Business Meeting
You just had a successful meeting and they want to meet again next Monday, you agreed. However, you forgot that you have another meeting scheduled on that day and you can't make it. How do you decline the offer?
a. "I'm so sorry something else has come up on Monday. Can we reschedule?"
b. "I would love to meet with you on Monday. I've got everything ready to go, but something else has come up. Could we reschedule?"
c. "Hey, about our meeting on Monday, would you prefer to meet on another day? I know Mondays can be busy."
a. "I'm so sorry something else has come up on Monday. Can we reschedule?"
How is punctuality perceived in German culture?
a. flexibility with time is valued
b. as long as the other party is informed arriving 10 minutes late is generally okay
c. arriving on time or slightly early is required
c. arriving on time or slightly early is required
What are the best subjects of casual conversation with Germans?
Beer, sports (soccer), outdoor activities
How should you stand/sit during a conversation?
a. Lean forward to show confidence
b. Sit straight with good posture
c. Sit casually at an appropriate distance
b. Sit straight with good posture
You have a business meeting with Mercedes and want to make a good first impression. What type of attire should you wear?
a. Dark conservative clothing.
b. Business casual.
c. Colorful individualistic clothes.
a. Dark conservative clothing.
You have been invited to lunch with Adidas. You desperately want to secure this deal, but aren't sure when to bring it up. Which time is best?
a. before the meal
b. during the meal
c. after the meal
a. before the meal
or
c. after the meal (half-credit)
What subjects should be avoided?
Children and family, personal achievements, negative history
How should you shake a German's hand in a business setting?
a. A firm handshake, maintaining eye contact
b. Briefly and firmly
c. Vigorously
a. A firm handshake, maintaining eye contact
What is the best approach regarding small talk before business discussion?
a. Keep the small talk brief and impersonal.
b. Start with casual questions about their lives and families.
c. Avoid small talk altogether and get straight to business.
a. Keep the small talk brief and impersonal.
You have been invited to a German CEO's home, to thank them for this honor you want to bring a gift. What kind of gifts would be best?
a. German alcohol
b. Expensive gifts
c. Small tasteful gifts
c. Small tasteful gifts
When is the best time to give a compliment to a German business person?
a. After a presentation or meeting to show appreciation
b. At the beginning of the meeting to set a positive tone
c. Only once you have built a personal relationship
c. Only once you have built a personal relationship
In German business meetings, how is silence usually perceived?
a. Extended silence is normal
b. Silence for too long should be avoided
c. Extended silence is encouraged
a. Extended silence is normal
You've been in contact with Lucas from Volkswagon for the past 2 months. Finally you meet in person with a team from Volkswagon. You are greeted by Lucas, the CEO, and their lawyer who is standing closest to you. Who should you greet first?
a. Lucas
b. Lawyer
c. CEO
c. CEO
You did some research and found it is customary to send a bouquet of flowers when invited to dinner at a German executives home as this is a great honor. What kind of bouquet would be best?
a. 12 white lilies
b. a mix of yellow roses and carnations
c. 9 sunflowers and tulips
c. 9 sunflowers and tulips
You are negotiating a deal and want to build goodwill by announcing an unexpected bonus for early contract completion. How should you introduce this idea?
a. Announce it at the end to leave a positive final impression
b. Before lunch to emphasize closeness and trust
c. In advance so they aren't surprised
c. In advance so they aren't surprised
During a meeting you often break eye contact to take notes. What impression does this give?
a. Distracted and not fully engaged
b. Dishonest or insecure
c. Respectful and humble
b. Dishonest or insecure