Communication Etiquette:
• Men shake hands when greeting each other
• Maintain strong eye contact
• If a women would like to shake hands with a man she will extend her hand first
• Women generally kiss each other, starting with left and alternating cheeks
• Acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking
• Communication is often informal
• The individual they are working with is more important than the company
Business Etiquette:
• Prefer face-to-face meetings instead of emails, or in writing
• Like to get to know the person they are dealing with
• They judge on appearance
– Men, conservative dark colored suits
– Executives generally mean someone is an executive
– Women, suits or dressed that are both elegant and feminine
– Good quality accessories
– Manicures
• Expect many questions about your company
– They like to get to know you before doing business
• They take time negotiating, don’t rush them
• Brazilians resent outside legal presence, so use local lawyers for negotiating
• Business cards are exchanged with introductions to everyone in meetings