Martha Hooper, Principal of Hooper Consulting International in Istanbul, Turkey, is the international representative for the Stevie® Awards in Turkey, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. (The final entry deadline for The 2012 International Business Awards, the world's premier business awards competition is 27 June. All individuals and organizations worldwide may submit nominations to the IBAs. If you haven't already done so, you can request your entry kit here.)
According to Martha: “International reputation-building is key to growth in Turkish businesses … and businesses around the world.” As the Principal of Hooper Consulting International in Istanbul, Martha knows that it takes more than advertising and public relations to make an impact in the global community, and the objective of her company is to provide a fresh approach to business growth in virtually all sectors through international awards.
Martha has successfully represented the Stevie Awards in Turkey for the past several years. She also represents the Stevies in a number of central, southern, and Mediterranean European countries, including Croatia, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.
Martha has the following tips for companies seeking to do business in Turkey:
- The key to success in business in Turkey is to keep in mind that in the Turkish work culture “it’s all personal.” It is common to enjoy personal relationships with company team members, suppliers, and consultants.
- There seems to be a soft veil of vulnerability around men and women alike, so Turkish executives and workers tend to be highly emotional and can be easily offended by direct communications and criticism.
- Business protocol in Turkey follows certain social rules that are similar to hosting a guest in one’s own home: a gracious welcome, tea, a chat about non-business matters before getting down to the subject at hand, and finally walking guests to the elevator door after a meeting.
Martha comments: “Turkey is a rare gem, a vibrant place to be these days. With its dynamic, well-educated, and young population, the future looks very bright. Turkey today plays a critical role in the affairs both of the Middle East and Europe. Its stable government and growing economy (the second fastest after China) combine to make it a haven for business in this part of the world.”
About Martha Hooper:
Martha Hooper owns and operates Hooper Consulting International, where she provides a multi-disciplinary range of international reputation-building services gained through decades of experience on both the client and agency side. Martha has handled a diverse portfolio of assignments, projects, and campaigns in a broad range of products and services. She has expertise in the telecommunications, financial services, travel, and retail industries through her work in corporate communications, public relations, advertising, social media, public affairs, and corporate social responsibility. Martha has lived between Boston and Istanbul for the past 15 years. She has an idyllic home on an island in the Marmara Sea that she shares with her husband, Ali Erdogan Agca, a well-known Turkish jazz musician. Martha speaks fluent English, French, Spanish, and Turkish.
About Hooper Consulting International:
Hooper Consulting International offers services in international awards management, corporate communications, and investor relations. The organization helps companies frame, position, prepare, and submit their nominations to The Stevie Awards’ international competitions, including The International Business Awards, The Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and The Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. For more information, visit www.hooperconsultinginternational.com.
The International Business Awards honors all facets of the workplace, our award categories include: 
If you're a working professional with experience in your discipline, you'll be assigned categories related to your expertise. The IBAs have many different categories: