How to Practice Business Etiquette in Mexico

A firm handshake never hurt anybody

Doing business in Mexico is a bit different from what you are used to at home. In order not to offend anybody or get caught in an awkward position, follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Dress business conservative in dark colors. A clean look is important, so clothes should be pressed and shoes shined. Femininity is encouraged in female dress, but avoid anything too low cut or overtly sexy. Jeans are acceptable casual attire, but shorts are only acceptable for children.

2. Greet with a handshake if you are a man greeting a man or a woman greeting a man. A man greeting a woman should wait for her to extend her hand first.

3. Be prepared to socialize. It is important for your Mexican associates to get to know you before doing business with you. A common business meeting may be a very long (3 or more hours) lunch with very little business being accomplished. Take this in stride and remember it is all to further your business relationship through furthering your personal relationship.

4. Use professional titles, such as "Doctor," "Professor," "Ingeniero" (engineer) or "Abogado" (lawyer), whenever appropriate. In the absence of a professional title, always use Mr., Mrs. or Miss, or Spanish equivalents Senor, Senora or Senorita, when addressing associates.

5. Be patient during negotiations. They are often lengthy and involve much haggling. Also, though employees are often encouraged to give input, final decisions will be made by the highest ranking executive in the company.

6. Avoid giving an outright "no" in a meeting. It is seen as rude and pushy. Follow the lead of your Mexican counterparts, who will usually give a more non-committal "maybe" in negative response.

7. Get it in writing. Take notes of discussions, and once a final decision is given, prepare a written agreement for your Mexican business partner.

Tips & Warnings

• Use hand gestures sparingly, preferably not at all, to avoid inadvertently offending. The "OK" gesture, for example, is considered vulgar.

• Do not move away if a Mexican associate is standing where you perceive to be too close or if a male gives you a friendly touch on the arm. It would be considered insulting.

• Do not hold eye contact too long or intensely. Mexicans often do not make eye contact. This is a show of respect.