It is essential to understand a country’s culture, traditions, business etiquette, just to name a few, before starting business abroad. Miscommunication can severely affect business transactions if proper research is not conducted prior to entering the market. In Mexico, business relations grow in a very unique fashion because certain customs are followed. Here are a few tips on business etiquette seen in Mexico that will surely assist you on having more success when expanding your downline.
1. Mexico is known as a community-driven country. Relationships are highly valued and respected. When opening business in Mexico it is important to keep in mind that developing the relationship is the first step. Personal relations are the key to having success; Building rapport and trust are essential for business.
2. It is considered impolite to turn down people. Therefore, if you organize a party most people will assure you they are coming, however you can not be certain until last-minute confirmation. You must learn to distinguish between whether the person needs a bit of a push to close a deal or if the deal has no chance of proceeding.
3. Business breakfasts are where most business transactions occur, lasting no more than two hours. Business lunches are mostly utilized for relationship development or “networking”. Do not expect to go over details or specifics of the business transaction. These last up to two hours or more. Do not make any appointments after a lunch meeting they tend to run long and it is impolite to excuse yourself to attend another meeting. Never ask to split the check. It is expected for the person making the sale to pick up the tab.
4. Mexicans are not known for punctuality, time is not money. There is always a ‘good reason’ for tardiness. Do not feel offended if someone does not show up on time. For social gatherings do not expect for guests to show up at the time you stated and more importantly do not define an end time, this should be left open-ended.
5. Spanish is the official language and business meetings usually take place in Spanish. If you do not speak Spanish, your host may be happy to host it in English, just ask beforehand. English is more common now than ever before and even though your host may be willing to conduct the meeting in English try to learn some Spanish. Even if you communicate in broken Spanish, the attempt will be appreciated and seen as a sign of interest and respect.
6. When addressing a contact in Mexico always use their title if there is one, if unsure ask for a business card. Titles are very important in Mexico, considered a status symbol. The most common titles are: Licenciado/a (professional e.g. lawyer, BSc, etc.), Ingeniero/a (engineer), Doctor/a (doctor), Ariquitecto/a (architect).
7. In Mexico is very common to greet someone of the opposite sex with a kiss on the cheek, sometimes even upon first meeting. Among men it is common to shake hands and a hug, if close friends. A handshake is common in business, regardless of gender. It is acceptable to hug or kiss among business associates if you have developed a friendship.
8. The use of telephone and fax is very common. Telephone is mainly used to make meeting arrangements and confirmation. Closing deals over the phone is not common and rarely occurs. Faxing has become less common because of the widespread of email usage. Texting has become very popular and one of the most used medium of communication. Cell phone has higher penetration than landlines.
9. Consider the following as good conversation topics: Mexican culture, history, art and museums. Never discuss any of the following topics: Mexican-American war, poverty, immigration, or earthquakes.
10. Finally, never forget to toast “salud”, the Mexican cheers when at gatherings.
Sources:
Business Etiquette in Mexico. Mexperience. www.mexperience.co.uk
Business Etiquette in Mexico. Rachel Hartman. www.allbusiness.com
Mexico-language, culture, customs & etiquette. Kwintessential. www.kwintessential.co.uk
Mexico-Mexican business etiquette, vital manners, cross cultural communication. International Business and Manners. www.cyberlink.com
What You Need To Know About International Gift Giving Protocol
By Karla Scott M.B.A.
Gift giving plays a vital role in social protocol in many parts of the world. In fact, what we consider to be bribes in the US are not only expected in many parts of the world-but, they are perceived as “gifts”.
In the arena of gift giving, it is as important to know customs associated with being the giver as well as being the recipient. Also, you need to consider: what kind of gift is appropriate, how it should be packaged, and how/when it should be presented. Each of these elements is important.
Generally, if you are offered a gift, you should graciously accept and send a thank you note.
Gift IdeasGifts can fall into several categories practical or useful (high quality pan), commemorative (corporate logo paperweight), personal (favorite food item), indigenous gifts (crafts from your region), cultural gifts (photo cocktail book), consumable gifts (box of candy) and just for fun gifts (Mickey Mouse T-shirt).
Here are common gift recommendations:
§ Candies
§ Wines/Expensive Liquors
§ Cocktail Table Books
§ Expensive Writing Utensils
§ Tickets to Events (Sporting, Music, the Arts)
§ Golf Equipment/Accessories
§ Symbols of your region of the country (maple syrup from Vermont, a beach towel from Florida, photo book of cowboys from Wyoming, pottery from New Mexico)
toys for children
§ Toys for children
§ T-shirts with American sayings
§ Bakery-made Dessert (if you are invited to dinner in a private home)
§ Book of Norman Rockwell paintings, Ansel Adams photographs, or a similar art/photo book
§ Photo or history books about your city or state
§ High quality folding set of binoculars.
§ Western-style belt buckles
§ Disney logo products
§ Beef jerky for Japanese hosts
Research your destination culture to identify what is appropriate and what is inappropriate.
Gift Giving Protocol in Business
Gift giving is a key component of business etiquette in most cultures outside the US. It is simply considered good manners to offer a gift to business associates, typically at the end of the first meeting. In Japan, for example, gift giving is an elaborate and expected ingredient of business culture. Consider the rank and position of your gift recipient and be sure to comply with rules for appropriate timing and location.
Gift TaboosBefore embarking on a gift shopping spree, it is important to learn specific contrary guidelines and taboos associated with this business activity.
Learn your company's policy around gift giving and reporting and know the latest IRS rules governing this practice.
Remember: A gift of money is considered to be a bribe by US standards and is usually in violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and 1998.
Here are gift taboos, you need to know:
§ Never give a clock to a Chinese. The word for clock in Chinese equates to death.
§ Never give four of anything to a Japanese or Korean because four represents bad luck.
§ Never wrap a gift in White paper in Japan, because white is the color of death.
§ Never wrap gifts in green paper in Egypt or Malaysia
§ Shamrock Green is the national color of Ireland, but orange is the national color in Northern Ireland -----------
§ Avoid giving flowers because they carry different connotations in different cultures. White flowers mean death in Japan, chrysanthemums are death in European countries, purple flowers connote death in Mexico and Brazil, and red flowers connote romance in most places.
§ In the Middle East, anything with a human image is considered offensive, against Islam.
§ Don't casually admire an object in the Middle East if you are a guest in someone's home. They will go obligated to give it to you.
Always do your homework to identify what gifts are appropriate for your host country and have fun with your selection.
