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Habits That May Alarm International Clients When On a Business Trip

limo service pittsburgh, pittsburgh limo , business tripAre you going to be entertaining international clients? Whether you're doing this on a business trip or locally, there are some gestures and habits you will want to avoid if you don't want to cause offense.

1. Gesturing or Eating With Your Left Hand

The "left hand" is considered rude in many cultures. Because most people are right hand dominant, the left hand is usually used for less than desirable tasks while the right hand is used for eating and socializing. If you're left handed, you may need to be especially cautious! To avoid causing any undue offense, you may want to practice completing some tasks, such as eating, with your right hand.

2. Tipping At Restaurants

Tipping doesn't always show appreciation. If you're in an Asian country, it may actually be considered offensive! When you tip in countries in which tipping is not customary, you're often sending out a sign that you believe the people you're tipping are poor. In many European countries, tipping isn't outright offensive, but it can be confusing and unwanted. Always check first! Even if tipping is customary in the location you're in, you may not know the proper amount to tip.

3. Pointing At People

In many eastern countries, it is considered impolite to ever point at people. If you need to gesture towards someone, use an open palm facing upwards; this gesture is almost universally accepted as being polite. Imagine a butler sweeping their arm out towards a person. Pointing at things rather than people, on the other hand, is just fine -- and animals are usually OK to point at. Interestingly, the sign for OK isn't OK -- but that's the next point.

4. "Harmless" Gestures

Here is a short list of innocuous gestures that can be as offensive as "the middle finger": the number two, the OK sign and a thumbs up. Many of the gestures that are used commonly in the states are not used at all in other countries and can even be offensive. To remain safe, use your words -- not your hands!

Try not to worry too much if you accidentally make a mistake. Most people are aware that these gestures are not universal; simply apologize and your client will likely be understanding -- just don't make a habit of it!

Posted on Aug 28 2014

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