Doing business in spain

HOW TO DO BUSINESS IN SPAIN

Meeting & Greeting: 
 
When doing business in Spain handshakes are standard as with the rest of Europe. First-time introductions will be formal; as the relationship develops it will naturally become less so. It is always a good idea to try and use some of the local language. Most people can be greeted using Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) or Señorita (Miss) followed by their surname. You may also hear people being addressed with their professional titles. 
 
Communication: 
 
The Spanish can be described as cheerful and outgoing people. Their warmth and initial friendliness may appear perfunctory or superficial to a reserved foreigner but in fact allows a way of observing social niceties and a proper opportunity to get to know someone. 
 
People in Spain want to spend time getting to know others in order to ensure the right chemistry exists for a business relationship. It is therefore important to present yourself in the best possible light; the Spanish appreciate people who are dignified yet modest. The ability to be amusing and entertaining is also much prized and humour plays an important part even in business meetings and discussions. Banter is acceptable but be sure not to employ sarcasm as it may get lost in translation and cause offense. 

Meetings & Negotiating:

 
Initial meetings may be more focused on the relationship rather than business. Let your Spanish counterpart take the lead.  
 
There may be an agenda and a starting time, but they serve more as guidelines rather than a rigid timetable. Issues may be discussed simultaneously rather than separately. Several people may also try to speak at once and interruptions are not uncommon. If this happens it should not be interpreted as rude but rather an indication that what you were saying was of great interest. 
 
When doing business in Spain remember that agreements must first be reached orally and then in writing. Decision-making is carried out at the top of a company.

Spain Appearance

The Spanish dress more formal than many other Europeans. In Spain, it is important to project good taste in apparel.

Business attire includes well-made, conservative suits and ties. Avoid flashy colors, as it is not popular to stand out.

Shorts are not usually worn in public.

If you pull down on your eyelid in Spain, you are insinuating to "be alert" or that "I am alert."

In Spain, crossing you fingers has several good meanings, usually things such as "protection" or "good luck". This is a nice gesture to be friendly.

Spain Behavior

The family is the most important thing to people in Spain.

Time is very relaxed. It is wise for foreigners to be punctual, but Spaniards do not put a great emphasis on time themselves. The Spaniards often consider deadlines an objective that will be met if possible, but do not become overly concerned if the deadline is not achieved.

Although many Spanish businesspeople speak English, it is a good idea for foreigners to have all of your materials printed in Spanish.

Business cards should be two-sided, one side having English and the other side containing Spanish. When presenting your business card, place the card with the Spanish side facing your Spanish colleague.

Much like Mexico, business in Spain is often obtained as a result of personal relationships. While the relationship building process takes time, it is imperative to gain such relationships if you are to be effective in Spain. Also, you must be very selective when choosing your Spanish representative, as it is extremely difficult to change to another person.

Be prepared for chaotic business negotiations. Often numerous people will be speaking simultaneously.

Men who are close friends will often exchange a hug.

Women who are close friends usually meet and part with a small hug and a kiss on each cheek.

Negotiations are usually an extremely long and arduous task, so do not be in a rush to close a deal in Spain.

Dining is usually associated with establishing business relationships in Spain, so be prepared for your business associate(s) to join you at any or all of your daily meals.

Dinner is usually served after 9:00p.m, so you may want to take full advantage of the siesta and get in a nap

When attending a business dinner, be prepared to stay up late. Most restaurants do not open until after nine o’clock, and often do not get active until around eleven!

Spain Communications

Spain has four 'official' languages.

There are several unique languages spoken in Spain besides the predominant Spanish. These include Catalan, which is spoken in the regions of Catalonia, the Balearic Islands, and Valencia, where both Castilian and a dialect called Valencian are spoken. Gallego (or Galician), is popular in northwest Spain. Each of these languages has different pronunciations and spellings. Additionally, the native language of the Basque region is called Euskera. It is not a form of Spanish, and its origins are unknown.

A large portion of your communication will take place over lunches and dinners. They are an extremely important part of business life in Spain.

During business negotiations, rules and systems are only used as a last resort to solving a problem.

During business meetings, doors are usually kept shut.

Business colleagues often dine together, but different ranks within a company do not mix.