08 dets. What Is Appropriate Business Entertaining in Spain
You may also notice that Spaniards are very close to each other, often touching each other`s arms, backs or shoulders and maintaining good eye contact. It`s also helpful to know that if someone interrupts you while you`re talking, the person is likely to show that they`re interested in what you`re saying instead of being rude. And if Spaniards get caught up in a conversation, they will usually speak loudly and gesticulate a lot. It just means they`re interested, not angry. As mentioned above, opening hours and work habits depend on the region of Spain you are visiting. In general, business offices in Spain are open between nine o`clock in the morning and one o`clock in the afternoon. Offices are usually closed for an hour (or three) and then reopened from two or three o`clock to six or seven o`clock in the evening. Spanish employees usually take time off in August, making Spanish companies difficult to reach during the summer months. Make sure you tie everything you have with a Spanish company to a prior agreement, or be prepared to wait another four weeks before negotiations resume.
Communication in a professional setting can be anxiety-provoking, but if you take care to remember some important points, you can calm your nerves. A polite handshake is an appropriate Spanish business greeting, especially if you are meeting for the first time. (In Spanish corporate culture, people who haven`t met don`t usually kiss, unlike social environments.) As mentioned earlier, personal relationships are important in the corporate culture in Spain. Therefore, you will probably want to consider business networking. It doesn`t matter if you are looking for a job or want to strengthen your contacts as an expat in the country. It can be said that in Spain, the “human touch” or the very friendly approach towards employees is very widespread. Spanish employees who have personal or professional problems are encouraged to consult with their managers who are expected to help them deal with the problems. In the Spanish business environment, personal affairs take precedence over deadlines, fulfillment orders, etc. – meals in Spain (coffee, lunch, tapas, dinner) are the perfect opportunity to build personal relationships and relationships with your business partners. When doing business in Spain, raising awareness of Spanish business etiquette and cultural norms is crucial. In addition, remembering some important points for effective communication will go a long way toward a smooth career transition. – Personal contacts are crucial for any business success in Spain, so building a friendly relationship and meeting people in person is the key to success.
Keep in mind that you don`t always have to talk about business, but keep it light. The best way to feel safe? Learn a few basic words and phrases for beginners to make sure you start the conversation the right way. Note: The business protocol in Spain dictates that you wait until the coffee has been served at the end of the meal before talking about business. In any culture, proper etiquette is essential for doing good business, and Spain is no exception. Clothing is often traditional and formal, with dark colors worn in winter and lighter tones in summer. A country`s attitudes and values have a significant impact on how business is conducted. The following section will describe the main topics on business etiquette in Spain. In particular, it will address areas of its culture that can influence the success of trade negotiations. Making connections is all about conversation, so it`s best to network successfully in Spain if you`re brushing up on your Spanish skills. The good news is that it`s easy to improve your conversational skills online. Check out these apps to learn Spanish if you need to refresh.
You`ll be sharing your story with potential business partners in no time. How you present yourself is crucial when dealing with Spanish businessmen. They usually spend a lot of time and money on their outfit and appearance. Business clothes are classic, professional and conventional. Costumes are usually available in dark colors, but you can also wear lighter colors. Women also wear suits, with skirts or pants, and accessories and makeup tend to be subtle. Know that in the Spanish corporate culture, information is a valuable part of trade. People may be reluctant to share what they know until consensus is reached. When dealing with Spanish business owners, formal introductions quickly become informal, and it`s important to build trust from the start. In Spain, avoid being too assertive when it comes to promoting yourself, your business or your contracts, as too much affirmation is considered an attack on personal pride.
If you`re traveling to Spain on business, remember that things you normally do at work, with your boss, or with colleagues aren`t necessarily accepted in another country. For business travelers venturing into any part of Spain, it is important to refresh cultural customs and behaviors and mores in the workplace. This helps avoid awkward moments, embarrassment, or unintentional gestures, comments, or behavior that might offend your hosts. While the popular cliché that Spaniards indulge in naps isn`t really a feature of modern corporate culture in Spain, lunch breaks often last a good two hours or more and include a visit to a nearby restaurant. In addition, many companies end the workday early on Friday.