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Welcome to Indialink Culture & Language Training

If business with India is on your agenda, an introduction to Indian culture and language will stand you in excellent stead.

Conducting business in a different culture is always a challenge; and particularly in India, where society operates on a strict hierarchical structure that can often appear baffling to the outsider.  “Thinking outside the box” may be second nature to you, but your colleagues and employees in India may not recognise the concept. Minor cultural differences like these can make the difference between success and failure – and the way to overcome them is through good communication.

At the outset it may seem so simple - writing emails, talking on the phone, socialising with potential clients, listening to presentations, getting things done. After all you’ve been doing them for years. But consider the decisions that go into every one of these when conducting business with India:

• What style of writing is appropriate in an email?
• When should you address someone by their first name?
• How do you get to speak to the person whom you wish to contact?
• Is it acceptable to ask questions when someone is giving a presentation?
• Should you invite a colleague or client out for a drink, or is it better to entertain at home?
• Is it appropriate to serve alcohol?
• Is it important to know the other person’s religion and how it may affect your relationship?
• Are there any taboo subjects and what happens if you broach one by mistake?
• What topics can you introduce in order to cross cultural boundaries quickly and improve your standing?

Potentially, it’s a cultural minefield. But an Indialink training course will provide you with the tools you need to negotiate it successfully.