Ever walked into a business meeting and seen someone discreetly rubbing a lucky coin? Or maybe you’ve noticed a CEO who refuses to sign contracts on a certain day of the week?

Welcome to the weird and wonderful world of business superstitions – where luck, rituals, and some seriously bizarre traditions influence multi-million-dollar deals.

Let’s take a look at some of the strangest ways people try to tip the business scales in their favour.

Lucky Numbers: Because Math is Overrated

Numbers run the business world – but in some places, it’s not about spreadsheets and profit margins. It’s about which numbers bring good luck and which ones could doom your business forever.

• In China, the number 8 is considered extremely lucky because it sounds like the word for “wealth.” Companies pay millions to get phone numbers, addresses, or license plates loaded with 8s. (Just imagine explaining to your accountant why you spent company funds on an “8888” phone number.)

• Meanwhile, the number 4 is avoided at all costs in many Asian cultures because it sounds like the word for “death.” Some office buildings skip the 4th floor entirely, which is kind of creepy if you think about it – where did it go?

• In Western business, lucky 7 still holds its charm, especially in marketing. Just think about how many brands use “7” in their names – 7-Eleven, SevenUp… Coincidence? I think not.

Moral of the story? If you’re pitching an idea in China, don’t show up on the 4th day of the month and ask for a budget of 4 million.

The Rituals of Deal-Making: More Than Just a Handshake

Some businesspeople take deal-closing rituals very seriously – sometimes to the point of ridiculousness.

• In Japan, business cards are practically sacred. Handing someone your card carelessly, or shoving it into your pocket, is a major no-no. The proper way? Accept it with both hands, study it like it holds the secrets of the universe, then place it carefully on the table.

• In Italy, spilling olive oil or salt before a business lunch is bad luck. If that happens, be prepared for someone to throw salt over their shoulder like they’re trying to season a ghost.

• Some CEOs refuse to sign contracts on Friday the 13th, convinced it will jinx the deal. (Honestly, they might be onto something – most of us can barely function properly on a Friday anyway.)

If you ever find yourself in an international business meeting, just follow along – if they start throwing salt or bowing to business cards, maybe do the same.

Good Luck Charms: The Secret to a Profitable Year?

What’s more important than a solid business strategy? According to some people – a lucky object.

• In many cultures, red is the ultimate power colour. It symbolizes luck, wealth, and prosperity. That’s why some executives always wear a red tie or dress for big meetings.

• Some high-profile businesspeople swear by lucky pens – they refuse to sign anything without them. Lose the pen? Postpone the deal. (Honestly, this might just be an excuse for being unprepared.)

• In India, many businesses perform a Lakshmi Puja (prayer ceremony) for prosperity before the financial year starts. It involves offerings, flowers, and even blessing computers and accounting books.

If your financial plan isn’t working, maybe it’s time to try wearing red and blessing your laptop. Can’t hurt, right?

The Strange World of Business Feng Shui

Feng Shui isn’t just for home décor – it plays a huge role in business success, too. Some companies pay thousands to ensure their office layout attracts positive energy.

• In Hong Kong, buildings are designed with gaping holes in them – called “dragon gates” – because it’s believed that dragons need to pass through freely to bring good fortune.

• Some CEOs position their desks, so their back is never facing a door, as that’s considered bad luck. (Also, it helps you see who’s sneaking up on you – so maybe it’s just practical.)

• There are companies that will reject an office lease based on the direction the entrance faces. Imagine your dream office space being turned down because “it doesn’t align with prosperity vibes.”

Sounds extreme, but hey – if it helps profits, who are we to judge?

When Superstitions Cost Businesses Big Money

Superstitions aren’t always harmless – sometimes they directly impact the economy in ways you wouldn’t expect.

• Many airlines don’t have a row 13 on their planes because people refuse to sit there. (Look next time you board a flight – row 12 jumps straight to 14.)

• Hotels often skip the 13th floor, too, because guests don’t want to sleep in a room of impending doom.

• In some parts of the world, stock markets see less activity on Friday the 13th because traders believe it’s unlucky to make big moves. Imagine the global economy slowing down because people are avoiding a spooky date.

Superstition might not be logical, but it definitely has real-world consequences.

Business Success: Strategy or Superstition?

At the end of the day, businesses thrive on smart decisions, good leadership, and maybe just a tiny bit of luck.

Whether it’s avoiding unlucky numbers, bowing to business cards, or wearing red for confidence, these rituals shape global business in ways you’d never expect.

So next time you have a big deal to close, ask yourself: is your strategy strong enough, or should you also throw some salt over your shoulder – just in case?

At LanguageWize, we help professionals navigate global business interactions with ease. Our courses go beyond just language – they equip you with the skills to speak with clarity, adapt to different cultures, and leave a lasting impression.

Join us today and take the next step toward mastering international business communication!

Heidi Nel

16 April 2025