“Culture is like gravity: you do not experience it until you jump six feet into the air,” Trompenaars and Hampden-Turner… Read more "Annoying Habits most Germans would find normal"
Seven Ways to sabotage your Trade Fair Success
Let’s have a look at a couple of do’s and don’ts first-time exhibitors might not be aware of. In my article, I also explain how neglecting the local (in my example: German) business etiquette can tamper with achieving your trade fair goals. Read more "Seven Ways to sabotage your Trade Fair Success"
German Trade Fairs: Five Questions Newcomers typically ask
International business people who are still contemplating whether they should give trade fair participation in Germany a try often ask the following questions when deciding whether to exhibit at a trade show (or not). Read more "German Trade Fairs: Five Questions Newcomers typically ask"
How to build Trust in a Business Relationship
In many cultures, people would especially (or only) trust their friends and family and may consider people in their extended network – that is, friends of friends of friends – especially trustworthy. That is not (so much) the case in Germany. Read what to preferably do in the first stages of trying to build rapport with a (mainstream) decision maker. Read more "How to build Trust in a Business Relationship"
Your German Client is “afraid to meet you”? Better adapt your Language!
A German tells you he or she is afraid to meet you? Hopefully, we are just facing some language problem. Because, even if the Germans you are talking to speak English at some advanced level, be aware that there is still plenty of room for linguistic misunderstanding. Read more "Your German Client is “afraid to meet you”? Better adapt your Language!"
“Verbände”: A Shortcut for Expanding your Business Network in Germany
Trade associations are always a good starting point when you like to do business in Germany. Read more "“Verbände”: A Shortcut for Expanding your Business Network in Germany"
Virtual Meetings with Germans: How to look good in Skype Calls and the like
You have scheduled a virtual meeting with Germans? Here is some expert advice on how to handle Skype calls, WebEx meetings, and so on. Read more "Virtual Meetings with Germans: How to look good in Skype Calls and the like"
How to make Conversation with Germans, when there is not even a proper German Word for “Small Talk”?!
Silence is golden? A few thoughts on how to handle the small talk part when meeting with Germans. Read more "How to make Conversation with Germans, when there is not even a proper German Word for “Small Talk”?!"
Where to search for potential Business Partners and Buyers in Germany
If you are looking for buyers and potential business partners in Germany, do not (only) search for them in the bigger cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne (Köln) or Frankfurt. Read more "Where to search for potential Business Partners and Buyers in Germany"
Looking at Germany, do not underestimate Regional Differences
Regional differences in Germany are pretty drastic and should be taken into account when trying to do business in Germany. Read more "Looking at Germany, do not underestimate Regional Differences"