Culture and communication when importing

I would like to talk with you about culture and communication when importing. As some of you may have experienced Yes can mean No and Maybe can mean no way.

There are so many factors in play when dealing with people in another country with different experiences and native languages. With a little understanding and a lot of patience I am confident you can succeed in improving communications with your suppliers.

Read on about Language, Culture, Negotiating and our top five tips to good communicating in Asia from the team at JOLT Consulting www.joltconsulting.com.au

1. Language tricks – spoken and written as learned by our buying agents
You may be surprised to know that many people in factories in Asia can read and write English very well, but can hardly speak a word. This may seem amazing but it is true, I have personal experience of this in Japan and China particularly. How many times I have hung up on someone thinking I had the wrong number I cannot tell you.

2. Culture and influence on business dealings and daily life as experienced by JOLT Consulting importing experts
Culture in Asia is so different to Australia. In China a key point is to never directly criticise someone in a personal way. For example “You made the mistake it is your fault”. This will be greeted with silence and very bad service for sometime after.

3. Negotiating in Asia – win win methods from JOLT
Doing a deal in Asia is quite different again to Australia. I have heard stories of buyers in Australia going to factories and bargaining the price on the spot on the first meeting. Horrified suppliers desperately try to change the subject or suggest an early lunch.

JOLT consulting importing and Top five tips!

i) Use plain simple English – no three part sentences with double negatives!

ii) Use diagrams, dimensions, illustrations over text and detailed instructions

iii) Keep it professional, do not make it personal when mistakes happen

iv) Do a little research on the basic cultural differences of the country of your supplier

v) Build a relationship with your supplier, be friendly, bargain when you place the order and not before

If all this is too much, take it slow, read a few books about the country of your supplier or google for local information. Changing suppliers is a costly exercise. Cultural differences is what makes the world an exciting place so embrace them and enjoy the challenge of working with people with different experiences and languages.

Article Source: http://www.therepozitory.com.au

Do not pay Australian manufacturing prices - do it offshore and save and keep the profit for yourself not your supplier. Let me teach you how to import safely and profit! You can do it! The Import Coach (1st hour free, cheap hourly rate, let us add value ! Jackie Mikami Mobile: 0449 905 337 Tel 1800706230 JOLT Consulting (import experts here to help you - no minimums - hourly rate) Download your guide to super success in small business for women and mums at www.joltconsulting.com.au

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