Trade And Business Customs In Russia

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Russia is the fastest growing economy and the largest European country. It has a rich and proud cultural heritage. Despite covering a huge area of land with a population of nearly 150 million people, it has its own social etiquette codes that apply throughout the country. Individuals traveling to Russia for business should show respect for their Russian counterparts by practicing proper Business Etiquette Russia.

While doing business in Russia you need to be prepared for competition in the markets, as well as the high cost of establishing your presence in the country. To successfully transact your business in Russia, you should learn the traditions and customs that accompany the country's business culture. While interacting with people around the world, it is necessary to understand the culture and etiquette of the people. A good businessman not only relies on profit-and-loss, but also considers the country's culture that permeates all types of business negotiations. By learning a bit about business etiquettes in ...
... other countries, you'll be better at building good professional relationships.

Russians are modest yet proud and patriotic people, they are warm and welcoming as long as visitors attempt to abide by their social codes of conduct. Business etiquette Russia goes beyond taking off gloves before shaking hands or carrying a gift when invited to the home for a business contact. It also includes how to dress and proceed in business meetings and during negotiation sessions. You should know that patience is the most important virtue to most Russians. Here are a few rules of business etiquette that you should learn before you have your first business encounter.

1) ATTIRE AND APPEARANCE-Russians are conservative and this is reflected in their attire. Men wear dark-colored suits with quality dress shoes, and women avoid flashy outfits and wear skirts that reach below the knee. People are expected to wear the jacket throughout the business day. Removing the jacket means diminishing your professional image. Dark color is the choice for professional attire. When invited to a Russian home, conservative slacks and shirts are acceptable.

2) GREETINGS- Business meetings begin with an introduction. Russian names include first, middle and last names and all three names should be told during formal introductions. The names should be addressed with "Gaspodin" which is equivalent to "Mr." or "Gaspazhah" which means "Mrs." or "Ms.," followed by the surname. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact throughout the meeting.

3) BUSINESS CARDS- Business cards should be double side printed with English text on one side and Russian Cyrillic text on the other side as a courtesy to the Russian colleagues. Business cards must be exchanged after initial introductions, and should be handed over with the Russian text side up so it is easy for the recipient to read.

4) GIFTS- Russians have a gifting culture. Gifts must be offered during business negotiations as they serve as a social lubricant. The Russian counterpart can be impressed by doing some personal research and then purchasing the appropriate gift. In Russian culture gift-giving is not as impersonal as it is in some Western cultures.

Learning business etiquette Russia plays a major role in conducting your business smoothly. You should learn them before dealing with your business counterpart.