Tucked away in Southern Europe, bordering Bulgaria, sits one of the most ancient countries in the world, renowned for its mythology and as one of the modern founders of philosophy and what we today would call “Western Civilisation”. Greece is one of the oldest countries with an observed and documented civilisation on Earth, and in recent years has seen some considerable turmoil in terms of its government and the economy.
Despite the recent challenges, and even the economic fear that once loomed over Greece like an executioners axe, the country is very much open for business. Business in Greece is not about ancient Gods and mythical creatures, nor is it about breaking plates, however, one does need to be aware that Greeks are tremendously proud of their history, heritage and mythology. Greece is, and always has been, a partner with whom trade has been important and that trade is improved by speaking the Greek language.
Having been in recession since 2008, Greece is fighting hard to get back to a point where it is considered a strong trading partner. Heavily dependent on the service industry that accounts for over 80% of the economy, one could easily be forgiven by assuming that olives and fish would be the larger part of what makes the country work, as olives and fish are perhaps what many think Greece produces.
The Greek language is something Grecians are proud of, it is a remarkable language with its own alphabet and if it were not for the winds of change, it could well have been the language most commonly spoken today. Having an understanding of the language allows a person to converse and understand the little things that matter about doing business in Greece. Greeks are very passionate about history and the very well-known mythology and through having a grasp of the language the ancient stories of heroes, heroines and monsters can take on a whole new life breaking the ice to get a deal done.
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There are some taboos, and among them is Turkey or Cyprus, speaking the language will not only allow this subject to be carefully avoided but will enable you to ask questions if you so wish in a calm and intellectual manner on this touchy subject. Greeks don’t appreciate criticism and sarcasm should be avoided, broken plates are part of Greek culture and not meant to be used to mock. Greeks take themselves seriously but with control of the language, humour soon becomes easy to share.
 | But, it not just the spoken language that one needs to have a grasp of in Greece, there are a handful of hand gestures that are quite offensive in Greek too. The OK sign used is an obscene gesture between Greeks and the hand up in the “stop” position is seen as an insult. So be careful with your hands and your mouth when doing business in Greece. |
Simple things matter when doing business in Greece. Greeks like to be informed and thus an agenda for a meeting should be sent before a meeting. Punctuality is advisable, as much as Greece may seem laid back, Greeks like to be on time and lateness does not look good. First meetings are often formal, and introductions likewise, with control of the language you will have immediate respect and first names soon become almost natural.
The one thing to be aware of, and something that through speaking Greek will make easier, is the fact that Greeks want to get to know who they are dealing with and will ask a lot of questions. Trust and respect is easily created by simply having a conversation and this can be more easily achieved through conversing in Greek.
Don’t let doing business in Greece be all about Hercules and breaking plates, take some time to learn the language and you will soon be doing great business in one of the oldest civilisations on earth. Learn Greek at VLLC to help you success in business with Greece.
Don’t let doing business in Greece be all about Hercules and breaking plates, take some time to learn the language and you will soon be doing great business in one of the oldest civilisations on earth. Learn Greek at VLLC to help you success in business with Greece.
