Brazilian Business Etiquette 1

Bom dia e seja bem vindo, (good morning and welcome) the purpose of this blog is to inform you about proper business etiquette in Brazil. While Brazilians are easy-going, friendly, and famous for their warm hospitality; presented in the blogs is a lot of information you should know if you’re going to do business in Brazil. Today I will be going over suggestions for appropriate business attire, recommendations for greetings and introductions, and the utilization of professional business titles and business card.

Suggestions for Appropriate Business Attire

Brazilians are very fashion conscious people and the way you dress will affect the way they perceive you. 

Men: Executives usually wear three-piece suits while office workers and medium rank professionals wear two-piece suits, normally navy blue or black. Also acceptable to wear are lighter-weight fabrics to accommodate the warmer environment.

Women: On the other hand, are very well-dressed for all situations but are never overly formal. Brazilian women find it appropriate to “accentuate their feminine features,” they wear stylish shoes and manicured nails says a lot about a woman's character. Business women usually wear skirt business suits and dresses which are slightly form fitting, but still professional.  In Brazil some jewelry is appropriate to wear, but “avoid extravagant displays of wealth in your jewelry selection.” Extravagant displays may make you a target for thieves while you are coming and going to business places.

Recommendations for Greetings and Introductions  

First thing you should know about Brazilians is they speak Portuguese not Spanish; which is a common misunderstanding made by many foreigners and can leave a bad impression on Brazilians. Learning a few Portuguese phrases can be impressive, shows respect for the culture, and may be helpful during meetings.

During introductions and greetings you should maintain direct eye contact at all times; eye contact is very important in the Brazilian culture. Men shake hands with one another when meeting for the first time and handshakes tend to last a few seconds longer then North Americans are used to. Men wait for women to extend their hands first when shaking hands with the opposite sex. After a personal relationship develops men may also hug and give backslaps when greeting each other. Do not shy away for this type of affection or you may be perceived as insincere or rude.

Women traditionally greet others by giving a quick kiss on the cheek, alternating cheeks from left to right. This is also the way men sometimes greet women if the personal relationship is developed. But for first time introductions shaking hands is appropriate.

(Warning: DO NOT use the "OK” hand signal it is considered rude and offensive.)

Utilization of Professional Titles and Business Cards

In Brazil, professional titles are very important, it's best to refer to Brazilians in the same manner as they have addressed you. If you are ever in doubt ask someone first before you attend the meeting, such as a secretary, or the person you are scheduling the appointment with for the appropriate title. Otherwise first names are normally used.

Business cards should be exchanged at the beginning of the meeting. Unless you are at a dinner or a lunch meeting then the business cards are exchanged after the meal time is over and you are saying your good-byes. If you want to impress your Brazilian colleagues' be sure to print your business cards in both English and Portuguese; when you hand them your business card make sure the Portuguese side is facing up so they can see it.

I hope you enjoyed what I had to say about Brazil’s business etiquette, so far.  Please feel free to read my next blog where I will be discussing things you should be prepared for before, during, and after business meetings, performing business interactions, and succeeding in negotiations. Thank you and bye for now.

--Mary     

 

Works Cited

"Brazilian Business Etiquette.mp4." YouTube. YouTube, 18 May 2010. Web. 25 May 2013. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6T041Fgbt7g.

"Business Etiquette in Brazil." Travel Tips. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2013. http://traveltips.usatoday.com/business-etiquette-brazil-16277.html.

Guzman, Alyssa. "Brazillian Business Protocols." EHow. Demand Media, 19 July 2010. Web. 24 May 2013. http://www.ehow.com/list_6751181_brazillian-business-protocols.html.

King, Tamiya. "Brazilian Business Culture & Etiquette." EHow. Demand Media, 19 Apr. 2010. Web. 24 May 2013. http://www.ehow.com/about_6361321_brazilian-business-culture-etiquette.html.

King, Tamiya. "Business Etiquette in Brazil." EHow. Demand Media, 26 June 2010. Web. 24 May 2013. http://www.ehow.com/about_6670005_business-etiquette-brazil.html?ref=Track2.