Becoming knowledgeable in every country's "silent language" of etiquette is essential for developing good business relationships overseas.

One of the first things you need to do is mind your meeting manners. If you will be conducting business in an Asian or Pacific Rim country, you need to learn in which countries it is better to make small talk before starting a meeting and in which countries it is better to keep chatter to a minimum and get down to business.

Australia. Get to the point. Although small talk is part of the relationship-building process in manycultures, one important tip to keep in mind while conducting business with Australians is that words are taken at face value.

China. The best advice for successfully getting through a Chinese business meeting is to "go with the flow." The Chinese business culture may appear regimented, dictatorial, and rather slow moving to Westerners. Be sure to allow your Chinese hosts to set the tone by allowing them to initiate greetings, seating suggestions, and negotiations. The Chinese have a strict hierarchical system and place emphasis on rank.

Hong Kong. The larger the Hong Kong firm, the farther in advance meetings should be scheduled. Prior to your arrival, send a list of all delegates attending, in ranking order with titles next to each name. Most likely, the Hong Kong team will be seated and awaiting your arrival. Enter the room in hierarchical order and sit across from the Hong Kong person who holds the same position of equal status to your own.

Japan. A customary Japanese meeting begins with small talk to establish rapport. Take the cue from your Japanese customers to know when it is time to begin discussing business. It is important that you clarify what you are going to present by putting it in writing beforehand, so that everyone will have this information in front of them. Be sure to take notes when business is discussed by others.

South Korea. It is part of the South Korean meeting ritual to begin by offering guests a beverage. Accept a drink when it's offered to you, even if you only choose to sip rather than drink it. If a South Korean is bothered or confused by something that has been said, he or she will likely not express this concern verbally, but instead will expect you to know it from his or her body language or facial expression. When planning meetings, be sure to build in several breaks for smoking. Smoking is very common in South Korea, so this courtesy will be much appreciated.

Singapore. While many Westerners would not think twice about staying seated when their managers enter a room, this is not the case in Singapore. Stand when someone higher in rank than you or one generation older than you enters a room. Wait for them to begin eating before you do. When sitting in a chair, keep your feet flat on the floor, rather than crossing your legs in front of elders or hierarchical superiors. Avoid challenging, correcting or disagreeing with an elder person or superior in a public setting. Besides causing them to lose face, you will lose the respect of others. This rule should also be followed when you are with your boss and are in a meeting with Singaporeans.

Vietnam. Business meetings with the Vietnamese are relaxed, lengthy affairs. Be sure to schedule ample time. Also, prepare to be invited to a meal following your meeting. The most senior member of the Vietnamese team will enter the room last and sit at the head of the table.