1. Be on time. Despite what you’ll have heard about Southern European customs, Spaniards are punctual (at the very least as punctual as site visitors snarls allow). If you arrive first, both wait within the bar or ask for the desk that has been reserved.
2. Lunch not often begins earlier than 2:30 p.m. Spain runs on a distinct schedule than the remainder of Europe. Most Spaniards start the day with a light-weight continental breakfast on the way in which to work, take a break at 11 a.m. for espresso, have lunch at 2:30 p.m. after which dine at 9:30 p.m. or later. A enterprise lunch will take at the very least an hour and a half, and two and a half hours is just not uncommon.
3. A luncheon is a social event first, a enterprise occasion second. Personal relationships are vital. The Spanish government will wish to get to know and belief the particular person with whom he might do enterprise. Lunch is his alternative for getting higher acquainted with you. Appropriate conversations embody sports activities, journey, household, holidays, politics and outdated pals.
4. Your company can be impressed in the event you decide an acceptable restaurant. Spaniards prefer to be seen by and see individuals they know.
5. Most meals are accompanied by wine. Spaniards like their wonderful home reds (vino tinto) a lot that they are going to drink them with not solely meat, but additionally the standard white wine dishes of fish and fowl. In a advantageous restaurant, you possibly can not often go incorrect by asking for the vino de la casa or the headwaiter’s suggestion.
6. Hands must be stored above the desk always, if vital resting the forearms on the desk edge. Spanish moms reprimand their youngsters if each fingers will not be in view: “What are you hiding in that other hand?” This suspicion dates again to the times of swords, daggers and courtly plots.
7. When enterprise does come up (and it’s best to attend for the Spaniard to boost it), discuss rules. Do not pull spreadsheets or stories out of your briefcase, begin drawing calculations on the serviette, or press on money-related topics.
8. If you’re the host, sign discretely for the invoice (la cuenta) after the espresso has been served and liquors supplied. The waiter won’t ever deliver the invoice to you unasked, however he can be immediate upon getting performed so.
9. Your enterprise lunch might seem to finish with nothing greater than heat thanks and a promise to comply with up, however count on outcomes. Most Spaniards can be in contact the next day with a confirming letter, a request for these spreadsheets or paperwork you did not pull out on the desk, or they are going to have a member of their workers contact you or your workers. Be conscientious about something you have got promised.
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