I just returned from a trip to India and the United Arab Emerites (UAE). This was my second trip to India and third to the UAE and the biggest difference in this trip is it had a more business focus. The group I was with consisted of 17 statewide leaders from Kentucky and one of our goals was to get to know the business owners and association staff in Jaipur and Delhi.
Why? We understand that building bonds – developing relationships – will be mutually beneficial to all of us. In the US, people can do business together without knowing one another; we get to know each other AFTER we’ve been working together. But in other cultures, including India, knowing who you are doing business with comes first. Understanding the culture of countries you want to do business in is vital to the success of your global operation.
Yes, there is much poverty and filth in the country but there is also much beauty. The history, the buildings, the fabrics, the people. Beauty and kindness and hospitality that is second to none. There is also great potential and lots of opportunities as an emerging country.
Our final two days of the trip were spent in the UAE, touring Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The contrast between India and the UAE is incredible. And to think that the Emerites were a bedouin community just a short time ago and now are these incredible cities that have risen up out of the desert – it’s mind blowing.
Who are you building bonds with today?
alicrain 