- Do bring along lots of business cards – everyone will ask for one and everyone will offer you his or hers.
- Do start your conversation with “namastay”. That is the local form of greeting. Follow it up with “kaise hai”. (How are you?)
- Do try and remember the names of the people you meet and address them by name – most of the Indian businesspeople use the first name right away.
- Do study up on the companies you visit before you get there – it is very impolite if you are not well prepared.
- Do dress modestly if you are female – even when it’s hot! Form-fitting clothes on women are seen in nightclubs only.
- Do keep an open mind – you may be frustrated by the apparent contradictions you face every day, but this is an ancient country with a very complex history.
- Do carry with you a box of sweets or at least a chocolate bar for the children, if somebody has invited you home for dinner.
- Do wait for a female business colleague to initiate the greeting. Indian men do not generally shake hands with women out of respect.
- Do use titles wherever possible, such as “Professor” or “Doctor”. If your counterpart does not have a title, use “Mr.” or “Miss”.
- Do always remain polite and honest at all times in order to prove that your objectives are sincere.
