September 2015 – Puente Cultural Integration

Why was I so affected by Sandra Bland’s arrest and death?

September 15, 2015

(Editor’s note: I originally wrote this in July. I was leery about posting a controversial piece. I decided it’s too important.)

I don’t know why the video footage of Sandra Bland’s arrest has me so shaken-up?

I can relate to the stress and annoyance Sandra felt that day. I hear it in her voice. She was smart and articulate. She was an “Angry Black Woman”. She was exasperated and tired. She was “Driving While Black”.

If she had been a White woman, if that had been me? Would I have been treated the same way? Would I have been pulled over? Would I have been spoken to in the same way? Would I have been arrested? Would I have died?

I am a smart, outspoken, sassy and sarcastic (White) woman. It gets me in trouble sometimes. It’s never gotten me arrested. It’s never gotten me killed.

CNN debates and experts disagree why she was arrested.

Of course, I will (maybe?)

September 8, 2015

It has been my experience that Latin Americans are very generous with their time and energy. They have really good intentions and will almost always say “Yes” or “Claro que sí” to most requests.

Their follow-through, however, is complex. (See my previous blog: “Love the one you’re with ;-)” ) Previous commitments will not trump current activities.

Yes, almost always means “maybe, if nothing else comes along”. So take their “Claro que sí” with a grain of salt (and maybe a shot of tequila?)

Traveling in Latin America

September 3, 2015

You’ll find dozens of articles and tips about traveling abroad. Some are applicable to our business travel as well as for pleasure. While most tips will focus on Europe, the cultures of Latin America have a deep European influence and can be a source of valuable tips when traveling for work.

Here are a few tips from Puente Cultural Integration for business travel in Latin America:

Dress the part
- Err on the side of formality
- Even (or especially) for social events – Latin Americans will dress up
- No tennis shoes unless it’s an athletic event
- You can always take off the sport coat & tie if you are overdressed
- If everyone else is in business dress & you show up in khakis / polo – what role do you play?
Eat the local cuisine with your hosts
- Nothing can kill a deal faster than your desire to eat at McDonald’s or TGI Friday’s
- Insist that they take you to a local restaurant & let them order for you
- One person (usually the highest exec) always picks up the check (do not offer to split the bill)
- If you are buying the meal say “Les invito” (I’m inviting you all) & you must ASK the waiter for the bill “La cuenta, por favor” – they will never just bring it.
- Enjoy your meal – it is not uncommon for a “business” lunch / dinner to last 2-3 hours.
- Say “Provecho” (Bon Apetit) before eating & “¡Salud!” (Cheers!) before drinking
Business is done after hours
- Relationships matter – ask about their family
- Real conversations matter – find out what they love to do
- Business deals will be sealed the next day, don’t insist on keeping the business talk going out of the office
- Use the out-of-office “social” time to build the relationship & the business will get handled more effectively
Be really careful with taxis
- Only use radio taxis or a business/hotel car service
- Ask the hotel concierge
- Never hail a cab off the street
  Freeimages.com/MiguelEsquivel

More useful tips can be found from on msn.com “How to NOT be an Ugly American Abroad”.

Did you find these tips useful? contact us here.

If your company is in the Metro Detroit or Chicago areas and would like Puente Cultural Integration to provide consulting, cross-cultural or diversity training for your staff, please contact bridget@puenteci.com for a quote.

Love the one you’re with . . . ;-)

September 1, 2015

You will see a common theme when doing business in Latin America: Relationships!

To be successful in the Latin American market, you must be present – both physically and emotionally – to maintain your clients’ trust and loyalty.

Do not assume previous positive business dealings will ensure a long-term relationship in business. If something newer, flashier, bigger or better comes across their desk – they may jump at the opportunity if you are not close by to remind them of your value. They will “love the one they’re with” and you will be out the door like yesterday’s news.

DSC_0463_HDR — Steven Wosina Photography

So my best advice, as we bridge the gap with Puente Cultural Integration, is to forge and maintain your business relationships. Get to know your cohorts in Latin America well. Understand their needs. Ask questions about their lives and their families. Be present. Be available. Be there for them and you will be the one they’re with!