Personal space is something we all contend with and depending on where you are from this space can be closer or greater than what you typically see here in the US. In Mexico it can be several inches closer, this is not to invade your privacy but insight into a culture that embraces and want to trust their fellow man. So this could make you uncomfortable but you need to get over yourself.

In the Mexican culture, time is not as strict as we use it here in the US, and being late is not a sign of disrespect. Time is relaxed, a relationship is being created and trust is being established before getting down to business and contracts. Business is about the people, not the business.

Along with relaxed time is business lunch or even breakfast, dinner is not the time to discuss business. Go with an expectation the lunch could last several hours whereas breakfast may not be so long. Don’t think you’re going to talk about business from the get-go, it will be the last part of the meeting they’ll want to know first where you have traveled and what you think - keep it light and out of politics.

Know the holidays you are visiting and what the impact on your trip will be, remember it’s about the people, not a business. An example would be Christmas and from mid-December to the end of January it could be difficult to schedule much.

With the items covered above your body language will speak volumes about who you are if you act inappropriately by backing away to regain personal space, or slouch in chair while at a long lunch or even text and not pay attention to the other guests at the table. We’ve all heard the ugly American before, and I have seen in action unfortunately. The best advice is know your host or guests and the culture surrounding them.

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