Brazilian taboos about business

Taboo is a word that means something that you can`t do or you should be aware. Each country and culture have your own taboos and superstition. People Believe that some actions can attract bad lucky or have some influence in the future, in the business world is not different. In Brazil, many business man are careful with some things, so you have to pay attention when you do some business there. The most common taboos in Brazil include date, presentation and gestures.

Brazil has a cultural tradition about holidays, it is the country that have more religious holidays in the world, 30 % of our year is holidays and weekends. Each city and State has their own holidays when any company is working. Brazilian businessmen don’t make any contract or business during that days off, even in dates that are supposed to attract bad luck like 13^th Friday, many people don’t like to negotiate. It is more than one taboo, nowadays it is a Brazilian tradition.

Around the world, each country has different ways speaking and dressing for a business date. Brazilian companies are very strict with how their employees speak and dress to make a good impression for their future business partnerships. First, employees have usually to speak at least two languages and be aware to speak with slangs. A formal language have to be used when they are making a contract. In addiction, is very important which kind of clothing they are dressing. Same way of speaking, a formal clothing have to be used in business date. To make a good impression is a big part of a business, the way of your speaking and dressing is very important for a successful business.

All in all, to know about the business partners culture and traditions are very important before you negotiate with them. Many gestures have different meanings in some cultures, so you have to pay attention when you use them. Positive hand signals can be offensive in other cultures. For example ``OK`` in Brazil is considered an offensive signal while here in USA is a positive. However, to learn about your partner culture is very important to don’t make mistakes in your business.

To summarize, Brazil is not a really strict country like Germany or Japan. Our culture is sometimes relaxed and happy, but you must pay attention when you are doing some business because we have some rules that can make your business be successful or unsuccessful. Thus, you can learn a little bit of Brazilian culture before to try negotiate with us.