Cross Cultural Business Communications: Germany
11/4/10
Today at the WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego, we continued our series Cross Cultural Business Communications, with a presentation on doing business in Germany accompanied by a traditional German-style breakfast.
We were joined by guest speakers, Dr. Stephan F. Hollmann, Honorary Consul of Germany and Ms. Peggy Fleming, Executive Director German American Chamber of Commerce. Natives of Germany, now living and working in the San Diego business region, both came to the WTCSD to discuss business trends in Germany and the many cultural differences that may impact international business between American and German firms.
Germany today is a far different country than that of even just twenty years
ago. Germany ranks as the largest European economy, 5th largest global economy, with its GDP accounting for over 3.6 trillion (USD). Our speakers today brought valuable information to our attendees, both those currently doing business in Germany, and those here interested in expanding internationally into the German market.
Some of the most important information given to us today is the importance of forming a relationship with your German business partners. To your German counterparts, it is important to them that they form a trusting relationship with you, get to know who you are, and yes, socialize with you. Without trust and a reassurance of a strong relationship, a German firm is likely to shy away from a deal. Take the time, whether it is by phone, e-mail, meetings, or a business trip to Germany, to get to know your German business partners.
Germany has a long standing history that values strong education and the importance of financial stability. The German government, like its citizens, is also very financially conservative. Doing business in Germany requires American firms to go far above just ‘deal making’, instead taking the time to provide not just the building of a relationship as mentioned before, but knowing the ins and outs of your product or service, and proving your product’s stability and success potential in Germany.
For those interested in beginning research on business in Germany, there are many resources here in San Diego, as well as abroad in Germany. The first great resource to San Diego businesses is the German American Chamber of Commerce. This international chamber of commerce can connect you to all the resources and information that will help begin an international venture. Also, each of the 16 states in Germany have their own Chamber of Commerce, all of which are open and interested in doing business with The United States. In the recent decade, German firms have shown a great deal of interest in business in The States as opposed to their efforts in China. Listed below is a great link to help you start your research.
We would like to thank both Ms. Fleming and Dr. Hollman for coming to speak here at the WTCSD, and to our sponsors: Quantum Design, WD-40, COMMIT, and The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Our Speakers:
Dr. Hollmann is an Aerospace Executive and Honorary Consul of the Federal Republic of Germany in Southern California. Dr. Hollmann holds an engineering degree from the University Bremen, Germany and a doctorate from California Southern University.
Ms. Fleming has both an American and German Master’s degree in Business Administration. She has worked as a consultant, instructor, and entrepreneur in the U.S. and Germany. Ms. Fleming is the President of the German American Chamber of Commerce California, based here in San Diego, where she leads the Chamber’s Transatlantic Business Program and International Career Program.
German American Chamber of Commerce: http://www.gaccca.com/
Matt Confer
Marketing & Programs Intern
WORLD TRADE CENTER San Diego