Peralta Associates
people skills for a global economy

Tip #1 Internationalize marketing materials.
Use clear and simple English, avoiding abbreviations, jargon, double negatives, hyperbole, and slang. Spell out dates (i.e. March 10,2002 rather than 3/10/02), use military time (i.e.0800 for 8:00 a.m.), and specify time zones (e.g. U.S. Eastern Standard Time). Use metric measurements (kilometers in addition to miles) and specify prices as being in US dollars (USD).

Tip #2 Be careful with graphic design.
Colors, numbers, and images that appeal to U.S. audiences may have different meanings in other countries. Many Asians consider red lucky and white associated with death. In the Middle East, anything that resembles a Christian symbol, such as a cross, may be considered offensive.

Tip #3 Remember to include family names and titles on all correspondence.
Ranks, titles, and family names are considered important in many cultural settings. Address participants with their titles (e.g. Dr. Rodriguez, Professor Chang, Madam LeBlanc) and avoid the use of first names until given permission.

Tip #4 Include affiliations on name tags and other identifying documents.
In more group-oriented cultures, such as Latin America, Africa, and Asia, organizational affiliation may precede names in formal introductions.

Tip #5 Prepare an agenda with extra time.
Build in extra relaxation time for jet lag and adjustment to climate and surroundings. Participants from group-oriented cultures may prefer group tours and activities during free time periods rather than individual pursuits.

Tip #6 Go the extra mile to make people feel welcome.
Provide a hospitality room or desk for international visitors with multilingual volunteers, familiar foods, and translated materials.heck out the familiarity and appropriateness of in-room welcoming gifts such as candy or fruit baskets.

Tip #7 Check menus carefully.
Chicken or fish with a vegetarian option are usually the safest options for main courses. However, dietary observances prohibiting alcohol, shellfish, or meat products may affect dinner items such as appetizers, sauces, and desserts.

Tip #8 Prepare gifts in advance.
In many cultures, gift giving is a ritual and delegations may bring gifts. Safe gifts include corporate luxury items, beautifully wrapped, that are easy to transport, and regional coffee table books. Delegation leaders may require higher status gifts than the rest of the group. Many cultures do not unwrap gifts in the giver's presence.

Tip #9 Encourage participation through seating arrangements.
Group participants across cultures to stimulate exchange and facilitate conversations on mutual topics of interest. Encourage paired conversations so that participants with weaker English language skills will have opportunities to share and contribute.

Tip #10 Don't be afraid to ask.
Cultivate cultural informants among your clients and coworkers who can offer suggestions and review materials. Ask travel agents, conference planners. and hotel staff who have experience with diverse cultural groups for "best practice" ideas.