Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 9/26/2008

Question
QUESTION: What Filters or attitudes might a business man/woman from Brazil have about an American?

ANSWER: In short, Brazilians like Americans and are curious about Americans. Individual biases are just that...individual. Overall, Brazilians view Americans positively, though the view of the government of the U.S. has declined markedly and this has affected general views about AMericans. But if you were to go to Brazil as an American,to live or work or travel, you would be treated kindly and people would be interested if not fascinated with you.



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So, if I was conducting business in Brazil, there would be no ill feelings or emotions that I need to be aware of? Side bar, what is the economic environment in Brazil right now?

Answer
Culturally speaking, when conducting business in Brazil you:

1) Dress nice. If the person you are meeting is going to be in a suit and tie, you wear one too.

2) smile, but dont exaggerate like the guy is your best friend. Shake hands if it is a man. If it is a woman, you take her hand as if you are going to shake it, then put your cheek up to her cheek, kiss (into the air, cheek to cheek, no kissing on teh cheek physically if you dont know her) and another cheek to cheek on the other side, kiss into the air. You can wait before you do this to a woman, that is why it is best to go for the handshake first...if she moves in, you know what to do. Right cheek to cheek, left cheek to cheek, or vice versa. There is no rule tha I know of that says you have to go for the right cheek first.  Some will physically kiss on the cheek; most will blow the kiss into the air and not physically touch the lips to the cheek when they dont know a person.

3) Brazilians don't like it when Americans act like they know it all. >Show respect. Even if you do know it all. Take time for questions. >Pause..ask them if you are speaking too fast. Be courtious.

THe economic situation in Brazil is solid, though all eyes remainon Wall Street and the U.S. financial bailout. Banks here have decreased lendng and raised rates. The economy is up 6.1% in teh 2q08 compared to 2q07, and unemployment is down to 7.1% in August, from over 8% in July.  Those are fairly good numbers.  Average for Brazil is around 10% unemployment.

President's approval rating is 77%.

Enjoy Brazil.