1. Eating with the left hand is taboo in Saudi Arabia.

2. In Japan you should always present a business card with both hands.

3. When being introduced to a group in Finland, you should shake hands with women first.

4. Eating while walking or standing on the street is considered bad form in Canada.

5. To point in China, use an open palm, not your index finger.

6. In the United Kingdom, it is acceptable to put away a business card with only a cursory glance.

Are you surprised to learn that the answer to all of the pop quiz questions is true? The business world is becoming more and more international as time goes on. Many of us already work in an international environment, and many more will at some point need to make contact with an individual in another country or host a guest from another county before our careers are through. Proper preparation for these international business encounters will help us build strong relationships and avoid causing offense due to etiquette blunders.

Business and social etiquette rules vary widely between countries. A little research into a particular country's cultures, customs and rules of etiquette can be extremely beneficial and, fortunately, a wealth of information is available on this subject. Understanding a country's customs and rules shows respect for both the individual and the culture which will help facilitate effective communication and negotiation. Unfortunately, in many cultures, a small misstep can be very costly to a business transaction and often lead to damaged relationships. To avoid this, there are several common areas that should be considered prior to an international encounter.

Greetings: What kind of greeting is commonly accepted in both business and social settings? Are handshakes firm or limp? Should your greeting involve a kiss on the cheek, handshake, bow or a combination? Who should be introduced first? How does gender play into the greeting?

Titles: Should formal titles be used? When should you call someone by their first name?

Business Card Etiquette: Is the exchange of business cards a formal or informal process? How should business cards be handled once received? How and when should they be presented?

Dining: Should utensils or hands be used? Should you clear your plate? How do you signal you are finished? How do you show appreciation? Who pays? When should you be seated and when should you leave? How does alcohol fit in?

Gift Giving: Are gifts accepted and/or expected? Which types of gifts are appropriate and which are not? Who should receive gifts? Should a gift be opened in front of the giver?

Dress: What type of dress is considered appropriate in different situations? Are there specific dress codes for different genders?

Hierarchy and Gender: Is hierarchy important in the culture? How does hierarchy affect interactions? How does gender affect social and business etiquette?

Language and Gestures: Should any gestures be avoided? Should any type of language or attitude in language be avoided or employed? Should you speak more softly or more forcefully? Can you learn a few basic words or phrases in the local language?

These are only some of the aspects that should be examined prior to an international business exchange. Other aspects may need to be considered, including the particulars for the specific type of transaction you're experiencing. But a quick internet search will usually provide basic answers in just a few minutes time. And in this case, the rewards of cultural awareness and understanding definitely outweigh the cost of any time spent gaining that understanding as you demonstrate respect for a culture and its people.