Turkey – Winning Trust is Key

Turkey – Winning Trust is Key

Turkish people are known worldwide for their great hospitality. There is no limit to showing their guests that they are welcome and will be treated like royalty. Even the sky is no limit! Doing business with the Turks can be very pleasant, but you need to know some ground rules. Entrepreneurs who are rude will achieve nothing in Turkey. Turks are sensitive to the behavior of their guests. Before talking about business they will appreciate it very much if you show some concern about their wellbeing and their personal life.

If you want a sustainable relationship: Don’t show your irritation, nor complain when they arrive too late for an appointment or when they don’t keep their promise made over the phone or by mail. Although everything seems to be unorthodox in our opinion, in the end, quite amazingly true, the Turks will deliver.

To be successful in doing business with this nation, one needs to be flexible and tactful. Diplomacy is a keyword, but then again where in the world isn’t it? When you are in business (or you are about to be) with Turks, admire them, give them compliments, ask them for advice and be open. Win their trust and doors will open for you.

Regarding women entrepreneurs: Quite contrary to what most people think: Turkish businesswomen are truly emancipated and very tough when they need to be. You simply don’t mess with them. The Turkish government supports female entrepreneurs. In fact, surprisingly, Turkish business women will almost ‘stalk’ you to get their business done. That is how thorough they are with follow-up and determination to get the deal done. They do this eloquently, politely, restrained and in an unostentatious manner – rather unusual compared with many West-European entrepreneurs.

Once you win the trust of entrepreneurs in Turkey your relationship will be healthy and sustainable for a lifetime; even when the business deal is complete.

Share you experiences of building a trusting business relationship in Turkey.

Contributed by Funda Müjde