¶ … Business in Mexico
Our company is considering outsourcing and selling products abroad, and I would like you to represent us. In specific, our country of choice is Mexico. In order to be successful there, whoever, and make an effective launch as well as hit the right people and best sell our products (never mind interest the locals to our company), it is important that we become acquainted with the Mexican social and business customs of the country as well as their etiquette in related manners.
This, therefore, is a summary of the research that I have done that should give us some rough knowledge of how to be in the various business and outside-business situations.
I was astonished to discover that sharp differences sometimes exist between American culture and Mexican culture and that this intrudes into business relationships and ways of conducting business that can quite possibly spell the differnce between successful or unsuccessful communication between and American and Mexican businessman who are reciprocally unacquainted with the other's culture.
Take this for instance: for the American, professional competence and experience rank first and foremost amongst all other matters. For the Mexican, however, this is less important, with trust being the most important, component. This is terrific to keep in mind for what I means am that you may lack the various credentials but win the Mexican's trust, and you may have his ear.
The American businessman, too, has to assume the challenging (for him) habit of making small talk for seemingly long hours of time...
And even then, 'business proper' may likely -- given the Mexican penchant for conversation, drift into gossip and general small talk that may likely irritate the time-conscious American but that, for success, of his business he would have to stomach.
Business meetings start off slowly with the Mexican covertly appraising the other in order to assess how the rest of the corporation may react to the business deal. Mexican corporations indicate a clear gap between the director / executive and the rest of the employees, and oen is often not in touch with the other. Rather than sitting and discussing with the rest of the team, as an American corporation is often apt to do, the Mexican executive ends up guessing.
Setting up an appointment is also not too easy. A line of secretaries often intercepts the call making it arduous and frustrating to reach the intended person. Cellular phones are, however, important in Mexico so it would be helpful to have one with the intended person's cellular number so as to arrange direct and unhindered contact.
Patience and knowledge of fluent Spanish is helpful. If lacking the language, have someone who can help you. Fluency is, however, a must.
Patience is important, too.
In America, time, they say, is money. In Mexico, time is life and money exists for life's enjoyment. Mexicans have the saying: "Americans live to work, but Mexicans work to live" Take this into consideration when dealing with Mexicans, particularly in business settings. Whilst our time is measured in…
