At Swiss School of Business and Management Geneva (SSBM), we believe in preparing our students to thrive in a globalized business world. The Intro to Sales and CRM course, led by Dr. Olesya Meskina, is an essential part of this preparation. In a recent session, the focus was on business etiquette and cultural traditions, critical elements for building successful relationships in today’s diverse and interconnected marketplace.
Exploring Cultural Nuances in Business Practices
During this insightful session, students had the opportunity to dive deep into the importance of understanding business etiquette and negotiation practices across cultures. Dr. Meskina guided the class in exploring how cultural and tradition-based practices shape business interactions, emphasizing the role of these nuances in successful negotiations and long-term business relationships.
The class discussed best practices for conducting meetings, building rapport, and negotiating deals while being mindful of the values, communication styles, and customs specific to different cultures. This knowledge is key for fostering meaningful relationships with clients and partners from around the world.
Student Presentations: A Global Exchange of Ideas
The highlight of the session was the student presentations, were participants, hailing from various countries, shared insights into business practices from their own cultural backgrounds. This collaborative exercise not only showcased the diverse experiences within the class but also underscored the importance of cultural competence in today’s global business environment.
Presentations covered a broad range of countries and regions, including:
- Nepal
- Azerbaijan
- Portugal
- Ukraine
- Morocco
- Uganda
- Spain
- The Caribbean Islands
Each student highlighted the key business etiquette, negotiation strategies, and customs that are prevalent in their respective cultures. For example, students discussed how negotiations in Nepal may emphasize building trust through informal conversations, while in Spain, it may be more formal and driven by clear decision-making processes. These presentations sparked fascinating discussions on how such practices impact business dealings and the importance of adapting one’s approach when working internationally.
The Importance of Cultural Awareness in CRM
Building strong customer relationships is at the core of the Intro to Sales and CRM course, and understanding the cultural differences that influence CRM strategies is crucial for success. The session underscored how businesses can use this knowledge to tailor their approaches when managing customer expectations, addressing concerns, and offering personalized services that resonate with clients from different cultural backgrounds.
By acknowledging and respecting cultural practices, businesses can create more effective, long-lasting relationships with partners and clients, ensuring smoother negotiations and stronger trust.
Preparing for a Global Business Environment
This session served as a valuable reminder of the complexities and rewards of working in a global business environment. Dr. Meskina’s approach to teaching students about cultural sensitivity equips them with the skills needed to navigate cross-cultural communication and negotiation with ease. The ability to adapt to diverse business etiquette practices and recognize cultural values will serve SSBM students well as they embark on their careers in international business, marketing, sales, and customer relations.
