Brazil

Tip 1

Brazil offers a wealth of opportunities to prospective investors but is also a country beset with bureaucratic and cultural difficulties - it is imperative to do your homework in advance.

Tip 2

Due to the various cultural and administrative complexities of the country, local advice and expertise is imperative in the early stages of business development.

Tip 3

Companies tend to be organised along strictly hierarchical lines (although this may vary if dealing with the subsidiary of a multi-national).

Tip 4

If possible, make sure you are dealing with the decision-maker rather than an influencer of the decision-maker.

Tip 5

Managers are expected to manage - don't be afraid to give clear, precise instructions.

Tip 6

Organisational hierarchy can be complicated by an intricate web of political alliances and relationships. Who is the real decision maker?

Tip 7

Relationships come first, second and third in Brazil. Time spent working on the development of long-term friendly relations is never a waste of resource.

Tip 8

It is always a good idea to stress long-term commitment to Brazil and your Brazilian contacts. Try to keep in touch between contracts or projects. Your relationship with your Brazilian counterparts is not purely transactional. It is personal as well.

Tip 9

Although first meetings can be more formal. They are generally quite informal and relaxed.

Tip 10

Punctuality is a variable commodity in Brazil. Meetings often start and finish late. It can be difficult to schedule more than one or two meetings per day.

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