Cultural Training in Brazil

Doing business in a Brazil isn't like going on holiday: don't expect to get by with knowledge of a few words, and don't assume business is conducted in the same way universally.

But how can you properly prepare to do business in Brazil? There are many cultural training companies and schools which can help you. They offer cross-cultural grounding, bridging the translatory and protocolic gaps between nations and people.

Providing guidance in all areas of business and sociality, these cultural training companies are experts when it comes to negotiation training; management training; and diversity training. All training, of course, can be country-specific.

Tutorials can take many forms, so investigate which will be right for you and, if necessary, your employees.

Business Etiquette in Brazil

The formalities and informalities; the how dyou dos and how dyou donts. Etiquette is one of the foundations of modern civilisation, and business is no exception. A business blunder, in some countries, could mean the difference between a deal and disrepute. Again, its all about culture if not adopting, at least recognising and respecting the traditions and protocols of a people.

Establishing personal relationships are essential to the conduct of business. Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively. Face-to-face, oral communication is preferred over written communication. When meeting and greeting Brazilians, expect a firm handshake combined with strong eye contact.

Communication is often informal and does not rely on strict rules of protocol, however it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian. It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking, but criticizing an individual causes that person to lose face and the person making the criticism also loses face, disobeying an unwritten rule.

Dress is taken quite seriously in Brazil. Dress conservatively, for instance a dark suit and tie for men and a dress and jacket for women when attending business events and meetings.

Punctuality can sometimes be an issue in Brazil although this should not be interpreted as rude or lazy. Business meetings can be lengthy affairs, allow for small talk before getting down to business and wait for your Brazilian colleagues to raise the business subject. When it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts. Expect a great deal of time to be spent reviewing details.

Brazilians negotiate with people not companies. Do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning. Business cards are normally exchanged at the start of the meeting.