The nature of international business today demands companies send employees across the world for meetings, presentations and negotiations. Success on the international stage requires a number of attributes, one of them being cross cultural communication skills. Understanding and appreciating how to do business in a foreign country helps one make a good impression, build stronger relationships and ultimately become more successful.
This guide to doing business in Ecuador offers some basic pointers to areas such as business culture, protocol and etiquette. However, one should always take such "dos and don'ts" as guidelines. They are by no means applicable to every person you will meet in Ecuador. The guide simply highlights some key areas for consideration when doing business in Ecuador.
Language
The official language is Ecuador is Spanish. Prior to travelling it may be a good idea to invest in some translation services, especially for business cards, presentations or company brochures.
Meeting & Greeting
Handshakes are used when both meeting and departing. There are no issues with shaking hands across genders. Friends and family will kiss each other on the cheek.
Address people by their professional title plus surname. Only move to first name terms once invited to do so. Most Hispanics have two surnames: one from the father and one from the mother. Only the father's is commonly used. When a woman gets married she will adopt her husband's surname.
Body Language
In Ecuador people often leave little room between themselves. There is also much more contact than you would find in Northern Europe or the USA. If someone holds you arm or shoulders do not back away.
Using a nod for 'yes' and shaking the head for 'no' may not always be understood. To be sure, respond verbally. Yawning in public is generally considered impolite.
Business Meetings
One should make appointments at least two weeks in advance. If you have never travelled to Ecuador on business you must bear in mind the change in altitude. It can be a good idea to arrive a day early to acclimatise.
Ecuadorians are not the most punctual of people, yet they expect foreigners to be on time for business meetings. If you are kept waiting do not be offended, this is standard, particularly among executives.
Doing business in Ecuador can be a relaxed affair. However, you should never slip into what may be deemed unprofessional informality. Remember that business is personal. Your client or customer in Ecuador will want to do business with 'you' not your company. Therefore concentrate on establishing trust and mutual respect. Once this is done avoid changing your team.
Doing Business in Ecuador
The above tips are only a few pointers that may help you on a business trip to Ecuador. They are only meant to act as a safety-net for those doing business there to help avoid misunderstandings and promote better communication.
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