Business Contexts

When greeting others in a business environment, smiling and shaking hands is normal. It can be seen as rude or inconsiderate if you avoid these. It is also very normal for there to be small talk before or after meetings, so be sure to join in as avoiding this or leaving early can also be seen as rude. Exchanging business cards is a normal practice when first meeting someone at a meeting. Something that can be harder for U.S. business people to get used to is greeting one other with a kiss on the cheek. Not everyone in Colombia does this in a business setting, so waiting for the Colombian to engage before you do is the best approach. 

As with every other aspect of the culture, when interacting within the business context, relationship is very important to a Colombian. Working meals are very common and will most likely last at least two hours. Much of the small talk should be focused on lighter subjects, but especially avoid topics that concern negative stereotypes of Colombia. In U.S. it is common to talk about business right away, so changing this mindset can be difficult when beginning to talk with Colombian business people. It is better to wait for the Colombian to bring up the business and avoid the risk of bringing it up too early.

In Colombia, wearing traditional business attire is considered normal. For example, wearing dark, neutral-colored suits for men. It is the same for women concerning both suits and dresses. Makeup and heels are normal for women, but not too flashy. Men should wear nice, well-kept dress shoes. 

Gift giving in the business environment is not expected, but when going to an associates home for a meal, bringing something small or flowers as a gift is fitting. Just don’t bring lilies, chrysanthemums, or marigolds as they are normally used at funerals. Fine wine, fruit, and chocolate is also considered appropriate. It is normal for the recipient of a gift to open it once it is received. 

Three issues business people from the U.S. may find difficult when entering into the Colombian business environment include the more relaxed start times, the emphasis put on relationship, and the difference in how quickly business is brought up. It is important to be on time for meetings, but be ready to wait between 15 to 30 minutes before it begins. Chatting is very important to Colombians before and after meetings, so don’t try to rush or end the conversation early. It is also off-putting to bring up business too quickly, so waiting for the Colombian to do so first is a good idea. 

To help a business person coming from Colombia to the company you work for in the U.S., I would say talking with your associates and those who will be talking with the Colombian business person about Colombian expectations is a great start. Specifically, be sure to explain normal greetings and expected value on relationships. It is also a good idea to talk with the Colombian business person about these same areas in the context of what to expect when coming to the U.S. Specifically, mentioning how much faster U.S. business people get to the point with business and how even though they give less time to chatting in general, it doesn’t mean they dislike people or don’t value them.