How to Do Business in the Brazilian Culture
As one of the world's fastest growing economies, Brazil offers burgeoning opportunities for the investor or entrepreneur. Brazil has a Gross Domestic Product of $600 billion and its major industries include manufacturing, chemical production, agriculture, and energy production. In order to conduct business in Brazil, it's useful to understand the unique characteristics of Brazilian culture and the customary ways of doing business there. Properly navigating cultural differences is helpful en route to profiting from Brazil's economic growth.
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Instructions
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Retain a Brazilian attorney, especially one experienced in business law or international trade law. A local lawyer will help you navigate the perils, pitfalls and complications of the Brazilian bureaucracy and legal system.
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Manage a team in a friendly but authoritative manner. Brazilians value the personality of their manager, but they also prefer to work under a supervisor who gives clear, direct instructions and who exercises authority decisively.
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Develop cordial business relationships over the long term. Personal relationships closely intersect with business in Brazil, and long-term investment in such relationships builds trust and collaboration.
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Familiarize yourself with basic customs and etiquette. In business situations, a handshake is an appropriate greeting. Learn basic Portuguese terms such as "muito plazer," which translates to "Pleased to meet you."
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Understand that the Brazilian conception of time, even in business settings, differs from that of the U.S. Schedule meetings in advance and don't be shocked if colleagues appear late for meetings or for work.
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Recognize the importance of non-verbal communication among Brazilians, who tend to be very expressive with their hands and may be more comfortable with platonic touching. Maintaining eye contact during conversation is also an important cultural norm.
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