Today marks Diwali, one of the most important Hindu holidays.

Today marks Diwali. There are more than 900 million Hindus in the world and dozens of Hindu holidays, but Diwali is one of the few celebrated by most, if not all followers across the globe as the "Festival of Lights," where the lights or lamps signify victory of good over the evil within every human being. Diwali is celebrated on the first day of the lunar Kartika month, which comes in the month of October or November

On the day of Diwali, many wear new clothes and share sweets and snacks. Some Indian business communities start their financial year on Diwali and new account books are opened on this day. In the US, Most have origins in India, but many also come from Nepal, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and other nations. As the ''festival of lights,'' Diwali is a time of celebration, song, dance and prayer for wealth, health and peace in the future.

''We celebrate the past and get ready for the new year coming,'' says Suresh Sheth, who runs an Indian grocery store in Miami. Like many Hindus, he'll wake early, take a ritual bath, put on his best clothing, pray and head to open the shop, which he launched in 1985, seven years after arriving in the United States from Mumbai. ''It's a festival of lights and also of inner light and purity,'' Sheth says. ``We have to cleanse our bodies, our souls.''

Nation of Internationalists

Here is an article that makes the case that Americans must do a better job at becoming engaged and informed global citizens. The new President must lead the charge.

A Nation of Internationalists
By Martin Savidge
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/martin-savidge/a-nation-of-international_b_137976.html

According to the conventional wisdom, this election is all about domestic issues. Jobs, finances, mortgages and falling commodity prices are the topics to which the campaigns are scrambling to respond, but to buy into the idea that these issues are purely domestic in scope is to be living in the past. More now than at any time in our history, our domestic problems are immediately linked to world events.

Our nation can no longer look primarily inward to find the answers. We must live in the wider world.

We may not yet know if he is a Republican or Democrat, but it's clear the next president will have to be an internationalist. Coming into office in the midst of a world financial crisis, two foreign wars, and a rapidly evolving diplomatic portfolio, the new president will be forced to focus on global events, and the United States' position in every major international development, beginning day one.

Certain foreign affairs policies of the last eight years, such as the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) and the Administration's initiatives in Africa, have been successful because they were based on a solid understanding of international events. These programs demonstrate the positive effect of well-informed action. But, one can just as easily find examples foreign affairs initiatives which have faltered or flatly failed, primarily because our efforts may not have been as well informed, or may not have taken full advantage of the expertise of the world community.

The days are gone when a small American company can count on the local community for its customer base. Everyone from the CEO of a Fortune 500 company to the owner of an Erie, Pennsylvania-based manufacturing concern with 20 employees, to a Vermont-based antique shop owner, now works internationally. Clients are no longer across town; they are working across borders and oceans, taking the best products for the money from the suppliers that meet their needs. Every American, not just venture capitalists and politicians, but workers and owners, are part of a global network.

This isn't speculative; this is the current state of American business and life. We are part of the world, and yet, we seem to want to avoid acknowledging that fact. And, as a result, we too often go into that global arena half prepared.

According to a National Geographic survey, after several years of war more than two-thirds of American students still fail to find Iraq on a world map. Nearly 45% failed to find Iran and Israel. Less than half of students 18-24 could find Ohio on a map of the U.S. These are the kind of figures that scare us, and rightly so. If we are going to do business, we need to produce a next generation that has a basic understanding of the global economy and political situation.

The same interconnectivity that has caused economies to shift toward a global orientation provides that tools our businessmen, students and workers need to compete. Information is the most powerful and important of these tools, and it is incumbent upon everyone from educators, to consumers of news, to business owners, and even the President, to instill a sense of global citizenship and sense of our place in the world. We have to see that our neighbors, our customers, and our friends may not live close by.

We can no longer treat the rest of the world as foreigners. We must become a nation of internationalists.

Perilous Peanut Butter

My brother, his wife and enfant moved back to Spain earlier this year. He is craving peanut butter. My birth Mom left from New York to visit them (and their new born) in Bilbao, yesterday. TSA at JFK confiscated the precious peanut butter. I hope the passengers are safer because of this sacrifice.

Inspiration-What it means in more than 25 languages around the globe.

Inspiration what it means in more than 25 languages around the globe.

I just spent time reviewing a website: HumanityQuest.com. One of the links that intrigued me was languages. I opened to see how more than 25 people posted personal description of what the concept of inspiration means in their culture and they have identified a word that captures its essence. I found many of the passages to be deeply moving and well…… inspirational. Some languages include Polish, Russian, Persian, Chinese, Lakota, Catalun, Arabic, Berber, Croatian, Hebrew, Icelandic, Hungarian, Korean, American Sign Language, and German.

See what you think:

http://www.humanityquest.com/themes/inspiration/Languages/index.asp

I went to see Barack Obama in Miami rally today

I walked 4 blocks from my home to Bi-centennial Park to hear Barack and Michelle Obama share their vision for change. It was exciting and envigorating to be in the audience of more than 30,000.

I Voted the First Day of Early Voting at 715AM!

I Voted the First Day of Early Voting at 715AM!

It was exciting to participate in this historical presidential US election. I was happy to set my alarm (something I rarely do), to ensure I would be in line within minutes of the opening of polling places. I drove two minutes to the Miami-Dade Government Center and joined the line at 7:09AM. I am thrilled about the return of paper ballots because they are less vulnerable to election fraud and they provide a real paper trail in the event a recall is required.

Let’s hope democracy prevails in this election!

Worst Cross Cultural Mistakes

Worst Cross Cultural Mistakes

Travel and Leisure magazine publishes the ten Worst Cross Cultural Mistakes in Power Point format. Included are discussions of eye contact, physical touch, use of left hand, attire etiquette, blowing nose in public, shoe removal rituals, accepting gifts, dinner conversation taboos, use of emoticons in emails, and drinking rituals.

Click here to see slide show:

http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/worlds-worst-cultural-mistakes

Beijing Reintroduces Car Rules to Reduce Pollution

Traffic restrictions have been re-introduced in China's capital Beijing, in an attempt to bring back the clear skies seen during the Olympics.

Here is an article from the BBC today:

Each car must spend one day a week off the road, in a scheme based on registration numbers.
Beijing residents miss the clean air and quiet streets they enjoyed throughout the Games.
But according to correspondents, many people have complained that the new car scheme is too complicated.

The new rules are expected to take some 800,000 cars off the road every day, according to the Beijing Municipal Committee of Communications.

"It's expected to reduce Beijing's average road traffic flow by 6.5%," a committee official told the state news agency Xinhua. During periods of exceptionally heavy pollution, the restrictions will be increased so that half of Beijing's 3.4 million cars will be taken off the roads, state media reports.

Trial run
The new rules came in to effect on Monday morning - anyone with a licence plate ending in one or six could not drive into the city. On Tuesday it will be the turn of people with number plates ending in 2 and 7. The new restrictions will be implemented on a trial basis for six months until April.

A similar scheme operated during the Olympics, when factories around the city were also closed to reduce air pollution. The measures transformed the city's filthy skies, and according to a BBC correspondent in Beijing, Quentin Sommerville, it was the cleanest August that Beijing had seen in 10 years. But the authorities face a mounting battle to reduce car use in Beijing - 1,000 new vehicles join the crowded roads every single day.

Story from BBC NEWS:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/asia-pacific/7666563.stmPublished: 2008/10/13 06:00:42 GMT© BBC MMVIII

Gift vs. Bribe: International Gift-Giving Protocol

Gift vs. Bribe

What You Need To Know About International Gift Giving Protocol
By Karla Scott M.B.A.

Gift giving plays a vital role in social protocol in many parts of the world. In fact, what we consider to be bribes in the US are not only expected in many parts of the world-but, they are perceived as “gifts”.

In the arena of gift giving, it is as important to know customs associated with being the giver as well as being the recipient. Also, you need to consider: what kind of gift is appropriate, how it should be packaged, and how/when it should be presented. Each of these elements is important.

Generally, if you are offered a gift, you should graciously accept and send a thank you note.

Gift Ideas

Gifts can fall into several categories practical or useful (high quality pan), commemorative (corporate logo paperweight), personal (favorite food item), indigenous gifts (crafts from your region), cultural gifts (photo cocktail book), consumable gifts (box of candy) and just for fun gifts (Mickey Mouse T-shirt).

Here are common gift recommendations:

§ Candies
§ Wines/Expensive Liquors
§ Cocktail Table Books
§ Expensive Writing Utensils
§ Tickets to Events (Sporting, Music, the Arts)
§ Golf Equipment/Accessories
§ Symbols of your region of the country (maple syrup from Vermont, a beach towel from Florida, photo book of cowboys from Wyoming, pottery from New Mexico)
toys for children
§ Toys for children
§ T-shirts with American sayings
§ Bakery-made Dessert (if you are invited to dinner in a private home)
§ Book of Norman Rockwell paintings, Ansel Adams photographs, or a similar art/photo book
§ Photo or history books about your city or state
§ High quality folding set of binoculars.
§ Western-style belt buckles
§ Disney logo products
§ Beef jerky for Japanese hosts

Research your destination culture to identify what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.

Gift Giving Protocol in Business

Gift giving is a key component of business etiquette in most cultures outside the US. It is simply considered good manners to offer a gift to business associates, typically at the end of the first meeting. In Japan, for example, gift giving is an elaborate and expected ingredient of business culture. Consider the rank and position of your gift recipient and be sure to comply with rules for appropriate timing and location.

Gift Taboos

Before embarking on a gift shopping spree, it is important to learn specific contrary guidelines and taboos associated with this business activity.

Learn your company's policy around gift giving and reporting and know the latest IRS rules governing this practice.

Remember: A gift of money is considered to be a bribe by US standards and is usually in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and 1998.

Here are gift taboos, you need to know:
§ Never give a clock to a Chinese. The word for clock in Chinese equates to death.
§ Never give four of anything to a Japanese or Korean because four represents bad luck.
§ Never wrap a gift in White paper in Japan, because white is the color of death.
§ Never wrap gifts in green paper in Egypt or Malaysia
§ Shamrock Green is the national color of Ireland, but orange is the national color in Northern Ireland -----------
§ Avoid giving flowers because they carry different connotations in different cultures. White flowers mean death in Japan, chrysanthemums are death in European countries, purple flowers connote death in Mexico and Brazil, and red flowers connote romance in most places.
§ In the Middle East, anything with a human image is considered offensive, against Islam.
§ Don't casually admire an object in the Middle East if you are a guest in someone's home. They will go obligated to give it to you.


Always do your homework to identify what gifts are appropriate for your host country and have fun with your selection.

Imported My Blog to Facebook

I just imported this blog to Facebook.

See my page at: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1428860290&ref=profile

Karla

Fearless First Time Overseas

5 Tips On How to Feel Comfortable, Confident and Carefree Overseas
By Karla Scott, MBA


§ Are you intimidated by the notion of traveling overseas on business?
§ Do you dream of taking a crash course on how to be effective in your new destination?
§ Are you worried you may make mistakes in this unfamiliar culture?

Relax! You are not alone! Here are steps you can take that can help make you feel competent and confident in your first overseas venture.

1. Do your homework
If you choose to do business in another culture, you must accept its protocol, norms, and ways of doing business. Be insatiably curious. Go to your local bookstore and use the internet to research the other culture’s history, geography, key symbols, tourist attractions, national dishes, popular sports, non verbal communication rules, leaders and celebrity culture. Study the local map including the mass transit or metro map and the area surrounding your hotel. You will feel more comfortable exploring and communicating when you have gone the extra mile to learn something about your new culture. The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

2. Learn a few commonly used words and phrases
Rest assured you do not need to enroll in a 3-month immersion class. Most of the world accommodates English speaking guests. In fact, it is the second most spoken language, behind Mandarin, in the world. Your experience can be greatly enhanced by showing basic respect. You can accomplish this by learning some common courtesy expressions such as hello; goodbye; thank you; and please and one of my favorites: “Where are the toilets?” “How much is that ________?” also comes in very handy when bargaining.

You will be amazed by how instantly connected you feel when upon arrival, someone says hello in their language and you can respond in the same language or when they say thank you, you can reply appropriately.

I strongly urge you to refrain from bursting into a conversation leading with English words. Instead (or what is more respectful is to) always first ask “Do you speak English?”

You can listen to a basic language tape daily before you go that provides language basics including numbers, useful questions, shopping terms, hotel/taxi/ and airport expressions, and dining phrases.

3. Prepare for time zone change realities and make travel as easy as possible
Go a day early, if possible, to help your body and mind adjust to time zone differences. Going a day early can also help you to get your bearing on the new destination. Your first day there, don’t go to sleep until 10PM no matter what. That way, you can wake up with the locals and it will help you function effectively, more quickly. While you sleep, always turn the clock around so you won’t see the time that could distract your sleep pattern. It’s best not to know the time while you are attempting to sleep.

Here are a few helpful hints:
□ Sleep on the flight if at all possible.
□ Wear eye shades to notify flight attendants you prefer not to be bothered.
□ Wear a noise reduction headset to tune out noises and engine roars.
□ During the flight, eat light, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and minimize alcohol consumption.
□ Bring a bean-filled travel pillow (they really do help!).
□ For longer flights, prepare to walk around periodically in order to allow your blood to circulate properly. It is not uncommon for people over 50 to suffer from fatal blood clots during long overseas trips, because the victims failed around during the flight.
□ Pack a couple of bagels in your carry on in order to fill in “food gaps”.
□ Pack a toiletry kit so you may freshen up on board prior to landing.
□ Pack one wash cloth for each hotel (wash cloths are not common everywhere).

If possible, strive to negotiate to sit in the business class section where it is quieter. The seats are roomier and they recline substantially. However, if you must fly coach, book early enough to select a comfortable window or aisle seat. You do not want to be trapped in a middle seat in coach for 8-15 hours! Be sure your carry-on bags are wheeled because you will walk long distances inside international airports. Also, they are often long flight delays in some parts of the world. Don't carry on anything you are now willing to cart around for unlimited periods of time.

Finally, wear a round-the-neck pouch that contains your passport, travel itinerary, ID, business credit card, small bills (US and other currency) and a pen. This way you won’t need to go digging thru bags at numerous security checkpoints. Once, I observed a woman miss her connecting flight because she could not produce her travel documents in a timely manner. You will be forever grateful if you wear one of these pouches on a lanyard available at most luggage stores for $20 or less.


4. Upon arrival, sink into the rhythm and flavor of the culture
After you check in, you can choose to either explore the area around your hotel, or to take a taxi to a busy section of town. Here are suggestions on what to do there:
Sit at a café at a busy intersection and people watch to see the written and unwritten rules (you have already read about), in action.
Go to a market or grocery store—you can learn a lot about people by watching how they connect with their food.
Visit a park; sit and watch the show.
Dine where locals dine; match their behavior.
If you are daring, take public transportation. Be sure you’ve studied the maps in advance and have exact change or a ticket before you board. Find out from your hotel’s concierge the best mode of returning to your hotel. [Beware of trying this in countries where signage is in a script different from Roman such as Chinese/Japanese characters, Arabic, Persian, Ethiopian, Russian (Cyrillic), India (Brahmi), or Greek.] I have taken public transportation alone in many parts of the world because I learn to recognize the destination words. In Tokyo, I was thankful to be accompanied by a Japanese person during my subway ride: I don’t read Japanese characters! I would probably still be trapped in the Tokyo subway system had I ventured to do this on my own.
Watch popular television shows in your hotel room while you are getting dressed. This gives you a feel for local values, humor, aesthetics, nonverbal communication rules, and popular marketing campaigns.
Avoid renting a car when traveling abroad alone. The rules of the road are significantly different, and you probably will not be able to read road signs. By American standards, traffic overseas is at best, chaotic.

Always carry a few essential tools while traveling around:
□ something with the name of your hotel written in local script (take hotel pen, matches, or pad) to show taxi driver how to return you to your hotel.
□ a roll of toilet paper—just in case! Often, you will not find toilet paper (especially the soft version we know and love)
□ camera
□ guidebook containing useful words and phrases
□ notepad for journaling

5. Let your host play host don’t rush into business.
If you are being hosted, let your hosts set the tone and pace. Allow them to welcome you and guide you around. If possible, accept all invitations. Show appreciation and respect for their culture by allowing them to take pride in showing you their world. Keep an open mind. Leave judgmental thinking at home and practice the platinum rule: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.

_______________________________________

Make the unfamiliar familiar by learning about the culture in advance of your trip.
The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?


Helpful Resources

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

Other helpful sources are:

CIA World Factbook Sheets. The US government provides profiles of countries and territories around the world. Information on geography, people, government, transportation, economy, communications, and more. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Culture Grams Cultural reports for more than 200 countries each include 25 categories such as land and climate, history, personal appearance, greetings, gestures, family, diet, arts, holidays, economy, education, religion, health, a country map, and events and trends.

Each individual Culture Gram four-page report (there are 201) is available individually for download for $4 per report.
http://www.culturegrams.com/products/individual.htm

Consular Information Sheet The US State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html#F

Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business in more than 50 countries. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

Lonely Planet Destination Guides. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

A Guide to Culture in the Classroom Questionnaireby Muriel Saville-Troike National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education, 1978.
You might find this set of questions created by Saville-Troike, helpful in exploring your new culture’s personality. It can be found at: http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/pubs/classics/culture/questions.htm

Know thy host culture is the first step to increases your chances for experiencing a successful and harmonious encounter in your new business venture.