Greeting

A common form of greeting among Mexican business people is the handshake, which may be accompanied by a slight bow. This ritual may seem more emotional in Mexico than in other countries: Your partner can hold your hand for some time while shaking it slightly.

The handshake should be firm and energetic, even if it is somewhat long. Eye contact and a smile are important at this time.

The tone of voice is also important in communication. We're talking about loudness: quiet speech is perceived as boring, indicating a lack of interest. Medium to high volume speech is more acceptable (just don't shout).

If a man is introduced to a woman in a business situation, the form of greeting is a handshake and/or an air kiss (cheek to cheek without touching the face). In this case, the woman should be the initiating party. Otherwise a slight bow will suffice.

In a business contact situation, handshakes are exchanged between women, which may be accompanied by a slight bow. As the business relationship develops, women exchange an air kiss when they meet.

As familiarity with the Mexican partner grows, the relationship may become more intimate, and the greeting between the men becomes more emotional. In this case, the greeting ritual, called abrazo, begins with one of the greeters lightly shaking the other person's right hand by gently placing their left hand on their partner's right hand (at or just below the shoulder). This is followed by an embrace: the left hand on the right shoulder of the interlocutor, with the right hand patting lightly (3 times) on the back. This is followed by a light handshake.

Common forms of greeting: "Buenos dias!" (Good morning! or Good afternoon!) is used in the morning; "Buenas tardes!" (Good afternoon! Or Good evening!) is used in the afternoon; "Buenas noches!" (Good night!) is used in the late afternoon, starting at 9 pm.

Introduction

The Mexican family name consists of two parts: the father's and the mother's last name, for example: Pablo Garcia Sanchez, where Garcia is the father's last name and Sanchez is the mother's last name.

When a woman gets married, she changes her mother's last name to her husband's last name (the paternal part of his last name), for example, Maria Rodriguez Perez, marrying Eugenio Rivera Gomez will be called Maria Rodriguez de Rivera. Her child will have the surname Rivera Rodriguez, but it is Rivera that will be his "official" surname, i.e. when addressing a person it is customary to use his first surname that he received from his father.

But in official correspondence it is appropriate to state both surnames. This is particularly because there are a number of commonly used last names in Mexico, which could lead to some misunderstandings if only one last name is used. By using both names, however, you can be sure that your letter will be received by the intended recipient. Mexicans can also have two last names, for example Juan Marί a Ortiz Diaz, where the second name does not necessarily represent the gender of its carrier. You can use the first name separately without mentioning the second one.

Mexican women usually do not give up part of their last name in favor of their husband's last name after marriage.

In formal, formal and even social situations, use the professional titles or titles of the partner, if any. This way of being addressed is a sign of good manners and also shows respect for the counterpart.

Examples of professional titles/titles are Arquitecto (Architect), Ingeniero (Engineer), Abogado (Lawyer), Contador (Accountant). It is not uncommon to see the acronym Lic on official papers or business cards. <(Licenciado), which means "having a license". This term is usually used by people with a university degree, but is especially important for lawyers, including attorneys and solicitors.

In introducing yourself to a colleague from Mexico, be sure to add your professional title/title which might help him better understand who he is dealing with.

If you do not know (or do not have) the professional title or title of your partner, use polite forms of address, such as 'Señor' (Mr) for men and 'Señora' (Ms) or Señorita (Miss) for women, followed by the name of the person.

Like your Mexican colleagues in terms of using names and titles/ranks. Be sure to maintain a level of formality appropriate to the situation.

Mexicans generally do not address each other by name in professional contacts. Wait for the Mexican side to take the initiative.

Exchange of Business Cards

The text on at least one side of the business card should be in Spanish.

Professional titles and titles are important in Mexico, so they should be mentioned on the business card in addition to the name and formal title.

There is no special ritual in Mexican business practice when passing a business card. Business cards may be on the table during the meeting and the partner may refer to them as needed.

Small Talk: Overview

Mexicans are attuned to building a personal relationship with their partner and therefore attach great importance to conversation/talk with them. As a rule, they engage in small talk lively and eagerly.

Put your mind on the fact that small talk with a Mexican colleague can take some (sometimes quite long) time. There will be room for jokes and humor as well as conversations about family or personal hobbies.

Preserve enough time to continue the conversation after lunch/dinner at the restaurant. This will foster a closer relationship, which is important for Mexican partners.

When talking, especially with older people, it is important to be as polite and courteous as possible.

You will make a good impression if you say a few words in Spanish. Mexicans will appreciate your efforts.

Humor is an essential part of Mexican culture. A good joke is the best way out of a difficult situation.

At the end of the meeting, remember to thank your Mexican partners/colleagues for their hospitality and warm welcome.

Preferred Topics

Common acquaintances, if any.

Family and anything somehow related to home and family relations.

Mexican cultural heritage and art. Your partner will be pleased if you mention and show interest in the country's culture.

Mexican or any other cuisine.

The country you come from or represent tends to spark interest. Tell us something interesting or unusual.

Travel, hobbies, hobbies.

Sports and, in particular, soccer.

Taboo Topics

All religious topics are generally taboo subjects. Especially avoid making any (much less disparaging) remarks about the Virgin of Guadalupe, one of Latin America's most revered shrines.

Avoid talking about issues of concern to Mexican society, such as corruption, drugs, violence, etc. Even if Mexicans themselves openly discuss these problems, it does not mean foreigners should do the same.

Do not bring up topics related to migration in general and migrants in the United States in particular. If, for one reason or another, you do touch on the subject, do not refer to these people as "illegal migrants" (even if that is true). Use "undocumented or undocumented migrants" (in English, undocumented migrants).

When referring to the United States, do not call that country America, since Mexico is also a North American state.

Personal Space

It should be kept in mind that Mexicans have a shorter distance of comfortable communication than in other cultures. During conversations, they stand fairly close to each other. Avoid stepping back to stand farther away from your interlocutor, as this can be seen as unfriendly and stiff. Mexicans actively gesture and may touch each other, such as patting each other on the shoulder or arm, hugging or lightly squeezing shoulders to show they are friendly and supportive.

Do not imitate the way Mexicans talk. Body language in general is a quite complex area that only the culture they speak in (or rather, feel) well understands.

Don't copy the behavior of Mexicans.

Communication Specifics

When talking, your Mexican partner may nod his head to show he's paying attention to what you're saying. This does not mean they agree with what you are saying, however.

When talking to Mexicans, it is important to maintain eye contact. Sometimes this stare can be somewhat prolonged. There is no negative connotation, just a sincere interest in what is being said.

In Mexican business practice, it is common to establish a personal relationship with partners. This translates into Mexicans having long conversations with potential partners on many different topics, including some quite personal ones, before engaging in business discussions.

Allowing a partner to eat out, eating out together, is an important part of building a relationship in Mexican business. Discussions about business issues do not usually take place during the meal, except at the end of the meal.