How nice, a business meeting in Central or South America is coming up. You think of salsa, samba and tequila, sounds like a vacation and fiery Latinas and Latinos. But what do you need to bear in mind for business meetings? The TUBIE ironing machine team has done some research for you.
The welcome:
It is customary to shake hands and pat each other on the shoulder. Women are greeted by men with two or three implied kisses on the cheek, but only if they know each other well or have been doing business together for a long time. Otherwise, as a man, you shake the lady's hand.
The salutation:
People usually address each other by their first names and do not use titles. Older gentlemen are often respectfully called "Don". It is also common for higher-ups to be addressed as "Doctor", even if they don't necessarily have to have the title.
Punctuality:
You should always arrive on time for business appointments, even if you probably have to wait a little while for your Central or South American partner, as 15 minutes is not considered late there. However, for private invitations, e.g. for dinner at home, you should never arrive on time, as you will be expected at least 30 minutes later and the host or hostess will still be in the middle of preparations.
Business outfit:
Men wear a suit and tie with well polished shoes. Socks can be left out in hot temperatures.
Women dress somewhat more revealingly than in Europe. The revealing style of dress for women in Latin America is not at all disreputable, as women attach great importance to their good looks. Men also don't understand it when women present themselves too buttoned up and conservative. Blouses with plunging necklines, short skirts and pumps are quite normal. A well-groomed appearance is the be-all and end-all and clothes must be well ironed (good if you have a TUBIE ironing machine).
Business lunch:
Many well-off business people have domestic staff (we from the TUBIE Shirt Ironing Team would also like to have them) and often invite them to their home after a successful meeting. Be sure to accept such an invitation and, as already mentioned, be deliberately "unpunctual", because punctuality would be absolutely rude. And importantly. Do not address the domestic staff, as the attention should be focused solely on the host.
If the business meal takes place in a restaurant, the usual customs apply. If necessary, wait for your partner at the bar and do not order a meal yet. You should allow plenty of time, as it is expected that you take time for each other. If you want to pay, tell the waiter in good time so that there are no misunderstandings later on. Alcohol is a must at business lunches, as people in Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil like to drink a lot, whereas people in Argentina and Chile tend to be more reserved. Feel free to drink along, but be careful not to get drunk, as this is not appropriate.
Good business in Central and South America, your TUBIE ironing machine and ironing dummy team.
http://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/knigge-stilblueten-und-fettnaepfchen-in-lateinamerika/5493116.html
http://www.gruender-welt.com/businessknigge-mittel-und-suedamerika/
Photo: Pixabay