On getting started
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” Plato
An intercultural blunder
Did you hear about Puma’s marketing blunder several years ago? I must have missed it. According to this article (link to: http://gestion-des-risques-interculturels.com), Puma created a special model of sports shoes with the colours of the UAE’s flag, to celebrate the federation of United Arab Emirates’ 40th anniversary of its birth. This example shows us just how important it is to be aware of the values, beliefs, and practices in other cultures.
What works in one country, doesn’t necessarily work in another!
The weather in the Highlands
“How do the locals predict the weather in Fort William?”
“If you can see Ben Nevis, it’s going to rain. And if you can’t see Ben Nevis, it’s already raining.”
(Fort William is a major tourist centre situated in the Highlands of Scotland. And Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the United Kingdom and the entire British Isles, and close to Fort William.)
Look how your body responds
I’ve never liked Coca-Cola. I’ve no idea why, because all my friends used to drink it. I was more a fan of orange juice. 🙂
I thought you might be interested in learning what happens to your body after drinking a can of Coke. You might be surprised when you take a close look this infographic.
Did you know?
You can always talk about the weather when socialising with a customer or colleague. However, what about starting the conversation with a surprising fact? Something like: “Did you know that London taxi drivers (called ‘cabbies’) have to pass a tough test called ‘The Knowledge’ before they can drive the black cabs (or taxis)”?
Read more interesting facts on the taxi drivers and the test they have to take here.
