This document provides guidance on business culture and etiquette in Mexico. It outlines that Mexican culture places importance on social class, machismo attitudes, and sensitivity towards others. When meeting and greeting, men should shake hands and bow to women. Body language is very important in conversations, which typically involve standing close. Punctuality is expected in business meetings, which focus on personal relationships and moving slowly in negotiations. Dress is usually conservative with men wearing shirts and ties. Gifts are appreciated in business, and flowers should be brought when visiting homes.

1. BUSINESS IN MEXICO
INTERNATIONAL MARKETING
TEACHER: Juan Conde Revuelta
MEMBERS: Stefanie Aguila
Natalia Salazar

2. INDEX
● PEOPLE
● MEETING AND GREETING
● BODY LANGUAGE
● CORPORATE CULTURE
● DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
● DRESS CODE
● GIFTS
● HELPFUL HINTS
● ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN

3. PEOPLE
● Mexico is a very class-conscious society where social stratifications are
well-defined.
● Upper class Mexicans will not dirty their hands with tasks they find
beneath them.
● Macho attitudes are inculcated in Mexican males almost from birth, and
machismo plays a pervasive role in shaping Mexican culture.

4. ● The Mexicans are nice, seek to behave with complacency, pleasure and
sensitivity dealing with others.
● There makes good sense of the humor and ingenuity to solve the
adversities.
● They are gentlemanly, seeks to demonstrate comity, nobility and
amiability.

5. MEETING AND GREETING
 Shake hands or give a slight bow when introduced.
 Bow when greeting a Mexican woman. Shake hands only if she extends
her hand first.

6. BODY LANGUAGE
 Mexicans generally stand close together when conversing.
 Don't show signs of discomfort, which would be considered rude by your
Mexican counterpart.
 Mexicans often "hold" a gesture (a handshake, a squeeze of the arm, a
hug) longer than Americans and Canadians do.
 Don't stand with your hands on your hips; this signifies anger.
 It is considered rude to stand around with your hands in your pockets.

7. CORPORATE CULTURE
● Punctuality is expected of foreign businesspeople.
● Spanish is the language of business.
● Meet with top executives first.
● Negotiations move slowly. Be patient.
● Expect approximately ten to fifteen minutes of small talk before getting
down to business.
● If offered something to drink (usually coffee), don't refuse. This would be
seen as an insult.

8. ● Take some time for consider or make a decision.
● Personalize everything. Explain how all proposals will benefit a Mexican's
country, community, family and, most important, the Mexican personally.
● Deal-making almost never occurs over the phone (and rarely by letter).
Mexicans prefer to do business in person.
● Be persistent!

9. DINING AND ENTERTAINMENT
● Don’t show up on time for a social engagement -- you will be the only one
who does, and will most likely be waiting for a very long time (possibly
hours).
● To reciprocate, invite your Mexican counterparts to dinner at a nice
restaurant (French or Italian are your best bets). Pay in advance to avoid
arguments about the bill.
● Businesspeople are often invited to visit the home of their Mexican
counterparts. On your first visit to a Mexican home, it is best to wear
business attire unless specifically told otherwise.

10. DRESS CODE
● Men should always wear a shirt and tie, except at casual affairs. Both men
and women should dress conservatively. Recommended colors are navy
and dark gray.
● Women should always wear make-up.

11. GIFTS
● While gift giving is not always a necessity when doing business in Mexico,
gifts are much appreciated. Suggested initial gifts include non-personal
items with your corporate logo.
● Flowers should always be given when visiting a Mexican home. It's OK to
have them sent beforehand, or to bring them with you. If you have them
sent, make sure that they arrive before you do.

12. HELPFUL HINTS
● Any attempt to speak Spanish is appreciated by our Mexican counterparts
and is seen as a gesture of goodwill. Demonstrating knowledge and
appreciation of Mexican culture wins friends.
● Mexicans are very proud of their independence and have a very strong
sense of national identity and pride. Never compare the way things are
done in Mexico with the way they are done in the United States.

13. ESPECIALLY FOR WOMEN
● Mexican men, business colleagues included, will pay foreign businessmen
many compliments and may even be flirtatious. Graciously accept such
banter -- it is usually done with the utmost respect -- while firmly reminding
your male Mexican counterparts that you are a businesswoman.
● Foreign businessmen should not invite Mexican businessmen to dinner
unless their spouses also come along. If invited out to dinner or to socialize
by a male Mexican colleague, a businesswoman should make it clear that
no opportunity for romance exists. Appearances are important.

14. VIDEO
MEXICO: CULTURE AND BUSINESS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od8p65oxVwU