Ever wonder how different sales cultures differ across the globe? In Japan, the world of B2B sales is markedly different from what many Westerner sellers are accustomed to. The process is not just transactional but deeply rooted in personal connections, patience, and respect. The nature of selling to Japanese companies is intricate and people-intensive; it’s a sales culture that has remained largely unchanged despite the rapid advancements in communication technology.
The journey of a salesperson in Japan begins with identifying prospective companies. But they aren’t scouring LinkedIn, they literally hit the streets. This often involves physically walking through their assigned territory, a practice reminiscent of a bygone era in many parts of the world. Sometimes, they may be lucky enough to receive leads from their manager. The next critical step is securing an introduction to someone within the target company, preferably through an existing customer of their employer. Japanese business culture is heavily reliant on introductions and trust.
Cold-calling, a staple of Western sales tactics, is a big no-no in Japan. Such direct approaches are considered intrusive and are likely to backfire. Similarly, unsolicited emails or messages via professional platforms like LinkedIn are frowned upon. These methods, commonplace in other parts of the world, are likely to shut the door on potential opportunities when selling to Japanese companies.
Once the salesperson manages to make contact, they might visit the prospect's office several times over weeks or even months, each time leaving their business card and making polite inquiries. This repeated effort is not just about persistence; it’s a demonstration of dedication and respect to the potential client.
The next phase involves presenting the product or service to the buyer and their team, which might happen only after multiple visits. If the salesperson comes from a smaller company, they might bring along higher-ups – including the CEO – to meet the buyer's team. This hierarchy in meetings reflects the importance of showing respect and commitment.
Remarkably, even in an era dominated by digital communication, the preferred method of initial customer contact in Japan remains face-to-face meetings. While Japanese executives and senior managers are more accessible than ever through smartphones and social media, the essence of sales interactions has remained unchanged from the 1980s. Salespeople use digital tools mainly for logistical aspects like confirming orders or setting up subsequent meetings, but the core of the sales process – relationship-building – happens in person.
This approach is in stark contrast to the fast-paced, often impersonal sales strategies seen in countries like the U.S. It’s a game of patience and trust-building, where a first sale might take months to materialize. Salespeople diligently follow up with prospects, noting down when to revisit and steadily nurturing the relationship. This methodical process is not just about making a sale; it's about establishing a long-term relationship.
Japanese sales culture is also characterized by traditional practices like giving summer and winter gifts and sending New Year's cards (nengajou). These gestures are integral to maintaining and deepening business relationships. The commitment to these practices, even in a digitally connected world, highlights the deep respect for tradition in Japanese business culture.
B2B selling to Japanese companies combines a unique blend of traditional practices, patience, and deep respect for relationships. Despite technological advancements, the essence of Japanese sales has remained consistent over the decades. And while we in the west might be a bit too impatient and a bit too focused on the near-term to adopt the Japanese approach, there’s still a lot we can learn from their people-first traditions.
