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18 Jan 10 Tips for Expanding Your Understanding of Cultural Differences and Similarities (Part 2)

There are many ways to broaden your cultural knowledge, understand and appreciate cultural differences and similarities, and incorporate respect for cultural particulars in your meeting planning services.

Here are eight simple, fun ways to expand your multicultural knowledge base:

1. Dine in ethnic restaurants.
2. Research different cultures online.
3. Read books and magazines with cultural focuses that are different than your own.
4. Attend cultural events, such as Greek festivals, Asian art exhibits and Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) events.
5. Visit museums, monuments and exhibits that pertain to specific cultures.
6. Attend short courses, speaking engagements or seminars regarding cultural diversity or offering interesting information about particular cultures.
7. Get out of the tourist traps when traveling. Every trip you take is an opportunity to explore neighborhoods, markets and attractions that are popular with locals, rather than simply staying in areas that are teeming with tourists.
8. Buy ethnic cookbooks and have fun learning about new foods and cooking methods with your partner or family.

While you may begin this journey in an effort to expand your potential client base and enhance your meeting planning services, you will find that learning about other cultures and trying new foods and activities is also a personally fulfilling endeavor that will help you grow both personally and professionally.

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15 Jan 10 Expanding Your Knowledge of Cultural Differences and Similarities

Understanding and respecting cultural differences is an important part of planning successful meetings for diverse clients and companies, and ensuring that you do not commit unnecessary faux pas that could have been avoided. Having a basic understanding of the etiquette used in different cultures, dietary restrictions and preferences, and some of the interesting aspects that make each culture unique will assist you in planning effective, appropriate meetings and will certainly help you make a name for your business as a respectful, culturally-sensitive meeting planning service that goes the extra mile to ensure your events meet your clients’ needs.

Expanding your cultural horizons to broaden your understanding of various cultures will also make your job as a meeting planner easier. While you may not know everything there is to know about a specific diet, a particular rule of etiquette or which days are considered most auspicious for doing business, when you gain at least a basic understanding of different cultures, it will assist you in recognizing the kinds of questions to ask and the information and resources that can help you plan a great event. It also assists you in being respectful of possible cultural differences when communicating with clients and will make finding the resources you need quicker and easier.

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