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Friday, October 28, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Northern North America, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north, north of the conterminous US

Capital: Ottawa

Climate: varies from temperate in south to subarctic and arctic in north

Population: 33,212,696 (July 2008 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: British Isles origin 28%, French origin 23%, other European 15%, Amerindian 2%, other, mostly Asian, African, Arab 6%, mixed background 26%

Religions: Roman Catholic 42.6%, Protestant 23.3% (including United Church 9.5%, Anglican 6.8%, Baptist 2.4%, Lutheran 2%), other Christian 4.4%, Muslim 1.9%, other and unspecified 11.8%, none 16% (2001 census) Government: constitutional monarchy that is also a parliamentary democracy and a federation

» Language in Canada

A multitude of languages are spoken in Canada. According to the 2006 census, English and French are the preferred language ("home language", or language spoken most often in the home) of 67.1% and 21.5% of the population, respectively. English and French are recognised by the Constitution of Canada as "official languages," which means that all laws of the federal government are enacted in both English and French and that federal government services are required to be available in both languages.

The five most widely-spoken non-official languages are Chinese (the home language of 2.6% of Canadians), Punjabi (0.8%), Spanish (0.7%), Italian (0.6%), and Arabic (0.5%).

» Canadian Society and Culture

Cultural Diversity

Canada is culturally diverse. This goes back to the 1890s when it began inviting people from all over the world to settle in the country to help it develop and grow. Canadian immigration policy was historically open, welcoming and egalitarian in its philosophy. This has also manifest into the psyche of the nation where people are encouraged and to retain their cultural identities, traditions, languages and customs.

Individuals concerned with the group

Canadians are generally a tolerant, polite and extremely community-oriented people. Although they are individualistic in terms of their basic cultural traits, they nevertheless place a great deal of emphasis on the individual's responsibility to the community. This is seen as giving balance and a good quality of life.

Regionalism

Most Canadians have a strong allegiance to their province or region, sometimes more so than to the country. There are some broad differences between regions, which can generally be summed up as follows:

Atlantic Provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland): The people are somewhat reserved and provincial, to the point that they are seen as old-fashioned.

Ontario: This is the business hub and the people tend to be business-like and conservative.

Western Canada (Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan): The people are open, friendly and relaxed.

British Colombia: The people are less conventional. This province is often viewed as the Canada of the future.

Quebec: The French region, has a distinct cultural identity. The people are extremely regionalistic/independent.

North: The people have a strong pioneer spirit.

Customs and Etiquette in Canada

» Meeting and Greeting

The most common greeting is the handshake.

It should be firm and accompanied by direct eye contact and a sincere smile.

Wait until invited before using someone's first name although Canadians tend to move to a first-name basis rapidly.

French Canadian friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks (once on the left cheek and once on the right).

If using French in Quebec always use the formal pronoun "vous" (you) when speaking to someone and do not switch to the informal "tu" unless invited to do so.

» Gift Giving

In general, Canadians give gifts for birthdays and Christmas.

If invited to someone's home for dinner, take a box of good chocolates, flowers or a bottle of wine.

In Quebec, sending flowers in advance of the dinner party is proper protocol.

In Quebec, if you give wine, make sure it is of the highest quality you can afford.

Do not give white lilies as they are used at funerals.

Do not give cash or money as a present.

Gifts are usually opened when received.

» Dining Etiquette

Table manners are relatively relaxed and informal in Canada.

Quebec does see a little more formality.

Table manners are generally Continental, i.e. the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.

Wait to be shown to your seat.

Do not begin eating until the hostess starts.

Do not rest your elbows on the table.

Feel free to refuse individual foods or drink without offering an explanation.

Leaving a small amount at the end of the meal is generally acceptable.

In formal situations, the host gives the first toast. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal. Women may give toasts.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

Business in Canada

» Meeting and Greeting

Canadian businesspeople often begin relationships in a reserved manner; once people get to know one another is becomes friendly and informal.

Canadians appreciate politeness and expect others to adhere to the proper protocol for any given situation.

Shake hands with everyone at the meeting upon arrival and departure.

Maintain eye contact while shaking hands.

Men may offer their hand to a woman without waiting for her to extend hers first.

Honorific titles and surnames are usually not used.

However, academic titles are important in Quebec and are used with the honorific Monsieur or Madame.

Business cards are exchanged after the initial introduction.

In Quebec, have one side of your business card translated into French. Hand the card so the French side faces the recipient.

Examine any card you receive before putting it in your card case.

» Canadian Communication Styles

It is difficult to specify any national trait in terms of communication in Canada due to its regionalism and cultural diversity. However, there are some basic communication styles that are fairly standard across the country. For example, businesspeople are generally polite, easy-going and somewhat informal.

In general, communication is” moderately indirect” perhaps reflecting an amalgamation of both North American and British tendencies. Although most Canadians can disagree openly when necessary, they prefer to do so with tact and diplomacy. Their communication style is essentially pragmatic and relies on common sense. If you come from a culture where communication is very direct, you may wish to soften your demeanour and tone so as not to appear threatening.

Communication styles vary most between Anglophone and Francophone parts of the country. Francophones are generally more indirect than Anglophones, although less so than the French. They also tend to be more exuberant than Anglophones. Anglophones do not generally interrupt someone who is speaking. They consider it rude not to let a person complete their thought before entering the discussion. Francophones are more likely to interrupt another speaker.

Canadians communicate more by the spoken word rather than non-verbal expressions. Non-verbal expressions are only really used to add emphasis to a message or are part of an individual’s personal communication style.

Canadians like their space and prefer to be at an arm’s length when speaking to someone.

Canadians are reticent to discuss their personal lives with business associates. They expect people to speak in a straightforward manner and to be able to back up their claims with examples. They do not make exaggerated claims and are suspicious of something that sounds too good to be true.

» Business Meetings

Canadians begin meetings with a minimal amount of small talk although one should expect to spend a few minutes exchanging pleasantries and the like. In Quebec there may be more time spent on relationship-building.

Meetings are generally well-organized and adhere to time schedules. They tend to be informal and relaxed in manner even if the subjects being discussed are serious. When meeting with Anglophones, meetings may seem more democratic as all participants will engage and contribute. Meetings with Francophones, due to a greater respect for hierarchy and position, may revolve more around the most senior attendees.

Meetings in Canadian companies are used to review proposals, make plans, brain-storm and communicate decisions.

Attendees will generally represent a variety of levels and experiences; all are expected to express opinions.

When presenting information, it is important to have facts and figures to substantiate claims and promises.

Canadians are essentially rational and logical and thus they will not be convinced by emotions, passion or feelings.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: South America, borders with Bolivia 832 km, Brazil 1,224 km, Chile 5,150 km, Paraguay 1,880 km, Uruguay 579 km

Capital: Buenos Aires

Climate: mostly temperate; arid in southeast; subantarctic in southwest

Population: 39,144,753 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: white (mostly Spanish and Italian) 97%, mestizo, Amerindian, or other non white groups 3%

Government: Republic

Language in Argentina

Although Argentina's official language is Spanish, Argentinian Spanish is different from the Spanish spoken in Spain. In some ways it sounds more like Italian than Spanish. There are also many other languages spoken in Argentina, including Italian, German, English and French. Indigenous languages that are spoken today include Tehuelche, Guarani and Quechua.

Argentinean Society & Culture

Europeans or Latin Americans?

. Most Argentines are primarily of European descent, which separates them from other Latin American countries where European and Indian cultures are more mixed.
. Culturally and emotionally, Argentines often seem more European than Latin American.

Argentinean Family Values

. The family is the centre of Argentine life with extended families still having prominence.
. The heads of powerful families command widespread respect, but with this comes a responsibility to care for others in terms of security, jobs, etc and to maintain personal and family honour.
. Honour is in all respects the be all and end all and it routinely affects day-to-day life at home, in the community and in business.

Religion in Argentina

. The Argentine constitution guarantees religious freedom.
. Roman Catholicism acts as the official state religion.
. Other world religions, notably Islam, are gaining a foothold within the country during the last ten to fifteen years.

Expressive Communication Style

. Argentines are on the whole open, blunt, and direct, yet are able to remain tactful and diplomatic.
. Argentines are a warm peoples and their unreservedness brings to the fore their passion and sentimentality.
. In addition they are close communicators physically so will often touch each other when speaking and maintain little physical distance between speakers.

General Etiquette and Customs

Meeting Etiquette

. Initial greetings are formal and follow a set protocol of greeting the eldest or most important person first.
. A standard handshake, with direct eye contact and a welcoming smile will suffice.
. Maintaining eye contact indicates interest.
. In general, Argentines prefer third-party introductions, so you should wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to others at a small gathering.
. When leaving, say good-bye to each person individually.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to dinner at an Argentine's home bring a small gift for the hostess.
. Since taxes on imported spirits are extremely high, a bottle of imported spirits is always well received.
. Do not give knives or scissors as they indicate a desire to sever the relationship.
. Gifts are opened immediately.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to an Argentine home:

. Dress well. Men should wear a jacket and tie. Women should wear a dress or a skirt and blouse.
. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes later than invited for a dinner party. Arriving on time is not the norm.
. Telephone your hosts the following day to thank them.

Watch your Table Manners!

. Wait for the host or hostess to tell you where to sit. There may be a seating plan.
. Table manners are Continental - hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess invites you to do so.
. Always keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Wait for a toast to be made before taking the first sip of your drink.
. It is considered polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you have finished eating.
. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right.
. Pouring wine is beset with many rituals and cultural taboos. If at all possible, avoid pouring wine.

Business Etiquette, Customs and Protocol in Argentina

Relationships & CommunicationEtiquette and Customs in Argentina

. Argentina is a relationship-driven culture, so it is important to build networks and use them.
. Argentines maintain and use an intricate network of family and friends to call upon for help, favours or assistance.
. If a favour is done for you, you will eventually be called upon to re-pay it.
. Name-dropping and nepotism do not have the negative connotations as it has in the West and can be used to your advantage.
. Above all Argentines like to do business with people they know and trust.
. They prefer face-to-face meetings rather than by telephone or in writing, which are seen as impersonal.
. Once a relationship has developed, their loyalty will be to you rather than to the company you represent.
. Looking good in the eyes of others is important to Argentines. Therefore, they will judge you not only on what you say, but also on the way you present yourself.
. Avoid confrontation. Argentines do not like publicly admitting they are incorrect.
. It is imperative to show deference and respect to those in positions of authority. When dealing with people at the same level, communication can be more informal.
. Be alert for nuances and hidden meanings. It is a good idea to repeat details, as you understand them to confirm that you and your business colleagues are in agreement.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are necessary and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance, preferably by e-mail or telephone.
. Avoid January and February, which are their vacation times; the middle weeks of July, which is when many go skiing; and during the two weeks before and after Christmas.
. You should arrive on time for meetings, although the person you are meeting may not be punctual.
. In some older, more bureaucratic organizations, the more important the person you are meeting, the longer they keep you waiting.
. Do not immediately begin discussing business. Small talk helps establish a rapport.
. The person you are meeting with may accept telephone calls and attend to other business while you are there.
. Have all printed material available in both English and Spanish.
. Decisions are not reached at meetings. Meetings are for discussion and to exchange ideas.

Business Negotiations

. Argentines expect to deal with people of similar status.
. Hierarchy is important. Decisions are made at the top of the company. Business moves slowly because it is extremely bureaucratic. Decisions often require several layers of approval.
. Argentines have a difficult time disagreeing, so do not think that things are going well simply because no one is challenging what you say.

What to Wear?

. Business attire is formal and conservative, yet stylish.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear elegant business suits or dresses.
. Good quality accessories are important for both sexes.
. Dress well if you want to make a good impression.

Business Card Etiquette

. Business cards are given without formal ritual.
. Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.
. Present your business card so the Spanish side faces the recipient.

Friday, October 14, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Central Europe, bordering Austria 784 km, Belgium 167 km, Czech Republic 646 km, Denmark 68 km, France 451 km, Luxembourg 138 km, Netherlands 577 km, Poland 456 km, Switzerland 334 km

Capital: Berlin

Climate: temperate and marine; cool, cloudy, wet winters and summers; occasional warm mountain (foehn) wind

Population: 82,424,609 (July 2004 est.)

Ethnic Make-up: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish)

Religions: Protestant 34%, Roman Catholic 34%, Muslim 3.7%, unaffiliated or other 28.3%

Government: federal republic

Languages in Germany

The official language of Germany is German, with over 95% of the population speaking German as their first language. Minority languages include Sorbian, spoken by 0.09% in the east of Germany; North and West Frisian, spoken around the Rhine estuary by around 10,000 people, or 0.01%, who also speak German.

Danish is spoken by 0.06%, mainly in the area along the Danish border. Romani, an indigenous language is spoken by around 0.08%.

Immigrant languages include Turkish, which is spoken by around 1.8%, and Kurdish, by 0.3%.

Why not learn some useful German phrases?

German Society & CultureMap of Germany

A Planning Culture

. In many respects, Germans can be considered the masters of planning.
. This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day.
. Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security.
. Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and plan their life accordingly.
. Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no need to think of doing it any other way.
. Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life.
. Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.
. There is a proper time for every activity. When the business day ends, you are expected to leave the office. If you must remain after normal closing, it indicates that you did not plan your day properly.

The German Home

. Germans take great pride in their homes.
. They are kept neat and tidy at all times, with everything in its appointed place.
. In a culture where most communication is rather formal, the home is the place where one can relax and allow your individualism to shine.
. Only close friends and relatives are invited into the sanctity of the house, so it is the one place where more informal communication may occur.
. There are many unwritten rules surrounding the outward maintenance of one's home.
. It is imperative that common areas such as sidewalks, pavements, corridors (in apartments), and steps be kept clean at all times.

German Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette

. Greetings are formal.
. A quick, firm handshake is the traditional greeting.
. Titles are very important and denote respect. Use a person's title and their surname until invited to use their first name. You should say Herr or Frau and the person's title and their surname.
. In general, wait for your host or hostess to introduce you to a group.
. When entering a room, shake hands with everyone individually, including children.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If you are invited to a German's house, bring a gift such as chocolates or flowers.
. Yellow roses or tea roses are always well received.
. Do not give red roses as they symbolize romantic intentions.
. Do not give carnations as they symbolize mourning.
. Do not give lilies or chrysanthemums as they are used at funerals.
. If you bring wine, it should be imported, French or Italian. Giving German wines is viewed as meaning you do not think the host will serve a good quality wine.
. Gifts are usually opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a German's house:

. Arrive on time as punctuality indicates proper planning. Never arrive early.
. Never arrive more than 15 minutes later than invited without telephoning to explain you have been detained.
. Send a handwritten thank you note the following day to thank your hostess for her hospitality.

Table manners

. Remain standing until invited to sit down. You may be shown to a particular seat.
. Table manners are Continental -- the fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
. Do not begin eating until the hostess starts or someone says 'guten appetit' (good appetite).
. At a large dinner party, wait for the hostess to place her napkin in her lap before doing so yourself.
. Do not rest your elbows on the table.
. Do not cut lettuce in a salad. Fold it using your knife and fork.
. Cut as much of your food with your fork as possible, since this compliments the cook by indicating the food is tender.
. Finish everything on your plate.
. Rolls should be broken apart by hand.
. Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate, with the fork over the knife.
. The host gives the first toast.
. An honoured guest should return the toast later in the meal.
. The most common toast with wine is 'Zum Wohl!' ('good health').
. The most common toast with beer is 'Prost!' ('good health').

Business Etiquette and Protocol in Germany

Relationships & Communicationsetiquette in germany

. Germans do not need a personal relationship in order to do business.
. They will be interested in your academic credentials and the amount of time your company has been in business.
. Germans display great deference to people in authority, so it is imperative that they understand your level relative to their own.
. Germans do not have an open-door policy. People often work with their office door closed. Knock and wait to be invited in before entering.
. German communication is formal.
. Following the established protocol is critical to building and maintaining business relationships.
. As a group, Germans are suspicious of hyperbole, promises that sound too good to be true, or displays of emotion.
. Germans will be direct to the point of bluntness.
. Expect a great deal of written communication, both to back up decisions and to maintain a record of decisions and discussions.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Appointments are mandatory and should be made 1 to 2 weeks in advance.
. Letters should be addressed to the top person in the functional area, including the person's name as well as their proper business title.
. If you write to schedule an appointment, the letter should be written in German.
. Punctuality is taken extremely seriously. If you expect to be delayed, telephone immediately and offer an explanation. It is extremely rude to cancel a meeting at the last minute and it could jeopardize your business relationship.
. Meetings are generally formal.
. Initial meetings are used to get to know each other. They allow your German colleagues to determine if you are trustworthy.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
. Maintain direct eye contact while speaking.
. Although English may be spoken, it is a good idea to hire an interpreter so as to avoid any misunderstandings.
. At the end of a meeting, some Germans signal their approval by rapping their knuckles on the tabletop.
There is a strict protocol to follow when entering a room:
. The eldest or highest ranking person enters the room first.
. Men enter before women, if their age and status are roughly equivalent.

Business Negotiation

. Do not sit until invited and told where to sit. There is a rigid protocol to be followed.
. Meetings adhere to strict agendas, including starting and ending times.
. Treat the process with the formality that it deserves.
. Germany is heavily regulated and extremely bureaucratic.
. Germans prefer to get down to business and only engage in the briefest of small talk. They will be interested in your credentials.
. Make sure your printed material is available in both English and German.
. Contracts are strictly followed.
. You must be patient and not appear ruffled by the strict adherence to protocol. Germans are detail- oriented and want to understand every innuendo before coming to an agreement.
. Business is hierarchical. Decision-making is held at the top of the company.
. Final decisions are translated into rigorous, comprehensive action steps that you can expect will be carried out to the letter.
. Avoid confrontational behaviour or high- pressure tactics. It can be counterproductive.
. Once a decision is made, it will not be changed.

Dress Etiquette

. Business dress is understated, formal and conservative.
. Men should wear dark coloured, conservative business suits.
. Women should wear either business suits or conservative dresses.
. Do not wear ostentatious jewellery or accessories.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Facts and Statistics

Location: Eastern South America bordering Argentina 1,224 km, Bolivia 3,400 km, Colombia 1,643 km, French Guiana 673 km, Guyana 1,119 km, Paraguay 1,290 km, Peru 1,560 km, Suriname 597 km, Uruguay 985 km, Venezuela 2,200 km

Capital: Brazilia

Climate: mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Population: 184,101,109

Ethnic Make-up: white (includes Portuguese, German, Italian, Spanish, Polish) 55%, mixed white and black 38%, black 6%, other (includes Japanese, Arab, Amerindian) 1%

Religions: Roman Catholic (nominal) 80%

Government: federative republic

Language in Brazil

Language is one of the strongest elements of Brazil's national unity. Portuguese is spoken by nearly 100 percent of the population. The only exceptions are some members of Amerindian groups and pockets of immigrants, primarily from Japan and South Korea, who have not yet learned Portuguese. The principal families of Indian languages are Tupí, Arawak, Carib, and Gê.

There is about as much difference between the Portuguese spoken in Brazil and that spoken in Portugal as between the English spoken in the United States and that spoken in the United Kingdom. Within Brazil, there are no dialects of Portuguese, but only moderate regional variation in accent, vocabulary, and use of personal nouns, pronouns, and verb conjugations. Variations tend to diminish as a result of mass media, especially national television networks that are viewed by the majority of Brazilians.

Brazilian Society & Culture

Brazilian DiversityMap of Brazil

. Brazil is a mixture of races and ethnicities, resulting in rich diversity.
. Many original Portuguese settlers married native women, which created a new race, called 'mestizos'.
. 'Mulattoes' are descendents of the Portuguese and African slaves.
. Slavery was abolished in 1888, creating over time a further blurring of racial lines.
. Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct Indian population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that it sometimes seems that almost everyone has a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry.

Brazilian Family Values

. The family is the foundation of the social structure and forms the basis of stability for most people.
. Families tend to be large (although family size has been diminishing in recent years) and the extended family is quite close.
. The individual derives a social network and assistance in times of need from the family.
. Nepotism is considered a positive thing, since it implies that employing people one knows and trusts is of primary importance.

The Brazilian Class System

. Despite the mixing of ethnicities, there is a class system in Brazil.
. Few Brazilians could be described as racist, although social discrimination on the basis of skin colour is a daily occurrence.
. In general, people with darker brown skin are economically and socially disadvantaged.
. The middle and upper classes often have only brief interaction with the lower classes - usually maids, drivers, etc.
. Class is determined by economic status and skin colour.
. There is a great disparity in wage differentials--and therefore lifestyle and social aspirations--among the different classes
. Although women make up 40% of the Brazilian workforce, they are typically found in lower paid jobs such as teaching, administrative support, and nursing.
. The 1988 constitution prohibits discrimination against women, but inequities still exist. The one place where women are achieving equality is in the government.

Etiquette and Customs in Brazil

Meeting Etiquette

. Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact.
. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks.
. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends.
. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.

Gift Giving Etiquette

. If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift.
. Orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.
. Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colours.
. Handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals, so they do not make good gifts.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

If you are invited to a Brazilian's house:

. Arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner.
. Arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering.
. Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. Always dress elegantly and err on the side of over-dressing rather than under- dressing.
. If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated. Business Etiquette and Protocol in Brazil 

Relationships & CommunicationDoing business etiquette Brazil

. Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.
. Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings to written communication as it allows them to know the person with whom they are doing business.
. The individual they deal with is more important than the company.
. Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian.
. Criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face with the others in the meeting.
. The person making the criticism also loses face, as they have disobeyed the unwritten rule.
. Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who feels they have something to say will generally add their opinion.
. It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking.
. Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. At the same time, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts.

Business Negotiation

. Expect questions about your company since Brazilians are more comfortable doing business with people and companies they know.
. Wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. Never rush the relationship- building time.
. Brazilians take time when negotiating. Do not rush them or appear impatient.
. Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details.
. Often the people you negotiate with will not have decision-making authority.
. It is advisable to hire a translator if your Portuguese is not fluent.
. Use local lawyers and accountants for negotiations. Brazilians resent an outside legal presence.
. Brazilian business is hierarchical. Decisions are made by the highest-ranking person.
. Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning.

Business Meeting Etiquette

. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice; however, it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance.
. Confirm the meeting in writing. It is not uncommon for appointments to be cancelled or changed at the last minute.
. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia it is important to arrive on time for meetings. In Rio de Janeiro and other cities it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late for a meeting.
. Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something outside their control and the demands of relationships takes precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.
. Meetings are generally rather informal.
. Expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation.
. Avoid confrontations. Do not appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues.

Dress Etiquette

. Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well.
. Men should wear conservative, dark coloured business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive.
. Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories. Manicures are expected.

Business Cards

. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting.
. It is advisable, although not required, to have the other side of your business card translated into Portuguese.
. Present your business card with the Portuguese side facing the recipient.

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