What To Expect and How To Prepare For Business Trips To India – Part 2 of 2

• 16 years ago

On Tuesday, I wrote about how to prepare and what to expect, mostly before, your business trip to India. Today, I want to give you a better sense of what to expect during and after a business meeting in India.

The Meeting Won’t Start Exactly On Time

Brazilians have South American time, the Swiss are like their watches, and Indians start their meetings about 10-15 minutes late. As a general rule, whether it’s getting people organized, finding a cup of coffee, or because you were stuck in traffic things will get rolling slowly.

Once the meeting begins however, Indian businesspeople are completely work oriented, and meetings tend to lack the small talk common in the West.

During The Meeting – Quiet Women

I’ve noticed on several occasions that the Indian woman in any group that I’ve met with tend to stay quiet, even if they are in superior positions to the men in the room. India is a conservative society and women in the workplace is still not completely accepted. It’s best to direct your conversation equally to each member of a group, but don’t be surprised if your primary responses are from the guys.

You Will Be Fed Lunch – Of Traditional Indian Foods

Between 10-11am there might be a short (15 minute) pause for ‘tea time’. Leftover from the British colonial rule, this time is for tea, coffee, and cookies. The same break might be the time to socialize or some chit-chat, but that is best saved for lunch.

Lunches served for Indian business meetings are full course affairs, usually with several varieties of Indian vegetarian and meat dishes which will vary depending on the region you’re in. The foods maybe spicy so beware not to fill your plate if unaccustomed and load up on rice and bread. Your Indian counterparts will ask you if you like Indian food after your meal – it’s a good thing I do – hopefully you’ll appreciate the cuisine as well.

Some more things to expect during lunch

• It will likely last at least an hour
• The conversation will begin with personal conversation and within 10 minutes move back to business
• You’ll be offered more tea

Are You Married?

Generally at the end of Western business meetings there is some mild small talk – and India is no different. There are some questions common to India that I’ve found you will most certainly be asked.

• Are you married – Indian’s don’t recognize wedding rings like Westerners do and you will be asked this question even if you’re sporting a wedding band. Expect some mild shock if you answer “no” and the followup question – how many children do you have – if “yes”. There will be more shock if you are married but have no kids.
• The movie Outsourced has several funny scenes depicting these questions and small talk. I highly recommend it if you’re going to India for business.

Adaptability and Feedback

India’s economic success is in the adaptability of its service industry. Your Indian colleagues will mold to better suit your (and other) potential customer’s needs. You may be asked how the company can improve its specific offerings, policies and procedures, and align better with the West?

It’s Not So Different

India’s adaptability is evident in how smooth and “European” any business encounter there feels. I’ve been pointing out the differences, but the similarities are far greater. One thing to take away is the personal relationships that develop from business meetings and you may want to take your colleagues up on their offer for tea next time you visit. Business meetings in India are not only good for the bottom line, but can foster new friendships.

[photos by: niyam bhusham, kspodder]