EXCELLENCIES AND EXECUTIVES DINNER THE HAGUE

Date: 31 Mei 2022

Time: 16:00–21:30hrs (The Netherlands) Venue: WTC The Hague, Netherlands 

The investment to join this event is € 250 (plus 21% BTW), the cocktail and the 3-courses dinner, premium wines and soft drinks included.

Dress code: Business Attire.

Limited capacity!

SPONSOR

Are you interested in sponsoring this International Diner? Please get in touch with us: contact@protocoltoday.nl

IDBA and ProtocolToday in The Netherlands organize this event.

SME Entrepreneurship Future Thinking  

Excellencies and Executives Dinner

“boost the cooperation among nations and societies around the world”.

Following the successful Excellences & Entrepreneurs Dinner, SME Entrepreneurship Future Thinking, on 04 June 2019, we invite you to participate in the upcoming Excellences & Entrepreneurs Business Dinner in WTC The Hague, on 31 Mei 2022.

This event was attended by H.E. Ms Sigrid Kaag, Dutch Minister of International Trade and Development Cooperation, together with 45 Ambassadors and 280 entrepreneurs from 88 countries. The event resulted in many direct business partnerships between entrepreneurs.

On 31 Mei will be 20 country tables, each headed by an Ambassador. The present Ambassadors will be from Europe, America, Africa and Asian countries. The (pre-selected) entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to select with which two Ambassadors you would like to dine and discuss business opportunities in the Ambassador’s country. Another purpose of the evening is to enable entrepreneurs to know each other, share experiences of doing business in your country and learn from each other.

PROGRAM

18:30 – 19:00: Reception with 20 Ambassadors and 140 entrepreneurs;

19.00 – 19.20: Global transformations & Post Covid opportunities by Dr Dewanand Mahadew;

19:20 – 19.35: Speech by a Minister or Mayor (to be confirmed);

19.35 – 20.15: Dinner and interactions between Ambassadors & the entrepreneurs around the table; 

20.15 – 21.00: The entrepreneurs will shift to the second table of their choice, and other entrepreneurs will join the Ambassador’s table;

21.00 – 21.15: Conclusions & follow up remarks.

SPEAKERS: 

Prof. Dr. Dewanand Mahadew

Managing director of NewEconomyStrategies

Theme:

He is an international expert with business development experience in more than 60 countries. He is the managing director of NewEconomyStrategies, Dean of International Business Development Academy, and Professor in International Business and Strategic Management at UBIS University in Geneva. He has master’s degrees in process engineering, industrial management, marketing, business management, and a DBA degree in strategic management.

The Netherlands

Rob van Nes

Interim general management at international operating enterprises.

Theme:

Rob is an internationally oriented strategist specialised in value proposition (re)design, market entry strategies and route-to-market strategies.

He was a Marketing Director for a market leader British multinational and Managing Director of a global operating Dutch product developing company.

The Netherlands

SPONSOR 

 

 

The Art of Gift Giving, The Netherlands

PARTICIPANTS ARE:

  • Government Representatives: Ambassadors, 
  • Business Professionals: Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Business Development Professionals;
  • Executives & Professionals: National & Local Government’s Officials, City Marketing & Investments Promotion Executives 
  • Executives of internationally operating companies.

CHALLENGES OF PROTOCOL IN THE XXI CENTURY (I)

As we have discussed in previous articles, Protocol in the XXI Century and Origen of the Protocol, Protocol is a complex and transversal discipline with some challenges to face in the XXI century. The scientific research consulted has given us five challenges as a result. This will be the first article in a series of five where we will talk about all of them.

FIRST CHALLENGE: LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

The first challenge revolves around the general lack of knowledge about protocol, not only for the general public but also for digital and traditional media. If you are working in this profession, you know what I mean. If we went out on the street and asked the first ten people, we found that their answers would probably be between cutlery placement and royal issues if they knew what protocol is.

But we are by no means the first affirming this fact. Other professionals have said before that general society does not know what protocol is. It has been associated with unnecessary expenses, meals, etc. (Fuente Lafuente, 2013, p. 4). Words that have evoked other recent media articles –traditional and digital– denounce cases of politicians accused of spending excess money and associate this expense with protocol.

But let´s imagine for a moment that somebody would like to go deeper into the internet on the subject. What would happen?

Recently, there has been an explosion of protocol content online, either on websites or in blogs, video blogs… Anybody who would like to learn about our profession could quickly go online and do research. So, the question would be, what are they going to find?

María Gómez Requejo, project partner in Protocol Bloggers Point (PBP), a space dedicated to collecting all blogs in different languages that exist whose theme is protocol, wrote an article where she analysed this webspace. Her conclusions were as follows:

  • 7,6% of the blogs collected in this space can be considered made by researchers from the protocol world.
  • The profile of the bloggers is divided into 15,8% amateurs and 84,2% professionals from all areas of the protocol/event sector.
  • Only a tiny percentage of professionals are researchers, therefore dealing with the subject from a scientific perspective.
  • The content is not only written in Spanish but also in English. There are bloggers from 11 different countries.
  • The specific topics of the blogs are eight, but the ones that collect most of the cases are four: communication, events, protocol and ceremonial, and personal image and etiquette.

After that, the author focuses on the publications around protocol with a scientific character. There is one in operation in this area, the Revista de Estudios Institucionales, edited by the UNED (in Spanish), and the magazine Compé published its last copy in 2014.

The second part of this great misunderstanding about protocol comes from the media. Both traditional and digital.

Carlos Fuente makes the first approach to the phenomenon of the protocol in media. In his opinion, there is a tendency to identify protocol and its official events with the royal environment. This has a direct consequence, which is none other than calling it strict and tight. Outside the official sphere, it fits in the good manners and how to behave. (Fuente Lafuente, 2013b, p. 170).

This vision generally conveyed by the media has a clear consequence: the social distortion of the concept. The general public learns from the media that discipline consists basically of parties, unnecessary montages, etiquette and other frivolities. Therefore, society and media relate protocol with extra expenses.

Regarding the media, we find a recent study where this aspect is analysed in digitised media –press, radio and TV– from 1979 to 2016 (De la Serna Ramos, 2017).

One of the things that research shows from the beginning is that learning what protocol is from media is impossible. And that with the emergence of digital media and social networks, the situation has nothing but worsened. The association of the term protocol is linked to subjects like clothing or social education only. The impression is that the media is not interested in whether the user is correct or not; they only need a headline that attracts readers. Saying «Pope Francis has broken protocol» has much more impact on the reader than «Pope Francis has stopped to talk to an acquaintance».

In short, the public’s lack of awareness is a thing that has an “easy” solution with the dissemination of knowledge to a greater or lesser extent. But changing and correcting what people have been hearing time and again in the media is a whole different thing that adds up to an already difficult situation for protocol.

Despite this, De la Serna Ramos reaches four conclusions in her research:

  • It cannot be said that the term protocol is always misused in the media since the use is appropriate and rigorous in some cases.
  • Secondly, in the Spanish case, with the arrival of democracy, the discipline began to find its place in media related to the authorities and the political class.
  • On the other hand, in the first years of the XXI century, an increase in the improprieties of the term and the discipline is detected. This is linked to etiquette in the society pages again.
  • Finally, and in view that the situation is more negative than positive, De la Serna Ramos proposes a measure to improve this discipline in media: include protocol subjects in journalism degrees and studies. Currently, only two universities with these studies offer this option.

Therefore, this situation is complicated to reverse and represents the first major challenge that the protocol has in the XXI century. There is, without a doubt, a significant lack of awareness on the part of the public in general, and this does not seem to be improving in the light of the situation with the media as described above.

VIP SPECIAL EDITION

ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY

BIBLIOGRAPHY

De la Serna Ramos, M. (2017). Tratamiento del protocolo en los medios de comunicación. Una aproximación. Revista de Estudios Institucionales, IV, 11-26.

Fuente Lafuente, C. (2013a). Los necesarios cambios en el Ceremonial de Estado. Compé. Revista Científica de Comunicación, Protocolo y Eventos, 4-19.

Fuente Lafuente, C. (2013b). Percepción de los medios de comunicación sobre el protocolo. Compé. Revista Científica de Comunicación, Protocolo y Eventos, 1, 156-173.

Gómez Requejo, M. (2017, junio 27). La importancia de los blogs en la divulgación/difusión del protocolo. El caso “Protocol bloggers point”. Revista Estudios Institucionales, 4(6), 117-136. Retrieved from http://revistas.uned.es/index.php/EEII/article/view/18862

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Writer by Daniel Delmás, Professional of events and protocol.

15 February 2022, The Netherlands

Category: Protocol 

Reference: DD15022022P    

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

SME INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS NETWORKING

SME International Business is organising an international meeting every month on the last Thursday of the month.

Dates and guest countries:

27th March | 24th April | 29th May | 26th June | 25th Sep | 27th Nov 

Time: 16:00 – 18:00 hrs. CET Ámsterdam

YOUR LOCAL TIME

Mode: Online

Dress code: Business formal

Investment: €50.00 per networking | Package of three events: €100.00

You will obtain for the subject country:

  • Insights in the economic developments and opportunities;
  • Meet and connect with entrepreneurs, share business experiences and tips and tricks to solve potential issues;
  • Explore alliance and cooperation opportunities
  • Meet and connect with potential customers
  • Prime access to business services, including contracting and legal services.

Join our international platform on Linked!

We Connect SME’s around the World!

SMEs, which include multinationals’ local operations, are the main driving force of the economy in developing and developed countries. They are the economy’s engine because they are entrepreneurial, fast, agile, flexible, resilient, and responsive to market trends and developments. As such, they have the best capabilities to serve clients worldwide.

Each country has its own cultural and protocol aspects that govern behaviour and buying criteria. Understanding the local customs can simplify dealings with each other.

Therefore, ProtocolToday will organise a series of sessions focusing on the cultural aspects, soft skills, protocol, and negotiation skills of businesses in different countries.

General Program 

16.00 – 16.05: Welcome by Adriana Flores MA, Director of ProtocolToday;

16.05 – 16.25: Meet & Greet participants: pitch by participants;

16.25 – 16.45: Economic profile of the subject country by Dr. Dewanand Mahadew;

16.45 – 17.15: Cultural aspect of doing business in the subject country by special guest;

17.15 – 17.55: Sharing experiences of doing business in the subject country;

17.55 – 18.00: Closure by Adriana Flores.

HOST

INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS

PARTICIPANTS ARE:

Business people | Exporters | Entrepreneurs | Executives

PARTNERS

SOFT SKILLS PROPELLING PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS IN POST-PANDEMIC ECONOMY

The past two years brought unprecedented changes to how we live and work. As the second wave of The Great Resignation is forecasted to descend upon all industries in the middle of 2022, employers and employees are fundamentally rethinking their future strategies.

Whilst it is tough to foresee the true expend of changes and the lasting effects on post Pandemic world, it is evident that changes are here to stay.

Research conducted by Harvard University has consistently shown that 85% of career success is attributable to well‐developed soft and people skills. Traditionally, the emphasis on business etiquette was placed in a professional environment to build long term business relationships and customer rapport. In the current climate, however, employers began to recognise that people skills are necessary not only for potential candidates to stand out but also for corporations to preserve the talent they already have working for them.

The Pandemic catalysed the ever-growing dynamic equilibrium in the job markets worldwide, the most significant change since The Industrial Revolution. The aim is to excel in this short window of opportunities, where companies are willing to hire people with a wide range of experience and invest in the training of their employees. Whilst lack of industry-specific knowledge or expertise is eagerly acknowledged and supported by the employers, well-developed soft and people skills remain imperative components and criteria when hiring.

Working from home digitised the way we interact with our colleagues and clients. As for many of us, main channels of communication are emails, telephone calls and video conferencing; it is more vital than ever to possess the ability of clear and concise communication, good manners, and the ability to build strong relationships with people, whom we may never get to meet in person. Rapid globalisation and outsourcing of the workforce added a further layer of necessity to communicate with people from different cultures across the world effectively. We have found ourselves in a world where knowledge and skills have been placed on the same plateau with professional decorum and cross-cultural sensitivity.

As someone whose primary professional expertise are in STEM, my conclusions are based on a unique blend of diligent observations and firm comprehension that developing good soft and people skills is very much a multidimensional phenomenon. In my opinion, the single ability to switch up and adapt one’s vocabulary depending on the audience is the most critical life skill one can master. To excel in a professional environment, personal presentation, listening skills, and efficiency must be learned. But above all, even if professional development is not on your priority list, it is worth remembering that Ai is estimated to replace 40% of current jobs within the next 15 years. With this undisputable prognosis in mind, it is worth remembering that soft skills will remain the most sought for expertise in job markets across the globe.

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Write by Anastasia Martel, a specialist in Etiquette  

8 February 2022, United Kingdom

Category: Diplomacy

Reference: AM80222D

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

AUSTRALIAN PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

PROTOCOL AND ETIQUETTE

In June 2018, Australia’s very own High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the then titled Honourable Alexander Downer, and his Twitter faux pas splashed over the Australian news.  What did he do that made Aussie headlines?

Two weeks after officially leaving his post as High Commissioner, he used his ‘business’ account to tweet support to his daughter, Georgina Downer, who was forging a career in Australian politics.  The secretary of Foreign Affairs and Trade Department, Frances Adamson, stated that Alexander Downer “mistakenly used the account instead of his own” stated the Adelaide Independent New Indaily, Friday, Jun 1, 2018.

The rapid evolution of mobile technology, together with the emergence of social media, has significantly changed, to communicating instantly, letting millions know facts, figures, actions, reactions, and interactions.  How can social media and diplomacy work hand-in-hand?

Modern public diplomacy is used for the promotion and enhancement of a countries profile, critical humanitarian and consular events, and the explanation of economic developments.  The use of public diplomacy allows for open, transparent, and accountable dialogue, which enhances friendly relations, monitors events, gauges public sentiment, gathers information, and explains government policies and programs.  However, the Australian government states in an Administrative Circular of July 2014 that social media does not replace traditional avenues of announcements.

It was noted that in 2009 the United States Government piloted a program that used social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook in the Middle East, “increasing citizen engagement and civic participation”.  Also, that year the Israeli Foreign Ministry said they wanted to use social media to “focus less on Palestinian issues and more on the Iranian threat.” (Zhang & Fahmy et al., 2015).

For those in the diplomatic or government services that are tweeting, blogging, and using social media to get their word across to the masses through real-time channels, what guidelines do they follow?  Guiding them is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Ethics, Integrity and Professional Standards Policy Manual and the Department of Communications and Parliamentary Branch.  Which begs the question, what can we do as individuals that are not working for the government department? How can we use social media mindfully?  Here are four tips for using social media to your advantage:

“Is my social media account private?”

Whether you have a public or private profile on social media, you are still leaving a digital footprint.  Whatever you post in word, photo, video, audio, or emoji can be screen-grabbed and passed around quickly, without your knowledge.

“What are my intentions today?”

Post information you want people to know and won’t regret one week, one year, or ten years from posting.  Always post positively and professionally.  Using courtesy is the best practice today.

“How can I keep safe?”

Keep personal information, such as your address, birth date, etc. off social media as hackers are constantly harvesting and farming for your personal information.

“What content will I display and post today?”

Be wise with photos, audio, and videos you take of other people.  Try to pixelate, blur or cut people out the best you can unless you have their consent to publish.  Consider your comments and the emojis that you attach to your comments.  Emojis have a powerful effect as non-verbal cues.  Adding emojis to social posts could bring confusion in interpretation.

“Ensure Intercultural Intelligence”

Symbols, emojis, illustrations, metaphors, and even the contextual meaning of words can be interpreted and experienced differently across countries and cultures. Mind your social media had a borderless reach and can be resent by anyone who has received it directly or indirectly.

Make sure that you master intercultural intelligence so that your message is “global proof” and will not cause embarrassing situations for you and the entity that you are representing.

May you use social media wisely and mindfully.

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 Written by Elizabeth SOOS, an expert in Etiquette  

27 January 2022, Australia 

Category: Diplomacy 

Reference: ES270121D

ProtocolToday is an expert organization, Founded by professionals with years of experience in Cultural Intelligence and Soft Diplomacy. They offer well-researched training programs to help you prepare for the international presence. Enhance your abilities to dine, converse, and present at an international stage.

Become discreet and make your mark!

5 DAYS EXECUTIVE PROGRAM IN GLOBAL MINDSET SKILLS (EP-20-21-C)

21 – 25  February 2022

Mode of Study: Online

Time: 10:00 – 14:00hrs | 16:00 – 20:00hrs CET (The Netherlands).

5 Masterclass of 4 hours each day;

The fee of participation is €350.00 p.p for the total program, including:

  • Method action Learning model;
  • Digital material;
  • Personalized assessment;
  • Certificate EQF 7 level of ProtocolToday Academy. 

BECOME A MINDFUL EXECUTIVE WITH THE SKILLS TO NAVIGATE
& OPERATE SMOOTHLY AROUND THE GLOBE

Global Mindset Skills
Learn Today & Practice Today

Background & Objectives

The world is transforming into a global village and needs executives who can navigate smoothly across cultures. 

Global Mindset Skills Provides you with:

  • A cosmopolitan outlook: understanding of global systems, global value chains, cultures, values, political and economic systems in other countries;
  • Mindfulness skills will understand cultural diversity communication and build relationships with different cultures and backgrounds worldwide.

Program of the Masterclass and topics:

International Business Etiquette        

Topics include: How to dress appropriately, personal style and its influence on your communication and introducing people in a business context;

Business Ethics & Professionalism

Topics include: Dealing with etiquettes dilemmas, personal issues, difficult people, effective communication, and communication with influence.

International Business Protocol

Topics include Seating protocol during meetings, the importance of ranks & status, impactful impressions, gift-giving etiquette & protocol.

International Cultural Intelligence

Topics include Cultural & emotional intelligence, understanding cultures, differences in thinking, problem-solving & decision making, conflict/negotiation style.

Dine like a Diplomat

Topics include Host duties, guest receiving protocol, dining table protocol, etiquette during dining & lunch, handling the silverware.

Participants are:

  • Government Representatives: Ambassadors, Diplomats, Honorary Consuls & Embassy Staff;
  • Business Professionals: Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Business Development Professionals;
  • Executives & Professionals: National & Local Government’s Officials, City Marketing & Investments Promotion Executives | International Organizations Staff;
  • Professionals are active in the Hospitality & Tourism Industry.

How to Apply: Fill and send the registration form, specify the date and name of the masterclass, we will send you the program and the bank detail to submit the participation fee to confirm your seat.

SESSION: WHY DEVELOP A GLOBAL MINDSET?

20 January 2022

Time: 14:00 – 15:30 hrs. CET (The Netherlands)

Mode of Study: Online

Free participation 

In collaboration with 01Integral Solutions, Pakistan

A MINDFUL EXECUTIVE IS ABLE TO NAVIGATE
& OPERATE SMOOTHLY AROUND THE GLOBE

Global Mindset Skills
Learn Today & Practice Today

The world is transforming into a global village and needs executives who can navigate smoothly across cultures.
Globalization is changing the world in every aspect. Traditional industrial economies are transforming into entrepreneurial economies. There is a need for leaders, entrepreneurs, directors, managers, government officials, consultants and executives with global mindset skills, e.g. the skills for profound relations management with people from different cultures and with different values.

Topics are:

  • Meaning of a Global Mindset;
  • Business & Diplomatic Protocol;
  • The power of Culture in Business;
  • Soft Diplomacy Skills.

Participants are:

  • Government Representatives: Ambassadors, Diplomats, Honorary Consuls & Embassy Staff;
  • Business Professionals: Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Business Development Professionals;
  • Executives & Professionals: National & Local Government’s Officials, City Marketing & Investments Promotion Executives | International Organizations Staff;
  • Professionals are active in the Hospitality & Tourism Industry,
  • Students.

How to Apply: Fill and send the registration form, specify the date and name of the event in which you will participate.

3 DAYS MASTERCLASS IN SOFT DIPLOMACY IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (EP-12-03-21)

04 – 06  April 2022

Mode of Study: Online

Time: 10:00 – 14:00 hrs. | 16:00 – 20:00 hrs CET (The Netherlands)

Three days Masterclass of 4 hours each day;

The fee of participation is early bird €195.00 €216.00 p.p for the total program, including:

  • Method action Learning model;
  • Digital material;
  • Personalized assessment;
  • Certificate EQF 7 level of ProtocolToday Academy. 

BECOME A MINDFUL EXECUTIVE WITH THE SKILLS TO NAVIGATE
& OPERATE SMOOTHLY AROUND THE GLOBE

Global Mindset Skills
Learn Today & Practice Today

The world is transforming into a global village and needs executives who can navigate smoothly across cultures.
Globalisation is changing the world in every aspect. Traditional industrial economies are transforming into entrepreneurial economies. There is a need for leaders, entrepreneurs, directors, managers, government officials, consultants and executives with global mindset skills, e.g. the skills for profound relations management with people from different cultures and with different values.
Local companies are becoming international and must deal, directly or indirectly, with foreign business partners. They must cooperate with international clients, colleagues, stakeholders, agents, employees, etc. There is a need for soft skills.
In the entrepreneurial economy, companies are becoming smaller, international, less hierarchical, process-oriented, diverse, and driven by executives’ abilities to communicate, collaborate, and abilities for co-creation.

Masterclass and Topics:

  • International Business Etiquette;

  • International Business Protocol;

  • Dine like a Diplomat;

Key topics include:

  • Business card protocol & handshake. The art of conversation both in person and on the phone;
  • Hoe to dress appropriately, personal style and its influence on your communication;
  • Seating protocol by meetings;
  • Importance of rank & status;
  • Emotional intelligence;
  • The power of culture in business;
  • Power distance;
  • Host duties & his protocol;
  • Dining table protocol & etiquette;
  • Handling the silverware.

Participants are:

  • Government Representatives: Ambassadors, Diplomats, Honorary Consuls & Embassy Staff;
  • Business Professionals: Entrepreneurs, Consultants, Business Development Professionals;
  • Executives & Professionals: National & Local Government’s Officials, City Marketing & Investments Promotion Executives | International Organizations Staff;
  • Professionals are active in the Hospitality & Tourism Industry.

How to Apply: Fill and send the registration form, specify the date and name of the masterclass, we will send you the program and the bank detail to submit the participation fee to confirm your seat.

PROTOCOL IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL AND SOFT DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE 2021

INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL AND SOFT DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE 2021

In the current era of unavoidable global relationships, knowledge about diplomacy, protocol, culture, and soft skills is essential to achieving business objectives. A successful business deal begins with comfortable relationships between the parties involved. It involves, among others, good manners, interpersonal intelligence, empathy, body language, assertive communication, personal image, and mutual appreciation.

Within this context, the “International Protocol and Soft Diplomacy Conference” was successfully held on Thursday, 9 (in English) and Friday (in Spanish), 10 December 2021. The conference was organised by PROTOCOLTODAY, a prestigious Dutch consultancy and academy firm specialising in protocol consultancy and international business skills training. ProtocolToday is also the publisher of the Global Mindset Magazine. The conference featured prominent speakers, approximately 100 participants from 33 countries, more than 12 embassies, international entrepreneurs and managers, and journalists from Diplomat Magazine EU.

This conference dealt with topics aimed at complementing those issues that, on multiple occasions, are omitted despite their enormous importance in negotiations with clients and possible strategic partners.

The program started with a presentation by Professor Dewanand Mahadew, CEO of NewEconomyStrategies (The Netherlands), on “Impactful Communication in International Business”. He emphasised the need to be cautious and discreet to avoid offensive situations. Knowledge about communication and understanding others is key to reasonable negotiations. Staying calm and positive is essential.” He recommended applying understanding, empathy, respect, prudence, and compassion.

He highlighted the urgency of “knowing how to navigate the world easily. That is, being able to ‘feel at home to avoid being seen as strangers. We must develop a global mentality and understand and learn about culture, politics, and economic systems to become familiar with the country we are visiting”. His speech included globalisation by specifying: “The globalised world requires connecting skills. This means feeling comfortable and being loved in the places we visit. We must have the ability to connect with other people despite existing differences”.

He referred to interpersonal skills as “communicate, persuading and negotiating, and having a critical mindset.” That is, being aware of what we do creatively and responsibly and enjoying a correct image. He suggested developing the “skills of knowledge, learning, and imagination.” Finally, he commented on the importance of appearance and how we express ourselves verbally and non-verbally in a business conversation. Apart from the first impression generated is the profile made of us.

René Spaan, leader of the Smart Mobility project (The Netherlands), addressed “Personal Anecdotes Working with Mexican Diplomacy”. He began with a revelation inherent in his experience: “If you work as many people, there may be those who do not keep their word”, alluding to the absence of seriousness in the business environment. He placed particular emphasis on credibility and on “legal and financial” factors in business.

Based on his recognised career, he recommended, when entering into trade agreements with Mexico, “to understand Mexican culture to become familiar with the cultural factors of the country in which you do business”. He was forceful in reiterating that the Aztec country is not “pure drug trafficking or illicit activities”, as is frequently exhibited through the media. It is a nation with extraordinary investment potential and rich historical diversity.

Gerardo Correas, president of the International School of Protocol (Spain), discussed “Protocol: Sentiment to Communicate” established several conclusive details aimed at understanding the function of the protocol and asserted “the protocol is nothing other than techniques to organise and they must occupy in each country depending on the current forms of communication. You have to place it in the context in which we live”.

He commented on working on the different emotions of the participants in an event to make it an experience and suggested that the social sciences be incorporated into the protocol to guarantee the proposed objective. He was conclusive when he said: “Each event should be an experience that channels feelings and emotions.”

He alluded to the “personal brand” and how it contributes to distinguishing, defining and differentiating. “To single out and enhance the entity’s brand, we must generate impact,” he said. It is a job that is the responsibility, in an organised way, to all areas of the company and “thinking about a global communication strategy.” Finally, he noted, “We must change the language or the words that protocol experts use to suit the public. It corresponds to transferring the protocol’s message in a simple way to society”.

Adriana Flores, an expert in Protocol & Diplomacy and founder of ProtocolToday (The Netherlands), spoke on “The Impact of Protocol and Diplomatic Skills in International Business”. She commented on how “internationalisation” has affected our lives worldwide. Therefore, she said, “we must know how to connect and be trained to deal with entrepreneurs and suppliers. We need to know the etiquette, protocol, and professional ethics” rules.

She highlighted the importance of knowledge in permanent professional growth and how “they will facilitate the opening of new doors in the workplace” and emphasised that “each of us must be the best ambassador of their own country in the world.” She shared her varied experience – in various international settings – and suggested creating a “business life” style to work.

She also referred to the connotation of “personal image”. She advised, “making the first good impression with impact. In business, etiquette is essential. We must adapt to the place where we will do business”. She reflected on deferential behaviour that includes values, ethics, and an impeccable track record that inspires respect and trust.

She also stressed that “we must be aware of the hierarchies of the country we visit and know the flags and symbols. The flags of a company should not be next to the emblems of the States. We must know about the matters concerning gift giving and receiving. Companies and embassies must have their gift protocol where they establish prices, details, and delivery methods. It is a symbol of friendship that means you are important; we appreciate it,” and she suggested giving the professional card according to the cultural context of the nation.

Héctor G. Pérez, president of the Enlazadot Business Chain (Mexico) stressed “Business Resilience”. He made a broad and exciting account of the business situation in his country and stated, “in Mexico, when it goes bad is when we get the most strength”. He highlighted “resilience” as the ability to adapt to an adverse situation and obtain favourable results.

He was categorical in his vision about the process of adaptation and evolution in Mexico for the times to come. “Social networks and digitisation have helped raise money,” he said. Finally, he gave a hopeful message by influencing: “We must believe in ourselves. It is not worth it if we do not believe in ourselves. It is a seasoning in us. We have to be empathetic with others in adverse moments.”

An enriching, reflective meeting, full of contributions and aimed at highlighting the scope and value of the protocol as a component of corporate work in its natural and broad connotation. Therefore, an imperative discipline to apply in our continuous efforts for professional growth. I evoke the pertinent reflection of Adriana Flores: “The power of protocol is essential; it is the art of communication.

By Wilfredo Pérez http://wperezruiz.blogspot.com/

PROTOCOLTODAY ACADEMY OF PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY

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Writer by Wilfredo Pérez Ruiz, Teacher, communicator, and consultant in protocol, ceremonial, social etiquette, and writer of Magazine Global Mindset, The Netherlands.

19 December 2021

Category: Business Protocol. Conference

Reference: WP191221BP

“Somos una empresa de desarrollo de capacidades que conecta valores, culturas, organizaciones, individuos y sociedades en todo el mundo”

News. INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOL & SOFT DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE 2021

9 – 10 December 2021

International Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Conference. 

 

Your presence has made a difference and has been forever sealed in our history!

We would like to thank you for embracing the mission of protocol and diplomacy during the International Conference (online) on Flexible Protocol and Diplomacy on December 9-10.  The first of its kind organized by ProtocolToday in the Netherlands. Thank you to all the representatives of international companies, embassies represented in Mexico and the Netherlands, ministries, students, and universities. Thank you for your support and cooperation to our international speakers, moderators, master of ceremony, journalists, Diplomat Magazine EU, ICPD, Enlazadot, and Magazine Global Mindset.   

SPEAKERS

  • Prof. Dr. Dewanand Mahadew, Managing director of NewEconomyStrategies, The Netherlands. 
  • Hon.Patricia Kenneth-Divine, Director, International Centre for Protocol and Diplomacy, UK. 
  • Elizabeth Soos, Director of ASE Auersmont School of Etiquette, Australia.
  • Ibrahim Yildirim, BSc, DEIK Turkey Peru Business Council Chairman, Turkey. 
  • René Spaan, BSc, Smart Mobility project leader, The Netherlands. 
  • Lic. Héctor G. Pérez, Presidente de la Cadena Empresarial Enlazadot, México.
  • Lic. Gerardo Correas Sánchez, Presidente del grupo EIP, Spain.
  • Prof. Lisando Montero, Conferencista en Relaciones Públicas, Argentina.
  • Mtra. Adriana Flores,Experta en Protocolo & Diplomacia, y fundadora de ProtocolToday, The Netherlands.

Thank you! 

ProtocolToday Team

Thank you for all your compliments!

Dear Ms. Flores,

I would like to compliment you and your colleagues on the successful and very interesting conference yesterday! It was great to see you online along with so many other interesting participants and speakers. Thank you for inviting the Australian Embassy to this event.

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I really loved every minute. All presentations were great and it was so good to see so many colleagues from different countries. It was a great honor to be there. Thank you once more for your valued invitation to me to this event. Warm regards from The Netherlands. 

Would you like to share your experience with us?

Would you like to be our sponsor or speaker for the International Protocol & Soft Diplomacy Conference in the Netherlands in September 2022? 

Contact us! contact@protocoltoday.nl