The first impression can happen within three seconds. 

That may be the greeting ritual of the handshake and handshake traditions vary between countries, culture consultant Lanie Denslow told the Women in the Fastener Industry meeting during the 2017 International Fastener Expo.

The American handshake is face-to-face and short, Denslow noted. But in other countries the handshake can be longer plus “averting the gaze is a sign of respect.”

In a few places, reaching out a hand can even demonstrate you aren’t holding a weapon, she noted.

Denslow showed a picture of billionaire Bill Gates shaking hands, but with his left hand in his coat pocket. “That was a little too casual,” she declared.

Denslow, with World Wise Intercultural Training & Resources, advised WIFI to avoid wearing a green hat in China, which is a symbol of a woman cheating on a partner. Avoid purple in India as it is associated with fear and a Hindu goddess.

While we think of black as the color of mourning in our society, white symbolizes mourning in other countries, Denslow pointed out.

“Messaging around color can be very powerful,” Denslow said. But you need to research which colors for what country, she advised.

Denslow authored World Wise: What to Know Before You Go, and her experience includes developing study abroad and exchange programs as  director of international affairs of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.

Americans are famous for being on time, hence the phrase “time is money,” Denslow noted, but “it isn’t true that everyone else operates the same way.” For example, in South Africa, “if the sun is up, there is plenty of time,” she explained. “Time can be important in understanding” who you are doing business with.

She suggested checking timeanddate.com before contacting suppliers or customers elsewhere in the world.

Americans forget that holidays aren’t same worldwide, she noted of upcoming Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Slang expressions such as “hit the ball out of the park” or a “three pointer” mostly won’t work, but might if the international customer attended college in the U.S.

Ultimately, “work with people, not countries,” she advised.

“Be curious, be prepared and be flexible,” Denslow advised. And if something appears awkward, ask “if there something cultural going on here?” Web: FastenerWomen.com or WorldWiseOnline.net