way
best way to make a good first impression. Make sure it’s not a limp handshake, as more than 40 per cent of business people asked in an Australian School of Business survey said they would think less of someone professionally if they gave a weak handshake. Unlike in the US hugging is not acceptable unless you really know someone well. Once you are introduced, it’s time to exchange business cards; there is no ceremony involved in this, and no right or wrong way to hand over your card. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t offer you their card, they may simply not have one at the time; it is not a sign of disrespect.
Offering gifts is not part of
Australian business culture; however, should you be invited to someone’s private residence for dinner or drinks, it is polite to take either a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates, flowers or maybe a typical souvenir from your country.
HONOURIFICS Even the prime minister of Australia
is referred to by first name, so it is generally accepted to call any business associate by his or her first name, even if you haven’t met them before. But Musson cautions: “Jump right in with first names here unless meeting someone senior by age. It’s always a worthwhile exercise to check with your host or meeting organiser, how your guest or host likes to be referred.” In Australia, you treat everybody as an equal. You respect your boss, but you speak to him as an equal, as you do to your colleagues and new would-be business contacts.
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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 41
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