How nice, a business meeting in Central or South America is coming up. Salsa, samba and tequila come to mind, sounding like holidays and fiery Latinas and Latinos. But what do you have to keep in mind for business appointments? The TUBIE Ironing Machine Team has done the research for you.
The welcome:
It is customary to shake hands and pat each other on the back. Women are greeted by men with two or three hints of a kiss on the cheek, but only if they know each other well or have been doing business with each other 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 also often respectfully called "Don". It is also common for people of higher rank to be addressed as "Doctor", even if they do not necessarily have to bear the title.
Punctuality:
For business appointments, you should definitely arrive on time, even if you probably have to wait a little for your Central or South American partner, because 15 minutes is not yet considered a delay there. However, for private invitations, e.g. to dinner at home, you should definitely not arrive on time, because you are expected at least 30 minutes later and the host or hostess is still in the middle of preparations.
Business outfit:
Men wear a suit and tie with well-shined shoes. Socks can be left out when the temperature is hot.
Ladies dress a little more freely than in Europe. The permissive style of dress for women is not at all disreputable in Latin America, because women attach great importance to their good looks. Men also don't understand it when women present themselves as too buttoned-up and conservative. Blouses with plunging necklines, short skirts and pumps are quite normal. A well-groomed appearance is essential and clothes must be well ironed (good if you have a TUBIE ironing machine).
Business lunch:
Many well-off business people have maids (we from the TUBIE shirt ironing team would also like to have them) and often invite them to their homes after a successful meeting. Be sure to accept such an invitation and, as already mentioned, be deliberately "unpunctual", because punctuality would be absolutely impolite. And important. Do not address the domestic staff, as attention should be focused on the host alone.
If the business dinner takes place in a restaurant, the usual customs apply. If necessary, wait for your partner at the bar and do not order food yet. You should allow plenty of time, as it is expected that you take time for each other. One of the two business partners will pick up the bill. If you want to pay, tell the waiter in good time so that there are no misunderstandings later. Alcohol should not be missing at a business dinner, because in Mexico, Venezuela and Brazil people like to drink a lot, whereas in Argentina or Chile they are more reserved. Feel free to join in the drinking, but make sure you don't get drunk, because that is not appropriate.
Good business in Central and South America, your TUBIE Ironing Machine and Ironing Doll Team.
http://www.wiwo.de/erfolg/knigge-stilblueten-und-fettnaepfchen-in-lateinamerika/5493116.html
http://www.gruender-welt.com/businessknigge-mittel-und-suedamerika/
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