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Upcoming Presentations
 Rice Homecoming and Reunion 2013
November 14-16
November 15 3:00 P.M. Smart Power: Cross-cultural Communication Best Practices for Today's Global World
Presented by: Sonia Garza-Monarchi Click here for more details and to view the entire schedule.
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Ask "The Protocol Lady"
Do you have a protocol question? Just click here and submit your question.
[email protected]
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National Days
November 1 - Algeria, Antigua & Barbuda
November 3 - Dominica, Panama, Micronesia
November 4 - Tonga
November 9 - Cambodia
November 11 - Angola
November 18 - Latvia, Oman
November 19 - Monaco
November 22 - Lebanon
November 25 - Bosnia & Herzegovina, Suriname
November 28 - Albania, Mauritania, Timor-Leste
November 30 - Barbados
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On the Shelf
The National Protocol Directory
To view the newest edition of the National Protocol Directory click here.
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Cross-Cultural Corner:
Dress Codes, Italian Style
I'm getting more and more questions about dress codes, and what's appropriate to wear on various occasions. On a recent trip to Italy, I learned that this is a universal problem. Most churches had dress codes prominently displayed, and some, like the Duomo in Milan, had guards enforcing the code at the entrance. At a church in Como, there was a small basket, shown above, with pieces of cloth that could be used to cover up as needed. Similarly, a restaurant we went to had a lovely assortment of ties men could choose from, if they were unprepared for the restaurant's dress code.
Need to learn more? Garza Protocol can advise you and your team on appropriate attire for any occasion.
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In most parts of the country, the temperature is cooler now. Halloween has passed, and for many, thoughts are turning to the upcoming holidays. Before we all get overwhelmed with visions of turkey and holiday cards, I would like to encourage you to take a moment to think about international education. November 18-22, the U.S. Department of Education and the State Department are celebrating a joint initiative, the 14th Annual International Education Week.
This year's theme, International Education: Learning Matters Around the World, promotes the value of a quality education and study abroad. Click here to listen to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan discuss the benefits of having a knowledge and understanding of other cultures in a world of global competition where jobs know no borders.
Sonia Garza-Monarchi
Garza Protocol Associates, LLC.
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Ask the Protocol Lady:
Can local officials support international business relationships?
Absolutely! One of the greatest resources that companies which are doing business internationally have is your elected officials: city, county, state, and federal. How much support they offer will vary by jurisdiction and individual. To learn how they can help, I always recommend my clients build a relationship with the local government's protocol team as well as the officials. To know if your area has a protocol office, refer to the National Protocol Directory (available at the link at left) or call the corresponding official's office.
Every office and official is different and has its own rules. The courtesies and services a government official can offer to a visiting foreign official or in support of your efforts to develop business ties, will depend on many factors, such as rank and resources. Some of the ways local officials might be able to support your international business relationships include:
1. Welcome letters and other correspondence
2. Courtesy visits
3. Proclamations or other recognition
4. Help arranging tours and meetings
5. Security
6. Participation in trade missions
When asking a government official for help, remember that you are always one of many constituents with a special request. For example, I recently was seated at a lunch with someone from the Scheduling Department for the Mayor of Houston. She told me that they receive over 500 requests a week to have the mayor attend events. So: be considerate, give ample notice, provide the information needed in a succinct manner, and ask if there is a preferred way to handle these requests. Try to explain how the assistance you are seeking will benefit the local area, because it's easier for an elected official to agree to do something in support of a private organization if there's a clear benefit to his constituency, too. Be patient and respectful of the official's and of their staff's time.
The Protocol Lady
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Case Study: Three Wise Men
Years ago, I chaired a protocol conference. As chair, I was given a lovely plate by one of the local hosts, which is pictured above and depicts the three wise men from the Bible's story of the birth of Jesus. That year, we had two very special guests attending the conference from the office of protocol of the president of Iraq. They were also presented with the same plate. With its overtly Christian theme, this was perhaps not the most appropriate gift for our visiting colleagues, who were Muslim and did not celebrate Christmas.
As many of us prepare to send holiday greetings or gifts, it's important to consider the diversity of the recipients. Garza Protocol Associates offers consulting to help you select gifts to make the meaningful, positive impression you want on your international contacts.
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Garza Protocol Associates, LLC helps clients build profitable relationships, coordinates productive international visits, and manages successful events and trade missions, while avoiding costly cross-cultural misunderstandings.  |
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