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LinkedIn is a great tool, not only for connections, but for asking some great questions. I had the opportunity to ask the questions “What do you see are some of the best practices of Multicultural Networking?” From the U.S., to Germany, the Philippines, India and China here are some of the responses:
Communication is an effective means to fasten bonds between individuals, societies and nations as well. Inclusion of multicultural networking in our lives can help us elevate our own individual personal branding values. Lets observe diverse practices one can adapt to enable communications further;
- Diversity of communication in two countries: Due to the diversities in cultures, multicultural networking varies from nation to nation. For example, in countries like Europe, business communication is often done by meeting in person rather than telecommunication or emails. Often clients prefer being acquainted with the person they are dealing with, getting to know them better, creating a platform of mutual trust and respect and then indulging in any kind of business propositions. But in countries like the USA, mode of communication used prior to beginning a project is often emailing, text messaging or taking an appointment by phone.
- Enrolling experienced project leaders: A vital practice to ensure successful multicultural networking can be to enroll experienced individuals who are quite familiar with different cultures. Inclusion of such a person can bridge the gaps between cultures and he can be focused on building a strong bond of communication between the relevant locations. With certain specifications outlined, meeting demands of both the parties and enabling effective communication by creating a common ground, the project leader can successfully implement multicultural networking.
- Willingness to learn: Like the saying goes “where there’s a will there’s a way"! Same goes for inclusion of multicultural networking in your way of life. If you have an inherent desire to learn and incorporate the culture of a place, adapt it and understand it from the natives’ perspective, communication can be a cake walk. Going with friends and feasting and dancing on a festival or a cultural holiday can be fun but the essence lies in understanding the meaning of the festival in depth. It would be so overwhelming for the locals if you enquire, embellish and enjoy their favorite cuisine, their traditional methods of living life, their culture even if it is for a short span of time. Being an ‘outsider’ and getting into the skin of a community as though you are one of them is one of the key factors of successful multicultural networking. Once you embrace the culture, communication becomes easier, enabling personal branding of an individual.
- Sincerity is a vital tool: Even if you are foreign to a particular culture, its trends, values, language, multicultural networking can be made easy if you are sincere in your approach. Trust, respect and honesty is often reciprocated once it is recognized in an individual’s sincere approach to a situation. Having clear, determined and honest intentions are sometimes enough to break the ice between cultures, giving a strong foothold to encourage communication. Though English is a global language and if someone does not speak it, does not mean the person is foolish and uneducated. He may be holding other rich degrees under his belt and maybe a sincere, hardworking individual who is quite abreast of the latest business trends. Inclusion of sincerity in your approach towards communication, can remove all the handicaps one may have about multicultural networking.
Maria Elena Duron, C.P.B.S., C.N.P. PCC, is Chief Buzz Agent, speaker and coach specializing in connecting high performing entrepreneurs and executives and using what makes them best so they can move from their frantic pursuit to success and balance now.
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