Spain has a population of 47 million and is a popular trading partner for many other countries around the world. Just like every country, Spain has its quirks, must do’s and must not do’s concerning business. To get a foothold in Spain, nurture it and then succeed, is perhaps easier than one thinks, speaking Spanish helps a lot too, and these few tips may take your business dealing from Bueno to Muy Bien.
A Few Things About Business: A Spanish person is more likely to do business with you if there is chemistry between you. You should present yourself as dignified, respectful with just a hint of modesty. The Spanish do have a good sense of humour and if you keep things tame and gentle the odd joke will make things easier.
Don’t stress too much about an agenda not being followed. For the Spanish, an agenda is more a set of guidelines than a road map, and the order you have things in may not go with the flow your counterpart prefers. Be prepared to discuss more than one touch point at a time, this is not designed to trip you up but is just the Spanish way of doing things.
There is a myth about Spain being a little sleepy and siesta time has become a part of perceived Spanish culture. Contrary to popular belief, Spain does not shut down for the afternoon. At the peak of summer lunch breaks may be extended or the pace of work may slow a little with employees working until around 8 pm because it is simply cooler. When doing business in Spain don’t expect your working day to end at lunchtime; the Spaniards like to work as hard as anyone else and get the job done.
Don’t stress too much about an agenda not being followed. For the Spanish, an agenda is more a set of guidelines than a road map, and the order you have things in may not go with the flow your counterpart prefers. Be prepared to discuss more than one touch point at a time, this is not designed to trip you up but is just the Spanish way of doing things.
There is a myth about Spain being a little sleepy and siesta time has become a part of perceived Spanish culture. Contrary to popular belief, Spain does not shut down for the afternoon. At the peak of summer lunch breaks may be extended or the pace of work may slow a little with employees working until around 8 pm because it is simply cooler. When doing business in Spain don’t expect your working day to end at lunchtime; the Spaniards like to work as hard as anyone else and get the job done.
Conversations, Meetings and Meals: The Spanish take great pride in their culture, traditions and history and be prepared to hear a little bit of this even in business conversation. Spaniards are relatively conservative and don’t take kindly to bragging and boasting. Be who you are and just relax, the very fact you are meeting means they have done their homework and are interested in doing business with you.
While the myth about siesta time may well have faded in modern business there is still a hint of a laid back attitude in doing business in Spain. This is evident in timekeeping and it is not uncommon for a business meeting to start 15 or up to 30 minutes late. The Spanish work hard but they also set a slower pace to get more done, more effectively.
Eating is a social activity in Spain and while business can be done over lunch or even Tapas, meals with your Spanish counterpart should be seen as times to strengthen the relationship and get to know more about the people you are doing business with, not just the company.
Finally, a little tip for the beer drinkers, do not simply ask for Cerveza (Beer) but rather ask for a Cana or Tubo to avoid being given a large or even overpriced beer. But then again, if you spoke Spanish you would perhaps know this already.
While the myth about siesta time may well have faded in modern business there is still a hint of a laid back attitude in doing business in Spain. This is evident in timekeeping and it is not uncommon for a business meeting to start 15 or up to 30 minutes late. The Spanish work hard but they also set a slower pace to get more done, more effectively.
Eating is a social activity in Spain and while business can be done over lunch or even Tapas, meals with your Spanish counterpart should be seen as times to strengthen the relationship and get to know more about the people you are doing business with, not just the company.
Finally, a little tip for the beer drinkers, do not simply ask for Cerveza (Beer) but rather ask for a Cana or Tubo to avoid being given a large or even overpriced beer. But then again, if you spoke Spanish you would perhaps know this already.
