business talk. If arranging a meeting someone you haven’t previously encountered, it is common to meet at their workplace’s reception area and then proceed offsite for a coffee or go to a meeting room. When in a venue, give your guest the seat with the better view, and if there is table service, a thoughtful host will ensure their guest orders first. Generally, the person making the invitation pays the bill, if discreetly. Appropriate drinks for the morning are: espresso coffee which will be ordered as a cappuccino (cap), flat white, latte, espresso, long black or macchiato; tea, or orange juice. Soft drinks are for teenagers and orange juice is only for the morning. Masson warns though: “If you are invited to lunch, it is likely there will be drinking (alcohol), often to excess. If you prefer not to drink, your hosts will respect that decision but may try to dissuade you as the lunch progresses.” An easy way to opt out is to order a glass of wine and just sip it slowly. If you are out in a bar or pub, each person is expected to “shout”, i.e. pay for a round of drinks in turn.
LANGUAGE IN
rooftops. People who work hard and work their way up the ladder are appreciated and acknowledged. If you are asked to give a presentation, don’t oversell your company and its achievements. Avoid hype or making exaggerated claims, as giving yourself superior airs is generally not appreciated.
PUNCTUALITY Despite their easygoing nature and
relaxed attitude, Australians have a very strong work ethic and value punctuality. Being tardy would make a very bad first impression, be it for a meeting, coffee, or dinner. Meetings are usually scheduled well in advance to accommodate everybody being able to make it – on time.
Visit
www.businesstraveller.asia DINING
During a business meeting, food and drink will almost always be included. These take the form of the meeting being held at a local coffee shop or restaurant, or within a meeting room at the office where refreshments will be offered. If you are out for a meal, expect to talk about business during the main meal or after, but take the lead from your host and don’t initiate the
MEETINGS You are likely to come across some colourful language and banter that may sound rude to you. Australians use self-deprecating humour and language as a diffuser in meetings, and often skip the small talk. That said, if it’s a first meeting, there might be a few words about the weather or, more likely, the football – especially Australian Rules football if you are in Melbourne. Preferring to get right down to business, Australians tend to be very direct, and don’t take long to negotiate or bargain over decisions. Despite the relaxed language you might encounter, don’t try and equal it, as this will most likely come across as awkward, but if you need clarification on anything, don’t hesitate to ask, directness is appreciated to forego misunderstandings. n
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015 43
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