Mexico: Prosperous Entertaining
From ExecutivePlanet.com
Entertaining for business success
Breakfast and lunch are good occcasions for business meetings. Keep in mind that these meetings are primarily for socializing. Business should be discussed only if the host brings up the subject.
The Mexican breakfast [7 a.m.- 8 a.m.] tends to be a heartier meal than in the U.S., including foods such as fruit, meat, and eggs. A business breakfast, if progressing well, may last for more than just an hour.
Lunch [1:30 or 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. or later] is the main meal of the day. Business lunches can last several hours.
Dinner is usually served around 9:00 p.m. and is usually a light meal.
Because of the difference in altitude in Mexico, you'll feel much better if you refrain from heavily eating, drinking, and smoking.
You'll find that Mexicans are warm, hospitable, and treat others with courtesy and respect.
A woman alone should not invite a man to a business meal unless he is accompanied a spouse or a colleague.
A woman should hold a business luncheon in her hotel restaurant and sign the bill in advance. Otherwise, a Mexican businessman will usually resist allowing her to pay.
When paying for a meal at a Mexican restaurant, one should place his cash or credit card directly into the waiter's hand, if possible. Leaving your payment on the table is considered rude.
If one is invited to a Mexican home, this is usually not the occasion to discuss business. The Mexican sees the purpose of such a visit as an opportunity to further and expand a pleasant personal relationship. If he wants to discuss business, let him bring it up.
Being invited into a Mexican counterpart's home signifies that your relationship has developed from an acquaintance into a friendship. Consider this invitation a big step, since friendship is vital to Mexican business culture and signifies trust--the key element in a successful relationship.
At a party, one might give a slight bow to the company as he enters the room. After the host's introductions, greeting and shaking hands with each guest are also customary. Moreover, one is expected to shake hands with each guest when you leave.
Submit a Comment on this Article
