|
|
EU
and US Open Skies now a reality
Negotiators
from both ends of the Atlantic have now struck a deal
make permanent the 2007 open skies deal that expands
the liberalization of the skies across the EU and
U.S. - a pact once thought to be threatened over ownership
rules.
Talks over the next phase of the three-year-old open
skies agreement between the United States and the
European Union were expected to be contentious primarily
because of the reluctance by the U.S. to relax foreign
ownership rules. Read
more
|
Why
we should worry about travel services and fees as
we slowly emerge from the recession.
Travellers have to pay attention to what airlines
are offering before they book their flights. Those
were the days when airlines will move heaven and
earth to ensure that you enjoy your flight with
them. Once debts start straying into the economic
growth of airlines, economic growth tends to slump
and then airlines start finding ways to charge for
almost anything.
There is something particularly compelling about
charging for almost everything that services providers
like hotels and airlines put at our disposal as
soon as supply exceeds demand because of high debt
and recession so much so that so that they likely
consequences is shrewdness on the part of the traveller.
Competition is only indirectly relevant. Read
more...
|
|
|
Meet
the Expat Experts
Whether it is a move abroad, a return home or
preparing others to make the move, the expatriate
life has its challenges. Meet the expat experts; Nicole,
Claire and Angela who have all found out that there
are different ways of doing things wherever you go,
but have turned those differences to their advantage.
A reported 5.5 million* UK nationals reside abroad
and this figure continues to rise steadily. However,
although many would agree that living abroad broadens
the mind, moving to another country is not without
its challenges and adjustments. From immersing yourself
into a new community to learning the language and
making a living, three Lloyds TSB International customers
that know all about moving to another country are
using their experiences to advise others.
Learn about their experience
|
Essentials: 10 key
tips to doing business in …… France
1. Always respect the individuality of the
French. Never try to put them into categories, or make generalisations
about them.
2. Never try to impose your own cultural values on the French
as you will only create resistance.
3. Remember that this is a polite, formal society. Greetings,
small talk and etiquette are essential.
4. Relationships are critical to getting things done. Network
and use contacts where you can to navigate through bureaucratic
levels.
5. Do not be afraid to debate a point in what may seem like
a heated, intense discussion. Provided you can back it up,
you will be respected for your intellectual grasp.
6. Learn to conduct meetings the French way, with plenty
of debate and a chance for everybody to have their say.
The French can appear direct because they are not afraid
of asking probing questions. Don't be frustrated by what
can seem to be an inconclusive result.
7. Avoid making exaggerated claims about your company or
your products. They will not be appreciated.
8. Recognise that French business is hierarchical. Information
may not flow between levels and decisions will tend to be
made at the top.
9. Be aware that the French tend to be most receptive to
low-key, but logical presentations that fully explain the
position(s) taken.
10. Start learning French as it demonstrates an interest
in developing a long-term relationship. |
