As a Chinese Associate of Xport, it’s really nice to hear all the recent commercial developments between China and Finland. It’s also my pleasure to share my perspective about tourism to Finland from China.
Cultural differences
Do you lack confidence when negotiating with people from different cultures?
Misunderstandings in business can be minimized by having knowledge about other cultures. Attending meetings with a native of that country on your team should give you confidence and minimize the opportunity for mistakes. We could also help you to draft emails during purchasing / selling negotiations, mediate on international phone calls and any other non Finnish communications.
For more information, contact us.
Chinese Expertise in Pohjanmaa
Meet Chinese Xport Associates Winnie and Jane.
As interest grows in the opportunities offered by China, take a moment to see if Xport’s two Chinese Associates have the skills you need in your company. There is demand in China for food that is manufactured in the ‘clean, Nordic’ environment, there are also opportunities for exporting Finnish education by bringing Chinese students to Finland. Also consider if you could source parts for your products in China, making your product more price-competitive. Meet Jane and Winnie
GUEST BLOG POST: COMMON MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT DOING BUSINESS WITH AMERICANS
Katarina Holm-DiDio, President and Founder of KHD Consulting International based in New Jersey USA.
Katarina grew up in Kokkola, moved to the US in her youth and now works with expatriates moving to the US and those in business working with Americans and with global careers.
As a Finn who has lived in the US for 17 years and who works with expats and global staff of multinational organizations, I help clients navigate the world of work and business across cultures. Our exploration of cultures begins with naming common stereotypes and then putting them aside to explore a deeper understanding of the local culture.
Here are a couple of what I call cultural misunderstandings about Americans.
#1 Americans are mainly motivated by money and love to talk about how much money they make
You might recall the quote ‘Show me the Money’ from the movie, Jerry McGuire (1996). The quote has come to symbolize the negative stereotypes of Americans valuing money and consumerism, especially now as we hear stories of “Black Friday Mayhem” when people literally kill each other for a good deal during the holidays. These extreme behaviors and cultural exaggerations make for excellent entertainment.
GUEST BLOG POST: ONKO OK OLLA SUOMALAINEN MAAILMALLA?
Maria Hanhisalo, Toimitusjohtaja, VM Carpet
Guest blogger: Maria Hanhisalo, Toimitusjohtaja, VM-Carpet Oy
Me suomalaiset olemme mielenkiintoista kansaa. Toisaalta meillä on uhon sekainen kuvitelma omasta erinomaisuudestamme verrattuna muihin kansoihin ja toisaalta heikko itsetunto estää meitä tuomassa esille oikeaa osaamistamme ja vahvuuksiamme rohkeasti. Nämä aikaansaavat ongelmia erityisesti, kun pyritään kasvattamaan vientiä.
GUEST BLOG POST: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN BUSINESS BETWEEN BRITS & FINNS
Guest Blogger: Martin Williams
Martin Williams has been working with foreign companies in the UK for over 30 years. His company European Business Solutions (EBS), which provides administrative and operational support to businesses setting up in the UK, has helped over 600 businesses to successfully grow in the British market. EBS is also a founding partner of UK Market Access Program, working in cooperation with University of Warwick Science Park and UK Trade and Investment.
Many Nordic people visiting the UK for business underestimate some of the small differences between the commercial cultures. I have been working exclusively with foreign-owned companies setting up in and trading with the UK for over 20 years, and have considerable experience with all the Nordic and Baltic countries. Whilst any differences may appear small at first, an understanding of these things can make all the difference between a profitable outcome, and a poor one.
XPORTblog 