Proper Spanish business etiquette is essential to gain new partners and clients in the Spanish business community. Traveling on business to Spanish speaking countries demands knowledge and practice of proper Spanish business etiquette as an essential part of gaining new partners and clients in the Spanish business community. The Spanish language is widely spoken across multiple countries and is fast growing. Becoming confident with the proper procedures involved in Spanish and Hispanic business etiquette will help create the success desired for your business. Your colleagues will look for a strong sense of individuality. They value compassion and loyalty, so be personable and build strong relationships when appropriate. Your Spanish as well as your Hispanic colleagues will be compassionate, formal people and will expect the same from you. Be sure to exemplify that you respect their system of authority and can keep up with their enthusiasm.

1. Foreign Staffing, Inc.

2.  Becoming confident with the
proper procedures involved in
Spanish and Hispanic business
etiquette will help create the
success desired for your business.
 Proper Spanish business
etiquette is essential to gain new
partners and clients in the
Spanish business community.
 Traveling on business to Spanish
speaking countries demands
knowledge and practice of
proper Spanish business
etiquette as an essential part of
gaining new partners and clients
in the Spanish business
community.
 The Spanish language is widely
spoken across multiple countries
and is fast growing.

3.  Your colleagues will look for a
strong sense of individuality.
 They value compassion and
loyalty, so be personable and
build strong relationships when
appropriate.
 Your Spanish as well as your
Hispanic colleagues will be
compassionate, formal people
and will expect the same from
you.
 Be sure to exemplify that you
respect their system of authority
and can keep up with their
enthusiasm.

4.  In Spain, the most common greeting
between close acquaintances is one kiss on
each cheek.
 For initial introductions the most appropriate
is a firm hand shake with strong eye
contact.
 Spaniards and Hispanics have very
affectionate, animated and vivid cultures;
you will notice this between colleagues.

5.  Always opt for face-to-face
communication rather than using
emails, and phone calls.
 Spanish and Hispanic business people
value direct communication and will
be more comfortable with direct
contact.
 Expect your Spanish colleagues to
stray from the agenda, as business-
meeting schedules are considered
nothing more than springboards for
further discussion.

6.  It is likely that your foreign colleges
will speak English, but to further
impress them and show your
eagerness to begin business, include
a Spanish translation on your business
cards.
 Any pertinent documents you plan to
distribute should also be translated
into the appropriate dialect of
Spanish as this will clearly
demonstrate your dedication to the
partnership.

7.  It will be very common and almost a
foregone conclusion that your
colleagues will not arrive right on
time; however as the foreigner it is
appropriate for you to continue to be
punctual.
 Be patient and understand that a
disregard for strict timing is simply a
factor of this vibrant and joie de vivre
lifestyle and culture.

8.  You will quickly become very familiar
with the differences in the daily
schedule and how Spaniards and
Hispanics have adjusted.
 Breakfast is a very light course,
followed by lunch where your
colleges will usually choose to go
home to eat.

9.  “Siesta” meaning nap, is a beloved
time in the late afternoon in these
countries, your foreign colleges will
surely inform you on their ways.
 Your foreign colleagues also value
personal relationships; therefore
name dropping and nepotism are
appreciated when doing business
abroad.

10.  Spaniards and Hispanic businesspeople
place a great deal of value on the first
impression.
 Be sure that you dress impeccably, yet
conservatively.
 Keep in mind that because Spain is in
Europe and closely linked to the fashion
capitals of Milan and Paris, it is more up-
to-date with European fashion.

11.  At the same time, Latin American
countries are more independent in their
trends.
 It is also important that when traveling to
Latin America, keep in mind that these
countries are much closer to the
equator so prepare to dress in ways that
will keep you cool.
 Check the weather forecast of the
country where you will be traveling,
especially in areas of South America
such as Chile and Argentina which have
opposite seasons.