|
|
|
|
|
TURKEY GUIDE
|
|
|
GLOBAL TOUR
|
|
|
NEWS BY EMAIL
|
|
|
|
|
QUICK SEARCH
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
On business in Spain...
Text: Complied by Nisan Danisman from www.executiveplanet.com
This month, join us on a business trip to Spain. The land of castanets, shawls and roses is a leading buyer of Turkish exports. According to the State Institute of Statistics (SIS), Spain is 7th in the list of "Exports by Selected 50 Countries' and 10th in the list of 'Imports by Selected 50 Countries". Here are some tips on how to conduct business in Spain.
|
|
|
Negotiating tips
In a first meeting, Spaniards will want to get to know you before getting on with business, so be patient and answer their questions about you and your and family.
Most Spaniards seek the support of family, friends, and colleagues before acting independently. There is a general feeling in Spain that a person must be part of a group, neighbourhood, town or business. As a result, there tends to be a resistance to an "outsider." You can try to overcome your "outsider" status by adapting yourself to their culture.
Feelings are generally the source of truth in Spanish business culture. Try to develop a good rapport with your Spanish counterparts. If they like you and trust you, your chance of success increases.
If you are interrupted while talking, do not feel insulted. More often than not, interruptions indicate genuine, animated interest in the discussion.
Because Spaniards hate to reveal bad news, it may be important to have a network of independent contacts that can verify or interpret what you are being told in your business dealings.
Successful business entertaining
Business can be conducted over meals, but many Spaniards go home for lunch, so your invitation to lunch may be declined. If you do have a business lunch, respect Spanish business protocol and wait until coffee is served to bring up business.
If you are invited to a Spanish home, you may initially decline. First invitations are usually offered out of politeness. If the invitation is extended a second time, feel free to accept.
The "siesta" is a long break that lasts from 13.30-16.30. People often go home to be with their families, meet people at restaurants or just take a nap. At around 17.00 or 18.00, many Spaniards go out to relax and meet with their friends over appetisers called "tapas" at cafes or taverns. To compensate for the lost hours, work often goes on well into the evening. Dinner is not served until 21.00 or 22.00, and sometimes lasts until midnight or later. On an average weeknight, many people are not in bed until 1 a.m.
Dinners tend to be formal and social occasions. Since dinner is eaten around 21.00 or later, lighter fare may be served. Discuss business only if your Spanish companion brings it up.
Many restaurants close for vacation.
When you are hosting a meal and would like to include your spouse, first extend an invitation to your Spanish contact's spouse. If they accept, then it is permissible to include your spouse.
Try to clean your plate as it is considered unacceptable to waste food. Only take a second helping only if you are sure that you can finish it. When you are finished, place your knife and fork side by side on the plate or you will be offered more food.
The ladies' toilet will have a sign reading "Señoras", and the men's "Caballeros". At smaller venues, the sign will just say "WC".
How to schedule appointments
If a holiday falls on a Thursday or Tuesday, many people take a four-day weekend. Most Spaniards have 30 days paid vacation per year, and usually take this time off in July or August. Avoid scheduling appointments around Easter or Christmas.
Do not schedule breakfast meetings before 8:30 a.m.
There is a saying that only bullfights and plays start on time in Spain. Try to be punctual, but be prepared to wait from 15 to 30 minutes.
Giving appropriate gifts
Gifts are given at the end of successful negotiations. If you receive a gift, open it immediately in front of the giver.
Avoid dahlias or chrysanthemums which are associated with death.
How to speak
Be sensitive to regional differences. It would be an insult to mistake a Catalonian for a Basque, or vice versa, for example.
Bullfighting is a revered art form. Avoid airing any criticisms about this practice.
İspanya Spain On business in Spain... İspanya'da iş gezisinde
|
|
|
