Are Buying Decisions Universal or Cultural?

I was reading some very interesting posts on a Sales forum recently. As with most forums there are ego’s and a huge polarity of opinion on all matters from who’s the best closer to who’s got the biggest dick and who is the biggest dick.

Anyway, only a few days ago I was rudely reminded about a thread where I had commented about some sales subject. I kept receiving notifications via email of the continuing discussions on this particular thread, and the discussion had moved so far off topic it was hilariously funny. Anyway cutting a long story short, a couple of guys were arguing over cultural differences with reference to things such as presentation, selling style, do people in this particular country really understand or appreciate the so called gurus or even adopt what they teach.

I hasten to add, the argument continued and I had to stop myself from reading anymore trite nonsense which could have ended with me feeling enticed to ruffle some feathers.

I actually laughed when I read a comment on how a well known US peak experience seminar regular was a true master sales guru. It reminded me of someone ‘in the know’ telling me how he was struggling to sell his own wares, never mind teach anyone how to sell theirs.

In fact, I think anyone who makes you walk on hot coals or old railway sleepers should be sectioned.

Do people not realise how the laws of physics enable you to walk on these things without burning?

Not some idiotic symbolic nonsense to make you believe your invincible.

So forget about the rapport bit and the ‘people only like or buy from others who they perceive to be like themselves’ stuff.

Do people in different cultures really have different buying criteria or values?

I know we all have unique motivators and driving forces that provide propulsion in our decision making, but can a cultural force really provide some level of uniqueness or close off any purchasing from foreign organisations?

I would love to hear some answers on this, perhaps some real-life experiences of people who relocated. I have my own thoughts but I guess what I am really looking for are those experiences people have had either as a professional relocating to a new country or as an organisation positioning product or services in a new market.

Naturally, the answer is obvious. Did those guys on that forum ‘get it’ in the end……I wonder!

I have noticed that New York is a very different place to sell in. I have noticed over the years that New Yorkers tend to lead before they pace and take the ‘directness’ to a new level.

I await your comments.

PS. If you want to experience how your feet will feel after walking on some hot embers I’ll happily exploit you financially, not only will I arrange the venue I might even throw in some BBQ ribs too and give you a certificate.