On the streets of Guanajuato

One thing I love about traveling abroad is having the opportunity to observe people doing their daily activities. I like to compare customs and traditions from one place to another. Mexico has no shortage of interesting activities.

1. On Monday, I woke up to a strange sound of a man shouting something. At first, it seemed to be in stereo with the rooster crowing but then it continued. After awhile I was able to make out what I thought he was saying "gus". I thought perhaps he lost his dog and was looking for it. However, this continued on Tuesday and Wednesday. Finally, I had to ask why the man was calling for his dog every day. My host mom explained that he was selling "gas" on the streets. Oh, never thought of that!! I wonder what the guy that I think is selling "frijoles" is really saying!!

2. There was a man standing outside of a church imploring the world to end the war on terror. True enough, this is a common thing around the world. The thing that gave me a chuckle was he was doing it with a White Sox sweatshirt on. It is a small world after all.

3. This morning when I was running I noticed a man took off his hat as I approached. I was impressed with the chivalry until I realized it was because we were in front of a church. He took off his hat and blessed himself. This is not an uncommon thing in Mexico.

4. Speaking of churches, churches are left wide open all day everyday. In a country that is supposed to be "wild" no one worries about someone stealing from the church like we do in the U.S. Last month, I had to collect the Christmas gifts from the Giving Tree and had to leave my name, rank and serial number- and they know me!!

Nosy or just curious

I have spent the last few days talking- ad nauseam- about the differences (and few similarities) between doing business in Mexico and the U.S. The list includes:
- Art of negotiation
- Use of time
- Compromises
- Focus
- Amount of delegation
- Hours of business
- Giving of gifts
- Relations boss/employee, employee/employee.

None of the information that I received this trip was really a surprise. However, I've learned that there is a difference between "knowing" something and experiencing it!

A few days ago while working with my dance instructor, he started with 20 questions. He wanted to know who I was. So, I gave him the usual overview- I'm a college professor teaching business with a focus on global business. I love my job blah blah blah. This was not enough for him. He wanted to know the following:
1. Was I married
2. Did I have kids
3. Did I want kids
4. Could I have kids
5. Would I adopt
6. How old I was
And on and on and on. It was one question after another. Things that we would never ask a person we did not know however he seemed to have no problem asking.

My immediate reaction was "it's none of your business" but then I realized that he was just trying to get to know me as his client. He wanted to know who I really was. I know that this may be strange for most Americans but most people in the world want to really know who they are dealing with beyond the simple things.

I was glad that I got to experience the litany of questions as it now helps me to explain what someone may experience when trying to do business in Mexico.

"Inside edge"

My whole body aches! No, it is not because I've had too much tequila. I've been in school(s) all day every day.

I am in Mexico working on perfecting my Spanish and Salsa. Today, after three days of intense classes I have to ask myself "why?". Why do I care about being able to speak perfectly in a tense that is so foreign to most English speakers? If I were to talk to most Spanish speakers, they would understand me perfectly well. Why do I have I been working on a move that is so awkward for my body that many times I literally trip. Being able to smile sweetly while making turn after turn? Does it matter?

For me, it does. It goes beyond being a perfectionist to something more especially in international business. For months now, I have been told to "perfect the Cuban motion" that I have to use the "inside edge of my foot". It dawned on me that this is the case for international business as well. What I'm trying to accomplish here is something that will give me the inside edge. Something that will allow me to be that much more confident in dealing with international business. Nowadays, one only needs a computer and an Internet connection to "make business" internationally. So, what is it that you will do to give yourself the "inside edge"?

Sense of adventure...

So, anyone who knows me at all knows that I'm not very adventurous when it comes to food. My feeling is "I know what I like and that is it". I knew when I told my host mom that I would eat anything that I would probably be in trouble. Well, sure enough- last night I was served salmon and shrimp with a nice side of pasta. Now, for many, that would be a dream come true. For me, I was in a panic. I don't eat fish- ever! I decided that I didn't want to look stupid so I scarfed down the fish while it was hot and had a wine chaser! I have to say that it was actually pretty good.

Perhaps the lesson learned here is that sometimes you have to go out of the country to get out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Que suerte!

As expected, my faith in my tutor was completely valid. The homestay is nothing like Italy- gracias a Dios. In fact, the woman is a gourmet chef. I was spoiled with a 4 course meal this morning. She then grabbed a bunch of homemade bread, wrapped it up and proceeded to give it to a homeless man who approached her with a flower and my instructors. This is what I love about staying with people. You do get to meet some amazing people.

The "horario" today is full. I will be working on perfecting the subjunctive and my Cuban motion. Neither one come naturally to a woman of Irish/Polish decent! My attitude is that it doesn't matter if I'm able to speak perfectly in the subjunctive as long as I can communicate. I think that this is a great lesson for international business. No one expects perfection however they appreciate the effort.

Trust- a key component in international business

Although I'm no novice to study-abroad language trips, this trip should be different on many levels. I will be the guest of my Spanish tutor who will make sure (hopefully) that I do not have a repeat of Italy! At this point, I have no idea with whom I'm staying but I'm confident that it will be a better experience than I had last summer.

As I've mentioned on several occasions throughout my travels, there is no better way to do international business than to do it with a trusted business partner. Trust, in all relationships, takes time and it is no different in international negotiations. In fact, it takes more time and patience and flexibility. I'm hopeful that this trip will continue to build cross-cultural collaboration opportunities that will benefit not only me but my future students as well.

In addition, as mentioned before, I have already been to this particular city so I know what to expect. I believe that this too is another key for success in international business. Many times people think "one and done" in terms of international trips. Sadly, in most cases, this is a waste of time as most cultures are not open to outsiders and require the extra time to get to know their business partner.