Things you should know when doing business in a foreign country

In the comments section, please tell us something that a person would want to know when doing business in a certain country so as not to accidentally offend those you are trying to do business with or embarrass oneself. I had given an example in class, that in Middle Eastern countries it is considered rude to show the sole of your shoe.

I am an American and so I am most familiar with American customs, though most of them I probably follow without even realizing that people in other parts of the world do things differently. So here is my example of an American custom that people from other countries might want to take into account when negotiating business, though most Americans probably haven’t thought about it: When people talk to each other, they have a comfort zone, like a personal space. If you stand too far away, then one might think that you don’t like him or her. If you stand too close, they will feel uncomfortable and instinctively step back. One might even move back a bit without realizing it, and one might feel defensive without realizing it. The American comfort zone, safe talking distance, may be found as follows: Extend your right arm straight out in front of you and give the “thumbs-up” sign. Now turn your thumb so that it points left. Now imagine someone’s head situated just so that your thumb is in that other person’s ear. That is a safe talking distance for most Americans. Other cultures have different comfort zones. Latinos and Asians tend to stand a bit closer to those they are conversing with, for example.

Now it’s your turn. Leave your examples of “things you should know when doing business abroad” in the comments, and feel free to comment and expand upon others’ comments.