February 2007
In keeping with the "global" nature of this month's issue, the web sites listed below relate to inert-cultural etiquette both on the ground and on the Net. Both sites encourage developing an appreciation for interacting and communicating with other cultures both in person and via email.
The first listing, Bizstats.com, can be useful for small and medium size businesses interested in measuring their profitability relative to national industry averages. The data has been converted to percentages to allow common sizing, and presented in a format useful for small business analysis purposes.
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bizstats
The web site claims "No Chat ... Just Stats!" It gives you instant access to useful financial ratios, business statistics and benchmarks. Stating that the results are effective and understandable analysis of businesses and industries.
For example, want to quickly know what the average small business owner keeps from each dollar of revenue? Then, see their summary of Industry Profitability - Sole Proprietorships. Get great Retail benchmarks at Sales per Foot & Sales per Store. Retailers and see how national retailers compare.
If you are curious about which businesses have the best - and worst - chances of success, see the table on Safest & Riskiest Small Businesses. Get quick answers to the Total Number of US Businesses the Total Size of US markets by Industry, and see their "first bite" at Restaurant Industry Benchmarks and find out how much dough a typical Krispy Kreme store makes.
www.bizstats.com |
cyborlink
The web site bills itself as "The Web's leading resource for International Business Etiquette and Manners." It offers etiquette, manners, and cross cultural, or intercultural communication along with fun facts, appearance, behavior and resources.
Scroll down the page, click on the name of a country and get a page of easy-to-read information that may not turn you into a native, but can be a good starting point for those venturing overseas for business or pleasure.
For example, click on the link to Spain and learn when attending a business dinner, be prepared to stay up late. Most restaurants do not open until after nine o'clock, and often do not get active until around eleven. Or that business attire includes well-made, conservative suits and ties. Avoid flashy colors, as it is not popular to stand out. And business cards should be two-sided, one side having English and the other side containing Spanish. When presenting your business card, place the card with the Spanish side facing your Spanish colleague.
www.cyborlink.com |
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