If you want to be successful in a meeting in Australia, you should know what makes people tick down under. Unlike in China, for example, in Australia you can get straight to the point when doing business, as long as you use the usual polite phrases. Aussies don't beat around the bush. The TUBIE ironing machine team reports on what else you should know here:
The welcome:
In Australia, people greet each other with a handshake and a short "Hi" or "Hello". This is followed by the obligatory "How are you?" and a short polite exchange of words. People first introduce themselves with their first and last names, but after a short back and forth they address each other by their first names. Titles are ignored Down Under and do not belong on business cards.
Communication and negotiations:
As Australians always like to get straight to the point, small talk is also quite short and to the point. Although Aussies are quite direct, the tone of the meeting is relaxed and humour still plays an important role. You can express your own opinion, but don't be a know-it-all. Always be polite and say "please" and "thank you" one too many times rather than too few.
Punctuality:
Punctuality plays an important role in Australia, just as it does here in Germany. Please adhere to this and do not keep your counterpart waiting, as this is impolite.
Business Outfit:
A suit and tie or costume is also the right way to go to an appointment in Australia, and you are welcome to take off your jacket or blazer in hot weather.
Business lunch and after-work beer:
In the restaurant, wait until everything has been served before eating. If the food was satisfactory, a 10% tip is appropriate. The bill is usually shared with colleagues unless one is explicitly considered the host. In Australia, due to the strict handling of liquor licences, it is not uncommon to bring your own alcoholic beverages and consume them in the restaurant. So don't be surprised if your business partner brings his or her own bottle of wine.
When both business partners know each other better, you will probably be invited to a barbecue, because Australians love such barbecues and mix private and professional matters more than we do in Germany. But don't forget to bring a hostess gift, a bottle of wine or a few bottles of beer should be included. If you don't bring anything at all, you will quickly be seen as stingy.
If you're heading to the pub after business, remember that someone should always bring a round of beers for everyone, according to the motto "one for all, all for one".
Good luck in Australia - your TUBIE Ironing Machine and Ironing Doll Team.
Sources:
http://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/karriere/a-575764.html
Photo:
Pixabay