Negotiating
• Companies are hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
• Decisions are reached slowly. If you try to rush things, you will give offense and jeopardize your business relationship.
• The society is extremely bureaucratic. Most decisions require several layers of approval.
• It often takes several visits to accomplish simple tasks.
• If you change negotiators, negotiations will have to start over since relationships are to the person and not the company that they represent.
• Pakistanis are highly skilled negotiators.
• Price is often a determining factor in closing a deal.
• Pakistanis strive for win-win outcomes.
• Maintain indirect eye contact while speaking.
• Do not use high-pressure tactics.
• Pakistanis can become highly emotional during negotiations. Discussions may become heated and even revert to Urdu (the national language). It is imperative that you remain calm.
Business Card Etiquette
• Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction.
• Include any advanced university degrees or professional honours on your card, as they denote status.
• Business cards are exchanged using the right hand only or with two hands.
• Make a point of studying any business card you receive before putting into your business card holder.