Business Etiquette

How to Practice Cellular Phone Etiquette

How to Practice Good Phone and E-mail Etiquette at Work

How to Practice Proper Business Meeting Etiquette

Job Interview Etiquette Good Manners

7.3 Business Etiquette 

1. How to practice cellular phone etiquette

Hi,I gotta go, I’m being rude. Hi, I’m Hisley Lobots from Hisley Academy of Five Minutes Motoring and here we talk to you about how to practice cellar phone etiquettes. Well, the first thing you may wanna think about is you never wanna make somebody feel rude about it. If you are actually in a place where it’s close like an elevator or a bus, you wanna make sure you are not talking in the phone. If you are, make it just quick and make sure: you don’t share your conversation with anyone. After all, it’s your conversation, it’s not other people to be forced to hear that conversation. Also, you may wanna think about the famous ring tones. They may be a lot of fun, but the truth is they say a lot about you. And if you are using it in an appropriate way, they can really, you because of the bad matter of thing to do. Also, another thing you may wanna think about is very important that your texting in front of public not usually do so or make it really quick. If you are having a conversation with somebody, completely avoid touching your phone. It is not really appropriate to be talking to somebody while texting. If you are in a dinner table, you may wanna have your cellar phone in your purse or in your pocket, never on the table. If you have more than one device on your belt, that’s really a way to go. You may only wanna keep one or better off, in your purse or in your pocket. This is Hisley Lobots from Hisley Academy of Five Minutes Motoring. And these are just a little tips to help you be a better person.    

2. How to practice good phone and E-mail etiquette at work

How to practice good phone and E-mail etiquette at work? How can we put this in a way you’ll understand? Sending LOLs to your BFFs on company time is not KEWL.

You will need: a job, an E-mail, a phone with voice mail, and some common sense.

Step 1: First and foremost, remember you are at work. Now is not the time to call or email your long lost frat brothers, ex-girlfriends or bookie.

Step 2: Don’t use your speakerphone unless it is completely necessary. Otherwise it is just obnoxious.

Remember: background noise can be heard when you are on a conference call from home and that includes toast popping, kettles whistling and toilets flushing.

Step 3: when leaving the voice mail, keep it short. You are not auditioning for Hamlet. Just provide the essentials: your name, your number, and a brief reason for calling.

Have your message ready before you call. Nothing is more annoying than listening to someone stammer while they try to formulate a coherent thought. And remember to enunciate so the person doesn’t have to replay your message 25 times.

Step 4: Always include a simple, straightforward description in your email subject line so its recipient can quickly assess if it’s important, and easily relocate it later.

Step 5: Be careful with email. Remember that an email doesn’t convey a context the way your gestures, expressions, and tone of voice would. What you write in a playful way may come across as harsh or insulting to your reader. Always “spell check” your emails before hitting send. It is easy and may just save you a lot of embarrassment.

Step 6: Forwarding an email to a co-worker? Always include a brief explanation so they are not left to ponder what you may want from them. If you are totally swamped, at least include “FYI”.

Did you know: 82% of what you communicate on the phone is non-verbal? In other words, what you say is far less important than how you say it.

3. How to practice proper business meeting etiquette.

When it comes to succeeding professionally, attention to detail counts for a while. Learn the rules of etiquette in time for your next business meeting.

You will need: preparation, punctuality, proper dress, manners, completion of tasks and a thank you note.

Step 1: Be prepared, with pen and paper and any pertinent information that will help contribute to the meeting. Practice attention to detail for meetings so that you don’t have to leave the room for something you forgot.

Business meetings are for sharing information, not socializing — act professional.

Step 2: Get there at least 5 minutes earlier, and wear your game face. Punctuality conveys appropriate focus and respect.

Step 3: Once the meeting begins, leave the PDA and phone in your pocket to eliminate the slightest chance of diversion or interruption.

Step 4: If you’re not running or presenting at the meeting, hold your peace until the meeting breaks up or wait until the principal invites comments. Don’t interrupt others and raise your hand if you have questions, which should be pithy and relevant to everyone in attendance.

Step 5: Show manners and pay attention. Don’t drum, tap, fidget, flip through the reading material, or cast looks around.

Step 6: Go easy on alcohol and food at catered meetings and conferences. You are there to do business, not fill up as if it were a party — keep your eye on the ball.

Step 7: Maintain etiquette even after the meeting by completing tasks, assigned as goals during the discussion, as quickly as possible. File meeting notes afterward to keep track of and report on later.

Did you know: The first business cards, called “visiting cards,” announced the arrival of aristocracy. Used as a social convention among the elites during the reign of Louis the XIV in the 17th century, they eventually became today’s business cards.

4.  Job interview etiquette – good manners

 Hey, I’M Faye de Muyshondt from social skills. Here to share with you interview etiquette, a few things you keep in mind before you go to an interview. We all get nervous before interviews. So you are not the only one feeling nervous. That’s a really normal feeling. But what you can do are a few things just help make you feel a little bit more comfortable before the bid day. Number one is to prepare, Prepare in advance, do research. No matter what company you’re going to, there are researches you can do thankfully as a result of the internet. So do the research, find out any information you can on this organization. Knowledge is empowerment so be sure to know exactly what this company is all about. Follow them on social media, go on their twitter feeds, check the amount on facebook, get the inside information on the business before you going for the interview. If they have a newsletter, if they have anything on their website, press releases that can help you familiarize yourself with the business. Do it. It’s just gonna help you feel that much comfortable during the interview. In advance of your interview you are gonna wanna have you’re attire picked-out. So do a little bit further researches on the organization. If the organization is in financial industry, you are gonna wanna have a little bit more button up than you are going into an interview at a music organization. But regardless, make sure your one step more formal than anyone else that the company might be. If you know that your interview is a formal interview, you are gonnawanna make sure that you are dressed as formally and possibly can be dressed – ladies that mean a suit., gentlemen that mean a suit as well. You don’t want to be in any bold color, and anything that going to attract attention to yourself. So heavy fragrances are out of question. A lot of jewelry is out of question. And make sure that you dressed in a very respectful way of the organization. If anything feels uncomfortable on you before the interview, it’s going to look uncomfortable. So if something is too tight, or ladies if it’s too short, don’t bother wearing it. Wear something that you’re really comfortable and you don’t want to have that distracted you during the interview. So make sure that you also do research and do your homework in terms of where this organization is located. You might wanna make a trip to the business or to the workplace in advance of your interview. To be sure where you’re going, we should plan to arrive about ten minutes in advance of your interview. You don’t want to be too early for your interview and surely you don’t want to be late for an interview. When you get the interview, be sure to shake hands with the person that is interviewing you. You wanna have a great, firm handshake. You wanna make sure your handshake touches web to web so your web if your hand to be touching the other person’s web, and have eye contact the entire time. You should also going to know who you’re going to meet in advance of interview. So get the name of the person if you can, do a little research on the person, and make sure that you’re comfortable pronouncing his or her name. also if you want to show competent, initiate handshake so be the first to stick your hand out when you introduce yourself. Say your first and last name as you make your introduction. Have a few questions ready to ask just to break the ice and make the interview a little more comfortable. Most likely during your interview, you are going to have a few moments to ask questions. So have your questions ready, have your questions in advance prepared. And those questions are really easy to put together as you doing the research on the company or organization. But don’t say and have nothing to ask during the interview. Just show your engagement in the interview and it also show that you’ve done the homework. At the end of the interview, you are wanna get up and again be the initiator to stretch out hand to shake and offer your thank to your interviewer, and your thanks to their time. And you absolutely should send a thank-you note after an interview. I don’t think there is anything more impressive than receiving a thank you note a few hours after an interview or immediately after the interview. And why not stand out you can send a thank you note via your email or if you want to take it one step further send it p.m. now. but just be sure you get that thank you note immediately because you want to express your thanks really quickly after an interview. Those are just few tips to help you get ready for your interview.

Practice

Argentina

Argentines are tough negotiators. Concessions willnot come quickly or easily. Good relationships with counterparts will shortennegotiations.

Contracts are lengthy and detailed. A contract isnot final until all of its elements are signed. Any portion can bere-negotiated. Get everything in writing.

An Argentine contact is essential to wading throughgovernment bureaucracy.

Be punctual for business appointments, but prepareto wait thirty minutes for your counterpart, especially if you are meeting animportant person.

The pace of business in Argentina is slower than inthe United States. A meeting that is going well could last much longer thanintended, even if it means postponing the next engagement.

Personal relationships are important and must bedeveloped before business is done.

Argentines often need several meetings and extensivediscussion to make deals.

Decisions are made at the top. Try to arrangemeeting with high-level personnel.

Guests at a meeting are greeted and escorted totheir chairs. The visiting senior executive is seated opposite the Argentinesenior executive.

During business meetings, sustain a relaxed manner,maintain eye contact and restrict the use of gestures. Don't take a hard sellapproach.

Be prepared for a certain amount of small talkbefore getting down to business

Make appointmentsthrough a high-level person. Your Argentine contact can help with this.

Confirm meetings one week in advance

Australia

Men wear a conservative dark business suit and tie.

Women may wear a dress, or skirt and blouse, forbusiness.

Informal clothing is appropriate when not attendingbusiness functions. Casual pants are fine for both men and women.

Men should not become physically demonstrative withanother man. or wink at a woman.

Brazil

Three-piece suits carry an "executive"connotation, whereas two-piece suits are associated with office workers.Conservative attire for women in business is very important. Also make sureyour nails are manicured

The colors of the Brazilian flag are yellow andgreen. Avoid wearing this combination in any fashion

Canada

Plan for a very cold climate, especially duringtheir winter.

Men should wear a dark conservative business suitwith tie, especially in cities. Build a wardrobe based on classic lines(selecting suits with a traditional lapel width, and ties staying within atraditional width range)， Conservative colorsof navy and gray, and shirts in white and light blue.

Women should wear a conservative business suit ordress, especially in cities. Select your clothing with classic lines and colorsin mind. Navy, gray, ivory, and white are the basics to work with. The majorcities can be very sophisticated.

New or trendy clothing is a poor choice. Older,classic clothing that is clean and neat is more valued. Choosing quality,natural fibers for your wardrobe will give you this look. Quality leather shoesare important to completing this look.

Rural areas are less formal, but stay conservativein your wardrobe. Even with cold winter weather you may find yourself in askirt or dress. Add a good quality long coat with minimal and classic detail toyour wardrobe. In addition to navy and gray, a classic camel coat, or a linedBurberry may be a good addition. This will work for a sophisticated citymeeting, or a more casual rural meeting.

Casual attire is appropriate when you are notworking. The weather and activity will dictate what you will be wearing. Builda casual wardrobe using the classic colors (camel is additional color forcasual). You will look professional, even though relaxed.

Costa Rica

Business dress: Men should wear a conservative dark suit. In warmerclimates, a jacket is optional. Women can wear a dress or skirt and blouse forformal business meetings, but it is far more common for women to wear pants towork. Costa Ricans are much more formal and serious than other Latin Americans.Therefore, keep jackets on during business meetings

Colombia

For dress, formality increases as youmove inland. It is important to adopt conservative business attire inland.Suits in dark colors are preferred. Women should dress conservatively andmodestly: a suit or dress

Ecuador

For dress,formality increases as you move inland. Inland, business dress should beconservative. Men should wear dark suits and women should dress conservativelyand modestly -- a suit or dress

El Salvador

For business, men should wear aconservative, lightweight suit. Women should wear a blouse and skirt or dress

France

The French are very conscientious oftheir appearance.

Dress conservative and invest inwell-tailored clothing

Patterned fabrics and dark colors aremost acceptable, but avoid bright colors.

French businessmen do not loosen theirties or take off their jackets in the office.

Women should also dress conservatively.Avoiding bright or gaudy colors is recommended.

Women should also avoid any glitzy oroverpowering objects, such as flashy jewelry.

German

Business dress in Germany is very conservative.

Businessmen wear dark suits; solid,conservative ties, and white shirts.

Women also dress conservatively, indark suits and white blouses.

Chewing gum while talking to someone isconsidered rude.

Don't be surprised if occasionally yousee a fashion statement with white socks being worn with a dark suit.

Guatemala

For business, a lightweight suitis appropriateformen:womenshould weara dress orskirt and blouse. Military clothing is illegal: it can neither be worn nor broughtinto the country

Hong Kong

The color red is considered a lucky color in Hong Kong.

When dressing for a business meeting, select a red tie to impress your host.

The color white is synonymouswith death.

India

Men are generally expected to wear asuit and tie for business, although the jacket may be removed in the summer.Women should wear conservative dresses or pantsuits.

When dressing casual, short-sleevedshirts and long pants are preferred for men: shorts are acceptable only whenexercising. Women must keep their upper arms, chest, back, and legs covered atall times.

Women should wear long pants whenexercising.

The use of leather products includingbelts or handbags may be considered offensive, especially in temples. Hindusrevere cows and do not use leather products.

Indonesia

An umbrella is an essential wardrobecomponent in rainy season (September - February).

High heat and humidity require packingenough clothing to always appear clean & fresh. You may have to change yourclothes several times a day to maintain this look.

Women should wear long-sleeve blousesand skirts that cover the knee.

Women meeting in a more formal officeshould wear a suit with hosiery.

Women are limited to clothing colorsthat are muted or dark. Leave brightly colored clothing at home.

Men should wear coat and tie untilappropriate to dress more casually. Follow the lead of those you are meetingwith.

Men generally wear dark slacks, longsleeve and light colored shirt, and tie (no jacket).

"Lounge suit" requires men towear a business suit. This term may be included on an invitation.

Men may find in a very casual businessoffice that a short sleeve shirt and no tie would be appropriate.

Women must always cover their upperarms when wearing a casual blouse.

Jeans may be worn for very casual, butnever shorts for men or women. Even though the climate is warm and humid,proper attire even for very casual appearance will always dictate your choiceof clothing.

Be on time for any meetings. Themeetings traditionally start late, and your Indonesian business associates willprobably arrive late. However, you are expected on time, and should never makeany comment about the meeting starting late or any person arriving late.

Never stand with your back to anelderly person or a high ranking official. As you enter a room be aware of thepeople who will be in that room with you.

Italy

Fashions and fashiondesign are trademarks of Italy. Therefore, in the business world, good clothes are a signature of success.

Men should wear fashionable, high quality suits.

Shirts may be colored or pin-striped, and they should be paired with an Italiandesigner tie.

Women dress in quiet,expensive elegance.

Slacks are generally not worn by either sex.

Quality accessories such as shoes and leather goods will make a good impression with the Italians.

Do not expect quickdecisions or actions to take place, as theItalian bureaucracy and legal systems are rather slow.

Italian companies often have a rigid hierarchy, with little visible association between the ranks.

It is common for everyone to speak simultaneouslyat Italian gatherings. This applies to business meetings as well as socialevents.

Do not exchange business cards atsocial occasions: but it is the norm at business functions and meetings.

Italians often have twodifferent business cards, one with business credentials for formalrelationships, and another with personal information for less formalrelationships.

Italian cards are often plainwhite with black print.

When entering a businessfunction, the most senior or eldest person present should always be given specialtreatment.

Foreign businessmen/women should be punctual forbusiness appointments, although the Italian executive may not be.

Japan

Those who dress according to theirstatus or position impress the Japanese. Dress to impress.

Men should wear dark conservativeattire. Business suits are most suitable.

Casual dress is never appropriate in abusiness setting.

Shoes should be easy to remove, as youwill do so often. Slip-ons are the best choice.

Women's dress should be conservative.Little emphasis should be placed on accessories. They should be minimal.

Women should not wear pants in abusiness situation. Japanese men tend to find it offensive.

Women should only wear low-heeled shoesto avoid towering over men.

A kimono should be wrapped left overright to do otherwise symbolizes death.

Mostbusiness entertaining is done in restaurants or bars after business hours. Often in karaokeor "hostess bars." Businesswomenshould not attend "hostess bars."

Let the hostorder the meal and pay. Business may be discussed at dinner during these events.

Mexico

Men should wear a conservative dark suit and tie.Your wardrobe should include suits that have classic lines and tailoring ingray or navy, and white or light blue shirts. A white shirt is more formal andshould be worn when the formality of the meeting dictates.

Womenshould wear a dress or skirt and blouse. A classic suit may also be worn. Builda wardrobe using classic lines, classic skirt lengths, and basic classic colors- gray. navy, white, and ivory.

Men maywear pants and a light shirt for casual. Plan a casual wardrobe using theclassic colors, plus camel, and you will be casual, yet polished. Should youhave the opportunity to wear a guayabera. the wonderful traditionallightweight shirt, you wear is out over your pants. This design is verycomfortable in warmer weather.

Womenmay wear a blouse with pants or a skirt for casual. To present yourself asprofessional and polished, even in an informal setting, build your casualwardrobe using classic shades of gray. blue, camel, white and ivory.

Jeansare generally not appropriate, and tight or low cut clothing is neverappropriate.

Punctualityis not rigid becauseof the emphasis on personal obligations. The best time for appointments is between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., with late afternoon a second choice.

Business lunches, rather than dinners are the traditional form of business entertaining and are usually prolonged affairs, beginning between 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. and lasting three to four hours, with little time being devoted to actual business. Lunches are an essential part of business to establish a personalrelationship.

Working breakfasts are also popular, meeting at 8:00 or 8:30 at yourhotel, and usually lasting two hours at the most.

Givinggifts to business executives is not required. Small items with a company logo (for an initial visit) are appreciated.

Secretariesdo appreciate gifts. If giving a valuablegift, such as perfume or a scarf, present it on a returnvisit. A man giving it to a female secretary should indicate the gift is from hiswife.

Womenshould not invite a male counterpart for a businessdinner unless other associates or spousesattend. Also. Mexican men will graciously attempt to pay for a meal, even though you are hosting it. A professionalway to host a meal is to dine or lunch at yourhotel. Pre-arrangeto have themeal added to your hotel bill.

New Zealand

Normalbusiness hours are Monday - Friday8:30am-5:00pm and Saturday 9:00am-12:30pm.

Talking isminimal while you are eating a meal. The conversation will occur before andafter your meal. Dinners are reserved for social interactions only, thereforenot business is discussed at these occasions. Lunch is used for businessconversations.

Whenconducting business in New Zealand, you want to dress conservatively and tending toward a more formal look.

Men should wear darker colored suits with a conservative tie. To maintain formality, a whiteshirt would be worn.

Womenshould wear a suit, a dress, or skirt and blouse with a jacket. The wardrobe should incorporate classic styles and colors (navy and gray).

When notinvolved in business meetings and activities, your wardrobe may be casual. To maintain a professional,though casual look, keep your clothing classic in neutral colors (navy. gray, camel, ivory, and white). Make sure your casual shoes are properly maintained.

Panama

Panamanian women are taking more andmore managerial jobs, but still it is relatively rare. Women should emphasizethe fact that they are representing their company

Have business cards and other materialprinted in Spanish as well as English

Conservative business suits areappropriate for men. Panamanian businessmen in higher positions wear suits:others wear camisillas (a lightweight, open-necked shirt that is not tuckedinside the trousers). Women should wear a dress or skirt and blouse. Womenshould avoid wearing any kind of revealing clothing

Russia

Businessmen in Russia usually wearsuits that are dark and well tailored along with good dress shoes. Abusinessman's wardrobe demonstrates the individual's image as a professional.

Menoften do not take off their jackets in negotiations.

As aforeigner, you are expected to be on time to all business appointments.However, your Russian counterpart may be late, as this may be a test of yourpatience. Do not expect an apology from a late Russian, and do not demonstrateany kind of attitude if your business appointments begin one or two hours late.This may also be a test of your patience.

Socialevents are more relaxed. It is acceptable for foreigners to be 15 to 30 minuteslate.

Some 'hard-line' Russians still viewcompromise as a sign of weakness, and often refuse to back down. To theseindividuals, compromising is bad business.

As a foreigner, you should realize that"Final Offers" are often not actually the end of the negotiations,and that often times the outcome will be more beneficial and attractive if youcan hold out.

Be sure to have plenty of business cardswith double sides of information. One side should be printed in English, theother side in Russian.

Be alert and open to taking a drink or having a toast, as refusing to do sois a serious breach of etiquette.

Saudi Arabia

A jacket and tie areusually required for men at business meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt,preferably long-sleeved, buttoned up to the collar. Men should also avoidwearing visible jewelry, particularly around the neck.

There areseveral styles of greetings used; it is best to wait for your counterpart toinitiate the greeting. Men shake hands with other men. Some menwill shake hands with a woman; it is advisable for a businesswoman to wait fora man to offer his hand. A more traditional greeting between men involvesgrasping each other's right hand, placing the left hand on the other's rightshoulder and exchanging kisses on each cheek.

General behavior at meetings: A business meeting in Saudi Arabia canbe particularly onerous for a Westerner The Commercial Counsellor at oneof the embassies in an Arab country advised once: You have to manoeuvre yourchair so that you are sitting right next to the man you are doing businesswith. You then shout down his ear. You continue to pound his ear with yourpropositions until he agrees with them. He is unlikely to give any trouble ashe is suffering from numerous distractions from various angles, andacquiescence is usually the easiest way out.

Gender issues: Males may have several wives. Womenrarely eat with the men and their guests. In Saudi Arabia women are rarelypermitted to drive and can work only in the Health and Education sectors.Foreign women are accepted without veils provided they dress conservatively.

Spain

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

Although many Spanish businesspeoplespeak English, it is a good idea for foreigners to have all of your materialsprinted in Spanish.

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

Much like Mexico, business in Spain isoften obtained as a result of personal relationships. While the relationshipbuilding process takes time, it is imperative to gain such relationships if youare to be effective in Spain. Also, you must be very selective when choosingyour Spanish representative, as it is extremely difficult to change to anotherperson.

Be prepared for chaotic business negotiations. Often numerous peoplewill be speakingsimultaneously.

Taiwan

Business hours are very similar toWestern countries and may sometimes be longer as the Taiwanese people are veryhard working.

Business relationships are based onrespect.

Divide topics into segments forpresentations.

Direct presentations to the seniorranking individual.

Have all new products registered and orpatented to avoid copying.

Translate all written documents.

United ArabEmirates

A jacket and tie are usually required for men atbusiness meetings. Men should wear long pants and a shirt, preferably long-sleeved,buttoned up to the collar. Men should also avoid wearing visible jewelry,particularly around the neck.

There are several styles of greetings in use, itis best to wait for your counterpart to initiate thegreeting. Menshake handswith other men. Some men will shake hands women, however itis advisable for a businesswoman to wait for a man to offerhis hand. A more traditional greeting between men involves grasping each other'sright hand, placing the left hand on the other's right shoulder and exchanging kisses on each cheek.

United Kingdom - GreatBritain – England

Business attire rules are somewhatrelaxed in England, but conservative dress is still very important for both menand women.

Dark suits, usually black, blue, orgray, are quite acceptable.

Men's shirts should not have pockets:if they do, the pocketsshould always be kept empty. Additionally, men should wear solid or patternedties, while avoiding striped ties.

Men wear laced shoes, not loafers.

Businesswomen are not as limited to colors and styles as men are, thoughit is still important to maintain a conservative image.

Always be punctual in England. Arrivinga few minutes early for safety is acceptable.

Decision-making is slower in Englandthan in the United States: therefore it is unwise to rush the English intomakinga decision.

A simple handshake is the standardgreeting (for both men and women) for business occasions and for visiting ahome.

Privacy is very important to theEnglish. Therefore asking personal questions or intensely staring at anotherperson should be avoided.

Eye contact is seldom kept duringBritish conversations.

To signal that something is to be keptconfidential or secret, tap your nose.

Personal space is important in England,and one should maintain a wide physical space when conversing. Furthermore, itis considered inappropriate to touch others in public.

Giving of gifts are not required aspart of doing business in England.

A business lunch will often beconducted in a pub and will consist of a light meal and perhaps a pint of ale.

United States

Business suit and tie are appropriatein all major cities. Wear dark colored business suits in classic colors of grayand navy. For an important formal meeting, choose a white dress shirt, for lessformal a light blue shirt will still give you a conservative appearance.

Women should wear a suit or dress withjacket in major cities. Wearing classic clothing and classic colors of navy,gray, ivory, and white will ensure you give a confident and conservativeappearance.

Rural areas and areas with extremelywarm summers have more informal wardrobe requirements.

Women may wear a business dress, orskirt and blouse, in rural areas.

Men may conduct business withoutwearing a jacket and/or tie in rural areas.

The formality of a meeting, even inrural areas, may dictate a sports jacket and tie for men. The same formalitywill require a woman to wear a dress, possibly with a jacket.

Casual clothing is appropriate when notattending a work related meeting/dinner. Building a casual wardrobe usingclassic lines and colors (navy. gray, camel, ivory and white) will give you alook that is stylish and professional even when you are relaxing.

Clothing, whether formal or casual,should be clean and neat in appearance.

Men may generally wear jeans or khakipants with a shirt for casual attire.

Women may wear comfortably fittingslacks with a casual shirt. Wearing jeans or shorts, even in a casual setting,may be inappropriate for the city. It is better to err on the conservative sideif you are not sure.

Business conversation may take placeduring meals. However, many times you will find more social conversation takingplace during the actual meal.

Business meetings may be arranged asbreakfast meetings, luncheon meetings, or dinner meetings depending on timeschedules and necessity. Generally a dinner, even though for business purposes,is treated as a social meal and a time to build rapport.

Venezuela

Dress for men is conservative - dark businesssuits of tropical weight wool

Fashion is very important to Venezuelanwomen. Women should pack their best business clothes and one cocktail dress

People tend to stand very closetogether when conversing. Venezuelans often touch each other's arms or jacketduring conversation

Posture while seated is important:avoid slouching

Business people are punctual and smalltalk is minimal

It is good practice to follow upmorning appointments with an invitation to lunch

Have business cards printed in Englishon one side and Spanish on the other. Be sure your position is clearly indicatedand present your card immediately following an introduction

Businesswomen should be aware thatgoing out alone with Venezuelan businessmen may be misconstrued

The two senior executives should sitfacing each other

The senior visiting business person maygive a toast offering good wishes for business negotiations, adding a memorizedSpanish phrase about the pleasure of being with Venezuelans.