Communication In The Modern Business World

Communication takes many forms from face to face to more advanced methods like modern mobile and cell phone technology. The key to successful communication within many businesses is having a good mix of communication methods including team briefings and meetings, emails, teleconferencing and more.

So with the need for businesses to find the best methods of communication for their company Two Way Radios are now being used to further enhance their communication mix. 2 Way Radio gives business a reliable, robust and portable way for their staff to stay in touch in many different circumstances. These radios can be used over a wide area and benefit from no call charges which often makes them far more appealing than other portable communication equipment like mobile or cell phones.

And because Two Way Radios like the Kenwood TK3201 which is available at http://www.apexradio.co.uk/product_info.php?id=61and Motorola XTN446 at http://www.apexradio.co.uk/product_info.php?id=104 are affordable, businesses of all types can benefit from using them. Some examples include security staff at licensed premises or sporting venues being able to keep in touch and alert colleagues to disturbances, queues and potential problems. They therefore aid not just communication but health and safety as well. Schools, colleges, nurseries and universities are also using 2 Way Radios for various members of staff to stay in touch. Teachers on field trips, caretakers, ground workers and teaching assistants whilst organizing sporting events can all now take advantage of the benefits that portable radios can bring. With features including long battery lives, panic alarms and license free communication.

Other businesses where the use of Two Way Radio has greatly enhanced their performance and ability to stay in touch include factories and retailers. The retail sector in particular find the radio technology extremely useful as it allows workers on the shop floor to easily communicate with the distribution team to check stock levels, deliveries and again as in other industries to report accidents and therefore enhance their health and safety practices. The retail sector like many others is now extremely competitive so shops and retail outlets who want to enhance the service they provide customers can use two way radios to further differentiate them from their competitors.

Picture the scenario, you go into a shop and ask a member of staff if they have a particular item in stock. The member of staff disappears what seems like forever only to return with the news that the item is or is not in stock. Compare this to another retailer whose staff carry 2 way radios. You approach them and ask if an item is in stock. They immediately connect the stock room using their 2 way radio and within seconds you find out if the item you are after is available. This is just one of the ways that the retail industry is using two way radio but there are many others.

Communication in the business world is vital and modern 2 way radio can now be used by businesses of all types to make sure their staff and customers benefit.

By Mark Burdett

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International Business Etiquette

"To have respect for ourselves guides our morals; and to have a deference for others governs our manners." Lawrence Sterne, Irish novelist & satirist (1713 - 1768)

Etiquette, or good manners, is an important part of our day to day lives. Whether we realise it or not we are always subconsciously adhering to rules of etiquette. Much of the time these are unwritten; for example giving up your seat to a lady or elderly person, queuing for a bus in an orderly fashion according to who arrived first or simply saying "please" or "thank you". All are examples of etiquette; complex unwritten rules that reflect a culture’s values.

Etiquette accomplishes many tasks. However, the one noteworthy function that etiquette does perform is that it shows respect and deference to another. By doing so it maintains good interpersonal relationships. Ultimately, it could be argued, etiquette is about making sure that when people mix together there are rules of interaction in place that ensure their communication, transaction or whatever it may be goes smoothly.

We all now how we or others feel when a lack of etiquette is shown. If someone jumps the queue, does not thank you for holding the door open for them or forgets to shake your hand, we naturally feel disrespected and perturbed.

International Business Etiquette

Keeping the above points in mind, now consider the complexities of working on the international stage. Modern business is global and demands people travel to foreign countries and mix with foreign clients, colleagues or customers. Each one of those cultures will also have their own etiquette rules, many of them unwritten. When two or more different cultures mix, it is easy for small etiquette mistakes to be made that could have negative consequences. Just as you may have felt annoyed when a foreign businessman did not shake your hands upon greeting you, imagine how your Chinese client must have felt when you wrote on his business card or your Indian colleague reacted when you flatly rejected an offer of a meal. Sometimes, not understanding the etiquette of another culture means you show a lack of manners and as Lawrence Sterne said, a lack of deference. This can and does lead to soured relationships, lost deals and in the end poor business results. Anyone working on the international stage needs to understand international business etiquette.

International business etiquette manifests in many shapes and sizes. Throughout the world people from different cultures have varying etiquette rules around areas such as personal space, communication, gift giving, food, business meetings and much more. For those wanting to make a good impression and understanding of international business etiquette is crucial. By way of introducing some of the key areas within international business etiquette we shall look at the following common areas...

Business Card Etiquette:

When you exchange business cards (even if you exchange them) do you simply pass it over and forget about it? In many countries the business card has certain etiquette rules. For example in the Arab world you would never give or receive a business card with your left hand. In China and Japan you should try and use both hands to give and receive. In addition it is always good etiquette to examine the card and make a positive comment on it. Whereas in the UK it may be OK to sling the business card into a pocket, in many countries you should always treat it with much more respect such as storing it in a business card holder.

The Etiquette of Personal Space:

How close do you stand to people? Is it impolite to touch somebody? What about gender differences? In the Middle East you may get very touchy-feely with the men, yet one should never touch a woman. A slap on the back may be OK in Mexico but in China it is a serious no-no. Touch someone on the head in Thailand or Indonesia and you would have caused great insult. Without an appreciation of international business etiquette, these things would never be known.

The Etiquette of Gift Giving:

Many countries such as China and Japan have many etiquette rules surrounding the exchange of business gifts. International business etiquette allows you an insight into what to buy, how to give a gift, how to receive, whether to open in front of the giver and what gifts not to buy. Great examples of gifts to avoid are anything alcoholic in Muslim countries, anything with four of anything in Japan and clocks in China.

The Etiquette of Communication:

Some cultures like to talk loudly (US and Germany), some softly (India and China); some speak directly (Holland and Denmark) others indirectly (UK and Japan); some tolerate interrupting others while speaking (Brazil) others not (Canada); some are very blunt (Greece) and some very flowery (Middle East). All will believe the way they are communicating is fine, but when transferred into an international context this no longer applies. Without the right international business etiquette it is easy to offend.

By way of conclusion we can state that etiquette helps maintain good relations with people. When dealing with people from a shared culture, everyone knows the rules and there is not much to think about. Those that lack etiquette are branded as uncouth and rude. However, this is not the same when working on the international stage. Someone may very well come across as being rude through a lack of etiquette but this may be because in their culture that behaviour is normal. As a result international business etiquette is a key skill for those wanting to be successful when working abroad. Through a great appreciation and understanding of others’ cultures you build stronger and longer lasting business relationships.

By Neil Payne

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Doing Business in Denmark

For an international business person, doing business abroad brings with it cross cultural challenges. Knowledge of a country's business attitudes and etiquette is an important element in establishing a comfortable atmosphere and easing business proceedings.

This short guide to doing business in Denmark is offered as an introductory guide to some of the above mentioned areas such as business culture, etiquette and attitudes. It is not intended to summarise all ‘doing business tips’ nor meant to stereotype the Danes. Rather, it highlights some important key areas for consideration when doing business in Denmark.

Meeting & Greeting Etiquette

Upon meeting people in Denmark shake hands. This is also the case when departing. It is perfectly acceptable to shake hands with women. When doing business there you will notice people rise when seated to greet people. The expression ‘heij’ (pronounced ‘hi’) is used when greeting and departing. Naming conventions in business are similar to the US and UK; first name followed by surname.

Danes like to leave space between themselves when interacting. When doing business in Denmark, be aware of other’s personal space and try not to be too tactile.

Dress Etiquette

When doing business in Denmark, try and dress in a polished yet unassuming way. Despite a high standard of living, ostentation is frowned upon. Men should wear suits with white shirts, ties and polished shoes. Women should wear stylish yet modestly cut suits.

Meetings and Negotiations

If you are planning on doing business in Denmark then make an appointment at least two weeks in advance. Avoid the months of July and August as most businesses will run on skeleton staff due to the number of long holidays taken at this time of year.

Punctuality is important in Denmark. It is expected for all business and social engagements. If you are running late ensure you telephone and offer a valid reason.

Send an agenda prior to any meeting. At the beginning of meetings small talk is brief and courteous. You will notice when doing business in Denmark that the Danes are reasonably relaxed, informal and tolerant yet expect professional standards of behaviour. Being good humoured is acceptable but being humorous should be kept to a minimum. The Danes are very direct and frank communicators which is perceived in Denmark as a sign of sincerity and honesty.

If you are doing business in Denmark which involves negotiations, come well prepared. The Danes are meticulous when it comes to analysing information and proposals. Bring a wealth of information in written form for your Danish counterpart to examine. Presentations should be factual and well-organised. Having the ‘gift of the gab’ will get you nowhere if it is not supported by logical, rational and proven evidence.

Doing Business in Denmark

The above examples point to a few areas one must take into consideration when doing business in Denmark. The Danes are a tolerant and open-minded society, so the chances are that any cross cultural gaffe will not have terrible consequences. Such tips are meant as a safety-net for those doing business in Denmark to help avoid misunderstandings and promote better communication.

By Neil Payne

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Doing Business in India

In such a richly diverse and complex country as India it is difficult to impart generic conclusions that can be used by those doing business there. Regionalism, religion, language and caste are all factors that need to be taken into account when doing business in India. Behaviour, etiquette and approach are all modified depending on whom you are addressing and the context in which they are being addressed.

However, most of those doing business in India will do so in cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Hyderabad and with a particular socio-economic class. This short guide to doing business in India will explore a few cultural facts and their influence on business culture and etiquette. These are in no way meant to be an all-inclusive summary on doing business in India but an introduction.

Language

Different states in India each have different official languages. Central government only recognises Hindi as the official language of India. However, when doing business in India, English is the language of international commerce.

Hierarchy

Of all the cultural influences that most impact Indian business culture, hierarchy plays a key role. With its roots in Hinduism and the caste system, Indian society operates within a framework of strict hierarchy that defines people’s roles, status and social order.

For example, within companies manual labour will only be carried out by the "peon" (roughly equivalent to a ‘runner’). It is not uncommon for the moving of a desk to take hours. This is because no-one in the office will carry out the task but the "peon", who, if otherwise engaged can not do so.

Meeting and Greeting

When doing business in India, meeting etiquette requires a handshake. However, Indians themselves use the namaste. This is where the palms are brought together at chest level with a slight bow of the head. Using the namaste is a sign of your understanding of Indian etiquette.

Names speak volumes about an Indian’s background. For example, a Singh will always be a Sikh. The suffix "-jee" ( as in Banerjee) is a sign of a high caste. "Kar" (as in Chandraskar) denotes that person is of Maharashtan high caste. Arabic sounding names will be used by Muslims.

When addressing an Indian whom you know personally, always use the appropriate formal title, whether Professor, Doctor, Mr, Mrs or if you do not know their names then Sir or Madam will suffice.

When doing business in India, business cards should be exchanged at the first meeting. It is a good idea to have it translated on one side into Hindi, more as a sign of respect as opposed to linguistic necessity. Be sure to receive and give with your right hand. Make sure the card is put away respectfully and not simply pushed into a trouser pocket.

Building Relationships

Doing business in India involves building relationships. Indians only deal favourably with those they know and trust - even at the expense of lucrative deals. It is vital that a good working relationship is founded with any prospective partner. This must take place on a business level, i.e. demonstrating strong business acumen, and at a personal level, i.e. relating to your partner and exhibiting the positive traits of trustworthiness and honour.

Meetings and Negotiations

Meetings should be arranged well in advance. This should be done in writing and confirmed by phone. Avoid meetings near or on national holidays such as Independence Day, Diwali or either of the two Eids. Avoid the heat by scheduling between October and March.

Punctuality is expected, although being 10 minutes late will not have disastrous consequences. Flexibility is paramount. Family responsibilities take precedence over business so last minute cancellations are possible when doing business.

When entering a meeting room you must always approach and greet the most senior figure first. Meetings should always commence with some conversation. This is part of the ‘getting to know you’ process. Favourable topics of conversation are the latest business news, the fortunes of the Bombay Stock Exchange or cricket. Avoid talking about personal matters and, if new to India, do not comment on matters such as the poverty or beggars.

If your business dealings in India involve negotiations, always bear in mind that they can be slow. If trust has not yet been established then concentrate efforts on building a rapport. Decisions are always made at the highest level. If the owner or Director of the company is not present, the chances are these are early stage negotiations.

Indians do not base their business decisions solely on statistics, empirical data and exciting PowerPoint presentations. They use intuition, feeling and faith to guide them. Always exercise patience, show good character and never exhibit frustration or anger.

When negotiating avoid high pressure tactics. Do not be confrontational or forceful. Criticisms and disagreements should be expressed only with the most diplomatic language. Indian society has an aversion to saying "no" as it is considered rude due to the possibility of causing disappointment or offense. Listen carefully to Indians’ responses to your questions. If terms such as "We’ll see", "I will try" or "possibly" are employed then the chances are that they are saying ‘no’.

Once terms have been agreed you will be expected to honour them. When negotiations end successfully continue the relationship building process with a celebration dinner.

Doing Business in India

The above examples of differences in culture, business practices and business etiquette show the advantages cross cultural awareness brings. By tailoring your behaviour and approach to doing business in India you maximise the potential of your visit.

By Neil Payne

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Business Etiquette and Business Writing

As objective as many of us like to feel that we may be, the fact is that even in business relationships, we still judge people by how they act, how they speak and how they write. Indeed, just because so many people in business behave clumsily, misspeak and often produce inferior written work, it does not mean that one should feel justified in skimping when it comes to developing these skills successfully. On the contrary, good business manners, articulate speech and well-written business correspondence can set a businessperson apart from the others - if only by way of contrast.

Even for the person who thinks that their knowledge of business etiquette and protocol is well beyond reproach, there is still as much to learn as there are awkward situations which can show just how tenuous a perceived grasp of such professional fluency can be. For example, one angry client or customer ranting and raving can send plans A through E of Business Etiquette 101 flying out the window to an ignominious death. Indeed, with the probability of such instances arising, it is far better to prepare a bit more thoroughly for such eventualities than to let a misbehaving antagonist make you a misbehaving protagonist. On the whole, when it comes to your job, your money and your future, any time spent learning proper manners, speech and conventions in writing can only help you in business.

And, fortunately, the well-behaved and impeccably eloquent business people of the English-speaking world have made their resources pertaining to exactly these issues available on the Internet for us all to learn from. Based on their own experiences, these writers offer some keen advice on these important conventions of business.

By Buzzle Staff and Agencies

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Meeting Etiquette

Etiquette is nothing but a set of rules which are accepted by the everyone, for the smooth functioning of the society. Proper etiquettes are expected in all of the social activities and interactions. Of course etiquette is different for every occasion. For example tea party etiquette will obviously be different from meeting etiquette. Formal etiquette is expected on both the occasions, however, there is quite a difference between those etiquettes. Let us take a look at meeting etiquette, starting from the silent dress code to posture.

Meeting Etiquette Rules

There can be different kinds of business meetings, like a formal meeting with the management or one with the colleagues, however the etiquette are almost for each formal meeting. This etiquette is something that everyone is aware of. Read more on formal etiquette rules.

Punctuality: It might sound cliché, but punctuality is one quality which needs to be followed throughout life. Punctuality is a crucial factor when it comes to formal meetings. In fact, you should not be on time, you should be present at the venue at least five minutes beforehand. Being late is not only considered rude but also reflects the nature of the person. If you do reach late due to some reason, go and sit on your place without disturbing the proceedings. If you are organizing the meeting, start it on time, irrespective of the attendance. Do not make the present members wait only because some members are late. Read more on workplace etiquette.

Dressing and Mannerism: You are supposed to dress for a meeting, so it has to be formal attire. Dress like a professional, T-shirts and jeans are out of a question when it comes to a meeting. There won't be any dress code mentioned, however, you are expected to dress in clean and neat clothes, also pay attention to your footwear. Make sure that your socks are not torn or have any holes, polish the shoes before the meeting. Talking about manners, keep your cell phone switched off during the meeting. If it is not possible to switch it off, keep it in your pocket, on silent. Do not keep it on the table as the vibration will disturb the meeting.

Listening attentively is also an important etiquette, if at any point you do not agree with the chair, wait for him to finish and then put forth your opinion in a modest tone. Every person present does get a chance to express his views, wait for your chance. Do not get aggressive for anything, it is considered rude and offending. Read more on workplace etiquette guidelines.

Be Prepared: All meetings generally have an agenda, you will get to know when you are supposed to participate in the meeting. Do not waste your and others people's time beating around the bush. Speak only about the concerned topic, in short and simple sentences. Do not go on talking as there are also other people who wish to talk, be precise and wrap your presentation within a certain time. Be prepared for questions that might be asked about the topic, if you cannot answer a certain query, honestly tell the person asking, do not give vague or rude answers. Also carry a pen, pencil, notepad, laptop etc. with you. Read more on business etiquette.

Summarization: When the meeting ends, summarize the meeting by giving a short account of the happenings in the meeting which include plans that were put forward, accomplishments, any suggestions etc. Also decide the time and place for the next meeting. Do not rush out, thank everyone for coming if you are the organizer or thank the organizers otherwise. Read more on professional etiquette.

These were the meeting etiquette rules. So now that you know what exactly is expected of you, behave accordingly and make a good impression in front of your boss!

By Girija Shinde

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Journalist Salary Range

These days journalism is not just limited to providing news to the masses. It is something more than that and includes a number of subcategories. Due to the recent increase in the use of the Internet, people do not completely rely on newspaper as they did earlier. Within a fraction of second, the latest news is available on the web. Thus these days a journalist has to face many challenges. He/she should be updated with latest events and affairs.

Journalist Job Description
A journalist should be great at research skills, cross-checking the information, ability to generate information and good content, ask witty questions and should have good understanding ability of the situation. There are different types of journalism, which include sports, news, celebrity, business, fashion, etc. Journalists belonging to each of these fields generate information related to their respective area.

A journalist can work in any type of mass media of his/her choice. Newspapers, magazines are some examples of print media while television, web and radio are broadcast media. Students aspiring to become journalists should find out their field of interest and attain a journalism degree accordingly. Let us move on to some brief discussion on journalist salary range.

Journalist Salary Range
What is the average salary of a journalist? A beginner at journalism can earn a good salary if he/she has completed the education from a reputed institute or university. The average annual salary of such novice journalists can be around $30,000 depending on the area, employer and type of media. A list of the factors that govern the salary range for a journalist are given below.

• Education
• Type of Media
• Work Experience
• Location
• Talent
• Employer

All the above listed factors play an important role in determining the salary of a journalist. Thus, the salary of a journalist varies too much. A journalist can be paid less or more depending on the quality of the content generated by him/her. The salary also depends on the company profile he/she is working in. Usually the salary offered to the journalists working in magazines and newspapers is more or less the same. While that of broadcast journalism can be a bit higher. Salary range for such journalists is usually $40,000 to $100,000 as per a survey made in year 2007.

If one has obtained a bachelor's arts and science degree from a good institute he/she may be offered a starting salary range $22,000 and $50,000. While those earning bachelor's degree specially related to journalism can earn more. Students who have obtained masters degree in journalism can earn an additional $10,000 to $20,000 annually. Journalists working in broadcast media like Internet and television earn almost $10,000 more than other journalists. The location also matters a lot to the salary of a journalist. Larger cities have good career opportunities and also pay well. Last but not the least, the experience gained by a journalist also decides the salary range. A good work experience can offer good salary. According to a survey the average salary of a journalist in the current year depending on the years of experience is given below.

Work Experience (Years)	Journalist Salary Range (in Dollars)
0-1	27,022-33,573
1-4	29,017-40,872
5-9	31,187-49,435
10-19	33,553-61,042
20 or more	29,890-77,000

So, it is clear from the above discussion that the salary range of journalist depends on a number of factors. The above given figures related to the journalist salary range are approximate and can change depending on the qualification and work experience.
By Mayuri Kulkarni

 

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