Conducting business internationally is an exciting but essential part of lots of different industries. You may need to travel to set up a new supply chain or to meet distributors.
Whatever your reason, there are ways to prepare effectively for meetings abroad – you could even do some preparation work on the plane if it is a longer flight! Here are some tips to help you prepare thoroughly for your meetings.
Research your destination
The world is made up of lots of different cultures and customs, therefore you should be aware of any differences before you touchdown.
Take some time to delve into local customs. For example, handshakes may be seen as rude or strange, whereas bowing is the norm. By being able to create a good impression and be respectful, business meetings will go smoothly, and relationships will be formed.
Organise travel documents and compliance
As with any trip abroad, make sure you have your documentation in order well before you travel. Passports are a necessity for all international travel, and there are new rules surrounding expiry dates if you are travelling to certain European countries.
You may also need a business visa for your stay as well, so check whether you can organise this in advance or whether it needs to be done at the airport.
Plan your itinerary and logistics
Travelling for business can often feel chaotic and rushed, so proper planning can alleviate this.
It is often the smaller details that are overlooked when planning. Remember to book transfers from the airport as well as to and from your meeting. Relying on public transport can be risky, especially if it is a system you are not familiar with.
Meeting details are crucial too. Ensure you have the correct address before you head to the meeting as well as contact details for the venue as well as the people you are meeting. Being able to communicate you are lost or running late will prevent any unintentional offence.
Prepare for effective communication
Language barriers can be challenging to navigate, but modern technology does have ways to help you communicate with others.
The traditional choice is to hire an interpreter who can facilitate conversation. However, you run the risk of delays, illness or human error. That being said, translators can often interpret slang words or local nuances which is incredibly helpful.
Translation apps are your other choice. These are a lot cheaper than hiring an interpreter, but they do leave more room for error. Apps are less likely to be able to translate local dialects or slang phrases, leaving room for ambiguity which you don’t want in business.
Manage expenses with prepaid business cards
Reconciling expense reports once your trip is over can take a lot of time and effort. Utilising products such as prepaid business cards can help to minimise the time spent on these tasks. You can manage the amount loaded on them before you leave, as well as monitor what spending is being done.
From a safety perspective, not carrying cash around reduces your chances of being targeted by street criminals.
