Brazilian business style

M aking appointments. Brazilians conduct business only through personal connections. There must also be an implicit understanding that the business relationship will be long-term.

Before putting the resources into a trip, hire a Brazilian contact in your industry that can help you make the right connections. You can find such a person through the Department of Commerce, the American Chamber of Commerce in Brazil, or international organization to which you may already belong. This person will unravel the paperwork gridlock, not help you with setting up meetings. For that you should look for the chamber of commerce or consultants that specialize in this type of business. Trade shows are very good “feel” for the country’s business environment.

Make appointments of any kind at least two weeks in advance. Showing up in an office without an appointment is unacceptable in Brazilian business culture. This is especially true if the person you are there to see is a director of higher position.

Generally, the best times to schedule appointments are between 10:00 a.m. and noon, and 3:00p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

· Avoid scheduling any appointments around “Carnival”.

Poor punctuality is characteristic of Brazilian business culture. Also, traffic in the main cities is chaotic and most of the time is responsible for the delays. But business travelers should still make the effort to be punctual. Always arrive on time for a business meal or meeting at a restaurant. Usually, Brazilian business protocol demands punctuality on these occasions.

Negotiating. Portuguese is the dominant language in Brazil. Be aware that Brazilians do not perceive themselves as Hispanics, and will only take offence if addressed in Spanish. But if you do speak Spanish you may ask to speak it, and they will accept it better. In Brazilian business culture, English is widely spoken.

Be aware that it will probably take several trips to bring the negotiations to a satisfactory conclusion.

Bring a plentiful supply of business cards, since Brazilians tend to be very keen about exchanging them. Ensure that your business cards, promotional and presentation materials, or any other documents required in your dealings are printed in both Portuguese and English.

An important part of Brazilian business protocol is to begin a meeting with good-natured “small talk”. Delving immediately into business will only cause annoyance.

Generally, Brazilians are open to discussing a wide range of subjects, particularly in a business context. They tend to be reticent, however, about discussing their private lives.

Guidelines for business dress. To feel comfortable in Brazil’s sweltering, tropical climate, wear clothing made of light materials and colours that will help keep you cool. Light cottons and similar natural fibers are usually reliable choices.

Keep in mind that the seasons in Brazil are opposite to those in North America; June/July and August is winter and December/January/February is summer.

Appearance is vital in any business culture, however in Brazil the subtle differences are more acceptable; for instance you may wear jeans and a nice shirt and blazer to a meeting and be totally accepted.

If you are wearing a three-piece suit in winter it is fashionable, but not in summer. Most Brazilian suits are tailor made and that is what distinguishes your position. One distinguishing factor is if the materials in your suit are local or imported.

Men should wear dark suits in black, charcoal grey or navy blue, light colours in the summer are acceptable. Select ties that are well-made and conservative,

Ensure that your shoes are polished and kept in excellent condition.

Wardrobe for women includes conservative dresses, suits, pantsuits, skirts and blouses.

Women’s nails should be well cared. Makeup is not a strong feature among Brazilian women, who lean towards the natural look. That famous little black dress‘’ is perfect on all occasions.

The colours of the Brazilian flag are green and yellow. Wearing this colour combination will only make you an object of ridicule. Or, on the other hand, you can say it is an homage, which will be very well accepted.

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