What are the essentials to working with overseas business partners?
I'd like to learn the essentials to develop stronger connections with my business partners overseas. What steps can I take and what do I need to know to reach across cultures and foster deeper relationships? 910 answers

Essentials for fostering a good relationship with overseas business partners:First, learn the language, or have someone on staff who does know it. (I have a friend, human resources manager of the southern hemisphere for largest elevator company in the world, who learned Japanese, Chinese, German, French and Spanish-enough of each to conduct business professionally and communicate effectively-he is based in Sydney, Australia.)Second, learn the culture of the country you're doing business with. (Find out about traditions, the people and land itself, and the history, especially where tradition is concerned.)Third, respect the people and the country, because when you have respect for them, they give that back to you. (This follows on ALL fronts, business, culture, tradition and the people themselves.)Fourth, be eager to learn...people in other countries live their lives differently from us, and do business a bit differently too, so observe, and utilize everything you learn. (One can never learn enough, especially from those so different from us in many ways, and so much like us in others!) Fifth, and this is a given, and I'm sure you do this anyway....ENJOY the partnership itself...exchanging news, tricks of the trade, tips to bettering your business...and just interacting with those you are partnered with.And last but not least....GREAT communication with everyone concerned!And good luck! :)