As I mentioned in another post these days it is a good idea to have a couple of small gifts handy when you are travelling. This can be especially useful in some situations. As a person from North America, it not always customary to bring gift for clients and it can also be seen as some sort of influencing. However, in some cultures it is required protocol, and in fact can be considered as extremely rude if you do not have a gift for the people you are meeting. Just as you would not go over to someones house for dinner without bringing wine or dessert, you should always be ready to offer a gift if it is necessary.
So, here are some ideas about getting gifts.
The first question is what to get. I myself usually like to bring a get a gift which is local from you live, and as such would be difficult for the recipient to get themselves. As I live in Canada, I often bring something related to maple. This could be something like maple syrup or maple candy. Sometimes, if I know that the person that I will visit may drink, I will being Sortilege which is a maple whisky liquor which is made here in Quebec. Or, I may choose to bring some local artisanry like an Inuit carving, made from wood or stone. If I know that I will meet a lot of people then I may being small things like pens or key chains.
One important thing to keep in mind is to be very aware of the culture of the people you are visiting, in some cases (more in the Western world), offering gifts can be seen as influencing, but in some, like in the Middle East for example, it is very common an part of normal practice. In fact, I have been at meetings where my local partner asked if I had any gifts for the people I was meeting, while I was visiting. I was very surprised as he had not asked me in advance if I had brought anything. Has I not been ready, it may have resulted in a very embarrasing situation.
Another point to remember is that it is good to have a couple of different gifts. This way, if one person is more important or higher ranking, they get a better gift.
Finally, if you have some kind of an ongoing relationship with the person that you will visit, try to keep a mental note of what they like- I had one client in the Middle East who had told me that his wife loved chocolate, so every time I would come I would make sure to bring a box for her.
Keep these ideas in mind and I’m sure your gift giving will go well.
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