DOING BUSINESS IN BRAZIL AND CANADA

BRAZIL

 The business relationships in Brazil have a clear personal component. Before buying, selling or doing a commercial agreement with another company they need to trust in its representatives and since trust is gained only by time, a foreigner must know that negotiations can take time and must be patient.

 To accede to the Brazilian market it is advisable to work with a local contact known as “despachante” who analyses and solves the bureaucratic processes that will always appear along the negotiation.

Punctuality is not their strength and people should always understand their delays and accept their excuses. The meetings tend to be extensive enough, due to the amount of questions brasilians ask and the detailed presentations – exhibitions they expect.

 Accepting invitations to restaurants or bars is well seen as they are very easy going people that treat business partners as friends, and NEVER setting meetings or commercial visits during final soccer matches or  carnival (their must important celebration) is more than a suggestion, it’s a business rule.

 CANADA

 The Canadians are friendly people and because of the important migratory phenomenon that characterizes the country, they are very open to foreign cultures and their traits. Their business are inclusive and hierarchic, women plays an essential role in society and is very common to find a woman leading a business group.

 Leadership, creativity and innovation are constant elements in the daily business life of this country. They can go directly to business topics, but in the French-speaking Canada, there can be a more general conversation before such as the trip details.

 The Canadians listen to the speaker without interrupting. The use of the word is alternated in a polite form and the sense of humor is very valued, especially in moments of tension or uncertainty.