It is important to be punctual for business meetings in The Netherlands,
whereas Brazilians believe latecomers are likely to be more successful in
commerce than people who arrive early.
And although Italians expect you to be timely for a meeting, they will make
a point of turning up late to show you who's boss. As they say in Rome (and
everywhere else in Italy), Le persone importante si fanno aspettare -
important people arrive late!
Understanding these cultural quirks of business etiquette could be the
difference between success and failure for British companies looking to win
new customers overseas, according to global credit insurer Atradius.
Atradius says that knowing how to behave in a foreign business environment
will not only help the meeting go smoothly, it will also show your hosts
that you have taken the trouble to appreciate their culture.
Will Clark, Atradius' Regional Director of the UK & Ireland, explains: "The
internet and e-mail might have made the world a smaller place, but when it
comes to doing business we still like to meet in person and agree deals
with a handshake.