"Dinner Deals & Culture Clues: Etiquette Hacks You Didn't Know You Needed"

When traveling for business, entrepreneurs frequently find themselves decoding unfamiliar dining customs, some more aware than others. It's easy to overlook dinner etiquette while focusing on pitches and presentations, but grasping this aspect can enormously impact your relationships.

Whether you’re meeting business partners in Panama or attending events in London, understanding appropriate etiquette makes every interaction smoother, more respectful, and ultimately more successful.

Even here in the United States, the etiquette on the East Coast differs from the West Coast. Many in the South see trust building with mutual small talk differently than many in the North see it in comparison to the weight of time management. Most importantly, the wisdom of understanding beyond our own comforts and the discernment of care that some think has no place in business… far from the truth.

Here’s beneficial advice from seasoned business travelers to help you navigate your next business dinner seamlessly, globally.

Keep Your Phone on "Do Not Disturb"

We’ve all been tempted by our phones for no reason at all, let alone during meals. Yet, resisting this urge speaks volumes about your discipline, ability to focus, professionalism, and respect for those around you. It may sound outdated, but think about it… what comes to your mind when observing someone who is challenged with active listening? Does it make you feel like sharing more than you planned or less? Does it make you think the person won’t remember the discussion thoroughly, let alone enough to grasp the significance of what is being said?

Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO of Canada Hustle, emphasizes the importance of this simple act:

"Don't pick up your phone during dinner. Keep it in DND mode. I do this all the time. It shows respect to everyone at the table and helps me stay fully present in the conversation, especially in new cultural environments.

During business dinners in new cities, I've noticed that local customs value undivided attention during meals. For example, when I was in Tokyo, I saw colleagues and local partners not having their phones out. This created an atmosphere of mutual respect and allowed conversations to flow more naturally. It was clear that being present was just as important as discussing business.

Keeping my phone on DND means I don't have to resist the temptation to check notifications and distractions. This habit helps me pick up on subtle cultural cues and engage more thoughtfully with my dinner companions. I once had a dinner where a partner was distracted by his phone, and there was an awkward silence. After that, I made it a point to always disconnect, which, in turn, helped build better relationships over time."

— Soubhik Chakrabarti, CEO, Canada Hustle

Prioritize Cultural Awareness

Being culturally aware is more than just a nice gesture—it's a necessity. Every successful international entrepreneur knows that cultural understanding can make or break a business relationship. This doesn’t mean to pretend to be someone else, it means to grow beyond yourself.

Michael Kazula highlights the strategic importance of this awareness:

"It's essential to prioritize cultural awareness during business dinners and social events, especially in unfamiliar settings. Understanding local customs and etiquette enhances rapport and fosters trust, which is crucial for successful partnerships. Researching dining and social norms specific to the region helps navigate these interactions effectively, ultimately supporting your affiliate marketing objectives."

-Michael Kazula, Director of Marketing, Olavivo

Follow Your Host’s Lead

Feeling uncertain about etiquette is completely natural, especially when facing an array of unfamiliar utensils or complex dining rituals. Understandably, nobody wants to cross the line of cultural appropriation.

Travel advisor and experienced editor Ingeborg Von Aulock shares valuable insights on letting your host guide you:

"Take your cues from your host or the highest-ranking person at the event. Especially when you're not sure about local customs or expectations, letting your host 'lead the dance' is a sign of respect that will rarely steer you wrong. Pay attention to how they order, which utensils they use, the topics they discuss or avoid, and even how they signal the end of the meal.

I remember attending a formal dinner in Tokyo where I was initially a bit daunted by the array of utensils and unsure about the protocol for the multicourse kaiseki menu. But by appreciating the artistry of each dish as it was presented, following my Japanese colleagues' lead, and engaging in lively conversation, I ended up thoroughly enjoying this immersive business dining experience."

— Ingeborg Von Aulock, Travel Advisor & Editor in Chief, Outdoorsy

Observe Before Participating

Finally, don’t rush to participate immediately or appear pridefully confident, which often translates quite the opposite. Observing first allows you to avoid unintentional mistakes and shows that you value and respect your hosts' culture. It shows your ability to observe the things said when words are not in use. Mike Khorev offers practical advice on how to gracefully navigate unfamiliar dining situations:

"One of the best pieces of advice I can give for business dinners or social events in unfamiliar cultural settings is to prioritize active observation before participation. Pay close attention to how others interact, how they order food, or even how they exchange business cards—it can reveal a lot about unspoken etiquette. A simple but powerful tip: when in doubt, mirror the level of formality and respect shown by your host or key attendees."

-Mike Khorev, Managing Director, Nine Peaks Media

Maturing in business etiquette isn’t merely about avoiding faux pas; it’s about creating lasting impressions and fostering strong global business relationships. By following the advice of these seasoned travelers—keeping your phone away, prioritizing cultural understanding, taking cues from your host, and carefully observing before jumping in—you'll confidently handle your next business dinner, turning these meals into meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

Most importantly, you are building yourself for the marathon and not a “one-hit wonder” with no substance. The goal is not to be the perfect etiquette robot, it is the grace to be an authentic person with the gift of connecting with others beyond cultural lines with mutual cultural understanding.

2024 & 2025 Leading Types of Entrepreneurship: 8 Emerging Business Models

It can be hard to know what kind of business to start and what kind of business to choose that you can be passionate about for years to come and even pass down. The stagnancy of choosing can even leave you feeling as if maybe the pursuit was a bad idea.

Hold on to that dream, we are here to help you identify a handful of new business terms that have broached the business world and even new categories of business that did not “technically” exist in terminology over a decade ago. From Social entrepreneurship with a mission to use business to change the social climate creating assistance for disparaged communities to your local small businesses providing products or services online.

1. Educational Technology (EdTech):

   • The demand for online education has surged alongside remote work, giving rise to educational technology startups with customer demand. Entrepreneurs are leveraging technology to provide innovative learning solutions, ranging from interactive courses to AI-driven tutoring platforms. This has given great rise to true teachers without borders or a classroom. As well as students of all ages and backgrounds being able to learn from anywhere.

     • How to Start: Identify a gap in the education market, develop user-friendly platforms, and prioritize engaging content.

     • Pros: Scalability, global reach, potential for positive societal impact.

     • Cons: Initial development costs, navigating educational regulations, evolving technology.

     • Note: Remember, a teacher is firstly a magnificent student who remains humbly hungry to learn and share that wealth of wisdom with others. Persist committed to the educational mission, welcome technological advances, and foster a supportive community of learners.
       

2. Health and Wellness Entrepreneurship:

   • The increasing focus on health and wellness has led entrepreneurs to tap into this burgeoning market. From exciting new fitness apps to organic food products utilizing tech, businesses centered around well-being are thriving. Entrepreneurs are finding success by addressing the holistic health needs of consumers. Let’s think about it, truly an entrepreneur is already in need of the most effective ways to balance their lifestyle. Mix this with a passion for change and a whole new industry is born.

     • How to Start: Identify a specific niche within health and wellness that brings you to curiosity or ideas that can be improved. Invest in research, and prioritize transparency in product or service offerings. Ensure you are not the company in a shameful documentary of deception down the road and stick to producing that which will make a positive impact even if you were not the one managing it.

     • Pros: Growing market, the potential for positive impact, evolving consumer awareness with high demand.

     • Cons: Rigorous regulations, market saturation, mixed consumer preferences. However, the irony is that the cons, when handled with virtue can turn into “pros” to help you stand out in the industry

     • Note: Be genuine in your approach, prioritize quality, and continuously adjust to emerging health and wellness needs over trends.

3. E-commerce Dominance & Dropshipping:

   • With the elevation of online shopping and changing customer behavior, e-commerce continues to conquer the entrepreneurial sphere. The twist can be found in Entrepreneurs finding innovative ways to carve niches within this expansive market, from drop shipping to personalized online marketplaces.

     • How to Start: Begin by recognizing your niche and target audience. Create a user-friendly website, optimize for mobile, and establish trustworthy payment and shipping procedures. Test product quality always, even in dropshipping. Ensure the supplier is also dependable throughout, even comparing annually to make sure you are providing the best to your customers.

     • Pros: International reach, adjustable working hours, various product options.

     • Cons: Intense competition, logistical challenges, evolving market trends.

     • Note: Embrace creativity, focus on customer experience, and stay agile in adapting to market changes.

4. Subscription-Based Models:

   • Subscription-based services have gained tremendous popularity, offering convenience and personalized experiences to customers and even the business model. Entrepreneurs are capitalizing on this trend by introducing subscription boxes, software-as-a-service (SaaS), and other subscription-based models across various industries. It’s worth noting, that SaaS is headed into leaps and bounds for decades to come using white glove service.

     • How to Start: Design a unique value proposition, plan subscription tiers, and prioritize customer retention strategies. The heavyweight will be on user experience and quality. The entire reason your customer will return and share via word of mouth.

     • Pros: Predictable revenue as payment is collected further in advance, loyal customer base, scalability.

     • Cons: Continuous customer engagement required, potential subscription fatigue. Shifts in economic times may cause the customer to second guess if the product or service does not provide value, especially in times of recession.

     • Note: Build a community around your brand, faithfully deliver value, and mature your offerings founded on customer feedback.
       

5. Green and Sustainable Entrepreneurship:

   • The global shift towards sustainability has given rise to green entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are focusing on eco-friendly products, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable business practices. This not only aligns with environmental consciousness but also resonates well with the principled consumer.

     • How to Start: Study eco-friendly product options, execute sustainable practices, and express your commitment to consumers while living out your stance. (You can never truly change with longevity what you don’t live)

     • Pros: Positive brand purpose, growing market demand, potential for government incentives.

     • Cons: Higher initial costs, educating consumers, navigating green certifications and wisely staying away from deals with the “appearance” of sustainability yet fostering only economic gain…those types are unfortunately on the rise too, but brought down just as fast.

     • Note: Be a sustainability advocate, transparently communicate your mission, and educate customers on the long-term benefits of supporting eco-friendly businesses in your industry.

6. Remote Service Ventures:

   • The remote work trajectory has paved the way for entrepreneurs to deliver remote services. From virtual assistance to online consultancy, businesses are adapting to the digital era, stimulating them to reach a more expansive audience and perform more efficiently.

     • How to Start: Clarify your service offerings, build an online presence, and leverage digital tools for communication and collaboration.

     • Pros: Access to a global talent pool, reduced overhead costs, flexibility.

     • Cons: Communication challenges, potential for isolation, cybersecurity concerns.

     • Note: Develop a strong online community, invest in communication tools, and prioritize work-life balance for both yourself and your team.
       

7. Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Ventures:

   • The decentralized nature of blockchain technology has opened doors to clever business models. Entrepreneurs are exploring applications in finance, supply chain, and beyond. Cryptocurrencies and blockchain-based platforms are revolutionizing transactions and disrupting conventional industries.

     • How to Start: Educate yourself on blockchain technology, identify a specific application, and stay informed on regulatory developments.

     • Pros: Decentralization, security, potential for disruptive innovation.

     • Cons: Regulatory uncertainty, technical intricacy, public perception challenges.

     • Note: Stay educated, unite with industry experts, and focus on enlightening your target audience to build trust in your blockchain-based experience.

8. Social Impact Enterprises

• Business models with a social impact have become significant drivers of positive change. Social entrepreneurship is concentrated on handling social issues such as poverty or environmental concerns. The first step is to identify a cause that is in line with your values and has a concrete impact. Whether it's environmental sustainability, social justice, or community evolution, selecting a cause that resonates with you will fuel your dedication. Thoroughly research the existing challenges and potential solutions associated with your chosen cause. Cooperate with experts, non-profits, and community members to gain insights and establish a support network. It is vital to ensure that the business model is financially endurable, as the victory of this venture is essential for those who depend on it.

  • How to Start: Choose a business model that balances profit with social or environmental impact. Develop a transparent mission statement and incorporate impact metrics into your business plan.

  • Pros: Endurable revenue streams, the potential for scalability, a positive brand that walks it as it talks it.

  • Cons: Balancing profit and impact, potential skepticism about motives.

  • Note: The dual pursuit of profit and purpose is challenging but rewarding. Remember, businesses can be a force for good.

Starting a business can be intimidating, but the vibrant business atmosphere offers numerous opportunities for those who are ready to take them. Whether you are entering the fields of Educational Technology, Health and Wellness Entrepreneurship, Remote Service Ventures, Blockchain, and Cryptocurrency Ventures, or Social Impact Enterprises, the key to success lies in resilience, adaptability, and a sincere dedication to your chosen path.

Your voyage is not just about making money but also about sharing knowledge, making positive changes, and building meaningful relationships. It is important to remember that every difficulty can be transformed into an opportunity, and every setback holds valuable lessons.

So, hold on to your dream, face obstacles with the wisdom of a teacher, and let your zeal propel you toward creating a business that not only sustains itself but also contributes to the improvement of society.

While exploring these diverse areas of entrepreneurship, embrace the constantly changing landscape, stay informed, and, most importantly, remain true to the essential values that define both an outstanding teacher and a successful entrepreneur – a promise to learning, a passion for positive impact, and the unwavering belief that businesses can be a force for good.

FAQ:

1. How do I choose the right business aligned with my passion for long-term success?

   • Explore fields like Educational Technology, Health and Wellness Entrepreneurship, Remote Service Ventures, Blockchain, and Social Impact Enterprises.

   • Your passion and commitment will sustain your business over time.

2. What is Educational Technology (EdTech), and how can I start a venture in this field?

   • EdTech involves leveraging technology for innovative learning solutions.

   • Start by identifying a gap in the education market, developing user-friendly platforms, and prioritizing engaging content.

   • Pros include scalability and global reach but be prepared for initial development costs and navigating regulations.

3. How can I venture into Health and Wellness Entrepreneurship?

   • Identify a specific niche, invest in research, and prioritize transparency in your products or services.

   • Being genuine, prioritizing quality, and adapting to emerging needs are keys to success.

4. What are the key steps to start an E-commerce or Dropshipping business?

   • Recognize your niche, create a user-friendly website, and establish trustworthy payment and shipping procedures.

   • Embrace creativity, focus on customer experience, and stay agile in adapting to market changes.

5. How can I build a Subscription-Based Model business?

   • Design a unique value proposition, plan subscription tiers, and prioritize customer retention strategies.

   • Building a community around your brand, delivering value, and adjusting offerings based on customer feedback is crucial.

6. What is Green and Sustainable Entrepreneurship, and how can I start?

   • Focus on eco-friendly products and sustainable practices.

   • Study eco-friendly options, execute sustainable practices, and transparently communicate your mission to consumers.

7. How can I tap into Remote Service Ventures?

   • Clarify your service offerings, build an online presence, and leverage digital tools for communication.

   • Developing a strong online community, investing in communication tools, and prioritizing work-life balance are essential.

8. What's the potential of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Ventures?

   • Educate yourself on blockchain technology, identify a specific application, and stay informed on regulatory developments.

   • Collaboration with industry experts and focusing on educating your target audience will build trust.

9. What is Social Impact Enterprises, and how can I start one?

   • Social entrepreneurship addresses social issues.

   • Choose a cause aligned with your values, develop a business model balancing profit and impact, and incorporate impact metrics.

10. How can I ensure my business contributes positively to society?

    • Resilience, adaptability, and a sincere dedication to your chosen path are crucial.

    • Embrace change, stay informed, and remain true to essential values – a promise to learning, a passion for positive impact, and the belief that businesses can be a force for good.

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