Asia learn to say; “no…”.

Asia is notorious for its bad manners seen from a Western point of view. Burping in public seems to be normal. Picking the noise deeply in front of other people or even in a restaurant seems to be daily practice in Asia. Scratching the backside while in public places is no exception. And spitting while people sit or walk is a regular seen habit.

Some countries are getting better and better, but some habits are imbedded in ancient old cultures and no one seems to care or worry about them anymore. But when arriving from the west, some of these old habits are part of the culture shock. Asians are adapting to western lifestyles and most countries are slowly changing and understanding that not everything they see as normal, is very polite to others.

There is another type of rudeness. A rudeness which is unprofessional, does not help trade, friendships or the community. And it’s the habit of not being able to say: “no”.

Asian public lives from excuse to excuse. They make up one excuse to cover the previous one. So called white lies are daily practice. No matter in which country you are around the Asian continent it’s everywhere the same protocol.

Coming on Time for Appointments

Coming on time at a preset appointment is professional. Coming late is normally accepted in Asia, however it hampers business growth, and from the person being on time point of view is rude. When one comes late for an appointment, no matter what the excuse might be, you are using someone else his/her time. Time, which is as valuable as your own time. Better to leave a message or call to let the other person know that you are not able to meet at the set time. Even more important to let the other party know, when you will arrive. That is more important than the excuse you have made up. The excuse only serves a peace of mind deal for person making it, and does not serve the other party. You were late, that’s the bottom line and respect is lost because of that. Learn to say; “no, I am sorry I can not be on time today”. Honesty is often the best advise, and will be more respected then excuses like, hospitals, accidents, weddings, sickness and the weather.

No message for cancellation

As a business man, one books his appointments well in time to make the business grow and try to book as many appointments in the day, taking in consideration, travel times, lunch and coffee breaks. But booking the appointment list too full, puts you under stress from the moment you look at your schedule. Better is to have lesser appointments on the day, and have the freedom to travel, have lunch leisurely. Able to get to your appointments on time, and you might even have time to prepare your meeting better, and visualize the appointment and the objectives. Being relaxed sells more products. If you really can not make it, no problem, but cancel well in advance so you are not wasting the other parties time and you can be professional about a reschedule of your planned appointment. Learn to say; “no, I am sorry I can not make our appointment today, let’s reschedule for next week”.

Saying yes, but meaning no

Often we walk out of a meeting and both parties agree to contact in a few days.

How rude is it to not answer that expected call? Often calls are not answered when the other party already decided not to go ahead with the agreement. More professional would be that you either answer the call and just say “no, I am sorry we are not interested”. Not picking up a phone call is very unprofessional and rude. Learn to say; “no, we do not take you up on your offer”.

Communication is the key to every business deal. It makes live easier, more pleasant and reduces stress. An open communication will leave the door open for future contacts. You never know when your contact might become important in the very near future.

Asia, learn to say: “no”, and make your business grow.