Serenading Spain!

LOCATED in the southwestern tip of Europe in the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is a country of vibrant colour and many paradoxes. Once known as the `Mistress of the World' (in the 16th century), Spain was one of the ruling nations of the world, with more than half of Europe under its control. A dictatorial regime and civil strife later, democracy is the present form of government.

A mountainous and hilly country, the Pyrenees in the northwest effectively cut Spain off from the rest of Europe. A reason why Spain was earlier considered to be a part of Africa rather than Europe.

With a variegated climate and various regional dialects, Spain is a country of colourful traditions, and a history of mixed ancestry. Its chief industrial sectors are located in places such as Madrid, Barcelona, and Bilbao. Interestingly, despite very little arable land, Spain remains a predominantly agricultural country.

Be prepared to have a uniquely Spanish experience if you're planning to visit Spain, with a few bull-fights and fiestas thrown in.

Greetings

Known as one of the romance languages of the world, Spanish is a derivative of spoken Latin. In business and social parlance, typically, men are addressed as Senor (Mr), married women as Senora (Mrs) while unmarried ladies are known by the title Senorita (Miss).

It is also an accepted practice to address people by any additional titles (suffix the surname after the title, eg, Ingeniere) they may have.

A firm, but brief handshake is the common business greeting. Usually wishes such as "Buenos dias," "Buenas tardes," or "Buenas noches" should follow the greeting. However, if there are Spanish businesswomen in the delegation, don't be surprised if they lightly embrace, and briefly buss your cheek! Women here greet differently.

Big business

The regular business hours in most of Spain's business centres are from 9.00 am - 7.00pm, with a siesta in between. Adhering to the famous siesta tradition, most Spanish businesses remain closed during the hottest period of the day, i.e., 1 pm - 3 or 4 pm.

Business hours also change depending on the holiday season. In July and August, which is the traditional holiday season, most businesses and offices work from 8.00 am -2.30 pm, Monday through Friday. Except on Friday, when the work hours are from 8.00 am - 2.00 pm. Weekends are off too.

Some tips on Spanish business etiquette:

Offer your visiting card at the front desk and wait to be asked in

Schedule business meetings during mid mornings, preferably before 3.00 pm. If you're planning on convening a breakfast meet, do so after 8.30 am

Be prepared to wait for an inordinate time before your deal reaches the conclusion stage

You may have to deal with intermediaries while your business proposal is in the processing stage before you actually get to meet the top gun

Business and social groups are popular in Spanish business circles. Therefore, find yourself a group that has a good social standing

If a Spaniard can trust you, then it's as good as signing the deal. So focus on building rapport with them.

Tricky conclusions

Dealing with a Spaniard is like learning to walk a rope, it's tricky! If your deal has reached a successful conclusion, you have no cause for worry, but if it hasn't, sharpen your powers of perception. Spaniards avoid breaking any bad news. Though integrity and strength of character are respected, plain speaking is not a virtue here. A Spaniard will not tell you directly if the deal is going to fall through, you would have to read between the lines.

Food for thought

Spaniards are generally lovers of good food and wine. So ensure inviting your Spanish business associates for lunch/ dinner at restaurants that offer good food and excellent wine.

Dinners are often formal affairs, which begin around 9 or 10 pm and can go on till midnight. Choose a time when most restaurants in Spain are open, for even restaurants are typically closed for a month's vacation!

Take care not to initiate any business discussions till the end of the meal. If you want to include your spouse in your dinner outings with your Spanish business associates, etiquette requires that an invitation has to be extended to the Spanish's business associate's spouse too. Only if the spouse agrees can you also include your spouse.

Dressing for success

Spaniards are very fashion conscious and believe in being well dressed, either for a social occasion or a business meet. So make sure to dress appropriately, for, what you wear may very well be indicative of your social standing in the Spanish business world. Conservative colours, quality fabrics, well cut outfits and well- known brands are the order of the day. Men should dress conservatively, in dark coloured suits with a white starched shirt.

Women should opt for outfits that are elegant and stylish.

Gen info

In restaurants, summon waiters by waving your entire hand or the fingers of the hand

The Spanish love to live it up and the weekend is a time for revelry! The festivities take place on Friday and Saturday nights and go on till late midnight or sun-up!

Whenever you feel the need to visit the restroom in public places, remember to look for vital signs! `Carbellos' is for men and `Senora' is for women. But if you come across `WC,' remember that the restroom is meant for use by both, men and women

Beware! Like Indians, the Spanish too are notorious for breaking into or cutting into queues and being irascible about it!

Also, don't be surprised or offended to see Spaniards whistling at a good-looking woman. It is their way of expressing appreciation!

Making the sign `ok' with your fingers is considered obscene

Avoid swearing using religious words

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com