Venezuelan Business and Visitation Guide
Dress for business is dark colors of conservative suits. In many cultures women are not encouraged to beautify herself but in Venezuela business women often make-up, jewelry and semi-formal dress. In many countries it’s also ill-advised to wear expensive pieces of jewelry but is impressive in this culture. Casual wear like shorts or tennis shoes are seen rarely in public but saved for the beach or exercise.
Know ahead of time that Venezuelans stand extremely close when conversing. Backing up or acting surprised will embarrass and offend. Venezuelans often touch each other on the shoulder or arm while conversing but as a foreigner, you should never be the one to initiate this gesture. Maintain eye contact while being introduced and during conversation. You will make a good impression if you can show that you know a little something about the Venezuelan history and ways. Avoid topics of conversation having to do with someone’s religion or private life.
Address others by title and last name unless invited to do otherwise. Being addressed by your first name is an invitation to do the same. A man is addressed with the title of “Senor”, a married woman with “Senora” and an unmarried woman with “Senorita”. If you’re unsure of the woman’s marital status refer to her as “Senorita” until you are told by her, or someone else, that she is a “Senora”. Do not be surprised if you are given a nickname which may sound funny if translated into English.
Gifts are usually only given after a cordial relationship has developed but female business people should never offer a gift to Venezuelan businessmen. Give gifts during a lunch or dinner but not during regular business hours. If invited to a home bring a small token of appreciation, especially for any children you know may be at the home. Bring along extra gifts, particularly ones unique to your own country, in case you find occasion to have one ready.
It’s a good idea to arrange business contacts through the U.S. embassy or other intermediaries rather than trying to make your own introductions. In this culture third party introductions are a must. Have all business cards and other materials printed in English on one side, Spanish on the other. Present cards directly after meeting. Make sure that your title and status are displayed on the business card, and because status is very important, always send a senior member.
It’s proper to have some small talk at the beginning of most business meetings, particularly first meetings. Don’t jump into discussing business until your Venezuelan counterpart brings up the topic. If you’re doing business with an older group of associates it’s proper and extremely important to develop a friendly rapport first. With a younger group of associates you may find that formalities are dispensed with more quickly. Generally speaking you must fit in with the group, and be well liked, before business dealings will proceed.
Many women hold high offices in private and government sectors so don’t be surprised if there is a woman making the final decisions. However, machismo still exists strongly in this culture so restrain from protesting should a man offer to pull out your chair or open a door for you. Pay close attention to your behavior after hours, as well, since certain gestures that you may not even be aware of could be inviting to some men.
Venezuela is a combination of white and blacks and some ethnic bias may be extremely apparent. Rich people are usually seen as deserving of their comforts and there are definite distinctions between the poor and the well-to-do.
During business negotiations work more towards long-term goals rather than a hit-and-run type arrangement. Work towards friendships before business relationships. Businesses are often family owned and many associates might well be closely related. The most senior member of your firm should be the one to meet with the most senior member of the firm with which you’ll be doing business. Sending a member with less status may be a serious insult.
Business dinners rarely involve shop talk but are aimed more towards getting to know one another. It is acceptable to talk business only if your Venezuelan counterpart initializes the topic. Foreign female business people should be accompanied by a man from her own country when going out with a male Venezuelan associate. Otherwise, the business meeting can be seen as much more in this culture.
When dining at someone’s home it’s proper to adapt the continental style of eating. Keep fork in left hand and knife in right – never switch. Never be the first to taste the food but instead, wait until the host and hostess have begun eating.
Posture is important whether dining, socializing or at a business meeting. Handshakes are done upon introductions, meetings and exits. After developing a cordial relationship your Venezuelan counterpart may squeeze your arm, embrace you, or kiss your cheek.
Proper etiquette requires you to point, if you must, with the entire hand rather than any one finger. Eating in public is not done particularly if walking down the streets. Be kind and respectful to the elderly and you will be seen as a decent person. Don’t exaggerate, brag, monopolize a conversation or ask personal questions. You’ll fit in well if you give respect, know your business well, and follow proper etiquette and manners at all times.
