Page 30 - Business-8

Unit14

I’ll look into their business practices, on my
end. We don’t want our wires crossed again.

Ellen: I don’t think we were able to successfully put our point across in the meeting.
May: It seems they were more interested in other things than our business proposition.

Ellen: It could be because we come from different cultures. We are used to going right down to
business even at lunch meetings.
May: Maybe we should have researched on how they conduct their meetings.

Ellen: Exactly!
May: We still have another chance. We were able to schedule another meeting with them.
Ellen: We should be more prepared the next time we meet.
May: I should have been sensitive to the language I used when presenting the ideas.
Ellen: Maybe, they are not used to going directly down to business at meetings.
May: I think so.
Ellen: Yeah, I guess we’re right with that perception.

May: Do you think we can still catch them next time?
Ellen: Don’t you worry, I’ll have it settled. We have to make sure to get their interest this time.
I’ll look into their business practices, on my end. We don’t want our wires crossed again.
May: You got a very bright point there, Ellen. I’ll also review our presentation. Once we are all
on the same page, then we’ll finally be able to discuss our business goals.
Ellen: You got it!

1. What should you keep in mind when meeting with people from different
cultures?

Sample answer:
Different cultures may have different business practices. For example, western culture
generally form superficial business relationships, more shallow and tend to substitute
relationship for written agreement; whereas eastern cultures’ business relationships
are generally hard to form and long lasting.

2. How would you ensure that you make a positive first impression on some-
one from another culture?

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