Chile: Prosperous Entertaining - Part 1
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
Breakfast is usually taken between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Customarily, there is a two-hour break for lunch--the biggest meal of the day-- that can occur sometime between noon and 3:00 p.m.
A small break, known as "onces", may be taken between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. "Onces" includes bite-sized sandwiches, tea, pastries, and other snacks.
Dinner is served between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. If you are invited for drinks at a home, you will probably be invited to dinner as well.
Staying at one of the finer international hotels in Chile will help you create a good impression as a visitor.
Business entertaining usually takes place at major restaurants and hotels. There are many types of restaurants in Chile, including Italian, Mexican, and Chinese. Making the payment arrangements in advance, so that your guests will not insist on picking up the tab, is an efficient and tasteful way to host. If you are a guest, reciprocate the hospitality at a later date.
Business entertaining is usually a social event and the best policy is to let your host initiate any discussion of business. Do whatever you can to help everyone feel at ease and have a good time. It's important that you make gestures like these to demonstrate to your Chilean companions that a relationship with them is a greater priority than business. People who focus solely on work-related matters will not make friends or succeed in business here.
At parties, greet and shake hands with each person individually. Refrain from using the North American conversation starter "What do you do?" If people wish to discuss their occupation, they will eventually volunteer this information.
When invited to an individual's home, arriving 15 minutes late is considered good manners. For a dinner party, guests can arrive at least 30 minutes late.
When visiting a Chilean home, flowers or candy are standard gifts for the hostess; flowers should be sent in advance. Avoid yellow roses, as they are perceived as a sign of contempt. Moreover, purple and black flowers symbolize death.
When invited to a Chilean home, it is a thoughtful gesture to bring small gifts for any children present--particularly if you know the host fairly well. Good choices can include candy, games, and university t-shirts. If possible, select something from your own country that is not already available in Chile.
Customarily, the host or the most senior man present will be seated at the head of the table, with the guest of honour at his immediate right. The next seat of honour will be to the immediate right of either the hostess or the second-highest ranking Chilean.
When your Chilean contact proposes a toast to you, propose another in return, and include a "Salud!" or "Cheers!"
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