If you have been keeping up with the global economic trends, you likely know that recent statistics and surveys suggest Ireland could be one of the fastest-growing economies in Europe.
It is important that you are mindful of local business customs, read below for some of those that are unique to Ireland.
2. If you have been keeping up with the global economic
trends, you likely know that recent statistics and
surveys suggest Ireland could be one of the fastest-growing
economies in Europe.
According to The Independent, the past few months
have shown an average Purchasing Manufacturers
index score of about 60, compared to the regional
average of 53.8.
What's more, the unemployment rate recently stopped
to 11.5%, marking a precipitous decline from the high
reached in February 2012 of 15.1%.
It is important that you are mindful of local business
customs, read below for some of those that are unique
to Ireland.
3. Prepare for an Informal Meeting
• Ireland has a very relaxed business culture that puts
an emphasis on friendship and mutual comfort.
Meetings are more relaxed than other parts of
Europe.
• Smiling and maintaining eye contact are a signal of
trust and comfort with the parties involved in the
meeting.
• Don’t be surprised if the meeting attendees shift to
using first names rather quickly. If your Irish
counterpart refers to you by your first name, feel free
to reciprocate. Using your business partner's first
name could even be a way to show you are relaxed
and confident about the deal.
4. Be Comfortable with your Speech
• In many countries body language, hand gestures
and facial expressions are used as strong cues to
establish a client’s tone and demeanor, this isn't the
case in Ireland.
• Here, it is all about your eloquence in speech, your
ability to turn a business presentation into a relatable
anecdote, how in-depth you can discuss a particular
topic and how quick-witted you are.
• Banter and jokes are integral parts of business
meeting culture, so you'll need to be able to keep up
with the Irish's keen knack for comedy and
storytelling.
5. Blending in with the Corporate Culture
• Despite all the informalities, there are a few unique
aspects of Ireland's business culture you need to
remember.
• it truly is about who you know. Use your network
to set up business meetings, as these are often
organized by a mutual third party.
• While the company hosting the meeting may be a
little late, as an international outsider, your
punctuality is still expected.
• Similarly, there is no set rule for exchanging
business cards. However, it's still wise to have them
on you, so you can be prepared if the host
company's members offer them to you.
6. THANK YOU
Call us today at +1.202.872.0060 or
800.872.0067
or e-mail request@clements.com to
discuss your needs.