Take Away English-Doing Business 做生意
时间：2019-01-02 作者：英语课 分类：Take Away English
Are you shaking hands firmly?
China is the biggest market in the world, and many countries such as Germany, the USA, the UK and Russia do a lot of business there. Let’s have a look at some important tips to help you be successful with these nationalities.
Firstly, you must be punctual with Germans. Even 5 minutes late makes a bad impression. Being punctual is also very important in the USA. In the UK, it’s important to be punctual for business meetings, but nobody expects you to be on time for a social event. Half past seven really means quarter to eight, or even eight o’clock! With Russians, always be on time, but don’t be surprised if your Russian contact is very late! It is not unusual for them to be one or even two hours late!
In all four countries, it is best to dress formally and use dark colours. In Russia, designer clothes are very common. Don’t be surprised if you go to an office in the UK on a Friday and find everyone wearing jeans. Many companies have ‘dress down Friday’, when people wear casual 1 clothes.
In Germany, first names are only used with family members and close friends, so be prepared to use titles and last names. In the USA you will usually be invited to use first names almost immediately. The British are quite informal and using first names in business is more and more common, especially among younger people. In Russia, however, nobody uses first names, so use titles and last names.
In conversation, the British and the Americans value humour, and both like to talk about sport. The weather is also a good topic of conversation with the British, but avoid talking about politics. In Russia, say positive things about their country, but avoid making complaints. The Germans, however, prefer to get straight down to business!
Finally, when doing business in all countries make sure you have a lot of business cards. Remember that in Germany, once a deal has been agreed, you can’t change it! In the USA, money is more important than relationships, whereas 2 in Russia it’s important to get to know your contact well. Finally, don’t be surprised if a British meeting seems like chaos 3, with everybody participating and giving opinions!
So, use these tips, and you will be on your way to a successful international business career!
GLOSSARY 词汇表
market
市场
punctual
准时的
contact
联系；联系人
designer clothes
名牌服装
titiles
职称；官衔
humour
幽默
complaints
抱怨
business cards
商（业）务名片
chaos
混乱
tips
技巧
makes a bad impression
留下不佳印象
formally
正式的
casual
休闲的
informal
随便的；非正式的
avoid
回避
get straight down to business
开门见山谈生意
deal
合同
career
事业
- He earns a living by casual labour.他靠做临时工为生。
- The guests wore casual clothes.客人们穿着便服。
- They want a house,whereas we would rather live in a flat.他们想要一座房子，而我们宁愿住在一套房间里。
- Some praise him,whereas others condemn him.有些人赞扬他，而有些人谴责他。