Cultural Differences - Lets Break a Deal.wmv

Summary

In a business meeting, Maria from Tokyo meets with a company representative to finalize a deal for Mustang jeans in the Japanese market. Initially, there's a language and cultural barrier as they discuss preferences for sushi and sea cucumber. Maria expresses hesitance to sign the contract due to recent meetings with competitors and the sudden switch from Roger to the current representative. Despite a rushed schedule and missed opportunities for deeper discussions, both parties remain optimistic about future collaboration, with plans for promotions and trips to Japan. The meeting ends with a friendly exchange, leaving the contract unsigned but the potential for business intact.

Takeaways

• 😀 The meeting is to finalize a deal involving a contract, with the expectation that signing will initiate business operations.
• 🛫 The visitor has traveled a long distance, specifically a 14-hour flight from Tokyo, arriving in the morning of the meeting day.
• 🍣 There is a discussion about food preferences, particularly sushi and sea cucumber, indicating cultural exchange and personal interests.
• 🤝 The visitor has been working closely with a colleague named Roger on the deal, but Roger is not present at the meeting.
• 🔄 There is a change in the business relationship; Roger is now handling domestic accounts, while the visitor is to focus on foreign accounts.
• 📝 The contract signing is a critical point of the meeting, but the visitor expresses hesitation to sign without further discussion.
• 🕒 Time constraints are evident, with the visitor having a tight schedule and a flight to catch later in the day.
• 🤔 There is an underlying issue with readiness to sign the contract, suggesting possible concerns or additional considerations.
• 💼 The company apologizes for a lack of preparation and a smooth transition in the business relationship, indicating a desire to improve.
• 👖 The product in discussion is a line of jeans called Mustang, and there is an interest in the visitor representing this product in the Japanese market.
• 💰 The visitor mentions meeting with other companies, implying that there are alternative options and competition for the business at hand.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the meeting between the two parties?

The purpose of the meeting is to finalize and sign a contract regarding the business deal they have been working on.

Why did the meeting switch from Roger to Maria?

The company decided that Maria would be better suited for handling foreign accounts, while Roger would focus on domestic ones.

What is the main product discussed in the meeting?

The main product discussed is a line of Mustang jeans that the company wants to introduce to the Japanese market.

What is the issue with signing the contract at the meeting?

Maria feels that they are not quite ready to sign the contract, possibly due to having met with other companies and wanting to consider her options.

What is the significance of the offer expiring after the meeting?

The offer's expiration creates a sense of urgency, indicating that if Maria does not sign the contract during the meeting, the deal may no longer be available.

Why does Maria apologize for the previous week's meeting?

Maria apologizes because she was not prepared and acknowledges that the switch from Roger to her without proper notice was not fair to the other party.

What is the cultural aspect brought up in the meeting?

The cultural aspect discussed is the potential dinner in Japan, where Maria would take the other party to her favorite restaurant.

What is the time constraint faced by Maria?

Maria's time constraint is her flight leaving in the afternoon, which limits the time available for the meeting and contract signing.

What is the relationship between the two parties before the meeting?

The two parties have been working together closely on the deal for a while, with the expectation of wrapping things up in this meeting.

What is the tone of the meeting?

The tone of the meeting is professional but also friendly, with both parties expressing a desire for a long-term relationship and future collaboration.

What is the significance of the mention of 'pop wear' and 'Mustang jeans'?

The mention of 'pop wear' and 'Mustang jeans' indicates the products the company is interested in promoting and the specific line they want to introduce to the Japanese market.