Of all the information I gathered in the guidebook, the most useful information for international business people is to learn the person's culture that you will be conducting business with.
There is nothing more embarrassing than conducting business in another country and not knowing the customs. For example when conducting business in China is would be beneficial to know how to greet your business partner.
The Chinese bow to one another as a means to great each other and in the United States, Americans shake hands to greet one another. If you are not aware of China's customs a person will extend his or her hand to greet a Chinese businessman, and the Chinese person will bow to the American businessman and that can be very awkward.
What are your thoughts on this?