a vibrant culture rebuilding through business

Presentation by Suzannah Tarkington

Northwest
South America

Spanish

Capital: Bogota

Republic of colombia

peso

tropical

48.3 Million

business culture
high income inequality - accepted
hierarchy + status in business and life
collectivistic culture - align yourself
content rich communication that avoids conflict
success oriented and driven
conservative culture
respect for tradition and quick results
Indulgent (leisure time) and optimistic

HIERARCHY
First Names + Titles

1. Telephone
2. Face to Face
3. Email

Formal, Conservative Dress

Work with people

of your status

PersonaL
relationships
build a personal connection over time

Contact Over
Phone and Email

Get to Know
Each Other

Meet in
Person
(bring business cards)

Finalize
Business

Socialize

Eat a Meal
or Meals Together

Talk
Money

Present
a Gift

MANNERS

1. Hire a translator or learn Spanish

2. Firm handshake
3. Lots of eye contact
4. SMILE
5. Plenty of Time
6. Be on time
7. Dont plan trips during Christmas/Easter/New
Years
8. Plan ahead for meetings + Confirm
9. Turn off cellphone
10. Presentations, Booklets and Business Cards in
Spanish and English

BREAKFAST
7:30 - 8:00

LUNCH

12:30 -14:30

DINNER

20:30 - 22:30

try instead a formal reception

MEN

begining
+
end
of meetings
WOMEN

WOMEN
kiss on right cheek

The "Don'ts"
touchy topics to avoid

Be conscious of Colombias past

but dont let that limit its future!

Bibliography
http://www.colombia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/etiquette,-languages-culture/
http://www.colombia.doingbusinessguide.co.uk/the-guide/
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/travel-dining/advice/g4556/angela-pham-cartagena-colombia-diary/?slide=1
https://thenounproject.com/
http://geert-hofstede.com/colombia.html
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/co.html
http://www.export.gov/colombia/doingbusinessincolombia/index.asp