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Behind the Scenes

Time is short, time is money – chop-chop!

Grüezi, Servus or Hallo? Greetings are not the only thing that differs across the German-speaking world. This is also evident in an interview with Philipp Muster, Director of the Swiss Shippers’ Council, and Hagen Pleile, Head of the BVL Competence Center Austrian Shippers’ Council, who shine a light on German culture.

“Chivalry is still appreciated”

“Chivalry is still appreciated”

The number of potential faux pas is not automatically dependant on how close your business partner’s home country is to yours. There are plenty of missteps that can be made in neighbouring Poland – whether it be toasting with the wrong phrase or choosing the wrong lavatory.

Cutting a “Bella Figura” with long socks

Cutting a “Bella Figura” with long socks

Italians enjoy a widespread reputation for their impeccable fashion sense. This also extends to professional spheres. As well as the right outfit, those wishing to do business there should come prepared with a healthy appetite and allow plenty of time.

Soft skills, not hard bargaining

Soft skills, not hard bargaining

Humour, a cool composure and tolerant attitude – and ditching any rigid negotiating strategies and principles – is the trusted formula for business travellers during their next UK meeting.

More differences than similarities

More differences than similarities

There are three key success factors for a business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium – some respect, history and English. It is equally important to differentiate and to remember there is no umbrella approach to the Dutch or Belgians.

A storm ahead for smugglers

A storm ahead for smugglers

Large European ports receive the widest range of shipped goods in containers, which are subsequently transported inland in Germany or other EU countries. However, it is not just goods like tablets, frozen pizza, jeans, auto parts and machine tools that are shipped. “The increase in the flow of goods to Europe has brought an increase in illegal goods being imported by sea. Drug smuggling is a particularly significant concern here,” says Yvonne Schamber, spokeswoman of the German Customs Administration.

More western than its neighbours

More western than its neighbours

As the crow flies, the two capitals Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are less than 800 kilometres apart. But in many senses, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are two separate worlds. This is also reflected in how people do business.

Saddling up

Saddling up

Horses are highly valued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – they are considered a true status symbol, making them popular as financial investments and as gifts for guests. Some Emirati horses could even stem from Bremen logistics company owner, Tim Oltmann, in future.

“A little flattery goes a long way”

“A little flattery goes a long way”

When taking a business trip to Singapore, you can expect an exciting melting pot of nationalities to accompany the international, state-of-the-art business sphere. This diversity is particularly challenging to navigate when finding a formula for success in dealings with business partners. One endeavour is paramount, however: mastering the fine balancing act between confidence and etiquette.

“A good rail link is particularly important”

“A good rail link is particularly important”

Interview with Dr Söhnke Maatsch, Research Associate at the Institute for Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) and Head of the Maritime Intelligence competence area on the subject of hinterland traffic.

Don’t be surprised, Mrs Müllerova!

Don’t be surprised, Mrs Müllerova!

When doing business in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, a lot of small talk and the exchange of pleasantries are the order of the day. Only afterwards should business matters be discussed. In the Czech Republic, it can happen that Mrs Müller quickly becomes Mrs Müllerova.

Always keeping a door open

Always keeping a door open

JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.

Watch out, similarity trap!

Watch out, similarity trap!

AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.

Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture

Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture

BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.

Familiar and  yet different

Familiar and yet different

INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.

Time is short, time is money – chop-chop!

Time is short, time is money – chop-chop!

Grüezi, Servus or Hallo? Greetings are not the only thing that differs across the German-speaking world. This is also evident in an interview with Philipp Muster, Director of the Swiss Shippers’ Council, and Hagen Pleile, Head of the BVL Competence Center Austrian Shippers’ Council, who shine a light on German culture.

“Chivalry is still appreciated”

“Chivalry is still appreciated”

The number of potential faux pas is not automatically dependant on how close your business partner’s home country is to yours. There are plenty of missteps that can be made in neighbouring Poland – whether it be toasting with the wrong phrase or choosing the wrong lavatory.

Cutting a “Bella Figura” with long socks

Cutting a “Bella Figura” with long socks

Italians enjoy a widespread reputation for their impeccable fashion sense. This also extends to professional spheres. As well as the right outfit, those wishing to do business there should come prepared with a healthy appetite and allow plenty of time.

Soft skills, not hard bargaining

Soft skills, not hard bargaining

Humour, a cool composure and tolerant attitude – and ditching any rigid negotiating strategies and principles – is the trusted formula for business travellers during their next UK meeting.

More differences than similarities

More differences than similarities

There are three key success factors for a business trip in the Netherlands and Belgium – some respect, history and English. It is equally important to differentiate and to remember there is no umbrella approach to the Dutch or Belgians.

A storm ahead for smugglers

A storm ahead for smugglers

Large European ports receive the widest range of shipped goods in containers, which are subsequently transported inland in Germany or other EU countries. However, it is not just goods like tablets, frozen pizza, jeans, auto parts and machine tools that are shipped. “The increase in the flow of goods to Europe has brought an increase in illegal goods being imported by sea. Drug smuggling is a particularly significant concern here,” says Yvonne Schamber, spokeswoman of the German Customs Administration.

More western than its neighbours

More western than its neighbours

As the crow flies, the two capitals Abu Dhabi and Riyadh are less than 800 kilometres apart. But in many senses, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia are two separate worlds. This is also reflected in how people do business.

Saddling up

Saddling up

Horses are highly valued in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – they are considered a true status symbol, making them popular as financial investments and as gifts for guests. Some Emirati horses could even stem from Bremen logistics company owner, Tim Oltmann, in future.

“A little flattery goes a long way”

“A little flattery goes a long way”

When taking a business trip to Singapore, you can expect an exciting melting pot of nationalities to accompany the international, state-of-the-art business sphere. This diversity is particularly challenging to navigate when finding a formula for success in dealings with business partners. One endeavour is paramount, however: mastering the fine balancing act between confidence and etiquette.

“A good rail link is particularly important”

“A good rail link is particularly important”

Interview with Dr Söhnke Maatsch, Research Associate at the Institute for Shipping Economics and Logistics (ISL) and Head of the Maritime Intelligence competence area on the subject of hinterland traffic.

Don’t be surprised, Mrs Müllerova!

Don’t be surprised, Mrs Müllerova!

When doing business in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary, a lot of small talk and the exchange of pleasantries are the order of the day. Only afterwards should business matters be discussed. In the Czech Republic, it can happen that Mrs Müller quickly becomes Mrs Müllerova.

Always keeping a door open

Always keeping a door open

JAPAN. Japan is considered the Prussia of Asia. Despite some similarities, there is no industrialised nation that is as different from Germany as Japan.

Watch out, similarity trap!

Watch out, similarity trap!

AUSTRIA. They are our direct neighbours and they speak almost the same language as we do. But anyone who thinks that they can transfer German ways of thinking and behaving onto business visits to Austria on a one-to-one basis may be in for a nasty surprise.

Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture

Don’t see things through the glasses of your own culture

BALTIC STATES. The culture in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania may be similar, but each country attaches great importance to its own independence. Business travellers are therefore best advised to avoid using the collective term Baltic States during their stay.

Familiar and  yet different

Familiar and yet different

INDIA. Many gestures, fewer words. In addition, a society characterised by religion and politeness, where it is welcomed to eat by hand. Anyone travelling to India should be prepared for a business culture that differs greatly from that of Europe.