Russian Business Culture
The more I did research on Russian Business Culture, I realized it is a lot like American culture but with a few differences. And like how there are subcultures in America, there are many different subcultures in Russia that usually range from new style modern entrepreneurs to an old school business Soviet. Like in a lot of countries there is a cultural shift between the modern youth and the older generations but these cultural norms established for centuries are still important. Before you even greet anyone, try to converse, or make a deal one has to make it through the first hurdle, the front door.
Getting through the front door:
Connections are extremely important in Russia, often it is hard to do any business without one. But lucky for people, there are other ways to “get in”. One way to get on someone’s good side is the implementation of gifts, it can be a way to show your status as a company but can also be a way to show your respect and value of a certain business deal. If you are going to go to the route of gifts, try to get one from your local area and or a specially made one from your company with preferably your logo on it.
Proper Greeting:
Russian culture is in some ways still a very masculine valued culture so a good firm handshake with direct eye contact is key. Also if one has gloves on, ALWAYS remove when shaking hands, it is considered rude not to do so. Another key is to avoid using first names, one has to respect formality. This could be a potential deal breaker especially if done early in a conversation.
Making Good Conversation:
Most Russian do speak English especially upper class Russians so it’s not necessary to learn the language. But if one wanted to make a great impression, even an attempt no matter how good or bad the attempt is greatly appreciated. Russians also tend not to speak loudly in public so it’s good to keep your voice down. One good topic to always bring up is children. Russians are often very affectionate towards kids. During the Cold War, one of the ways president Reagan and Gorbachev started making conversation was by showing each other pictures of their grandkids and you know what it may seem really little but sometimes stuff like that can be a great icebreaker. Another great topic of conversation is Russian culture and history. They are a very proud country and bringing up their history can be a great idea. Like in America, it is important to avoid talking about controversial politics unrelated to business like Putin, your complaints with the country, Czarism, Communism, Monarchy, etc. One last important note is that is it very important to wait for you turn to speak BUT don’t remain a listener, feel welcome to express your views or idea just know what to talk about and what not to talk about and you’ll be fine.
Business meetings and meals:
Both men and women should always dress to impress and dress very formal. I’m sure everyone has heard the saying “if you’re early, you’re on time and if you’re on time you’re late”. Well this is even more true in Russia punctuality is huge for them but also is important to note that this doesn’t mean they’ll be on time. Sometimes it may be a way to test your patience. Like in the U.S. it is common to hand out business cards. Always print out one side in English and the other in Russian. At dinner, don’t do something before a host does it, this is common curtesy in Russia. Last point is that if someone ask you to go for a drink, you should say yes as drinking and toasting is very big in Russia.
Body Language:
Keep eye contact and don’t drift off, this could rub someone the wrong way and they may take it as you being disinterested. Don’t show the bottom of your shoes. Shoes are considered dirty and showing the bottom is seen as gross. So don’t put your shoes on any furniture or you're your ankle on your knee but I’m sure you know that. Don’t point instead have your hand out with your palm down if you want to motion towards someone. It’s also considered rude to stand with your hands in your pocket or to sit with legs apart.