Book Description

From breaking the ice at a business seminar, to hosting a successful cocktail party, Power Schmoozing is packed with extremely useful techniques and real world information about how to talk to people, what to say, and how to keep in touch with them to cultivate productive long-term business relationships. It's for every business person who wants to move through the world a little more fearlessly, a little more freely, and with a lot more confidence. It shows how to overcome the fear and imtimidation associated with unfamiliar social situations, take on a room full of strangers--in any business or social setting--and emerge with contacts, even friends, host a successful party or event, and observe the rules for dating someone at work. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

This book can change your outlook on life!
I bought this book a few years ago, and find myself going back to freshen up with it every few months. Power Schmoozing is still an interesting read. Terri Mandell's book provides excellent insight into the art of socializing amongst people, including social etiquette rules for "the game" of everyday life. It has changed how I perceive and interact with others, at least somewhat. Applying some of the techniques can recover what would otherwise be an akward moment of personal disaster into a memorable and often endearing episode. I had once thought that I was the only person that felt like a bit of an outsider around new people, until I discovered that everybody else has the same problem with 'breaking-the-ice' too! I have in the past recommended this book to others. If you are somewhat withdrawn, a social pessimist, or a bit low on confidence, this book could change your life!

As a student, I find that offering to help out at the registration desk at a conference has worked exceedingly well. I was able to get free admission to two separate full-day conferences for me within the last 2 weeks, and the opportunities to network with potential employers at the conference is even better. In its advice and content, Power Schmoozing has returned many times my original investment.

Find the courage within yourself to go forth boldly and truthfully... and have fun out there!

THIS BOOK COULD CHANGE YOUR SOCIAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE
The techniques are brash and a bit scary. But you know what? I tried it, and it really works! I was mortified at first about being so bold until I just bit the bullet and used some of Mandell's ideas. Suddenly I'm the center of attention. My instinct was to panic and say, "Yeah, NEGATIVE attention..." But when I realized my social calendar was filling up and my morning call lists were getting shorter (because people were actually calling me instead), I knew I was onto something. And it gets easier with time. I think my personality has really opened up in the process, I feel much more confident, and socially at ease wherever I go. In control of a room rather than the room being in control of me. Bottom line... no guts, no glory. You've gotta really want it to make it work. My guess is the majority of people are probably too timid to even give these techniques a try. I've heard Mandell does great seminars on "Power Schmoozing" as well.

Thanks, but no thanks.
I read parts of her book. One of the things she recommends is that if you can't afford to pay for a social event, to sneak in!?!?!? Thanks, but NO THANKS!!!!! Perhaps I'm too honest, but I got a problem with that technique. The consequences of getting caught and the damage to your reputation would far outweigh any benefit.

Too heavy-handed.
I found the author's treatment of schmoozing to be very serious and heavy. If someone were to try her techniques, I am quite sure most people would be turned off. Schmoozing, as I understand it, is a process whereby both parties can benefit. Mandell's approach is very self serving.

Good, but better guides available
For example, I found the "Vault Reports Guide to Schmoozing" to be more current, more interesting, and more informative. ... Read more

Book Description

The Do's and Taboos series: over 600,000 satisfied readers—and counting!

"Roger Axtell is an international Emily Post."—The New Yorker

Roger Axtell's latest eye-opening guide to the pitfalls awaiting the business and leisure traveler is his funniest and most useful yet. Building on two invaluable ideas—"laughter has no accent" and "no matter where you travel in our world, there is one form of communication that is understood—the smile"—Axtell expertly combines fascinating business and leisure lore, more than 300 hilarious anecdotes, and loads of entertaining, invaluable advice on proper etiquette in dozens of countries. From embarrassing dining debacles to unintentionally lewd gestures, this delightful guide shows how to avoid cultural faux pas as you sidestep potential misunderstandings. If all else fails, always be ready to laugh at yourself!

Includes 26 whimsical illustrations by the award-winning cartoonist Mel Casson

• Discusses the often comical gaffes arising from differences between American English and the English spoken in Great Britain, Australia, and Canada
• Features dozens of cunning cognates, misinterpreted signs, unknowingly funny gestures, and business blunders to watch out for
• Helps travelers recognize the where, when, and how of using humor abroad

Reviews (2)

more taboos than do.
This book is told, in a loose, style.The book repeats itself, from chapter,to chapter. and it`s more ho hum thanfunny. However, there are some lol,in this book, but they're a chore, to find. Axtell; fails to follow his own advice. "68% of your audience will quit listening, if you talk more than 20 minutes." This book is useful, for first time globe trotters, The lol chapter on cruising, is worth the price of the book.this book would've been better, if it include samples of lol jokes, from around the world.

Business Travel Humor by Roger E. Axtell
I read Mr. Axtell's book on use of humor in the international business environment with great interest. I also had quite a few good laughs doing that. I must confess, however, that I was a little disappointed by the fact that such a great deal of the anecdotes presented in this book have been circulating on the internet for a long time already.

This book is written for the American business people, and Mr. Axtell makes it clear. However, from the point-of-view of a "non-American" reader, there is a drawback attached: some of the anecdotes do not open up unless English--American English to be precise--is the reader's native language. He is left wondering what the point of the story was. Fortunately there are not many such instances.

This is not to say that you should not read this book if you are not an American. On the contrary, Mr. Axtell reveals, perhaps unintentionally, a useful insight into the mind of the average American commercial traveler who might be sitting next to you on an airplane, or on the opposite side of the negotiating table. Also, most of the book's content is sound advice applicable to any cross-cultural business situations. ... Read more

Book Description

The classic etiquette guide . . . totally updated for business in the next millennium.

Like all true wisdom, which does not diminish but increases over time, Emily Post's Guide to Business Etiquette draws on the traditional, sensible advice of Emily Post, but with a distinct voice for the new millennium.

In today's fast-paced, contact driven, interpersonal business environment, nothing is more important than understanding good taste and decorum.

Knowing how to handle an increasing array of sensitive situations is the benchmark of character, and an indication of good business sense.Realistic and plain-speaking, Emily Post's Guide to Business Etiquette de-codes the rules, and addresses the fundamentals yet includes current concerns such as:

•Personal Appearance

•Job-searching - -some of the questions you might expect and how to handle questions interviewers shouldn't ask, but do

•Public Speaking, Radio and Television appearances

•Teleconferencing

•Entertaining clients and co-workers

•Restaurant Meetings

•a section on Home Offices, and much more.

Emily Post's Guide to Business Etiquette can strengthen the life-forming good habits that increase your self-esteem and add style to your ventures. This is an essential resource for any career stage. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

If you work, you need this book!
A must-have for the new millenium worker. With intelligence, sensitivity, and candor, the Posts offer solid advice on negotiating the challenging workplace social scene with grace. They also filter out irrelevant and out-dated business etiquette practices and offers fresh suggestions for new ones. Navigating the choppy waters of the business world is tough; this book is a port in a storm. It's helped me avoid making mistakes--it will help you too!

Good Introduction to Business Etiquette
I enjoyed the basics offered regarding Business Etiquette. I was disappointed the author spent so much discussing how to find a job, and how to leave a job. If I wanted a book on finding a job I would have purchased one. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Korean Ethics and Business
This book is one of the best books that is available for Korean Ethics and Business. The author explains the different categories of Korean Business, gives a history and explains the Korean Character. The author explains that Korea is one of the newest markets that is growing rapidly.The Korean products are very competitive just like the Japanese products. This book is very valuable for anyone doing business in South Korea or doing business with Koreans in their own country. ... Read more

Book Description

Concise, to-the-point advice about the best ways to conduct business through Europe

• Business attire and business card etiquette.
• Business entertaining/dining and conversation.
• Gestures, public manners, and gift-giving.
• Meeting and seating etiquette.
• The importance of punctuality.
• Tips on proper gratuities and toasting etiquette.
• What to do when you are invited to a home.
• Women in business.

Book Description

This comprehensive travel planner/guide makes it faster and easier than ever to plan your trip abroad. It anticipates every question you’re likely to have and offers detailed, step-by-step guidance on absolutely everything you need to consider before stepping off your native soil, including:

• Planning your itinerary and making travel arrangements, obtaining passports and visas, and booking accommodations
• Tips, insights, and shortcuts for learning the culture
• Staying safe and healthy on the road
• Traveling with kids, senior citizens, or people with special physical needs
• Packing luggage, renting a car, and exchanging money
• Valuable resource names, addresses, and phone numbers (including ones for information)

Reviews (1)

Great Travel Book To Keep You Out of TROUBLE!!!
Five stars to Roger Axtell and John Healy. I highly recommend this book if you ever travel to Asia, Europe, Canada, Middle East, or Latin America.

I read this book from the front cover to the back cover in one evening. The author has also written "Traveling Cautions for Dictator Country", in addition to "Fun Fun Fun In Bangkok", also great books.

He provides great checklists that will help you keep out of trouble when authorities demand bribes or magazines that are illegal in their countries. One hint, also carry five recent copies of Pent house.

Of particular note is his advise on what to do if you lose your passport, credit cards, or phone card. He suggests locations where you can get exact duplicates in 'other names' so that you can have a very expensive vacation on someone else's account.

Details are given for Senior Citizens for saving space in luggage for packing Depends by using space saving bags that are sold in major warehouse type stores (Costco, Sam's Club).

I really enjoyed the section on how to insult different cultures. Most useful for getting off on the right foot.

Photos of different toilets around the world are chronicled including the sit and squat over a hole method in much of Asia. Some of the pictures were disgusting but humorous at the same time. Emile who is a clean freak would go nuts and not even enter some of these restrooms. Each countries rest rooms are rated.

Instructions for bypassing local telephone controls are included that will save on your travel and communicate dollars to make inexpensive (as in free) call around the world.

Hats off to this author! ... Read more

Book Description

Short Course books are written from an international perspective for an international audience. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Insightful!
Charles Mitchell's book offers an excellent introduction to the differences in attitudes, values, protocol, rituals, traditions, communication styles and other characteristics that commonly separate cultures. He distinguishes people's basic cultural traits from different national groups, while noting regional and individual variations, too. Mitchell cites examples from many major nations, including the U.S., Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Nigeria, Israel, Australia, China, Japan, Russia, Vietnam and India, and from Hispanic and Arabic cultures. The book is clearly written and well organized, with tips on giving gifts, negotiating, handling verbal and non-verbal communications, holding meetings and conducting business in general. We [...] say tuck this into your carry-on bag - the farther you're going, the more you'll need it.
... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good starting place....
I found the culture shock series to be enjoyable reading accross the board, and this business based volume both informative and largely up to date. The business information is based on 98 which makes it only slightly dated, with only the latest goverment incentives missing. The sections on dealing with culture differences were very enlightening (non-confrontational style of thailand verses the "you are just a cog, and here is an in your face review of performance" style of the western world). The rehashing of basics you'll find other places is placed here just in case you missed it (not touching a thai's head, use of left hand, etc.). Although this wouldn't be my only source of information, it is a valuable one in a limited field. ... Read more

Book Description

David Robinson provides a fresh approach to business protocol and etiquette for the young professionals and entrepreneurs who began to establish themselves in the late 1990s dot-com boom, and for recent graduates and new hires in today's business environment. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

From a students POV
Coming from a students' perspective, Business Protocol is a better guide and more enjoyable to read compared to the other books available; unlike other books that take the "do this, do that" approach, David Robinson gives insight on what is the level of protocol expected.

Better Than Your Father's Education
David Robinson's book is two things. It is both pratical and pragmatic, but it is also has something that is much harder for many business texts contain. His book uniquely reflects the ever changing business world and its constantly changing rules of ettiuquette.
Your father's business education surely taught the basics of accounting, ledgering, and basic HR practises. But so much of his education on how to interact on a business level socially was left to his own pioneering after graduation. David Robinson's book is a trailblazer that sets the social path for college business grads.
His simple techniques, examples and lessons are useful but above all else pratical and can be (should be) used in ever day business interactions. From creating a resume, to how to hold a business conversation, David Robinson's book on business protocol lays a great groundwork for future success. I can't reccomend this book high enough. It is both pratical, pragmatic, but above all else, it gives you an upper edge in the social world of business interaction. What a fantastic find.

A Joy to Read
David Robinson's ethereal eccentricity shines through in this wonderful tour through the otherwise dark recesses of business protocol. He effectively personifies the American business experience with a barrage of the whimsical metaphor, and unlike most other authorities on business communication, Robinson never allows his text to be bogged down in preachy, self-proclaimed mastery of business interaction.

All too often, I feel, lessons in business communication end up as unnecessarily authoritarian and, considering the subjective nature of human interaction, absurdly objective. Furthermore, these same authors often like to flex their semantic muscles, leaving we the reader to plod through an Olympics of vernacular that, at least in my case, end about the time said author begins a thirty-page dissertation on the intricacies of the salad fork.

Quite to the contrary, Robinson comes off as more of a good Samaritan on the road to successful communication, allowing his audience to see different perspectives on all issues in business protocol, from the traditional "Which fork shall I use now?" to the less-often discussed "What do I do if I need to use the bathroom?" His analysis of American culture is consistently poignant and humorous at the same time. In the end, the virtues of his eloquent prose and well-conceived concepts in protocol make this a work that anyone entering the business world ought to keep snugly under their pillow at night. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (1)

Nothing More, Nothing Less
If you know what to expect from this book, you won't be disappointed. In fact, that holds true for all of the books in th "Things a Man Should Know..." series (there is another on how to dress, for example).

What you should expect first is a small book, both in page count and it's physical deminsions. Second, the advice inside is presented machine-gun style--a rapid-fire series of short quips and quotes. Some of them are fairly funny and some of them are actually very useful, and they all deliver legitimate and correct advice.

While the lessons inside are important for anyone in business, this book might be best suited as a gift for a graduating college student, providing an easy-to-digest primer for that first important business lunch or meeting.

There are certainly scores of books that offer advice that is just as good, if not better, with more detail and more context. And if you have been in the business world for a few years and have had your share of meetings with clients or important interviews, there isn't too much you'll learn from this little book.

However, if you or someone you know wants an inexpensive, hip, and up-to-date collection of advice on how to behave in today's business world, that's pretty much exactly what you'll get here--nothing more, nothing less. ... Read more

Book Description

"Rules of the Game: Global Business Protocol" is an essential tool for any businessperson in today's global business environment. Author Nan Leaptrott has applied her years of global business experience to present a simple, practical methodology for understanding cultural interaction today."Rules of the Game" takes you beyond the "dos" and don't's of international business customs to the rationale and reasoning behind these actions. You'll examine the fundamental motivating factors for each culture, and the rules of behavior that stem from them.With this thorough understanding of protocol and etiquette, you'll have the confidence to approach any culture and act consistently and effectively in all areas of business transactions.Only "Rules of the Game" examines: * Points of protocol for specific countries and regions, and what purposes they serve. * How to deduce the proper protocol when you encounter a new situation. * How to develop an effective game plan for any business interaction. * The three fundamental world cultures and how to recognize them. * The basic morivating factors for each culture. * How to develop a character profile for the person with whom you will meet. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Yikes - this looks daunting!
As a beginning learner, I expected this book to be a bit more structured vs diving right into complex sentences and phrases.

For me personally, this book would have been more helpful to focus on everyday usage in the office place, as opposed to focusing on a specfic business situation (financial turnaround).

For intermediate speakers already accustomed to the language, you may find this book useful. If you are just starting, look for something else to give you grounding before taking this book on. My two star rating is more my missed expectation and level of learning, vs what the book can deliver. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Better books elsewhere
Useful tidbits here and there, but the advice is sometimes questionable and occasionally misleading. The most serious flaw is that she fails to describe the range of accepted etiquette and then explain which guidelines she prefers and why. Instead, she presents only her opinion, providing only one option from a range of possibilities.

She also has an annoying tendency to depart from etiquette (guidelines for dress and behavior) and into management (advice for interacting with peers and subordinates). Given her limited experience in management, the quality of her advice on conflict management and project management is quite low. It would have been much more useful had she elaborated on acceptable etiquette and differing opinions on acceptable etiquette and cut her weak advice on management.

In the end, everything I got out of this book I got out of reading People Skills or How to Win Friends and Influence People. I would recommend those titles over this one. If you need a good book on etiquette, you'll have to look elsewhere. ... Read more

Book Description

Develop your powers of public persuasion with the ultimate guide to great speeches and business presentations… Do you get tongue-tied at the mere thought of speaking in public? Would you rather swim with sharks or undergo a tax audit than face an audience? Well, you’re not alone. According to the Book of Lists’ list of humans’ greatest fears, the fear of death is our fourth greatest fear, while fear of public speaking commands a solid first place. Now from Roger E. Axtell, one of America’s most accomplished public speakers, here’s a book guaranteed to turn even the most stage-shy mumbler into a great communicator. Geared primarily, but not exclusively, for business people, this amusing and informative guide can show you how to possess the powers of public persuasion you’ve always dreamed of having. Whether it’s making a pitch to the board of directors, or prepping the sales force, stating your case to the town council, or being interviewed on live TV, Do’s and Taboos of Public Speaking can help you to be an intelligent, articulate, confident, and likable presence in front of any audience you’ll ever face.

• Surefire techniques for controlling fear, preparing for and organizing a business presentation or speech, using body language and humor, getting the most out of audio and audio/visual equipment, speaking in front of the camera, and much, much more
• Helpful hints from successful business speakers and such greats as Winston Churchill, Lee Iacocca, Red Barber, Roger Ailes, and Charles Osgood
• Special chapters on humor and roasts, speaking internationally, and even how to become a professional speaker

Book Description

Beyond Business Casual reminds readers that right or wrong, how they dress has a lot to say about how far their careers will advance.

Beyond Business Casual addresses:
- The dress faux pas most commonly made in business today.
- What employees should wear when their organizations don't have a written dress code.
- Whom to emulate on business casual day.
- The real definition of business.
- How to add clout to what you say by what you wear.

Beyond Business Casual is laid out in a series of steps. You can go through the steps in sequence or you can skim through the table of contents to find the information and advice you need. The book is filled with real-life examples from the author's workshop participants and others whom she has coached to look the professional part. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A Good Read!
Self-help books tend to be either insightful or dumb. Author Ann Marie Sabath manages to accomplish both results in the same book. At times, the book provides useful examples on topics that are truly unclear, but other times it tells you to wear your goulashes in the snow. If you are willing to shift through some incredible obviousness, then you will find enough pearls. The lists of common mistakes that start each chapter are particularly helpful. If you do nothing else, read these lists and find out if you are committing a dressing gaff. If you can honestly say that you have not or never will commit any of the mistakes on the lists then you are ready to navigate the business casual workplace confidently.

A decent overview
This book is certainly easy to read and presents some very solid advice. It covers a wide variety of topics from heel heights to skirt lengths, from the rules about wearing cologne to protocol for wearing nose rings at work(don't!). However, I was disappointed that it contained not a single illustration, as I would think that a book purporting to help people learn how to dress for work might include a few sketches or photos...a picture being worth a thousand words, you know. In addition, several topics (the skirt length issue, for example) were repeated numerous times, which was annoying to say the least. Finally, I found the pagination system to be deceptive at best. The text STARTS on page 15 and the last few pages of the book are devoted to things like "about the author" and an index. By my count, you really only get 185 pages of text.

Excellent resource for today's professional
Sabath has done an excellent job of condensing a potentially huge body of advice into a readable book that's not at all pretentious or sermon-like. She covers the gamut of issues from how NOT to dress in a business casual environment to how TO dress in an environment that's not business casual. She also spends some useful time on what to wear on casual Friday's in an otherwise professionally-dressed work environment. I highly recommend this book to both corporate and government professionals, and definitely to anyone preparing for interviews in either environment.

Very highly recommended "dress for success" reference.
Beyond Business Casual: What To Wear To Work If You Want To Get Ahead explains what to wear on the job when there's no written dress code; the dress faux pas most commonly made in the business world today; what "business casual" really is; how to add clout to what you say by what you wear; and how to dress when you're in doubt about what to wear. Very highly recommended for anyone concerned with "dressing for success", Beyond Business Casual is formatted as a series of questions and answers, and offers a wealth of real-life examples and illustrations drawn from Ann Marie Sabath's business attire workshops and her years of experience in consulting with members of the business community on how to look professional.

Who couldn't benefit from this book?
Ann Marie Sabath has written an excellent guide to one of the thorniest issues in business today--what to wear to work. The advent of business casual in the 1990's created a dilemma that lives on in the business world. Everyone from the CEO of the company to the lowliest clerk is trying to figure out how to dress. Ms. Sabath, with her 13 years of experience, has written on this subject in her uasual direct and easy-to-read approach. Her question and answer style takes the reader through all aspects of workplace attire from defining business casual to deciding what to wear to the holiday party. This book is appropriate for everyone entering the business world as well as those who have been on the job for years. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

One of the best, with nice humour, and humanity
In my own meager experience in Asia countries three key things had dawned on me before I found Fred Schneiter's book. They were (1) It's their country and they make the rules, (2) What I saw on the surface was never how it really worked, and (3) The more I learnt the less I knew. Schneiter's book explained all these feelings for me, in a Chinese context, and vastly more. And all with a clever sense of humour, which helps the reader remember the anecdotes and the lessons. The chapters are almost self-contained, and are easy to read, and the insights reveal a wisdom about getting on in China that most of us will never attain. I think that anyone doing business in China would enjoy this book. For neophytes, like me, you would be simply silly not to buy it. Having read and browsed many such books this is one of the best. I've enjoyed re-reading it many times over.

An insightful and humorous look at China and the West
This book taught me a lot about how differently the Chinese view the world and how normal Western concepts do not apply to them. The black-and-white illustrations match the generally light-hearted and humorous tone of the book. Expecially useful for anyone planning a trip to China or planning to stay there ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A frank, enlightening & objective look at Russian business.
This book is the only one I know of that has been written in recent times that has looked at Russian business in an objective way. Although the media tends to make judgements about different cultures, this book, as far as I see, is judgement free. One part I loved about the book, is that it starts off with the fact that the old stories of shortages are passé (this pleased me because after I returned from living in Belarus, many people asked me if there was food on the shelves of stores. After a while I started to get annoyed with people for asking me this when I found that shopping in Belarus, the Ukraine, and in Russia was still faster than your ordinary grocery line up in most other countries). For people interested in Russian business, this is an amazing book for learning about the psyche of the Russian consumer and the reasoning behind why Russian business is the way it is. More generally, however, this book has a broader appeal to those that are interested in people around the world. Whereas most books tend to take a stand on issues either for or against, the authors simply describe a situation, and allow readers to draw their own conclusions, which most of the time lead a person with at least an intermediate level of reasoning skills to realize that Russian business practices and ethics are not necessarily better or worse than those in our respective countries, just different, and that in a broader sense, the history of a country plays a very large role in the determination of how business practices are carried out, as well as what is and isn't considered ethical. Another advantage of this book is that it is up-to-date from people in a good position to know. Although I am unaware of Mr. Wilson's profession in St. Petersburg, I knew beforehand that Mr. Donaldson is an editor for the St. Petersburg Press, who has the initial perception of a Westerner, but the experience of a native, which holds a lot more credibility with me than a professor who has read books on the subject, analysed press releases from accross the ocean, etc. to deliver information to the readers. Definitely worth reading!!! ... Read more

Book Description

The only book to look at the uniquely delicate situation that confronts every Western business-woman, whether traveling to Japan or meeting Japanese clients at her home office.Using real-life anecdotes, cultural explanations, and extensive lists of tactics and dos and don'ts, Doing Business with Japanese Men tells women how to quickly establish their authority and work effectively.Included are practical discussions of preparation, meeting protocol, socializing, and gift giving, as well as tips on wardrobe, make-up, special health and safety concerns, and fending off unwanted attention. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Computing Japan Magazine Book Review (November 98)
Although intended for foreign women, this book is an eye-opener for foreign men, Japanese women, and Japanese men born after Pink Lady. Full of helpful hints on culture and etiquette, this book is also peppered with frank anecdotal examples of the kind of sekuhara (sexual harassment) that would make Michael Douglas blush. This book would be a good addition to a sensitivity training course.

Prepare for the worst! Japan is still male-dominated society
As a Japanese businesswoman working for some 20 years, I believe this book will help a lot for those women doing business with Japanese men. Especially those who are new to Japan. Unfortunately, Japanese business world is still male-oriented, and most of Japanese businessmen don't know how to deal with women in business. One of the Japanese businesswomen's complaints is, "Japanese men treat business women only in three manners. Treat them as their wives, daughters, or hostesses at the night bars. They just don't know how to treat them as a collogue or business partnerc" This book consists of actual experiences of many foreign women and how they dealt with. Those experiences are no exaggeration from my eyes. It will be a good preparation to know what you may confront in Japan.

Good
The title may ward of half of the population, and that is unfortunate. There are lots of great points that apply to business etiquette in general and are not unique to "women doing buisness" in Japan. The author implies that the foreign woman should take every advantage of her feminin charms on the helpless Japanese Industry, I would only suggest common sense.

Disappointing
I was so excited to see this title when I was sent to Tokyo (with 2 American men) on very short notice! I read this book cover-to-cover in preparation. When I got to Tokyo, I was surprised to experience a much more contemporary, advanced culture than had been described. For example, the attire suggestions were completely wrong (and sometimes contradictory). You won't go wrong with classic American business attire. I found that by paying close attention to your Japanese counterparts' mannerisms, being slightly more aggressive than usual (I live in NYC, that may be much more aggressive than I think!), and having someone well-respected introduce you to whomever you will be working with will be very helpful. It also would have been useful to learn more about the Japanese tendency to agree with you, when they really don't understand what you're talking about!

A must-have for any woman doing business with the Japanese
A friend loaned me this book, and within minutes, I knew I had to have a copy for myself. Particularly useful for the female executive, this book covers how to establish your authority (and how to handle Japanese men who ignore you and insist on talking to your male subordinates), how to dress, socializing, gift giving, the business card rituals, where the power seat is in the conference room, how to handle inappropriate behavior and sticky situations, communication and correspondence protocol, and numerous other subjects. I am appalled to discover how many mistakes I have made in my business relationships with Japanese companies, but now am sufficiently enlightened to avoid many in the future. If you are female and do business with the Japanese, whether in Japan or in your home country, you must have this book. ... Read more