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| Belgian chocolates are even more famous than their Swiss counterparts |
Tips on making appointments
* Your first meeting will probably be social since Belgians like to get know someone before doing business with them.* An 11:30 meeting is probably a luncheon appointment, so timetable any other engagements accordingly.
* Belgians do not do breakfast meetings, preferring mid-morning or mid-afternoon.
Tips on how to dress
* Like most Europeans, Belgians have a highly developed dress-sense and will immediately judge you by your clothing.* Belgians are quite formal, so try to dress conservatively at least for the first meeting. When invited to someone"s home, you do not have to dress as formally.
Tips on making conversation
* Bars and restaurants can be quite noisy, but you should try to speak in a low, moderate tone at all times.* If Belgium perhaps lacks a particular cultural identity, it is because of the Dutch and French influences. The linguistic divide can be a highly sensitive subject and you must not confuse the two cultural groups and their languages. There are only three important rules: do not speak French to a Fleming (he may resent it), do not speak Dutch to a Walloon (he probably won't understand it) and do not speak German to any Belgian outside the German enclave.
* Topics to avoid: Belgian history, the Germans, politics, the lack of "Belgian culture", the languages spoken in Belgium and jokes about Flemings or Walloons.
* Although it is common for colleagues to use first names at work, this practice remains rare when there is a distinct difference in age or position and when dealing with "outsiders".
* If you do not speak Dutch, apologise for your ignorance and proceed to use "Mr", "Mrs" etc. However, address envelopes, letters, faxes and e-mails in Dutch; thus: de Heer ["Mr"], Mevr. ["Mrs"], Mej , ["Miss"], and Mw. ["Ms"]. Above all, though, avoid addressing a Fleming in French.
* Some French-speakers may introduce themselves by giving their surname first. If in any doubt, ask.
* Belgians are not generally hung up about academic and/or professional titles.
Tips on gift giving
* Gift giving is not a part of Belgian business culture. If you do wish to give a present to a close business associate, do not include your business card or give anything with your company logo. Choose a personal gift in line with their taste.* Gifts will be opened in front of the giver. Do the same if you are the recipient.
Tips on making a deal
* Have your business card translated with one side in English and French or Dutch on the other depending on the region you are in. Ideally, you should have two sets: English-French and English-Dutch.
* Corporate hierarchy is very important. Senior executives usually arrive at the office later than subordinates. You will only make people feel uneasy by arriving early.
* After the necessary introductions, some Belgians will get on with business; others will engage in "small talk" to encourage an atmosphere of trust. If you are running the meeting, start off with some "small talk" before moving on to business.
Tips on entertaining
* Lunch is the most popular time for business meals. Try to find a table by 12.30 because, particularly in city-centres, it is quite likely to be full by 13.00.* Restaurants have decent wine lists, but the most common drink in Belgium is beer. There are some 450 different brews produced by nearly 100 breweries. But beware: drunk-driving carries a severe penalty of up to one year in prison.
* Dining is primarily a social occasion. Do not talk about business unless your host does so first. Be prepared to continue socialising after dinner, usually over coffee and a brandy or liqueur.
Tips on proper behaviour
* Belgians are not fussy people but you should avoid certain types of behaviour such as cracking your knuckles, patting people on the back, yawning in public, using toothpicks and chewing gum. If you want to point something out, use your whole hand, not just your forefinger.
