Belgium Business Etiquette
Belgium is widely known for its gourmet food, and the country also exports metals and manufactured goods, making it an ideal country to do business with for a number of professionals. When traveling in Belgium, it's important to be aware of some basic business etiquette to enhance the professional relationships between Belgian businesspeople and their foreign partners.
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Formal Business Attire
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Belgian professionals wear suits to work daily, so when doing business in the country, foreigners are expected to do the same. As is the case in most U.S. offices, clothes should be clean and pressed, perfumes and colognes should be used lightly, and clothing that is too casual or revealing is considered bad taste. It is also considered inappropriate to take off a suit jacket during a business meeting in Belgium, as this gives the impression that the meeting is not being taken seriously.
Punctuality
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While professionals in some cultures may not mind if business meetings start 15 or 30 minutes behind schedule, Belgian businesspeople have a high regard for punctuality. It's very important to be on time for every business meeting, lunch or professional engagement--failure to do so shows unreliability and disregard. If you are going to be late for an appointment, it is best to call as soon as possible with an explanation and apology.
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Business Meeting Conduct
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Professionals in Belgium are expected to conduct themselves in a subtle and reserved manner. It's considered rude to be confrontational in any way in a Belgian business meeting. Individuals should refrain from raising their voices during meetings or making direct demands. It is also not proper business etiquette to bring a gift to a Belgian business meeting, as this is not the right place for exchanging presents according to Belgian culture. Belgian people do not customarily act in an extremely friendly or casual way in the workplace, so it's important to be cordial, but not too personable--professional partners should not be contacted at home unless there is an emergency.
Scheduling
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International professionals who are looking to visit Belgian to complete or begin a potential business deal should avoid scheduling meetings during the months of July or August, as this is when many Belgians take their summer vacations. The week in between Christmas and New Year's is also a bad time to schedule meetings, as is the week before Easter. Requesting a business meeting during these times could give the impression of inconsideration, and can affect a person's professional reputation.
Additional Information
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It is acceptable, and even accepted, to exchange business cards during the initial meeting. The business card can be given after shaking hands--it's important to shake everyone's hand in the room when entering and leaving. English is the language that is mainly used for completing business negotiations--unless an individual is well-versed in French, German or Dutch (which are commonly spoken in Belgium), it is best to stick to English, as saying the wrong phrase in another language is considered very offensive.
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- Photo Credit belgium flag icon. (with clipping path) image by Andrey Zyk from Fotolia.com
