Would you like your business to succeed in Spain? Do you know how English and Hispanic business practices differ? Could you break down cultural barriers to forge productive business relationships? These are 4 points to consider while doing business in Spain:
Spanish businesspeople like to appear in control or that everything is in perfect order when sometimes is not the case. This attitude makes them appear competent and efficient. British businesspeople should pay very close attention during meeting conversation in order to discern their veracity of what is being agreed or said. The tendency of Spanish people for being so positive or to reveal bad news to the client makes communications sometimes not very clear.
One the things that bothers them is when asked about their yearly action plans or their marketing budget, anything to do with numbers or written plans they tend to be averse. They would prefer to talk about it face to face rather than sending written information.
The tendency of Spanish people for being layback in business makes deals take longer than expected. Therefore, it is important that you stay in touch with your Spanish client to help them to implement what has been agreed during each business discussion. You need to be available for them but not appear intrusive as you can offend their proud regarding their ability to handle things independently.
If they see your efforts and interest in their culture and language, trust will be built and you will be able to provide resources and information they need to reach their objectives agreed.
Something that will surprise British businesspeople is that there are only few women in business. The business high managements positions are dominated by men where Machismo remains a very important aspect of the mentality of many Spanish men. Respecting cultural differences will make your business deals successful.
Martha Jesty
Spanish Translator, Interpreter & Teacher of Spanish-English,
Specialist in Spanish, Latin American and British business cultures