude and an expression of insincerity” to pass up the shot of strong spirits, he says.
Peress, the chief executive officer of ICP Solar Technologies in
Montreal, prepares for business trips that take him from Mexico to
China to South Korea by reading up on the culture, traditions and
business practices for each destination. “It endears you to your hosts
when you have made the effort, even though you may not get it right or
look the part,” he says. “The fact that you've made the effort will be
appreciated.”
A little forethought and research can accelerate the relationship and
save business travellers from an embarrassing faux pas. Peress
advocates being a close observer and mimic of your host's actions, but
it also helps to know ahead of time that you will be sharing drinking
glasses in Seoul, or to prepare for a four-cheek kiss after you sign a
big deal in Algiers.
Though the familiar U.S. remains our largest trading partner, these
five countries are among the largest, fastest-growing places for
Canadian trade. You could find yourself heading to one of them soon, so
here's your guide for making a valuable first impression...