This is what you should know if you are moving to Singapore for work or to start your own business. As a Singapore expat, you'll face weird things which are normal in Singapore but crazy in the USA or Europe. Sooo, prepare your business cards and enjoy! 😄

WATCH NEXT:
📌Why I Moved to SINGAPORE from EUROPE and NEVER going back:
   • Why I Moved to SINGAPORE from EUROPE ...  
📌Pros & Cons of Living in Singapore as a Foreigner:
   • Pros & Cons of Living in Singapore as...  
📌What $4,500,000 Buys You in Singapore:
   • What $4,500,000 Buys You in Singapore...  

LET'S BE FRIENDS:
► My Instagram (use translate button to read the posts 😇):   / chernov_networking  
► Sponsorship related requests: [email protected]

WHAT IS THIS VIDEO ABOUT:
You'll learn what to expect from Singaporeans when working with them. Some points are SO unusual from the Western perspective. But you need to know them dealing with Singaporeans! Singapore is the easiest country to do business in. But there are important things you need to know before you come here for business:

-Singaporeans love business cards! I think the habit of exchanging business cards is in the East Asian culture in general. I used not to carry business cards with me at all due to the nature of my business. We are in EdTech business. So in this industry its always easier to just add each other on Instagram, compared to carrying around a pile of business cards. Moreover looking at someone's Instagram you know much quicker what type of food your new friend likes and how amazing his life is:)

-Singaporeans are tough negotiators. You have to challenge your partner, ESPECIALLY price-wise. There is 0 chance that you just agree straight away on the price! I think it's also similar to a bargaining culture in the Middle East. You have to always negotiate the price!
I also asked my entrepreneur friends in Singapore and they mentioned that It's EXTREMELY difficult to sell value in Singapore. So if are doing business here you need to be prepared for this one.

-Dress code. As it's hot in Singapore! If you go to the CBD business district you'll see a lot of people wearing suits, that's cruel. Singapore is a business city, so suits and ties are the norm. It increases a cost of living in Singapore:) Try not to be too sweaty, otherwise your business meeting will end earlier than you expected. But now I start to understand why Singaporeans like aircons so much.

-In Singapore you are expected to eat together, to share a meal with your business partners. I love it! Actually, there is some studies that having food together builds trust!

Though business BREAKFASTS are rare in Singapore (comparing to Europe), you can expect long LUNCH with your business partners to evolve your relationships. But not only lunch. Dinner as well! Be prepared to drink if needed (not with Malay partners though). So be ready for a drink or two.

-Business never stops. The very common thing is to have a business meeting on a weekend. So usual in Singapore. Also, It's normal to Whatsapp business-related questions late in the evening. It feels like there is no time limit for when it's not appropriate anymore to whatsapp about work. In Europe, if you write someone at 7pm for work-related questions, you will be ignored for sure! And if you try to reach someone in August, not in the evening, anytime - you will miserably fail! Especially in the south of Europe. Much more relaxed working culture!

-Never underestimate the value of saving or losing ‘face’. It's a big thing in Singapore - recognizing someone who is the boss and giving him much more attention than to the others. Of course, it's not only in Singapore like this but in Western culture. Even sometimes subordinates can challenge their boss. Still, the boss will not like it, esp if it's in front of the crowd, but in Singapore it's 100% no!

In general, in Singapore etiquette is sharply distinguished between formal and informal settings. Thus, business etiquette is very different from the general one. In a work-related environment Singaporeans are more calm, official and, from a Western perspective, even shy. However, Singaporeans are much more open and chill with friends when not at work.

So if you are a foreigner and you want to do business in Singapore, just learn the rules of how things are done here, be patient if making a deal takes time and just makan and have a good chat and laugh with your Singaporean partners:)

....
Hey! I'm Max. This channel is for those who like to know more about life in Singapore, social media marketing trends globally, and to hear the stories of lifestyle business owners from all over the world. Two videos per week – Monday and Thursday 5 pm Singapore time. Enjoy! 😘

*Links above include affiliate commission or referrals. I'm part of an affiliate network and I receive compensation from partner websites. The content is accurate as of the posting date but may not be accurate in the future.

#MaxinAsia