IntlMOVE when moving your business overseas

Many entrepreneurs that are moving overseas depend on IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) to ship their household goods and fragile personal belongings to their new country of residence.
International Movers are in high demand due to the increase in overseas moves during the past few decades, choosing the right company handle the move will provide you with peace of mind.
Planning an international move can mean a whirlwind of coordinating paperwork, boxes, packing, shipping and a whole slew of questions. 

IntlMOVE will coordinate all the details involved in your international move within your budget and reasonable time frame so you can relax. 
Let IntlMOVE take on the responsibility of shipping your personal belongings overseas so you can settle into your new home and begin your new international endeavor. 

International moves will provide you with new business opportunities, but there will also be many cultural differences you should prepare for when conducting business on foreign soil.
As the saying goes, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” 

Language and Customs
Learning the language of your new country of residence will not only make your life easier, it will also help earn the respect of potential employees and clients.
There are many different business practices throughout the world, so familiarizing yourself with the local culture will be a key to your success.
Even if your business associates speak English fluently, be aware that slang and body language can often be misinterpreted or misunderstood.

Learn about national holidays that are celebrated and what is to be expected during these days.
If you are planning to conduct business during Ramadan, Carnival or the Chinese New Year, you might be attending the meeting alone.
Each country has different dates when they shut down to recognize national or religious celebrations.
These days are often used to spend time with family, so business meetings will not be scheduled.

Body language and gestures can convey different meanings to different people throughout the world.
In some cultures, it is very offensive to show someone the sole of your foot, so you shouldn’t put your feet up on chairs or desks.
Giving someone a “thumbs up” sign can also prove to be extremely insulting.
Taking the time to research social norms will help you avoid embarrassment and unintentional misunderstandings.

Finding a Local Partner
One of the first items on your agenda should be to find a local partner you can trust.
This partner can help prepare you for cultural norms and expectations in the local business world.
No matter how much time you spend preparing, there will inevitably be surprises that catch you off guard.
Some countries’ laws, like the Philippines, don’t allow foreigners to own the majority of a business with the headquarters in their country.
Local business partners can also help you with local laws, which could help you save a lot of money.
There are some countries’ laws that allow new businesses to operate tax-free while the business gets of the ground.
Beyond local laws and regulations, local partners can help you navigate through other problem areas of their country.
For example, some countries also have a problem with local criminals who might prey on foreigners for payoffs.
A local partner can help you watch for warning signs or help you prepare for surprises.

Conducting Business in Asia
When conducting business in Asian countries, know what names to use.
For example, a person from Japan should be addressed by his surname, while a person from Thailand should be addressed by his given name.
Do the research to know how your associates should be addressed.
When in doubt, the safest and least confusing thing to do is ask how your associate would like to be addressed.
In most Asian countries, it is very important to be prompt to business meetings, but don’t expect to get down to business right away.
Meetings will begin with discussions about your families, hobbies and life.
Business is conducted when relationships have been established. 

In your interactions with Japanese businessmen, you will find that they rarely say no,
You must understand that if Japanese clients or associates say “yes,” they are usually communicating that they understand or agree.
They are not giving you permission to move forward with a contract or business decision. 
Long periods of silence are common in Japanese meetings while businessmen consider what is being presented.

In South Korea, dining and drinking together is common practice before conducting business meetings.
When conducting business in Singapore, you will notice the culture is very similar to British culture.

In Taiwan, businessmen are more straightforward than in other business cultures in Asia, but you can expect to still exchange polite conversations before conducting business.

Conducting Business in the Middle East
When conducting business in the Middle East, there may be many interruptions.
Don’t be surprised if the man in charge continues to conduct business with people coming in and out of the room.
This is not disrespectful, but it is the way business is done.
Many Middle Easterners will stop to pray during the business day.
Although Westerners are not expected to pray alongside their business counterparts, they should not show impatience or interrupt the ritual since prayer is a very important part of a practicing Muslim’s life.
If a businessman grabs your hand and holds on to it, consider yourself lucky.
This is a sign of friendship and it is common to see men holding hands while walking together.

Conducting Business in Europe
In England, when the business day is done you should not continue to talk business over drinks and dinner.
In Belgium, alternate kisses on the cheeks three times.
In France, business decisions take a lot of time so allow plenty of time and don’t be aggressive.
In Portugal and Spain, all business is shut down in the middle of the day, so make appointments in the morning or late afternoon.
There is a lot to learn if you want to move your business overseas, so research local laws and customs before making the move to prepare yourself as much as possible.

When you finally decide you are ready to move yourself, your family and your business overseas, let IntlMOVE (www.IntlMOVE.com) handle shipping your household goods  to your new home.