Zainab Salam

00059066
Ms Kim Kendall
How do business meetings in this country differ from business
meetings in Trinidad and Tobago or in the United States?

There are various differences between Colombia and Trinidad & Tobago
in terms of the way in which business meetings are conducted.
However, there are some notable similarities between these two
countries.
Attire
In Trinidad & Tobago males use business suit or long sleeve shirt with a
tie. Depending on the type of business meeting this will reflect the
type of attire used. Males wear shoulder length hair as well as others
who keep it well groomed and short. However, short hair is preferred.
The women dress conservative but are known to be stylish in their
attire. Short clothing is not encouraged at meetings.
In Colombia, formality increases as you move inland. It is important to
adopt conservative business attire inland. Suits in dark colors are
preferred by men with proper matching shoes and belt. For men it is
important that the hair is properly cut. In warmer parts like Cucuta and
Villavicencio, short sleeves shirts with trousers. The use of earring by
males is disliked.
Women dress conservatively and modestly: a business suit or dress is
used. If wearing shirts short ones are avoided. Hair must be well
groomed. The use of jewelry is common along with make-up. Shoes
should be closed toed and sandals, sneakers and tennis shoes avoided.
Nails must be manicured by both male and female. In Trinidad &
Tobago manicured nails by men are not common, however nails must
be kept short.
Punctuality

Trinidadians are generally not known for their punctuality in social

gatherings however, in relation to business meetings, it is considered
rude to be late.
In Colombia being late is neither uncommon nor disliked. The normal
time for being late is 15 minutes. If the person they will meet is of a
lower rank its normal not to feel bad.
Use of Titles
In Trinidad & Tobago the uses of titles will depend. Titles such as a
doctor is always used when addressing the person however, it is not
the norm to use titles such as lawyer, accountant, engineer. As for the
use of nicknames it is not used for those up in the hierarchy; it is not
uncommon for those lower in the hierarchy, for example the use Boy
Boy or Chiny Boy. This is a big contrast to that of Latin America;
Colombia.
In Colombia and Latin America in general, the uses of tiles are
extremely important. It should be utilized all the time in both written
and verbal communication. First names are not utilized. For
unqualified persons, personal titles are used like senor, senora etc. It
is very common to use nicknames in Colombia.
Physical Contact
In Trinidad & Tobago an arms length of personal space is common in
both formal and informal interaction. Trinidadians are not very openly
affectionate however; the level of physical contact will depend on such
factors like age, gender, relationship and nature of conversation.
In Colombia close proximity is a general characteristic of their culture.
It is considered rude to back up or away from someone while they are
speaking. Sitting close to your client then leaning forward is common.
Handshakes are done very firmly between males and less between
females. Women generally kiss each other on the cheeks. Males do
not extend their hands toward a female rather she will initiate this
contact. Males are the same social standings will embrace each other,
with the right hand over the other males shoulder, and pounding each
other on the back.
Conversation Content:

Trinidadians tend to be very direct and to the point. Personal topics are
avoided in meetings.
In Colombia and Latin America conversations are focused on personal
familiarities in oppose to business topics. Normally Colombians starts
out with inquiries about your travels and family. Certain topics like
politics, sexual preferences etc. are avoided. This is the same as in
Trinidad & Tobago.
Socializing Outside Business Hours:
Outside of business hours Colombians are known for their party going
spirit. They spend time with family and friends at get together in
places called Fincas. It is possible outside of business hours to be
invited to the home of a potential business associate.
Trinidadians rarely invite their business associates to their homes
unless they are very acquainted with them. They do however pass
time at local well known pubs and restaurants. During carnival season
it is not uncommon to invite associated to a party or otherwise.

References:
"Colombia - Culture, Customs & Etiquette." Colombia - Culture,
Customs & Etiquette. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Sept. 2016.
Diran, Kevin Michael. How to say it: Doing Business in Latin America.
New York: Penguin Group, 2009.Print. Sun. 11 Sept. 2016
"Trinidad & Tobago - Culture, Customs & Etiquette." Trinidad & Tobago Culture, Customs & Etiquette. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Sept. 2016