Etiquette goes a long way...so does sincerity.

I just finished up a story about cultural barriers to doing business.

There's all kinds of pitfalls, and as I found out for the first time those pitfalls can start with as something as simple as which hand you use to shake someone's hand.

One business etiquette expert told me to simply be aware that cultural norms do play a role in smooth business transactions.

They range from from understanding that meetings in the Chinese culture tend to be more formal than in the States and when accepting or giving a business card, do it with both hands.

But the bottom line is, as long as your intentions are good, and as long as your transaction is sincere, the other side should understand if you don't get it quite right.